Riako
Meaning
Riako is short for "riaru ni koi shiteru" (lit. really in love). It refers to having genuine romantic feelings for someone you can normally only have a fan relationship with, such as idols, actors, voice actors, or anime characters, or to someone in that vein.
Unlike simply cheering for an oshi (favorite), riako involves romantic feelings intense enough to desire a real relationship or marriage. Many people self-identify as riako after becoming aware of their own feelings.
Connection to Gachikoi
"Gachikoi" is a closely related term. Riako became established among female fans, while gachikoi is sometimes considered more associated with male fans, though both are now used regardless of gender.
There is virtually no difference in meaning; it comes down to personal preference or community conventions.
Origin
A coined abbreviation of "riaru ni koi shiteru" (really in love). The exact origin has not been pinpointed, but the term was already in use among idol fan communities on social media by the late 2010s. It was particularly common among fans of Johnny's and K-pop idols, and its softer tone compared to "gachikoi" led to its spread as a self-identifying expression among female fans.
In 2021, the HoneyWorks song Doutan Kyohi (feat. Capi) went viral on TikTok, and oshikatsu-related terminology began reaching a broader audience through social media. Riako expanded its recognition as part of this trend.
Usage Examples
- 1 "I'm riako for my oshi, and if he gets a girlfriend I'd seriously cry." "That's full-on riako territory."
- 2 "I know I'm riako, but I can't help it." "Same. My oshi is just too precious to keep my feelings in check."
- 3 "She's riako for her oshi, so she's super strict about doutan kyohi." "That's the kind of thing that causes drama between fans..."
- 4 "What's the difference between riako and gachikoi?" "Pretty much the same thing. Riako is just used more often by female otaku."
Last Updated
Japanese
リアコ
Hiragana
りあこ
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