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Last month, Justin Bieber asked people to pray for Japan, under the mistaken belief that some tragedy had recently befallen the country. Still, the concern for the nation’s well-being was appreciated, and likely earned the Canadian pop star a little bit of goodwill among the Japanese people.
But at least one segment of the population isn’t feeling so friendly toward Bieber this week, after he planted his lips on two of the country’s most popular idol singers.
Bieber was in in Japan, and made a stop at the TV Asahi studios to appear on popular weekly program "Music Station." Also on the program was idol megagroup AKB48, including veteran member Minami Takahashi, who tweeted the above photo along with the message: “Thank you to everyone who watched us on Music Station! This was my final live studio performance as an AKB48 member. It was also a moving experience to be able to talk with Justin about many things. He’s a very laid-back, silly, and wonderful person. I’m glad we were able to meet each other.”
As alluded to in her tweet, the 24-year-old Takahashi will soon be leaving AKB48, or “graduating,” to use the group’s preferred term. This may explain why she felt comfortable sharing the picture of the backstage smooch herself, rather than towing the line of pure public chastity that the Japanese idol industry generally demands.
Bieber was apparently feeling generous with his kisses, as he also made a move to kiss the cheek of Haruna Kojima, another AKB48 member, who shared the following photo through her Instagram account along with “Thank You???❤”.
Apparently there’s at least some overlap between fans of Bieber and AKB48 fans, as more than a few online commenters reacted positively:
“Too cool. And I think Justin is definitely into Minami.” “What a lovely photo (⌒▽⌒)” “Awesome! Minami looks so cute!!!”
There was also a bit of good-natured envy.
“Justin, you bastard! You can have all of the others, but hands off Minami Takahashi!”
Still, the idol industry being what it is, this display of physical affection produced a swift backlash among a certain demographic of the Japanese Internet.
“And to think I trusted her…” “I’m disappointed. He’s not a good man.” “Are you picking a fight with the Beliebers? Whoa, Minami Takahashi, your career is over.” “LOL You just made enemies of the millions of Beliebers around the world. I can’t believe you shared this photo on your own. Nobody would think that’s OK.”
And, since idol fandom includes a number of…extra-passionate…individuals, some of the opposition was even more vehement.
“Shave your head bald and make a public apology tomorrow!” “Ugly Minami, you’ll be killed by all of the Justin fans.” “Where do you get off saying ‘Thanks’ after being kissed? Try to keep your white guy fetish under control!”
Perhaps because of the greater prevalence Twitter has than Instagram, it seems the majority of the online chatter has been centered on Takahashi. Perhaps the bitterest was this rant: “I’m seriously pissed. I hate you. Go home. You’re ugly. You’re short. Your face is too big. Just disappear.”
We understand what he’s trying to say, but it seems like such a waste of words, when his true feelings were also captured in a much more concise, mature, and honest manner by the commenter who just said:
“I’m jealous. (^-^)”
Source: Jin
Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Japan surprised to find Justin Bieber and world praying for them -- AKB48 fan shows his love the only way he knows how: By buying $300,000 worth of CDs -- New arcade game lets you get face-to-face with AKB48 members… and shoot them in the face
© Japan Today
28 Comments
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theeastisred
When two black holes collide, do they swallow each other up and leave a state of utter nothingness? Let's hope so!
nath
Yet they will not be able to get near other boys until they are 40!
GW
Haha this is funny, from some of the comments about this happening its clear more than a few of these idol group fans are pretty delusional, perhaps in need of professional help!
papigiulio
The vitriol you read on some of the popular idol/models instagram accounts sometimes is insane. F.e. When Zac Efron posted a picture of him and his lady on instagram, some of his female followers went beserk. People being so overly emotionally attached to a famous person is frightening.
Equality
How these delusional fans actually think that they would ever stand a snowball's chance in hell of dating their idols is beyond me. I guess the Beibs spoiled their little fantasy. Or did the AKB girls spoil the fantasies of millions of teenage girls around the world? Who knows? And WHO CARES?!?!?
