Hiroyuki Takahashi, an organizer of the March 28 "otaku anti-war protest," has responded to comments made by singer Masayoshi Oishi regarding the demonstration. Takahashi took issue with Oishi's assertion that most otaku avoid participating in such events to avoid causing trouble for their "oshi," a term referring to their favorite characters or idols. The protest, themed "Don't turn a world in which our oshi exist into a battlefield," reportedly saw 3,800 attendees, including notable figures like manga creator Kentarō Takekuma and voice actor Maya Okamoto.

Takahashi questioned Oishi's generalizations, asking why it would be problematic for otaku to be perceived as anti-war. He also raised concerns about the implication that identifying as an "otaku" automatically means speaking for the entire community. Oishi, in a March 31 radio program, had expressed that combining "otaku" and "anti-war protest" created a complex situation, suggesting that modern otaku might prioritize not tarnishing their fandom by avoiding potentially controversial public actions.

Oishi further speculated that fans accustomed to the current Reiwa era might feel compelled to avoid protests that could negatively impact their "oshi." While acknowledging that some otaku do participate in protests, he worried that the broad use of the "otaku" label for the demonstration could create a negative perception among non-otaku and potentially divide the otaku community itself. Oishi suggested that contributing to the anime industry through creative works, or simply continuing to support one's "oshi," are valid forms of pro-peace activity.

Illustrators Katsuya Terada and Nozomu Tamaki created artwork in support of the "otaku anti-war protest," sharing their pieces on social media. The protest's message, "Don't turn a world in which our oshi exist into a battlefield," resonated with artists and attendees alike. Separately, Yoshiyuki Tomino, creator of the Gundam franchise, also offered his perspective on war and authoritarianism in a recent Animage magazine interview.

Source: Anime News Network(https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2026-05-09/otaku-anti-war-protest-organizer-reacts-to-singer-masayoshi-oishi-comments-on-protest/.237205)