The Overheating "Oshi-katsu" Boom in China: How Does It Differ from Japan? A Frontline Report on Fandom Culture

Table of Contents

1. The Arrival of the Fandom Boom in China

2. The Reality of Overheated Behavior and Government Crackdown

3. Characteristics of the Japanese Fandom Market and Fan Behavior

4. "Fan Activism" in Korea and North America

5. Diversity of Fandoms Created by Cultural and Legal Differences

6. The Frontline of "Fandom Business" by Companies and Municipalities

7. The Pros and Cons of Fandom Activities: Cross-Border Enthusiasm and Social Issues

8. Towards a Sustainable Fandom: Safety Guidelines and Education

9. Conclusion: The Power of "Fandom" Across Borders and Future Prospects
   
   

1. The Arrival of the Fandom Boom in China

1-1 Underground Idols and "饭圈" Culture

At the venue of the underground idol group "Transparent Classroom and Parallel Girl" based in Changsha, Hunan Province, hundreds of fans gather every weekend. Handshake tickets and photo tickets sell like hotcakes, and the popular members have tens of thousands of followers on social media. This is the result of the Japanese-style theater-type idol system taking root locally in China.kumanichi.com

1-2 Live Monetization and "打投" Culture

Chinese fans tend to spend large amounts on "投げ銭 (打投)" during online broadcasts. The system where top contributors in the 投げ銭 ranking can participate in "exclusive filming" or "song outfit design" supports its popularity.

2. The Reality of Overheated Behavior and Government Crackdown

2-1 Privacy Exposure and Cyberbullying

Identifying the address of idols, exposing family relationships, and verbal battles with anti-fans have become commonplace. In 2024, public security authorities conducted a crackdown on illegal activities related to fan circles, prosecuting over 700 cases and punishing more than 1,000 people.english.news.cn

2-2 "Fan Pressure" in the Sports World and Administrative Guidance

In March 2025, China's General Administration of Sport declared the elimination of "extreme fan culture." It banned defamation against table tennis and soccer players and ordered the closure of problematic fan group social media accounts.globaltimes.cn

3. Characteristics of the Japanese Fandom Market and Fan Behavior

3-1 Market Size and Consumption Trends

The Japanese fandom population is estimated at about 14 million, with an annual market of 3.5 trillion yen. The average annual expenditure is 170,000 yen, driven by the resumption of events after COVID-19.reuters.com

3-2 "Etiquette Culture" and Sense of Distance

While there are contact businesses such as high-five events and photo sales, fans tend to share self-imposed rules (such as banning consecutive purchases and high-priced purchases) to maintain order.

4. "Fan Activism" in Korea and North America

4-1 Social Contribution Type Fandom

K-POP fans carry out subway advertisements and donation projects to coincide with their idols' birthdays. An example of BTS V's fans raising 50 million yen in just one minute to build a school is symbolic.jbpress.ismedia.jp

4-2 Volunteer Culture in North America

In North America, fandoms of Marvel actors and sports teams organize charity activities, spreading the phenomenon where "idols" become symbols of social justice.

5. Diversity of Fandoms Created by Cultural and Legal Differences

6. "Fandom Business" by Companies and Municipalities

• China: A market exceeding 1 trillion yen annually is formed with a trinity model of live streaming apps, goods e-commerce, and real event venues.

• Japan: Railway companies release "fandom expedition tickets," and the financial industry introduces fandom-specific credit cards.

• Korea: Seoul City is considering a system to make fan donations tax-deductible.
  
  

7. The Pros and Cons of Fandom Activities: Cross-Border Enthusiasm and Social Issues

While fandom activities enhance individual happiness and boost local economies,

• Social Media Outrage

• Economic Dependence ("Fandom Poverty")

• Personal Information Leakage

• Harassment
  
  are also expanding. Establishing systems for "fan ethics education" and "protection of minors" is urgently needed in each country.
  
  

8. Towards a Sustainable Fandom: Safety Guidelines and Education

1. Collaboration between Government and Platforms: Establishing a rapid reporting system for illegal activities

2. Fan Leader Development: Placing moderators within fan communities to promote order maintenance

3. Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Introducing "fandom literacy" classes for middle and high school students

4. Transparent Monetization: Disclosing the use of donations and 投げ銭 to suppress excessive monetary demands
   
   

9. Conclusion: The Power of "Fandom" Across Borders and Future Prospects

While China's fervor poses risks, it also demonstrates the potential for massive consumption energy and cultural export. Japan, with its mature fan etiquette and market size, could serve as a model case for other countries, though resale and outrage countermeasures remain challenges. Korea and North America are creating new value with socially contributive fandoms.

The key to sustainable development of fandom activities lies in the common principle of **"maintaining a healthy distance between fans and idols while returning the power of fandom to society."** Fandoms that unite across borders are likely to become the main players in next-generation cultural diplomacy.

List of Reference Articles

1. Kyodo News "Fandom Culture Blossoms in China, Fan Overheating Behavior Surfaces"kumanichi.com

2. Xinhua "More than 1,000 people punished for chaotic fan circle behavior in China"english.news.cn

3. Global Times "GAS head vows to curb extreme fan culture"globaltimes.cn

4. JBpress "What is 'Fan Activism' that the World is Watching?"jbpress.ismedia.jp

5. Reuters "Anime and mascots: Japan hopes 'oshikatsu' rage will open consumer wallets"reuters.com

6. Neo Marketing "Survey on Fandom Activities 2025"corp.neo-m.jp