I Spent a Day with a REAL Japanese Idol | Exposing The DARK TRUTH

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  • Опубликовано: 14 окт 2022
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    Today, I sit down with a former Japanese idol, who after years of enduring some of the most stressful and abusive workplace experiences in modern day Japan, has agreed to sit down with me to talk about and expose the dark secrets and truths about the glamorous world of idols in Japan.
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Комментарии • 1,9 тыс.

  • @TheAnimeMan
    @TheAnimeMan  Год назад +305

    Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/theanimeman - Enter promo code THEANIMEMAN for 83% off and get 3 extra months for free!

    • @magicigconito3134
      @magicigconito3134 Год назад +2

      not sure were to post this. Will you do a coin game against Ladybeard? I love when you challenge you friends to those crane games.

    • @c.k.1933
      @c.k.1933 Год назад +2

      @@magicigconito3134 You mean Connor not Joey?

    • @ThatOneSceneDude
      @ThatOneSceneDude Год назад

      no

    • @potatoxgaming9466
      @potatoxgaming9466 Год назад +2

      Wait isnt she still in contract?? Isnt risky to disclose the information??

    • @PharoahOD
      @PharoahOD Год назад

      What will you be watching Joey?

  • @watamesshepherdjesuschrist6792
    @watamesshepherdjesuschrist6792 Год назад +9088

    She was born in Germany
    Mother is Korean
    Father is Russian
    Lives in Japan
    Speaks English
    Had an interview with an Australian/Japanese
    She's the Ms. Worldwide Idol at this point.

    • @Dash_ishere
      @Dash_ishere Год назад +1

      Pitbull wishes he was her

    • @xMelliferax
      @xMelliferax Год назад +1478

      i actually even speak 9 languages ✌️

    • @Pokemonleafmon
      @Pokemonleafmon Год назад +374

      @@xMelliferax actual insanity

    • @ItsShaz1
      @ItsShaz1 Год назад +164

      @@xMelliferax thats incredible!

    • @SmellySpirit
      @SmellySpirit Год назад +88

      @@xMelliferax NANI?

  • @xMelliferax
    @xMelliferax Год назад +10038

    Thank you so much for having me! it was really fun meeting you 💗

    • @laboon344
      @laboon344 Год назад +24

      Hello 🙂

    • @sennemichiels6748
      @sennemichiels6748 Год назад +66

      You did great :D

    • @ItsShaz1
      @ItsShaz1 Год назад +62

      You were great! This was very insightful.

    • @othinus
      @othinus Год назад +38

      Thank you for sharing your experiences.

    • @ThrasherMurat
      @ThrasherMurat Год назад +32

      You sound like you’re an amazing person. Glad you’re finally free from this bs

  • @PyraXadon
    @PyraXadon Год назад +3297

    Hearing Takanashi Kiara as the one person who 'made it big' from the agency threw me for a loop. Hearing her stories from her time as an underground idol were absolutely terrifying, and this interview confirms that maybe, maybe this company is one of the sketchier ones to be scouted by.

    • @autohmae
      @autohmae Год назад +300

      Basically: you don't want to be in the underground idol industry, you might get lucky and find a good group/company, but it's unlikely. And maybe with enough hard work and lots of luck you'll make it out of the underground and into a bigger idol agency. And then the hard work won't stop, but at least you'll get paid enough you don't need an other job.

    • @erufailon4723
      @erufailon4723 Год назад +332

      Kiara's an Austrian, isn't she? A native German speaker like Jess in this video. Interesting coincidence. Many of these scouts probably target foreigners in particular whom they think would make good "exotic" idols to stand out among Japanese idols.

    • @sphygo
      @sphygo Год назад +114

      I watch her casually and so I didn't know anything about her backstory. Hearing her name come up here really caught me off guard.

    • @jasonkeith2832
      @jasonkeith2832 Год назад +18

      @@autohmae It honestly sounds like you (an individual, not personal) don't want to be a part of any part of the idol industry, since it all seems to be rotted to the core.

    • @autohmae
      @autohmae Год назад +38

      @@jasonkeith2832 I would put it this way: being part of underground idol group is really bad, as we've seen in the video. Being part of a more mainstream idol group is sadly probably very similar to being part of lots of Japanese companies in any field.

  • @sandwichmonster7067
    @sandwichmonster7067 Год назад +466

    Idol manager: "Stop being so negative! 😡"
    Also idol manager: *Makes idols' life as miserable as possible*

    • @usernamegirls1
      @usernamegirls1 11 месяцев назад +5

      Her coworkers/team members were all like brainwashed as well and said to her the same thing "stop being...." and their whatever idol industry culture is a bad cycle its sickening!

  • @BagoPorkRinds
    @BagoPorkRinds Год назад +646

    Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto), vocalist for the kawaii metal band Babymetal has an older sister Himeka who quit being an idol for Nogizaka46 because of her own mental health and after being diagnosed as bipolar. She went on to get a certification as a mental health therapist to help other idols in the industry.

    • @juampisito
      @juampisito Год назад +26

      I wonder how demanding are babymetal work policies, we only know Yui had to leave for health problems but we cannot reach conclusions over that

    • @BagoPorkRinds
      @BagoPorkRinds Год назад +78

      @@juampisito Physically Babymetal concerts are far more demanding. The amount of energy and preperation expended can't be compared to other idol pop groups. But they're not your typical idols. They don't have to be constantly out in the public eye, meeting fans, doing weekly performances sometimes twice a day, and always on social media trying to garner more fans to elevate their status within the idol group. The three Babymetal ladies have to be the most guarded kept in the dark secretive performers in the history of entertainment. We haven't seen or heard a peep from Su, Moa, Yui about their private lives since they became adults.

    • @bigbrexitdad879
      @bigbrexitdad879 Год назад +6

      @@BagoPorkRinds you seem to know a lot about babymetal, im going to a concert early next year and theyre a supporting band so i was thinking about getting into thier music what are some good songs by them to get into?