SenseNotSoCommon
*Leave Britney alone**❗️
or AKB48, Justin Bieber, Donny Osmond. Take your pick.sandiegoluv
To the angry fans; GROW UP! Your diapers are showing!
A.N. Other
Do I detect a bit of casual racism?
Now, where the Asian women at?
DiscoJ
The funny here is that the pics were uploaded by the AKB girls themselves. The real scandals usually occur when a third party takes/shares photos without permission. This should tell their fans that the contact was innocent and nothing to get worked up over.
nakanoguy01
is it me or is rocket"news" just a collection of twitter rants?
NG12345
3some confirmed !
smithinjapan
Bah, most of the rants seem to be related to jealousy over one or the other of the two fandoms. There only seem to be one or two tweets that are genuine anger and/or racism. To those genuinely angry about Bieber and/or the girls 'kissing someone else', grow up; it's worse than when women cry over a male celebrity getting married because they "lost their chance". To those who are angry because it was a 'white guy fetish' kiss or because the girls kissed (or were kissed) by someone publicly, get a life and go back to watching men cry over rugby wins (and then wonder why the world thinks Japan shows too much public displays of emotion in such circumstances).
The only way this should be making ANY waves were if Bieber forced himself on the girls (it looks like he is with the one on his left) to their objection. But then, I'd doubt they'd have posted it and said what they did if that were the case.
If my (female) idols kissed me I'd be in seventh heaven, so if they like the guy and are happy just let it be; or say "I'm jealous" as some did and keep on dreaming, but don't get upset.
Speed
I can't believe I read this article.
sensei258
Don't worry, they had their shots first
souka
Now that is a funny article. LOL
Hansaram
I could never understand the appeal of all these idols.
gokai_wo_maneku
I think in the US they say "Get a life!"
Jason Santana
These stupid obsessed fans needs to get more than just a day time job when it comes to making comments about other people's lives. The haters should just admit they are jealous.
kyushubill
Haters gonna hate, yo. Whatcha gonna say.
Derek Vasconi
I actually, for once, agree with the majority of the comments being posted. I am a die hard AKB fan, super passionate to the core, but seeing Justin do this didn't make me mad, or upset. A bit jealous, of course, but I found it to be in good spirits and casual fun. And not to mention, Justin has a good heart, for all the garbage that surrounds him, and the fact that I can't get into his music or see his appeal to the ladies out there. But I've seen him do a lot of great things for his fans and for disabled kids and not saying that excuses him from acting like a bad person in his life or anything, but I still think what he did was done with the kindest of gestures, and not to invoke anger and rage amongst all of us wotas.
So sad Takamina is leaving AKB though. That is actually what I thought about more when I saw this picture. YOSHHH IKUSHOOO!!!
serendipitous
I can never get back the two minutes of my life I just lost reading this 'news'.
ohara
pray for japan.
turbotsat
Those poor girls.
NathalieB
I'm starting to feel sorry for this guy. He had some bad behavior and went off the rails (go figure at 19/20) but he's trying to make up for it now. But he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. I wish people would stop hating on him for just a minute and actually see all the good work he does. Can't say I'm a fan of his music (my 11 year old loves him!) but I'm getting kind of tired of people hating on him just because it's trendy.
Louis Morales
Justin wasn't assuming some tragedy had happened in Japan or anything negative like that, I'm sure he was simply noting the sad state of the world as a whole and encouraging people in the power of prayer. As for the kisses on the cheek, I laugh at the people who take this as anything akin to infidelity. It's a cultural misstep I guess but in Western society it means nothing more than platonic affection for some one in greeting or farewell. Why so serious?! (though he may have felt enamored by their beauty, and stole a kiss on the cheek, I'm not a mind reader)
inkochi
Just silly!
And short!
DaDude
Haruna Kojima is the one with the big ears. Yeah, she is kinda hot!
My_Opinion
These are not fans, these are psychopaths!