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Why do Japanese celebrities featured in photos or stories on Japan Today frequently come in for a lot of derision from some readers?

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Probably because most readers are not familiar with or interested in some aspects of Japanese culture.

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Rather a difficult question. Taking the example of these product/industry promotion events, however, perhaps a lot of readers don't understand that such events represent a staple in the rather limited range of tools that are open to company's in this country to create a buzz about their product or service.

Furthermore, the whole exercise of having a celebrity pitch a product (or a movie) is sometimes undone by the inane comments put forward by such celebrities regarding matters that are totally irrelevant to the product (or movie) that they have been employed approach.

Finally, I think many readers on JT have been brought up outside Japan. As such, their critical faculties have not be lobotomized by the Japanese education system. As such, as self-thinking individuals, the JT readership is not so gullible as the locals vis-a-vis their acceptance of such "stories."

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I think it is due to a combination of arrogance and ignorance, which unfortunately many readers display on lots of topics on JT, as far as I can see. It's kind of a sickness of the mind, this need to bash Japan, whatever the topic.

The fact is many celebs, like Becky, for example, are very popular in Japan. They are merely fulfilling the needs of the Japanese entertainment industry. But some readers, who like to bash everything Japanese and act as if they are arbiters of excellence, cannot see that.

Same with singers. Millions of Japanese and other Asians like Namie Amuro, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, etc, but again, a certain group of readers with a strange mindset can't see that and just bash them by claiming they "can't sing."

Now, I also don't like a lot of the antics of tarento I see on TV and I think a lot of Japanese variety programs have celebs doing juvenile things. A lot of the comedy acts are not funny to me at all, but I don't insult them because of that.

Over the years, I have met many Japanese celebrities, including Becky, Aya Ueto, Norika Fujiwara, Misaki Ito, Ryoko Yonekura, and lots more, and I always found them charming, pleasant to talk to.

Think of the nonsense they do on TV programs as acting, rather than being airheads.

And timeborder, it is wrong for you to say the locals are gullible for liking Japanese celebs. That is the arrogance I mentioned above because it implies that foreign readers are a better judge of what is or isn't funny, or who is or isn't talented. This is not true, as you know. Moderators won't let us go off topic, but I could name many comedians in the U.S., Europe, Australia or wherever or are not funny to me, at all, but they still have a following in their own countries. Same with Japan. No reason to insult them, though.

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Smartacus - My comment was actually about Japanese people as consumers of a product, the product in this case being the information as it is being projected by these celebrities in their role as pitchmen for a particular product or service. Indeed, just the sheer volume of these events indicates that marketing as a technique (in Japan) has yet to think outside or beyond this boxed conceptualization of how a message should be projected to consumers. On the other hand, my comment had nothing to do with an ethnocentric bias or a projection of my own values regarding what might be funny/interesting/amusing.

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...from some or most of the readers? if some, just ignore not worth discussing.

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Because many are "talents" without any noticeable talent except for doing as they are told and make idiotic comments.

This talent nonsense is spreading worldwide, not just Japan.

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The Japanese celebrities are depicted as some silly objects through the media. They are made to do some ludicrous things just for attention and publicity. The things they do in public is not the norm fo the many different nationalities. The readers coming from different nationalities are shocked with this and that is normal. It is not arrogance or stupidity but an expression of their culture shock. And many feel comfortable expressing through JT. Most of all, i think that the foreigners here are certainly not feeling comfortable with their lives in Jland due to the many cultural differences that are just shocking in their married life and/both worklife. So they are just venting it out on the easily available jcelebs. So nothing serious or bad about that.

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Smartacus- How typical!!

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In my opinion the articles featuring Japanese celebs on JT contain no meat, no substance and are pure crap. Just posting Ms. Junko Tanaka has been appointed ABC Company Mascot of the year is not journalism, it's drivel. If JT spent a little time doing proper interviews, presenting their subject matter in an intelligent yet entertaining manner instead of insulting the intelligence of its readers, I'll bet more readers would be grateful, starting with me.

Moderator: We frequently carry in-depth interviews with Japanese celebs in the Entertainment/Arts section in Features and have done so for the past nine years.

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Ignorance combined with arrogance. I think Smartacus has done a great job explaining it.

Claims that "they can't sing" are often true though. But its also true that some readers here listen to music regularly by people who can't sing. So its sort of a protective reaction to their own flaw and a confidence game.

