Oshi-katsu Diary | On the Resolve to Call Myself 'O-Ningen-san' at Starbucks

I set my Starbucks registration name to 'O-Ningen-san'.

This was done on a whim.
People usually make mistakes in life on a whim.


'O-Ningen-san' is the name that
Nijisanji Vtuber 'Runrun' uses
to address her listeners.

Runrun is a fluffy, adorable, wild beast
who observes and learns about
humans and the world.

I, who happened to be watching her stream, had also become
a fine 'O-Ningen-san' before I knew it.

I loved the way Runrun would gently and softly call out, 'O-Ningen-san'.

So, I tried incorporating it into my daily life.
At Starbucks, of all places.

Mobile ordering was cruel.
The name I entered became a declaration to the world.


As I approached the pickup counter,
I thought to myself,
Was this really a good idea?
Even though it's winter, I was breaking out in a cold sweat.
My heart wouldn't stop racing.

And then, the unavoidable moment arrived.
If I didn't identify myself, I wouldn't get my coffee.


'I placed a mobile order... for O-Ningen-san.'

Who do you think you are, I thought.
The moment I said it, I thought it more than anyone else.



The staff member paused for a split second,
and then, as if nothing had happened,
handed me the cup with a smile. A true professional.


On the cup, it was clearly written:
'O-NIN-GEN-SAN'
Back home, while drinking my coffee,


I thought to myself,
What did I gain in exchange for this shame?
The answer is simple.


It was kind of fun.When you incorporate your 'oshi-katsu' into your daily life,


things like this happen.
Even though the world hasn't changed at all,
your own position shifts just a little bit.
That shift is surprisingly fun.

But next time,
I think I'll go with a safer name.

Maybe.