Third Wave Idolism

Sometime earlier this month, dance and vocal group Tokyo Girls' Style had an announcement that's now being billed an 'Artist Declaration', where they announced that they will no longer be aiming to be artistes, but rather will continue activities as a non-idol group. If you've yet to read the stuff regarding this, here's what was announced, effective April 2015 due to previous commitments:

Songs Onnaji Kimochi, Ganbatte Itsudatte Shinjiteru will be taken out of their repertoire, due to them being very symbolic 'idol songs'

No more appearances at idol festivals, and no more photoshoots/articles on idol-only magazines

A move away from events that require you to buy goods in multiple, repetitive copies

Overseas, the group will continue activities, regardless of the distinction between the two

Fan Reactions

Fan reactions were expected. Some felt that the group has taken too long to go on this route, and are currently entrenched to the point where such a drastic pulling out will have an effect not only on their standing, but also their sales numbers and general feasibility as a group. Others felt like this is a wrong move, given that they are basically throwing away the scene that allowed them to succeed this far in the first place, and that all the success they have cannot be replicated outside of the idol scene.

Of course, there are also who support it wholeheartedly. From the start, TGS has never been an 'idol' group, and that this is simply a progression from the path that they started on years ago. There are some who support it, but at the same time feel that TGS is not yet ready for the big leagues, given that the 'idol' label does give quite a bit of leeway when people judge musical groups.

Some also felt that it is watching the girls grow and interacting with them that really makes following them great. What's the point of that when you can't even meet them any more?

Given my position as an overseas fan, it was also interesting to see how some people reacted. Of course, most didn't care (for some reason my slice of the Twitter fandom doesn't quite care about TGS), abut there was someone, for example, that found the move rather pretentious, and others felt like TGS was condemned to failure now, despite their success in the idol scene itself.

The Question of Why?

Why then does this group, that has worked so hard to achieve their position at the top of the food chain (they are usually the headliners for most events they attend), decide to throw it all away, for what seems to be simply a difference in nomenclature?

TGS' unique selling point is definitely their polished sound. This is something that's never quite communicated to non-TGS fans, because all they hear when they attend events are the same few songs that are not only crowd favourites but also requested by organizers. Some do voice the concern that they never see the real TGS in events like TIF. This is why they also decided not to appear in idol fests any more.

It seems that the group went through quite a rough patch in 2013, with their activities coming to a peak and the girls traveling quite a bit. This took quite a toll in their performance for their 3rd tour, and the girls were performing quite unsatisfactorily for the whole tour. It came to the point that they were seriously considering canceling their second Budokan concert, which was booked very early in advance.

The attendance for the second concert in Budokan was lower than their first, in 2012. All in all, it was revealed that the group was at the point where disbandment was being considered by the girls themselves. So it's clear that this move was done because TGS would sooner or later simply disband if they continued on the same course, and this is a reflection of what the girls themselves would want to head into. 

Personal Thoughts

At the moment I suppose I don't really know what to think. From meeting some of the fans and speaking to them during the tour (which I posted about below), it seems most of them are quite positive of the change. While most know that this means the end to such events and even lesser chances to see their group, it also signifies a new chapter in the group's life.

One fan I met really put it well; to him, these girls are still young, and they should be doing what they want to before they get 'shackled' into what's needed to be done. For him, TGS starts when they all turn 20, and these girls are still growing. 

In a way I really do agree. Maybe that's what TGS was for in the first place. It sort of reflects the way K-pop groups work; you see only glimpses of them when they start, and when they do start activities proper you get a perfectly moulded group with a sound, image and personality. So maybe this is simply a Japanese touch to a tried-and-tested Korean formula?

Of course, at the same time you do get groups that tried to go that route and aren't quite surviving. Dream5 is clearly not doing very well, Fairies are idols in all but name, Tokyo Performance Doll are ramping up into becoming de-facto idols, and even Muto Ayami appears as an idol from time to time. But maybe that isn't the only way. There are groups, for example, that keep mixing with fans to a minimum, but at the same time fulfilling it, for example Nogizaka46.