    • @SchwarzeRitter
      @SchwarzeRitter Год назад +17

      @@bigbrexitdad879 just random person giving an insight here. Personally the one that get me into Babymetal is Megitsune, and still is my fav to this day.

    • @gomichu
      @gomichu Год назад +6

      @@bigbrexitdad879 i really really love gj and road of resistance personally but honestly just check out any of their live performances. cos the studio versions seriously dont do suzuka's voice justice + theres a live band

  • @Keirabug
    @Keirabug Год назад +1547

    I figured Idol culture was toxic, but never did I expect that it was THIS toxic. Thank you for shedding light on this Jessica and Joey!

    • @aliasfakename1375
      @aliasfakename1375 Год назад +96

      Not just Idol culture... this happens in EVERY entertainment culture around the world.

    • @potatoxgaming9466
      @potatoxgaming9466 Год назад +16

      Yeah every entertainment has a scandal

    • @Veristelle-
      @Veristelle- Год назад +33

      Entertainment is, world wide.
      The most obvious and notorious in North America being Hollywood as an example.

    • @azizulfikri8392
      @azizulfikri8392 Год назад

      Man Idol project was a lie

    • @mariuspuiu9555
      @mariuspuiu9555 Год назад +12

      it's actually a lot more toxic than she let on.

  • @yui7star
    @yui7star Год назад +287

    I was a translator for a bit at a smaller anime convention in Switzerland, where they invited one Japanese band (male members, rock, leaning into visual kei). The ones who organized the band to come looked after them, housed them and drove them around to show them one two places in Switzerland, before the event started. Their manager didn't come, due to budget and time schedule. They had fun, felt really well taken care off and I was wondering why they were so happy, since they did have their bigger fanbase in Japan and almost no one knew them here. But now, I see similarities to her stories, with the polaroids selling, the constant touring, having to perform and leave immediately again. No wonder they always said we should invite them again. Man.

    • @nairagar7338
      @nairagar7338 Год назад +7

      man, that's sad D:

    • @theoneandonly3945
      @theoneandonly3945 7 месяцев назад

      I live in Switzerland, so I'm wondering where they were. I assume Zurich, Bern or Basel?

  • @kimchipunch
    @kimchipunch Год назад +1425

    Speaking from my own experiences as someone who has and is still working in the South Korean entertainment industry alongside other foreigners and Korean idols for close to 10 years now, I can vouch for everything she said. The industry out here is toxic and a major scam. Too many young naïve people, mostly girls, get scammed into it under this flowery image projected by kpop and kdramas. It goes even higher than these criminal agencies, because the government is more than happy to keep projecting this flowery image to the world as well, cause money.
    If being an idol, actor, or professional entertainer is your passion, then the person making the most money off your name and image should be you. You don't need an agency, or a plane tocket to Japan or Korea. With modern social media and platforms like RUclips, Twitch, Tiktok, Instagram, etc., you can make a name for yourself. That's what we all try and do eventually once the honeymoon phase is over and we, as foreign entertainers realize how shit our situation is. Get ahead of the curve, and good luck. Always take care of yourself.

    • @TheMan21892
      @TheMan21892 Год назад +32

      and China. Don’t forget China.

    • @nicoinformatics
      @nicoinformatics Год назад +22

      Welcome to the entertainment industry or any high-competition industry for that matter. Selling "hope" is not exclusive to kpop. If you think getting into the kpop industry is akin to toxicity and scam where young "naive" people are being sold this notion and promise of fame while being exploited? Try getting into hollywood or any of the top modeling industry in the west, not only it's just as bad if not worse, they're not even pretending to be nice and polite about it either. The only difference between Kpop and any other is the exposure of the reality behind the screen.
      But here's the thing. Yes you can make a name for yourself via RUclips, Instagram or Tiktok. But think about it for a second, which is easier, trying to be an idol in Kpop, or trying to be an idol in RUclips? Being an idol and being famous are two completely different things. If Pokimane, the most famous twitch streamer on earth, at the moment announced she'll be going to the times square today, how many people do you think would show up to see her? Now, say Jungkook or Taeyeon announces the same thing, how many do you think would show up? You know the answer to that, and that, is the difference between an 'idol' and a 'famous person on the internet'.

    • @Slowhand707
      @Slowhand707 Год назад +18

      While there are some idols who made it big through RUclips, the reality is that the majority of self-produced/self-managed idols struggle to even find enough bookings in a week. There is a reason why the role of a producer/manager exists.
      Secondly, the image of an idol is not the person behind an idol, it is the persona that the producer creates for her. There is a lot more work going on behind the scenes than it is to the eye, so suggesting that the idol herself is doing most of the work is just plain wrong. Her work that fans see is just the tip of the work a well organised team is putting together behind the scenes, producer, composer, choreographer, costume designers, teachers etc.

    • @Wlerin7
      @Wlerin7 Год назад +6

      The Korean idol industry is not the Japanese idol industry.

    • @KurniawanRamadhan213
      @KurniawanRamadhan213 Год назад +8

      Agreed. If it's truly is your passion to become an idol, just try it alone first, you don't need such agencies. Nowdays there's so much means to get popular whether be a vtuber or socmed celeb, if you start having traction then you can hire your friend to be the manager.

  • @yurikuki
    @yurikuki Год назад +2585

    50 minutes of pure interview? Joey really stepping up his interview game. 🔥

    • @maineman5757
      @maineman5757 Год назад +25

      He's been doing this for years though...

