How to Make a Japanese Idol Concert Uchiwa: A Guide for Overseas Fans
If you've ever watched videos from Japanese idol concerts, you may have noticed fans holding large, colorful fans covered with names, hearts, messages, and glittery decorations.
These are called ōen uchiwa (応援うちわ) — handmade cheering fans used to support your favorite idol.
For many Japanese fans, making an uchiwa before a concert is part of the fun. You choose the colors, decide what message to write, decorate it carefully, and bring it to the venue hoping your favorite idol might notice it.
And sometimes, if you're lucky, you may even get a little fan service — “fansa” (ファンサ) in return.
Here is TOMODACHI's beginner-friendly guide to Japanese concert uchiwa culture.
What Is an Uchiwa?
An uchiwa (うちわ) is a traditional Japanese flat fan.
At idol concerts, fans often use a larger plastic version decorated with:
- The idol's name
- Nicknames
- Favorite member colors
- Hearts
- Stars
- Short requests
- Cute messages
These handmade fans are especially popular at Japanese idol concerts and fan events.
You may also hear people call them:
応援うちわ — ōen uchiwa
“Cheering fan”
or
ファンサうちわ — fansa uchiwa
“Fan-service request fan”
Why Do Fans Make Their Own Uchiwa?
Of course, you can buy official concert uchiwa featuring an idol's photo.
But handmade uchiwa serve a different purpose.
They allow you to send a message directly to your oshi.
For example:
大好き！
Daisuki!
“I love you!”
Or:
ピースして！
Pīsu shite!
“Give me a peace sign!”
During some concerts, idols look around the audience and respond to fans' messages with small gestures.
That interaction is called:
ファンサ — Fansa
“Fansa” comes from the English phrase fan service.
Examples might include:
- Waving at you
- Making a heart
- Giving a peace sign
- Pointing at you
- Blowing a kiss
- Copying a pose written on your fan
For many fans, getting recognized by their oshi for even a few seconds becomes one of the most memorable parts of the concert.
What Do You Need to Make One?
You don't need expensive materials.
In Japan, many fans buy almost everything at ¥100 shops such as Daiso, Seria, or Can Do.
Typical materials include:
- Large plastic uchiwa
- Colored paper
- Fluorescent paper
- Glitter paper
- Letter stickers
- Double-sided tape
- Glue
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Printed lettering templates
Craft and hobby stores also sell materials specifically designed for idol uchiwa.
In areas such as Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Osaka, you may even find shops selling ready-made letter parts and decorating supplies aimed specifically at concert fans.
👆Base Uchiwa can be bought at DAISO Japan. (or any 1$ shop in Japan)
Step 1: Choose Your Oshi Color
Japanese idol fandom often has the concept of:
メンバーカラー — Member Color
Many groups assign each member a specific color.
For example, one member may be represented by red, another by blue, another by pink.
Fans often use their oshi's member color in:
- Uchiwa
- Clothing
- Bags
- Penlights
- Accessories
So if your favorite member has an official color, that is usually a great place to start your design.
Step 2: Decide What You Want Your Uchiwa to Say
There are two main styles.
Name Uchiwa
The simplest option is your idol's name.
For example:
REN
or
蓮
Large, simple lettering makes it easier to read from the stage.
You can also use a nickname that the idol commonly uses.
Fansa Uchiwa
This type asks the idol to do something.
Popular examples include:
ピースして！
Pīsu shite!
Give me a peace sign!
ハート作って！
Hāto tsukutte!
Make a heart!
指ハートして！
Yubi hāto shite!
Do a finger heart!
手振って！
Te futte!
Wave at me!
投げキスして！
Nage kisu shite!
Blow me a kiss!
ウインクして！
Uinku shite!
Wink at me!
These short messages work well because an idol may only have a second or two to read your fan.
Keep It Short!
This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.
You might want to write:
“I've supported you for five years and flew all the way from America to see you!”
It's a lovely message.
But from the stage?
Much too long.
Instead, try:
アメリカから来たよ！
Amerika kara kita yo!
“I came from America!”
Or simply:
USAから来た！
“I came from the USA!”
Short messages are much easier to notice.
Make the Letters BIG
The number one rule of uchiwa design:
Readability is more important than decoration.
Your idol may be looking at your fan from many meters away.
Big letters with strong contrast work best.
Popular combinations include:
Black background + fluorescent yellow letters
Black background + fluorescent pink letters
Bright letters + dark outline
Adding two or three layers around the letters can make them stand out even more.
For example:
Pink letters
↓
White border
↓
Black border
This layered lettering style is very common among Japanese fans.
What About Glitter?
Glitter looks cute.
But be careful.
Highly reflective materials can sometimes cause problems because they may reflect stage lighting into other people's eyes.
Concert rules differ between artists and venues, and some events restrict highly reflective decorations.
If you're not sure, choose:
- Matte fluorescent paper
- Colored paper
- Non-reflective stickers
instead of mirror-like materials.
