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idolizing-ph.com/00-the-terms
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defining key terms
Before anything else, what even is a "kaigai idol"?
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The term is a transliteration of the Japanese phrase:
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aidoru
kaigai
where...
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KAIGAI
foreign; overseas
in this case, coming from outside of Japan
OK! Now, what's an idol? :3
Err... well, that's a bit more complicated!
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There are many definitions for the term idol throughout all the studies, articles, and papers about them, but one thing is consistent!
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aidoru
a performer, typically one that sings and dances
Depending on what industry you’re interrogating, the definition may become more specific or include different elements.
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For the J-idol industry in particular, there’s an emphasis on
CLOSENESS
This “closeness” (or the illusion of it) is what fuels the J-idol industry. This manifests in both physical and emotional proximity.
Physical proximity refers to how accessible the idols are, such as how often they perform, where they perform, and how close a fan can get to the idol afterwards.
Emotional proximity is more complicated.
FROM: JAPAN POP! CHAPTER 17 BY HIROSHI AOYAGI
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Japan's life-sized pop idols are produced and marketed as personifiers of a typical "girl or boy next door," chosen to become "lucky stars" and to represent their generation. Sociologist Hiroshi Ogawa calls them "quasi-companions" (gijiteki-nakama), who provide their teenage followers with a virtual sense of intimacy.
(Aoyagi, Japan Pop!, 311)
Emotional proximity refers to how audiences and fans become attached to the idol. This is also through a few different ways, such as being perceived as relatable, friendly, easy to talk to, and easy to reach.
The key phrase here is boy/girl next door.
The goal is to be close enough to the fan as possible, even in terms of status and attitude.
Consistent posting, remembering names and faces, replying to comments, or engaging in conversations all contribute to a feeling of emotional proximity. By cultivating a sense this, fans feel as though they are supporting dear friends rather than untouchable stars and celebrities.
One of the more interesting ways J-pop idols cultivate emotional proximity is through "imperfection" and "authenticity"
"Imperfection" refers to how J-pop idols historically were quite average in terms of skill and looks. They lacked formal training or, if they did train, lacked the application of that training, which led "amateurish" performances overall.
See Sakai's quote here:
FROM: WHEN IDOLS SHONE BRIGHTLY BY SAKAI (2016)
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Unlike the stars of the film era who attracted fans with their chiseled features and talent as singers and actors, the idols were not very good at singing despite being singers. Neither were they very good actors despite appearing in television dramas and films. The girls were hardly beauties and the boys were not particularly good-looking.
(Sakai, When idols shone brightly, 4)
This had its own appeal at the time, of course. Even if a group wasn't the best, the promise of potential or the idea that you, as a fan, were contributing directly to the success of other young people who were just trying their best was immensely effective.
Nowadays, however, the industry has grown so much that imperfection doesn't cut it.
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I mean, just think about it:
In a world of so many skilled performers, who would watch the amateurs? Even if they're cute? Even if they're like you?
So the industry shifted to "authenticity."
This "authenticity" is usually through interactions with the audience, being open about hardships and "dreams," allowing themselves make mistakes or modify choreography to be unique, or simply showing off that they're having a good time.
(Whether any of these feelings are true or not is generally unimportant.
As long as the fan believes it, then it's true!)
This is why, sometimes, J-idol groups don't feel as “polished” as other idol industry groups. Sometimes, the “unpolished” performance is part of the appeal!
(That’s not to say they’re not skilled, of course! All idols are skilled, period!! Their skills just lie elsewhere, more focused on entertaining and creating a fantasy for escapism rather than super clean performances.)
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There’s definitely a discussion to be had on how J-idol groups are developing out of this image to compete on a global scale, but that’s a topic for another time!
The term kaigai idol was popularized on Twitter/X by PAiDA. Earliest posts from her regarding this label date back to 2018, but an "(un)official" definition was given in 2023
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This definition has generally shaped the identity of many idols who make use of the label.