What Do "Hako Oshi," "Kaiwai," and "Tōtoi" Mean? A Complete Guide to Oshikatsu Terminology!

Japan's oshikatsu culture has its own unique set of words and expressions. Terms like "Hako Oshi," "Kaiwai," and "Tōtoi" are commonly used in the world of oshikatsu, especially among fans of idols and artists. This article will introduce some of the most popular and frequently used oshikatsu terms in Japan, along with their meanings and how they are used. Whether you're new to supporting Japanese idols and artists or want to deepen your oshikatsu experience, this guide will be a helpful reference!

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What Does "Oshikatsu" Mean?

"Oshikatsu" refers to all activities related to supporting a favorite idol, artist, or even a character from the entertainment industry. The term "Oshikatsu" (Oshi-Katsu) is a combination of "Oshi" (someone or something you support) and "Katsu" (short for "Katsudou," meaning activities). Oshikatsu can take many forms, including gathering and sharing information on social media, attending concerts and live events, purchasing merchandise, and participating in fan gatherings.

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What is "Oshi"? How is it Different from "Tantou"?

"Oshi" refers to the person or thing you support the most. It goes beyond simply liking someone—it expresses a strong desire to actively support them. While an "Oshi" is usually a single person, it's not uncommon for fans to have multiple Oshi. Over time, many related terms have emerged, making communication among fans more lively and expressive.

Different fandoms have their own ways of referring to their favorites. For example, in the STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates) fandom, fans often use "Tantou" or "Jitan" instead of "Oshi" to refer to their favorite member. Some fans also use "Honmei" (meaning "true favorite") to describe their absolute top choice. Meanwhile, supporting an entire group instead of a single member is known as "Hako Oshi," but in some fandoms, terms like "All Tantou" or "G-Tantou" are also used.

Common Oshikatsu Terms

推し (Oshi): The person or thing you support the most. This term is widely used across different fandoms.
推しメン (Oshi men): The member you support the most within a group.
推し変 (Oshi hen): Changing your Oshi to another member or person.
推し色 (Oshi iro) / Oshi Color (Oshi kara): Your Oshi's member color or signature color.
単推し (Tan oshi): Supporting only one specific member within a group.
箱推し (Hako oshi) / Zen Oshi: Supporting the entire group rather than just one member.
担当 (Tan tou): A term used for supporting a specific member or referring to that member.
自担 (Ji tan): Short for "Jibun no Tantou" (my Tantou), meaning the member you personally support the most.
〇〇担 (〇〇 Tan): A way of indicating support for a specific member, where "〇〇" is the member's name.
オール担・G担: Short for "All Tantou" (supporting all members) or "Group Tantou" (supporting the entire group).
担降り (Tan ori): The act of stepping away from supporting a particular member or group.

New vs. Veteran Fans? Fan Types and Relationships

Fans typically refer to themselves as "〇〇-san's fan," but in recent years, it has become popular for artists and groups to give their fans a special "Fan Name." Additionally, the term "Otaku" (a person deeply knowledgeable or passionate about a specific hobby or field) is often used to create nicknames like "〇〇-Ota." For example, fans of idols from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates) are commonly called "Jani-Ota." There are also many terms related to fan behavior and relationships, such as "Doutan Kyo-hi" (refusing to interact with fans of the same Oshi).

Common Fan-Related Terms

ファンネーム (Fan Name): A special name given to the fans of a specific artist or group.
新規 (Shin ki): A new fan who recently started following a particular artist or group.
古参 (Ko san): A longtime fan who has supported an artist or group since their early days.
同担 (Dou tan): Fans who support the same Oshi.
同担拒否 (Dou tan Kyo hi): Avoiding interaction with fans who support the same Oshi.
同担歓迎 (Dou tan Kan gei): Welcoming interaction with fans who support the same Oshi.

What is "Kaiwai"? Supporting Multiple Groups and Artists

"Kaiwai" (かいわい) refers to a specific genre or fan community. For example, there are terms like "Johnny's Kaiwai," "K-POP Kaiwai," and "LDH Kaiwai," each representing different fan cultures and rules. Supporting multiple Oshis across different communities is called "Kakemochi."

Common Kaiwai-Related Terms

界隈 (Kai wai): A specific genre or fan community.
他界隈 (Ta kaiwai): A different genre or fan community.
掛け持ち (Kake mochi): Supporting multiple Oshis at the same time.
DD: Short for "Daredemo Daisuki" (Loving anyone and everyone), referring to fans who support multiple Oshis.

"Sansen" at a Concert with Your Penlight! Live & Concert Terms

Live performances and concerts are often called "Genba" (the scene), a special place where fans can experience their Oshi in person. Instead of simply saying they "attended" a concert, fans often use the term "Sansen" (literally "joining a battle") to describe the experience. Another common term is "Repo," short for "Report," referring to fan reports about live performances or events. These reports provide valuable details about the concert atmosphere and performances, especially for those who couldn't attend.

There are also many other concert-related terms, such as "Deji-Chike," "Ginte," and "Fansa." If you have an Oshi in Japan, you'll probably want to attend a concert someday! Before you go, here are some useful terms to know.

Common Live & Concert-Related Terms

参戦 (San sen): Attending a live concert.
遠征 (En sei): Traveling long distances for a concert or event.
現場 (Gen ba): The venue where a concert or event takes place.
前夜祭 (Zenya sai): A pre-concert event held the day before a show.
初日 (Sho nichi): The first day of a concert tour.
ファイナル (Final)/ オーラス (Oorasu) / 千秋楽 (Senshuuraku): The last performance of a tour.
カウコン (Kau kon): Short for "Countdown Concert," typically held on December 31st.
全通 (Zentsuu): Attending all performances of a tour.

