Question from Readers:
Who is a celebrity that could walk through the crowd in Shibuya on a Sunday without any disguise and only 20% of the people around would notice them? Specifically, can you name someone who would be recognized by fewer than 20 out of 100 people? Candidates include Otani Shohei, Ichiro, Akashiya Sanma, Kitano Takeshi, Wada Akiko, Asada Mao,
Hanyu Yuzuru, Prime Minister Ishiba, Matsuko Deluxe, Egashira 2:50, Beat Kiyoshi, Watanabe Minayo, Yajima Aiya, and Julie (Sawada Kenji).
Recognition of Celebrities in Shibuya Crowds
Shibuya on a Sunday is truly a sea of people. Especially at the scramble crossing, it feels like you could get swallowed up by the crowd. In such an environment, what are the odds that a celebrity walking without disguise would go unnoticed? The more I think about it, the more intriguing it becomes. For instance, Otani Shohei, Ichiro, and Akashiya Sanma are widely recognized figures, so they are likely to be noticed. In contrast, someone like Sawada Kenji, who may not be as well-known among younger generations, might surprisingly go unnoticed. Especially since young people today don’t watch as much television, their familiarity with older idols and singers is quite low.
My Thoughts
I am also studying law, but I find discussions about celebrities fascinating. Recently, when I was out with friends in Shibuya, we jokingly wondered, “What if there was a celebrity among us?” Everyone agreed that they might not notice, but if a favorite artist or actor were standing right in front of us, I think we would definitely recognize them. When I work part-time at a law office, I occasionally receive consultations from well-known figures. They often come dressed casually, and it’s interesting to see how they can go unnoticed by those around them. It makes me wonder, “Are they really famous?” However, there’s also a certain tension in those moments, as it can be quite challenging to act normally without drawing attention.
A Day in Shibuya
The other day, when I was meeting a friend in Shibuya, I arrived too early. While sipping coffee at a café, I started people-watching, and it was incredibly entertaining. Observing the fashion of young people, the interactions of couples, and the laughter of friends was quite amusing. I had moments where I thought, “Oh, that person might be a celebrity?” but ultimately, they passed by without being recognized.
Share Your Experiences
If any of you have unexpected moments in the Shibuya crowd or experiences where you recognized a favorite celebrity, I would love to hear about it. Please share in the comments! I’m excited to see what interesting events are hidden around us.
