Japan’s antitrust watchdog has issued new guidelines urging talent agencies to allow artists to transfer or go independent and prevent cases of exploitation. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10/01/japan/jftc-talent-agencies/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #ftc #japanesetv #television #idols #celebrities #actors
J-pop artist Kenshin Kamimura has been found guilty of indecent assault by a Hong Kong court after he harassed a woman who worked as his interpreter at a restaurant earlier this year. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/14/japan/crime-legal/star-assault-hong-kong/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #crimelegal #kenshinkamimura #hongkong #jpop #idols #sexcrimes
Both a booming business and soft power tool, Thailand’s BL (boys’ love) dramas are winning hearts in Japan. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/07/28/issues/thai-boys-love-japan-fandom/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #issues #thailand #boyslove #fandom #idols #tvdrama #softpower
At Kawaii Lab, former idol-turned-producer Misa Kimura is putting power in her performers’ hands by giving them more control over their image and sound. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/07/17/kawaii-lab-j-pop-idol-misa-kimura/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #jpop #idols #asobisystem #misakimura #kawaiilab
Cheering for your favorite idol at a concert often involves items such as customized fans with messages on them and identical glow sticks in the colors of the celebrity act. Companies are rushing to offer that and more. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/07/12/music/oshikatsu-merch-expo/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #music #idols #jpop #oshikatsu #tokyolifestyleweek
A moment of idol mania or a fandom gone too far? A recent Fruits Zipper fan frenzy stirred online criticism, raising questions about the line between passion and obsession in J-pop idol culture. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025/06/26/music/idol-fans/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #music #fruitszipper #jpop #idols