Ever had that moment where you look in the mirror and realize you aren't the main character of a shonen anime anymore? It happens fast. One day you’re complaining about homework, and the next, you’re genuinely excited about a new brand of dish soap. This universal "growing up" anxiety is basically the soul of the phrase Soshite Watashi wa Ojisan ni Naru.
It translates to "And so, I become an old man" (or uncle/middle-aged guy).
But it’s not just a sentence. It’s a mood.
If you’ve spent any time in Japanese internet circles or followed the niche corners of J-Pop and Vocaloid culture, you’ve likely bumped into this sentiment. It’s a mix of resignation, humor, and that specific brand of Japanese melancholy known as mono no aware—the pathos of things. People use it when they realize they can't stay up past 11 PM anymore without feeling it the next day. Or when they don't recognize a single artist on the Billboard charts.
Where did Soshite Watashi wa Ojisan ni Naru come from?
Most people think it’s just a random meme. It isn't.
The phrase is a direct play on the title of the legendary 1992 song "Watashi ga Ojisan ni Natte mo" by Chisato Moritaka. In that track, she famously asks her partner if he'll still love her even when she becomes an "Obasan" (an older woman/auntie). It was a massive cultural touchstone in Japan. It tackled the insecurity of aging in a society that obsessed over youth.
The flip side—becoming an "Ojisan"—is the male equivalent.
While Moritaka's song was a catchy pop hit about romantic loyalty, the internet version, Soshite Watashi wa Ojisan ni Naru, is way more self-deprecating. It’s often used by creators, gamers, and office workers (salarymen) to acknowledge their transition from the "cool youth" to the "uncool adult."
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You see it a lot in the Vocaloid community. Producers who started in their teens back in 2008 are now in their 30s. They write songs about the "good old days" of Niconico Douga, and the comments are flooded with people saying, "Soshite watashi wa ojisan ni naru." It’s a digital handshake. A way of saying, "Yeah, we’re old now, but we’re still here."
The "Ojisan" identity in modern Japan
Being an "Ojisan" used to be a bad thing. It conjured images of guys in beige suits falling asleep on trains with a newspaper over their face.
Things changed.
The internet reclaimed it. Now, there’s a certain pride in being an Ojisan who still likes "young" things like anime or high-spec PC gaming. You’ll find this phrase used under YouTube videos of classic 90s anime openings or retro gaming walkthroughs. It’s a recognition of a shared timeline.
Honesty time: it’s kind of scary.
Becoming an Ojisan means your metabolism slows down. It means you start caring about the price of lettuce. But in the context of the meme, it’s a way to laugh at the inevitable. Instead of fighting the aging process with expensive skin creams and "hello fellow kids" energy, you just lean into it.
Why the phrase works so well on social media
- Relatability: Everyone ages. No exceptions.
- The Irony: Using a "young" medium like Twitter or TikTok to announce you are becoming an old man is peak comedy.
- Cultural Shorthand: It’s faster than saying "I feel the crushing weight of time and my waning relevance to the current zeitgeist."
The connection to "Ojisan Tensho" and Isekai
You can't talk about Soshite Watashi wa Ojisan ni Naru without mentioning the explosion of the "Middle-aged man in another world" genre.
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Look at the light novel charts.
Ten years ago, every protagonist was 16. Today? We have hits like Uncle from Another World (Isekai Ojisan). These stories resonate because the audience—the original otaku generation—is now the "Ojisan" demographic. They don't want to read about a kid struggling with his first crush. They want to read about a 40-year-old who uses his life experience (and maybe some magic) to navigate a new world.
When a reader says "Soshite watashi wa ojisan ni naru" while reading these, they are acknowledging that their fantasies have shifted. They aren't the hero saving the world anymore; they’re the guy trying to find a comfortable chair and a quiet place to drink his tea.
Is it a "Cringe" meme?
Sorta.
Like any phrase used by older people to describe themselves, it can be a bit "cringe" to the younger Gen Z crowd in Japan. But that’s the point. The Ojisan doesn't care if he's cringe. That is his superpower.
There is a specific "Ojisan Syntax" (Ojisan-koubun) that involves using too many emojis, weird punctuation, and long-winded greetings. Sometimes, people use the phrase Soshite Watashi wa Ojisan ni Naru to apologize in advance for their uncool social media habits. It’s a preemptive strike against being judged.
Understanding the weight of the "Soshite"
The word "Soshite" (And so / And then) is what makes the phrase work.
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It implies a sequence of events.
- I was young.
- I worked hard.
- I missed some trends.
- And so, I become an old man.
It’s the logical conclusion to a life lived. It’s not a tragedy. It’s just the next chapter.
When you see this phrase on a forum or under a nostalgic music video, don't pity the person writing it. They are finding peace. They’re moving from the chaos of youth into the (hopefully) calmer waters of middle age.
Actionable insights for navigating the "Ojisan" transition
If you find yourself identifying with the Soshite Watashi wa Ojisan ni Naru sentiment, here is how to do it with some dignity:
- Own the nostalgia. Don't pretend you don't love 90s eurobeat or classic J-RPGs. That's your heritage.
- Avoid the "Old Man Rant." You can become an Ojisan without hating everything new. You don't have to like "New School" rap or current fashion, but you don't have to yell at clouds either.
- Prioritize comfort. This is the greatest perk of the Ojisan phase. Wear the comfortable shoes. Buy the ergonomic chair. Your back will thank you.
- Keep the hobby alive. Whether it's gunpla, photography, or lurking on Niconico, don't let "being an adult" kill the things that make you happy.
Ultimately, becoming an "Ojisan" isn't about the number on your ID. It's a state of mind. It’s about reaching that point where you’re comfortable enough in your own skin to admit that you’ve been around the block a few times.
So, next time you feel a random ache in your knee or you realize you haven't checked the "top 10" charts in three years, just say it out loud: Soshite watashi wa ojisan ni naru.
It feels better once you say it. Trust me.
Next Steps for Embracing the Vibe:
Identify one "youthful" hobby you've been neglecting because you felt "too old" for it. Whether it's playing a specific video game or following a certain subculture, re-engage with it this weekend. The goal isn't to "stay young"—it's to be the kind of Ojisan who actually enjoys his life instead of just mourning his 20s.
Check out the original Chisato Moritaka performance of "Watashi ga Ojisan ni Natte mo" on YouTube to see the aesthetic roots of this entire cultural movement. You'll see exactly why the sentiment has stuck around for over thirty years.