Recently, a trend of Japanese women creating ‘Hobby Accounts,' also known as 'Hobikatsu,' on social media platforms is gaining attention. These accounts focus on different interests or hobbies, separate from their primary profiles. The new trend is an avenue for these women to express their passions without exposing their private life. The article delves into the reasons, motivations, and consequences —both positive and negative— behind this growing phenomenon.

In Japan, anonymity is greatly valued in social interactions, including in the digital sphere. This trend suggests an elevation of this cultural standard as these 'Hobby Accounts' allow Japanese women to partake in online conversations while protecting their privacy. Besides, this can also be seen as a significant means of combating cyberbullies who often target personal accounts.

While 'Hobby Accounts' are gaining popularity in Japan, individualistic cultures like the U.S. and EU generally encourage users to merge their interests/hobbies with their personal profiles. Here, it's more common for individuals to use one profile showcasing their multifaceted personalities, balancing both personal information and hobbies.