1.
veteran, senior member, old-timer
Someone who has been part of an organization or group for a long time.
彼は古参の社員だ。
He's a veteran employee.
2.
longtime fan, early supporter
A fan who has been following an artist, content creator, or franchise since early on. Common in online communities.
古参ファンとして応援し続けている。
I've continued supporting them as a longtime fan.
古参と新規で意見が分かれた。
Opinions were divided between longtime and new fans.
古参アピールする人は苦手だ。
I don't like people who brag about being longtime fans.
古参アピール = showing off veteran fan status
REGISTER: Originally formal/literary, now also casual in online contexts.
ORIGINAL MEANING:
古参 originally referred to senior members of an organization, particularly those with long service in a company or military unit.
MODERN FAN CULTURE USAGE:
In online and fan communities, 古参 specifically means someone who has been a fan since the early days:
- 古参ファン: longtime fan
- 古参リスナー: longtime listener/viewer
- 古参勢: the veteran fan group
CONTRAST WITH 新規:
- 古参: longtime fan (since early days)
- 新規: new fan (recently joined)
NOTE: In fan communities, there can sometimes be tension between 古参 and 新規, with some 古参 acting superior or gatekeeping. The term 古参アピール (showing off veteran status) is often used critically.
Related Words
Antonym:
新規