Other insults are also true, but they are either the rare case or get overplayed. Hate for Becky seems fair enough to me though. I don't want her representing caucasions even 50 percent. Obviously Smartacus did not get too close when he met her, or he would have received an aikido move, drug to the cop shop and charged with groping!

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Because most Japanese celebrities challenge our sense of ridiculous. You don't see this so often in other countries. Where US midia has ONE Paris Hilton, Japanese midia has hundreds of her.

Smartacus

Think of the nonsense they do on TV programs as acting, rather than being airheads.

I tried hard to understand this, but I honestly can't. You saying they pretend to be airheads in front of cameras? This is so self explanatory...

Point is: if you are a Japanophile you love them. If you are not, they're dumb. There's no way in-between.

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dearjohn

When people say "they can't sing," I often wonder what that means. Who decides who is a good singer or not? It's subjective. Is it like Japan is part of some global "American Idol" or something?

Japanese artists like Namie Amuro, Kumi Koda, Ayumi Hamasaki and so on have sold millions of albums and pack concerts out here and in Asia. To say they can't sing is a form of cultural arrogance because that is then being condescending (and insulting) to their fans. The fact is that they can sing well in their respective genres and there will always be people who don't like them, same as in any country with any musical genre. But it doesn't mean readers on JT should insult Japanese singers.

As for Becky, I met her last November at a Jetstar promotion and chatted with her for a few minutes. She does not set herself up as representing Caucasians or haafus or anything like that. She is an entertainer and a delightful girl, and undeserving of all the insults we see on JT from readers who have never met her. Her agency is paid to have her endorse products and have fun doing it. Nothing wrong in that. That's the way the whole business operates in Japan. I know it seems ridiculous to readers how these girls are always trotted out at events and then asked questions about their love lives or how they will be spending Valentine's Day, but the tabloid and TV variety show reporters have to churn out content on a daily basis. It's all harmless fun, and once again, undeserving of insults.

Anyway, that is my two yen's worth.

LostinNagoya: Yes, many celebs are asked to act that way on variety shows. If you or I were asked to appear on a show dressed like a carrot, we might do it or we might not (depending on the money). But that doesn't make us dumb. Recall the Three Stooges. I loved their antics but my mother couldn't understand how I could watch them. There were not dumb. That had an act and knew how to play to their fans

Oh, and The_Typical, at least I tried to make an intelligent response. Do you have anything sensible to add?

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Point is: if you are a Japanophile you love them. If you are not, they're dumb. There's no way in-between.

This.

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Not only Japanese celebrities, but celebrities from all over frequently come in for a lot of derision from some readers.

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Not only Japanese celebrities, but celebrities from all over frequently come in for a lot of derision from some readers.

and not only celebrities, Sarge, not only... :)

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Sarge I agree-

"Not only Japanese celebrities, but celebrities from all over frequently come in for a lot of derision from some readers."

Just check out the brutal comments thrown out at the Whitney Houston story posted here. Sheesh !

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smartacus wrote- When people say "they can't sing," I often wonder what that means.

It means they have little talent actually singing. I don't pay attention myself, but my wife says that SMAP can't sing. Face it, lots of performers can't sing these days. They are known for their faces, their dancing, their antics, whatever. I have friends who swear by 1970s music and part of the reason is that actual singing talent among popular musicians has dropped since then. I don't think Susan Boyle is all that great, but how she was derided before she even opened her mouth is a sign of the times. And the sign is form over function.

Then you say- As for Becky, I met her last November at a Jetstar promotion and chatted with her for a few minutes. She does not set herself up as representing Caucasians or haafus or anything like that. She is an entertainer and a delightful girl, and undeserving of all the insults we see on JT from readers who have never met her.

Do you really think your few minutes chatting at a promo event of all things means anything significant? Over seeing her speak apparently frankly on TV over and over? Sure, she may not be her real self most of the time on TV, but she has to be some time, and surely for more than your few minutes. And its not what she sets herself up as, its what people see her as. Its also about what she says when she has the mike.

I hate her for her groping story lies, or if they are true she seems culpable. Most foreigners hate her for her squeals and airhead cartoonish manner. Fair enough.

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Point is: if you are a Japanophile you love them. If you are not, they're dumb. There's no way in-between.

Not true. I love this country, but I have no time for the 'talent' crawling all over the box.

