The Future of Fandom: How IRC APP is Turning Idol Support into Digital Assets
On March 15, 2026, a vibrant new chapter in Japanese idol culture unfolded at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium with ‘CREATEs presents IDOL RUNWAY COLLECTION 2026 Supported by TGC.’ This spectacular event wasn’t just a celebration of idols and fashion; it marked the public debut of the “IRC APP,” a pioneering application developed by YOAKE entertainment. Built on Sony Group’s “Soneium” blockchain, the IRC APP is set to redefine “oshi-katsu” – the passionate, devoted fan activities that fuel idol culture – by transforming intangible enthusiasm into quantifiable, digital assets.
In the dynamic world of entertainment, “oshi-katsu” has long been a powerful force, generating substantial economic impact and fostering deep connections between fans and their beloved idols. Platforms like X and TikTok have seen fans evolve beyond mere consumers, actively participating in “value co-creation” by shaping the narrative and extending the reach of intellectual properties (IPs). Yet, the sheer volume and fervor of individual fan contributions often remained unquantified, a vibrant but invisible energy. The IRC APP addresses this by re-imagining fans not just as an audience, but as “content bearers” – active participants whose support is recognized, evaluated, and rewarded.
AI and Blockchain: The Core of a New Fandom Experience
The IRC APP’s innovation lies in its seamless integration of AI-driven sentiment analysis and blockchain technology. The AI system meticulously sifts through vast amounts of social media posts, identifying positive and neutral expressions of support. This intelligent filtering ensures that only constructive fan activities contribute to a user’s score, creating a healthier and more positive online environment for both fans and artists. It empowers artists to engage with fan feedback, often referred to as “egosa” (a Japanese term for self-searching online), with greater peace of mind.
Furthermore, by leveraging Sony’s “Soneium” blockchain, the app transforms each fan’s “oshi-katsu” history into verifiable digital assets. This means a fan’s dedication, once ephemeral, becomes a tangible, accumulated record of their support, offering a novel form of digital ownership in the fandom space.
A 10-Fold Surge in Engagement: From Passive Viewers to Active Co-Creators
The impact of the IRC APP was immediate and striking. Prior data analysis revealed that casual, “viewing-only” fans, who constitute about 25% of the user base, typically posted on social media only once every 20 days. Post-app introduction, this frequency dramatically increased to once every 2 days – a staggering tenfold surge. This transformation underscores how the app’s scoring system, which visibly accumulates and rewards individual contributions, acted as a powerful catalyst, converting passive interest into fervent participation.
Fans Shape the Stage: A New Era of Co-creation
Embodying the event’s theme of “co-creation and connection,” ‘CREATEs presents IRC 2026’ introduced “IDOL RUNWAY COLLECTION SPECIAL COLLECTION 1,” a fan co-creation project where audience requests directly influenced stage costumes. Through an X (formerly Twitter) poll in February, fans submitted their vision for idol outfits. These ideas were then translated into stunning runway looks by designers and stylists, worn by idols who graced the stage.
For instance, Suzuka Chinzei of FRUITS ZIPPER appeared in a chic, monochromatic outfit, complete with a black hat, reflecting a fan’s request for a “cool look that’s sharply put together but with a sudden, captivating smile.” The crowd erupted in cheers, witnessing their collective imagination come to life.
Other idols who showcased these unique, fan-inspired designs included Eri Chiba (AKB48), Kyoka Yamada (≒JOY), Usa Fukumaru (iLiFE!), Yuna Nakamura (Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku), Sarara Minase (Jams Collection), Satone Kubo (log you), Ayumi Nii (Dramatic Records), Natsu Minami (CANDY TUNE), Kanoa Amano (≒JOY), Risa Furusawa (CUTIE STREET), Jurii Aida (≒JOY), Hina Murakawa (CANDY TUNE), Yui Oguri (AKB48), and Amane Tsukiashi (FRUITS ZIPPER). Each brought a fresh, often surprising, facet of their persona to the runway, captivating the audience with a different kind of performance.
Reflecting on this innovative interaction, MC Harry Sugiyama commented, “This is an event where fans and idols create the stage together.” The app also enhanced the fan experience (CX) through tangible rewards, with accumulated scores granting benefits like priority entry and seat upgrades. All upgrade tickets for arena designated seats were successfully filled via IRC APP member lotteries, demonstrating the direct and valued return of fan support.
A Global Horizon for Japanese Kawaii Culture
YOAKE entertainment’s vision extends beyond the idol sphere, aiming to expand this co-creation model to anime characters and diverse IPs. By quantifying and rewarding fan engagement across various genres, they seek to build a robust platform that empowers fans as true partners in content creation.
Looking ahead, the global strategy focuses on amplifying Japan’s unparalleled fan enthusiasm, translating it into multiple languages, and exporting this “passion” worldwide. This ambitious endeavor aims to cultivate a global community of fervent fans, ensuring that Japanese entertainment, fueled by digital and real-world innovation, takes its rightful place as a mainstream cultural force across the globe.
For more information on this exciting development in idol fandom, visit the official IRC website and download the app:
