Japanese filmmaker Fukada casts queasy gaze on J-pop idols
Fukada cast former idol Saito Kyoko in the lead role of his feature "Love on Trial" which tells the story of a young performer who undergoes a similar ordeal.
"I felt a deep discomfort, a real unease when I found out, and that's what made me want to look into the subject a bit and then turn it into a screenplay," he told AFP in Cannes.
The film highlights the unequal relationship between management agencies and the idols, who are usually teenagers trained to become a mixture of pop star, online influencer and advertising prop.
But the core of the film examines the more unusual demand that the women remain unattached and chaste -- in order for their older, male fanbase to project their fantasies.
As the lyrics to the songs of Fukada's fictional five-member group "Happy Fanfare" make clear, the performers spend their time singing about the idea of falling in love.
"The industry really encourages this kind of artificial love between fans and their idols," the director of "The Real Thing" and "Harmonium" explained.
"As soon as an idol appears to have a romantic relationship with someone, it's well known that they lose a lot of popularity."
As well as selling merchandise, the women also offer their time for meet-and-greet events -- for a price -- at which fans can come to talk to them, hold hands, and take selfies.
- 'Unusual job' -
The activist director, who has previously spoken out about sexual harassment and the Japanese film industry's over-reliance on manga adaptations, believes the J-pop industry reflects the prejudices of Japanese society.
"There is a lot of prejudice and gender discrimination towards women in our patriarchal system," he said. "We tend to believe that women must be pure, untouched and submissive."
As his film makes clear, many of the stars themselves are happy to encourage this image in pursuit of fame and wealth.
"I met idols who are still active. Some believe that the ban on romantic relationships is a problem. Others think it's normal because it's a very unusual kind of job," he said.
He hopes his film, which is set for release from May, will spark debate in Japan.
"I tried to make a film that could bring out each person's perception of gender, love, freedom, and issues of discrimination," he said.
© 2025 AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
Kazakhstan marks National Day at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Osaka, Japan – World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan continues to welcome guests from across the globe, with around 160 countries and seven international organisations showcasing their pavilions. Each nation celebrates its National Day during the six-month event. Kazakhstan's turn came on 10 August. The morning in Osaka began with Kazakh music. The celebrations opened with a parade led by strongman and four-time world record-holder Sergey Tsyrulnikov carrying the national flag, joined by Kazakh warriors (batyrs) and an orchestra. The performance drew a large crowd along the Grand Ring, the Expo's main wooden structure encircling all pavilions, symbolising unity among nations. The delegation made its way to an authentic yurt, where battle re-enactments and performances on folk instruments immersed visitors in the country's nomadic history. For Kazakhstan, the date also coincided with the 180th anniversary of Kazakh philosopher and thinker Abai Kunanbaiuly, whose influence extends across the Central Asian region. 'Abai's ideas still speak to us today – about unity, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge,' said Kazakhstan's Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev. 'Marking his anniversary in Japan shows how deeply our values align.' When cultures sing together At the opening ceremony, audiences heard more than Kazakh melodies. A highlight was the Sarmad Orchestra's performance of the Japanese folk song Sakura on the jetygen, a rare Kazakh string instrument. After the concert came a touching moment: despite the rain, Japanese visitors gathered outside the hall to sing the Kazakh national anthem. 'I've dreamed of hearing Kazakh music live,' said Rina Kawamoto from Fukuoka. We met guests from across Japan, including fans of Dimash Kudaibergen, who hope one day to visit Kazakhstan. 