Why Do We Normalize Favorite Idols While Anime Characters Feel Weird? Exploring Cultural Perceptions and Fandom Dynamics

Why Do We Normalize Favorite Idols While Anime Characters Feel Weird? Exploring Cultural Perceptions and Fandom Dynamics

Reader’s Question:
Why is it considered normal to have a favorite idol, but it feels weird when that favorite is a character from anime or other media?

Understanding the Divide: Idols vs. Anime Characters

The question of why it’s considered normal to have a favorite idol, yet feels weird when that favorite

Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Fans and Talents: Are They Really That Similar?

Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Fans and Talents: Are They Really That Similar?

Question from a reader:
Do you think fans and talents are similar? I resonate with Nishiwaki-san’s opinion. My sister is a huge fan of SMAP’s Nakai-kun, and she keeps saying about the recent incident, “Wasn’t she the one who liked Nakai-kun more? There’s no way Nakai-kun would invite her.” It’s a bit unsettling to hear. Do women in their twenties really

Understanding Arashi's Disbandment: Did Ohno-san Choose to Leave the Stage?

Understanding Arashi’s Disbandment: Did Ohno-san Choose to Leave the Stage?

Reader’s Question:
I saw the news that Arashi is ending their activities. Did Ohno-san not want to continue anymore?

Thoughts on Arashi’s Activity Cessation

Recently, I heard the news that Arashi will be ending their activities. It seems there are various factors behind whether Ohno-san wanted to continue. Particularly striking was their statement about how “the environment surrounding us has

Understanding the Emotional Impact of SMAP's Music: How Memories Shape Our Listening Experience

Understanding the Emotional Impact of SMAP’s Music: How Memories Shape Our Listening Experience

Question from a Reader:
While listening to SMAP’s songs, I sometimes feel uneasy due to Nakai-san’s influence. When a song plays unexpectedly, that thought inevitably crosses my mind, making me feel bad. Are there others who feel this way?

The Relationship Between Music and Memory

Recently, I’ve heard people say that listening to SMAP’s songs makes them feel uneasy because of

Understanding Fan Loyalty: Why Supporting Your Favorite Celebrities After Scandals is Normal

Understanding Fan Loyalty: Why Supporting Your Favorite Celebrities After Scandals is Normal

Reader’s Question:
I am a fan of Ryoko Hirosue. I have been supporting her for a long time, and even after the infidelity scandal, I continue to support her. I hope she takes her time and does her best moving forward, but is it strange for me to feel this way?

The Psychology of Fans and Infidelity Scandals

Being a fan

Understanding the Divided Opinions on Nakai-kun: Why Some Love Him and Others Don't

Understanding the Divided Opinions on Nakai-kun: Why Some Love Him and Others Don’t

Question from a Reader:
Do you like Nakai-san?

Thoughts on Nakai-kun

Recently, I was chatting with friends about Nakai-kun. When asked if I like or dislike him, to be honest, I don’t have any special feelings either way. But I wonder why opinions about him are so divided.

The Complexity of Likes and Dislikes

One friend said, “I dislike Nakai!” but