Famed Japanese actress Hikari Mitsushima has been watching anime daily for approximately eight years, exemplifying her love for this distinctive part of Japanese pop culture. Publicly sharing her habit provides an exciting glimpse into the personal life of this beloved actress and shows how deeply embedded anime is in the daily lives of many in Japan, even celebrities.

Anime, a significant cultural facet in Japan, is not just a form of entertainment but also a critical part of Japanese social discourse, often reflecting various societal issues. The public's interest in celebrities' personal lives, such as Mitsushima's anime habit, demonstrates how closely intertwined pop culture, personal interest, and societal discourse are in Japan.

In the US and EU, celebrities' personal hobbies also garner interest. However, the cultural phenomena like anime have no direct comparison. In those regions, celebrities might connect with fans over shared interests such as sports, fashion, or music rather than cultural genres like anime.