[Breaking News]PM Takaichi's remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 1 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at an award ceremony in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2025, as her remark "I will work, work, work, work and work" was selected as Japan's top catchphrase for 2025. Takaichi made the remark after winning the leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Oct. 4. (Kyodo)

PM Takaichi's remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list

PM Takaichi's remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at an award ceremony in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2025, as her remark "I will work, work, work, work and work" was selected as Japan's top catchphrase for 2025. Takaichi made the remark after winning the leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Oct. 4.

PM Takaichi's remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list

PM Takaichi's remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for photos at an award ceremony in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2025, as her remark "I will work, work, work, work and work" was selected as Japan's top catchphrase for 2025. Takaichi made the remark after winning the leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Oct. 4.

LDP Vice President Aso

LDP Vice President Aso

Taro Aso, vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Nov. 27, 2025.

LDP Vice President Aso

LDP Vice President Aso

Taro Aso (L), vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Nov. 27, 2025.

LDP Vice President Aso

LDP Vice President Aso

Taro Aso (L), vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Nov. 27, 2025.

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, asks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a question during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) answers a question from Yoshihiko Noda (R, 3rd from bottom), leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, asks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a question during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi listens to a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi listens to a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda (R, front), leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back) listens to Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaking at a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back) listens to Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaking at a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 21 Kyodo - A financial data monitor in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at an all-time closing high of 49,316.06. Stock buying was spurred by optimism for fresh economic steps as ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament earlier in the day. (Kyodo)

Japan party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 15 Kyodo - Japan's new ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi holds talks in Tokyo with Hirofumi Yoshimura and Fumitake Fujita, co-leaders of the second-largest opposition party the Japan Innovation Party on Oct. 15, 2025, amid uncertainty over whether Takaichi will be able to win enough votes to become premier during an extraordinary parliamentary session starting Oct. 21. (Kyodo)

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, Osaka gov. and chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, holds a press conference at the prefectural headquarters in Osaka on Oct. 22, 2025, a day after Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, Osaka gov. and chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, holds a press conference at the prefectural headquarters in Osaka on Oct. 22, 2025, a day after Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

Heads of ruling parties hold talks

Heads of ruling parties hold talks

Sanae Takaichi (R), the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Hirofumi Yoshimura, chief of the LDP's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, shake hands at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, ahead of their talks after she was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the JIP's backing.

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Eugene Hoshiko/AP/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Eugene Hoshiko/AP/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

LDP head Takaichi elected Japan's 1st female PM

LDP head Takaichi elected Japan's 1st female PM

A large screen in Beijing shows the news report that Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament on Oct. 21, 2025.

LDP head Takaichi elected Japan's 1st female PM

LDP head Takaichi elected Japan's 1st female PM

A large screen in Beijing shows the news report that Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament on Oct. 21, 2025.

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi C) rises to accept a round of applause after winning the prime ministerial designation vote in the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi L) votes during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi 2nd R, front) attends the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Yoshihiko Noda L), head of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, votes during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Shigeru Ishiba votes during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi 2nd R, front) is pictured during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

This photo taken on October 21, 2025 shows a scene during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi C) rises to accept a round of applause after winning the prime ministerial designation vote in the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan's first female Prime Minister Takaichi

Japan's first female Prime Minister Takaichi

People grab copies of an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, reporting on the election of Sanae Takaichi, the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as Japan's first female prime minister.

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

A financial data monitor in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at an all-time closing high of 49,316.06. Stock buying was spurred by optimism for fresh economic steps as ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament earlier in the day.

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

A financial data monitor in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at an all-time closing high of 49,316.06. Stock buying was spurred by optimism for fresh economic steps as ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament earlier in the day.

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

A financial data monitor in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at an all-time closing high of 49,316.06. Stock buying was spurred by optimism for fresh economic steps as ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament earlier in the day.

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

A financial data monitor in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at an all-time closing high of 49,316.06. Stock buying was spurred by optimism for fresh economic steps as ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament earlier in the day.

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, for talks with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after she was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, for talks with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after she was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

JIP headquarters

JIP headquarters

Photo taken in Osaka on Oct. 19, 2025, shows the headquarters of the Japan Innovation Party, which became the ruling Liberal Democratic Party' new coalition partner the following day. LDP President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister with the party's backing in parliament on Oct. 21. Posters of JIP chief and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura are shown.

JIP headquarters

JIP headquarters

Photo taken in Osaka on Oct. 19, 2025, shows the headquarters of the Japan Innovation Party, which became the ruling Liberal Democratic Party' new coalition partner the following day. LDP President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister with the party's backing in parliament on Oct. 21. Posters of JIP chief and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura are shown.

LDP head Takaichi elected Japan's 1st female PM

LDP head Takaichi elected Japan's 1st female PM

A television screen in Tokyo shows the news report that ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament on Oct. 21, 2025.