directed by Kyoko Miyake

Today’s recommendation is quite challenging. On the one hand, I don’t want to recommend it, on the other, perhaps it’s better you see it yourselves. I’m taking you to Japan where you’ll have a chance to meet true idols. Those are young women who make sure to please men, yet not in a sexual way. Or at least… not directly. The idols dress up and act like little girls – they wear cute dresses, do ponytails, giggle at everything they hear and generally act like human dolls in a bigger size. They make sure to stay in touch with their fans because they are the main reason those women do what they do. The idols perform on stage in front of hundreds or even thousands of people. In their free time, they organise streams where they simply entertain their viewers – still, not in a sexual way. At least not directly. You may think there’s nothing wrong about that, in the end, in our times, it’s quite common to take part in concerts or watch people online. What the filmmaker points out in this documentary is the fact that the majority of fans following our adorable idols are men. Grown-up men. Men who are even older than their own fathers. And that’s the moment when you start questioning literally everything you see in this film. As I said before, the women do not offer any sexual content, yet their way of being as idols is attractive enough for their followers. The men admit that they are fascinated by the performers’ purity, innocence, delicacy and… virginity. What’s more, the fans have a chance to meet the idols, which is a very popular practice. Taking a selfie or holding hands with one of the ladies is a huge dream that numerous adult men share there. Not sure what you think of that, but to me this is incredibly disturbing. First, these men are not ashamed of their fantasies and the fact that watching an idol is the only way to satisfy their romantic/sexual needs. They admit that it’s difficult for them to find a woman in their age and start any kind of relation. Second, the idols are aware of this toxic relation between them and their fans because they even sing about their lack of social skills and inability to make healthy connections. And those men are happily hopping to such lyrics without any deeper reflection. Third, how would you feel if your daughter was such idol? Just think about that because an idol’s parents were asked to share their opinion and what they answered might surprise you. It surprised me for sure. This documentary is terrifying despite its glamorous and overly sweet shots. As a person who really cares about the well-being and safety of children, what is being popularised in Japan is toxic and outrageous. Everything’s fine if the idol is over 18 and all that takes place during a concert or on her private channel between her and the fans. But what if this practice encourages these men to start following and admiring little girls, under 18? They like human dolls, cute voices, virginity and all that – so what would stop them? I don’t know. I’m too disgusted to think of that. Additionally, these young women are so focused on pleasing their fans that they don’t need any other ambitions. Being seen and appreciated is their only fuel, which makes me question the future of younger generations. This documentary hit me hard, I’m telling you.
My rating: 6/10
S.








