Before the widespread use of the internet, hobbyists of Japanese popular culture were few and far between. Between the 1980s and the 2000s, hobbying mainly revolved around local clubs and associations. Many people stumbled into the hobby either by chance or through knowing someone else who was already interested in it. Many hobbyists were also interested in science fiction, fantasy, and role-playing, among other subjects. Products often came from abroad, and materials were circulated among friends and acquaintances. In the early 2000s, Japanese popular culture, such as manga, anime, fashion, music, and Japan-themed conventions, and cosplay, began to gain a stronger foothold in Finland.
