2024.11.11

Considering the Existence of "Kawaii" Idols: Sociologist Mana Kamioka

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Explore "Featured: The Future of 'Kawaii'," a series that delves into the elusive yet familiar concept of "kawaii" from various perspectives.

Our lives are filled with "cute things," but one of the most quintessential expressions of "kawaii" has to be "idols."

In Part 2, we focus on sociologist Mana Kamioka, who specializes in idol studies and has firsthand experience as an idol herself.

What does "kawaii" mean to idols? What is the relationship between "oshi" (your "bias," or favorite idols) and "kawaii"? We discussed the unique culture of "idols" in Japan and what it reveals about the concept of "kawaii."

Read Part 1 here.

The Essence of "Kawaii" from a Psychological Perspective: Hiroshi Nittono

PROFILE

Mana Kamioka

A part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Letters, Keio University. After working as an actor, reporter, idol, and lyricist, she began research focusing on idols and their fans in 2014. She authored works such as "アイドル・コード: 託されるイメージを問う" (Suiseisha).

Idols, "Kawaii," & Society

What do you investigate in idol research?

In Japan, the term "idol" encompasses a broad range of groups; from established TV-popular groups like former Johnny's, AKB48, and Sakamichi Series, to international pop such as K-POP, and "live idols" or "indie idols" who primarily perform in live venues. There are countless, possibly thousands, of idol groups active today.