🧡 What Is “Oshi-Katsu”?
In Japan, “oshi-katsu” (推し活) literally means “supporting your favorite.”
Your oshi (推し) is the person, character, or even product you’re devoted to—often an idol, anime character, VTuber, or K-pop star.
But this isn’t just being a casual fan. Oshi-katsu is an active lifestyle that includes attending events, buying merchandise, promoting your oshi online, and even organizing meetups with fellow fans.
🎤 Not Just for Teens: Oshi-Katsu Is for Everyone
Originally associated with young female idol fans, oshi-katsu has grown across generations and genders.
You’ll find office workers, students, and even older adults proudly showing off their oshi merch on bags, phone cases, and social media.
In fact, many people now openly say, “I work hard so I can support my oshi.”
This form of emotional investment gives people a sense of purpose and joy in their everyday lives.
🧳 Travel and Oshi-Katsu? Yes, That’s a Thing.
Some fans plan oshi trips (推し旅)—travels centered around their oshi’s concert, birthday events, or even anime pilgrimage spots.
Tourism agencies and hotels have even started offering oshi-themed travel packages!
📅 “Oshi-Yasumi”: Taking Time Off for Your Fave
A buzzword that’s been trending recently is “oshi-yasumi” (推し休み), which means taking a day off work for oshi-related reasons—like an album drop, concert live stream, or birthday event.
Yes, people are literally using paid leave to celebrate their love for their oshi.
💰 Economic Impact: A Real Power
Oshi-katsu isn’t just emotional—it’s financial.
Fans can spend thousands of yen on goods, tickets, and services.
The Japanese “idol economy” and otaku culture contribute billions of yen annually, making oshi-katsu a true economic force.
🗣 A Socially Accepted Escape
With increasing social pressures and work stress in Japan, many see oshi-katsu as a safe space—a place to express yourself, connect with others, and escape from daily life.
It has become a recognized form of self-care and emotional support.
🌏 Why Foreigners Find It Fascinating
Oshi-katsu is deeply tied to Japanese values of loyalty, dedication, and community, yet it feels fresh and quirky to outsiders.
The idea of organizing your life around a fictional or real-life favorite is uniquely Japanese in its structure and intensity.
If you’ve ever loved a band, character, or series… you might already be doing oshi-katsu without realizing it 😄
