Let's Start Oshi-katsu: Easy DIY Fan Making Guide

Oshi-katsu, the activity of supporting your 'oshi'.

While 'oshi' originally referred to a favorite member of an idol group, it is now used broadly to include sports athletes, anime characters, and even people you know personally whom you favor.
'Oshi' not only brightens up daily life but also serves as motivation to work hard at studies and jobs.

Because your 'oshi' is so precious, you want them to shine even brighter through your support.

In this article, we will practice one aspect of oshi-katsu—'supporting by wearing or carrying goods'—by making an original fan!

The Editorial Department's 'Oshi'

Before we start making original goods, let's introduce the editorial department's 'oshi'.
This is the 'oshi' shared by all editorial staff members who are always excited about idols and anime characters.

It's our team leader.

The reason we are able to deliver articles for the official SKY PerfecTV! note is entirely thanks to our generous team leader. They are the best 'oshi,' loved by every team member.
They even kindly agreed to this article project!

Now, let's get started on making the original goods.

How to Make a Handmade Fan

Step 1. Prepare materials and tools

First, prepare the materials and tools.

Everything can be bought at a 100-yen shop, so you can gather the materials for just a few coins. Although we didn't use it in the editorial department, using a thicker color board can help you finish with a more three-dimensional and cuter fan.
※Please check the regulations for fan sizes, as they may vary depending on the event you are attending.

Step 2. Think about the fan design

Just being able to meet your 'oshi' is happiness enough, but it's an otaku's heart to want some fan service.

You can express your love straight out with 'I love you' or 'I adore you,' or write what you want them to do, like 'Point at me' or 'Blow a kiss.' Think about the words you want to convey to your 'oshi'.

Once you've thought of the text, create a design image in PowerPoint. Creating it on an A3 size slide will make the subsequent work smoother. The font size is up to your preference, but we recommend at least 100pt for readability, even for smaller text.

Here is the design for the team leader's fan.

Step 3. Print and cut the text

Insert the text into an A3 size slide in PowerPoint and print it out.

Carefully cut out the printed letters.
I am using scissors for everything this time, but for characters with many strokes or those that require cutting out the inside, it is easier to use a craft knife, so please use the tool that is easiest for you.

*If you are using a color board, printing in black and tracing the edges of the letters before cutting will result in a clean finish. Since I am not using a color board this time, I am using the colored printouts as they are.

Step 4. Stick the letters onto fluorescent cutting sheets and cut them out with a border.

Stick the cut-out letters onto the fluorescent cutting sheet and cut around them to create a border.
Since fans used at concerts often have a black background, using fluorescent yellow makes them stand out more.

Step 5. Stick the letters and stickers onto the fan.

Stick the cut-out letters and heart-shaped stickers onto the fan.
Cutting stickers are convenient because you can just peel off the backing and stick them on.

Step 6. Stick frill tape along the edge of the fan and you're done!

Finally, by bordering the fan with frill tape, the cuteness is doubled. Since it is tape, it is surprisingly easy to attach.

Here is the finished product decorated with frill tape.

So cute!!!

Bonus: Oshi Stand

Since I went to the trouble, I made another piece of Oshi merchandise to go with it, so I'd like to introduce it.
Oshi-katsu goods that allow you to feel close to your "Oshi".

It's an Oshi stand.

If they are idols or anime characters, official acrylic stands are often released, but there are no stand goods for my personal Oshi.
Methods for making your own stand include sticking them to plastic plates or laminating them, but this time I made a stand by sticking a photo of my "Oshi" onto an EVA sheet.

The lightweight stand can also be carried in a dedicated case.

The "Oshi's" reaction

Now, I will have my "Oshi" look at the fan and the stand to see if I can get some fan service.

The reaction is...

So happy~~~!!!
I feel like I'm floating on air after getting a fan service (comment) from my "oshi" after they saw my handmade fan.

Making fans and merch by hand takes more time than buying ready-made items, but the time spent cutting and pasting while thinking about your "oshi" is pure bliss!
Thinking about my "oshi's" reaction also made me feel excited and happy.

Everyone, please feel free to use this guide as a reference and enjoy making your own!

(Text by Yama)