*AI Translated
A survey targeting trend-sensitive Japanese high school boys and girls was conducted by ING Co., Ltd., a company that has specialized in marketing and promotional support for teens for over 30 years, and the results were announced as the “Latest Winter Trends for 2025.”
This article introduces the current trends in Japan for winter 2025, including popular poses, words, things, favorite idols/artists, actors, voice actors, songs, characters, TV shows, and even the "next trends" predicted to become popular soon.
Winter 2025 Buzzword Rankings! What Words Are Trending Now?
- 1st: めろい (19.6%)
- 2nd: 〇〇で今これ ("This is it right now with 〇〇") (5.1%)
- 3rd: 〇〇界隈 ("〇〇 community") (4.2%)
- 3rd: 開示だな ("That's disclosure") (4.2%)
- 4th: 好きすぎて滅 ("I love it so much, I'm destroyed") (3.3%)
- 4th: おいらが行くしかねえな ("Guess I have to go") (1.9%)
- 6th: しゃばい ("Lame/weak") (1.9%)
- 6th: 〇〇すぎて滅 ("It's so 〇〇, I'm destroyed") (1.4%)
- 6th: 〇〇で死ぬ ("I'm dying from 〇〇") (1.4%)
- 9th: 安定にうまいね ("Consistently good at") (1.4%)
- 10th: 江戸走り ("Edo running") (1.4%)
- 10th: チャッピー (1.4%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Everyday Internet Slang Tops the List
"めろい" took first place. The word comes from "メロメロになる" ("to be head over heels"), and is used to mean "so cool/cute that you fall head over heels." Comments included, "Everyone says it while looking at social media" (3rd year high school girl), and "I often see videos on TikTok about how to become a 'meroi' girl" (2nd year high school girl), showing that it's commonly used in daily life to express "super cute."
In second place was "〇〇で今これ," which was number one in the autumn special edition. It's used to succinctly express the feeling of "This is exactly it right now!" and is popular both in daily conversation and on social media.
In third place, both "〇〇界隈" and "開示だな" tied. "〇〇界隈" has continued to be used in real-life conversations and posts since last year, as a phrase to talk about familiar topics with affection, such as "〇〇界隈ヤバい" ("the XX community is wild") or "推し界隈" ("my fave's community"). "開示だな" is internet slang used jokingly to stop someone when their behavior goes too far. The phrase, said by YouTuber Hikakin in a video, spread mainly on social media and is now widely used.
What Things Are Trending in Japan in Winter 2025?
- 1st: 今日好き (22.2%)
- 2nd: Sticker trading (10.6%)
- 3rd: Sticker books (5.8%)
- 4th: Block Blast (3.4%)
- 5th: 江戸走り ("Edo running") (2.9%)
- 6th: Labubu (2.4%)
- 7th: NARUTO dance (1.9%)
- 8th: Exchange diaries (1.4%)
- 8th: TikTok (1.4%)
- 8th: Love type diagnosis (1.4%)
*Multiple answers allowed
The Popular High School Romance Reality Show Takes First Place for the First Time!
"今日好き" the abbreviation for ABEMA's popular show "今日、好きになりました。" ("I Fell in Love Today"), took first place in this ranking for the first time. After ranking third in the summer, its popularity has only continued to grow. Many comments included, "It's what I look forward to every Monday" (2nd year high school girl), and "Everyone watches it" (3rd year high school girl), showing that the "Kyo Suki boom" is accelerating.
Second place went to "sticker trading." Comments included, "I often see influencers doing it on TikTok" (2nd year high school girl), and "So nostalgic! It's trending again because of the Heisei boom" (3rd year high school girl). As part of the ongoing "Heisei girls' boom," the culture of trading stickers and character stickers, which was popular back then, has made a comeback. It's become a huge trend among Gen Z.
In third place was "sticker books," closely related to sticker trading. Many said, "It's fun to make" (3rd year high school girl), and "I always carry it with me" (1st year high school girl). The nostalgia and the fun of "creating your own world" have captured the hearts of high schoolers. Both stickers and sticker books are selling out at stationery stores and online shops, making it a social phenomenon.
