Words used in fandom
Concerts
It refers to fans shout members' names or shout call-and-response chants during performances. Calls aren't set at first for new songs but gradually become fixed, which is fun to watch. Calls usually come from fans but sometimes reflect members' wishes. Videos with call chants may be disliked by new fans but longtime attendees find performances without calls unsatisfying.
It's when fans simultaneously shout "Eeeh~?" during performances. Originally, it was used only during concerts to express disappointment when it was the final MC and members said "This is the last song". However, there was a time when some fans overused it even in minor situations, which sometimes annoyed the members. Since around 2015, this behavior has gradually calmed down and it's now usually used in concerts only.
It means attending concerts or events held far away from one's hometown.
It refers to a concert held in a member's hometown. Fans often use glow sticks in the member's color to fill the venue, and sometimes change the usual encore call to something special. However, concerts held in Tokyo are not considered as "gaisen".
It refers to a concert featuring all Hello! Project groups performing together. It's held twice a year, during winter and summer.
It refers to jumping during a concert when your favorite member is singing, to draw attention to yourself. Since January 2020, this has been completely banned at Hello! Project events, causing oshijan enthusiasts to disappear.
It refers to a women only area. At concerts, it's a section where only women are allowed to enter. The size of the women-only area varies depending on the group's popularity and the type of audience, and you won't know its size, location, or even whether it exists until you actually arrive at the event on the day. Incidentally, the members are happy when the women-only area is large.
It refers to the tickets sold at events or concerts on the day of the performance.
Events
It refers to events where fans can take instant polaroid-style photos with their favorite idoles. It can be individual or with several members. Fans are allowed to suggest a pose to the member, which make these events more intimate, offering a special personal moment with the member. Very popular in the Japanese idol community, they are an important way for fans to create unique memories.
Kousoku & Teisoku / 高速・低速 / High-speed & Low-speed
Both refers to the speed of the handshake event flow. The slower (low-speed) the flow, the longer you can shake hands. Newer groups tend to have slower speeds. Groups like Morning Musume。often have very fast (high-speed) flows, so fast that you may not even remember if you shook hands or talked. Women's areas usually have somewhat slower speeds, and for kids under elementary school age, handshake events may temporarily stop for a very slow handshake session.
Kagiake & Kagishime / 鍵開け・鍵締め / First & Last
It refers to being the first fan to interact with a member at events like handshake meetings, while "Kagishime" means being the last. Some fans place particular importance on these roles.
Kareru / 枯れる / Sold out
It means that event tickets or entry passes are completely sold out.
It refers to individual handshake events, where members each have separate booths. Called "kojika events" to differentiate from the "cheki events". Official handshake time ins't public and are estimated about 8 seconds. Timing depends on staff and member reactions. Since pandemic, and due to the health measures, these events are not done anymore.
Kobetsu sign-kai / 個別サイン会 / Signing sessions
It refers to individual signing sessions, where the exchange is a sign session. Fan receives a more elaborate autograph, often written directly on an object such as a photo, CD, poster, or official product. These sessions generally allow for a slightly longer exchange than a traditional handshake, sometimes including a short chat or a special moment with the member.
Kobetsu talk-kai / 個別トーク会 / Talk events
It refers to individual talk sessions. These sessions usually last a bit longer than handshake events, allowing fans to ask questions, chat, or simply exchange a few words with their favorite member. They are often held during the release of singles, albums, or other promotional events as a more personal way to connect with fans. These events are very popular because they offer a more intimate and less rushed experience than traditional handshake events.
Oma itsu / おまいつ / Always here
It refers to fans who are seen at almost every event or concerts. The term likely comes from the phrase "Omae itsumo iru yo na" which means "You're always here, aren't you?".
It refers to events where fans say "bye bye~" to the members. Like a handshake event, fans walk past the members who sit behind a table, waving goodbye as they pass. Stopping isn't allowed, so conversation is difficult, at best, fans can only express their thoughts briefly. It's a customary way to end birthday events.
