The "2025 T&D Insurance Group New Words and Buzzwords Awards" were announced on December 1st, with the annual grand prize going to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's phrase, "I will work and work and work and work and work."
And, Although it didn't make the top ten, the word "medicinal cuisine" was among the 30 nominated terms.
The explanation stated, "With the growing health consciousness, medicinal cuisine focused on the efficacy of ingredients gained attention."
The reason for its nomination is likely rooted in the recent rise in health consciousness rather than any specific trend.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness of immunity and health management has been on the rise.
The renewed focus on the concept of medicinal cuisine—the idea of regulating one's health through daily meals—is likely the reason for its nomination.
The sharing of medicinal recipes like medicinal soups and medicinal curry may also be increasing on social media.
In modern society, there is a growing shift away from the mindset of "treating illness after it occurs" toward the concept of preventive medicine, which focuses on "preventing illness before it occurs."
The concept of "medicine and food share the same origin" in medicinal cuisine aligns perfectly with this principle of preventive medicine.
The fundamental principle of medicinal cuisine—improving one's constitution through daily meals to prevent illness before it occurs—may resonate with modern people interested in preventive medicine.
Medicinal cuisine is often thought to require special ingredients, but it can be easily made with everyday ingredients.
Use the wisdom of medicinal cuisine to combine ingredients suited to the season, your constitution, and your physical condition, and live each day healthily.