'I can't travel to Kazakhstan, so I came here from Fukuoka to experience Kazakh culture. I see people from so many countries here, all brought together by Dimash Kudaibergen's art,' added Kawamoto. Queues for the final concert Kazakhstan's National Day culminated in a major performance. Despite the rain, queues formed outside the Shining Hat venue hours before the doors opened. By the evening, around 3,000 people had gathered. The Birlik Dance Ensemble (meaning 'Unity') earned loud applause. Bringing together performers from across Kazakhstan's many ethnic groups, the ensemble was a fitting symbol of the day. The programme featured works by renowned composers Nurgisa Tlendiev, Karshyga Akhmedyarov, Latif Khamidi and Yevgeny Brusilovsky. Kazakhstan Pavilion nears its millionth visitor The Kazakhstan Pavilion remains one of the Expo's most popular attractions and is expected to welcome its one-millionth guest this month. It draws both locals and tourists with its rich showcase of Kazakh history and culture. Its centrepiece is ALEM (Astana Life Ex-situ Machine), an innovation in organ transplantation that preserves donor organs and allows treatment before surgery. 'Our pavilion is more than an exhibition,' said Kazakhstan's General Commissioner at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Daulet Yerkimbayev. 'It's a conversation with every guest. We wanted to show that heritage and innovation are not in conflict. They're two sides of the same story.' The Kazakhstan Pavilion offers a rich and inspiring experience – from the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people to the most advanced medical innovations. These exhibits capture the spirit of the Expo's theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, by allowing visitors to connect with Kazakhstan and reflect together on the society of the future, said Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kato Akiyoshi. 'I have been involved with the Osaka–Kansai Expo since the bidding stage, and as Secretary-General of the 2025 Japan World Expo Bid Committee, I had the privilege of visiting the 2017 Astana Expo. That visit left me with a deep sense of connection to Kazakhstan.' Sweet encounters at the pavilion At the pavilion, we also met travel blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, known for his love of Kazakh chocolate. He became popular online for videos where he gives out Kazakh chocolate bars around the world. 'This pavilion really shows the heart of Kazakhstan,' Yuji said. 'It's not only beautiful but also interactive – you can feel the culture, the hospitality, and see the country's innovations all in one place.' The upcoming Almaty–Tokyo direct flight The day closed with a look to the future: next year, Air Astana will launch a direct flight between Almaty and Tokyo, according to Minister Shakkaliyev. Since 1991, Kazakhstan and Japan have built strong partnerships in trade, investment, science, education, and environmental protection – and this new route is set to bring the two countries even closer.
France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
US singer Billy Joel to sell off motorcycles due to health condition
In May, Joel scrapped dates in Britain and a packed schedule crisscrossing the United States from July 2025 up until July 2026 because of a diagnosis of a rare condition, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). "Due to a recent medical diagnosis, Billy will be auctioning off his bike collection later this year," his publicist told AFP. Joel's extensive collection of motorcycles is housed at a shop in the Long Island town of Oyster Bay, where they can be seen free of charge on weekends. "He will not be renewing the lease on the 20th Century Cycles bike shop once it expires late September," the publicist said. The 76-year-old "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "New York State of Mind" legend has been a pop mainstay since the 1970s, and motorcycles have long been part of his public persona. In the hit song's music video, he whisks away an "Uptown Girl" on the back of his motorcycle, and sings about riding a motorcycle in the rain in the song "You May Be Right." His collection includes more than 75 bikes, per the shop's website. "I like the older style," with some motorcycles dating back to the 1940s, Joel said in a promotional video. Joel's condition arises if cerebrospinal fluid cannot properly flow throughout the brain and spinal cord, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The excess fluid and pressure can cause brain damage. The institution said on its website that NPH is rare, and can cause cognitive impairment including memory problems as well as trouble walking. Joel said previously "this condition has been exacerbated by (previous) concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance."
