In December 2025, LINE Research published its trend survey results focusing on the preferences and interests of young individuals aged 15 to 24 in Japan. This survey, conducted by LINE Yahoo, utilized a robust research platform with over 7 million active users to provide insights into the cultural trends that are shaping the youth landscape. Each quarter, LINE Research collects feedback in an open format, allowing participants to freely express what catches their attention.
Key Highlights from December 2025
Among the various findings, the top trends included popular bands and cultural phenomena. For the latter half of 2025, both 'LABUBU' and 'Mrs. GREEN APPLE' consistently secured their spots within the top five, demonstrating their sustained popularity. In the latest December survey, 'LABUBU' climbed to the number one position, reflecting a growing fan base, while 'Mrs. GREEN APPLE' maintained a strong presence at third.
Notably, '江戸走り' (Edo Hashiri), a newly emerging trend focusing on a running technique formulated to alleviate knee pain, impacted the rankings, debuting in the second position. Other significant entries included '好きすぎて滅!' (I Love You So Much) at fourth, a catchy hit from the vocal-dance group M!LK, and 'チェンソーマン' (Chainsaw Man) at fifth, showcasing the youth's fascination with anime and manga.
Insights into Gender and Age Trends
The survey also provided insight into gender-specific preferences among different age groups. For males aged 15-18, the game 'Brawl Stars' topped the chart, while the Prime Minister '高市早苗' (Sanae Takaichi) resonated well with the 19-22 age bracket. For the older males aged 23-24, the anticipation for 'Nintendo Switch 2' placed it at the forefront.
On the flip side, among females, 'LABUBU' led strongly in the 15-18 category, while '好きすぎて滅!' held high popularity among those aged 19-22. The character 'ちいかわ' also made a significant impact among females aged 23-24.
This diverse trendscape illustrates a unique blend of interests driven by music, gaming, food culture, and social media dynamics. With influences from politicians to viral TikTok videos, the interests of Japan's youth in December were varied and multifaceted. The survey indicated a burgeoning preference for timely themes and cultural references that resonate strongly with younger consumers.
Conclusion
The December 2025 survey by LINE Research not only highlights the current trends among young individuals but also illustrates the evolving landscape of youth interests in Japan. With varying trends that appeal across demographics, companies targeting this audience must stay attuned to this vibrant and swiftly changing environment. From music to politics, the insights garnered showcase a lively engagement with multiple facets of pop culture.
For further information and detailed insights, readers can view LINE Research's media, 'Research Note' at
LINE Research Note. Updates and comprehensive analysis are available in quarterly reports that can be accessed through LINE Research's official website.