I have a friend who is trying to be an idol. She started when she was 16, and now she is 25. She has stood on so many stages, but without many fans. She is always smiling on stage as if she's enjoying it, however, she told me that it's really pulling her down mentally, knowing that only two or three in the audience know her small idol group. I know that many are enjoying what they do, but there also needs to be a conversation about when and how people can get out of the idol business.
@Max It's a busy life, but there's hardly any actual time overlap. Sure, they have to figure in time for rehearsal, but the performances themselves are evenings and weekends. Lots of idols go to college at the same time. Including this one. I mean, they don't go into constant detail so I don't know the current situation, but as far as I know, despite her trouble balancing work/school in high school, she got accepted to college.
Well, I’m 17 and I sometimes work with a bridal organization and it’s our duty (3 girls every time) to dance nonstop at weddings along with doing few more stuff. I’ve worked for them for few times now and after the second one it has started to grow whisker. I know it’s my choice to work and all but still it traumatized me a little. I was on my period, the upper part of the dress would open and show my bra, my shoe was ripped because of the rush, I got my hand burned because I didn’t know how to hold the torch, and no one was aware of the situation I was In and the boss would want us to ask people to dance and I would walk around the desks trying to persuade people and smile always. Because the moment I stopped smiling, the boss would call into for my friend and she would come back only to warn me and tell me to smile and dance more enthusiasticly. With the loud music on the background I really felt like I was in a movie and I don’t think about working with them again unless they really need me… yikes…
It's kind of scary she was scouted in first grade. I know that happens in America also but it's weird to think people grow up like this, that can be a lot of stress on a child.
I am a huge fan of Love Live and other idol series so I clicked this so fast. Honestly I can't wait to see the rest of this video and know what really goes behind the scenes of being an idol! Thank you Yuta!
I like how she is very positive and seems very happy about her job as an idol. I have seen so many sad stories about people in this industry, specially young girls like her, so it's really a nice change of pace.
In Japan's law when you are an idol you have no privacy, but if you no longer are idol, and someone bothers you or photographs you, it is against the law, because it is like bothering a random person you don't know, this is why there is a different level of culture and respect, but Idk if it is still ike this
What's really distracting to me is how she kinda put a cap lock on her smile. She's literally talking through her teeth for a good portion of it. And I'm like... thats not a human being smiling and thats not how a person talks.
I've had the pleasure of visiting Japan in the past and attending a few of her live events/concerts. She's so friendly and down to earth. She's 10 times cuter in person too. I really hope that more people see how hard-working and earnest she is about being an idol. Not just as a singer/dancer but also as a designer/content-creator. Hoshina Haru-chan is just the best!
Thanks Yuta for having an extended version of the interview. You get to see more how how Haru is and can really tell she loves being an idol/cosplayer. Most people in the industry don't seem really genuine like her.
Thanks for the upload Yuta. Not a reality TV (or the like) fan, so maybe this is out of my scope... In saying that, I feel sorry for her. As a father of 2 girls, couldn't imagine putting them through the childhood she had. From what I understood, she never got a chance to just "be a kid". Working since 1st grade..? Still...if she's happy, that's what matters.
They are very limited in what they are allowed to do until they are 13, as their school hours are calculated in both their work day and work week. The first? group she was in still has some of their old twitter up, from after she was in it. What they still have up showed about four, 15 minute shows, A MONTH. A total of 60 minutes. I don't know how their training was calculated, but some practice after school, one or two 15 minute performances 2-3 weekends a month, and then eating together with your parents and the other kids after a successful show. Compare with any kid in a sport or community theater or something like figure skating or ballet or gymnastics. The main issue for her at that age seemed to be jealousy-bred discrimination from some of the other kids at school which led her to making her friends with the other idol kids instead.
I really like japanese idols. I think they appreciate hard work not perfection. I randomly watched a video on fb about a Japanese group and one of the members was in wheelchair. That's why I have huge respect for them.
