<p>This article discusses a contemporary Japanese youth culture, <i>oshi-katsu</i>, from a psychological perspective. Oshi-katsu refers to having a favorite idol and engaging in activities that support that idol (e.g., fan-driven support or “stanning” activities). It has become increasingly popular in Japanese society, gaining economic prominence over the past two decades. Although previous research has explored the sociological and anthropological aspects of this phenomenon, there is a lack of theoretical frameworks to explain the psychological processes of fans’ perceived relationships with idols in oshi-katsu. Hence, this study employs the concepts of attachment theory and the laminal model of internalization and externalization to illustrate how the bond between fans and idols is formed and maintained in the minds of fans. A theoretical framework of oshi-katsu is proposed to assess this specific subculture through a psychological lens, characterizing fans’ relationships with idols as symbolic attachments and emphasizing the importance of sociocultural factors in meaning-making. Additionally, the influence of socio-political ideology on oshi-katsu, specifically the prevalence of neoliberalism in Japan, is also discussed. This article may help draw attention to the research potential of oshi-katsu, as it is a rich source for studying an individual’s cognition and affection in a social setting.</p>