What Foods Are Trending in Japan in Winter 2025?
- 1st Place: Mala soup (41.3%)
- 2nd Place: YOAJUNG (7.2%)
- 3rd Place: Chocolate pie (Triangle) (6.7%)
- 4th Place: Açaí bowl (4.8%)
- 5th Place: Sago (2.4%)
- 6th Place: Starbucks new drinks (1.9%)
- 7th Place: Ichiran (1.0%)
- 7th Place: Greek yogurt (1.0%)
- 7th Place: Pocky (1.0%)
- 7th Place: Spicy Miso Kin (1.0%)
- 7th Place: Dan Dan Noodles (1.0%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Korean Yogurt Ice Desserts Are Gaining Rapid Popularity!
“Mala Soup,” now a staple favorite, took the top spot. Its healthy image, the ability to freely choose your favorite ingredients, and the increasing number of specialty shops have all contributed to its long-standing popularity among high school students.
In second place is “YOAJUNG,” making its first appearance. This Korean dessert features yogurt ice cream topped with fruit, cereal, nuts, honey, chocolate, and more. Many comments, such as “There are more new shops opening” (2nd year high school girl) and “I tried it in Shin-Okubo and it was really delicious” (3rd year high school girl), show that it is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among high school girls.
In third place is the limited-time “Chocolate Pie (Triangle)” from McDonald’s. Comments included “It’s a winter classic, I go to eat it all the time” (1st year high school boy) and “The tiramisu flavor is getting a lot of attention” (3rd year high school girl), showing that it is a beloved seasonal treat every year.
What’s the Most Popular Pose in Japan This Winter 2025?
- 1st Place: Hiding Face with Smartphone (14.3%)
- 2nd Place: Akaza Pose (11.3%)
- 3rd Place: NARUTO Pose (6.9%)
- 4th Place: 好きすぎて滅 ("I love it so much, I'm destroyed") Pose (3.9%)
- 5th Place: Hiding Face with Hand Pose (3.4%)
- 5th Place: Peace Sign (3.4%)
- 7th Place: Edo Running Pose (2.5%)
- 8th Place: Shadowy Cat Pose (1.5%)
- 8th Place: Gal Peace (1.5%)
- 8th Place: Side-to-Side Peace (1.5%)
*Multiple answers allowed
“Flattering” Poses on TikTok Take the Top Spot!
The most popular pose is “Hiding Face with Smartphone.” Many comments like “It’s the most flattering” (3rd year high school girl) were received, as well as “It’s because of BeReal” (2nd year high school boy) and “A lot of people do it in TikTok interviews” (2nd year high school girl), showing how often it’s used on social media.
In second place is the “Akaza Pose,” inspired by the Upper Rank Three demon Akaza from the anime film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc: Part 1 Akaza Returns.” Comments included “It was popular at school festivals and sports days” (3rd year high school boy) and “A lot of friends do that pose when taking photos” (1st year high school girl), showing its popularity as a fun group pose at events.
Third place goes to the “NARUTO Pose.” The trend of dancing to “Silhouette” by the rock band KANA-BOON, which was the opening theme for the anime “NARUTO Shippuden,” has reignited interest thanks to TikTok. Comments like “The ‘Issen no se’ song and dance are trending” (2nd year high school girl) show that it’s also a popular pose for photos.
Who’s the Most Popular Idol or Artist in Japan This Winter 2025?
- 1st Place: Mrs. GREEN APPLE (6.4%)
- 2nd Place: iLiFE! (4.9%)
- 3rd Place: HANA (4.4%)
- 4th Place: =LOVE (2.5%)
- 4th Place: TWICE (2.5%)
- 6th Place: ちゃんみな (Chanmina) (2.0%)
- 6th Place: INI (2.0%)
- 6th Place: Snow Man (2.0%)
- 6th Place: back number (2.0%)
- 6th Place: BE:FIRST (2.0%)
*Multiple answers allowed
The Hall-of-Fame Rock Band Takes 1st Place Again
Once again, “Mrs. GREEN APPLE” claimed the top spot. Many comments like “Their music saved me” (1st year high school boy) were received, as well as “It’s fun to follow them with all the entertainment, like entering Phase 3 at the start of the year” (3rd year high school girl). Their popularity is boosted not only by their music but also by their appearances in dramas and variety shows.