The group has been diversifying their media mix, making sure that they have many different solutions to one very important issue. From their SNS engagement, to their use of crowdfunding, there's been a lot of thought to securing different revenue streams. 

The girls are also taking a more active role in how the group moves forward. Their new single, releasing 3/11 is going to feature lyrics written by Yamabe Miyu, and each live performance's setlist is decided by one of the girls. If you think about it, they're pretty much going towards what my ideal idol group would be doing, except the whole 'not doing handshakes etc' any more bit..

Maybe we'll see more idol groups tend to this direction as they get older and get stuck (who wants to be Idoling!!!, seriously?), if Tokyo Girls' Style succeeds. Of course, I believe the yardstick for success is different for everyone. At the same time however, I've learned that even money can be made in very different ways..

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[I] admired not 'idols', but 'hellopro'

Please tell us how you felt when you found out that you were going to be in a unit

At first it was a relief, and then the happiness slowly started building up in my heart. I've been a kenshuusei for a bit more than a year, but I feel like I've grown to fullness in that time, so it was like, "finally, it's decided".

How did your family and friends react?

From my family, "do your best, okay". As for my friends, nearly my whole school year knew about me being a kenshuusei, so everyone gave me their blessings, "I'll go see you in concert", or "I saw the article".

What made you aim to be an idol?

I got introduced to Morning Musume by a friend in junior high, and I really liked them. From then on I was a fan of Hello! Project as a whole; I felt their performance was amazing, and really cool. In my first year of high school I auditioned for the 12th generation after finding out about it. So it wasn't so much that I wanted to be an idol, but that I wanted to join Hello! Pro.

Growing in small steps was frustrating

Was there anything happy that happened as a kenshuusei?

When all of us in the same generation sang together in the Nama-Tamago show. Danbara Ruru-chan was absent, so in a rush I was made her replacement to sing her solo part. I was really nervous, but for me to be selected as the pinch hitter amongst others was a huge boost to my confidence. 

Any tough times?

At a point when every day was packed with lessons, I saw around me a lot of younger juniors, being caught in the rhythm, dancing really well, singing superbly, so of course there was some emotional strain there. I felt like I needed to improve faster, but having to grow step-by-step was a little frustrating.

So is it reassuring to have Inaba Manaka (who's the same age) in the same group?

Oh, for sure. There was a period when she had worries too, like when she became a 2nd year in high school and started feeling a little anxious. We're the same age, but Manaka-chan's senior, so at first it was "Inaba-san" and "Yamaki-chan". But as soon as we got into Country Girls we started calling each other by our names.

In the group there are 3 members in junior high, has there been a lot of things for you two to teach them?

For example, greetings or the basic stuff, generally there's a lot of things they didn't know, so the both of us gave them some pointers on that. But when we get into the rehearsing Momochi's the one dispensing the advice.

What's your favourite Hello! Pro song?

Before I became a kenshuusei, I was really moved by Kimagure Princess. After I heard Odoru! Morning Curry, I remember thinking that it was a really interesting song because it was so weird. Berryz's ROCK Erotic is particularly memorable for me, because it's the song I sang as the pinch-hitter.

What are you like at school?

When I'm at work I always feel like I have to try my hardest, so some may think i'm quiet, or really diligent. But in school I'm the type to laugh at the most trivial of things. I'm a very normal high-schooler.

Country Girls spreading its wings all over the world

Who's your rival within the group?

I've never thought of anyone as a rival. But I guess it would be Manaka-chan. Her dancing is really good, and she's experienced, so I always feel like I should be observing her. I guess I'm always watching her.

Of the junior high-schoolers, is there anyone in particular you adore?

Eh. To be honest everyone's lovely. Chisaki-chan and Uta-chan are so cute you just want to stroke them, and Mai-chan is really funny. She'd be really funny, if she was one of my classmates. She's always saying crazy stuff out of the blue, the dressing room is always interesting. 

