Hobbyists of Japanese popular culture are diverse, and there are many ways to take part in the hobby. Some may just listen to Japanese music, while others only watch anime. On the other hand, some may consume Japanese popular culture in a very versatile way, exploring the entire spectrum of the hobby. The degree of socializing within the hobby divides people: some practice it alone and find it very private and personal, while others want to find friends and community through the hobby. New friends might be found through online communities, local manga clubs, or by participating in events like cons. The friendships formed through the hobby have been very important to many, for example, helping them survive through their difficult teenage years. In general, the Finnish hobbyist scene is seen as more communal than in many other countries.
Fashion designer and Master’s student in art, Sanna Hautamäki’s blog post Creativity inspired me to engage with Japanese pop culture (in Finnish)
Video: Creating Hatsune Miku’s 15th-anniversary costume, 2023. Photographer: Meri-Tuuli “Meicos” Malkamäki
