PMC Ryodan (ЧВК Рёдан) is a subculture primarily present in Russia and Ukraine. It is characterized by groups of teenagers, often anime fans, who adopted the name as an ironic reference to the Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor (PMC). The name "Ryodan" originates from a group of thieves in the anime series Hunter x Hunter . Members of the subculture are often identified by their attire, which includes black hoodies featuring a white spider symbol.

The PMC Ryodan subculture emerged in Russia, primarily among teenagers approximately aged 14 to 16, who are fans of anime, specifically the manga series Hunter x Hunter . The name "Ryodan" originates from the " Genei Ryodan " (Phantom Troupe), a criminal organization in the manga, identifiable by a black spider emblem. This spider symbol is prominently featured on the clothing of PMC Ryodan members, specifically black hoodies.

The clothing, featuring a 12-legged spider, is associated with a clothing brand created by a designer known as Hikikomori Kai, established in 2020. Prior to widespread attention in 2023, individuals identifying with "Ryodan" congregated at concerts and online, without drawing significant notice.

The addition of "PMC" to the name has drawn comparisons to the Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor. The origin of this addition is unclear, with speculation that it originated as an ironic joke. The first major online community associated with the group appeared on the Russian social media platform VK in September 2022, and it reached 190,000 users. It was then blocked by Roskomnadzor on February 28, 2023.

The subculture's existence gained media attention on February 22, 2023 following a physical fight at the Aviapark shopping mall in Moscow. According to accounts from Ryodan members, the conflict initiated after they were confronted about their clothing by individuals with right-wing and white supremacist affiliations. Following the incident, a video of the altercation was shared online, accompanied by a caption that contained hostile language, contributing to its rapid spread.

After the Aviapark incident, law enforcement increased their presence in shopping malls across Russia. This led to over 500 detentions of teenagers who were assumed to be associated with Ryodan. Online videos then appeared showing teenagers dressed in black being coerced into apologies and subjected to physical assault, in some cases the teens had no association with "Ryodan." Copycat groups began to emerge, not just in Russia, but also in Ukraine and Belarus.

Russian authorities addressed the subculture, with members of the State Duma expressing concern about the "harmful influence of the West on youth." Officials suggested restrictions on aspects of youth culture, including anime and video games such as Dota 2 . Officials, such as Yekaterina Mizulina, linked the subculture to "Ukrainian efforts to destabilize Russia," while Ukrainian authorities attributed the emergence of Ryodan within Ukraine to Russian provocation. Incidents involving alleged Ryodan members also occurred in Belarus, resulting in further detentions.

Law enforcement detained teenagers in cities including Novosibirsk, Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, and Krasnoyarsk. In St. Petersburg’s Galeria shopping mall, a mass brawl led to 131 arrests and injuries. In Chita, approximately 300 teenagers gathered, resulting in detentions.

Members are identifiable by their distinctive attire, primarily black hoodies featuring a white 12-legged spider logo and the number 4. These symbols are derived from the Genei Ryodan (Phantom Troupe) criminal organization in the manga series Hunter x Hunter . The look is often complemented by checkered trousers (plaid pants) and long, dyed black hair, creating a visual overlap with Emo and E-Boy aesthetics. This specific combination serves as a visual marker for membership, distinguishing them from the Adidas-clad gopnik subcultures they often clash with.

The aesthetic shares significant overlap with the Russian Dead Inside (or "Ghoul" subculture, which similarly centers around depressive anime tropes (specifically Tokyo Ghoul ), Dota 2 , and long hair.

The Russian parliament has addressed the PMC Ryodan subculture following mass detentions across Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary for President Vladimir Putin, acknowledged that the Kremlin is monitoring the group. Law enforcement in St. Petersburg informed detained teenagers that PMC Ryodan is a creation of "Western intelligence services," framing the subculture within Russia"s "confrontation with the West." Similarly, Ukrainian authorities, including the Kyiv Police, have attributed the group to "Russian propagandists," alleging an "informational-psychological operation" aimed at "destabilize the internal situation in Ukraine."

Despite that mainstream media portrayals that have, at times, sensationalized PMC Ryodan as a "transnational terrorist organization," it is, in fact, a loosely organized subculture of anime fans, primarily teenagers. Media outlets have also used terms such as "cult of violence" and "fight club," contributing to a heightened sense of alarm. The subculture initially gained attention following physical altercations in shopping malls, primarily between Ryodan members and groups described as " offniki " or " gopniki ," characterized by their Adidas tracksuits and perceived antisocial behavior. This focus on isolated incidents of violence, coupled with the use of loaded language, has heavily influenced how the public views PMC Ryodan, often overshadowing the group's actual nature as a youth subculture.

Anti-Ryodan groups have organized online, using platforms like VK and Telegram, to conduct attacks against individuals identified as Ryodan members. These groups have used homophobic and white supremacist language and symbolism. However, the confrontations are described as localized conflicts, akin to schoolyard fights, rather than a clash between politically motivated subcultures.

A majority of arrests involving members of the subculture did not involve actual fights. The Ryodan phenomenon is viewed by some as a reflection of a generational divide in Russia and Ukraine, with older authorities misunderstanding youth culture and online interactions.