The Pulse of Fandom: AI Deciphers Fan Devotion, Crowned by timelesz and Rising Star HANA
The “Oshi Artist Ranking 2025,” compiled from an extensive analysis of fan activities on the digital platform note, has been unveiled. This unique ranking transcends mere popularity by utilizing a Large Language Model (LLM) to analyze article content, meticulously quantifying the “passion for one’s Oshi” through metrics like post count, number of contributors, page views, and word count. It offers a profound look into how deeply, consistently, and intensely fans engage with their favorite artists.
Topping the overall category is the re-energized group timelesz, while the rapidly ascending HANA secures the top spot in the rising star division. Beyond these leading acts, the ranking sheds light on captivating fan narratives and the diverse styles of “Oshi-katsu” (fan activities) revealed through AI analysis.
Overall Ranking: timelesz Leads a Dynamic Field
timelesz, fresh from their “timelesz project” audition documentary and re-launch as an eight-member unit, clinched the coveted first place. Close behind, Snow Man and Nogizaka46 maintained their strong presence within the top three, a testament to their enduring popularity and their fans’ consistent, high-energy contributions. The data also highlighted several other compelling trends:
-
Mrs. GREEN APPLE, last year’s rising star champion, ascended to 6th place overall, cementing their position with multiple chart-topping hits and a dedicated fanbase that passionately shares live reports and deep dives into their songs and lyrics.
-
TOMORROW X TOGETHER, the “brother group” of global sensation BTS, made a remarkable leap from outside the rankings to 8th place, fueled by their ongoing world tour.
-
OWV, who ranked 10th in last year’s rising star category, also entered the overall top 10, characterized by their core fandom’s detailed analyses and reports.
Here are some of the standout articles from the top-ranked artists:
1st Place: timelesz
2nd Place: Snow Man
Rising Star Ranking: HANA Takes Flight
The seven-member girl group HANA, formed through the audition program “No No Girls,” soared to the top of the rising star category. Their producer, Chanmina, also made a notable appearance at 5th place, highlighting the significant impact of audition-born groups in 2025. Interestingly, timelesz, the overall champion, also secured 2nd place in this category, further emphasizing their momentum.
Other key observations from the rising star ranking include:
-
Milestone Celebrations: Artists marking significant anniversaries, such as AKB48 (20th anniversary, 3rd place), Perfume (25th anniversary, 7th place), and Oasis (first visit to Japan in 16 years, 4th place), saw a surge in fan activity.
-
Emerging Talents: New groups like Gen Z idols CUTIE STREET (9th place) and ≠ME (12th place), alongside 5th generation K-POP groups BOYNEXTDOOR (10th place) and RIIZE (16th place), made their debut in the rankings.
Here are some of the prominent articles from the rising star artists:
1st Place: HANA
3rd Place: AKB48
Unpacking Fan Passion: Four Dimensions of “Oshi” Love Revealed by AI
This groundbreaking ranking leveraged LLM text analysis to assess fan passion across four distinct dimensions, offering a nuanced understanding of “Oshi-katsu” styles:
-
Immersion & Resource Investment: This metric gauges the time and resources (money, effort) fans dedicate to their Oshi. K-POP boy groups from the 4th generation onwards, such as TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Stray Kids, and ZEROBASEONE, showed particularly high scores here, with articles frequently detailing extensive participation in live events, streaming, content consumption, and merchandise purchases.
-
Continuity: This dimension reflects the duration and intensity of a fan’s devotion, including shifts in their fan journey. Groups with long histories, including SUPER EIGHT, KAT-TUN, and TVXQ, scored highly, with many fans sharing narratives of growing up with their Oshi or finding solace in their music during life’s milestones.
-
Observation & Analytical Depth: This category highlights how meticulously fans observe and uniquely interpret their Oshi. Artists that inspire deep dives into their performances, operations, or narratives, such as AKB48 (for structure), INI and OWV (for growth stories), and ≠ME and XG (for lyrical analysis), scored highly. These fans don’t just ‘like’ their Oshi; they seek to unravel the intricate layers behind the artistry and mechanics.
-
Emotional Identification: This measures the intensity of emotional connection and how deeply the Oshi is integrated into a fan’s identity and life. Japanese boy groups like INI, Chotokkyu (Bullet Train), and SUPER EIGHT consistently scored high, with articles frequently using phrases like “saved my life,” “changed my life,” or “became my reason for living.” It’s clear that for these fans, their Oshi is not just an idol but a fundamental part of their very being. As one fan expressed, “It’s not just entertainment; my Oshi is a compass in my life’s journey.”
The Power of the Pen: How “Writing Oshi-katsu” Thrives on note
note has solidified its position as a vibrant hub for “Oshi-katsu” content. In 2025, the number of users posting with the hashtag “#OshiKatsu” surged by approximately 3.1 times compared to the previous year. From detailed live reports and guides for new fans to nostalgic tales designed to draw others deeper into the fandom, a diverse array of articles are shared daily.
Crucially, note does not offer advertising revenue based on page views, fostering an environment where articles are born from a pure desire to express love for one’s Oshi. Readers engage with these insights, deepening their own perspectives and finding solidarity. This unique characteristic of note makes it an ideal sanctuary for overflowing fan sentiments.
Beyond simply consuming content, expressing one’s devotion through writing allows fans to connect with like-minded individuals. Passionate fans who create “fukyo” (missionary) articles, aimed at spreading the word about their Oshi, often serve as catalysts for new fans, further enriching the “Oshi-katsu” culture.
The Future of Fandom: Connecting Across Cultures Through Shared Passion
This innovative ranking, by quantifying the nuanced layers of fan passion, offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of “Oshi-katsu” culture. The trends highlight not only the dynamic nature of celebrity appeal but also the profound ways in which fans engage, analyze, and integrate their beloved artists into their lives. As digital platforms like note continue to foster these deep connections, the unique expressions of “Oshi-katsu” are likely to transcend borders, offering a compelling entry point for global audiences into the broader tapestry of Kawaii culture. The power of collective fan narratives, amplified by AI insights, promises to shape an even more vibrant and interconnected future for fandoms worldwide. We invite you to share your own “Oshi” stories on note and become part of this evolving global community.
For more information and to join the community, visit note.
