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DIG YOUR OWN IDOLS

Glossary of Japanese underground idol terms

January 01, 2025

【Akusta “アクスタ”】
Stands for acrylic stands. It is common for people to bring their favourite members around and remember them with memories of their travels for show in different locations.

example of use:How many Akusta did you buy? I got ten!

【Akuki “アクキー”
Stands for acrylic key holder. Cute when put on bags, etc.

example of use:How many Akuki did you buy? I got ten!

【Akusyukai “握手会”
A type of benefit event where you can shake hands with your idol.

example of use:Today is Mameshiba’s Akushukai!

【Inishie “いにしえ”
A general name for old fans who have been around since the early days. Synonyms: Kosan.

example of use:That guy from GANG PARADE’s Inishie, I haven’t seen him recently.

【Unei “運営”
The staff running the idol. They are called god management when they are happy and incompetent management when they make mistakes.

example of use:Unei! What the hell are you thinking?

【SE】
Stands for sound effects. It refers to music played between songs in a live performance.

example of use:The new Mameshiba SE is cool!

【Ensei “遠征”
Going to a live concert or event in a place far from where you live. Ensei can be a memorable trip.

example of use:I’m on an Ensei this weekend, so I need to finish work soon!

【FC】
Stands for Fan Club. It’s a good thing you joined!

example of use:I can’t wait to get a call from ASP’s FC!

【MC】
Talks that come in between live performances. As important to Otaku as live performance.

example of use:Today’s MAHiTO MC was better than usual!

【Enban “円盤”
This refers to products such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays.

example of use:I cannot wait to get ASP’s Budokan on Enban!

【Oshi(Oshimen) “推し(推しメン)”
The members you like the most. It is recommended to make an Oshi(Oshimen) first!

example of use:Let’s go eat the ramen my Oshi(Oshimen) was eating!

【Oshihen “推し変”
That the members your like the most to change. Tends to change when there are resignations, love scandals, etc.

example of use:”My favourite idol had a boyfriend! Let’s change my Oshi!”

【Oshimashi “推し増し”
“To have more members than you like the most.Often happens in big groups.”

example of use:”You’re Oshimashi too much, aren’t you? You’re the fifth Oshi in the same group!”

【Oshijan “推しジャン”
Jumping during the singing parts of your Oshi. Please do not disturb the audience around you.

example of use:That guy’s Oshijan is too high!

【Orusuta “オルスタ”
Stands for a live show where all audience can stand and enjoy the show. People enjoy live music in different ways.

example of use:”Today’s live is Orusta! That’s very cool!”

【Oshigoto “推し事(お仕事)”
Oshigoto,pronunciations are similar, to push a member you like and to work. Work is also important for pushing a member you like.

example of use:I’ve spent 100,000 yen on Oshigoto this month – I’m going to Oshigoto (work) hard!

【Oshikaburi “推し被り”
That the member you like the most is matched with another person. This could be a good opportunity to get to hang out with them!

example of use:We’re an Oshikaburi! We will be friends, won’t we?

【Oshizukare “推し疲れ”
Being tired of supporting their idols.

example of use:So much has happened, I’m already tired of Oshikatsu.

【Omaitsu “おまいつ”
Man, you’re always there! refers to otaku who are on the live with a frequency of.

example of use:Omaitsu!

【Onnaotaota “女オタオタ”
This term refers to otaku who excessively try to befriend or try to make connections with female fans at idol live, concerts or events.

example of use:Beware of the Onnaotaota in that group!

【Kagiake “鍵開け”
Be the first in line for the special event.

example of use:He’s always Kagiake!

【Kagishime “鍵閉め”
Be the last in line for the special event.

example of use:He’s always Kagishime!

【Kakemo “カケモ”
Supporting several groups, such as idol groups, or supporting several members within the same group.

example of use:Let’s Kakemo because GANG PARADE has a lot of members!