In second place, as in the previous survey, is the nine-member female idol group “iLiFE!” Comments like “They’re so cute and sparkly, I admire them” (3rd year high school girl) stood out, showing strong support from high school girls.
Who’s the Most Popular Male Actor in Japan This Winter 2025?
- 1st: 吉沢亮 (Ryo Yoshizawa) (6.0%)
- 2nd: 横浜流星 (Ryusei Yokohama) (5.0%)
- 3rd: 竹内涼真 (Ryoma Takeuchi) (4.5%)
- 4th: 本田響矢 (Kyo-ya Honda) (4.0%)
- 5th: 山田涼介 (Ryosuke Yamada) (Hey! Say! JUMP) (4.0%)
- 6th: 新田真剣佑 (Mackenyu Arata) (3.0%)
- 7th: 板垣李光人 (Rikuto Itagaki) (2.5%)
- 7th: 岩瀬洋志 (Hiroshi Iwase) (2.5%)
- 7th: 佐藤健 (Takeru Satoh) (2.5%)
- 7th: 志尊淳 (Jun Shison) (2.5%)
- 7th: 目黒蓮 (Ren Meguro) (Snow Man) (2.5%)
- 7th: 山崎賢人 (Kento Yamazaki) (2.5%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Who is your favorite actress in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: 橋本環奈 (Kanna Hashimoto) (13.0%)
- 2nd: 今田美桜 (Mio Imada) (9.5%)
- 3rd: 出口夏希 (Natsuki Deguchi) (5.5%)
- 3rd: 桜田ひより (Hiyori Sakurada) (5.5%)
- 5th: 浜辺美波 (Minami Hamabe) (4.5%)
- 6th: 畑芽育 (Mei Hata) (3.5%)
- 6th: 有村架純 (Kasumi Arimura) (3.5%)
- 8th: 原菜乃華 (Nanoka Hara) (3.0%)
- 8th: 吉川愛 (Ai Yoshikawa) (2.5%)
- 8th: 広瀬すず (Suzu Hirose) (2.5%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Who is your favorite TV personality or comedian in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: 長浜広奈 (Hirona Nagahama) (4.5%)
- 2nd: ジャルジャル (JaruJaru) (4.0%)
- 3rd: あの (Ano) (3.5%)
- 3rd: レインボー (Rainbow) (3.5%)
- 5th: 粗品(霜降り明星) (Soshina (Shimofuri Myojo)) (3.0%)
- 5th: チョコレートプラネット (Chocolate Planet) (3.0%)
- 7th: ガンバレルーヤ (Ganbareruya) (2.5%)
- 7th: 千鳥 (Chidori) (2.5%)
- 9th: 狩野英孝 (Eiko Kano) (2.0%)
- 9th: クロちゃん(安田大サーカス) (Kuro-chan (Yasuda Dai Circus)) (2.0%)
- 9th: ジェラードン (JelarDon) (2.0%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Who is your favorite voice actor in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: 花江夏樹 (Natsuki Hanae) (14.9%)
- 2nd: 梶裕貴 (Yuki Kaji) (9.0%)
- 3rd: 宮野真守 (Mamoru Miyano) (6.0%)
- 4th: 石田彰 (Akira Ishida) (4.0%)
- 4th: 木村昴 (Subaru Kimura) (4.0%)
- 6th: 花澤香菜 (Kana Hanazawa) (3.5%)
- 6th: 内山昂輝 (Kouki Uchiyama) (3.0%)
- 8th: 津田健次郎 (Kenjiro Tsuda) (3.0%)
- 8th: 中村悠一 (Yuichi Nakamura) (2.5%)
- 10th: 岡本信彦 (Nobuhiko Okamoto) (2.0%)
- 10th: 山寺宏一 (Koichi Yamadera) (2.0%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Who is your favorite model or influencer in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: 長浜広奈 (Hirona Nagahama) (8.0%)