In the group, what's your selling point?

Everyone has a rather cute image, and I'm usually the one whom people say is the adult, so I hope that people remember me from that.

From the other groups, which of the new members have you taken notice of?

Makino Maria from MM'15, I think. When I rehearsed with her, I really felt like she was a hardworking person. Sacrificing her eating time to confirm choreography and always at the mirror, and even though her dancing was great to begin with, ever since she entered the group her moves have been getting crisper. 

What are you aiming for, as a group?

We changed our name to Country Girls, so we decided that performing overseas will be one of our goals. Of course we want to visit and perform in New York where Satoda (Mai)-san is, but personally I really like the UK, so I'm aiming for that.

Last but not least, please do some PR for yourself

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It would've been better to have a bigger reaction

What was it like when you found out you passed the audition, from the video message?

More so that being happy, I was so surprised my mind just went blank. The staff said, "Even if you didn't make it they'll tell you by video message". So when it said that I made it, I couldn't quite sort it out in my mind, and I was just there, stupefied. After the fact, I realized that I should've exaggerated my reaction a little bit.

How did you parents react?

They were really happy. It was my mother that recommended I take up dance lessons, so they really support me. 

What about your friends?

I kept even going to the auditions a secret from them, so it was a huge surprise. "I know you like Morning Musume, but you actually went to audition for them?"

Morning Musume, or bust

How did you get into Morning Musume?

When I was young I lived in America for 8 years, but when I came back to Japan for a short time, I got into Minimoni, and from there into Morning Musume. There's a bunch of videos where I do dance copies, and young me went "This has been Morning Musume!"

What made you decide to try for the audition?

At that point I was depressed, to the point that it was beginning to affect my physical condition. One day, I caught the music video Morning Musume '14's Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou Sa. The dance was really cool, and it cheered me up so much, to the point where I thought "I'm gonna be Morning Musume. It has to be them". At this time it was just at the point where they were recruiting new members, too. Just like in the lyrics (of Egao), "Do what only the you of today can!", I thought "the time is now!". Of course when I told my mum she said "you're preparing for your entrance exams, aren't you?"...

But I showed her the video, and explained. After that, my parents understood perfectly, and have been supporting me ever since. 

Chell? Nonaka-chan? Miki-chan?

It's been about 3 months since you entered, hasn't it?

I've been slow to learn the dances, so I've been trying my best, believing that I'm going to put in many times more effort than the rest. Even at home, I'm watching a lot of lesson videos, confirming, and practising them.

Your senior, Oda Sakura, calls you Chell, does she not?

Yes. I like the candy 'CHELSEA', so the name came from there. But the other senior girls call me Nonaka-chan, and Oda-san has come to stop calling me Chell..it's gotten a little lonely. 

When it comes to calls/shouts, what would you like people to call you?

In Ogata Haruna's case, they call her "Ogata" instead of "Haruna", because Iikubo Haruna is a member. The problem is that "Ogata" and "Nonaka" kind of sound the same, don't they. But I've never been called Miki-chan before..And if they call me Chelsea they won't remember my real name, so I'm worried about that too.. It's difficult. I'll leave it to the fans.

Big dreams : World Tour

Amongst the new members of Hello! Project, who do you feel is your rival?

The person who was with me in the last training camp in the audition, Ogata Haruna, and the two girls from Country Girls, Oseki Mai and Shimamura Uta, these 3 for sure. We had the same starting point, so I don't want to lose to them, and when I see them working hard I'm motivated to do the same.

What kind of persona are you, in the 12th generation members?

On first impressions, a lot of people say I'm lady-like, but it seems like amongst the 12th gen girls it's been revealed that I'm not like that. Of course I'm more than happy to have that image stay with me.. I try to be diligent when I work, so I'm the type that doesn't lose focus.

What kind of personality do you want to put out, within the group?

Of course, I would like to leverage on my English skills. I lived in America for 8 years, and when it comes to English I don't think I'm losing to any of the others. However, if I don't speak English, I'll forget it. To avoid that, I've been continuing my studies, even now. 