【Kamitaiou “神対応”
“Slang for a member’s surprisingly excellent or concerned response.Otaku who watched X beforehand will be pleased.”

example of use:Today’s Momochi was a real Kamitaiou!

【Kareru “枯れる”
To be sold out of cheki tickets and merchandise. If those be sold out, otaku will be sad.

example of use:Did today’s cheki tickets already Kareta (run out)? Get more out of the unei(manegement).

【Kamite “上手”
The left side of the stage from the performer’s point of view. The right side, as seen from the fans in their seats.

example of use:Today’s seating was Kamite so I could see my oshimen well!

【Kameko “カメコ”
Stands for ‘camera kid’, a term used to describe people who take photos at live events. Check in advance whether the event allows photography.

example of use:Were there a lot of Kameko at today’s location?

【Gachikoi “ガチ恋”
Being falling seriously in love with a member. There are two types of gachigoi: openly declared and hidden it.

example of use:You’re Gachikoi. You’re serious?

【Gachikoiunei “ガチ恋運営”
Thoughtful behaviour on the part of members toward otaku. Otaku are easily caught.

example of use:That girl is so good at Gachikoiunei. It’s easy to get attracted to her.

【Gakugen “学限”
Student-only. Sometimes student-only live shows or discounted student-only tickets are sold.

example of use:”There’s a Gakugen ticket for the next tour. Buying it.”

【Gacha “ガチャ”
A kind of random way of selling goods.’ It is fun just to turn the ‘gacha’.

example of use:I’m going to ‘gacha’ until NARUHAWORLD comes out! Wait a minute!

【Ginte “銀テ”】
Stands for silver tape. It often falls from the ceiling during a live performance. Basically, you can pick it up and take it home.

example of use:Who hasn’t received their Ginte? I have!

【Kecha “ケチャ”
A form of Otagei, the action of holding out one’s hand towards a member during a live performance, such as an idol show. It is usually meant as an expression of love from the fans towards the members.

example of use:Kecha on this song is very exciting!

【Genkaiotaku “限界オタク”】
Otaku whose love for their favourite member or group reaches a limit and who speak and act abnormally.

example of use:There are a lot of Genkaiotaku in that community.

【Genba “現場”
Where live music and events take place. Many people are aiming to go to a lot of them.

example of use:This is the third Genba I’ve been to today!

【Generiha “ゲネリハ”
A type of rehearsal that is performed in the same way as the actual performance.

example of use:I heard ExWHYZ had Generiha yesterday! I’m looking forward to tomorrow!

【Kouhoukareshizura “後方彼氏面”
‘I know my members best’, a term used to describe otaku with a sense of pride and emotional leeway.

example of use:Sakai, He always makes a Kouhoukareshizura at the live event.

【Ko-ru “コール”
To shout or call out a member’s name at a particular point in a song.It feels good to be bold and shout it out!

example of use:I knew the AINASTAR Ko-ru would be exciting!

【Kosan “古参”
A general name for old fans who have been around since the early days. Synonyms: Inishie.

example of use:That guy from ASP’s Kosan, I haven’t seen him recently.

【Kocheki “個チェキ”
Stands for individual cheki with members of the group.

example of use:”Who would you like to take Kocheki with? I think it’s RYUSEi!”

【Saizen “最前”
Front row space against the stage.

example of use:You’re at Saizen today! Great!

【Zaitaku “在宅”
The type of fan who does not go to the event much and supports at home. Everyone has his or her own way of enjoying it.

example of use:It’s a convenient time, because nowadays you can support them by Zaitaku!

【Circle “サークル”
“Fans making space in a circle on the floor. Danger!”

example of use:So today’s live is a circle OK. It’s a great event.

【Shishin “私信”
Information that is directed at a certain fan.

example of use:He’s always ‘Shishin’! That’s why he’s not popular.

【Shimote “下手”
The right side of the stage from the performer’s point of view. The left side, as seen from the fans in their seats.

example of use:Today’s seating was Shimote so I could`nt see my oshimen…

【Shinki “新規”
Fans who have just fallen in love with the genre or its members.

example of use:I’m Shinki from Ametalk show!