- 2nd: MINAMI (5.5%)
- 3rd: 桜 (Sakura) (5.0%)
- 4th: MON7A (3.5%)
- 5th: 一生友子 (Tomoko Isshou) (3.0%)
- 6th: 今木蓮太郎 (Rentaro Imaki) (2.5%)
- 7th: 希空 (Noa) (2.0%)
- 8th: おさき (Osaki) (1.5%)
- 8th: 川野明愛 (Aime Kawano) (1.5%)
- 8th: 田向星華 (Seika Tamukai) (1.5%)
- 8th: 中町綾 (Aya Nakamachi) (1.5%)
- 8th: せいら (Seira) (1.5%)
- 8th: むめい (Mumei) (1.5%)
- 8th: 生見愛瑠 (Meru Nukumi) (1.5%)
*Multiple answers allowed
What is your favorite YouTube channel or TikTok account in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: 一生友子 (3.5%)
- 1st: コムドット (3.5%)
- 3rd: 平成フラミンゴ (3.0%)
- 4th: むくえな (2.5%)
- 5th: カラフルピーチ (2.0%)
- 5th: 都の終わりですチャンネル (2.0%)
- 7th: チャンネル がーどまん (1.5%)
- 7th: つーさんとゆっぴ (1.5%)
- 7th: 東海オンエア (1.5%)
- 7th: ナナオは立派なユーチューバー (1.5%)
- 7th: フィッシャーズ (1.5%)
- 7th: よにのちゃんねる (1.5%)
- 7th: Lazy Lie Crazy【レイクレ】 (1.5%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Who is your favorite character in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: Labubu (25.5%)
- 2nd: Tamagotchi (11.5%)
- 3rd: Monchhichi (7.2%)
- 4th: Chiikawa (6.3%)
- 5th: Hello Kitty (5.3%)
- 6th: Suntanned Kitty (4.3%)
- 7th: Myakumyaku (3.8%)
- 8th: Kuchipatchi (Tamagotchi) (1.9%)
- 8th: Kuromi (1.9%)
- 10th: Esther Bunny (1.4%)
- 10th: Puppet Sunsun (1.4%)
- 10th: Reze (Chainsaw Man) (1.4%)
*Multiple answers allowed
What is your favorite song in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: シルエット / KANA-BOON (9.5%)
- 2nd: IRIS OUT / Kenshi Yonezu (7.6%)
- 3rd: 好きすぎて滅！/ M!LK (5.2%)
- 4th: 君セン！/ ILiFE! (3.8%)
- 5th: プロポーズ/ / Natori (3.3%)
- 6th: 犬とバカ猫/セカンドバッカー / Second Backer (2.4%)
- 7th: SPAGHETTI / LE SSERAFIM (1.9%)
- 7th: 1991 / Kenshi Yonezu (1.9%)
- 7th: ROSE / HANA (1.9%)
- 10th: 会いにKiTE! / iLiFE! (1.4%)
- 10th: 恋風 / Lira Ikuta (1.4%)
- 10th: はちゃめちゃわちゃライフ！ / FRUITS ZIPPER (1.4%)
- 10th: Blue Jeans / HANA (1.4%)
- 10th: ライラック / Mrs. GREEN APPLE (1.4%)
- 10th: ラブソングに襲われる / =LOVE (1.4%)
*Multiple answers allowed
What is your favorite TV show in Japan in the winter of 2025?
- 1st: 今日、好きになりました。Series (55.5%)
- 2nd: しゃべくり007 (5.0%)
- 3rd: 月曜から夜ふかし (4.5%)
- 4th: Golden SixTONES (3.0%)
- 4th: 良いこと悪いこと (1.5%)
- 6th: ESCAPE それは誘拐のはずだった (1.5%)
- 6th: 酒のツマミになる話 (1.5%)
- 9th: じゃあ、あんたが作ってみろよ (1.5%)
- 9th: 千鳥の鬼レンチャン (1.5%)
- 9th: HIP POP Princess (1.5%)
*Multiple answers allowed
10 Next Trends in Japan for Winter 2025
Finally, here are some excerpts of the "Next Trends" predicted by high school students.
