The New Trend of Fan Activities: Keeping Merchandise as Cherished Memories
In recent times, the culture of ‘oshi-katsu,’ or fan activities, has evolved significantly, particularly in how fans view and manage their merchandise. A joint survey conducted by Summary Co. and Saltworks on November 4, known as 'Good Oshi Day,' shed light on the changing attitudes among fans regarding their collectibles.
As enthusiasm for idols and artists grows, so do the concerns about the increasing volume of merchandise. Many fans experience the dilemma of having too many items without sufficient storage space while also feeling a reluctance to part with those items. The survey aimed to explore these dynamics and the underlying factors driving fans’ decisions related to their collectibles.
Monthly spending on fan activities varies by genre. Fans of anime, manga, and gaming typically spend less, with many reporting expenses in the range of zero to 10,000 yen per month. In contrast, genres involving live events—such as idols, singers, and sports—show significantly higher monthly expenses, with reports of 50,000 yen or more. A notable anomaly was found among streamers and VTubers, where 26.1% of fans indicated more than 50,000 yen in spending, highlighting the diverse ways fans engage with their interests.
Survey results showed 24.3% of respondents had created their own fan merchandise, showcasing a trend of fans not only collecting but contributing creatively as well. The joy of crafting original items and sharing them within fan communities is becoming a new norm. Official merchandise collection remains robust, with 42% owning between 10 and 50 items, and 13.2% possessing over 100, indicating active collecting behavior among dedicated fans. Among the types collected, photos were the most popular, followed by practical items such as clothing and towels.
The survey revealed that around 50.2% of participants had paused or halted their fan activities. Reasons for this varied widely, with the majority attributing it to a decrease in enthusiasm or shifting interests. Other significant factors included life changes, financial constraints, and even the cessation of activity by their artists or impersonated characters. This flexibility and adaptability have become the hallmark of contemporary fan culture.
Despite taking breaks, fans overwhelmingly choose to keep their merchandise, with 51.2% reported storing everything at home. About 28.6% opted to keep a few items, while a small portion, 12.3%, went as far as disposing of them. This tendency to retain items emphasizes the importance of these collectibles as personal mementos connected to their experiences and emotions. The survey points to the growing concern around storage space as a potential impact of the continuous accumulation of such memorabilia.
The survey also explored the benefits of being a fan. Respondents reported that their engagement in fan culture brings them vitality, a sense of purpose, and even leads to personal growth and new social connections. Many noted that their idol’s existence provides motivation and serves as a reward for their efforts in daily life.
The survey results indicate a diverse range of experiences and approaches to fan activities. With about 25% of fans making their own merchandise and a significant majority retaining items even after pausing their engagement, it’s evident that fans continue to carve out personal styles amid evolving trends. Services like Summary Pocket provide secure storage, allowing fans to safely manage their growing collections without compromising space at home. MiTE KiiTE, on the other hand, allows fans to design unique items, merging functionality with personalization.
In summary, the landscape of fan culture is increasingly about personal memories and creative expression. As fan activities continue to evolve, new methods of preservation and adaptation will define how fans relate to their cherished items and experiences. Exploring these trends can not only enhance fan engagement but also allow for more meaningful connections to emerge from their passions.
Background of the Survey
As enthusiasm for idols and artists grows, so do the concerns about the increasing volume of merchandise. Many fans experience the dilemma of having too many items without sufficient storage space while also feeling a reluctance to part with those items. The survey aimed to explore these dynamics and the underlying factors driving fans’ decisions related to their collectibles.
Key Findings from the Survey
- - DIY Merchandise: Approximately 25% of respondents reported having created their own fan items. This indicates a growing diversity in how fans engage with their interests and express their support.
- - Pausing Fan Activities: About half of the fans surveyed have taken breaks from their support activities. However, most do not dispose of their merchandise—even after a hiatus, over 80% choose to retain their items as cherished memories.
- - Value of Memories: Keeping merchandise is not merely about ownership; it reflects a deep emotional connection to the experiences associated with their ‘oshi’ (supported idol or artist). The survey also highlighted a shift towards valuing items as memories rather than simply products.
Spending Trends Among Different Genres
Monthly spending on fan activities varies by genre. Fans of anime, manga, and gaming typically spend less, with many reporting expenses in the range of zero to 10,000 yen per month. In contrast, genres involving live events—such as idols, singers, and sports—show significantly higher monthly expenses, with reports of 50,000 yen or more. A notable anomaly was found among streamers and VTubers, where 26.1% of fans indicated more than 50,000 yen in spending, highlighting the diverse ways fans engage with their interests.
The Rise of Handmade Fan Culture
Survey results showed 24.3% of respondents had created their own fan merchandise, showcasing a trend of fans not only collecting but contributing creatively as well. The joy of crafting original items and sharing them within fan communities is becoming a new norm. Official merchandise collection remains robust, with 42% owning between 10 and 50 items, and 13.2% possessing over 100, indicating active collecting behavior among dedicated fans. Among the types collected, photos were the most popular, followed by practical items such as clothing and towels.
Flexible Approaches to Fan Activities
The survey revealed that around 50.2% of participants had paused or halted their fan activities. Reasons for this varied widely, with the majority attributing it to a decrease in enthusiasm or shifting interests. Other significant factors included life changes, financial constraints, and even the cessation of activity by their artists or impersonated characters. This flexibility and adaptability have become the hallmark of contemporary fan culture.
The Emotional Attachment to Merchandise
Despite taking breaks, fans overwhelmingly choose to keep their merchandise, with 51.2% reported storing everything at home. About 28.6% opted to keep a few items, while a small portion, 12.3%, went as far as disposing of them. This tendency to retain items emphasizes the importance of these collectibles as personal mementos connected to their experiences and emotions. The survey points to the growing concern around storage space as a potential impact of the continuous accumulation of such memorabilia.
The Positive Impact of Fan Activities
The survey also explored the benefits of being a fan. Respondents reported that their engagement in fan culture brings them vitality, a sense of purpose, and even leads to personal growth and new social connections. Many noted that their idol’s existence provides motivation and serves as a reward for their efforts in daily life.
Conclusion: Cultivating Unique Styles of Engagement
The survey results indicate a diverse range of experiences and approaches to fan activities. With about 25% of fans making their own merchandise and a significant majority retaining items even after pausing their engagement, it’s evident that fans continue to carve out personal styles amid evolving trends. Services like Summary Pocket provide secure storage, allowing fans to safely manage their growing collections without compromising space at home. MiTE KiiTE, on the other hand, allows fans to design unique items, merging functionality with personalization.
In summary, the landscape of fan culture is increasingly about personal memories and creative expression. As fan activities continue to evolve, new methods of preservation and adaptation will define how fans relate to their cherished items and experiences. Exploring these trends can not only enhance fan engagement but also allow for more meaningful connections to emerge from their passions.
Topics People & Culture）
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