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"Idol" (JP) is a term for a character who is a popular singer or performer that many people look up to and idolize. They want to spread cheer to everyone watching them.
Etymology
Meaning of the Term
Idol (アイドル) comes from the English word "idol", meaning "an object of worship" or "a person with enthusiastic fans".[1]
History
Idol culture in Japan started to emerge in the 1960s and would enter what is known as the "Golden Age of Idols" during the 1980s, where idols would receive widespread success and popularity.[2]
The first instance of an idol in animated media, also known as a "virtual idol", was the character Lynn Minmay from the 1982 anime series Super Dimension Fortress Macross (JP). Despite being a fictional character one of the songs performed by Lynn in the show, "Do You Remember Love?", reached the number seven spot on the Oricon music charts.[3]
During the 2000s, the rise of "idol" as a genre of anime would grow in popularity due to series such as THE iDOLM@STER (JP) in 2005 and Love Live! School idol project (JP) in 2010. Both series have garned multiple sequels, spin-offs, and video games, as well as inspiring a new wave of other idol-based media franchises.[4]
Idol anime would reach its peak in popularity following the release of the 2023 anime series Oshi no Ko (JP). The show would become the highest-rated anime series of all time and receive widespread praise for showing the dark sides of the idol industry in a real and captivating way.[5] In addition, the hit song performed by the main protagonist Ai Hoshino in the show, fittingly titled "Idol", would go on to smash records for Japanese musical artists with the song topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for 21 consecutive weeks making it the longest-running number-one song in the chart history, as well as becoming the fastest song to earn 500 million streams. It would also gain major success outside of Japan, becoming the highest-charted Japanese act on the Billboard Global 200 at number seven and the first J-pop song to top the Global Excl. US.[6][7]
Characteristics
Idols are characters who are popular singers or performers that many people look up to and idolize.
Idols are very talented characters. They can sing, dance, and put on performances that captivates and inspires those who are watching. As a way to do this, idols perform while wearing elaborate costumes while onstage. They will also try to capture the essence of being "cute" or moe to appeal to as wide an audience as possible.
Within idol groups, there is usually one central member that outshines everyone else and is considered the lead. The lead member is the public face of the group, as well as the main vocalist.
Personality
The main goal of an idol is to spread cheer to everyone watching them. Because of this, idols are generally very cheerful, energetic, and happy people while in public, similar to a genkikko. Some idols may even base their on stage persona around spreading 'love' to as many people as possible and will put on a facade of being deredere. Even if these are not their default personality, they will put on an act in order to make even one other person happy.
For idols performing is what what they love doing the most. Their genuine feelings of happiness while performing are infectious and you can't help but feel joy by watching them.
Similar Japanese Archetypes
- Deredere: A term for a character who is lovestruck and does not hide their feelings towards their love interest from beginning to end and are affectionate and loving towards them the entire time. Most idols have this personality type when they're performing, even if they are simply putting on an act.
- Genkikko: A term for a character who is full of energy and is very cheerful. Idols tend to have this attitude as their job is to spread their cheer to others.
- Mahou Shoujo: A term for a female character that can transform into a magical girl. Magical girls typically wear extravagant outfits and are looked up to by others, similar to idols.
- Moe: A term for a character that is the embodiment of being "cute" and gives off feelings of strong affection. Most idols try to embody this while performing.
List of Characters
Gallery
References
- ↑ What is Idol (Aidoru). Pixiv Encyclopedia (2023/11/28).
- ↑ Japanese Idol History: Idoling Through the Decades. Yume Twins (2022/04/28).
- ↑ The Fictional (Yet Amazingly Popular) Singers of Japan. Kotaku (September 7, 2012/09/07).
- ↑ What is Idol Anime. Pixiv Encyclopedia (2023/11/23).
- ↑ 10 Things "Oshi No Ko" Does Better Than Other Idol Anime. CBR (2023/06/02).
- ↑ 【Oshi no Ko】 YOASOBI "Idol" Ranked 200th on US Billboard Global 7, the highest ever for Japan artists (2020/06/06).
- ↑ YOASOBI's ‘Idol' Surges to No. 1 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart. Billboard (2023/06/05).