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Why? I go the view that it's the revulsion that the Japanese media is 'talent'-driven/obsessed, and that people believe that anything must be accompanied by a 'talent' to legitimize it or make it appealing, popular, whatever. These people fill our TV screens and shows are packed with these people (depending on their waxing and waning popularity) day in, day out. Point in case - Nakai and Becky as 'talking mascots' at the Winter Olympics. Most countries will send professional sport commentators, experts and former stars from the field. They don't send a Kanye West or a Brad Pitt to legitimatize the event (or simply attract viewers). Some of these talents - representatives of agencies - have been set up to spruik for events, products, services and it's the gall of these agencies that I think requires more derision that their front-people, their 'products', i.e, the talents. Then, "She's/He's now popular, so let's make her a singer/actor/fashion designer so we can extend and profit from her brand name." This is not to say that these people have their own free will, but I do strongly believe their handlers play a big role in orchestrating these living, breathing props. The Japan media and entertainment business is much as I imagine the Hollywood /Studio machine of the 1930s, 1940s etc was when the 'stars' belonged to a studio and they had to do whatever the studio desired to make money for them.

Nevertheless, I feel the comments towards the talents are often unfair and callous though. I know many get paid well for their jobs, but I also feel that they are worked like dogs by their owners, and they're only doing what they've been told to do.

Unfortunately, JT sets itself and these people up by being part of this media/entertainment/commercial sham by (as one poster noted before) 'reporting' all these product/services events on the site under the title of 'entertainment.' Yes, the 'reporting' of these commercial events with their talents is commonplace and popular in Japan, but it's met with ridicule by those not Japanese as most of us can see through the inanity of it all, especially the stupid questions these folk are asked and the equally daft answers they provide.

And putting this stuff front and center, JT KNOW that the readers will provide derisive comments - but that generates hits, and hits generate revenue. Putting up a picture of Becky or anyone else of their ilk is like lobbing a ball for the readership to smash down on the other side of the court.

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I am not sure how the celebrity and tarento is defined in Jland. If you have nice legs, breasts, slim figure or body you automatically become one of them? I leave the hair out 'cos no one sports the natural beautiful black hair (look at the gusto mystery woman).

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I stand by my earlier comments.

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Because 'celebrities' here have nothing to offer. Poor quality of entertainment, the music is 100% garbage... I hate them all. Specially Becky. She sucks

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Why do Japanese celebrities featured in photos or stories on Japan Today frequently come in for a lot of derision from some readers?

Pretty simple question really: Because they deserve it.

Moderator: But why? We wish readers to answer the question intelligently please.

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Mocking celebrities is a sport practiced all over the world. What's the problem?? The last thing a celebrity wants is noone paying attention to them negative or positive!!!

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If you choose to stand on a pedastal, you have to be ready to face some challenges.

On JTs news item on Marie and Peppler one of the comments:

"and what's with those stripper shoes???"

If she is bold enough to wear those shoes, then she beter be bold enough to hear that comment :)

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To be honest there are some quality actors in Japan like Beat Takeshi, Tomoka Kurotani, Koyuki, and Ken Ishiguro for example.

But the celebrities that feature often on JT are without the talent, substance and quality that the names above possess in truckloads.

They are also well set up for a good mocking when they accept stupid awards like best Jeans wearer etc. If you have any quality or self respect, why on earth would you accept such an award? Its shallow and inane, like the media whores that accept them.

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Because most of the posters who bash celebrities have low self-esteem. So, they lash out as a way to make themselves feel better about themselves -- at least in their minds. An easy target are folks they see on TV and "reported" on at this site.

Rest assured the people they whinge on and on about as being "stupid" is commenting on their on-camera act; those of us who've spent a considerable amount of time with performers like Becky know she's far from the image she portrays on television.

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hellhound: Because 'celebrities' here have nothing to offer .... I hate them all. Specially Becky. She sucks

If you think you can do a better job at entertaining Japan, sign up with an agency. We'll all be watching for you to promote a product here at JT in the near future.

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Because all adult entertainment in Japan is too childish for children to watch. It's like watching a bunch of junior high school kids play. These so-called 'tarentos' make a living out of acting like children.

