Translation guide
A fanzine is a non-professional publication made by fans, often focused on a specific interest like anime, manga, games, or music. In Japanese, the most common term is 同人誌 (dōjinshi), but it covers a broader range of self-published works. Other terms exist for specific contexts.
The most common way to refer to a fanzine, especially in anime/manga/game fan communities. This is the default term.
The standard term for self-published fan works, including manga, novels, art books, and more. It literally means 'same-person magazine' and is used for both original and derivative works. Often abbreviated as 同人 (dōjin) in compounds like 同人イベント (dōjin event).
I plan to release a new fanzine at the next Comiket.
She draws fanzines for a popular anime.
A direct loanword from English, used occasionally but less common than 同人誌. It may be understood in contexts like music or Western-style fanzines, but 同人誌 is preferred in otaku culture.
He publishes a sci-fi fanzine.
When the fanzine is about a real person (e.g., an idol, singer, or actor), often containing photos, interviews, or fan art.
Literally 'fan magazine', this term is used for publications by fans about celebrities, often sold at concerts or fan events. It can be professional or amateur.
That idol's fanzine has rare photos in it.
A slang term for a fan-made booklet or magazine about a celebrity, often created by dedicated fans (追っかけ). It implies a more obsessive or grassroots effort.
For fanzines that are more like independent literary journals or art zines, not necessarily tied to a specific fandom.
Short for 'mini communication', this refers to small-circulation, self-published magazines or newsletters. It's often used for local, personal, or niche publications outside of mainstream otaku culture.
He publishes poetry in a local fanzine.
A loanword from English 'little magazine', used for small literary or art magazines. It has a slightly more artistic or avant-garde connotation.
同人誌 can refer to any self-published work, including original creations that aren't based on existing fandoms. In English, 'fanzine' specifically implies fan content, but 同人誌 is broader. Context usually makes it clear.
同人誌 is the standard term in otaku culture and is widely understood. ファンジン is a direct loanword but is rarely used; it may sound unnatural or overly English-influenced. Stick with 同人誌 unless you're in a very specific non-otaku context.
I bought a fanzine at the convention.
She makes fanzines about her favorite band.
She made a fanzine and distributed it at the concert.
This fanzine features experimental works.