Birth of Fan Activity Cancellation Insurance: A New Assurance to Protect Fans in an Era Where 1 in 5 Experiences Trip Cancellations

Birth of Fan Activity Cancellation Insurance: A New Assurance to Protect Fans in an Era Where 1 in 5 Experiences Trip Cancellations

2025年06月28日 14:00

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: The Japanese Culture of "Oshi-katsu" and "Ensei"

  2. Survey Data: One in Five Has Canceled, The Reality

  3. The Birth of Insurance and Participating Companies

  4. Product Overview and Coverage

  5. Comparison of Fan Culture and Insurance Situations in Japan and Overseas

  6. Financial Burden and Psychological Care: The Assurance Insurance Brings

  7. Ripple Effects on Tourism and Entertainment Industries

  8. Future Challenges and Possibilities for Global Expansion

  9. Conclusion

1. Introduction: The Japanese Culture of "Oshi-katsu" and "Ensei"

"Oshi-katsu" refers to activities where fans support specific idols, artists, or stage actors by attending concerts and events to share experiences. In Japan, the act of traveling across geographical distances to attend these "scenes" is called "ensei," characterized by combining airfare and hotel stays into a mini-trip.



2. Survey Data: One in Five Has Canceled, The Reality

In a survey conducted by Mysurance and Oshicoco in February 2025 with 1,191 participants, 20% had experienced canceling their ensei plans, with about 33% incurring cancellation fees of over 30,000 yen. The top reasons for cancellations were event cancellations, transportation suspensions, and sudden illnesses. Awareness was only 10%, revealing that many fans are unaware of compensation systems and suffer losses.



3. The Birth of Insurance and Participating Companies

  • Mysurance Co., Ltd. (a 100% subsidiary of Sompo Japan): With a track record in travel cancellation insurance, exceeding 1 million cumulative contracts.

  • Oshicoco Co., Ltd.: Operates a platform specializing in oshi-katsu, well-versed in fan communities.


    The two companies began collaborating after hearing complaints on social media about not being able to meet their idols due to flights being canceled by a typhoon, and launched a dedicated site on March 31, 2025.



4. Product Overview and Coverage

The "Oshi-katsu Cancellation Insurance" fully covers cancellation fees incurred when canceling travel reservations (accommodation, transportation, etc.).
Main Coverage Reasons

  • Cancellation/Postponement of Events

  • Transportation Delays/Cancellations Over Two Hours

  • Sudden Illness or Infectious Disease of the Insured or Companion

  • Family Hospitalization/Death, Jury Duty, etc.


    Application conditions include "within 14 days of reservation" and "more than 9 days before departure." Exclusions include cases where the idol withdraws but the event itself continues.



5. Comparison of Fan Culture and Insurance Situations in Japan and Overseas


JapanOverseas (Mainly US and UK)
Typical Travel DistanceDomestic and international ensei ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilometers is commonMainly intercity travel within the same country, often without accommodation
Main Loss RisksTransportation and accommodation costs, cancellation feesTicket costs (venue refunds), local travel expenses
Mainstream CoverageTravel cancellation insurance with "oshi-katsu" specialized products emergingTicket insurance is mainstream. Optional with AXS or Ticketmaster, but travel expenses are not covered
Insurance Enrollment RateAwareness is low at about 10%Relatively high as it is proposed in a pop-up at checkout

Overseas, "Missed Event Protection" can be added for a few dollars at the time of ticket purchase, and ticket costs are refunded even if unable to attend due to illness or accident. However, examples of transportation and accommodation costs being covered are rare, requiring fans to separately combine travel insurance.



6. Financial Burden and Psychological Care: The Assurance Insurance Brings

Ensei costs are said to average between 30,000 to 100,000 yen, with accommodation and transportation costs excluding ticket prices often non-refundable. If insurance can cover financial losses, funds can be redirected to purchasing the next ticket or merchandise, benefiting fans, artists, and the tourism industry alike.



7. Ripple Effects on Tourism and Entertainment Industries

  • Revitalization of Local Economies: Supporting ensei demand stabilizes attendance at local venues.

  • Risk Reduction for Tour Promoters: With fans' insurance absorbing the refund burden for canceled events, tour planning becomes easier.

  • Inbound Attraction: If oshi-katsu insurance supports English, it could provide reassurance for overseas fans traveling to Japan.



8. Future Challenges and Possibilities for Global Expansion

Challenges include increasing awareness and making terms easy to understand. Mysurance is lowering the barrier of "difficult insurance = not read" by using annotations of otaku terms and four-panel comics. Future expectations include multilingual support for overseas fans and consideration of comprehensive coverage products that include ticket costs.



9. Conclusion

The oshi-katsu cancellation insurance is an innovation responding to the unique Japanese "ensei" culture and the challenges of a globalizing fandom. While ticket insurance exists overseas, products covering travel expenses are rare, and the Japanese model could potentially become a global standard.


In an era where fan activities are symbolized by the term "oshi-katsu," insurance is beginning to function not just as financial compensation but as a "safety net for the heart" to continue supporting one's idols.



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