Shiga Cheering Ads [Latest 2026]: Locations, Fees, and Application Methods
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Types of Fan Support Ads Available in the Shiga Area
Fan support ads are a cultural phenomenon where fans purchase advertising space to celebrate their favorite artists, actors, or athletes on their birthdays or anniversaries. Also known as "Saengil ads," this trend started with K-Pop fans and has spread throughout Japan.
The main types of fan support ads available in the Shiga area are as follows:
- Digital signage (inside train stations and commercial facilities)
- Large outdoor video screens (in front of train stations)
- Ad trucks (driving around venue areas)
- In-facility posters and flags
Among these, digital signage and outdoor video screens are particularly accessible for individual fans. They can be displayed with a lead time of as little as one week, making it easy to schedule them to coincide with birthdays or performance dates.
Major Display Locations in Shiga
Around Biwako Hall
Shiga Prefectural Arts Theater Biwako Hall, located in Otsu City, is known as one of Japan's largest opera houses, hosting classical concerts and large-scale performances throughout the year. With a seating capacity exceeding 2,000, it attracts numerous fans from afar. It is easily accessible, approximately a 15-minute drive from Kyoto Station, and convenient for day trips from the Osaka area.
JR Otsu Station Front MMSQUARE
This is a large outdoor video screen installed on the rooftop of the JR Otsu Station front building. Measuring 4.8m x 5.76m, it is one of the largest in Shiga Prefecture and is prominently located to catch the eyes of passersby in front of the station. Given Otsu's proximity to Kyoto (about 10 minutes), it sees a high volume of tourists and visiting fans, making it a highly notable location for birthday ads.
JR Kusatsu Station Digital Signage
Kusatsu Station is the busiest terminal station in Shiga Prefecture in terms of passenger traffic. Digital signage is installed in the station concourse, visible to many commuters and students daily.
AEON Mall Kusatsu and AEON Mall Yasu
Large commercial facilities in Shiga Prefecture also have in-facility signage. With many visitors on weekends, these can be used for fan support ads targeting local fans.
Riseville Tsugayama
This is an outdoor event space in Otsu City, sometimes used as a venue for concerts and outdoor festivals. When events are held, it is worth considering placing ads in the surrounding area.
Cost Estimates (by media type)
- Digital signage (Kusatsu Station, etc.): Approximately 30,000 yen and up for 15 seconds, 1 week (excluding tax)
- Large outdoor video screen (Otsu Station Front MMSQUARE, etc.): Inquiry required (monthly basis is standard)
- In-commercial facility signage: Approximately 30,000 to 100,000 yen (depending on facility and duration)
- Ad truck: Approximately 100,000 yen and up (per day, depending on area)
Benefits of Placing Fan Support Ads in Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is a key transportation hub in the Kansai region. Otsu is about 10 minutes from Kyoto, where the Shinkansen stops, and Kusatsu is about 30 minutes away, both within an hour's reach from Osaka. Placing ads along the travel routes of visiting fans increases the chance of them seeing the ads during their concert trips. Additionally, with tourist spots like Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle, and Nagahama scattered throughout the prefecture, fan support ads in the Shiga area are more likely to become lasting memories for fans planning trips that combine their idol's birthday with sightseeing. The high affinity with local delicacies like Omi beef also creates an environment conducive to social media posts by visiting fans.
Application Process
- Decide on the desired location, period, and budget.
- Prepare advertising materials (banner images, videos).
- Apply through the media or handling service.
- Confirm the display date after review.
- On the day, verify the display on-site.
How to Place a Fan Support Ad
Determine Purpose and Budget
First, clarify "who you are celebrating and for what occasion." Once the purpose, such as a birthday, anniversary, or debut date, is clear, the estimated display period and duration can be determined. For an individual, a budget of 30,000 to 100,000 yen is a rough guide, but collecting funds through crowdfunding among fans can enable larger media placements.
Choose Media
For individuals applying for the first time, digital signage is recommended due to its short lead time and lower cost. The closer the display location is to the idol's activity base (e.g., the nearest station to a live venue), the more likely it is to be seen by fans.
Application Steps
Prepare advertising materials (images or videos) and fill in the necessary information on the application form. Some media require a review, so it is ideal to complete the application 2 to 4 weeks before the desired display date. If using Oshi-Ad, you can also receive support for checking material guidelines and agency regulations.
What is Oshi-Ad?
Oshi-Ad is a platform specializing in fan activities, allowing individuals to place ads on digital signage and other media for their idols from approximately 30,000 yen. It supports media across Japan, including the Shiga area, enabling individuals to apply for ads just like corporations.
- Supports individual applications (no corporation required)
- Can be displayed in as little as approximately 1 week
- Crowdfunding function available (participation from 500 yen per contribution)
- Crowdfunding fee of 10% (industry's lowest)
- Support for checking agency guidelines available
Consultations are also available for displays timed with Biwako Hall performances or trips to Otsu and Kusatsu.