Japan's 2026 Buzzword Award Shortlist Includes Chii-kawa and Voice Rights
Thirty terms are in the running for the 2026 New Word and Buzzword Award, with the top ten due to be revealed on December 1.
The 30 nominated words for the 2026 T&D Insurance Group New Word and Buzzword Award were announced, and the list includes terms tied to the anime franchise Chii-kawa, according to animeanime.jp. The top ten will be revealed on December 1.
Among the nominations is Chii-kawa (gensho), a phrase said to derive from the Chii-kawa film released in July this year. The line "Nantokanare-tsu," spoken by the character Hachiware, is also on the shortlist.
Other entries include the collectible Bomboon Drop Seal, known as Bon-doro, and the slang term hobiaka, used for hobby-focused social media accounts.
The phrase "koe no kenri" — the right to one's voice — is nominated as well, in a year that has seen cases of unauthorised use of likenesses and voices amid the spread of generative AI.
Film's run in the background
The Chii-kawa film, released in July this year, has drawn 12.77 million admissions and earned more than 18.66 billion yen, ranking 12th on the all-time box office chart, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha. Its admission bonuses included charm mini figures and Bomboon Drop Seals.
The award was founded in 1984 by Jiyukokuminsha and draws its nominations from terms included in the publisher's annual guide to contemporary Japanese usage.
Quick answers
When will the 2026 New Word and Buzzword Award top ten be announced?
The top ten will be announced on December 1.
Which Chii-kawa-related terms are nominated for the 2026 award?
Chii-kawa (gensho), said to derive from the film released in July this year, and the line "Nantokanare-tsu" spoken by the character Hachiware.
Who founded the New Word and Buzzword Award?
Jiyukokuminsha founded the award in 1984.