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It would be good to see JT raise the level a bit. Instead of "celebrities" who ,lets face it, probably got where they are are by their looks or by sleepin with people or both why not feature a better class of person. Nobel Prize winners,inventors,inspirational people etc

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RomeoRamenII at 07:47 AM JST - 6th May

Not sure if a "talent" improves the sales of a product they're pimping. If they indeed do, the Japanese consumer should then let their opinions be known at the cash register and refrain from buying anything that Kumi Koda is associated with. They need to send a message via their pocketbook that Koda's comment about older women is unacceptable.

RR

That was one of your comments RR. Sure you do not have a problem with self-esteem.

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Why? Because they can get away with it! The anonymity of a web account on JT allows people to insult and deride without consequence. Do you think they'd say the things they do to a persons face? I doubt it, as it isn;t polite.

The internet presents us with a new challenge in manners and privacy. Famous people have never been quite so exposed, and can you imagine being famous and reading the puerile comments made by some JT readers (is it a majority or usual suspects?)? There are times reading the comments that you wonder why the person actually bothered to read the article in the first place. recently Whitney appeared in the pic of the day slot, and it was just plain crazy - if you don't like here, why bother even opening the story? Unless of course, you want to vent some frustration and post some disparaging garbage because you CAN get away with it!!

I'm glad we have a certain amount of privacy on the 'net, but at the same time, people should still be held to certain standards, and should be accountable for what they say. This isn't a private conversation in a pub between friends that happens in a moment and then dies in peoples memories, it is broadcast globally and retained for a long time.

It is terribly sad that some people just don't get it! Lets hope that these posters don't become famous and get subjected to the same barrage of hate that they so enjoy dishing out!

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If I were famous I would be thrilled to have this much cr*p written about me. It would mean people know who I am - best thing ever!!

Seriously, alot of talents just portray "characters" they made up in their head. If you love or hate those characters they are succesful talents....

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because we come here for news and not to hear about some talentless puppet - OK we come here for the laugh!

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To those who are trying to defend J-tv/biz/talents I hear honestly I do.

BUT, we are bombarded by mediocre & by often utterly dismal quality, how can we not react here honestly as well. I mean if there were more articles by those suggested by another poster such as

Nobel Prize winners,inventors,inspirational people etc

That wud be a great read but I am sure you all can guess how many posts there wud be, not a lot.

And mod a few posts back you asked some why why why, well if you gotta ask we cant help you haha.

Although have to give JT credit they have us all fired up here & there isnt even a silly "tarento" story or pic for us vent at!!

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Because being obese is not a talent.

Because being amazed at something nondescript (such as noodles) is not a talent.

Because squeaking is not a talent.

Because eating something is not a talent.

Because nodding whilst watching somebody else eats is not a talent.

Because hitting somebody with a squeaky hammer is not a talent.

Because shrieking that something is cute is not a talent.

It's a long, long list. How much time have you got?

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talented people are rewarded for excellence in their field. on the other hand "tarento" are hand-picked by agencies and marketing types who know exactly how to extract the knee-jerk response from the target audience- "ah kawaii!!" "oishii soo!!" "EEEHHH!!" most viewers, in japan and everywhere else on the earth, are not discerning and only want to be carried away by the immediate sensation. others will think about the drawbacks, how the content reflects on the human race, as supposedly the most intelligent form of life in the universe as we know it, and criticise.

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because they're boring and no one cares.

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Moderator: But why? We wish readers to answer the question intelligently please.

I think the readers have excelled themselves, however "intelligent" might be a stretch goal too far?! It is actually quite depressing to see such light responses being posted, an opportunity wasted by people who actually might have have a good reason to post such comments?

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LilaHelm at 09:25 PM JST - 13th February "Because being obese is not a talent. Because being amazed at something nondescript (such as noodles) is not a talent. Because squeaking is not a talent. Because eating something is not a talent. Because nodding whilst watching somebody else eats is not a talent. Because hitting somebody with a squeaky hammer is not a talent. Because shrieking that something is cute is not a talent. It's a long, long list. How much time have you got?"

Hit the nail RIGHT on the head there! But you forgot, "because having big teets is not a talent (i.e. dipsh*t sisters).

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Oh, please. Why would this question even need to be asked? Japan manages to be one of the few countries that flaunt sex even more than the USA. And it's not normal sex. It permeates the Japanese culture to the point that men read pornography on the train and there are used underwear vending machines on the street (yeah, really, it was worn by the hot Japanese girl on the package and not by an old, fat, White American laughing his ass off at you). Why should we take seriously bimbo models in JT pretending to be 8 yr olds for pedophile's sexual desires?

