UlasanAnime.com – This article delves into the lifestyle of an “eventer,” a dedicated fan who actively attends various events related to their fandom, using the example of Otaben, an idol otaku.
The author emphasizes that simply stating one attends conventions frequently doesn’t fully convey the experience to those unfamiliar with it. It needs to be explained in detail, much like Otaben’s financial breakdown of his hobby.
Otaben reveals his annual spending on his idol otaku activities, stating he spent approximately 1,000,000 yen (around $10,000 USD) in the previous year and anticipates exceeding that amount in the current year, directly proportional to his income. He clarifies that this is his maximum spending limit, and he maintains savings for other necessities, spending only 20 to 30% of his income on this hobby.
A detailed breakdown of his 1,000,000 yen expenditure includes 400,000 yen for CDs, which also grant him access to handshaking events and voting rights for elections. Another 400,000 yen is allocated for transportation and accommodation to attend events, with the remaining funds spent on merchandise and other related items.
The author finds this profile to be a typical representation, noting that an English-speaking anison/seiyuu eventer based in Japan, whom they met, shares a similar lifestyle, even including having a wife and child. What particularly impresses the author is how overseas-based eventers are essentially replicating this same dedication in their own regions.
While the overseas eventer scene differs from its North American counterparts, the author observes an eerie parallel in their own budget, especially concerning travel expenses. Attending conventions is financially demanding due to costs like hotels and airfare, not to mention the opportunity cost of time off work and personal free time dedicated to events. The lifestyle is also physically exhausting, making the stereotype of middle-aged, financially struggling AKB48 fans seem improbable to the author, as maintaining such a lifestyle into one’s 40s requires significant fitness and motivation.
The article highlights that for the 48 Group (a popular idol franchise), event participation is central to the fandom. This aspect is often overlooked in the broader Japanese idol industry, especially as other entertainment sectors are increasingly adopting similar strategies. Anison and seiyuu idol fandoms, for instance, have long embraced this model, which is the very reason platforms like Eventernote exist and why fans meticulously plan trips to Japan to attend as many events as possible within a limited timeframe.
[A brief consideration is given to the theory that “Oversea eventers are all DD” (Dare Demo Daisuki – liking everyone). If one considers all overseas guests as analogous to the numerous members of AKB48, it’s questionable whether there has been even one overseas convention guest for every AKB48 member.]
The author clarifies that while Otaben is an idol otaku, eventers can encompass a wide range of fandoms. This includes attending anime events to follow specific studios or directors, a growing trend. The author themselves primarily identifies as an anime otaku with a lean towards seiyuu idols, attending events that feature seiyuu rather than engaging in the idol scene outside of anime-related figures. They note that concerts by artists like Mizuki Nana are now significant events, far removed from the brief, ten-second handshake encounters mentioned in the article, illustrating how fandom is expressed in East Asia.
Otaben’s observation about the “best thing” at these events—the opportunity to meet diverse individuals—rings true. This sense of community is a driving force behind anime conventions, mirroring the social aspect of the events discussed. Beyond gender diversity (with exceptions like IM@S live events), attendees can connect with people from all walks of life. It’s common for Japanese fans to encounter individuals of different ethnicities, making these events enjoyable for forging new friendships.
The author recommends reading the original article, finding it a good explanation of the lifestyle they are actively trying to avoid for themselves.
PS. The author notes that Otaben spent only $4000 USD on travel (assuming he’s based in Nara) for a year’s worth of events, which were likely numerous. In contrast, the author spent nearly 50% more on travel for just five weekends of activities in Japan, expressing a sense of wistfulness.
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