Kenji’s job tonight was simple: be the "idol." He was to sit on a panel of comedians, laugh on cue, look slightly confused when the veterans joked, and promote his new soda commercial. He was not to have an opinion. He was not to be human. He was to be kawaii —cute, safe, and untouchable.
: J-Pop acts are deeply integrated into variety television shows, commercials, anime soundtracks, and magazines.
: Companies like Nintendo and Sony defined modern gaming hardware and software standards.
This was the invisible contract of the Geinoukai —the Japanese entertainment world. In exchange for fame, you surrendered your autonomy. You became a product, wrapped in the distinctively Japanese art of tatemaе —the public facade.