The last installment of our series has finally arrived. It's time to look back at the top trending words of the year in our stories!
The 2024 "U-can Shingo Ryukogo Taisho" (U-can Prize for New Words and Popular Words of the Year) award went to an expression that will ring familiar to those who like a particular TV series.
It's time to find out.
Last in a series
No 1: Extremely Inappropriate (ふてほど ）
This is a shortened version of the title of the hit TBS drama Extremely Inappropriate! (Futekisetsu ni mo Hodo ga Aru!).
Written by Kankuro Kudo, Futehodo follows a gym teacher from the Showa era who time-travels to the present day.
He boldly upholds his old-fashioned Japanese values, which are seen as "extremely inappropriate" by modern standards. At the same time, his stance challenges contemporary perspectives, prompting viewers to reflect on their own beliefs.
Interestingly, the abbreviation "Futehodo" became associated with various scandals throughout the year, including that of the government certification test fraud by automobile manufacturers.
Covering the No 1 Trend
At JAPAN Forward, we covered how Toyota and other manufacturers faced consequences for the safety certification
Toyota, specifically, was also the subject of other coverage regarding fraudulent practices.
As the automotive industry continues to be pivotal in Japan, it will be sure to be a topic of discussion in 2025 as well. Even when it is "extremely inappropriate"!
Thank you for reading "Japan's Trending Words in Our Stories." This was the last installment of the 2024 series. Did you agree with the picks for Trending Words of 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch for other series from JAPAN Forward as we look back on 2024.
And, as the year changes, stay tuned for predictions on what's to come.
Follow the series Trending Words in Our 2024 Stories.
Author: JAPAN Forward
