When you think about Idols, what does it come into your mind?
Or what character do you think of an Idol? In the western country might mean a person with
extraordinary talent, charismatic, artistic, eccentric, etc. And most people agree that "Idols" should be categorized as such. "Idol" perhaps is one common word in English and are easily used like in the program "American Idol".
However "Idol" in Japan contains additional meaning. Or better to say, Japanese people define "Idol" as something completely different from original English definition. I think it contains more pedophilia-like affection to it. if you have read the story of Genji, you might have an idea of Japanese affection to young people or even kids. (which looks sick for today's standards.)
Japanese Old society was mostly bisexual and pedophile (mostly people in the rank of Samurai and monks) like any other old societies. What was different from the catholic priests was that it was not seem as a sin. Japanese monks believed that act of sex of young boys was purification of the soul to get closer to the wisdom. The young boys was treated as their wives; wearing make ups, wearing nice clothes, giving poems to one and other, and having a bath with nice fragrance before making love with their monks.
Having physical contact with woman meant Kegare (defilement) and relationship of with the young boys meant spiritual and noble. Considering these facts, I only have to say THANK GOD that I was born in 21 century in Japan with Japanese family. And Oh yea! THANK YOU GOD!
I think I went too far with the topic...but anyway. (-_-;)
I see the pedophile aspect in the way people see the "idol" in Japan.
The Idol was in its peak in the time of economic bubble. Many young and pretty girls and boys came out in the music industry. They were everything to young people. Million of CDs was sold and everyone wanted same fashion as their "Idol". However, little by little the audience start looking by something new. Along with the trends, the definition of Idol changed too.
How did it changed? here is the definition of "Idol" in Japan;
Here is interesting comparison of the East Asian Idol Groups
I think this is what represents East Asian Idols! Which mostly I do agree with it. (BUT I AM NOT SAYING THAT I LIKE IT...)
People look for different ideas, hopes or desire in Idols.. I do understand. However, why does Idols should come to media with underwear and some time even kissing girls? the young ones does not even reach 15 and photo book of bikini. Am I too old-fashion? because I feel that it is insinuating something by these photo books..hmmm... maybe I became old. Time for me to scold young girls to wear dissent clothing. Yeh, it is age!
Or what character do you think of an Idol? In the western country might mean a person with
extraordinary talent, charismatic, artistic, eccentric, etc. And most people agree that "Idols" should be categorized as such. "Idol" perhaps is one common word in English and are easily used like in the program "American Idol".
However "Idol" in Japan contains additional meaning. Or better to say, Japanese people define "Idol" as something completely different from original English definition. I think it contains more pedophilia-like affection to it. if you have read the story of Genji, you might have an idea of Japanese affection to young people or even kids. (which looks sick for today's standards.)
Japanese Old society was mostly bisexual and pedophile (mostly people in the rank of Samurai and monks) like any other old societies. What was different from the catholic priests was that it was not seem as a sin. Japanese monks believed that act of sex of young boys was purification of the soul to get closer to the wisdom. The young boys was treated as their wives; wearing make ups, wearing nice clothes, giving poems to one and other, and having a bath with nice fragrance before making love with their monks.
I bet the situation was something like this?
Having physical contact with woman meant Kegare (defilement) and relationship of with the young boys meant spiritual and noble. Considering these facts, I only have to say THANK GOD that I was born in 21 century in Japan with Japanese family. And Oh yea! THANK YOU GOD!
I think I went too far with the topic...but anyway. (-_-;)
I see the pedophile aspect in the way people see the "idol" in Japan.
The Idol was in its peak in the time of economic bubble. Many young and pretty girls and boys came out in the music industry. They were everything to young people. Million of CDs was sold and everyone wanted same fashion as their "Idol". However, little by little the audience start looking by something new. Along with the trends, the definition of Idol changed too.
How did it changed? here is the definition of "Idol" in Japan;
- Mostly girls (some boys from Johnny's)
- should not have a lover
- no need to be good at singing, dance, or even academic
- no need to be very cute (as long as they pretend to be cute girl or handsome boy)
The Idol is asked to make the audience to love them as they were like in relationships. Therefore, if they have specific boyfriend/girlfriend, the fans will decrease since they feel they have no chance with the idol. So it is tied to love and hope that there is a possibility to stay with the idol. If you looked at Johnny's boys, not so many people are married. some of them are already in their 40 and still single....Or they are just gays. who knows?
Nowadays AKB's scandal has reached to overseas. One of the most shocking thing was to see AKB in Guardian news. I am no longer in the age to follow specific idol however, I think it was not so good image. Many people are commenting about "oh, they should be allowed to have lover etc." Do not worry. NO ONE actually forced them to set a rule. They set their own rule and they are punishing themselves. In fact, most Japanese people saw this incidence as performance (and no one makes profit out of it)... (-_-)
Here is interesting comparison of the East Asian Idol Groups
...Which it is completely true and makes me wonder who aren't AKB...getting tired of seeing them onTV and commercials X(
Which I would like to leave it without comment...Btw, there was a Miss Korea with plastic surgery...I am not against it entirely but is it the only way they claim to be beautiful ? :(
I bet they are the sexy ones? Why are they holding fruit and meat?!
Seems it get too inspired so much that there is no longer a concept
I think this is what represents East Asian Idols! Which mostly I do agree with it. (BUT I AM NOT SAYING THAT I LIKE IT...)
People look for different ideas, hopes or desire in Idols.. I do understand. However, why does Idols should come to media with underwear and some time even kissing girls? the young ones does not even reach 15 and photo book of bikini. Am I too old-fashion? because I feel that it is insinuating something by these photo books..hmmm... maybe I became old. Time for me to scold young girls to wear dissent clothing. Yeh, it is age!
No comments:
Post a Comment