wotagei

Wotagei is a form of performance art and cultural practice originating from Japan, primarily associated with the fandom of anime, manga, and idol culture. It involves coordinated group displays of enthusiasm during live events, especially concerts featuring Japanese idols, vocaloids, or anime-related music. The activity is characterized by rhythmic, synchronized movements, such as jumping, waving glow sticks (often called "penlights"), and chanting or singing along with performers.

The term "wotagei" combines "wo" (interjection similar to "hey" or "let's go") and "gei" (meaning "performance" or "art"). Its origins can be traced to fan practices at Japanese idol concerts, where fans developed a set of call-and-response routines and synchronized movements to energize the crowd and support performers. Wotagei is highly participatory, emphasizing group coordination and shared enthusiasm.

Practitioners often use glow sticks or light sticks, which they wave in time with music and chants. The movements are typically simple, repetitive, and designed to be easy for fans to learn and perform collectively. Common routines include raising glow sticks in unison, jumping on specific musical cues, and performing choreographed gestures that match the rhythm of the song.

Wotagei has gained popularity beyond Japan, especially among international anime and idol fandom communities, facilitated by online sharing of routines and tutorials. While primarily a form of fan expression and community bonding, it also serves to foster a sense of identity and solidarity among enthusiasts.

Overall, wotagei is a vibrant display of fan participation that combines music, movement, and community engagement, embodying the passionate devotion characteristic of modern Japanese pop culture fandoms.