The company
“Tsugisute (ツギステ)”, based in the Shibuya district of
Tokyo, has published the results of an online survey of 100 people
about the work environment of women in the world of Japanese idols ,
with a focus in supporting ex-idols seeking employment after retiring. The
study reveals deep concerns, from mental health issues to the inability to
report harassment.
The survey,
carried out between January and February of this year, had the participation of
102 people, including 44 active idols and 58 with previous experience in the
industry. Most of them were “underground” idols, whose main activity
focuses on live performances, although participants who had been part of famous
groups were also included.
An
alarming fact is that 52% of the participants admitted to having developed
mental disorders during their career as idols , a figure notably higher than the 4.9%
estimated for the general population according to a survey by the Ministry of
Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan carried out in 2020.
Additionally, 48 % reported experiencing workplace harassment,
while 12% reported experiencing sexual harassment.
The
constant scrutiny of their appearance, both in the media and on the internet,
has led 78.4% of those surveyed to undergo diets. Other problems mentioned
include constant comparison with other people and menstrual problems such as
irregularities or amenorrhea.
A
worrying aspect is that many of the participants did not feel comfortable
seeking help for their problems, even when they retired from the industry. More than 80% worked in
male-dominated environments, which Tsugisute said further hinders women's
ability to seek help for problems such as menstrual problems. The
bottom line is that, despite the glitz and glamor of the stage, many idols
experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which suggests a serious and
special situation in this industry.
Sociologist
Mana Kamioka (上岡磨奈), an expert on idol culture at Keio
University, noted that this problem is further exacerbated by recent sexual
abuse scandals that
have emerged at talent agencies such as Johnny & Associates, and warns that
sexual harassment should not be ignored as something common in the
entertainment industry. She stressed the importance of creating a safe and
respectful environment where idols can thrive.
Despite the
limitations of the survey sample, disseminating the reality of this
industry is considered an important step in addressing underlying problems and
improving working conditions for women in the Japanese entertainment
world.
Source: The Chunichi Shimbun
