The MZ is a generation that creates and keeps up with trends, along with comprising most of the world's current population. It was recently reported that BTS's Jimin was leading the Korean wave in Japan among the MZ generation.

On the 22nd of November, KBS News' ’The World Now’ reported on the rapid evolution of the Korean wave in Japan's MZ Generation. The Korean outlet focused on the hot Hallyu wave in the form of Korean drama, Korean music, food, and fashion brands, which are spreading across Japan.

During the broadcast, Japanese locals were interviewed, and among them were shown two who were wearing Jimin merchandise from his customized Artist Made collection, the With You hoodie and Red carving earrings. The two said, “These earrings and outfits (hoodie) we are wearing was designed by Jimin. I wanted to experience Korean culture after I got to know BTS.” while also showing off their CHIMMY dolls as well as Dynamite merchandise.

Jimin's hoodie and red carving earrings are items that broke the record for selling out within a second, even after being put on sale for a second round globally. According to analytics company NetBase Quid, Jimin was the most mentioned under the Apparel and Accessories section because of his merch, beating the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Bella Hadid, Christian Siriano, and more with 13,828,228 news and social mentions.

The popularity of his merchandise has also spread among Japanese celebrities. On the 4th of December, Japanese actor Atsushi Hashimoto was spotted donning Jimin's artist-made With You Hoody during the first day of the Japanese film festival MOOSIC LAB 2023. The actor had tweeted about the Hoodie getting sold out in January while he was placing his order with a crying emoji to express his exasperation. It seems that he finally got it, as he could be seen proudly wearing it at the festival.

It remains unforgotten that in May, Japanese wrestler and GHC Heavyweight Champion Go Shiozaki posted photos on his social media accounts wearing Jimin's “With You” hoodie. He captioned them with “I'm glad it's cold today,” and “We will use it again in winter.” Following the release of his red carving earrings, Japanese entertainer & comedian Kiriko Isono, who is a great Jimin fan, expressed how she wanted to pierce her ears in preparation for their release, although they eventually sold out so fast. She talked about being influenced by Jimin's style and fashion taste as well.

On the same day, celebrated Japanese Jazz musician and singer Akiko Yano, who is now learning classical ballet, mentioned her desire to see Jimin dance, the famous Nutcracker ballet by Tchaikovsky, saying, “I see this bear online every year, but this year I want Jimin to dance. For me.” Previously she had praised Jimin's beautiful dance, which encourages her when she is struggling with a turn.

On an episode of JTBC's Talk Paone 25 O'clock, Japanese people were randomly asked about what they thought of when they heard about Korea; those interviewed emphatically and without hesitation replied with BTS Jimin twice, solidifying the reality of his popularity. In 2021 Memedays, a research institute of social media trends and Gen Z insights, revealed Jimin as the only K-pop Male idol who was chosen as a role model for Japanese girls aged 15-21 years.

Last week top Japanese fashion and beauty magazine Maquia used Jimin as an example of perfect luminous skin during their skincare article. K, a member of &TEAM, a Hybe Labels Japan boy group, mentioned Jimin as the senior he looks up to, joining fellow member Taki who previously revealed his great impression of Jimin and BTS in his choice to become an idol.

A lot of Juniors and seniors in Japan have previously revealed their love for Jimin, praising his performances and even covering his songs. Among these include Miyu, daughter of actress and weathercaster Minoru Kihara, Moa, daughter of actress Chiharu Niyama, Singer Miu Sakamoto's daughter, and others. Singer-Songwriter Ayaka Hirahara, NHK figure skating champions Misato and Takeru komatsubara, Legendary champion figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, Social Media influencer Reika Oozeki, THE FIRST's Ryuhei Kuroda, Singer-Songwriter Murata Tomoya, Animators, and Manga Artists Aya Kanno & Mai Yoneyama, Rock band Kishidan's Sho Ayanokoji, TV Personality, Radio DJ & K-pop critic Furuya Masayuki, Singer Kyoko Koizumi, Famous choreographer, dancer & social media influencer Rikimaru Chikada, Actress Saeko, Olympic Athlete Miu Goto, Translator, and author Aoko Matsuda are among those that can be presently listed.