1.
coterie; group of like-minded people
A group sharing the same interests or goals, especially in literary/artistic circles
同人雑誌を発行する。
To publish a coterie magazine.
文学同人として活動していた。
I was active as part of a literary coterie.
彼らは同人仲間として長年交流を続けている。
They have continued their association as literary companions for many years.
2.
doujin; fan-produced; self-published
Modern usage: amateur self-published works, especially manga, games, and music
同人誌を作る。
To make a doujinshi (self-published work).
同人イベントに参加する。
To participate in a doujin event.
週末の同人即売会で自分の作品を販売した。
I sold my works at a doujin sales event on the weekend.
Originally refers to people who share the same interests or ideals, particularly in literary and artistic circles. In modern Japanese, overwhelmingly associated with fan-produced and self-published creative works, especially manga.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 同人誌: doujinshi — a self-published magazine or book
- 同人サークル: doujin circle — a group that creates and sells amateur works
- 同人イベント: doujin event
- 同人即売会: doujin sales event (like Comiket)
- 同人ゲーム: doujin game — amateur-produced video game
- 同人活動: doujin activities
CULTURAL NOTES:
The largest 同人即売会 is コミケ (Comiket, Comic Market), held twice a year in Tokyo. 同人 culture is a major part of Japanese otaku culture, with thousands of amateur creators producing original and fan-based works.