Big Bother Blooms: The Dilemma of Scams in Japanese Flower Fandom

An increase in scams has been observed within the Japanese hobby of "oshi-katsu", where dedicated fans follow popular florists. Unscrupulous individuals are conning these ardent supporters by promising limited-edition bouquets or meet-and-greets with the florist, taking money but delivering little or nothing in return. It's a growing social concern as it has affected many enthusiastic followers and hurt legitimate business operations of flower stores.

In Japan, the hobby of "oshi-katsu" is celebrated and people take pride in supporting local artisans — taking delight in exclusive creations and expressing it's part of the country's social and cultural values. However, these scams have incited anger and distrust, challenging the integrity associated with this pursuit.

In the US or EU, there are similar cases where enthusiasts can be deceived in their fandoms — famous instances include fraudulent offers for sports memorabilia or concert tickets. However, the intensity of fandom in Japan tends to be quite unique, and the issue of fraud associated with it varies accordingly.

Information for Your Country

For those living outside Japan interested in "oshi-katsu", caution is advised when dealing with online transactions. Local florist associations and reputable e-commerce sites are recommended places for genuine transactions.