Japanese idol

A Japanese idol (アイドル; aidoru) is a celebrity who achieves widespread popularity and fame in Japan largely by virtue of her looks. The term usually refers to female performers in their late teens and early twenties who are considered "kawaii" (pretty, cute) and achieve fame through publicity in the mass media. Male performers such as Masahiro Nakai (aka "Nakai-kun") from the singing group SMAP are also commonly referred to (and refer to themselves as) "idols." Japanese idols are predominantly singers and actors, as well as models (in the case of females) for weekly men's magazines such as "Friday" and "Shuukan Gendai". Some of them may also appear as TV personalities (tarento). The idol phenomenon of Japan is comparable to Western concepts such as teen idol and celebrity.

Related Topics:
Japan - Kawaii - Mass media - Masahiro Nakai - SMAP - Tarento - Teen idol - Celebrity

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~