Shopping Guide
Being an otaku comes with a show, game, group, or character we love. And for many, this is expressed through displaying figures and other merch. But that support isn’t always expressed through the stuff we show. Otaku have also put effort into raising money or donating to causes related to their favorite fandoms. Let’s dive into some cases where fans have pulled together to help others!
Last year, Umamusume fans gained a lot of attention when they raised over $600,000 to help a farm that houses retired racehorses. Northern Lake, home of the legendary racehorse Meisho Doto, used the money to make the facilities better and safer for their equine residents and the staff. Other retirement farms have put up their own crowdfunding links and some have even sold goods to raise money. Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm in Hokkaido makes wooden charms out of fences destroyed by one of their resident horses and puts the money towards his care. They also sell other merchandise to help fund other expenses for the horses.
Fan donations go a long way when it comes to repairs and rebuilding efforts. When a typhoon damaged Watazumi Shrine’s torii—a sacred gate in a Shinto shrine—on Tsushima, the shrine’s crowdfunding efforts raised over $260,000. The reason? Fans of the award-winning video game Ghost of Tsushima donated and spread the word. Excess funds even went to improving the road leading to the shrine.
Fundraisers aren’t limited to just single fandoms though. One of the most impactful ways the anime community pulled together happened after the devastating Kyoto Animation arson attack. In the aftermath of the tragedy, anime fans and businesses donated over $30 million towards rebuilding the company and supporting victims and their families.
Other fandoms have also encouraged fans to get involved in charity and humanitarian efforts, as shown by some idol groups. AKB48 and its sister groups started the Dareka No Tame Ni Project in 2011 after the Tohoku Earthquake. Members take part in local concerts to encourage residents and a portion of merch and CD sales go towards donations. As of 2025, the group has performed in affected areas 76 times and have been involved in other special projects to raise awareness.
Starto Entertainment, the agency managing male idol groups like Arashi, Naniwa Danshi, and Snow Man, released their charity single WE ARE last year and donated sales to victims of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Meanwhile, a separate nonprofit legal entity called Mindful works to provide financial support for mental health awareness and other nonprofit programs.
Some fandoms have also done their part to preserve Japanese cultural heritage and encourage other people to learn more about them. Tōken Ranbu, a series about historical Japanese swords brought to life in human form, inspired younger generations to take interest in sword crafting. Their efforts have provided funds for the reforging and upkeep of historic swords. Fans have even banded together to help keep Sanchomo, a national treasure sword, within Japan and is now housed in a museum. And Tōken Ranbu continues to work with museums and projects to preserve Japanese sword history.
Other museums have also worked with characters like Hatsune Miku to promote Japanese art and fund conservation efforts. Limited edition Hatsune Miku collaboration goods drew inspiration from various works housed by the Tokyo National Museum. A portion of their sales help fund the museum’s art conservation and restoration efforts. Projects like this also encourage fans to learn more about the art that inspired them!
Remember these are just a few examples of how otaku have worked together to help others. Whether it’s a donation of a few dollars or just simply spreading the word, you can also support a good cause by being part of a passionate fandom!
