The Idol industry relies on amae (dependency) and the fantasy of a "pure," unattainable partner. Consequently, dating bans are common. When a member of the group NGT48 was assaulted by fans, the management apologized not for the crime, but for "ruining the fans' dream." This dark underbelly reveals the intense pressure of Japan's collectivist entertainment culture.
The Idol industry relies on amae (dependency) and the fantasy of a "pure," unattainable partner. Consequently, dating bans are common. When a member of the group NGT48 was assaulted by fans, the management apologized not for the crime, but for "ruining the fans' dream." This dark underbelly reveals the intense pressure of Japan's collectivist entertainment culture.