📚 It's not just "sushi" and "emoji" anymore. Today, approximately 600 Japanese words appear in English dictionaries. In December 2025, eleven more joined the world's most authoritative English dictionary—including "yokai," "senpai," and "mottainai." Beyond anime and manga, the Japanese language itself is becoming part of the global lexicon.
What is the Oxford English Dictionary?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), published by Oxford University Press, stands as the world's largest and most authoritative English dictionary. Since its first edition in 1928, it has documented the historical development of the English language and currently contains approximately 600,000 words.
What distinguishes the OED is its approach of recording not just definitions but also the earliest known usage of each word with citation examples. Japanese loanwords have been incorporated into English since 1577, starting with "kuge" (court noble). Today, approximately 600 words of Japanese origin appear in the dictionary.
The 11 Japanese Words Added in December 2025
The December 2025 update added the following eleven Japanese-origin words:
1. Yokai Supernatural beings from Japanese mythology and folklore. Global recognition increased dramatically through anime and manga series such as "Demon Slayer," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "GeGeGe no Kitarō." The OED defines it as "various spirits or supernatural beings in Japanese mythology and folklore and in modern Japanese fiction, especially anime and manga."
2. Senpai A term for an older student or senior colleague. Unlike English equivalents such as "senior" or "mentor," senpai captures the distinctly Japanese hierarchical relationship dynamic. The internet meme "notice me, senpai" also contributed to its widespread recognition.
3. Mottainai An expression of regret over wastefulness. The OED explains it as conveying "regret or disapproval at rudeness or wastefulness, now especially significant in environmental discussions." The term gained international prominence when Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Maathai introduced it to global audiences.
4. Naginata A Japanese polearm featuring a curved blade on a long shaft. Historically associated with women of the warrior class, it continues today primarily as a martial art practiced mostly by women and girls.
5. Senbei Traditional Japanese rice crackers available in both sweet and savory varieties. These snacks have become popular among international tourists visiting Japan.
6. Ekiden A long-distance relay marathon first held in Japan in 1917. Events like the Hakone Ekiden have become synonymous with Japanese New Year traditions, and this unique sporting format has gained recognition in English-speaking countries.
7. White Day A Japanese custom where men reciprocate Valentine's Day gifts on March 14. Having spread across East and Southeast Asia, it demonstrates how Japanese cultural practices influence regions beyond the English-speaking world.
8. PechaKucha A presentation format born in Tokyo in 2003. Speakers present 20 slides at 20 seconds each, totaling 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This format has been adopted in business and creative communities worldwide.
9. Love hotel Short-stay accommodation designed for couples. Representing an iconic aspect of Japanese urban culture, these establishments have attracted attention from international travelers and media.
10. Washlet The brand name for TOTO's heated toilet seat with bidet functions, launched around 1980. Symbolizing Japanese innovation in bathroom technology, it has amazed international visitors and earned a place in the OED as a proper noun.
11. Waifu A term from otaku culture referring to a fictional female character regarded as an ideal romantic partner. Originating from the anime "Azumanga Daioh" (2002), where the phrase "mai waifu" (my wife) captured international fans' attention, it evolved into an English word with its own distinct meaning.
Why Japanese Language Influence Is Accelerating
Several factors explain why Japanese-origin words continue entering the OED.
First, anime and manga have achieved global reach. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll deliver Japanese content instantly worldwide. The addition of "yokai," "senpai," and "waifu" directly reflects this pop culture influence.
Second, international tourism to Japan has surged. Before the pandemic, approximately 32 million people visited Japan in 2019, with 2024 setting new records. Words like "senbei" and "Washlet" entered the dictionary because more foreigners have experienced Japanese daily life firsthand.
Third, Japanese concepts have entered global discourse. "Mottainai" features in environmental discussions, while "PechaKucha" has become standard in business communication—both representing untranslatable concepts that have permeated international society.
Looking Ahead
Japanese additions to the OED will likely continue. The March 2024 update added 23 words including "isekai" (parallel fantasy world), "kintsugi" (golden joinery repair), and "mangaka" (manga artist), demonstrating the expanding influence of Japanese language.
However, linguists note that Japanese words absorbed into English sometimes shift in meaning or nuance. For example, "waifu" carries a different meaning from the Japanese "ワイフ" (wife), and "omiyage" in English refers only to gifts for others—excluding souvenirs purchased for oneself, which the Japanese term includes.
Language internationalization inevitably brings cultural exchange and transformation. As Japanese becomes part of the world's "common vocabulary," how we embrace these changes becomes a question for Japanese people ourselves.