    • @Brex10
      @Brex10 Год назад +11

      And I didn't have to read subtitles this time, my adhd mind can actually get through this video

    • @Brex10
      @Brex10 Год назад +10

      @lukeskydive reading subtitles takes a lot more focus, iboften get distracted when trying. My thoughts trail off, and I end up having to replay the same 2 minute segment 5 time, and that happens constantly, especially something like this interview, where there's really nothing keeping my eyes on the screen, when it's in English I can basically just listen to it while doing other things, but if it were subbed, like the other interviews I'd get 5 minutes in, that would take me 10 minutes, then I'd stop watching the video all together and never return.

    • @reajlila7595
      @reajlila7595 Год назад +3

      @@Brex10 lol I just realized my method is to watch the vid and read the comments at the same time. Try that if it's works idk. I just jump back and forth once I'm bored of the other

    • @yurikuki
      @yurikuki Год назад +1

      @@maineman5757The other interview vids he did haven't been 1 hour long in the YT Channel.

  • @graceblakemore177
    @graceblakemore177 Год назад +338

    People were furious at One Directions management for how they treated the boys and yet a decade latter with the rise of idols, management and organisations have been working these idols to the grave and treating them way worse yet we are doing nothing about it. I find that quite infuriating because these people deserve to have a life.

    • @StriderVM
      @StriderVM Год назад +41

      Thats because in Japan that kind of sadness is basically cultural. Doesn't make it right though.

    • @anirudhviswanathan3986
      @anirudhviswanathan3986 Год назад +36

      And before One Direction itself, people were outraged that NSync and Backstreet Boys hardly got paid anything. IIRC, one of the NSync members even said after a whole year of touring, they didn't even make enough to pay rent.

    • @graceblakemore177
      @graceblakemore177 Год назад +4

      @@anirudhviswanathan3986 exactly! We know it's horrible and yet it's happening again

    • @antisocial-gamer7293
      @antisocial-gamer7293 Год назад +1

      Sounds like what happened with Avicii which sadly was the main reason for his death

    • @usernamegirls1
      @usernamegirls1 11 месяцев назад +3

      An example of a type of modern slave, literally.

  • @JustAnta97
    @JustAnta97 Год назад +341

    coincidentally Kiara spoke about idols like a few days ago and about her life as one from time to time and is exactly how jessica describe it

    • @takanara7
      @takanara7 Год назад +54

      They apparently worked for the same guy.

    • @JustAnta97
      @JustAnta97 Год назад +48

      I mean yeah Jessica said so herself

    • @therevolutionary5148
      @therevolutionary5148 Год назад +24

      Possible that they know each other well
      I also gravitate to other German speakers around me in Japan even though I speak Japanese

    • @potatoxgaming9466
      @potatoxgaming9466 Год назад +8

      Kiara also got accepted in akb48 but she didnt continou cause she like the other group who rival akb which is a real flex

    • @JustAnta97
      @JustAnta97 Год назад +7

      @@potatoxgaming9466 yeah she mention it in the same stream that she meet Joffrey(idr the name of the actor) I think

  • @SkribbleNL
    @SkribbleNL Год назад +113

    Hearing this I feel like we always villainize the fans but it's actually the agencies and the bosses that are the center of the toxicity around the idol culture

    • @Xynic48
      @Xynic48 Год назад +27

      True. Back in the day, I thought japanese idols are cringe. But after going to idol events, it's actually more innocent than I thought. While there are definitely perverts and weirdos, most are just nerds that wants to have fun. Idol events are basically rave parties for nerds.

    • @dum462
      @dum462 Год назад +8

      i mean, she did mention the fan acting like he was stabbing one of the girls @ 28:30

    • @juampisito
      @juampisito Год назад +8

      It's both creepy fans and crazy work policies

    • @JacobM.S
      @JacobM.S Год назад

      @@Xynic48 nerdism isnt bad things if you have something what you like but you need to know separate real world from fake one but i would like to come to some nerd group actions like comic con or anime con you know... meet other peoples wit same interest and make friends

    • @Circurose
      @Circurose 10 месяцев назад +1

      I can say I hate the fans more.

  • @YourKurohime
    @YourKurohime Год назад +683

    Bruh, that idol interaction skit makes me wanna die just from second hand embarrassment...
    How you did that even as a joke...you are a stronger will than I Joey.
    How did she deal with that for 2 years?

    • @takanara7
      @takanara7 Год назад

      @@grayarystorjz6685 Well, at least the idol fans actually want to meet you, whereas the karens basically hate you.

    • @tunafllsh
      @tunafllsh Год назад +6

      weak

  • @ViviDimension
    @ViviDimension Год назад +1043

    I always kind of knew the idol industry was problematic and wondered how bad it was. It sounds like the child pageantry stuff in the west, but maybe even worse in terms of the time taken and reward given and mostly just the scale of it all. Working that much for so little pay at any age is a travesty and I mean... practically slavery for the agencies forcing so much work for almost nothing on these people. Pretty sickening.

    • @kingmanic
      @kingmanic Год назад +69

      Some of the low end Kpop companies and I imagine idol orgs are just escort agencies (human traffickers). For the very rich, even the top end ones will arrange things. A while back a medium fame kpop star committed suicide with a note saying her agency had pimped her out a small group of rich men and she couldn't control her life even who she had sex with. Amber Liu of FX leaked that she knew people pressured to sleep with people and was vague about if it had happened to her. Keep in mind she was recruited at 14 and had been in the kpop system for year by her debut. This is not that different from hollywood or even elite modeling agencies. Some countries will not let girls who are citizens leave if they put modeling as a reason why they're travelling and many will flag 'models' for more scrutiny. Jeffrey Epstein controlled a modeling agency and would move girls with it. Once he met Trump and became good friends, trump bought a modeling agency a year after and was said to be a very pervy presences there and at the teen beauty pageants he ran. There is a lot of sleaziness around.

    • @takanara7
      @takanara7 Год назад +1

      @@kingmanic A lot of the boy bands that were popular in the 90s were produced by this one guy, Lou Pearlman who would basically sleep with all the boys. He was later convicted of running a Ponzi scheme.

