Today we sit down with Heidi from Japanese underground idol group Merkmal Mermal, who talks to us about the origins of Japan's idol culture, as well as her own unique challenges as a foreigner in the idol scene.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Meet Heidi
1:11 Intro to Japan
4:00 Does idol culture meet expectations
5:57 What is a Japanese Idol
8:27 How to audition to be an idol
10:34 Being an idol as a foreigner
12:07 First audition in Japan
13:52 What happens after auditioning
16:18 Idol group categories
18:55 Typical day in an idol's life
21:50 How idol songs are made
22:46 Idol calls and guidelines
24:25 Feeling like you made it as an idol
26:33 Favorite performance
27:24 Idol meet ups and handshake events
28:58 Managing interactions with passionate fans
30:18 Idol culture money makers
32:16 Favorite types of interactions
33:05 What is Wotagei
34:38 Cold calling replacing Wotagei
35:40 Work balance for idols
37:23 Beginning of idol culture
38:54 Changes in idol culture nowadays
41:32 Who can become an idol
44:25 Legal framework for idol culture & age
46:06 Rules for after joining idol group
49:58 Graduation in the idol world
51:50 Aspirations as an idol
53:32 Male idol groups
55:03 Heidi's plans after graduation
56:34 Perspective on idol culture as an idol
59:26 Message to fans
Liked this episode? Check out our interview with Billy, a licensed kimono teacher and expert! https://youtu.be/Zm2PmxZMHew?si=QuRgmyUueyNDAl3z
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Follow Heidi & her group Merkmal Mermal:
https://www.instagram.com/heidichandesu
https://www.youtube.com/@heidichandesu
https://www.tiktok.com/@heidichandesu
https://x.com/MERMALHEIDI
https://www.showroom-live.com/r/HEIDI_HAIBARA
https://www.merkmalmermal.com/
https://x.com/MERKMALMERMAL
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