What Japanese words are commonly used in your country? And conversely, are there words from your language that have been adopted in Japan? We'd love to hear your experiences!
References
- https://www.oed.com/discover/new-words-from-around-the-world-in-the-oed-december-2024-update/
- https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/569be5f093c3a02b1a4acedad8cfeaafe8fafec8
- https://asia.nikkei.com/business/media-entertainment/from-ekiden-to-mottainai-oed-adds-11-japanese-words2
- https://www.tufs.ac.jp/NEWS/research/240402_1.html
Reactions in Japan
Hearing that 'senpai' became an English word is moving. But knowing it spread through 'notice me, senpai' gives me mixed feelings... it's different from the original respectful nuance.
Washlet being in the dictionary makes total sense. Traveling abroad makes you realize how advanced Japanese toilets are. That's a culture we should export.
I'm glad the concept of 'mottainai' is spreading globally, but it lacks credibility when Japan itself throws away tons of convenience store bento boxes.
As a Kitaro fan, yokai becoming English is so exciting 🔥 Shigeru Mizuki sensei would have been thrilled.
Surprised PechaKucha made it in. Didn't know that presentation style was so popular overseas. Interesting that something born in Tokyo went global.
As a linguistics major, loanwords naturally shift meaning from the source language. Rather than lamenting waifu no longer meaning 'wife,' we should see it as living language evolution.
Honestly, 'love hotel' being in the dictionary is a bit embarrassing... I hope it doesn't cement that kind of image of Japan for foreigners.
As a track and field fan, I'm happy ekiden is gaining global recognition. I want foreigners to experience the excitement of Hakone Ekiden.
Naginata being added was unexpected. Before kendo or judo? As a fan of minor martial arts, I have mixed feelings.
Japanese spreading in English-speaking countries shows cultural influence, but if Japanese people's English doesn't improve, isn't it a one-way street?
Senbei going global is hilarious. Kameda Seika must be celebrating lol
Wait, White Day originated in Japan? Amazing that a confectionery industry marketing campaign made it into the dictionary.
As an anime otaku, 'waifu' being added feels complicated. Azumanga Daioh being the origin is so nostalgic—never thought it'd make it to the dictionary.
Didn't know 600 Japanese words are already in English dictionaries. Language penetration happens quietly, doesn't it.
Read that professors from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies helped select words for the OED. This kind of quiet academic work builds bridges between cultures.
The definition of 'yokai' mentioning anime and manga feels very modern. In the past, it would've been purely folkloric.
As a translator, I always struggled translating 'senpai' into English. 'Senior' never quite captured it. Having it in the dictionary helps—now I can use it without explanation.
The concept of 'mottainai' resonates in France too. There's no single French word for it, so borrowing the Japanese term directly makes sense.
As a Brit, Japanese curry is huge in London. 'Katsu' made it in 2024, and this update reflects ongoing Japanese food popularity. You can buy senbei at regular supermarkets now.
I'm an anime fan from Poland. Happy that 'yokai' is officially English now. 'Demon' or 'monster' never captured the unique atmosphere of Japanese yokai.
In Mexico, we have Día de los Muertos, so I feel kinship with Japanese yokai culture. The approach of coexisting with supernatural beings rather than just fearing them is similar.
I teach Japanese at an Australian university. Students already know 'waifu,' and explaining the difference from '妻' has become an interesting teaching moment.
I'm Swedish. When I first used a Washlet in Japan, I was shocked. Bought one online right after returning home. This technology should spread more globally.
India traditionally has the 'mottainai' spirit too. But the conciseness of expressing it in one Japanese word is wonderful. A great example of how language clarifies concepts.
I'm Korean, and White Day is established here too. Many people might not know it originated in Japan. Makes you think about how culture spreads.
I organize PechaKucha events in Germany. It's touching that this format made it to the dictionary. It's perfect for training concise communication.
As an Italian, I respect Japanese craftsmanship culture. 'Mottainai' resonates with my grandparents' generation who valued things. It's a value often lost to globalization.
At Canadian anime conventions, 'senpai' is everyday vocabulary. It being officially English now feels like subculture moving closer to mainstream.
Even in small New Zealand towns, Japanese anime is popular. Younger generations use 'yokai' naturally. The dictionary just caught up.
Brazil has a large Japanese-Brazilian community, so these words are familiar. But dictionary inclusion helps spread them to non-Japanese Brazilians too.
Working in Dubai, I think the Japanese 'mottainai' spirit should be learned here too. We need to reflect on our oil-dependent consumption culture.