There's a lot of fans overseas too, huh

I want people from more countries to know us, so I would like to perform in other countries too. As long as I can speak English, I think we'll be able to communicate with a lot of fans around the world, so I would like to use my skills.

What are your aims as a member of Morning Musume?

I just needed to write about this, so please allow me this chance to speak frankly about my experience with idols, just this once! 

As some may know, I'm a fan of Avex's Tokyo Girls' Style. Generally this is an interest that arises from their music, and also the fact that the members are really, really cute. I've followed them on and off for the longest time, but only really got into them when I saw them in person in 2011. Then I went to see them in Budokan in 2013, and Hong Kong in 2014.

This year, I saw them in Taiwan. And this time, I managed to get into a fan tour as well!

Fan tours are usually only reserved for Japanese, as it's organized by a Japanese tour company, and it involves attending the event with other fans, and a separate fan event with the group that you select. It's also usually open to fans from the country that the group is visiting. However this time in Taiwan, it was also open to overseas fans outside of Taiwan! Seeing as how I really wanted to go to the one in Hong Kong and other reasons I'll elaborate on later, I jumped on the chance!

It started with a gathering at the tour hotel. By a sheer stroke of luck, the tour hotel was about 5 minutes away from the hotel I was staying in, so I was real close, and just had to take a walk. After gathering and getting a pass, we set off. At this point, I had spoken to no one except the lady who was gonna lead us there. There were 9 other fans besides me. 

We walked a few minutes, and lo and behold, the girls we waiting for us in front of the restaurant! It was a Chinese restaurant that was pretty high-class. We exchanged greetings, and there was a The Rock-like moment as we tried to get past the rotating door. Apparently rotating doors are really really hilarious to Japanese teenagers. 

We walked into a pretty big banquet room, with a stage at the front and two tables facing it, with another table at the back, arranged in a triangle. 

We took our seats, and the girls went up to have opening greetings, and a toast. I would just like to take this moment to give a shoutout to my girl Yamabe Miyu, who took some time to thank us, "We also welcome two people from Taiwan and Singapore today!". She's the only one who mentioned it, and although it's a small remark, it was great to hear. 

After a toast (with Chinese tea, of course), we sat back down. At this point I didn't know what was going to happen, as there was no food served yet. 

As it turns out, we were going to be able to speak to each of the girls individually! We sat at circle tables of 5, so each of us had a member to ourselves to speak to for a few minutes each, and each of them rotated a bit. I don't remember the order, but I do sort-of remember what we talked about.

Yuri: The first girl I spoke to. She's my #1 in my rankings, although I'm not sure if she really felt it. I'm not the type to show these things, so I don't really know if that came through. Nevertheless, Yuri had a cute sweater on and jeans. She mentioned my glasses (again, second time she did it), and I told her about how I have a bunch of glasses. She also talked about how my Japanese is pretty good, and we talked about how I studied.

Hitomi: Hitto was great. She's always so cute. The first thing she mentioned was my Japanese, and we talked about how I studied (I self-studied). I told her about how I watched a lot of variety and comedy shows to practice my Japanese enunciation. I asked her about what she wanted to learn, and she mentioned about how she wants to learn conversational English. I told her to go do it! It's useful for all points in life, after all.

Miyu: Again, we started with the Japanese angle. I complained about how Japanese was so confusing sometimes, and I had some real trouble with speaking to my superiors in proper Japanese. She sympathized, and said that even she had loads of trouble with it. I wanted to point out that I'm pretty sure celebrities like her didn't have to send business emails, but I suppose it's best I skipped that. I also thanked her for what she said on stage. Much expected of the former leader, really.

Ayano: Also Japanese, here. We talked about how it's so hard to think about the position of your conversation partner sometimes, and how sometimes you can't really say something when you want to! We also talked about what they did in Taiwan (summary: eating). 

Mei: Sadly I don't remember much of this. I remember talking about the performance that happened the day before, and thanked her for all her work. Of course, I didn't get away without a compliment about my Japanese.

