The Potential of Providing Psychological Safety for Junior High School Students engaged in “Oshi-Katsu” (Fandom Activities)

– A Practical Study of the “Oshi-goto Seminar” in Period for Integrated Studies –

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the nature of classrooms and lessons as sanctuaries where learners can feel validated as “otaku” and are encouraged to develop the various abilities considered “otaku power.” To achieve this, the study examined how the term “oshi” is used and implemented a 19-session “Oshi-goto Seminar” in a junior high school integrated studies class in a seminar format. Observations during the sessions and post-class surveys were analyzed to evaluate how the seminar functioned as a sanctuary. First, the study confirmed that as terms like “oshi-katsu” (oshi activities) have become more commonly used, the negative or self-deprecating connotations of the term “otaku” have diminished, while the usability of the term “oshi” has improved. In the “Oshi-goto Seminar,” diversity was repeatedly emphasized by both teachers and students from the early stages of the seminar. This environment allowed students to engage in exploratory activities with a sense of psychological safety, and it was confirmed that they became aware of the development of various abilities through the seminar.