04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Idol merch collection expo held in Tokyo, comparing goods from Japan, S. Korea
TOKYO -- An international trade fair for "oshikatsu" -- a Japanese term meaning "supporting activities," particularly for favorite idols -- recently opened at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in the capital's Koto Ward, featuring idol-related merchandise.
Titled "Oshikatsu -- Merch Collection Expo," the event, the only one of its kind in Japan, is showcasing K-pop "oshikatsu" styles, with many goods for South Korean idol fans on display, attracting interest from buyers. The fair, hosting around 100 related businesses, is set to end July 4.
The expo, which kicked off on July 2, is part of the "Lifestyle Week Summer" event organized by RX Japan Ltd., which brings together multiple trade fairs related to lifestyle. The K-pop sections feature decorations for celebrating idols' birthdays and small items with supportive messages.
A section comparing the differences in oshikatsu goods collecting habits between Japan and South Korea displayed signs reading "Official goods in Japan" and "Customized goods in South Korea." Participants were encouraged to place stickers indicating their preferences. In Japan, fans often collect as many official goods as possible, while in South Korea, fans apparently tend to customize official goods and handcraft items.
A woman in her 50s from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, who runs a sewing class, shared, "I'm a customization fan. In my class, I teach 'oshi-nui,' or handmade oshikatsu goods. Today, I'm here to gather new ideas."
