NewTigers comments

Someone should tell them about coronavirus...

Surely you can find a way to entertain her and take her mind off things ;)

if you’re suggesting I dress up as a clown and show her my juggling skills, I’ve already tried - no dice.

yes, mods, we’ll get back on topic now....

Have you tried NHK World? It’s got a grab bag of information. I don’t need the English so don’t pay much attention to English sources, maybe someone else has something better?

yep, I’ve been hitting that up. I meant more like an English twitter feed with live updates as to what areas should evacuate/where to etc.

That said, I know the winds haven’t properly come yet but it’s been pretty tame where I am thus far. Lady friend is calming down and is now complaining of boredom. I can’t win here.

Currently in Setagaya-ku (East side) and getting a bunch of evacuation messages due to the tamagawa river (west side). Really hard to find decent live information in English. I’m on the 2nd floor of a newish place, so should be fine, but it’s stressing my lady-friend out!

Has an independent TV program company thought of making a documentary on the subject? then it could get aired on NHK this would hight light the problem. this way girls, and parents could be exposed to the culture and then they could see that the pop culture is not a glamorous as its made out to be.

There's a doco that came out a year or two ago called 'Tokyo Idol' that follows a couple of groups/idols around. Totally worth a watch. It's on Netflix US if you're from there or have a VPN - might even be on the Japan one too. Not on OZ tho.

It should be pointed out that not all chika idol groups work like this. I know a few people in groups who perform 4-6 times a month max, have a ball doing it and have jobs outside of it. There is definitely a dark side to the industry, but it certainly isn't all-pervading - there are a ton of great groups doing fun stuff that can be watched guilt-free...

inkochi - Maybe irikandji jelly fish - very small, very toxic

I got done by one of these as a child in the 90's whilst snorkelling off Cairns. Wouldn't wish it on anyone...