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Common Ticket & Seating-Related Terms

抽選 (Chuusen): Lottery-based ticket sales.
1次先行・2次先行 (Ichiji senkou / Niji senkou): First and second rounds of advance ticket sales.
当落 (Tou raku): The announcement of lottery results (whether you won or lost the ticket).
紙チケ (Kami chike): A physical paper ticket.
デジチケ (Deji chike): A digital ticket displayed on a smartphone or other digital device.
最前 (Sai zen): Front-row seats.
神席 (Kami seki): Extremely good seats.
同行 (Dou koi): Attending a concert with another fan.
連番 (Ren ban): Consecutive seats.
2連・3連・4連 (ren): Two, three, or four consecutive seats.

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Goods-related Terms

Penra (ペンラ): Short for "Penlight," a glowing stick used at concerts.
Uchiwa (うちわ): A handheld fan used for support, often decorated with the name or message for a favorite artist. Some fans create custom uchiwa.
Towel (タオル): A towel featuring the name or logo of an artist, commonly used for cheering.
Akusuta (アクスタ): Short for "Acrylic Stand," a stand-up acrylic item featuring a favorite artist’s photo or illustration.
Sansen fuku (参戦服): The outfit worn to a concert or live event.
Ita bag (痛バッグ): A bag decorated with numerous merchandise items dedicated to a favorite artist.

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Live Concert Terms

Ginte (銀テ): Shiny silver tape shot from cannons at concerts, often printed with the concert or group's name. Many fans try to collect them.
Fansa (ファンサ): Short for "Fan Service," referring to special gestures or interactions artists give to their fans.
Hana michi (花道): A stage extension into the audience area.
MC: Talk sessions by the artist during a concert.
Kouru (コール): Pre-planned fan chants during performances.
Ankouru (アンコール): Fans requesting an encore performance at the end of a concert.
Setori (セトリ): Short for "Set List," referring to the order of songs performed at a concert.

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What is "Enban"? Understanding CD/DVD Releases in Japan

In Japan, the term "Enban" refers to music and video content sold in disc format, such as CDs and DVDs. For fans, the release of new music CDs and live DVDs is always something to look forward to.

"Enban" often comes with "Tokuten" (special bonuses), which can include behind-the-scenes footage, unreleased scenes, or even chances to apply for fan events like "Ririibe" and "Fanmi." "Ririibe" (short for release event) includes special fan interactions such as autograph sessions, handshake events, talk shows, mini live performances, or item handovers, providing rare opportunities to meet your favorite artist up close. Meanwhile, "Fanmi" (short for fan meeting) is an event where fans and artists can interact through talk sessions, games, or Q&A segments. These events offer a different kind of enjoyment compared to regular concerts or live performances.

CD/DVD-related Terms

Enban (円盤): CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs containing music or live performance recordings.
Jake sha (ジャケ写): Short for "Jacket Photo," referring to the cover image of a CD/DVD.
Aa sha (アー写): Short for "Artist Photo," referring to promotional images of the artist.
A men (A面): The main song on a CD or record (A-side).
B men (B面): Additional tracks apart from the main song (B-side).
Title kyoku (タイトル曲): The main track of a single or album.
Coupling kyoku (カップリング曲): Secondary songs included on a single.
Tokuten (特典): Special bonuses included with a purchase, such as exclusive goods or event participation tickets.
Riri ibe (リリイベ): Short for "Release Event," fan events celebrating a new CD/DVD release.
Fan mi (ファンミ): Short for "Fan Meeting," an event where fans can meet and interact with their favorite artists.

What is "Toutoi"? A Popular Word in "Oshikatsu" (Supporting Your Favorite Idols)

When engaging in "Oshikatsu" (actively supporting your favorite idol or character), you may come across specific words and phrases frequently used in everyday conversations among fans. These words have become part of a shared language in fan culture and are essential "buzzwords" in the community.

One such trending word is "Toutoi." "Toutoi" expresses deep admiration and respect for an idol's actions, attitude, or appearance. Fans use it when they feel overwhelmingly moved or inspired by their favorite, especially in emotional moments.

In recent years, group disbandments, activity suspensions, and member departures have become more common. With each announcement, the phrase "Oshi wa oseru toki ni ose" is often seen. This phrase means, "Support your favorite while you still can!"—a reminder that idols' careers can be unpredictable. It encourages fans to cherish every moment and support their favorite artist to the fullest without regrets.

Common Buzzwords in "Oshikatsu"

尊い (Toutoi): Used when your favorite is so amazing that you feel admiration and deep emotion.
神 (Kami): A term of praise for an incredibly outstanding person or event.
神対応 (Kami taiou): When an idol interacts with fans in an exceptionally kind and thoughtful manner.
塩対応 (Shio taiou): When an idol gives a cold or indifferent response to fans.
卒業 (Sotsugyo): Refers to when an idol leaves a group or retires from entertainment. It can also mean when a fan stops supporting their favorite.
ビジュ (Biju): Short for "visual," referring to an idol's appearance or looks.
ロス (Loss): The feeling of sadness or emptiness after something related to your favorite comes to an end.
わかりみが深い (Wakarimi ga fukai): A phrase used to deeply relate to and agree with someone when they express the appeal of an idol.

What Do "Hako Oshi," "Kaiwai," and "Tōtoi" Mean? A Complete Guide to Oshikatsu Terminology!

What Does "Oshikatsu" Mean?