i dont see the problem with using senpai or kouhai or kawaii or anything if you mean it seriously. like. i only call people senpai when they ARE my senpai, when i look up to and respect and want to be more like them. it's possible to use the language and not be racist.
http://sad-queer.tumblr.com/post/48182159965/on-kawaii-and-appropriation
the problem with using the language like that is it's treating the language as a costume? just call them your idol dude