At this point you have to understand that it's not a humble brag about my Japanese (it's not that good), but it remains a thing that you have to get past in order to have meaningful conversations at times, no matter how many times you see them. Nevertheless, I appreciated that I could bitch about Japanese senior-junior relations with my idols. Another plus to liking somewhat older girls, I think.

After this, they moved on to the other table, and then settled at their own table to eat. We started eating as well. This was when we started to socialize amongst ourselves. I was seated next to the Taiwanese participant, and 3 other Japanese fans. We did a round of introductions, and started eating. We talked about a lot of things, including our favourite members, and our favourite songs. It was interesting to note that each of us had different taste in the songs, but we all seemed to share a love for the TGS 'sound'. We also talked about how Unmei's music video was so heartbreaking for some of us (especially the Yuri fans..).

All this while, it was possible to just turn back a little bit and see the girls eating, joking around and taking photos. I have to say, they are cute no matter what they're doing, but even more so when they're eating. I tried to look from time to time, but didn't do it all the time. The food was good, as well. That's all I remember, however. As expected, I did not focus too much on the food. There was jellyfish, though!

After we ate for some time, there was an announcement of the next segment: We were going to take a group cheki, and then have a new, 5-on-1 talk time! The latter was something new, given the low number of participants. 

I took a really simple group shot, completely forgetting that I could have asked for a pose. I could have gotten a very good entry to my magao collection. Just one more regret over many others. Then it came time for the 5-on-1 talk! It was really weird, from the start it basically looked like a group interview of sorts. 

This obviously isn't me, but was lifted from the TGS Instagram account. But you can see how awkward it was. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed these few minutes. We started off talking about how my Japanese was pretty good (again lol), and Miyu said that "oh he has Japanese ancestors". I had to correct her, "Oh, I meant..I work in a Japanese company", earning some "ohhhh". Hitomi followed up with "You like comedy shows too, don't you?" and Mei asked who my fav comedian was. I couldn't really think of anyone in particular, so I just answered "Ariyoshi" because I didn't want to seem like the type of guy who enjoys the toilet humour of the other comedians (I do). 

I asked them about their favourite comedians, and only Yuri actually answered me. She really likes COWCOW! I told her about their expansion into Indonesia, and Aachan seemed really interested as well. I asked them about 8.6s Bazooka; it seems like it's popular with all of them, except Miyu. We spent the next few seconds explaining it to her, but she'd never seen Rassungorerai before. Does this girl even talk to people?! I should link it to her on Twitter. One thing I noticed that Hiichan was kind of distracted, and I think Aachan was making some sort of effort to talk to me as little as possible.. It ended on a sort of anti-climatic note, and I still think about what I could have done better then. I guess it's past, so I will never know.

After my turn was over, it was back to the table for more eating, and then it came to the end of the event. The girls lined up for an ending handshake, and we traded some parting words. I made some promises to go see them in Japan, and I hope to make that come true this year. It was a great closer to my TGS journey for the weekend, and I had made quite a few friends from all of it as well.

It's resembles what we've been talking about, but there is an art to whining. Firstly, just saying what you think, speaking and showing that kind of weakness is no good.

When you say too much what you feel, the people around you will be taken aback. It's not just in terms of idol-fan relationships, but in normal circumstances too. 

"You'd go that far?" "At least cover some of it up", there's also things like that. 

It's the same as when you're angry, and you try your best not to get depressed. Instead of saying it all out, repress it a bit, and just let out enough steam, so that people won't push you away. When it's just the right amount, people will support you. 

Even when I apologize to people, I always make sure to maintain eye contact. Even more so when they're angry, constantly look at them. While doing so, say "sumimasen deshita", and apologize. 

When I moved to HKT, I became the senior that at times, had to get angry at her juniors.

I realized something though. There are some girls who look downwards, when I'm scolding them; well this is a more genuine reaction, but at the same time I realize that maybe they're not really listening to what I'm saying.

