OSHI

Oshi is a romanization used for multiple Japanese terms and, in some contexts, for place names. In Japanese, the pronunciation o-shi arises from different kanji depending on meaning, so the term can refer to more than one concept without a single fixed definition.

One common sense is linguistic: 押し (oshi) means a push or pressing action, used both literally and figuratively to denote urging or forcing something. A different sense, 推し (oshi), is widely used in contemporary pop culture to mean one’s favorite member, character, or team. In idol or anime communities, fans speak of their “oshi” to identify the person or character they actively support, often describing them as the reason they follow a group and sometimes engaging in voting, merch, and fan events.

In addition to language and fandom, Oshi can appear as a geographic or proper name in Japan. There are places and historical sites that carry the phonetic reading Oshi, and one well-known example sometimes encountered in historical contexts is Oshi Castle (忍城), a site associated with the name. The specific meaning in such cases depends on the kanji used.

Usage and cultural note: the term 推し has become a central part of modern fan culture, shaping how fans express allegiance, participate in community activities, and discuss media. While the concept is most visible in Japanese pop culture, the word has also entered broader discussions about fandom and celebrity influence in other contexts.