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It's a long, long list. How much time have you got

I'd love to hear more.

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I don't think the Japanese take any of these "talent events" nor the "talents'" comments so seriously.

They tend to lightheartedly see them for what they are not be so judgemental.

Perhaps us readers could just lighten up a bit and maybe we'll live as long as the Japanese do.

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my kids LOVE japanese TV what ever the hour, that speaks volumes about what the level is. Last year, a famous japanese presenter won the world record for appearing on the most TV shows, you couldn't do that if you actually concentrated and produced quality. I love Japan, the people and the nature but the TV.....sorry!!

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Because being obese is not a talent.

Because being amazed at something nondescript (such as noodles) is not a talent.

Because squeaking is not a talent.

Because eating something is not a talent.

Because nodding whilst watching somebody else eats is not a talent.

Because hitting somebody with a squeaky hammer is not a talent.

Because shrieking that something is cute is not a talent.

It's a long, long list. How much time have you got?

EXACLY!!!!!!!!!!

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Oops...EXACTLY!!

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I'd love to hear more.

Why, certainly!

Because having big teeth is not a talent.

Because having crooked teeth is not a talent.

Because making clapping gestures(without actually clapping) when someone says something asinine is not a talent.

Because nodding in the corner of a screen during a "documentary" is not a talent.

Because making the Peace sign whilst standing like you've got scoliosis is not a talent.

Because wearing pink clothes is not a talent.

Because shouting all the time is not a talent.

Because hitting someone on the back of the head to a pre-recorded slap sound is not a talent.

Because doing the same woeful schtick on every single TV show in a week is not a talent.

Because saying "Goo" is not a talent.

Because going to a restaurant and saying that the food is nice is not a talent.

Because going overseas, pointing at things and shouting is not a talent.

Because pretending to cry is not a talent.

Because laughing so hard that you fall over when somebody says something predictable is not a talent.

Because looking slightly different is not a talent.

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Perhaps a few sociologists and shrinks can answer this? JT may want to cut down on the celeb promo material and go deeper in the culture. I dunno, open a few offices or get on the shinkansen more... But do know the entire nation revolves around tarentos and celebs in Tokyo and this is their new culture. To me the best bit of JT are comments....

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The question is interesting though isn't it? why do SO MANY NJs in Japan (including those of us with Permanent Residency, or those returned home after years in Japan) feel the need to constantly put down all things Japan. And isn't it interesting that it grows the more time one spends here (there)?

I suspect that it is a reaction to the CONSTANT us vs. them attitude the Japanese media bombard the public with. The indoctrinated xenophobia, the desire to see bullies and prideful have their fall.

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Firstly, I must claim credit for having felt, and frequently expressed, derision towards such celebrities several decades before Japan Today and the Internet ever existed. I think most of them are under-talented, overworked and definitely overexposed. The word "retirement" doesn't seem to be in their vocabulary. Once they get their foot in the door of showbiz, they remain ubiquitous until rigor mortis sets in. So here's a question for you, JT: Why do Japanese viewers insist on watching the antics of the same performers seven nights a week?

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Lilahem more please. I have all the time for this. Are you missing the parts about how cameramen focus on certain body parts of the narrator while in a documentary?

JT I hope you are happy with the truth and the wise response you have expected.

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Because they get handsome fees for looking foolish and saying rubbish. While poor me have to toil hard and yet no matter how much I stretch it out, it still not enough. Ijimerareru!

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The majority of readers who make derisive comments on Japanese celebrities are simply childish. Derisive comments are kid stuff.

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I don't think we as a whole are picking on Japanese celebrities. If JT featured more photos of foreign celebrities, I have no doubt we'd diss them just as much. ^o^

So why do we do it?

It makes us feel better about ourselves to rationalise that despite the ludicrous incomes some celebrities generate for having very little talent (think Kano sisters etc.), us plebs are better off in our sarariman jobs because we are in fact smarter and more talented than them.

It's a paradox, I know. Who is smarter? The person who works 80 hour weeks for 45 years to put food on the table, or the person who sees an opportunity to make a quick buck, and milks the system while they have chance?