The ones that really listen to what you're saying, the ones going 'fuu' are the ones that have cooler heads, in the end. Of course there's the possibility that by just looking at me and nodding, some people might feel a little listless. But to the person who's angry, its this type of person who makes you feel like they're listening to what you're saying. It creates a favourable impression.

In terms of communicating with people, there's a simple but really useful trick to it: When speaking with anyone, always maintain eye contact. It's tiring. Both physically and mentally, it drains you, having to do it. But doing it is infinitely better. 

I sing the theme song for the movie I star in, Barairo no Bu-ko, with Japan's quintessential rock and roller, Uchida Yuya. When I had a chance to have a chat with him, I didn't decide on any topics, simply that I was going to maintain eye contact at all times. Besides that, I paid attention to what he said, and just went "hai! hai! hai!" while looking at him. While doing so, I inserted a bit of my own opinion into these conversations as well. 

He warmed up to me completely. The only people that call me 'Rino' are my family, and Yuya-san.

The one person that I feel I cannot be defeated by, is Hayashi Mariko. She's the one that wrote Yashin no Susume, you know. She's looked at so many women over the years. I once spoke to her through a magazine interview, but when we met I made the decision to never avert my eyes from her. People who see through you in a split second do exist. Akimoto-san is another one. The moment you show any sort of weakness, you're done. 

Let me speak a bit about my work as the general manager (of HKT48). Besides doing things like picking setlists for shows, I also present to old men, since these usually take cost money. 

I usually present a few ideas at once, and am always sure to include one that's 'totally unfeasible'. When you do this, the praise that follows is "so you can think of things like this as well, huh.." And when you have one idea that's like that, it makes the rest seem very doable in comparison. Of course in all these there's a clear winner, on which this earlier addition has an effect. 

If it ever comes to the point that I get told that my main proposal is impossible, I am quick to say "please let me think about it further" and withdraw it. Instead of saying "please wait a moment, I think we can make it happen", it's better to say "clearly I did not think that far.." and raise the other person's position instead. This elevates the other person and makes clear the difference in position between me and him, and makes it easy for him to think "ah, I have the upper hand here". 

While there are some who would react positively to you explaining your position and opinion, there are many others would not, in my opinion. It's best not to let them think that you're being disagreeable, because that only makes proposing new things more difficult.

I've decided to just translate this by sub-heading and see how far I go. Taking it chapter by chapter simply saps my motivation. I hope I will finish it some time, but no promises. Hope you guys understand (all 5 of you).

Supply Opinions, but Yield Swiftly

When it comes to speaking objectively, it's not simply about the 'now', but also the future ahead. When I say "this is what I feel about it", and the reply is "well, here's what I think" and I agree, I will concede the point quickly. Even when there's a point that I don't quite feel quite right conceding, I will do it anyway. I will be quick to cover up my own dissenting opinions. 

Because when you think of the long-term, that is the best way forward.

Of course, when it's proven in the end that I was right, I do not say anything to the other person. I think "I told you so", but keep it to myself. I feel that anyone who behaves otherwise is the worst kind of person. However, what usually happens is the other person will apologize on their own, "Hey, I guess you were right after all". "Well at the start it could have gone either way, I think~", and that also raises my image.

I also make a situation where it's easy for the other party to apologize, and usually concede early. When you say something like "well fine. I'm just going along with you, though", it just annoys the other party and even when it turns out you're right, they'll never come to you and admit they were wrong in the first place. Of course, when I'm wrong, I quick to admit it.

Not too long ago, I got into a fight with the staff. It was about the [HKT48] members, and turned into a blaming game, despite being a misunderstanding on my part. When a misunderstanding like that found out, it would've been pretty natural to just say "well that's fine!".

But I made sure to apologize as soon as I learned about it, "I'm so sorry!". I switch quickly to apology-mode. Some people might be "I'm so sorry...but..", but that doesn't quite happen with me. If I apologize, there's only that. When you do that, the matter is settled, and doesn't come back again.