Nearly 50% of young Japanese workers are investing in idols

Most non-Japanese speakers may not be familiar with this term bet on victory. oshikatsu translates as “supporting my favorite activities” and refers to the subculture of fans of idols, actors, athletes and even fictional characters and inanimate objects such as trains. It’s a hobby that’s particularly popular among young people, as evidenced by the results of a recent survey: According to reports, nearly half of Japan’s full-time workers in their 20s are engaged in escort work.

The survey, conducted online by Japanese recruiting firm Mynavi Corp., targeted long-term employees of all ages, from their 20s to their 50s, and received about 20,000 responses. The findings highlight the important role that dedicated fan activities play in the lives of Japanese employees, suggesting that oshikatsu can improve motivation at work.

An escape for young professionals

Survey data clearly shows that betting on success is most popular among young office workers, with 49.2% of respondents in their 20s actively participating in fan activities. This overwhelming participation shows that, contrary to popular belief, live betting is not a niche hobby; For many young professionals, this is a defining part of life.

The trend weakens as workers age, falling to 33.7% among those in their 30s, 22.6% among those in their 40s and 15.5% among those in their 50s. A Mynavi representative said the rise of fan culture is driven by two main forces: the growing emphasis on work-life balance, and the widespread reach of social media, which makes supporting your favorites — your oh – Easier than ever.

For most interviewees, betting on a win was not seen as a distraction but as a way to recharge. Nearly 80% of respondents who participate in oshikatsu said their fandom makes their personal lives more fulfilling, and 61.7% said it provides them with motivation to work harder at work.

However, Japanese workers’ dedication to “royal” often comes at a high price. Fans spend an average of just over $84 (approximately 13,000 yen) per month on fan activities. Most of the money was spent on purchasing merchandise and traveling to concerts and events.

The cultural engine that bets on winning

While there is a strong fan base around the world and terms such as “stan culture” have become mainstream over the past two decades, Otatsu is particularly dominant in Japan due to cultural and social factors.

First, in a culture traditionally characterized by strong conformity and rigid work schedules, dedicated fan activities often provide important emotional catharsis. Oshikatsu provides a structured, positive space for escapism and expression, and even provides a sense of daily purpose that may be hard to find elsewhere.

The Japanese entertainment industry has carefully constructed mechanisms to encourage this kind of dedication, with idols and characters often marketed on aspirational journeys – with fans’ financial and emotional support seen as a direct contribution to their success. oh. The system validates fans’ efforts and makes their spending feel meaningful.

Fandom can also provide a smaller, ready-made community where a shared passion provides a sense of belonging not always found in a corporate environment. Of course, this desire to belong is not unique to Japan, as organic opportunities for community are increasingly scarce in cities around the world.

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