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Because they are so freaking stupid. I mean really, how many of these "talents" could talk for even two minutes about history, philosophy, politics, or any of the humanities? How many of these people even have a freaking intelligent opinion, based on rationality or logic? They do have foolishness, and the commercial industry likes that because it is always a drive to the lowest common denominator that something is sold. More people can relate to foolishness because there are more stupid people than intelligent ones. Kind of like textbooks know. Most EFL textbooks have to be dumbed down, and then dumbed down again so that they have more appeal. Crazy!!!

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maybe its the awards they win that you show. Apple queen on the front page!! everyday there is another award for the most inane things

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Why do the Jwomen stoop down to this level? They abuse their bodies, have all sorts of surgeries and transplants. And why do they think that they can make money only using their bodies? There are many who are actually talented and smart. But this entertainment industry likes to portray them this way. If only these showbiz ladies just throw that money back at those people who want them to look like fools in the eyes of the people and do some smart things?

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The majority of readers who make derisive comments on Japanese celebrities are simply childish. Derisive comments are kid stuff.

What balderdash! Derisive comments are the comments of Champions. Which, looking at your own post, makes you a Champion too.

G'darn it.

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Because making the Peace sign whilst standing like you've got scoliosis is not a talent.

LMAO, best comment I've read for a while. Your entire post hits many nails on many heads. I demand more!

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my kids LOVE japanese TV what ever the hour, that speaks volumes about what the level is

I think that says more about your kids bro.

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my kids LOVE japanese TV what ever the hour, that speaks volumes about what the level is

I think that says more about your kids bro.

I think it says more about you that you let them watch it

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Thank gawd for cable TV! I refuse to let my kids watch Japanese TV. Japanese TV brings true meaning to the term 'idiot box'. The only Jp TV programs I have seen that contain the slightest adult content are science programs made for junior high kids. However, one program I have found entertaining is, Karaoke TV. It's hilarious! "Ganbatte oji-san!" - Although, five minutes is enough.

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J-tv & its tarneto are like booze & cigarettes, opium for the masses.

Keeps the J-pop occupied & complient for the most part, the way Jpn Inc wants it!

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I think its because Japan doesnt have the genuine criticism which we have in the west throughout the media, and readers are just trying to fill the void.

Take a movie such as "Happy Flight" for example. Could someone just honestly call it a waste of time and money? Of course not. The producers have paid for advertising and in return get a sweet review.

I like reviewers who call a spade a spade. (Therefore someone like Don Morton is my kind of guy.) Unfortunately few of his J-counterparts have the freedom to do so.

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Thank gawd for cable TV!

Nothing like a dose of FOX news, hey.

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The only Jp TV programs I have seen that contain the slightest adult content are science programs made for junior high kids.

Aah, you beat me to it! During a brief, normally unsuccessful channel-hop to see if there was actually something worth watching I came across this show taking kids on a tour for waterworks system. And I'm watching thinking, this is really good - I never knew this stuff. Aimed at high school kids. Does this make Japan Oppositeland?

The deal with the tarento crap, for me anyway, isn't about any perceived intelligence levels, it's just that it's the same, same trash, every fricking day. The dramas have all the story depth of a puddle of pee, the variety shows are the same tired-out routines that are on EVERY DAY. And it's a constant bombardment when it's on. Pace yourselves! I can't watch more than ten minutes cos my head hurts. Genuinely, physically hurts! Then they take over the sports shows so I have to watch that with the sound down. Then I go onto JT which is one of the few English news websites going here, hoping for something interesting to read about the country, and there's an article about Best Leatherist or Apple Queen. People deride them because there's rarely anything of substance presented, and there's just no escape from it unless you avoid all media, much like celeb culture everywhere. Which is why people deride celebs pretty much everywhere.

That is all.

Well it's not but it'll do :)

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Because it's no better than celebrity "scoops" on TMZ. Sure, they have their fans but not everyone is a part of that fandom. They appeal to the base most puerile air-headed aspects of human beings. It's saccharine and while initially sweet, it leaves you with a lousy after-taste.

Do you see Steve Jobs hiring Vegas girls (or C or D list "celeb"/talento to intro Apple products? No, Apple (and Mr jobs) take their products seriously. That's the dichotomy.

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Because they are talentless, money-hungry, empty-headed ego-maniacs!!!!

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Because they are talentless, money-hungry, empty-headed ego-maniacs!!!!

Wahey!

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Because some of them become politicians.