It refers to an event you can apply to attend using the serial number included with a CD. The content of the event varies depending on the group.
It refers to events where the members of Morning Musume。are dispatched individually to various locations across Japan to hold handshake events simultaneously. It's commonly abbreviated as ZDA. These are usually held in conjunction with the release of a single. It happened with "Brainstorming" release in 2013. It has become customary for the announcement of which member will visit which prefecture to be made via a YouTube video. During the event, reports and updates from each location are frequently shared on X and other platforms.
It refers to holding many penlights by wedging them between four fingers in one hand, allowing you to hold eight in total with both hands. The term comes from the character Blarog in Street Fighter, who wears claw-like weapons on his hands, resembling the appearance of the penlights held this way.
It refers to a fan who loves every members in a group, who doesn't have favorite members.
It refers to how long a fan has supported Hello! Project. Longtime fans are veterans. For example, for Morning Musume。fans who attended the 1997 "Ai no Tane" release event, or for Berryz Koubou's 2004 debut event, are considered as "kosan".
It refers to a fan who supports Hello! Project. There's also specific nicknames depending on the group supported, such as "Musume wota" or "Mo wota" (娘ヲタ / モーヲタ) for Morning Musume。fans.
It means a favorite member, the one you like the most.
It's when fans are adding oshi members, increasing the number of favorite members). Especially in Morning Musume。where new young members regularly join, this naturally happens.
It refers to quitting being a fan. When a fan is no longer seen at events, people might speculate "Have they takai-ed?". For older fans, it can be confusing whether they’ve simply "graduated" from being a fan or have literally passed away, so it's best to make a clear "takai declaration".
It refers to the results of a lottery or drawing for concert or event reservations. The email notifying the results is called a "touraku mail" (lottery result email). "当選" means winning/selected, 落選 means losing/not selected.
It refers to graduating from being a fan.
Goods
It refers to when a member appears at the merchandise sales area (such as at birthday events) to help sell goods. If the timing is right, fans can even have a conversation with the member.
Stands for "Figure Stand Keyholders" that depict members at 1/20 scale. They are very popular products, and on the release day of FSKs, lines form early in front of Hello! Project shops, with popular members' keyholders selling out instantly.
It refers to Hello! Project shops that sell official Hello! Project related merchandise. As of 2020, there are three stores located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. In Tokyo and Osaka, Hello! Project members sometimes visit the shops to hold events titled "Senya Ichiya" (千夜一夜).
Stands for "Microfiber Towel". It is a large towel printed with members' images and sold at concerts and events. During bus tours, it's common for fans to line up these towels on bus windows or on the walls of inns as a display.
It refers to pin-up posters. These are A4-sized posters of individual members sold at concerts and events. They are sold sealed in envelopes, so buyers don't know which member's poster they will get until they open it. Opening the envelope is called the "opening ceremony" (開封式), and fans enjoy the excitement and reactions based on the result.
Members related
Enjin / 円陣 / Circle huddle
It refers to the moment when Morning Musume。doing their "Ganbatte Ikkimasshoi". It's a ritual where all members form a circle before a live show or event to motivate themselves up and boost morale.
Kenshuusei / 研修生 / Trainees
It refers to trainees members part of Hello Pro Kenshuusei aiming for debut. Originally called "Hello Pro Eggs", the named changed in 2012 with the 14th generation. While other idol agencies call them "research students", Hello! Project trainees focus on dance and vocal training, so they're called "trainees".
Ki / 期 / Generation
It indicates the period when members joined a group, such as "13th generation members". This system started with Morning Musume。where members join and graduate repeatedly.
It refers to the line-up of Morning Musume。members at the time of the release of their 9th album entitled "Platinum 9 DISC". This lineup included nine members : Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, Tanaka Reina, Kusumi Koharu, Mitsui Aika, Junjun, and Linlin (sometimes also used to refer to the eight members excluding Kusumi Koharu). The term is used in contrast to the group's so-called "Golden Era."