    • @aajohnsoutube
      @aajohnsoutube Год назад +5

      Those scouts stick around for years, decades. They often come before the agency. The agencies are more legit. The scout is the owner of the talent

    • @alexander1989x
      @alexander1989x Год назад +10

      Idol companies in Asia are just predatory af

    • @user-qm7jw
      @user-qm7jw Год назад +4

      Many of these girls have become idols even though they know it's hard. No one is forcing them to become idols, so if they don't like it, they can quit.

  • @sdarkpaladin
    @sdarkpaladin Год назад +296

    Wow! Didn't expect Takanashi Kiara's name to pop up here. Now that I heard Jessica's stories, I can sort of understand why Kiara was quite stressed during that period.

    • @viceasimo3532
      @viceasimo3532 Год назад +2

      Timestamp?

    • @robertclarkson2068
      @robertclarkson2068 Год назад +40

      Damn ya don't gotta be like that. The vids almost an hour long, so it's understandable that most people wouldn't wanna sift through for one specific part. The conversation that leads up to it starts at 15:33

    • @monsterlair
      @monsterlair Год назад +8

      @@robertclarkson2068 Has it been edited out of the video somehow? I can't find it. She only mentions her senpai, but no name.

    • @Spyduck
      @Spyduck Год назад +6

      @@monsterlair Probably. There's a jump cut at 15:43. But either way, it is what it is.

  • @Macalicious
    @Macalicious Год назад +72

    Okay, but am I the only one who's kinda scared for Jess? Her 'image' is still owned by this company for at least 1,5 years, like Joey said, would this video cause troubles for her? What if some of her former fans see this and go complain to the company? Or the company sees this and goes after her? 😟

    • @azazelreficulmefistofelicu7158
      @azazelreficulmefistofelicu7158 Месяц назад

      They own the idol character image not the real person image. As an idol she was playing a character, different nationality and so.
      I may be wrong but I don't think she will get into any trouble with the company or fans for being herself and talking about her own life experiences.

  • @HitRegBroke
    @HitRegBroke Год назад +882

    This is such a valuable video, revealing the behind the scenes on things that are paradoxically massive but are so closely guarded that most of its inner workings are secret and kinda messed up. This is fuckin sick Joey

    • @PermaJeff
      @PermaJeff Год назад +33

      your use of sick in this context is kinda confusing.

    • @Tumnus.B
      @Tumnus.B Год назад +3

      Read Oshi No Ko

    • @JaclyneChin
      @JaclyneChin Год назад +1

      Read Oshi no Ko manga (well, it's not really 100% idol because it's also talk the dark side of entertainment as a whole but more on idol & actor) or wait for Oshi no Ko anime coming soon 2023

    • @danielquinlan2457
      @danielquinlan2457 Год назад +4

      I dunno, it seems to me that a lot of the issues with the Idol Industry are pretty well documented to me.

    • @usernamegirls1
      @usernamegirls1 11 месяцев назад

      Its either the boss who wants to earn guilt money or the fans are just delusional as if the idols are innocent girls living a happy life that Japan want this bad culture to continue....

  • @slothhawk21
    @slothhawk21 Год назад +1289

    Joey literally had a heart attack when roleplaying as an fan...
    Edit- Mom I'm famous.
    Thx for the likes...

    • @SetiKt
      @SetiKt Год назад +36

      This is the perfect time to post the upset aki meme

    • @nourmuhsen
      @nourmuhsen Год назад +33

      You could see the CRINGE on his face lol.

    • @anuragraut5101
      @anuragraut5101 Год назад +17

      He can finally feel the embarrassment that Connor feels in each of his video where he tries different stuff

  • @Sputnik_
    @Sputnik_ Год назад +16

    The fact they made an anime out of this is insane

  • @ozyssah
    @ozyssah Год назад +35

    Its so crazy hearing from her and even hearing that Kiara worked for the same agency too

  • @serapiel
    @serapiel Год назад +156

    As someone that works in the venue business, in the US, there's a lot of concerts where you're not allowed to have your phones. It's by request from the band themselves.

    • @starman6468
      @starman6468 Год назад +7

      Like which or who? I cannot think of any besides Tool

    • @serapiel
      @serapiel Год назад +18

      @@starman6468 Most concerts at the Mercedez-Benz stadium have phones banned, such as Metallica, etc. You'll see the warning on the TV screens, etc. Eagles had their phones banned when I was at the Canada Life Center a few weeks ago.

    • @tandapanda7222
      @tandapanda7222 Год назад +5

      @@serapiel I've seen Metallica live in the UK and phones were fine so in that case I expect it to be the stadium. Actually, now that I think about it, none of the concerts I've been to have had a no phone policy

  • @immanuelganzentspannt
    @immanuelganzentspannt Год назад +579

    Living in germany, knowing the workers rights, etc. I just can't imagine how hard that must have been(I am completely shocked under what conditions Idols have to perform/work). Pretty much working full time and getting paid little to nothing is bad enough but on top of that there is also the huge amount of pressure, getting yelled at from bossman, favoritism, racism (and probably sexism aswell). How did this ever become a thing and why isn't the government at least improving working conditions? Those agencies seem like the most disgusting scam artists, completely ignoring the mental health of their Idols, letting them do all the work and basically steal their hard earned money. I'm fascinated but mostly disgusted. Props to jessica to speaking up for your mates and also for leaving, best decision you could have made.

    • @tsukemen2061
      @tsukemen2061 Год назад +52

      I feel it's because it's ingrained in their culture that it's going to be difficult to make a change. In the video it seemed like some of the girls in her group just accepted the way things were, made it seem like she was the one at fault because she's so negative. There's this saying that "it's easier to learn a new habit than to unlearn it". Add to that, the bosses are old and has this boomer thinking. Seems like gaslighting is normal for boss man. Mental health is also difficult in Japan. In Trash Taste, it was mentioned that there are not much doctors that treat mental health. It's so sad that the idol industry is like this. Idols are just humans. I'm glad she got out of it and sincerely hope for her healing.

