Otaku Terms Dictionary
From anime lingo and internet slang to modern Japanese expressions. Explore the words you'll encounter in otaku culture and everyday Japan.
Idols
5 terms
Okini
オキニ(おきに)
"Okini" (オキニ/お気に) is an abbreviation of "okiniiri" (お気に入り), referring to a person, thing, or method that someone particularly likes and shows favoritism toward. The closest English equivalent is "fav" (favorite). Okini can be used in a wide range of everyday situations and conversations. When incorporating it into an English sentence, expressions like "This is my Okini (fashion)" or "You are her Okini (person)" feel natural from a Japanese speaker's perspective. Also Used in Idol and Band Fandoms Among fans of Japanese idols and bands, a fan who is favored by the performer is called an "okini" (essentially, the performer's "favorite" fan). The reasons vary, from good manners and attractive looks to compatible personalities and regular attendance, and it does not necessarily involve romantic feelings. Whether someone is actually an okini is almost always based on the fans' own observations and speculation.
Oshi
推し(おし)
Oshi refers to the person or character you support and cheer for the most. It could be a specific member of an idol group, an anime or manga character, an actor, a voice actor, an athlete, there are no limits on who or what can be your oshi. The word comes from the verb “osu”, meaning to recommend or push forward. It carries the nuance of liking someone so much that you want to tell everyone about them. More than a simple "favorite," oshi implies an active desire to spread the word about someone's appeal and support their success. Originally a term used among idol fans, oshi has become part of everyday Japanese conversation. People now use it for food, places, brands, and all sorts of things beyond people. Phrases like "my oshi café" or "my oshi color" are completely normal in casual conversation.
