On December 2, "U-can Shingo Ryukogo Taisho" (U-can Prize for New Words and Popular Words of the Year) announced the top trending words of the year. It's a list of new phrases and expressions that people in Japan couldn't get enough of.
The award is a way to look back at how these words help us understand new trends that emerge throughout the year.
As 2024 comes to an end, JAPAN Forward has picked up 5 top trending words to relive some of the year's main stories with our readers.
And without further ado, we start with the expression trending at No 5.
First of 5 in a series
No 5: "No Memorable Quote" (名言が残せなかった)
This phrase means "I didn't leave behind a memorable quote" and was spoken by Japanese athlete Haruka Kitaguchi, who won a gold medal in women's javelin at the Paris Olympics.
After her victory, Kitaguchi expressed regret for not creating a memorable quote like many of the athletes she admires. Her humility and endearing comment resonated with fans and the media.
Covering the Trend
JAPAN Forward covered in detail the Paris Olympics. Sports Editor Ed Odeven reported the gold medal performance of Haruka Kitaguchi.
The Sankei Shimbun wrote an editorial that we shared in English. It describes Kitaguchi's feat, like that of so many athletes, as a lesson in resilience.
More widely, the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics were a stage of many firsts. The opening ceremony took place for the first time outside a stadium, on the banks of the River Seine.
Other Japanese athletes also achieved firsts in their respective disciplines. B-girl Ayumi struck gold in breaking's debut at the Olympics.
Among others, Japanese fencers brought the sport to new heights in Paris 2024.
- Koki Kano Gives Japan Its First Individual Olympic Gold in Fencing
- Japan Women Grab the Bronze for Nation's 1st-Ever Sabre Fencing Medal at Olympics
In short, it was a summer of dreams with Japanese athletes teaching us lessons in sportsmanship! Stay tuned for the next word on the list, which was also in the field of sports.
Continues in: Japan's Trending Words in Our 2024 Stories: '50-50'
Follow the series Trending Words in Our 2024 Stories.
Author: JAPAN Forward