    • @milanotfound
      @milanotfound Год назад +2

      watched anime that show that ,paripi komei i think explain that there and yeah sad truth

    • @FaySmash
      @FaySmash Год назад +12

      Germany isn't that much better tbh. We don't have idols to exploit but eastern Europe guest workers which get treaten like slaves

    • @noiredautremonde8289
      @noiredautremonde8289 Год назад +8

      In Japan change is forbidden. It is only done when absolutely necessary. And any change will be reverted the moment the Japanese see it possible.

    • @takanara7
      @takanara7 Год назад +3

      The US is pretty terrible when it comes to workers rights but we at least have a minimum wage law. Like, you would at least have to be paid like ~1k yen/hour ($7.25) of actual work.

  • @jotaro2105
    @jotaro2105 Год назад +44

    What's really mind-blowingly worse in all of this is a blatant anti-Korean discrimination in Japanese entertainment industry

    • @joannejones363
      @joannejones363 Год назад +1

      Yes I pretty much feel she got treated like that because she is korean

    • @kimsewoon0904
      @kimsewoon0904 Год назад +5

      I'd say its mainly because of the whole Japan colonising Korea back then and their belief that they r a superior species which still lives in some of the older generations in Japan, tho speaking as a korean, our old folks aint much different but i guess maybe theres a difference in justification between the victim and the perpetrator.

    • @Buttsceatcgee
      @Buttsceatcgee Год назад

      @@kimsewoon0904 that’s what i think too. It’s also possible that korea entertainment industry is taking some ideas from Japan, such as the cutesy look, the drama, and such.

    • @eksen7221
      @eksen7221 Год назад

      Vice-versa Ig

    • @fallenlegend8888
      @fallenlegend8888 10 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@eksen7221The Kpop industry is more welcoming to Japanese considering there's a lot of Japanese kpop idols nowadays

  • @amal-chan
    @amal-chan Год назад +187

    This reminds me of Yuimetal from BabyMetal… Yui had to quit because of illness, people say she has depression and eating disorder but her company is keeping tight lips about the whole thing, and lot of people/fans are hating her.
    This is sad. They’re gaslighting her to think she’s negative when the truth is ugly, they want to become idols at whatever cost and companies are exploiting them.
    Edit: I’m glad she left, even though those two years probably felt like living hell for her.

    • @autohmae
      @autohmae Год назад +32

      Here is my perspective as a Babymetal fan who actually very much hesitated and rationalized before becoming a Babymetal fan.
      Judging by what was visible, I don't think she was depressed or had an eating disorder, but a back problem is what made her have to quit performing. That said it's not impossible she had an eating disorder. Lots of people in entertainment and outside of it who care about their image have this. So I definitely wouldn't rule it out completely. The way she changed over time is probably more related to her growing up and growth spurts.
      Compared to western companies (especially western/northern Europe), the average Japanese company: not a great work place. Amuse (which owns Babymetal, Sakura Gakuin, etc.) is a Japanese company after all so don't expect heaven. But she was probably getting paid well. Every leaked private photo of her and Su and Moa always wore very expensive clothing. These are clothes they choose and bought on their own (unless of course they all have rich parents, but even now Su and Moa are adult most recent private photo it still applies).
      Here is an other way to look at it: if Yui was treated badly she would not still have a contract with Amuse 5 years later. They are keeping her under contract so the investment they made into Yui isn't lost to an other agency when she gets back into the spotlight. She is probably still getting paid every month some token amount. Probably that amount is more than Jess in this interview was making during those 2 years in the idol every month.
      Some other signs about how Babymetal and the girl group they came from Sakura Gakuin, didn't have have personal social media presence, etc. says a lot about how the company. And how long others keep working for the company. I would say Amuse is a lot better than any underground idol group and probably a better place to work than being part of AKB.

    • @marcjigz9299
      @marcjigz9299 Год назад +6

      She left and the agency respected that. They already moved on

    • @flowtaku
      @flowtaku Год назад +4

      I love babymetal a lot however the fans annoy me sm bc most of them are metal heads and sexualise the members it’s honestly heartbreaking and needs to be stopped

    • @marcjigz9299
      @marcjigz9299 Год назад +9

      @@flowtaku I don't see any fans sexualized the members. They don't wear any revealing clothes or maybe you mistaken them from another band/group.

    • @autohmae
      @autohmae Год назад +7

      @@flowtaku I wonder where you hang out, because the Babymetal fans I know most appreciate their image isn't sexualized, etc.

  • @EVOGenesis666
    @EVOGenesis666 Год назад +99

    So aggretsuko's idol arc wasn't far off at all. This was super informative!

    • @melonlord1414
      @melonlord1414 Год назад +17

      That sounds way nicer than what was said in this interview. At least Aggretsuko's boss cared a little bit.

  • @thetruth3068
    @thetruth3068 Год назад +565

    Remind me of Keekihime story when she was still in Idol business.
    She got into that weird wrestling match, and the men ends up humping her. It's very weird and creepy, and no one stopped the show.
    She said she cried after that show
    Glad she is successful now.

    • @maineman5757
      @maineman5757 Год назад +19

      That's strange

    • @shinsuikyoraku6101
      @shinsuikyoraku6101 Год назад +6

      Any video about that?

    • @ThatGuyWhoComments1
      @ThatGuyWhoComments1 Год назад +106

      Seriously??? I thought it was just the camera guy having his thing out. I can see why she has so much trauma of guys and other things. I'm so glad she's at a good spot right now.

