User:EdogawaConan2/sandbox

What is an Idol?
There is some debate about what an idol is, in part because they are so ubiquitous in Japanese media. They are seen everywhere, and with such a broad range of abilities such as singing, acting, and dance, that they overlap with other forms of celebrity. They are similar to tarento in that they perform in various roles in various forms of media. But tarento are more well known simply for being famous rather than any sort of ability. Tarento serve as a view of the ordinary Japanese person and often provide commentary such as celebrity panels that help viewers interpret and absorb information. Idols, on the other hand, are the focus of the entertainment. Details about their personal lives are revealed in interviews, and they are the celebrity that fan bases and thus market bases are built upon.

History

This section will serve to verify some of the information and to expand upon the historical section of the Wikipedia article. There currently aren’t any sources in that section, and it is a bit thin on content, but this will mainly be adding sources rather than adding information.

Influence

The influence of idols in Japanese culture is complex due to various factors. Idols are seen everywhere in Japan from television advertising, dramas, films, variety shows, to magazine ads, posters in shopping malls, and train stations, not to mention concerts and fan events.

Media and Economic Influence

The influence of idols in Japanese culture is complex due to various factors. Idols are seen everywhere in Japan from television advertising, dramas, films, variety shows, to magazine ads, posters in shopping malls, and train stations, not to mention concerts and fan events. The image of what an idol affects every aspect of their career,, and.the idols contracting office or jimusho are responsible for crafting this image and marketing the idol. The image of an individual idol is crafted based upon fluctuations in the market and is crafted to generate as much revenue as possible, and their image is what is presented to the public.

The proliferation of idols in Japanese media today reveals how tightly tied media such as television and idols are to the economy in Japan. Idols are used to advertise products much like other celebrities around the world. Idols are a key part of advertising in Japan with 50-70% of commercials featuring an idol. The commercials themselves are promoting a product, but are also promoting the idol. Pitches for commercials are often made with a specific idol in mind, one that matches with the image of the company, and the product being advertised. Idols are sign contracts with strict agreements not to do things that could damage the image of the company, or to work for a competitor. They are even prohibited from appearing in television dramas sponsored by the competition and will often be required to appear in dramas sponsored by their contract company. However, they do not endorse products like celebrities in other countries, they simply lend their image to the product being advertised. These advertisements serve to promote both the idol and the product by keeping both at the forefront of consumers’ minds. These contracts are for a brand with cross-platform advertising, meaning that idols are involved in more than television commercials for a product. Magazine ads, online videos, and appearances in dramas, and other advertising all constitute part of this agreement.

Idols have also shaped the development of television programs in Japan. Beginning in the 1980’s there was a shift in Japanese television production. Companies would compete to secure contracts for dramas which lead to the current four-season system of television in Japan. Variety, talk, and music shows also became popular, in part for featuring idols as guests or the stars of the show. Idols also began providing the image music for commercials. These different forms of media served to promote and further strengthen the ties between idols, advertising, and media.

Topic for Wikipedia project:
Article: Japanese idols

Prospective topics: HIstory, influence on popular culture in Japan, and abroad, improving sources, and references.

References: These are currently serving just as a list of resources for me, and the topic will be refined as I am able to determine what information is available.

= Idols and Celebrity in Japanese Media Culture = P. W. Galbraith and J. G. Karlin

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Aoyagi, Hiroshi, 1963- 2005

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Craig, Timothy J., 1947- 2000

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Ashcraft, Brian. 2014
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Galbraith, P.W. 2012

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Peer Review Krystyn: I just edited a few grammar and comma mistakes. I also combined some words that needed to be combined. Everything so far looks like it is coming together nicely. I don't know much about idols so reading the information you already have was interesting. I looked forward to seeing more of the finished project.