Psychological Principle of “no Dating Rule” Behind the Idol Culture in Japan

Psychological principle of “No dating rule” behind the idol culture in Japan

In 2013, Minami Minegishi, the member of AKB48, was found to be spending her night with her alleged boyfriend in his apartment. It leads to major backlash among a lot of AKB48 supporters because she broke the conventional “No dating rule” in the Japanese idol world. As a result, she ended up shaving her head to show her sincere apology to her fans and the rest of AKB48 supporters. The incident was widely reported and thus criticized by the Western media. This issue caught my eye because of different approach Hollywood heartthrob and J-pop idol take in term of their relationship. Hollywood heartthrobs such as Selena Gomez tend to be quite open and outspoken about their relationship, sometimes, it is even portrayed to be a publicity stunt in marketing. On the other hand, AKB48 and other girls/boys idol group in Asia are not even supposed to date because the dating scandal affects the reputation of the entire group. Once the member is caught dating, he/she would be fired and no longer belonged to the group. Therefore, in this essay, it is mainly focused on the principle “No dating rule’ behind the idol culture in Japan.

Before getting into the issue, it is necessary to explain Japanese society system in order to have a better understanding of the issue itself.

Social segregation by sex

Inside Japanese society, social segregation by sex is unchallengeable. Banyan (2017) noticed that there is a traditional gender role for Japanese men and women in order to be a part of society. Men are obligated to serve as a breadwinner and financial supporter while women are obligated to be resorted to the role of caretaker and motherhood. Men have no other alternatives but to work life-long employment in a local corporation whose salary goes straight to his wife to manage. Meanwhile, women are accounted for the household finance and offering her husband a little pocket money back. Women are responsible of taking care of the men and the children as a daily routine. Furthermore, out of gender expectation on the opposite sex, Japanese women take capability as the prime indicator for future husband.

Ng(2017) claimed that Japanese men are more likely to be drawn into the youth and beauty of women because women are “meant” to deliver offspring and maintain the household.

The situation has been changed since the eclipse of Bubble Economy in late-1980s.Japan experienced a massive growth on business development before the bubble economy while the neighboring countries were still economically struggling.

The above reason is the foundation why post-bubble-economy idol culture was nourishing in Japan but not in other Asian countries.(Ng,2017)

During the time of depression, it is generally difficult to search for significant others for Japanese men because their salary might no longer be able to support the households or attract potential mating partners. (Galbraith&Karlin,2012) The cruel truth has been out: marriage in Japan has a price tag on it, leading to low self-esteem among young company men and the fear for the rejection from women. Sexually frustrated Japanese men twisted their male desire on an alternative option-Idol worship.