As a typhoon approached Japan, a passing thought about the idol group Arashi led me to reflect on idols, prodigies, and the often-overlooked role of those who support them.
When I looked out the window this morning, there was no wind. For a moment, I wondered if the typhoon had somehow missed us. But when I opened the window slightly, I could hear the rain pouring down.
The wind simply had not arrived yet.
Typhoon No. 6 had slowed its eastward movement, and since its center was still around Wakayama, I assumed the Yokosuka Line would continue running. I left home an hour earlier than usual just in case.
JR often suspends train services quickly in the name of safety, but today they seemed determined to keep things moving.
The Shonan-Shinjuku Line, however, had already been canceled the day before. That decision may have had as much to do with avoiding timetable chaos as with safety itself.
Schools appeared to be closed, and the station was unusually quiet without students. Outside, though, a camera crew and reporter from what looked like a local television station were already covering the storm.
Speaking of typhoons, the word naturally brings to mind Arashi—the famous Japanese idol group whose name literally means “storm.”
I recently learned that Arashi has officially disbanded.
I cannot immediately recall all five members, though I know who they are once I look them up online. They are now in their forties, and it is understandable that maintaining an image built around youthful idol culture eventually becomes difficult.
Perhaps the foundation of the idol business is the ability to capture public attention through youth and charm. The expertise behind that system must be remarkable.
Male idols attract female fans, female idols attract male fans, and both must continually enhance their value—not only through music, but also through appearance, singing ability, acting skills, and even conversational talent.
It is a world quite different from the traditional training paths followed by classical musicians or professional athletes. Because of that, I used to view it with a certain degree of skepticism.
Yet attracting and retaining tens or even hundreds of thousands of supporters is no small achievement. The industry may appear glamorous, but behind the scenes there must be intense effort and fierce competition.
On the other hand, there are people who emerge from more traditional forms of training and display extraordinary talent.
If idols become objects of admiration, then geniuses become another kind of object of admiration.
Recently, I watched a documentary about Himari, a young violinist who has already gained international attention.
Some musical prodigies lose interest in performing as they grow older. I can only hope that she continues to develop not only as a musician, but also as a healthy and well-balanced person.
In baseball, Shohei Ohtani has combined natural gifts with relentless effort to realize his extraordinary potential.
Professional sports are also a business, and marketing certainly matters. Still, like many great athletes, he probably loves the sport itself more than anything else.
Whether we are talking about idols or geniuses, neither can exist entirely on their own.
They become what they are because people support them, watch over them, evaluate them, spend money on them, and talk about them.
Our attention is naturally drawn to those standing in the spotlight, yet countless people around them help sustain that world. They, too, play an important role.
I do not have anyone I would call an “oshi”—a favorite celebrity, athlete, or performer whom I actively support.
But when I see people who find joy and meaning in cheering for someone else, I sometimes think that may be a rich and rewarding way to live as well.
Not everyone stands on the stage. Sometimes, simply being part of the audience is its own meaningful contribution.
・・・
Vocabulary for Learners
idol A popular entertainer who attracts devoted fans, especially through music, television, or performance. : アイドル、有名な人気芸能人
skepticism Doubt or a questioning attitude toward something. ：懐疑的な見方、疑念
glamorous Attractive, exciting, and associated with fame or luxury.: 華やかな、魅力的な
prodigy A young person with exceptional talent or ability. : 神童、天才少年・少女
relentless Continuing with great determination and without stopping.: たゆまぬ、執拗な
potential Natural ability that can be developed into future success.: 潜在能力、可能性
spotlight Public attention or fame. : 注目の的、脚光
meaningful Having importance, value, or purpose. : 意義のある、意味深い
supporter A person who encourages, helps, or follows someone or something. : 支援者、応援する人
admiration Respect and approval for someone's qualities or achievements. : 称賛、憧れ
No comments:
Post a Comment