Aidoru: The Industry That Has Two Faces

     Japanese Idols aren’t exactly new to the Philippine Otaku Culture – from AKB48, Hey!Say!JUMP, Fairies and etc., some, if not all of us have gone through the stage where we have fangirled (or fanboy-ed) over Jpop Idols. The industry has even expanded its horizons by going global by announcing international groups related to already existing groups like the 48Group’s BNK48, JKT48 and the most recent one, MNL48.

     But what exactly does being an idol mean? From the point-of-view of fans, it seems to be all rainbows, amazing music and funky dance moves. But, what exactly do these idols go through to bring us smiles and happiness? Like any other industry, the Jpop Industry is a mirror with two faces.

     Five years ago, a scandal erupted from the industry that made headlines – not just in Japan but worldwide. AKB48 member Minegishi Minami who was then in Team B was demoted to being a trainee after uploading a video apology posing a shaved head as a sign of her regret for breaking one of the industry’s biggest rules – the love ban.

     To put simply, the love ban is a rule in which idols are prohibited from dating – whether it’s with another idol, someone in the staff or a normal person. Idols who break this rule have a tendency to get fired or forced to graduate if they have a system like AKB48. For some idols, this rule is actually in their contract.

     But that’s just the beginning of it all – there’s actually more to the idol culture than what we might know.

     Idols, male or female are expected to be the epitome of innocence, sweet, naive and the likes. This is why rowdy behavior, like what Akanishi Jin seemed to have displayed is very much frowned upon by his agency and by the industry. This is still in relation to the love ban rule. Idols have to keep the appearance of being your quintessential bishoujo or bishounen, the innocent kind of course. This is also why Hey!Say!JUMP member Morimoto Ryutaro was removed from the group when he was spotted with underage smoking.

     Idols also have insane work schedules. Aside from the typical shoots, recordings and performances; they also have numerous other events which makes sleeping and hanging out with their friends (sometimes even visiting their families) nearly impossible unless their management is kind or if their contract ends. Work schedules are also used as a scheme by managers to control the idols from getting into relationships and the likes. Idols aren’t usually aware of their day-to-day schedule as they only get told on the day itself. When the talents suddenly want to become more aware of their schedules, that’s usually a sign that they’ve gotten into something and the managers must quickly take action.

     Not all idols end up rich as well, their management usually cuts of about 60% – 80% of their earnings in exchange for managing their group. Idol careers are somehow short lived as well since some groups have the graduation system.

     During events, handshake events or meet-and-greets, idols also often have to face creeps. Some idols are even harmed by these said hardcore fans. An example is the AKB48 Iwate Incident that happened in 2014 where a fan attacked several people with a saw which caused some of the group’s events to be cancelled and the graduation of Team A’s Kawaei Rina.

     While the idol industry provides such enjoyment, it can’t be denied that while the fans are having a good time – the same can’t be said for the idols. While the image that idols show us are happy and what we, the fans, expect of idols; one can only imagine what actually happens behind closed doors in this two-faced idol industry.

-Lizzie Dust

Images courtesy of google