Just from what I know about idol culture being an idol ain’t all it’s cut out to be. Sure the money might be nice but the fans can turn on you instantly. They can stalk you or straight up do worse things if they find out you’re friendly with other men much less dating another man.
thats a old stereotype spread by western news who only care about clout Idol culture in japan is much more chill nowdays, and tales of stalkers and creeps happen much less frequently than the west claims to happen Remember to always put more faith in the words of someone native to a country when comes to understanding foreign cultures, than in someone who doesn't even live in that country and is unlikely to understand anything about that place
@@akiradkcn I have actually seen it with Vtubers in particular, Rushia was one such channel for example that was harassed for being suspected of having a relationship. Many “fans” having canceled their memberships. This toxicity within the idol culture would eventually cause her termination from Hololive as she accidentally leaked company info whilst trying to prove she was not in a relationship. Dunno where this whole the West thing came from. I don’t read articles nowadays (as most are pandering bs) I more so just watch and see what the community is talking about. Laid back my ass. If my fav idol Vtubers can’t even talk about relationships with other men or mention em there is something clearly wrong.
@@CentauriTT First, Vtubers are VERY different from your average japanesee idol, heck, Hololive BARELY counts as a actual idol agency, they are more similar to your average e-celeb than a proper idol Second, Yes, broth she and mafu were harassed by some of their fans, but thats a single case in a land filled with thousands of idols, what I am saying is that its not a widespread problem as the western media claims to be. and Third, her termination of contract was caused by her own mistake of breaking NDA
@@akiradkcn I need examples then of idols in actual relationships and fans not having a problem with it. Since I’m sure if I looked it up using my Western search engine none would pop up. Cuz that’s the thing right now most believe that otakus can’t stand other men around girls they support.
I hope she can do the job for a long time. Nobita from Japan (awesome channel, BTW) has a great video on how most idols retire at 25 or so, and they have a rough time finding a new job. There seem to be a lot of prejudices regarding Idols.
In a way it's probably like the military. A lot of people who were told exactly what to do and had almost an entire ecosystem that they learned to function in and once out they get thrown into almost another culture that everyone else had been a part of and learned to work within for a long time.
I like idols a lot, moreso than Western pop stars, to be very honest (this is just my personal preference), because of how cute they are along with creativity and uniqueness in their songs and performances. I have tons of respect for them for working this hard, yet I feel they got to have spaces, able to take breaks and be treated with respect. I can hope these idols will get success and fulfill their dreams. I had the privilege to actually meet idols in person such as Starmarie. I like to see and meet more of idols and their performances. And I like to visit Japan one of these days and if possible, see a few idol performances.
I have a question regarding girls in Japan. Let's say I'm in Tokyo, there's always girls in the street holding signs with maid costumes or something else cute, are these legit places to go as foreigners? Or are they scams like in Roppongi where scams seem to ramp up, with Nigerians etc. I'm not talking about hooking up with a girl, just places to visit and drink without being scammed.
If you're concerned, just look up a place to go in advance. They should by and large be maid cafes or "concept cafes" in Akihabara if we're talking that street in front of the Kotobukiya and Akiba Cultures Zone. Some may be a little more sketch, but probably not actually a scam. Still, if you research and look at the fine print you'll be better off. And of course, something super mainstream like Maidreamin or @home cafe will be safe and you can already look up the damage in advance online, but won't likely offer much one on one attention compared to the lesser known stuff. Edit: I can't remember where I got it, but I once got a coupon booklet in Akihabara somewhere... it had coupons for restaurants and such, but also for a bunch of stuff like that- mostly just for newcomers. I'm into idols, not concept cafes, so I didn't try anything, but as you're presumably a newcomer, that sort of half off coupon stuff for newcomers is available. Sorry I don't know where I got them.
@@redfish337 Thanks for the info and yeah you could always look it up, it's just that it's so many of them standing outside, trying to reel you in, so that's why asked.
@@doop00 Hey, I know I'm late but you should check out the channel "Dark side of Japan Yuki", he has a lot of videos regarding this topic and shows what Japan is really like (without glorifying the country like everyone else does)
I prefer the rock based groups, but I like DJ Shimamura too. VIRTUALHEART is great. In the end, it's fun, and as they also say, you can't take it with you. Moderation is key of course.
