JCB (short for Japan Credit Bureau, a major global payment brand and credit card issuer based in Japan) has officially entered a partnership with the insurance company Mysurance to start selling “oshikatsu cancellation insurance,” which was developed in collaboration with fan-culture media platform Oshicoco (source: Oricon News).
This means Japan now has a dedicated insurance policy for fans worried that their plans to see their favorite idol, voice actor, stage actors, etc., might be derailed at the last minute. Specifically, the policy aims to relieve the financial burden of fans who travel regionally or internationally to support their oshi, only to be met with abrupt cancellations of events or transport links.
“We will fully compensate you for the cancellation fees of accommodations, flights, etc., if you cancel your trip,” the official Mysurance webpage promises fans. Though, they also add: “Unfortunately, the emotional impact of not being able to see your oshi cannot be alleviated by insurance.”
The idea behind this rather strange insurance is that missing a long-awaited performance due to sudden natural disasters, scheduling disruptions, or health issues is an inherent risk to otaku. According to a stylized infographic on the website, which displays data from a February 2025 survey of 1,191 Japanese otaku conducted by Oshicoco, one in five fans has experienced a sudden event cancellation due to reasons out of their control, and lost money as a result.
The graphic highlights that among those affected, one in three incurred cancellation fees exceeding 30,000 yen (about $185) for flights and hotels alone, with some severe cases topping 100,000 yen (over $600). These statistics are accompanied by text quotes from otaku recalling their personal horror stories, such as contracting influenza three days before a concert, being placed under a doctor’s order to sit out an anniversary live show, or seeing a highly anticipated 2.5D stage play graduation performance canceled at the last minute.
The insurance comes in two plans. The more budget-friendly “Simple” plan covers transit delays, or sudden hospitalization for the traveler or a pet, while a comprehensive “Wide” plan adds protection for official event cancellations, infectious diseases, and even passport expiration. The site also features a detailed FAQ section outlining strict eligibility trules. To qualify, the insurance policy must be purchased within 14 days of booking the travel accommodations, provided the departure date is still at least 9 days away.