[Character] twinkle twinkle
This character, created by the Chinese toy manufacturer POP MART, is part of the "LABUBU" family. With its adorable star-themed appearance and unique personality traits like "sleepyhead" and "moody," it has become a hot topic for its cuteness.
[Beauty] Sock Curls
"Sock curls" (靴下カール), a method of curling hair using socks, is trending among high school students. All you need are knee-high socks and clips from a dollar store, plus your own hair oil. This heatless technique allows you to easily create natural, loose curls without damaging your hair, and it's gaining attention on social media.
[Beauty] Dr. Air Mira Brush
The "Dr. Air Mira Brush" (ドクターエア ミラ ブラシ), released in October as part of the "Dr. Air Beauty" series, is a hairbrush that gives you shiny hair just by brushing. Its wide range of colors and a magnetic lid that prevents the pins from breaking make it easy to carry and have attracted a lot of attention.
[Item] Magnetic False Eyelashes
False eyelashes that attach using magnets instead of glue. They are gentle on the eyelids and can be reused, making them cost-effective. Their ease of use and novelty are causing their popularity to soar.
[Trend] Love MBTI (LoveType16)
A diagnostic content that helps you understand your own romantic style. Based on the MBTI system, it classifies personalities into 16 types using 4 elements × 2. It has become a hot topic for its ability to analyze romantic tendencies and compatibility, and is spreading mainly on social media.
[Person] Toi Toi Toi
An idol group born from a joint project between mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura, ABEMA, and ASOBISYSTEM. The group consists of six members, including former burlesque dancers and gravure idols who have experienced both hardships and joys. Their debut single CD "Toi Toi Toi" has been announced, drawing much attention.
[Person] 桜我
A current male high school model. He appeared on ABEMA's "今日、好きになりました。" "New Zealand Edition" and "Halon Edition," and his devoted pursuit of one girl has captured the hearts of high school girls.
[Spot] Maffe stando
A takeout café themed around Chinese steamed buns and tea, which opened in Harajuku, Tokyo in November 2025. As a "one-hand Chinese gourmet" perfect for the cold season, it is attracting a lot of attention.
[Food] Raw Cookies
Cookies produced by Harajuku-style creator Richi, who loves sweets, have become a hot topic. The six dreamy, cute colors and sweet, creamy flavors are popular for their photogenic appeal.
[Food] Truffle Soupccino
A new "soup x café" menu item launched by Starbucks on November 14, 2025. Each luxurious truffle-flavored soup is carefully prepared by a barista, and its new, unique concept is making waves.
Selected Comments
[Person] 桜我 - Selected Comment
Thank you for choosing me for Shibuya Trend Research's Next Trend!
I'm really happy that people are noticing how I put my all into social media and work, always challenging myself and trying to express my true self.
I want to keep being myself and work hard so that even more people will want to support me!
Please continue to cheer me on!
[Person] Toi Toi Toi - Selected Comment
Thank you, high school students! We're so happy to be supported by all of you who are shining right now! Sachi (happiness)! Being a high school student in this era full of exciting trends is an incredible youth! We're so grateful that Toi Toi Toi can be a part of it! We'll keep working hard to stay at the forefront of trends, so please keep supporting us!
[Activity Information] Toi Toi Toi
Toi Toi Toi was founded by Mikuru Asakura, born from a joint project with ABEMA and ASOBISYSTEM. Their first single CD was released on October 22, 2025, and a tour of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka is scheduled for next spring. The six members, each with different backgrounds, overcome challenges and step into the future. The group name comes from a charm meaning "good luck." They are expanding their activities in various fields such as idols, modeling, and variety shows.
[Survey Overview]
Survey Theme: Winter 2025 Trend Survey
Survey Target: High school boys and girls (ages 15–18)
Survey Period: November 12 (Wed) – November 17 (Mon), 2025
Survey Method: Web questionnaire survey
Valid Responses: 200 people
Source: "Shibuya Trend Research" https://shibuya-trendresearch.jp
Comments