Japan Naming Award 2025: Honoring the Best in Naming
On December 1, 2025, the Japan Naming Association held a prestigious ceremony to honor the best naming entries in the Japan Naming Award 2025. This year, a total of 749 nominations were evaluated, showcasing the immense talent in naming across various industries. The Grand Prize was awarded to
'Shokuba no Lorie' by
Kao Corporation, a name that captures the essence of workplace comfort and beauty.
Winners and Awards Breakdown
The award ceremony revealed several noteworthy winners across different categories:
Grand Award (Best Overall)
- - Shokuba no Lorie by Kao Corporation
Category Awards
1.
Food & Beverage, Alcohol, Confectionery, Seasonings, Supplements, Ice Cream, Sweets:
One Cup by
Ozeki Co., Ltd
2.
Cosmetics, Toiletries, Pharmaceuticals, Goods, Daily Necessities, Apparel:
Shun Soku by
Achilles Corporation
3.
Home Appliances, Games, Communications, Automobiles, Information Services, Apps, Transportation, Logistics, Travel:
ICOCA by
West Japan Railway Company
4.
Stores, Real Estate, Commercial Facilities, Business Names, Corporate Names:
Hokka Hokka Tei by
Harksley Co., Ltd
5.
Other:
Shokuba no Lorie by
Kao Corporation
6.
Rookie Award:
-
Fuyu no Indokumo by
Furuya Dairy Co., Ltd
-
Milk's Constraint by
Furuya Dairy Co., Ltd
-
Wako Komugi by
Shiki Shima Bakery Co., Ltd
Regional Soul Brand Award Winners
- - Willows by Aoyagi Sohonke Co., Ltd
- - Sekai no Yama-chan by SY Food Co., Ltd
- - Tsukete Miso Kakete Miso by Nakamo Co., Ltd
- - Yaba Ton by Yaba Ton Holdings Co., Ltd
Special Judge's Awards
- - N High School by KADOKAWA DWANGO Academy
- - Olfa by Olfa Corporation
Legend Award
- - Ice Non by Shirayuki Earth Co., Ltd
- - Shachihata by Shachihata Co., Ltd
- - Yomeishu by Yomeishu Seizo Co., Ltd
These awards highlight the critical role that effective naming plays in modern marketing and brand identity. The Japan Naming Award aims to elevate the quality and value of naming practices within the industry.
Importance of Naming
Naming is not merely a technical task; it serves as a guiding compass for products and ideas, breathing life into them. Research suggests that consumer behavior is influenced not only by rational factors but also by the emotional resonance of a name. Esteemed names bring new values, transformations, and contribute significantly to cultural progress.
However, many names lack clear historical or developmental context, and the standardization of naming practices is still evolving. The awareness of naming creators remains low, which is a significant issue. In an era of economic globalization, the importance of internationally competitive naming and trademark rights has surged, with a remarkable increase in trademark applications reaching
158,792 in 2024.
Objectives of the Japan Naming Award
The Japan Naming Award is dedicated to disseminating the significance of naming within society to enhance both its quality and value, thereby enriching cultural life and fostering industrial growth. This annual event champions the best names, providing a platform for recognition and inspiration.
Key Figures in the Award
Leading the judging panel is
Mitsumi Tada, a renowned comedian from the group
Bakusho Mondai. Other distinguished panel members include:
- - Ihoko Kurokawa, President of the Japan Naming Association
- - Yoshihiro Iwanaga, Honorary President of the Japan Naming Association
- - Mitsuho Tada, CEO of Titan Co., Ltd, serving as Special Advisor.
The judging panel consists of 28 industry experts, including copywriters, linguists, and creative directors.
Support and Sponsorship
The Japan Naming Association receives support from various entities including the
Patent Office, the
Japan Advertisers Association, and the
Japan Advertising Agencies Association, among others. Notable sponsors include
Kagome Media Co., Ltd,
Dentsu, and
Tokyu Agency.
For more details about the Japan Naming Award and the winners of 2025, please visit the official website at
Japan Naming Award. Detailed winner listings can be found at
Winner List 2025.
The success of this award underscores the enduring significance of naming as a strategic tool in branding and representation across industries.