He “Oshi-Katsu”(That is, the life of a fan passionate about someone, like an idol) is changing. What was only about supporting and admiring, now sometimes for a toxic relationship between idol and follower. There are fans who not only enjoy the content, but they feel the right to demand how their favorite idols should behave. How far is okay and when does it become too much?
Recently, an idol fan went viral to show off in networks that he went to an event, but not to enjoy it, but to give “a serious talk” to his Oshi (that is, to the idol he admires). The reason? His favorite idol was promoting a product of doubtful dcality, and this fan considered that it was his obligation to “put it in his place.” But instead of support, what he received was a rain of criticism from other followers like him. And this leads us to the key question, to what extent is it going that fans want to bother their idols according to their taste?
Suzuki Mob (鈴木 Mob), a member of the Idol Nippon-Wachacha (にっぽんワチャチャ) group, confessed that this type of pressure is the bread of each day. «They tell me things like 'If you cut your hair, stop supporting you' or 'Why do you drink now? Before you did not do it '». He even receives direct messages from his fans asking him to “be as before” or that if he continues to change, they will lose interest in it. And in live events, there is no lack of the follower who, instead of enjoying the moment, takes advantage of his turn in private (that is, when they come to give him a handshake after the event) to release a sermon.
In spite of everything, Suzuki tries not to take it personal and see these comments as a kind of “survey” about his image. But it is also clear that if you want to continue advancing in the industry, you can't get stuck. «If I tried to please everyone, I would never advance”He explained.
On the other hand, there are fans who believe that giving their opinion is part of the deal. Satoshi (サトシさん), a passionate follower of idols and comedians, admits to having sent private messages to his OSHIS telling them what things should change. For him, say is like complaining about a defective product: «If I don't like something, I leave it. But if I feel they are doing things wrong, I have to say it». What he asks is not that artists follow all the suggestions of fans, but at least listen and explain their decisions: «It's not about doing what we want, but if they told us why they make certain changes, many fans would be calmer”He explained.
So who is right? Some idols feel that there are fans who see them as “disappointed ex-girlfriends” instead of artists with a career. According to the academic Yuki Ninomiya (二宮有輝), this happens because some followers end up seeing their Oshis as part of their identity and, when they change, they feel betrayed. And where is the limit? To what extent can fans say and how far an artist should listen to them? Suzuki believes that the key is communication, but without forgetting that an artist has to follow his own path.
Fountain: Livedoor News
© Livedoor
(Tagstotranslate) idol
