ENTERTAINMENT
Swimsuit Snow Performance Lands Japanese Idols in Hot Water (and They Don’t Give a F$*!)
Planck Stars isn't a group to shy away from controversy. Indeed, it seems to be reveling in its latest affront to Japanese…
idols
ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT
Why a 20-Year-Old Japanese Racing Idol Went Searching For a 50-Year-Old Fan
It's common for fans to become obsessed with their idols. But what happens when an idol is worried about one of her…
POLITICS
Japanese Lawmaker Says Anti-Spy Law Could End Oshikatsu Culture
One lawmaker warns that proposed spy legislation could tread on a booming business in Japan: support for one's favorite idol or star.
CULTURE
The Hidden Culture Behind Japan’s Bag-Charms Craze
Experts say "oshi-katsu" and this age-old religious trend have helped fuel the rise of character dolls dangling from bags and backpacks.
ENTERTAINMENT
Real-Life Love Live!: Japanese High School To Start Official School Idol Club
Nagano Nichidai High School even says it'll fast-track non-students for matriculation if they're accepted into the club.
ENTERTAINMENT
Japanese Idol Fired After Alleged Boyfriend’s Picture Caught in Cup’s Reflection
The controversy renews the debate around the implied (and, sometimes, contractual) rule that idols don't deserve a personal life.
HISTORY
Shinjuku’s Moulin Rouge: The Theater That Danced Through War and Censorship
Japanese imperial authorities frequently raided it and censored its scripts. Despite this, the women at the Shinjuku Moulin Rouge danced on.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Idol Leads “Bathing Cancel Clique” Trend Among Young in Japan
Why are so many young people in Japan hopping on the no-bathing bandwagon? Experts say smartphones and depression may be to blame.