I'm pretty sure being an idol is the worst. In contrast to Western pop singers Japanese performers sell a "girlfriend" experience so they cannot have a boyfriend or any close male friend because it can be considered an scandal. Not to mention hardcore otaku and stalkers. I bet they earn a lot of money, but they sacrifice their freedom and personal relationships.
Learn Japanese with Yuta: bit.ly/3vR8BM9
I have a friend who is trying to be an idol. She started when she was 16, and now she is 25. She has stood on so many stages, but without many fans. She is always smiling on stage as if she's enjoying it, however, she told me that it's really pulling her down mentally, knowing that only two or three in the audience know her small idol group. I know that many are enjoying what they do, but there also needs to be a conversation about when and how people can get out of the idol business.
@Max It's a busy life, but there's hardly any actual time overlap. Sure, they have to figure in time for rehearsal, but the performances themselves are evenings and weekends. Lots of idols go to college at the same time. Including this one. I mean, they don't go into constant detail so I don't know the current situation, but as far as I know, despite her trouble balancing work/school in high school, she got accepted to college.
Well, I’m 17 and I sometimes work with a bridal organization and it’s our duty (3 girls every time) to dance nonstop at weddings along with doing few more stuff. I’ve worked for them for few times now and after the second one it has started to grow whisker. I know it’s my choice to work and all but still it traumatized me a little. I was on my period, the upper part of the dress would open and show my bra, my shoe was ripped because of the rush, I got my hand burned because I didn’t know how to hold the torch, and no one was aware of the situation I was In and the boss would want us to ask people to dance and I would walk around the desks trying to persuade people and smile always. Because the moment I stopped smiling, the boss would call into for my friend and she would come back only to warn me and tell me to smile and dance more enthusiasticly. With the loud music on the background I really felt like I was in a movie and I don’t think about working with them again unless they really need me… yikes…
I have respect for these women, they work so hard in such a brutal industry.
It's kind of scary she was scouted in first grade. I know that happens in America also but it's weird to think people grow up like this, that can be a lot of stress on a child.
I believe you misread she said grade one not first grade.
@@angelicalaw4554 What's the difference? She does explicitly say elementary school later, so Lindsay isn't wrong.
She went to Harajuku trying to get scouted.
She was scouted.
@@redfish337 As she said, she was a first grader who didn't know what that really meant.
@@angelicalaw4554 Lindsay isn't wrong, she say 小学生一年 (the first grade of elementary school)
She has a relatable mindset about wanting to live a happy life, and I'm glad she's putting in the effort to make it happen.
I am a huge fan of Love Live and other idol series so I clicked this so fast. Honestly I can't wait to see the rest of this video and know what really goes behind the scenes of being an idol! Thank you Yuta!
彼女のコスプレや容姿も素晴らしいですが、歌やダンス、絵も素晴らしいです。そして、1度観ると、その後は、応援したくなるような惹き付ける魅力があります。それは、インタビューで、先生がタクシー代出してまで応援してくれるというエピソードからも分かると思います。もし、日本に来る機会があれば、是非、彼女のライブも観てみてください。彼女の動画を観るのもオススメです。
I like how she is very positive and seems very happy about her job as an idol. I have seen so many sad stories about people in this industry, specially young girls like her, so it's really a nice change of pace.
its just the west overfocusing solely on idol scandals
@@akiradkcn Hey, it’s good to be informed ☺️👍🏼
Let’s not be ignorant and think idols have it good and don’t stress tf out.
In Japan's law when you are an idol you have no privacy, but if you no longer are idol, and someone bothers you or photographs you, it is against the law, because it is like bothering a random person you don't know, this is why there is a different level of culture and respect, but Idk if it is still ike this
What's really distracting to me is how she kinda put a cap lock on her smile. She's literally talking through her teeth for a good portion of it. And I'm like... thats not a human being smiling and thats not how a person talks.
@@ceresbane exactly my thoughts.
thanks yuta , gr8 interview
I've had the pleasure of visiting Japan in the past and attending a few of her live events/concerts.