    • @thetruth3068
      @thetruth3068 Год назад +19

      @@shinsuikyoraku6101 my comment kept getting removed, idk why.
      But it's on RUclips

    • @laboon344
      @laboon344 Год назад +4

      Yeah same really like watching her and her other gen mates ! 🧡🧡

  • @ZRovas117
    @ZRovas117 Год назад +69

    I love how this is the same concept as Anthony Padilla's "I Spent A Day With X" but Japan version, but I'm all for it. Japan has such a varied amount of people Joey can interview, I can see this lasting as a series for as many as Joey can think of people to interview.

  • @bennieboi3683
    @bennieboi3683 Год назад +71

    This video hits even harder with Oshi no Ko just came out not too long ago. So many things Jessica said matched with the anime/manga like screw-up staff management, shitty pay, horrible contract, events, idols' mental health, and idol who doesn't good at singing being popular. It's just mind-blowing to me accurate Oshi no Ko is, and how the idol industry can still stay afloat.

    • @JerkyMcJerkface
      @JerkyMcJerkface 9 месяцев назад +1

      The idol industry can still stay afloat because the companies which own these idol groups are the also the ones producing your mindblowing anime. These issues have been known for ages, and Oshi no Ko is not the first manga series to bring it up, the powers that be in Japan just choose to ignore it.

  • @princereptar2578
    @princereptar2578 Год назад +163

    i always love videos like these, diving deeper into topics you normally dont have much knowledge on

  • @ItsShaz1
    @ItsShaz1 Год назад +141

    This is going to be interesting! Diving into other Japanese topics like the idol industry has always been intriguing to me. It’s nice to see Joey making these types of videos. Respect to all the idols going through this horrible stuff.

    • @dunzek943
      @dunzek943 Год назад +2

      No. Not all the idols; those that took advantage of each other.

  • @arhusdk2916
    @arhusdk2916 Год назад +35

    Sad truth. But it is happening in all entertainment industries. In Japan, I think this dark side of idol could be apparently observed from underground idol groups. Many idols aren't treated well by manager but they cannot complain about it because of their contract that why the most important thing is to look carefully for the contract. For Jessica's case, I feel sorry for her for the horrible experience she got during her work. This thing is quite similar to the case happening in KPOP industry. Many girls devote their time for practising in the industry. Some spends ten years as a trainee without salary and sadly cannot debut as they wish.

  • @dudie966
    @dudie966 Год назад +58

    This was a really interesting interview. I would love to know more about the differences between underground vs. full professional idols. I'm really into the love live franchise and I've always wondered how they are treated behind the scenes and how much they really get paid. I imagine Bushiroad is making money hand over fist, but an idol franchise like that also needs alot more background people to support it too.
    The only idol groups I know in the US are born out of Japanese idol cover groups that then decide to start their own thing and amke their own music. They don't make much money and put in alot of time and effort, but they're also usually amateur/semi-pro groups of friends, so they aren't forced to do it or have horrible managers hanging over them.

  • @entropybear5847
    @entropybear5847 Год назад +42

    The hard work routine is one thing, but basically getting paid nothing is what must really mess with their heads. Japan needs stronger labor laws.

  • @bunny15539
    @bunny15539 Год назад +6

    Joey is such a good listener and great guy to chat with. Love these types of interviews.
    keep up the good work man!
    much love from canada

  • @volgg
    @volgg Год назад +9

    This is a very insightful view into the idol industry, thank you joey for making this video and Jess for giving us the info on it!

  • @DArkrAIIIIIII
    @DArkrAIIIIIII Год назад +5

    I really enjoyed your interview here, and your interviews in general. You speak with great fluidity in terms of the questions asked and transitioning between topics. I really hope you could do more interviews in the future!

  • @DacianGradaMusic
    @DacianGradaMusic Год назад +61

    this was very interesting and i love these conversational interviews! As others pointed out, it would be cool to manage getting an interview with a VTuber as well to see comparisons and similarities of these idol categories. Maybe KSon? Either way, great job Mr. Manga Lad!

  • @merelyChirs
    @merelyChirs Год назад +5

    Really enjoyed this, Joey. I'm really impressed about how respectful and informative your questions were. Thanks for the upload.

  • @gibarix881
    @gibarix881 Год назад

    the high-5 and the encouragement after that was my favourite part of this video!!

  • @mecca6801
    @mecca6801 Год назад +1

    I appreciate the sincerity of this interview!

  • @dominikmajkowski896
    @dominikmajkowski896 Год назад +94

    I read oshi no ko so I know that the idol industry was messed up, but somehow this was able to surpass my expectations

    • @melonlord1414
      @melonlord1414 Год назад +18

      Aqua totally safed his sister by making sure she didn't join some random group, but built one for themselves.

    • @02Funny02
      @02Funny02 Год назад +13

      I knew i'd find an oshi no ko comment somewhere

    • @NuukaYT
      @NuukaYT Год назад

      I watched Zombieland Saga, but I didn't see any mention about idol zombie agency, sad :(

  • @LordIronfist
    @LordIronfist Год назад +4

    Ah, now, I finally understand the scenes of the idol group performing and then trying to sell merch in Odd Taxi! Thanks for this, I didn't really know how to even phrase it to try googling what was going on, since it's so different from the concert scene I'm familiar with in the states. This is fantastic bc I hate not being able to answer questions I have! Thanks again

  • @vectorifix3218
    @vectorifix3218 Год назад +12

    Absolutely fantastic interview! Jessica is such lively and obviously very smart. "You have to sell your own character rather than your skills" - caught my ear, this was surprise for me when watched my first documentary of the idol world and Jessica put it very well out. I hope all the good for her and as interview seemed to got a bit carried away towards the end, I hope Mr. Bossman didn't get too upset :) Subbed to the channel and Jessica's twitter - funny stuff!

