Japanese entertainment plays a significant role in shaping the country's culture and identity. The industry:
The term "idol" is literal. These are young performers (often starting as young as 11 or 12) who are marketed as approachable, virginal, and hardworking. Agencies like (for male idols like Arashi, now SMAP) and AKB48 (for female idols) operate on a "dating simulator" model. You don't just buy a CD; you buy multiple CDs to get voting tickets to choose which member sings the lead line in the next single.