Important Uchiwa Etiquette in Japan
Making the fan is easy.
Using it politely is more important.
The exact rules differ by artist, management company, and venue, so always check the official concert rules before attending.
However, there are several common manners you should know.
Don't Hold Your Uchiwa Too High
This is probably the most important rule.
Your fan should not block the view of the person behind you.
In many Japanese concerts, fans keep uchiwa around chest height.
Holding your fan high above your head may prevent someone behind you from seeing the stage.
Even if you're excited, be considerate of the people around you.
Don't Bring an Oversized Uchiwa Without Checking
Large decorative fans may look amazing on social media, but many concerts have restrictions regarding:
- Uchiwa dimensions
- Decorations extending beyond the fan
- Number of fans you can display
- Reflective materials
- Large accessories
Rules can vary significantly between artists.
Always check the official event website before making your final design.
One Clear Message Is Better Than Ten
Don't try to turn your uchiwa into an essay.
Imagine the idol has about one second to look at it.
Something like:
ハートして！
is much easier to understand than a long sentence.
Can I Make an Uchiwa If I Don't Speak Japanese?
Absolutely.
In fact, making one in Japanese can be a fun part of preparing for your concert.
You don't need complicated Japanese.
Some very simple words work perfectly.
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 大好き！ | I love you! |
| ピースして！ | Give me a peace sign! |
| ハートして！ | Make a heart! |
| 手振って！ | Wave at me! |
| ウインクして！ | Wink at me! |
| 最高！ | You're the best! |
| かわいい！ | So cute! |
| かっこいい！ | So cool! |
| 見つけて！ | Notice me! |
| 誕生日おめでとう！ | Happy birthday! |
If you're worried that your Japanese sounds strange, keeping it simple is safest.
A Fun Idea for Overseas Fans
If you're coming from another country, you can use that as part of your message.
For example:
フランスから来たよ！
“I came from France!”
アメリカから会いに来た！
“I came from America to see you!”
初めて日本に来た！
“It's my first time in Japan!”
That can make your uchiwa a little more unique.
Where Can You Buy Uchiwa Materials in Japan?
If you're already in Japan, try:
- Daiso
- Seria
- Can Do
- Hands
- Loft
- Craft stores
- Idol goods stores
- Specialty fan-decoration shops
¥100 shops are particularly useful for beginners.
You may find:
- Plain uchiwa
- Neon paper
- Sticker letters
- Glitter sheets
- Adhesive sheets
- Decorative tape
So creating your own fan doesn't have to be expensive.
Can You Make One Before Coming to Japan?
Of course.
A lot of overseas fans prepare their uchiwa before flying to Japan.
The most important thing is to check the official rules for your specific concert before finishing the design.
If you're bringing one in your luggage, consider keeping it between pieces of cardboard or inside a rigid folder so the decoration doesn't bend during travel.
DIY Uchiwa vs Official Uchiwa
You may see both at Japanese concerts.
They serve slightly different purposes.
Official Uchiwa
Usually features:
- Official idol photo
- Group logo
- Tour design
It's great as a concert souvenir.
Handmade Uchiwa
Usually features:
- Your oshi's name
- A personal message
- Fansa request
- Your own design
Many fans bring both.
The official one says:
“I support you.”
The handmade one says:
“Please notice me!”
TOMODACHI Tip: Don't Forget the Back Side
You have two sides.
Use them!
For example:
Front
蓮
Your oshi's name in huge letters.
Back
指ハートして！
“Give me a finger heart!”
You can switch sides depending on where your idol is on stage.
The Best Part Is Making It Yourself
A handmade uchiwa doesn't need to look professionally designed.
That's not really the point.
Maybe you spent an hour carefully cutting letters.
Maybe the heart is slightly crooked.
Maybe you changed the design five times because you couldn't decide between pink and yellow.
That's part of the experience.
Japanese oshikatsu — 推し活, or supporting your favorite person or character, isn't only about buying merchandise.
It's also about the things you make, the places you visit, and the memories you create around your oshi.
And making your first concert uchiwa is one of those little pieces of Japanese fan culture that can make attending an idol concert in Japan feel even more special.
Coming to Japan for Your Oshi?
TOMODACHI shares Japanese otaku culture, events, shopping tips, collaboration cafés, and fan activities for overseas fans.
If there is something in Japan you want to experience — or merchandise that is difficult to obtain from overseas — feel free to reach out.
Think of us as your otaku friend in Japan.
Enjoy your concert — and we hope your oshi notices your uchiwa! ♡
Looking for More Oshi Merch from Japan?
Making your own uchiwa is just one way to enjoy supporting your oshi.
If you're looking for character, idol, VTuber, or creator merch from Japan, tell TOMODACHI who your oshi is — and we'll hand-pick a surprise selection for you right here in Japan.
Your oshi. Our picks. A surprise from Japan.