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Tsai Ing-wen's 'YBSG' meme makes waves in Japanese media

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's use of the Japanese slang "YBSG" (meaning "too much" or "crazy") on social media has gained attention in Japanese media.
  • Tsai posted a meme using the phrase "YBSG" with her own photo, which was then shared by Japanese news outlets, surprising Japanese netizens.
  • The phrase gained traction after Tsai commented "YBSG" on a post about taro sushi, later explaining its meaning and sharing the meme.

Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has sparked a buzz in Japanese media and online communities with her recent embrace of the Japanese slang term "YBSG." The phrase, an abbreviation of the Japanese word "Yabasugi," translates to "too much," "outrageous," or "crazy."

The trend began when Tsai commented "YBSG" on a social media post about taro sushi. She later shared her own "YBSG" meme, featuring her photo, explaining that some people might need to Google the term. This playful engagement with Japanese internet culture has been widely reported by Japanese media, including Kyodo News.

YBSG

— Tsai Ing-wenFormer President Tsai Ing-wen's comment on a social media post about taro sushi.

Japanese netizens have expressed surprise and delight at Tsai's trendy usage, with some commenting that she herself embodies the meaning of "YBSG." She further fueled the discussion by posting "Taiwan-Japan friendship YBSG," leading to further online chatter and a sense of camaraderie. The former president's ability to connect with contemporary internet language has resonated with a younger audience and highlighted the cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan.

YBSG (Taiwan-Japan) forever friends.

— Japanese NetizenA comment from a Japanese netizen reacting to Tsai's "Taiwan-Japan friendship YBSG" post.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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