What Is an Akushukai? Japan's Idol Handshake Events, Explained
In Japanese idol culture, buying a CD can earn you a few seconds to shake hands and chat with your favorite performer. Here's what these handshake events are, and why Japanese comedians love to use them as a setup.
What exactly is a handshake event?
An akushukai (literally "handshake meeting") is a staple event in Japan's idol industry. Fans who buy a CD or other merchandise typically get the chance to line up, shake hands with an idol one-on-one, and exchange a few words, usually for just a few seconds each before staff keep the line moving.
Because the time is so short, many fans plan out exactly what they want to say ahead of time. Some Americans might find it similar to a meet-and-greet or a convention autograph line, just much faster and much more focused on that brief moment of face-to-face contact.
Why it makes great comedy material
A handshake event packs a lot of emotion into very little time. For a devoted fan, those few seconds can be the highlight of the month, and that gap between huge feelings and a tiny window is already half a joke.
It also gives comedians a natural storytelling setup. One person gushes about meeting their oshi (the one idol or character they support above all others), while their partner listens and reacts. The more passionate and detailed the fan's account gets, the more room there is for the listener to push back on it.
The Boyfriend Sales Pitch
A hopeful dater sweetens the pitch with every no. The friend listening won't budge.
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Watch the whole thing (3:36)
We use AI as part of how we create our articles.
Subtitles on this video: AI translation from the Japanese.