読者

The term refers to anyone who reads a specific piece of writing, but in practical usage, it is most frequently used in the context of publishing, journalism, and authorship. It often implies a relationship between the creator of the content and the audience.

While a "reader" (読者) can be anyone who happens to read a text, it is distinct from "dokushoka" (読書家), which refers to an avid reader or a bibliophile—someone who reads as a hobby or lifestyle. "Dokushoka" describes a person's character or habit, whereas "dokusha" describes a person's role relative to a specific work or publication.

In the modern digital era, the term has expanded to include people who read blogs, web novels, and social media threads, though the core nuance of being an "audience member" remains the same.