Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "Cos委托" (Cosplay Commission), where clients (referred to as "单主") pay for a "Coser" to portray characters from anime or games, leading to a unique interaction that blends fantasy and reality [1][5][19] - The narrative is centered around the experiences of a part-time Coser who reflects on the emotional complexities and challenges faced in this role, highlighting both the joys and burdens of the job [12][22] Group 1: Industry Overview - "Cos委托" has emerged as a specialized service where clients pay for personalized experiences with Cosers, often involving activities like watching movies or visiting amusement parks [1][5] - The demand for such services is particularly high among female clients who have a deep emotional connection to the characters being portrayed [1][19] Group 2: Personal Experiences and Challenges - The Coser shares initial excitement and subsequent disillusionment with the role, noting that the emotional labor involved can be exhausting and lead to feelings of detachment [4][19] - The Coser's journey includes both successful and challenging commissions, revealing the emotional toll and the need for careful management of client expectations [12][19] Group 3: Emotional Dynamics - The article illustrates the complex emotional dynamics between the Coser and the clients, where clients often project their feelings onto the Coser, leading to blurred lines between professional and personal relationships [16][18] - The Coser experiences a range of emotions, from joy in creating memorable moments to anxiety about meeting client expectations and maintaining boundaries [19][22] Group 4: Industry Implications - The narrative suggests that while "Cos委托" can provide financial benefits and creative fulfillment, it also poses significant emotional risks and challenges that may not be immediately apparent [22][23] - The Coser ultimately decides to leave the industry, indicating a need for self-care and a reevaluation of personal boundaries within this unique service sector [22][23]

Group 1 - The article discusses the emotional and social value derived from spending on virtual characters and idol culture, highlighting how these expenditures serve as a coping mechanism for young individuals facing real-world pressures [1][2][12] - It emphasizes the shift in spending priorities among younger generations, where emotional consumption is prioritized over traditional necessities, reflecting a clear value hierarchy in their spending habits [1][12] - The narrative illustrates personal experiences of individuals who invest significantly in virtual goods and idol interactions, showcasing the psychological benefits and emotional support they derive from these activities [3][13][28] Group 2 - The underground idol culture in China is thriving, with young fans engaging in live performances and personal interactions with idols, which provide a sense of community and emotional fulfillment [13][16][22] - The phenomenon of "cutting" or taking photos with idols after purchasing special tickets highlights the unique emotional connections formed between fans and idols, which are often absent in their real-life relationships [16][20] - The financial commitment to idol culture is substantial, with fans spending thousands on tickets and merchandise, indicating a willingness to invest in experiences that enhance their emotional well-being [17][24][28] Group 3 - The rise of otome games (female-targeted romance simulation games) reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry, where players seek emotional engagement and self-exploration through virtual relationships [28][29] - Players often find solace and encouragement in the narratives of these games, which can provide valuable life lessons and emotional support during challenging times [29][40] - The financial investment in these games is seen as worthwhile by players, as they believe the emotional and psychological benefits outweigh the costs, leading to a shift in how spending is perceived [39][40]

Core Insights - The virtual characters in games are becoming increasingly popular among Chinese women, with 300 million female users engaging with games like "Love and Deep Space" [1] - The annual revenue from otome games has exceeded 10 billion yuan, indicating a significant market opportunity [1] - Otome games are not only serving as a form of romantic entertainment but are also emerging as social currency and a new consumption trend [1]