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Because JapanToday articles are often so lacking in discussion-provoking content that readers comment instead on the picture, which often involves a celebrity. Here's an example.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/mari-hoshino-named-poster-girl-for-fire-brigade-recruitment

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Because attacking anything Japanese is about all anybody is allowed to do on JT. Say anything good, or god forbid, actually try to defend the Japanese and you can guarantee you will get deleted.

Moderator: That is incorrect. Only posts that are impolite to other users, off topic or offensive will be removed.

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What an amazing question.

"Why do the risible come in for derision?"

Hath not a reader eyes? hath not a Reader hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? If you p rick us, do we not bleed? And if you present some facile nonentity doing something infantile as news, will we not take the Mick?

Ah, it's good to be back.

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because they are idiots who appear on tv eat some food and say ummmaiiii. Japanese TV is an excellent example as to how tv is used to keep the masses stupid and uniformed. Social control with idiots for idiots.

except maybe before after as i kind of like that.

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JT favorite Aki Hoshino on TV last night- Valentines day program. The viewers had the great pleasure of viewing her full breasts and also were able to learn where she got the treatment done. Aki played with her body part to make the open-mouthed guys and girls in the program to show that they were real.I almost thougt that the next thing will be another person from the program might want to test it by themselves! And ofcourse, curried bread and tofu and rice were served for all of them and the usual stuff.

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I've been living in Japan for 25 years and have never spent more than 5 minutes watching their TV shows. My Japanese wife cackles like a hyena at the tube 24/7 and I watch her slack-jawed in amazement. The main reasons the shows suck are as follows: 1) No budget, 2) the same (no)'talents' on every show, and 3) still riffing on 75-year-old vaudeville routines for its humor. It reveals the true level of sophistication of this society and its inhabitants. Celebs ? Only in their inanity.

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The solution to all of this (and actually, to a good few of the problems we have in modern society): Turn OFF the TV. Just do NOT watch the damn thing.

Read a book or a newspaper, go for a walk, pick up a new hobby, do yoga at home, learn to enjoy cooking and slow eating, listen to music, play an instrument, help the kids with their homework, if they're young read them a story or build LEGO with them, exercise, decorate your home, grab a camera and take pictures, frame pictures..... etc. etc etc.. ad nauseum, there are SO many things you can do besides watching TV. But what do we do?

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I think that says more about your kids bro.

I think it says more about you that you let them watch it

Don't Bro Me, unlike Americans I can pronounce a whole word! I was making a comment on the fact that Japanese Children's Tv , which they watch until 7, holds much interest. As does glancing at the tv when they come to say goodnight. The comment is that the noise, bright lights and screeching found on Japanese TV throughout the evening appeals to a younger audience in a way that the discovery channel might not. Did I really have to justify my parenting so that you could read yourself in print? Japanese celebrities might be talented but have no way to show it because of the pachinko presentation of TV shows, loud and noisy. But don't get me started on the foreigners on TV, they are the ones who should know better!!

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MY KIDS LOVE JAPANESE TV.I was making a comment on the fact that Japanese Children's Tv , which they watch until 7, holds much interest. As does glancing at the tv when they come to say goodnight. The comment is that the noise, bright lights and screeching found on Japanese TV throughout the evening appeals to a younger audience in a way that the discovery channel might not. Japanese celebrities might be talented but have no way to show it because of the pachinko presentation of TV shows, loud and noisy. But don't get me started on the foreigners on TV, they are the ones who should know better!!

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I think that says more about your kids bro

they also like Dora the explorer, Ben 10 and scooby doo, if you want American programmes to be culturally superior....

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smartacus; your response to "they can't sing" was: Japanese artists like Namie Amuro, Kumi Koda, Ayumi Hamasaki and so on have sold millions of albums and pack concerts out here and in Asia. To say they can't sing is a form of cultural arrogance because that is then being condescending (and insulting) to their fans.

Got a great answer for that one "voice rendering software!" Spent 17 of the last 19+ years attending private special customers only sales shows "tenjikai" where many of the above mentioned did guest appearances and sang without anything but recorded music and a microphone and I can assure you I sing better then most of them and my voice has had comments like "you can chase the rats and cockroaches of of the building" (don't invite me to Karaoke unless you like your ears to bleed!)

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Because most of the foreigners living in Japan seem to hate and make fun of the country and its people for some stupid reason! Here's an idea, you can move back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Simple question, simple answer: highfalutin bitterness.

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It's called jealousy and insecurity.

