Ii Oshi no Hi — A Day to Celebrate Your Favorite

What Is "Ii Oshi no Hi"?

November 4th is "Ii Oshi no Hi" in Japan, established by Goshinboku Co., Ltd. of Tsukechi, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. The date comes from a pun reading "1104" as "ii (11) oshi (04)," roughly meaning "a good favorite." The anniversary was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2019.

A Day That Celebrates "Oshi-katsu" Fan Culture

This anniversary was created to promote interaction among fans and to help revitalize local communities.

• Who counts as an "oshi": an idol, actor, anime character, or anyone else you passionately support — everyone's "favorite" is different
• Growing on social media: every year around this time, posts celebrating people's "oshi" surge across social media
• Community connection: broadening the circle of connection built through fan activities is also part of the goal

"Oshi-katsu" as a Lifestyle

The idea that having someone to root for adds energy and purpose to everyday life has become widely embraced in recent years. Collecting merchandise, attending events, and posting on social media are just a few of the many ways people engage with their "oshi."

Tips for Marking This Day

• Talk about your own "oshi" once again, in your own words
• Organize the merchandise or photos related to your favorite
• Search "#IiOshiNoHi" on social media and browse everyone else's posts
• Chat with fellow fans about what you love most about your favorite

Caring About Someone Makes Everyday Life Shine

Having an "oshi" adds color and motivation to daily life. Let November 4th be a day to be honest about what you love and talk freely about your affection for your favorite.