From ekiden to mottainai: OED adds 11 Japanese words

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially recognized 11 new Japanese-derived words in its December 2025 update, marking a significant milestone in the linguistic integration of Japanese culture into the English language. This expansion goes beyond mere vocabulary growth; it signals the deepening economic and cultural footprint of Japan in global markets, from sports and entertainment to environmental philosophy.

The new entries reflect diverse aspects of Japanese life that have gained international traction. Ekiden (駅伝), a long-distance relay race, has become particularly prominent in the UK, with events like the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden drawing participants and spectators. The term's inclusion coincides with the growing popularity of Japanese-style running events worldwide, which emphasize teamwork and endurance over individual competition. This trend has business implications for the sportswear industry, where brands like ASICS have leveraged their Japanese heritage to compete with giants like Nike and Adidas.

Another notable addition is mottainai (もったいない), a concept that translates roughly to "wasteful" but carries deeper cultural meaning about respecting resources and avoiding waste. As global sustainability efforts intensify, this term has gained traction in environmental and corporate circles. Japanese companies have long incorporated mottainai principles into their manufacturing processes, and its inclusion in the OED could further influence international business practices, particularly in industries focused on circular economy models.

The update also includes terms from Japanese folklore and pop culture, such as yokai (妖怪), a class of supernatural creatures from Japanese mythology. This reflects the massive global reach of Japanese media, particularly anime and manga, which have become multi-billion-dollar industries. The recent passing of Akira Toriyama, creator of "Dragon Ball," underscores how Japanese pop culture has transcended borders, influencing everything from fashion to video games. The OED's recognition of these terms validates their staying power in English lexicons.

Other new words include tsukimi (月見), the moon-viewing festival, and kintsugi (金継ぎ), the art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. Both terms represent broader cultural trends: tsukimi aligns with the growing interest in seasonal and nature-based celebrations in Western cultures, while kintsugi has found resonance in design and wellness circles, symbolizing resilience and beauty in imperfection.

The business implications of these linguistic additions are multifaceted. For the publishing industry, the inclusion of Japanese terms in the OED could drive demand for translated works and original content inspired by Japanese culture. The entertainment sector, already dominated by Japanese franchises like "Demon Slayer" and "Dragon Ball," may see further crossover opportunities. Meanwhile, the sports industry could capitalize on the growing popularity of ekiden races, with potential for sponsorships, merchandise, and media coverage.

From a market perspective, the OED update highlights the soft power of Japanese culture. As Japan continues to expand its economic influence through exports, tourism, and media, its language naturally seeps into global discourse. This trend is not limited to English; similar patterns are observed in other languages, where Japanese terms are adopted for concepts that lack direct equivalents.

The addition of these words also raises questions about cultural preservation and adaptation. While the OED's recognition elevates these terms, it also subjects them to the evolving nature of English usage. Words like "mottainai" and "yokai" may take on new meanings or connotations as they are used in different contexts, potentially diluting their original cultural significance.

For businesses, understanding these cultural nuances is crucial. Companies looking to engage with Japanese markets or incorporate Japanese-inspired elements into their products must navigate the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. The OED's inclusion of these words provides a framework for discussing these concepts in English, but it also underscores the need for cultural sensitivity.

In the tech sector, the influence of Japanese culture is evident in areas like robotics, where terms like "kawaii" (cute) and "moe" (affection) have entered discussions about user interface design and human-robot interaction. The OED update could further inspire innovation in these fields, as designers and engineers draw on Japanese aesthetics and philosophies to create more engaging and intuitive technologies.

Ultimately, the addition of 11 Japanese words to the OED is more than a linguistic update; it is a reflection of Japan's growing role in the global economy and culture. As Japanese products, media, and ideas continue to permeate international markets, their language will inevitably follow, enriching English with new concepts and perspectives. For businesses, staying attuned to these trends is essential for staying relevant in an increasingly interconnected world.

For those interested in exploring these terms further, the Oxford English Dictionary's official website provides detailed entries and usage examples. Additionally, resources like the Japan Foundation offer insights into the cultural contexts behind these words, helping to deepen understanding and appreciation.

Oxford English Dictionary Japan Foundation

The integration of Japanese words into English is a testament to the dynamic nature of language and culture. As the world becomes more interconnected, such cross-cultural exchanges will only become more frequent, shaping the way we communicate and do business across borders.