oshikatsu observations from 2 weeks in ikebukuro

not saying any of this is the 'correct' or 'incorrect' way to do oshikatsu, just observations from being immersed in the epicenter of the oshikatsu world for a bit!

- oshikatsu in japan is a financial flex. this is my main takeaway- people are NOT willing to cut corners on the cost of oshikatsu. people will be open about how they can't afford this or that, to eat out, etc, because they sacrificed their money to buy their oshikatsu stuff. it comes from a deep devotion. even if they've starving and can barely pay rent, they WILL be supporting their oshi and showing that off.

- repeat bags are extremely popular. it ties into the financial flex thing, having several pieces of the same high value can badge or card is seen as highly devoted/supporting their oshi to the maximum. almost no-one is carrying a bag that is not a repeat bag. the interior/border of the repeat bag is usually decorated nicely as well.

- all merch is protected. can badge covers, hard plastic cases for cards, pouches for rosettes, cases for nuis and bromides. sun-blocking UV cases of all sizes are sold all over the place.

- they don't do "messy" bags in japan. all the can badges are the same size, arranged in neat rows, there is no 'chaotic' aspect to their bags. if varying size can badges are used, they are lined up in a specific order (1 row of small buttons followed by 1 row of large buttons, alternating rows, etc) or arranged in a specific aesthetic way (small badges used to surround a large badge/rosette in the middle of the bag that acts as a centerpiece)

- they do NOT do "random" bags, or bags with multiple fandoms/oshis. throwing a bunch of things you enjoy into a bag is completely unheard of there. the bag is a deliberate and singular piece to show devotion to one specific character or ship. if you have multiple oshis, you need multiple bags or inserts.

- self-made decorations are common and popular. lots of shops sell tons of deco items specifically for making pc holders, rosettes, and for decorating the interior of the bag itself. you can buy them pre-made, but it shows more support and devotion to make the decorations yourself.

- ONLY official merch is used in ita bags. absolutely no one has any kind of fan-merch on display. it's seen as supporting your oshi to give money directly to the company that produces them/the franchise they come from as a whole. i would say unofficial merch is actively looked down upon in ita bags in japan.

- everything is color coordinated. lots of people coordinate their outfits with their ita bags. but it's basically a given that if your oshi's color is blue, your bag will be blue or blue themed. it doesn't matter what YOUR favorite color is, the bag is centered around your oshi rather than the self.

- oshikatsu is POPULAR. it is only getting more and more popular. last time i was in japan 10 years ago, it was not nearly as prevalent as it is today. you can buy ita bags, cases, badge holders, pc covers, rosettes, and nui clothes at a ton of mainstream stores. it's extremely common to see people of all ages and demographics with oshikatsu stuff. i saw lots of office worker ladies age 45+ on the train with oshikatsu trinkets on their work bags.