【Setori “セトリ”
Stands for setlist. This has led to a variety of reactions from fans.

example of use:Today’s Setori was really good! Did the members think of it? Was it Yamaguchi?

【Zentsuu “全通”
Refers to fans who go on all dates of tours and events.

example of use:I’m going to Zentsu on tour of Mameshiba!

【Zense “前世”
It means the group they were a part of before they joined the current group. People like to identify it with X.

example of use:I heard that CA NON’s Zense was ____.

【Taite “タイテ”
Stands for timetable. Check the time of the performance of Oshi and the time of the special event.

example of use:Today’s Taite had a really good programme! I got to see all my favourite groups.

【Taiban “対バン”
A style of live event in which two or more bands or musicians perform at a single live show. Performing together in a live concert is called ‘Taiban Suru’, and the partner with whom you perform is called your ‘Taiban Aite’.

example of use:Today’s Taiban was a very hot line-up. Excellent!

【Tataki “叩き”
The act of buying tickets at the same time as they go on sale to purchaset the first come first served tickets

example of use:Let’s go for it, because there’s Tataki at 10:00 today!

【Tachiichishitei “立ち位置指定”
Numbered at the foot of the floor, with the audience viewing them on the spot.

example of use:It’s easier to see the ‘Tachiichishitei’!

【Tawareko “タワレコ”
Stands for Tower Records. Thank you for all your support.

example of use:WACK JACK is on, let’s go to Tawareco Shibuya!

【Tantou “担当”
The persons you are supporting.

example of use:I’m WONKER TWiNS Tanto, you’re MATiLDER TWiNS Tanto!

【Daibu “ダイブ”
Artist jumping into the audience or audience member jumping onto the stage. Dangerous!

example of use:Are dives allowed on live today? It’s a great live.

【Cheki “チェキ”
A two-shot or selfie taken with an idol using an instant cheki camera. The time it takes for the film to come out of the camera is superb, and you can talk to your idol for that time.

example of use:I finally got to take a Cheki with Hanano!

【Chekiken “チェキ券”
Ticket required to join a cheki event with the member.

example of use:Does anyone have any extra Chekiken’?

【Tsu-man “ツーマン”
Refers to an event performed by two groups.

example of use:Go for the ASP and ExWHYZ Tsu-man, right?

【Tsuyobi “強火”
Loving madly

example of use:RiNA’s otaku are Tsuyobi!

【Tifu “TIF”
Stands for TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL. Thank you for your support.

example of use:I saw Nagahama Neru at TIF and she was really cute!

【Ti-o “TO”
“Stands for ‘Top Otaku’.Often recognised by others for a variety of reasons. There are no clear criteria, so there can be more than one T.O..”

example of use:Ti-0 liked the photo I took!

【Teuri “手売り”
Selling tickets in person at live venues and events.

example of use:ASP does Teuri, so let’s go!

【Dekin “出禁”
Stands for banned from entering the show.

example of use:I heard that the otaku with Mameshiba was Dekin.

【De-de “DD”】
Stands for loving everyone.

example of use:You’re a real DD, aren’t you?

【Doutan “同担”
Otaku who have the same favourite members as myself.

example of use:It’s fun to be on the event when you have Doutan!

【Doutankyohi “同担拒否”
Attitude of not wanting to socialise with other fans who support the same member.

example of use:That otaku is a Doutankyohi !

【Totoi “尊い”
Words referring to precious and superb appearance.

example of use:I knew mayu’s songs were Totoi!

【Dosen “ドセン”
Stands for ‘dosenter’. Refers to the centre place of the stage. For the front row, ’Saizendosen’.

example of use:I’ve got Dosen!

【Nagesen “投げ銭”
“Charging directly to support member, e.g. through streaming.Different from buying merchandise or live tickets.”

example of use:I wish I could Nagesen at my favorite member.