She's so friendly and down to earth. She's 10 times cuter in person too.
I really hope that more people see how hard-working and earnest she is about being an idol. Not just as a singer/dancer but also as a designer/content-creator.
Hoshina Haru-chan is just the best!
She looks very beautiful, thank you for the interview.
Thanks Yuta for having an extended version of the interview. You get to see more how how Haru is and can really tell she loves being an idol/cosplayer. Most people in the industry don't seem really genuine like her.
Somehow this is more wholesome than the first video about her
i love Haru Hoshina!
Thanks for the upload Yuta.
Not a reality TV (or the like) fan, so maybe this is out of my scope...
In saying that, I feel sorry for her.
As a father of 2 girls, couldn't imagine putting them through the childhood she had.
From what I understood, she never got a chance to just "be a kid".
Working since 1st grade..?
Still...if she's happy, that's what matters.
They are very limited in what they are allowed to do until they are 13, as their school hours are calculated in both their work day and work week.
The first? group she was in still has some of their old twitter up, from after she was in it. What they still have up showed about four, 15 minute shows, A MONTH. A total of 60 minutes.
I don't know how their training was calculated, but some practice after school, one or two 15 minute performances 2-3 weekends a month, and then eating together with your parents and the other kids after a successful show.
Compare with any kid in a sport or community theater or something like figure skating or ballet or gymnastics.
The main issue for her at that age seemed to be jealousy-bred discrimination from some of the other kids at school which led her to making her friends with the other idol kids instead.
Hey Yuta it's guys here, thanks for another great video
Thank you for the interesting interview
I really like japanese idols. I think they appreciate hard work not perfection. I randomly watched a video on fb about a Japanese group and one of the members was in wheelchair. That's why I have huge respect for them.
This is amazing
يزينها شوي وتتقطع من الفرحة كيوته الله يديم سعادتها😭🤌💗
0:15 oooooh that eye roll you tried to cut past. She must be sick to death of that question lol.
lol good catch
She's just thinking how to answer. If she was seriously rolling her eyes at the question it would have been earlier.
Ayyy Yuta!
Good interview.
Just from what I know about idol culture being an idol ain’t all it’s cut out to be. Sure the money might be nice but the fans can turn on you instantly. They can stalk you or straight up do worse things if they find out you’re friendly with other men much less dating another man.
thats a old stereotype spread by western news who only care about clout
Idol culture in japan is much more chill nowdays, and tales of stalkers and creeps happen much less frequently than the west claims to happen
Remember to always put more faith in the words of someone native to a country when comes to understanding foreign cultures, than in someone who doesn't even live in that country and is unlikely to understand anything about that place
@@akiradkcn I have actually seen it with Vtubers in particular, Rushia was one such channel for example that was harassed for being suspected of having a relationship. Many “fans” having canceled their memberships. This toxicity within the idol culture would eventually cause her termination from Hololive as she accidentally leaked company info whilst trying to prove she was not in a relationship. Dunno where this whole the West thing came from. I don’t read articles nowadays (as most are pandering bs) I more so just watch and see what the community is talking about. Laid back my ass. If my fav idol Vtubers can’t even talk about relationships with other men or mention em there is something clearly wrong.
@@CentauriTT First, Vtubers are VERY different from your average japanesee idol, heck, Hololive BARELY counts as a actual idol agency, they are more similar to your average e-celeb than a proper idol
Second, Yes, broth she and mafu were harassed by some of their fans, but thats a single case in a land filled with thousands of idols, what I am saying is that its not a widespread problem as the western media claims to be.
and Third, her termination of contract was caused by her own mistake of breaking NDA
@@akiradkcn I need examples then of idols in actual relationships and fans not having a problem with it. Since I’m sure if I looked it up using my Western search engine none would pop up. Cuz that’s the thing right now most believe that otakus can’t stand other men around girls they support.
@@CentauriTT Furukawa Mirin?
I hope she can do the job for a long time. Nobita from Japan (awesome channel, BTW) has a great video on how most idols retire at 25 or so, and they have a rough time finding a new job. There seem to be a lot of prejudices regarding Idols.