Core Insights - The rise of "Otome" games, designed for female players, reflects a significant shift in the gaming industry, driven by emotional consumption and a growing market for female-oriented content [2][19][20] - Players are increasingly investing substantial amounts of money in these games, with some individuals spending over 160,000 RMB, indicating a trend towards high emotional investment and consumer behavior [1][3][6] - The market for Otome games is expanding rapidly, with the female gaming market in China reaching 8 billion RMB in 2024, a 124.1% increase year-on-year, highlighting the growing influence of female gamers [6][19] Group 1: Emotional Consumption - Players are willing to spend large sums on in-game purchases and related merchandise, driven by emotional connections to characters and narratives [1][3][19] - The concept of "emotional consumption" is emerging, where players seek fulfillment and identity through their virtual relationships, reflecting deeper societal trends among women [20][23] - The Otome game market is evolving from a niche to a mainstream segment, with major companies like Tencent and NetEase entering the space, indicating its commercial viability [4][19] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The total revenue for popular Otome games like "Love and Deep Space" reached approximately 5.87 billion RMB in 2024, outperforming other well-known titles [5][6] - The number of female gamers in China has surpassed 300 million, accounting for nearly half of the total gaming population, with a significant portion engaged in Otome and related genres [6][19] - The rise of "Guzai" (merchandise) consumption, where players purchase character-related products, is contributing to a robust secondary market, further enhancing the emotional connection to the games [8][9] Group 3: Emerging Services - New service industries, such as "Cosplay commissions" and "Dream manuscript" artists, are developing around the emotional needs of players, providing personalized experiences that deepen engagement [10][13] - The "Dream Girl" service industry is gaining traction, where players can hire individuals to embody their favorite characters, reflecting a unique intersection of gaming and real-world interaction [10][12] - Traditional retail spaces are adapting to this trend by creating immersive experiences centered around Otome game IPs, enhancing customer engagement and driving foot traffic [15][18] Group 4: Cultural Impact - The phenomenon of Otome games is reshaping cultural narratives around female identity and emotional expression, as these games provide a safe space for exploring relationships and self-worth [19][20][23] - The emotional investment in these games is not merely a financial transaction but a reflection of broader societal issues, including relationship anxieties and the search for identity among young women [20][23] - The industry is urged to balance commercial interests with social responsibility, ensuring that the emotional needs of players are met without fostering dependency on virtual relationships [23]

Group 1: Core Concept - The article discusses the emergence and evolution of the "single economy," highlighting its impact on various industries and consumer behavior in China, particularly among the 20-40 age group, which has over 300 million single individuals [2][4][5]. Group 2: Characteristics of the Single Economy - The single economy encompasses various sectors, including food, housing, transportation, and mental consumption [5]. - Single individuals exhibit high income levels, with over half earning between 3,000 to 5,000 yuan monthly, and a significant portion willing to spend more on personal enjoyment [6]. - A notable trend is the "one-person meal" phenomenon, with 68.1% of singles frequently dining alone, leading to a rise in demand for convenient food options [11]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The single economy is characterized by a shift from basic needs to emotional and experiential consumption, with increasing demand for social, entertainment, and self-improvement services [25][28]. - Companies are transitioning from offering single products to creating comprehensive ecosystems that cater to the lifestyle of single individuals, such as smart home solutions and integrated pet care services [26]. - The rise of emotional economy is evident in sectors like pet care, virtual idols, and dating apps, which focus on providing emotional fulfillment [28]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The development of the single economy may lead to increased social atomization, raising concerns about social connections and relationships [29]. - Companies need to understand the diverse needs of single individuals and innovate in product offerings, service experiences, and emotional connections to gain a competitive edge [29].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The younger generation is actively reshaping the cultural consumption landscape, seeking immersive experiences and quick content consumption to meet their emotional and informational needs [5][6] - The rise of immersive experiences, fragmented learning, and fast-food content reflects the changing preferences of young consumers [5][6] Summary by Sections 1. Immersive Experience - Young consumers increasingly prioritize emotional connections in their consumption, seeking immersive experiences that resonate deeply and create lasting memories [14] - The immersive performance market has seen significant growth, with a market size reaching 3,029 million in 2023, projected to grow further [20] - Interactive narratives and real-life engagement in entertainment, such as escape rooms and immersive theater, are popular among young audiences [31][32] 2. Female Narratives - The rise of female narratives in film and television has gained significant attention, marking 2024 as a "year of feminist cinema" with multiple successful female-led projects [49] - Young audiences are increasingly evaluating media based on the presence of female perspectives and narratives [53] - The emergence of all-female variety shows and female comedians has enriched the content landscape, encouraging more women to voice their experiences [56][61] 3. Spiritual Utopia - There is a growing demand for content that offers emotional healing and a break from the fast-paced lifestyle, leading to the popularity of slow variety shows [68] - Documentaries and cultural slow shows provide audiences with a sense of connection and relaxation, addressing the need for mental wellness [72][79] 4. Fragmented Learning - Podcasts have become a significant medium for young people, with 1.5 billion listeners in China, as they seek deeper insights and knowledge during their fragmented time [102] - The podcasting landscape is thriving, with a 63.3% increase in platform users, indicating a shift towards more substantial content consumption [102] 5. Fast-Food Content - The trend of fast consumption is evident in the rise of short dramas and quick content formats, catering to the need for instant gratification among young audiences [123] - The short drama market is projected to grow significantly, reflecting the demand for quick entertainment options [128]