【Niwaka “にわか”
A fan who likes a popular person or work of art suddenly.he’ve only recently fallen in love with him, so he don’t know much about them.

example of use:If you don’t know Mr. Tsujiyama, then you’re a Niwaka!

【Ninchi “認知”
To remember names, faces, etc. from members.

example of use:Ninchi by NAMELESS Happy!

【Numaru “沼る”
Otaku who are addicted to a particular genre or member.

example of use:MAHiTO can be Numaru.

【Hagashi “剥がし”
Act of asking a customer to move on to the next customer at a special event, etc.

example of use:The Hagashi of the  CHANGBABY was tough, wasn’t it? Did you think it was Yamaguchi?

【Hakeresu “ハケレス”
A reply given when an idol leaves the stage (Hakeru), such as at the end of a live performance.

example of use:Yumeka’s ‘Hakeresu’ is really good!

【Babumi “バブみ”
Otaku terms used for feelings of motherhood.

example of use:CHANGBABY’s Babumi is amazing.

【Hakooshi “箱推し”
Supporting all members of the group.

example of use:I Hakooshi GANG PARADE!

【Pinchike “ピンチケ”
“Referred to as a term for young fans.The term originates from the pink tickets that were sold cheaply at AKB theatres to junior and senior high school students.”

example of use:Beware of ASP Pinchike!

【Fansa “ファンサ”
Stands for fan service.

example of use:COCO PARTIN COCO’s Fansa is the best!

【Fukyo “布教”
Spreading the goodness of your favourite artist.

example of use:I want to Fukyo the goodness of NARUHAWORLD!

【Furasuta “フラスタ”
Stands for flower stand. Celebratory flowers offered by Otaku, Stakeholder at one-man shows and birthday celebrations.

example of use:I would like to set up a Furasuta for Aika’s birthday celebration!

【Furikopi “振りコピ”
Stands for copying the choreography.

example of use:Let’s Furikopi KiSS KiSS and take a TikTok shot!

【Penra “ペンラ”
Stands for glow stick.

example of use:I will give you a Penra if you don’t have one!

【Honshika “ほんしか”
“Stands for ‘view of the day’.Taking photos of the stage before a live performance at the venue that day to show your place to your fellow Otaku and your Oshi.”

example of use:Honshika #ASPBudokan

【Hosu “干す”
Having a ticket for a benefit event but not using the benefit ticket or stopping going to the venue.

example of use:”YUI GA DOCKSON’s benefit ticket, I didn’t get it in time and had to Hosu T_T I’ll Hosu at the event today.”

【Manchike “万チケ”
Tickets with a high price tag in the over 10,000 yen.

example of use:ASP’s Manchike benefit was the best!

【Musen “無銭”
Free events and live concerts.

example of use:There’s a Musen event tomorrow, do you want to go with me?

【Mix “ミックス
A call to action that goes in during a song.

example of use:I can’t wait to do a Mix of the new song.

【Yome “嫁”
Otaku term referring to one’s favourite member.

example of use:Twins are my Yome!

【Rancheki “ランチェキ”
Stands for random Cheki.

example of use:I don’t get SAORi out of Rancheki at all!

【Riako “リアコ”
Having serious romantic feelings for a person’s favourite member.

example of use:I’m going to be a Riako for mikina.

【Lift “リフト”
“The act of otaku lifting otaku on his shoulders. Note that this is a prohibited act depending on the idol and the event.”

example of use:Lift OK on today’s live? It’s a hot!

【Ririibe “リリイベ”
Stands for release event.

example of use:Every week they are doing a Ririibe.

【Loop “ループ
Standing in the same member’s queue several times at benefit events.

example of use:How many more Loops can we do?

【Renban “連番”
Continued seat numbering.

example of use:That’s Renbun today! Enjoying it!

【Resu “レス”
The artist’s response.

example of use:Yes! I got a Resu from YUMENOYUA today!