The phrase 'I Hope Senpai Will Notice Me' (often shortened to 'Notice Me Senpai') is an iconic internet meme rooted in anime and manga culture. It refers to a character—usually a younger student (kohai)—yearning for the attention of an older student or mentor (senpai) they admire. While the trope has existed for decades in romance media, it became a viral sensation in the early 2010s across platforms like Tumblr and Reddit, often paired with blushing characters or wide-eyed expressions. Today, it is used satirically to describe anyone seeking validation or recognition, from social media followers to corporate bosses, making it a versatile tool for highlighting unrequited admiration or desperate attempts to stand out.