Rinko Kikuchi, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Tokyo
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Rinko Kikuchi among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a well-informed source, Rinko Kikuchi is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actress' fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 13/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kikuchi for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 44-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kikuchi so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actress have already been named ‘Japanese Of The Year’ by some major Japanese newspapers and even ‘Hadano Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Hadano (Rinko Kikuchi's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the actress was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#KikuchiPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 12 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveRinko”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 12 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Rinko Kikuchi?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 12 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Rinko Kikuchi?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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