We’ll give you one guess what she’s into (Picture: Instagram)

The superfan is a brilliant specimen.

For eons we’ve worshipped at the altars of sports stars, pop stars, actors, fictional characters, collectibles, art, cars, and just about anything else we can relate to, share with others or simply connect with in some way.

Also known as a ‘fanatic’ (but, let’s face it, ‘fan’ is much more sexy), these superfans have travelled the globe to support their chosen love – and we’ve tracked down some of the most die-hard and dedicated.

Each week we’ll bring you the story of one keen punter who has dedicated their life and time (and money, so.much.money) to supporting someone or something – simply because it brings them immeasurable joy.




And that’s what life’s about, right?

Welcome to Metro.co.uk’s super fun new series, I’m Your Biggest Fan.

This week we’re speaking with Azusa Sakamoto, AKA Azusa Barbie, who was 15 when she found a Barbie lunchbox at an import toy store in her native Japan – and has since spent 22 years emulating everything Barbie.

This is Azusa. To say she loves Barbie is an understatement (Picture: Kamara B. Photography)

From there, her love was set – and with the box as her new purse she began her lifelong obsession with everything themed to the Mattel classic.

Azusa, now 37, never felt Barbie was a ‘kid’s toy’ per se; she saw her as a ‘cool American pop icon’ and, to be honest, she’s not all that wrong.

Around the world, more than one billion Barbies have been sold since her inception in March, 1959, and in 2008 Mattel claimed three were moved off shelves every second. Now, apparently, it’s closer to one every three seconds. A universal name understood throughout the ages, Barbie might be the most recognised children’s toy for generations.

No mean feat.

Asuza who with her long pink hair, matching outfits and themed studio apartment in Hollywood – complete with Barbie oven, where she almost exclusively cooks pink food (now c’mon that’s impressive) – may come across as a Barbie wannabe, she wants it to be clear she doesn’t dress in Barbie cosplay – she just loves her as a fashion icon.

To her she is the ultimate inspiration and has seen her spend tens of thousands of pounds to remake her live in the vision of Barbie.

You started collecting Barbie merchandise when you were 15, why do you still collect now 18 years later?

I’ve been growing my collection more and more, not only dolls but also Barbie brand outfits and accessories for myself. Why do I still collect? If you loved something only for a moment, that’s not even love but more like a craze. I LOVE Barbie so it never fades.

Azusa pretty much only cooks pink food (Picture: azusabarbie/Instagram)

Would you say you’re ‘obsessed’ with Barbie?

I never thought about if I was, but I don’t mind if you call me that if you want.

How many dolls have you collected over the years?

As I spend more money on other Barbie stuff I don’t buy as many dolls – but my collection is now at 260. I keep it all in my room, on shelves and also in glass cabinets.



How much do you estimate you’ve spent on Barbie products over the years?

To be really honest, I never care about how much I spend on Barbie, so I’ve never counted. However I guess now it’s like £63,000. How much money I have spent on is not important to me at all, I’m more proud of how much work, time, ideas, and passions I’ve dedicated to Barbie.

Even her blinds are branded (Picture: azusabarbie/Instagram)

That’s a lot of money, though! What does it go towards?

Barbie dolls, clothes for Barbie, Barbie clothes for me as well. Barbie brand purses, shoes, jewelleries, bedding, pillows, cups, towels, plates … almost everything I own. Also stuff for DIY like pink paints or a pink power drill, and budget for going to Barbie conventions.

A pink power drill? So on-theme. What is the most expensive piece of memorabilia you’ve bought?

It might disappoint you but I don’t spend much money on just one doll [laughs]. The most valuable doll I own is maybe close to $2,000 (£1.5k) but I didn’t spend that much on it actually. The most expensive piece I actually spent is maybe Barbie shoes and clutch from Charlotte Olympia which was over $1,200 (£920) for each.

She has her 200-plus dolls on proud display (Picture: azusabarbie/Instagram)

And what do your friends make of your collection and obsession?

Well, you probably would like me to say, ‘They think I’m weird!’, but actually they love what I’m doing and think it’s cool and creative. Everyone who ever comes to my room says it’s such a happy place with happy vibes and energy, which is so true.


I mean, my friends are awesome. They don’t judge what I do or how I am and I totally appreciate that!

How do they react when you dress up as Barbie?

I’m not dressing up as Barbie. I’m not cosplaying, I’m not trying to be like her either. I just love Barbie as a brand and a fashion icon. I know the difference between a human and a doll. I always wear Barbie brand clothes but it doesn’t mean I’m ‘dressing up’ as Barbie. And I get compliments way more than hates!

As you can see, she likes her branded merch (Picture: azusabarbie/Instagram)

Actually I don’t know why some people expect me to have some haters as I really don’t get many. In fact you’ll see how many people ‘like’ my YouTube videos and not ‘dislike’.

What about your dating life – has your love of Barbie affected that?

It doesn’t affect my dating life. If a guy didn’t want to go out with me because I dress like this, well, I don’t even want to date that kind of guy who judges the book by its cover. Bye!

Do you rent your house? How do you get away with decorating it as Barbie’s house, and painting the ceiling pink on a whim?

I do rent – I live in a small studio apartment I love. My landlord doesn’t care as long as I take it back to a plain boring room when I move out; however she knows that I’m not moving out ever.


Is there anything you wouldn’t do for Barbie? For instance, would you ever get a Barbie tattoo?

Oh yeah, I’m really particular about my style and taste. I know what I like, what I want, and what I’m doing. In fact I’m not buying ALL Barbie stuff, if it’s not my type.

I don’t need a Barbie tattoo, though, because it wouldn’t look good with my fashion…

I’m Your Biggest Fan is a weekly series that deep dives into the world of fandoms, via the people who worship the hardest. Check back in next Thursday to check out the latest aficionado.

Want to get involved in I'm Your Biggest Fan? If you've got a rather brilliant obsession - from Game of Thrones to My Little Pony - and want to share the reasons why, get in touch! Covered in tattoos of your favourite soapie star? Perhaps you sold the house to satisfy your obsession with Christmas. Whatever it is, we would love to know your story. Email us celebtips@metro.co.uk, call 020 3615 2145 or visit our Submit Stuff page with a bit about what you've done, with some pictures to back it up. You'll have to be prepared to be interviewed and deep dive into the fandom - but that's the fun part, right?