Japan is the only country in the world to hold all three major attractions of the "Harry Potter" franchise. But given the series has no direct ties to Japan or Japanese culture, what’s behind this enduring popularity? https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/12/13/lifestyle/harry-potter-japan-oshikatsu-fandom-christmas/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #lifestyle #themeparks #oshikatsu #harrypotter
Japan’s "oshikatsu" culture is booming despite inflation, with fans spending heavily on idols and characters in a way that now drives a multitrillion-yen market and even draws the attention of the central bank. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/12/02/japans-inflation-proof-economy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #boj #inflation #japaneseeconomy #anime #manga #teenagegirls #akb48 #shoheiohtani #oshikatsu #stan #oshi
Shrugging off inflation, consumption linked to "oshikatsu," or activities that support favorite characters and celebrities, is growing in Japan, while boosting related stocks. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/09/28/oshikatsu-consumption-grows-in-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #oshikatsu #stocks #celebrities #intellectualproperty #sanrio #bandainamco
Cheering for your favorite idol at a concert often involves items such as customized fans with messages on them and identical glow sticks in the colors of the celebrity act. Companies are rushing to offer that and more. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/07/12/music/oshikatsu-merch-expo/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #music #idols #jpop #oshikatsu #tokyolifestyleweek