Thinking about placing a support ad in Japan for your favorite artist's birthday but not sure whether to go with Cheering AD or Oshi-Ad? Both services let fans turn their love into real-world advertising. But they work very differently in cost, lead time, who can apply, and what kind of media they offer.
Quick Answer (TL;DR)
- Cheering AD — best when planning 3+ months ahead and specifically wanting a physical poster at a JR East or Tokyo Metro station.
- Oshi-Ad — best when working with a shorter timeline, applying as an individual, want digital signage, or need a lower minimum budget.
Service Comparison Table
| Feature | Cheering AD | Oshi-Ad |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | jeki (JR East Marketing & Communications) | Curio Inc. |
| Main media | Station posters (physical print) | Digital signage, outdoor vision, ad trucks |
| Minimum cost | ~¥34,000 (ad fee only; design/print extra ~¥37,900+) | From ~¥30,000 (all-in pricing) |
| Lead time | 2–3 months minimum | As short as 1 week |
| Individual application | Not permitted (group required) | Full support for individual applications |
| Crowdfunding | Available via Crafan | Available with 10% platform fee |
| Office permission support | Cheering AD contacts agency | Guideline check support |
About Cheering AD
Cheering AD is operated by jeki, a subsidiary of JR East. It is the largest and most established fan support advertising platform in Japan, with deep integration into the JR East station network and partnerships with Tokyo Metro and other rail operators.
Strengths: Station posters carry significant cultural weight in Japan's fan advertising scene. Cheering AD has strong name recognition and the legitimacy of a major railway operator.
Constraints: Cheering AD requires that transportation advertisements be placed in the name of a fan group, not an individual. The lead time is the other major constraint — apply at least two months before posting date, three months if office permission is needed.
About Oshi-Ad
Oshi-Ad (app.oshi-ad.com) is operated by Curio Inc. and launched in February 2026. It positions itself around the needs that established fan advertising services do not fully serve: individual fans, tight timelines, and digital-first media.
Oshi-Ad allows individuals to apply directly — no fan group registration, no minimum member count, no SNS account requirement. The lead time for digital signage can be as short as one week. The minimum entry point starts from approximately ¥30,000. Crowdfunding from ¥500 per person, platform fee 10%.
When to Choose Cheering AD
- Planning 2–3 months or more in advance
- A physical station poster is specifically what you want
- You already have a registered fan group
- You want international locations (Cheering AD has partnerships in South Korea, New York, Hong Kong)
When to Choose Oshi-Ad
- Your timeline is short (2–4 weeks away)
- You are applying as an individual
- Your budget is closer to ¥30,000
- You prefer digital signage over print posters
- You want crowdfunding with a low 10% platform fee
- You want ad truck or live venue media
Real Cost Simulation: HYBE Artist Birthday in Tokyo
Scenario A: solo fan, 3-week notice, budget ~¥50,000
Cheering AD: not feasible (requires 2–3 months minimum). Not eligible (individual; no group). Oshi-Ad: feasible (digital signage in ~1 week). Eligible (individual application accepted). From ~¥30,000.
Scenario B: organized fan club, 3-month notice, budget ~¥100,000
Both services are technically available. Choice comes down to media preference: physical station poster (Cheering AD) vs digital signage / outdoor vision / ad truck (Oshi-Ad).
What Is Oshi-Ad?
Oshi-Ad (app.oshi-ad.com) is operated by Curio Inc. — a fan advertising platform that lets individuals place support ads for artists, idols, athletes, and creators starting from approximately ¥30,000.
- Individual applications accepted
- From ~¥30,000 for digital signage
- Lead time as short as 1 week
- Crowdfunding from ¥500/person
- Platform fee: 10% (industry-lowest)
- Office guideline check support
FAQ
Q1: Can I use Cheering AD as an individual fan?
A: No. Transportation advertisements must be placed in the name of a group. Oshi-Ad does not have this requirement.
Q2: What is the actual total cost for a Cheering AD station poster?
A: Ad fee from ~¥34,000. Design and printing are charged separately, starting ~¥37,900 before tax. Total at a mid-tier station can reach ¥80,000–¥130,000+.
Q3: How does Oshi-Ad's 10% crowdfunding fee compare?
A: General crowdfunding platforms charge 15–20%. 10% is competitive for the fan ad category.
Q4: Does Oshi-Ad handle the artist office permission process?
A: Oshi-Ad provides guideline check support. Cheering AD contacts the office directly. In either case, check your artist's guidelines first.
Q5: Can I use both services for the same campaign?
A: Yes. Some fan clubs run digital signage through Oshi-Ad alongside a station poster through Cheering AD. They are not mutually exclusive.
Start Your Fan Ad Campaign
For digital signage, fast timelines, or individual applications: https://app.oshi-ad.com







