At the TikTok Awards Japan 2024 held in Tokyo, the Hot Word of the Year award went to Shikanokonokonokokoshitantan, a phrase born from the anime My Deer Friend Nokotan. The character Nokoko Nokotan even appeared on stage to perform the iconic choreography to the anime’s theme song.

From Anime to a Global TikTok Sensation

The trend originated from the anime's official TikTok account, which shared a video featuring a challenge called the OP Theme Intro Endurance. The rhythmic and catchy melody quickly went viral, amassing over 2 billion views on TikTok. Fans across the globe recreated the dance, shared their own illustrations, and celebrated the quirky phrase, propelling it into a massive cultural phenomenon.

Producers Reflect on Unprecedented Success

Producer Naonori Fujiyama expressed his astonishment at the trend’s explosive popularity:

“We hoped people would enjoy it, but none of us—including the producers—expected such a huge reaction. We’d love to say it was all part of our plan, but honestly, we were the most surprised!”

The viral dance’s ability to transcend language barriers was particularly rewarding for the team. “Seeing the dance resonate with so many people worldwide, thanks to TikTok’s platform, was incredibly gratifying,” Fujiyama added.

TikTok Awards Japan: Honoring Trends and Creativity

The TikTok Awards Japan 2024 recognizes the hottest trends, hashtags, and creators of the year based on TikTok’s in-app data. With categories spanning music, hot words, and viral content, the event celebrates the vibrant creativity of the platform’s community.

Source : ORICON NEWS