In a way it's probably like the military. A lot of people who were told exactly what to do and had almost an entire ecosystem that they learned to function in and once out they get thrown into almost another culture that everyone else had been a part of and learned to work within for a long time.
I feel this is still an interview with the performer, not the person behind the performer (which I'm fully aware is hard to do).
no clue who this girl is.. Yuta is the true idol here.
I like idols a lot, moreso than Western pop stars, to be very honest (this is just my personal preference), because of how cute they are along with creativity and uniqueness in their songs and performances. I have tons of respect for them for working this hard, yet I feel they got to have spaces, able to take breaks and be treated with respect. I can hope these idols will get success and fulfill their dreams.
I had the privilege to actually meet idols in person such as Starmarie. I like to see and meet more of idols and their performances. And I like to visit Japan one of these days and if possible, see a few idol performances.
wow that sudden cut to Yuta at the end scared me, lol
She really has some cute energy
💖
Makes me so sadge. 😥
Interview Liella seiyuus
I have a question regarding girls in Japan. Let's say I'm in Tokyo, there's always girls in the street holding signs with maid costumes or something else cute, are these legit places to go as foreigners? Or are they scams like in Roppongi where scams seem to ramp up, with Nigerians etc. I'm not talking about hooking up with a girl, just places to visit and drink without being scammed.
If you're concerned, just look up a place to go in advance.
They should by and large be maid cafes or "concept cafes" in Akihabara if we're talking that street in front of the Kotobukiya and Akiba Cultures Zone. Some may be a little more sketch, but probably not actually a scam. Still, if you research and look at the fine print you'll be better off.
And of course, something super mainstream like Maidreamin or @home cafe will be safe and you can already look up the damage in advance online, but won't likely offer much one on one attention compared to the lesser known stuff. Edit: I can't remember where I got it, but I once got a coupon booklet in Akihabara somewhere... it had coupons for restaurants and such, but also for a bunch of stuff like that- mostly just for newcomers. I'm into idols, not concept cafes, so I didn't try anything, but as you're presumably a newcomer, that sort of half off coupon stuff for newcomers is available. Sorry I don't know where I got them.
@@redfish337 Thanks for the info and yeah you could always look it up, it's just that it's so many of them standing outside, trying to reel you in, so that's why asked.
@@doop00 Well don't get reeled in then? Its pretty easy to walk away and then look it up if your seriously thinking on walking in. lol
@@SamC_ Your explanation explains the problem that is happening in Japan lol
@@doop00 Hey, I know I'm late but you should check out the channel "Dark side of Japan Yuki", he has a lot of videos regarding this topic and shows what Japan is really like (without glorifying the country like everyone else does)
I think it's scary that she was scouted when she was in first grade... was she in the public eye since then doing typical idol things?
Thanks for Japanese people
She cosplay as my favorite Waifu Special Week
we had the white ninja in Beverly Hills Ninja, so when are we getting a full white idol, Yuta?
今回の宣伝セリフ流石にゴリ押しすぎｗ
1 view 5 like
What is this?
She is so skinny, I'm kinda worried with her honestly
Very strange that this is even a thing, in my opinion. But as they say, a fool and their money are easily parted.
I prefer the rock based groups, but I like DJ Shimamura too. VIRTUALHEART is great.
In the end, it's fun, and as they also say, you can't take it with you. Moderation is key of course.
I'm pretty sure being an idol is the worst. In contrast to Western pop singers Japanese performers sell a "girlfriend" experience so they cannot have a boyfriend or any close male friend because it can be considered an scandal. Not to mention hardcore otaku and stalkers.
I bet they earn a lot of money, but they sacrifice their freedom and personal relationships.
Well, they are idols with the understanding of those restrictions. If they don't like it, they can quit.
Now we need a video about transgender japanese idols.
Nah
@Itu S-M got my popcorn ready 🍿
@Itu S-M I guess it disappeared 😂
OMG She so Kawaii 😍❤️
So what did God say about following idols? It's bad and you shall not do it.