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Fashion Network
Copenhagen Fashion Week: strong season as 20th anniversary draws closer
As it approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, Copenhagen Fashion Week appears to be going from strength to strength. Hugely influential in terms of its pioneering sustainability focus, its latest outing last week also offered up some strong collections. See catwalk Also with anniversaries on her mind, Cecilie Bahnsen returned to Copenhagen Fashion Week for a landmark moment: a 10th anniversary show, set against the raw concrete expanse of Refshaleøen, a post-industrial peninsula. Part-retrospective, it was both a celebration of the past and its ongoing evolution with a look to the future. See catwalk Most looks were one-offs, shaped by hand in the studio. There was a sense of extravagance here, 'not in opulence, but in intention'. White and silver were the key non-colours as the label sent out a series of structured sheers with frills, appliqués, embellishment — think sculptural but soft. The show was titled Hana-bi, the Japanese word for fireworks, composed of the characters for 'flower' and 'fire.' Swedish fashion house Filippa K showcased on the official CPHFW schedule with creative lead Anna Teurnell 'introducing a marinière-inspired wardrobe of classic, relaxed prep influences with a sporty touch'. The pieces balanced functionality and style, moving from work and commute, to evening and leisure (although the work, commute and leisure elements were much more prominent than the evening). The presentation was held on the rooftop of the label's Copenhagen store on Pilestraede, with stylist Alexandra Carl and 12 models debuting both womenswear and menswear looks. These were easily and instantly wearable looks in a low-key palette of classics and neutrals. Think relaxed tailored pant and vest combos, bomber jackets in traditional khaki, Breton striped tops with slouchy jeans, and a line-up of simplified or traditional macs and trenches. See catwalk By contrast, Baum und Pferdgarten's collection, Notes from the Grandstand, galloped into the season 'with a refined take on contrast' and strong colours. Inspired by the world of the Derby, it draws on the 'vivid uniforms of jockeys, the movement of the racetrack, and the elegance of guests dressed to be seen. It's a playful study of opposites, where sporting utility meets high-society glamour'. See catwalk Creative directors Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave were attracted to the sharp colour-blocking and purpose-driven silhouettes worn by jockeys and guests' extravagant outfits (again though, as with Filippa K, the jockey styles were more prominent than the guest looks). They came up with striped nylon nods to what jockeys wear, while checks and bold colour contrasts added 'a feeling of movement'. Frilled details on sporty outerwear 'introduce a feminine tension, subtly referencing classic equestrian attire'. See catwalk There was underwear on the runway too. Swiss-born brand Sloggi unveiled a partnership with rising luxury womenswear brand Nicklas Skovgaard, who was 'inspired by the private and intimate world of underwear and sleep', making Sloggi a good partner for the show. Skovgaard worked with the brand's signature pieces as well as new items such as 'The Up' – a push-up bra launching as part of the SS26 Zero Feel collection. But even when we weren't looking at full-on Sloggi underwear, there were extravagant petticoats — either as star pieces or peeking out from under his signature sculptural looks — lace footless tights and negligée-like capes. See catwalk Meanwhile, Rotate's collection captured the mood of a 'high-summer reverie, a season suspended in golden light, where femininity takes centre stage through fluid fabrics, daring silhouettes, and a palette kissed by the sun'. The creative directors said it was their 'most feminine chapter yet, where softness becomes an expression of strength'. See catwalk It was rooted in subtle nods to the 1970s, with 'a warm, sun-drenched nostalgia that blends the era's spirit with the brand's signature modern refinement'. Fluidity was key as capes framed the face, sheer gowns skimmed the floor, silk utility bodysuits hugged the body, and low collars met soft suedes and denims. See catwalk Signature dresses took on fresh shapes from the season's ubiquitous slip styles and sculptural columns to breezy scarf-tied designs. Linen tailoring debuted in dresses and suiting, while drapery was key for chiffon and satin pieces and gusseted details injected 'a subtle architecture, marrying softness with form'. See catwalk That may sound demanding but there were plenty of easy pieces such as the soft blouses paired with jeans, hot pant updates, or oversized blousons for quintessential early-into-late 70s looks. The palette shifted between warm neutrals taupe, softened whites, greys, and delicate pastels of faded peach, soft yellow, and light blues, all accented with subtle golden highlights. See catwalk And making their debut, Rotate's upcoming shoes offer included animal-print slingbacks, soft yellow and red accents, and heels with sculptural flower detailing.