It refers to the parts of a song that members sing. The term comes from the idea of "dividing and assigning" parts of the song among members. Naturally, the member with the most assigned parts is considered the main vocalist.
Call / コール
It refers to fans shout members' names or shout call-and-response chants during performances. Calls aren't set at first for new songs but gradually become fixed, which is fun to watch. Calls usually come from fans but sometimes reflect members' wishes. Videos with call chants may be disliked by new fans but longtime attendees find performances without calls unsatisfying.
Eeeh-ing / エーイング / Eeeh?
It's when fans simultaneously shout "Eeeh~?" during performances. Originally, it was used only during concerts to express disappointment when it was the final MC and members said "This is the last song". However, there was a time when some fans overused it even in minor situations, which sometimes annoyed the members. Since around 2015, this behavior has gradually calmed down and it's now usually used in concerts only.
Ensei / 遠征 / Expedition
It means attending concerts or events held far away from one's hometown.
Family seki / ファミ席 / Family seat
It's short for "Family seat" which refers to a section set up at concerts. Unlike general seating, it requires audience members to remain seated during the performance so that children and elderly attendees can enjoy the show safely. Loud calls and raising glow sticks high are prohibited. Despite the name, it's not exclusively for families, single attendees can also purchase these seats.
Gaisen / 凱旋 / Triumphal return
It refers to a concert held in a member's hometown. Fans often use glow sticks in the member's color to fill the venue, and sometimes change the usual encore call to something special. However, concerts held in Tokyo are not considered as "gaisen".
Harokon / ハロコン / Concerts of Hello! Project
It refers to a concert featuring all Hello! Project groups performing together. It's held twice a year, during winter and summer.
Oshi jan / 推しジャン / Oshi jump
It refers to jumping during a concert when your favorite member is singing, to draw attention to yourself. Since January 2020, this has been completely banned at Hello! Project events, causing oshijan enthusiasts to disappear.
Jogen / 女限 / Woman only
It refers to a women only area. At concerts, it's a section where only women are allowed to enter. The size of the women-only area varies depending on the group's popularity and the type of audience, and you won't know its size, location, or even whether it exists until you actually arrive at the event on the day. Incidentally, the members are happy when the women-only area is large.
Touken / 刀剣 / Same-days tickets
It refers to the tickets sold at events or concerts on the day of the performance.
Tsuuro kourin (Kyakusei kourin) / 通路降臨(客席降臨) / Aisle descent or audience descent
It refers to when members come down into the audience area during a concert. At Hello! Project concerts, this became a regular thing starting from the Hello! Project 2013 Winter tour. Because the members get very close to the audience, ticket prices for aisle seats on the resale market tend to soar. Note: Even if your favorite member comes close, touching them is strictly prohibited!
Events
Cheki / チェキ / Polaroid
It refers to events where fans can take instant polaroid-style photos with their favorite idoles. It can be individual or with several members. Fans are allowed to suggest a pose to the member, which make these events more intimate, offering a special personal moment with the member. Very popular in the Japanese idol community, they are an important way for fans to create unique memories.
Kousoku & Teisoku / 高速・低速 / High-speed & Low-speed
Both refers to the speed of the handshake event flow. The slower (low-speed) the flow, the longer you can shake hands. Newer groups tend to have slower speeds. Groups like Morning Musume。often have very fast (high-speed) flows, so fast that you may not even remember if you shook hands or talked. Women's areas usually have somewhat slower speeds, and for kids under elementary school age, handshake events may temporarily stop for a very slow handshake session.
Kagiake & Kagishime / 鍵開け・鍵締め / First & Last
It refers to being the first fan to interact with a member at events like handshake meetings, while "Kagishime" means being the last. Some fans place particular importance on these roles.