  • @nnneeooooo
    @nnneeooooo Год назад +14

    usually idols cannot take pictures with people because those people can use it as harm against idols to start scandals and such

  • @ricku7765
    @ricku7765 Год назад +13

    worth the 50minutes of watching because im genuinely curious on how idols in japan operates and how they feel inside or outside of their job

  • @DeliciousNubbs
    @DeliciousNubbs Год назад +3

    A good interview feels like your eavesdropping on a conversation. This was definitely a good interview! Keep it up Josh!

  • @gilletteguy
    @gilletteguy 11 месяцев назад

    Can't believe I just watched this entire video, I very rarely watch entire long "documentary"/interview videos.
    Really interesting story, I wish her the best and thanks for uploading.

  • @Hexra_
    @Hexra_ Год назад +61

    Oh wow how the worlds collide. The fact that Jessica was in the same agency as Kiara (and the fact that she's also German) is such a great coincidence

    • @animeking17
      @animeking17 Год назад +2

      Which Kiara? The vtuber?

    • @Hexra_
      @Hexra_ Год назад +11

      @@animeking17 yeah. She mentioned Kiara Takanashi was in her agency for a while, quit, joined another one and became popular

    • @stevensiegert
      @stevensiegert Год назад +6

      Isn't Kiara Austrian?

    • @Hexra_
      @Hexra_ Год назад +4

      @@stevensiegert yeah she is, I was talking about Jessica being German lol

  • @XO2HKIM
    @XO2HKIM Год назад +9

    With the anime Oshi no Koshi premiering soon, this interview really came at a great time.

  • @YURIKOTIGERjp
    @YURIKOTIGERjp Год назад +5

    I totally can understand. I feel you J!
    It was the same for me and I still have debit for it…
    Is a very dark world and you need to be patient and strong at the same time! Like as Jessica said.

  • @froufroudeluxe
    @froufroudeluxe Год назад +4

    She’s lovely. I’m glad she felt safe to discuss her experience

  • @miss_mystic
    @miss_mystic Год назад +15

    Oshi no ko fans be like: He's the irl detective.

    • @nox_tech_
      @nox_tech_ Год назад +1

      fr though, when aqua scouted that one idol in episode 2, this interview came to mind.

  • @zenda7569
    @zenda7569 Год назад +3

    Loved the interview, so interesting to see this side. Also good to see you used a taemin gif in the beginning

  • @ashura_amane8499
    @ashura_amane8499 Год назад +3

    I'm glad that someone is talking about all these things

  • @gustinex
    @gustinex Год назад +3

    she looks so happy and cheerful now, so happy for her

  • @Mi-1990
    @Mi-1990 Год назад +1

    Incredible interview. Really insightful

  • @Evilwait
    @Evilwait Год назад +4

    @jessinstress großartiges Interview - danke für die ehrlichen Einblicke in diese Industrie, es war sehr interessant! Viel Glück für die Zukunft!

  • @Rebsxo3
    @Rebsxo3 Год назад +4

    Bless her for sharing her story. It’s so sad to see and hear all these stories happening to K pop groups or idols. With so much coming out now with these dark stories on idols I hope the idol industry gets torn open and has to make changes for ppls mental health. They seem to just brush anything under the rug it’s so bad and toxic and only going to get worse yet these idols would keep putting themselves through it 😢

    • @Squisky
      @Squisky 8 месяцев назад

      It shouldn't even be an industry. People who listen to, follow, and support this sort of "entertainment" is the root cause of the problem.
      Shithead bosses exist in every industry.

  • @fishabella8777
    @fishabella8777 Год назад

    Lengthy videos tend to bore me after the first 15 minutes. But this was an exemption. The interesting topic with the most bubbly interviewee is such a match made in heaven. I loved every minute of this video. Kudos to joey and jess for doing such a wonderful job 💕✨

  • @theaxelazul1994
    @theaxelazul1994 Год назад +1

    This is such a amazing interview!!!

  • @staticdice5958
    @staticdice5958 Год назад +53

    The Takanashi Kiara connection was a hard curve ball like damn it's like we're in some reality show and everything is connected

    • @MeMe-gm9di
      @MeMe-gm9di Год назад +3

      I mean, there's not that many idol groups out there, how many will hire foreign women?
      And of course she'd remember Kiara, they probably both speak German, etc.

  • @angelsambition2179
    @angelsambition2179 Год назад +4

    Somehow Oshi No Ko brought me to this video and I’ve watched all of Joey’s videos but somehow missed this one lol, great interview

  • @sir_beast6971
    @sir_beast6971 Год назад +1

    Thanks for bringing this to our attention Joey, great video 👏🏼

  • @Akram_kirito
    @Akram_kirito Год назад +2

    Thank You for opening my eyes.... Hope you are doing good well... And have a healthy life now.... Jessica
    I am happy you are out of this idol stuff...
    Thanks to Joey who always bring these matters into light....

  • @SKmaric
    @SKmaric Год назад +7

    This is why I think idol anime franchises have seen success since they are fictional works inspired by the ideas evoked by the outward appearance of the idol industry; the music, dance, costuming, etc, while not taking the heavy baggage with it.

  • @croatiansamurai7361
    @croatiansamurai7361 Год назад +2

    I'm glad you got through it Jess and so sorry you went through all those toxic things. I hope your well. I thought the idol industry was bad but in reality it's worse than I could have imagined. Qishing you all the best. Thanks for this eye opening interview.

  • @jojomojolazy
    @jojomojolazy Год назад +1

    I would love this type of interview again

  • @hax2354
    @hax2354 Год назад

    This was a really fun watch! Love this format, would love to see more of these.

  • @horusfalcon
    @horusfalcon Год назад +44

    Thanks for doing this interview, Joey. This is the kind of thing that sets you apart from many other anime' channels. Jessica, all the best, girl. Win your freedom every day.

