Japan’s major traditional doll maker unveiled its annual kawari hagoita --decorative wooden paddles featuring people who made headlines in 2025. 

Displayed at the showroom of Kyugetsu on December 3, the paddles spotlight public figures associated with positive news. The tradition carries a wish to ward off misfortune by drawing on the good fortune linked to the featured individuals. 

Sumioka Ayumi, NTV Reporter: In the center is Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae with the title “High Communication Skills.” 

For the political sphere, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae—who took office in October and gained attention in the Buzzword of the Year Awards—was selected. 

From sports, Los Angeles Dodgers star Ohtani Shohei is depicted holding his newborn daughter, his first child. 

Also chosen were Kitagawa Susumu and Sakaguchi Shimon, the two Japanese scientists who won Nobel Prizes this year. 

The kawari hagoita will be exhibited at locations across Japan through February.