Many modern writers in Japan came from these literary circles. Literary circles first appeared in the Meiji period when groups of like-minded waka writers, poets and novelists met and published literary magazines (many of which are still publishing today). Print doujin works are collectively called doujinshi.ĭoujin works are typically amateur and derivative in nature, though some professional artists participate in doujin culture as a way to publish material outside the regular publishing industry.Īnnual research by the research agency Media Create indicated that of the US$1.65 billion of the otaku industry in 2007, doujin sales made up 48% (US$792 million).

Self-published creative works produced by these groups are also called doujin, including manga, magazines, novels, music ( doujin music), anime, and video games ( doujin soft). The word is sometimes translated into English as ' clique', ' fandom', 'coterie', 'society', or 'circle' (as in ' sewing circle'). In Japan, doujin ( Japanese: 同人, Hepburn: dōjin) is a group of people who share an interest, activity, or hobby.

Comiket, pictured here in 2002, is the largest venue for the sale of doujin works.