Kamite & Shimote / 上手・下手 / Right & Left
When looking at the stage from the audience, the right side is called "kamite" and the left side is "shimote". Members who stand at the far ends, closer to kamite or shimote, usually have less favorable positions. Sometimes, members who can't stand at center jokingly use this as self-deprecating humor.
Kareru / 枯れる / Sold out
It means that event tickets or entry passes are completely sold out.
Kobetsu akushu-kai / 個別握手会 / Handshake events
It refers to individual handshake events, where members each have separate booths. Called "kojika events" to differentiate from the "cheki events". Official handshake time ins't public and are estimated about 8 seconds. Timing depends on staff and member reactions. Since pandemic, and due to the health measures, these events are not done anymore.
Kobetsu sign-kai / 個別サイン会 / Signing sessions
It refers to individual signing sessions, where the exchange is a sign session. Fan receives a more elaborate autograph, often written directly on an object such as a photo, CD, poster, or official product. These sessions generally allow for a slightly longer exchange than a traditional handshake, sometimes including a short chat or a special moment with the member.
Kobetsu talk-kai / 個別トーク会 / Talk events
It refers to individual talk sessions. These sessions usually last a bit longer than handshake events, allowing fans to ask questions, chat, or simply exchange a few words with their favorite member. They are often held during the release of singles, albums, or other promotional events as a more personal way to connect with fans. These events are very popular because they offer a more intimate and less rushed experience than traditional handshake events.
Oma itsu / おまいつ / Always here
It refers to fans who are seen at almost every event or concerts. The term likely comes from the phrase "Omae itsumo iru yo na" which means "You're always here, aren't you?".
Omiokuri-kai / お見送り会 / See-off event
It refers to events where fans say "bye bye~" to the members. Like a handshake event, fans walk past the members who sit behind a table, waving goodbye as they pass. Stopping isn't allowed, so conversation is difficult, at best, fans can only express their thoughts briefly. It's a customary way to end birthday events.
Shiri-ebe / シリイベ / Serial event
It refers to an event you can apply to attend using the serial number included with a CD. The content of the event varies depending on the group.
Zenkoku Douji Akusuku-kai or ZDA / 全国同時握手会 / National Simultaneous Handshake Events
It refers to events where the members of Morning Musume。are dispatched individually to various locations across Japan to hold handshake events simultaneously. It's commonly abbreviated as ZDA. These are usually held in conjunction with the release of a single. It happened with "Brainstorming" release in 2013. It has become customary for the announcement of which member will visit which prefecture to be made via a YouTube video. During the event, reports and updates from each location are frequently shared on X and other platforms.
Fans related
Balrog / バルログ
It refers to holding many penlights by wedging them between four fingers in one hand, allowing you to hold eight in total with both hands. The term comes from the character Blarog in Street Fighter, who wears claw-like weapons on his hands, resembling the appearance of the penlights held this way.
Dare demo daisuki or DD / 誰でも大好き/ Love everyone
It refers to a fan who loves every members in a group, who doesn't have favorite members.
Kosan & Shinzan & Shinki / 古参・新参・新規 / Veteran & Newcomer & New fan
It refers to how long a fan has supported Hello! Project. Longtime fans are veterans. For example, for Morning Musume。fans who attended the 1997 "Ai no Tane" release event, or for Berryz Koubou's 2004 debut event, are considered as "kosan".
Hello wota / ハロヲタ / Hello Fan
It refers to a fan who supports Hello! Project. There's also specific nicknames depending on the group supported, such as "Musume wota" or "Mo wota" (娘ヲタ / モーヲタ) for Morning Musume。fans.
Oshi / 推し / Favorite member
It means a favorite member, the one you like the most.
Oshi mashi / 推し増し / Oshi increase
It's when fans are adding oshi members, increasing the number of favorite members). Especially in Morning Musume。where new young members regularly join, this naturally happens.
Takai / 他界 / Other world
It refers to quitting being a fan. When a fan is no longer seen at events, people might speculate "Have they takai-ed?". For older fans, it can be confusing whether they’ve simply "graduated" from being a fan or have literally passed away, so it's best to make a clear "takai declaration".