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Because our readers are all pompous know-it-alls? :-P

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It is hardly just on JT. People on all celebrity sites world wide can be critical. This is part of being in the public eye.

As for criticism of Japanese talent. Bottom line from my perspective are these.

Talented Talento: There are a lot of very creative and talented people out there. And I don't think you will see many attacks on these individuals.

Non-Talented Talento: Japan is somewhat unique in the fact that there are legions of talent who don't actually do anything special. They are not great actors, musicians or anything else. What they are is commercially viable good looking or stylish people. Many are "produced" by companies to fit demographic preferences. I, like many others here find this kind of vacant talent to be silly and pointless. If more of it went on in my home country, I would be equally critical of talentless talento.

Brain Dead Talent: There are a lot of talent here who seem hell bent on doing foolish, if not outright brainless things. More of their friends and family should be critical of them too. They are an embarrasment to Japan and to themselves. Ohashi screams to mind as he fits in both category 2 and 3.

Sticky Kawaii: JT readers are not alone in disliking Sticky Kawaii. There are facebook groups dedicated to people who find this kind of thing sickening. Where else in the world can a 25 year old woman come off as a 5 year old girl and be loved for such insipid behavior? Or some actor build an entire career on wearing speedo underwear and making foolish faces? This kind of kawaii child like behavior is silly and I am surprised more Japanese are not upset to have these people represent them in the world media.

Do I hate Japan and Japanese entertainment. No. Do I dislike shallow forms of entertainment anywhere in the world. You bet!

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It's called jealousy and insecurity.

Nope. It's called discernment.

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You will find that the majority of "user-generated-comment" in the English language is actually very negative ; a way of venting your spleen, it's the nature of the beast. Let's face it, the comments are often more interesting than the actual articles themselves, and the real reason that a lot of people come here.

Sorry to "break the 4th wall" here, folks, but I think that Japan Today knows exactly what it's doing ; it's called "click whoring" - putting a controversial article up on the front page, knowing full well that they're going to get lots of inflammatory comments and, hence, a lot of page clicks - why else do we keep getting these stories about that guy who doesn't wear socks ?

I bet if these celebrity articles were left buried in the entertainment section where they belong, there would be very few people who would actively go looking for them.

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I am very honest and expressive if I dislike something on t.v. or read something on the net. I watch NHK news, travel, and discovery channel like programing. I miss the natural geographic channel in america.

I like Japan, but some of the japanese celebrities really do not have any talent what so ever. Even in America I do not like some celebrities that have no talent. Actually, I do not like celebrities with no talent be it Japan or America or whatever. I like real singers, actresses,actors, comedians and etc. What I really don't like is the >75-year-old vaudeville routines for its humor. I really don't like seeing the same comedian doing the same exact 5 minute skit for 9 months.

I do not hate Japan, or dislike everything I see on Japan. But the no talents have to go !!!!! So I critize heavily on stupid preformances.

For some reason I think most of Japan tv is owned by the government, so I should critize the program content, however stupid it maybe be.

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Japanese TV are whacky, absolutely mindless, talentless, and sometimes even tasteless. That is not to say that the Japanese culture or the society is the same (except may be the whacky bit, because the Japanese are). But you can not blame Japan and single them out in having bad TV shows with talentless young fools. It happens everywhere. be that America, Australia etc. I've seen it myself. And as for people going on about talentless singers like Amuro, that is just Japan's answer to Britney or similar.

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Because most of the foreigners living in Japan seem to hate and make fun of the country and its people for some stupid reason! Here's an idea, you can move back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely.

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I think I deride the celebrities in the Western pop-culture just as much or more than Japanese celebrities. But I have seen the knee-jerk bashing that occurs when articles about J-celebrities pop up, most of the commenters knowing little or nothing about the person(s) in question.

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The answer to the question is probably because they are an easy target. There have been some good descriptions of the way that Japanese TV works here, and these people are acting stupidly for money, because that's what's expected of them.

While most of the personal criticism is probably baseless and unjustified - not withstanding my right to criticise Uno Kanda for any aspect of her arrogant personality - I do think some of the promotional events are ludicrous. Best "jeansist" etc., awarded to this year's latest pretty face is really worthy of ridicule. Why not just have an event to promote the product, rather than handing out an award? They lack imagination.

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For the same reason they frequently do not achieve fame or success anywhere outside of Japan. JT's commenters aren't being unfair.

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