  • @JensWelten
    @JensWelten Год назад +6

    since i watched aggretsuko season 3 with the idol arc, i was very interested in this business. "is it really like that?" but this video here made me shake my head every 10 seconds. what this girl went through i felt so sorry. greetings from germany

  • @MILK69996
    @MILK69996 Год назад

    This is really one of your best interview man. Stay cool

  • @hennak.3051
    @hennak.3051 Год назад

    this is such a great video about opening this Pandora's box about this title. thank you Joey!

  • @lolitaku7229
    @lolitaku7229 Год назад +58

    I never really liked idol culture, but the dark side of idol life always drew me in. Thank you for doing this interview so more people will get a better idea what it means to be an idol in Japan

  • @iron_Will
    @iron_Will Год назад +79

    So glad you made this. There's always been something about the idol industry that's rubbed me the wrong way, and I'm always a bit annoyed whenever I see the elements that have been grandfathered into the vtuber scene from it. But at the same time, the level of secrecy that the idol industry has always operated with makes it fascinating to learn about.

  • @irisgrimoire7312
    @irisgrimoire7312 Год назад

    this makes me excited for Oshi no Ko more than ever, thank you for this interview!!

  • @majimadayoyoyo
    @majimadayoyoyo Год назад +2

    I'm just glad she is free from the stress of being an idol, she seems like a nice person she deserves peace and just enjoy her life.

  • @vincentchow6917
    @vincentchow6917 Год назад +5

    I just finished watching Oshi no Ko episode 1 and this video came up on my Recommended. Scary coincidence!

  • @dainobu10
    @dainobu10 Год назад +13

    Everything Jess said reminded me of the idol trio in Oddtaxi more than the one in Aggretsuko.What a hell she had to went through.
    One question that is maybe in the patreon bonus is, how aware of the situation were her parents? If bet they were more than happy when she finally quitted.

  • @blankly01
    @blankly01 Год назад

    I got goosebumps when you guys imitated the handshake thing.

  • @Xeemix
    @Xeemix Год назад

    Goated interview brother, this video and the story within is insane

  • @tsuaririndoku
    @tsuaririndoku Год назад +4

    It’s funny because I just finished reading Oshi No Ko and this pops up in RUclips. They tracked me every move now.

  • @Scudboy17
    @Scudboy17 Год назад +14

    In retrospect "Perfect Blue" was almost an optimistic view of idol culture. Kind of like Robocop vs modern actual Detroit.

  • @Marmaladecos
    @Marmaladecos Год назад +1

    THIS INTERVIEW WAS SO INTERESTING AA~~ ALSO The Australian Idols you speak of are alive and well c: trying to spread the best parts of idol culture here in brisbane

  • @megamcee
    @megamcee Год назад +2

    15:48 that name drop though! the world is truly small

  • @PaulGirdlestone
    @PaulGirdlestone Год назад +30

    Mr daughters love idols and stuff like that and wanted to become idols. I told them exactly what it is like in Asia to be an idol and they were like 'No, thanks!' They are 8 and 5 years old and they are already aware how BS it is. We are in HK where that think kind of happens but on a much smaller scale.

    • @Harkz0r
      @Harkz0r Год назад +5

      Thanks for being a good father in that sense. I've often wondered how people find themselves drawn to or working in these kinds of conditions even after the detailed information is publicly available. The entertainment industry especially at the underground level sounds like a form of borderline human trafficking and slave labour.

    • @PaulGirdlestone
      @PaulGirdlestone Год назад +1

      @@Harkz0r It sounds like that because it is that. If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck and acts like a duck.....

  • @mbalazs3544
    @mbalazs3544 6 месяцев назад +3

    24:44 there is block function n phones :D or silent mode :D that can come in handy for stuff like this, also having 2 phones one for family one for work is a good ideal

  • @F1ipf1up
    @F1ipf1up Год назад

    One of the most interesting interviews I watched in a while! Thanks to Jess for putting a lot of informations out there!

  • @nicovalentim
    @nicovalentim Год назад +1

    amazing interview

  • @BIGBASCH
    @BIGBASCH Год назад +4

    At 51:08 the second it takes Joey to realize what she just said makes it perfectly comedic

  • @behelitquest
    @behelitquest Год назад +13

    I'm early this time haha, never have been. I wasn't interested in idol industry but if Joey the madlad does something, I'll be there for it

  • @habodea
    @habodea Год назад

    Great insight on the topic, congratulations for both of you!

  • @vantilsley8633
    @vantilsley8633 Год назад +1

    Yo do more interviews in this format homie was dope

  • @Valoric
    @Valoric Год назад +3

    Fascinating interview! Thank you both for bringing attention to this. I don’t think this bizarre culture needs to be destroyed but I hope focus on its negative side helps the girls in it. Abusive managers need to be stopped.

    • @autohmae
      @autohmae Год назад

      Laws would be really helpful, like: minimum wage, etc.

  • @Angel..L
    @Angel..L Год назад +17

    Thank you so much for the interview. I’ve been reading Oshi no ko and it’s been really interesting to see some behind the scenes. I could never put myself through 2 years of that.

  • @chrisylockhart
    @chrisylockhart Год назад

    Fascinating interview!

  • @quietkami2426
    @quietkami2426 Год назад

    Gotta love joey's vids and the fashion sense

  • @angelo_d
    @angelo_d Год назад +9

    There’s a great doco called Tokyo Idols by Kyoto Miyake. Definitely worth watching 👍🏼

  • @k.nananthanandanan3540
    @k.nananthanandanan3540 Год назад +69

    That was a great interview, I liked the way Joe straight away asked very relevant questions and deep dived on different aspects of the industry and kept the interview interesting till the end.
    Side note to Joe, I could hear your necklace/chain rubbing against the mic, which kind of swayed my attention at times.

  • @SkyeMueller
    @SkyeMueller Год назад

    Woooo German ❤😂 this video was very insightful thank you joey and jess