Touraku / 当落 / Lottery results
It refers to the results of a lottery or drawing for concert or event reservations. The email notifying the results is called a "touraku mail" (lottery result email). "当選" means winning/selected, 落選 means losing/not selected.
Wota sotsugyou / ヲタ卒 / Fan graduating
It refers to graduating from being a fan.
Goods
Buppan Kourien / 物販降臨 / Merchandise arrival
It refers to when a member appears at the merchandise sales area (such as at birthday events) to help sell goods. If the timing is right, fans can even have a conversation with the member.
FSK
Stands for "Figure Stand Keyholders" that depict members at 1/20 scale. They are very popular products, and on the release day of FSKs, lines form early in front of Hello! Project shops, with popular members' keyholders selling out instantly.
Hello Shop / ハロショ
It refers to Hello! Project shops that sell official Hello! Project related merchandise. As of 2020, there are three stores located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. In Tokyo and Osaka, Hello! Project members sometimes visit the shops to hold events titled "Senya Ichiya" (千夜一夜).
MFT
Stands for "Microfiber Towel". It is a large towel printed with members' images and sold at concerts and events. During bus tours, it's common for fans to line up these towels on bus windows or on the walls of inns as a display.
Pinposu / ピンポス / Pin-up collection
It refers to pin-up posters. These are A4-sized posters of individual members sold at concerts and events. They are sold sealed in envelopes, so buyers don't know which member's poster they will get until they open it. Opening the envelope is called the "opening ceremony" (開封式), and fans enjoy the excitement and reactions based on the result.
Members related
Ame onna / 雨女 / Rain woman
It refers to a member who seems to bring rain wherever she goes. Historically, this includes members like Ishikawa Rika from Morning Musume。, Yajima Maimi from ℃-ute, and Mano Erina. It also includes current member Kitagawa Rio according to Oda Sakura, Yokoyama Reina and Sakurai Rio. The important aspects of being a "rain woman" besides the probability of causing rain, are also popularity and visual appeal. The reason is that even if it rains at an event, all fans must be able to enjoy the show thinking "Well it's because she is the rain woman, so it can't be helped". If the member is unpopular or not visually appealing, fans might say "It's raining because she is here!" which would only create tension and make the atmosphere worse.
It refers to the position in the middle of the group. Usually, the most popular members or those with the most singing parts stand here, but the position can change depending on the song or situation.
Center / センター
It refers to the position in the middle of the group. Usually, the most popular members or those with the most singing parts stand here, but the position can change depending on the song or situation.
Enjin / 円陣 / Circle huddle
It refers to the moment when Morning Musume。doing their "Ganbatte Ikkimasshoi". It's a ritual where all members form a circle before a live show or event to motivate themselves up and boost morale.
Kenshuusei / 研修生 / Trainees
It refers to trainees members part of Hello Pro Kenshuusei aiming for debut. Originally called "Hello Pro Eggs", the named changed in 2012 with the 14th generation. While other idol agencies call them "research students", Hello! Project trainees focus on dance and vocal training, so they're called "trainees".
Ki / 期 / Generation
It indicates the period when members joined a group, such as "13th generation members". This system started with Morning Musume。where members join and graduate repeatedly.
Platinum-ki / プラチナ期 / Platinum Era
It refers to the line-up of Morning Musume。members at the time of the release of their 9th album entitled "Platinum 9 DISC". This lineup included nine members : Takahashi Ai, Niigaki Risa, Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, Tanaka Reina, Kusumi Koharu, Mitsui Aika, Junjun, and Linlin (sometimes also used to refer to the eight members excluding Kusumi Koharu). The term is used in contrast to the group's so-called "Golden Era."
Utawari / 歌割り / Singing parts
It refers to the parts of a song that members sing. The term comes from the idea of "dividing and assigning" parts of the song among members. Naturally, the member with the most assigned parts is considered the main vocalist.