Watch Tokyo Idols

Tokyo Idols is a 2017 documentary film directed by Kyoko Miyake that takes an inside look at the world of Japanese 'idols,' young female pop star singers who have become a cultural phenomenon in the country. The documentary follows the lives of several aspiring and established idols and offers a glimpse into the industry that produces them and the fans that support them.

The film begins by introducing us to Ri Riho, a twenty-something idol with pink hair who is trying to make it big in the industry. She spends most of her time performing at local events and meeting with fans, but dreams of one day becoming a national superstar. We then meet fellow idols Yuzuha and Yukari, both of whom have been in the industry for several years and have loyal fans who follow their every move. The film explores the various methods the idols use to gain popularity, including social media, DVD releases, and handshake events where fans can meet their idols in person.

As the film progresses, we learn about the darker side of the idol industry. The fans, who are predominantly male, are often criticized for being overly obsessive and for having unhealthy and unrealistic expectations of their idols. The documentary shows how some fans will spend large amounts of money on merchandise and attend shows every weekend, while others will even go as far as stalking their favorite idols. The film also touches on the issue of ageism in the industry, as many of the idols are dropped by their agencies once they reach their mid-twenties and are replaced by younger, fresher faces.

Despite these issues, the documentary highlights the deep connection between the idols and their fans. We see how the idols bring joy and happiness into the lives of their fans, who often feel isolated and misunderstood in their daily lives. The film also explores the role of the internet and social media in enabling fans to connect with their idols on a more personal level, as well as allowing the idols to promote themselves more effectively.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the contrast between the idol industry in Japan and the pop music industry in the United States. While American pop stars are often viewed as role models and cultural icons, the idols in Japan are seen more as objects of desire and fantasy. The documentary argues that this is due in part to the conservative nature of Japanese society, which places a high value on cuteness and innocence in women. This leads to a fascinating discussion on the social and cultural influences that shape the way we view celebrity culture.

Overall, Tokyo Idols is a thought-provoking and nuanced look at a cultural phenomenon that will be unfamiliar to many Western audiences. While the documentary can be at times disturbing and uncomfortable, it ultimately provides a fascinating insight into the complex relationship between idols and their fans, as well as the broader issues of gender, identity, and popular culture in contemporary Japan. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese pop culture, or in the larger questions around celebrity and fandom in our digital age.

Tokyo Idols is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.