TOKYO, Sep 23 (News On Japan) –
The observe of supporting one’s favourite idols or characters, often known as ‘oshikatsu,’ has grown into an enormous market in Japan, with non-public analysis estimating spending to have reached 3.5 trillion yen this 12 months. As demand expands, a variety of specialised items is driving the pattern, with clear tote baggage — often known as ‘ita-bags’ — rising as a standout product.
When requested about their spending, followers reported bills starting from tens of hundreds to over 1 million yen, typically pushed by purchases of a number of CDs tied to occasion entry functions. This underscores the dimensions of consumption fueling the market.
At the 300-yen store chain 3COINS in Harajuku, a devoted oshikatsu items part options clothes for plush toys and different objects, however the preferred is the newly launched “oshikatsu tote bag.” The bag’s clear bottom permits followers to show their collections of badges, keychains, and different objects. One anime fan mentioned, “I’ve filled it with 42 or 43 items. I won’t lose to anyone.” A Okay-pop fan added that that they had purchased 60 picture playing cards, spending about 30,000 to 40,000 yen to brighten their bag.
These closely embellished baggage are nicknamed “ita-bags,” a time period reflecting their extreme and even “painful” look. The phenomenon is now evolving. Discount chain Don Quijote, operated by PPIH, launched a brand new “oshikatsu carry case” earlier this month, designed to retailer each journey necessities and fan items. The firm describes it as “ita-carry,” a step past the tote bag.
The thought got here from an worker who can also be a loyal fan, with product improvement specializing in sturdiness and transparency to showcase collections clearly. PPIH’s Takahiro Nakagawa mentioned the corporate additionally sees potential amongst inbound vacationers: “If this succeeds, we believe the lineup can expand even further.”
Source: FNN