Chika Aidoru
Facts Of The Week
Prefecture: Tokyo
Credits to Research Team: Swee Hng

Hi everyone~! Its week 5 since school started how are you all doing? Today I will share about the Japanese idol culture but I will be focussing more on underground idols otherwise known as “Chika Aidoru”.

1. Introduction to idols
In Japanese pop culture “idol” (アイ ドル pronounced Aidoru, adapted from the English word idol) is a term typically used to refer to young manufactured stars/starlets marketed to be admired for their cuteness. Idols play a wide range of roles as media personalities such as pop singers, panellists of variety programs, bit-part actors, models for magazines and advertisements. The most popular category is obviously idol singers. Most idol singers work across genres of Japanese pop music, usually in the genre that is most popular at the moment. Their songs typically do not require great singing skills as their popular appeal comes largely from the attractiveness of their public image. (Translation: Idols can’t sing 😉) The biggest idol concert festival is the Tokyo Idol Festival (TIF) which is held annually since 2010. In 2017, over 200 idol groups, about 1500 idols, performed and attracted more than 80,000 spectators.

2. Different tiers of idols
Do you know that there are a few tiers of idols? They are classified by their popularity in general.

1. Starting from the top, these idols have risen to become a group widely known around the nation with their sheer exposure to publicity and marketing strategies. They are known as kokumin-teki aidoru (national idols). Even non-idol fans are likely to recognize them. They dominate the idol scene and make their existence known beyond their own boundaries. Example of such idols: AKB48
2. Next, we have major idol groups who do not have as massive a fame as the national idols but are still highly popular and well-known even outside the industry. They attract enough attention to stand out as distinguished members of the idol industry. Example of such idols: SKE48, NMB48
3. On the lowest end, we have what is known as chika aidoru (underground idols). These group of idols are relatively less popular compared to the mainstream idols. They focus more on live performances and close interaction rather than a mass branding. Underground idols are smaller scale groups which perform in live houses where they can reach out to their fans by getting up close and personal with them. Example of such idols: BiSH, You’ll Melt More

3. More on chika aidoru

One must sign at a production office to become an underground idol which is where they will take lessons, do recordings, plan events etc. Chika aidoru rely on social media (mainly twitter) to update fans about their latest events, CD releases and how they are getting along with life generally. They do this with text updates and picture uploads on a daily basis. Their events consist of mini gigs: some as part of larger events in collaboration with other underground idols while others as solo events at smaller venues. Their events are usually held at small venues such as rental space venue Azito in Shinjuku and live music facility untilted in Ueno. These places can hold about 100 fans. The popularity of chika aidoru spreads through word of mouth by fans or when people check their social media. Unlike the other categories of idols, there is no mainstream media option to spread information of the chika aidoru. Chika aidoru earn money through 2 ways. One is event revenue and the other is the sales of goods such as CD releases, wristbands, cheki photos (Polaroids) etc. Even with the above streams of income, you may be surprised to find out that underground idols don’t earn much. Most of their income is used to pay for their lessons monthly. Its estimated to be roughly 20,000 – 40,000 yen (250-500 SGD). They also have to buy/make costumes for their events and performances.

4. Difference between mainstream idols and underground idols

1. The biggest difference would be their popularity. Mainstream idols can garner the attention of people from other countries that are not even in the idol scene whereas only a small group of people will know about certain underground idol groups. This is mainly due to how their popularity spreads.
2. Another difference would be their focus. Mainstream idols focus on a broader and more general audience. Underground idols focus on a smaller group of audience and more personal interaction with their fans. It is up to one to decide which is more favourable.
3. Their revenue is like night and day. Mainstream idols as much as 8 digits annually in yen whereas underground idols earn even less than a high schooler’s pocket money. This is why many underground idols have to take up other part time jobs to make up for it. Common examples include: bars, maid cafes and clubs. The human interaction helps the chika aidoru to promote themselves.  

5. Conclusion

There are rare cases in which underground idols made a major debut and became professionals. Take Momoiro Clover as an example. They were once underground idols that became major idols. (They changed their group name to Momoiro Clover Z after that) Another example would be Ono Erena. She was once an underground idol but is now in the nationally known idol group, AKB48. However, these cases are very rare. So what drives chika aidoru to do what they are doing? The answer to this would be their passion for singing and dancing and a small glimmer of hope that they can make it big. With that being said, we love all idols underground or not ❣

Thank you for reading my FTW, I had a lot of fun researching this. I hope you have learnt something about underground idols and idols in general. Have a blessed week ahead 😊

All pictures belong to their respective owners

Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_idol
https://tokyogirlsupdate.com/idol-hierarchy-201710134515.html
http://www.gurashii.com/japanese-underground-idols-introducing-chika-aidoru-culture/

Tsuta Ramen
Prefecture: Tokyo (Capital: Yokohama)
Credits to Research Team: Einar Ang

In 2015, a low-key ramen restaurant in a quiet Tokyo neighbourhood became the first ramen restaurant in the world to obtain a Michelin star.

Ramen is one of the most common fast foods in Japan and small shops selling this dish can be found on almost every corner.

The restaurant, which has only nine seats and is renowned for its daily queues in north Tokyo’s Sugamo district, is the first ramen establishment to win a coveted star for its culinary creations. They serve bowls of ramen for as little as 850 yen. Its specialties include bowls of ramen made with thin, flat stone-milled wheat noodles, which form the basis of an imaginative array of ramen dishes, using ingredients such as rock salt, red wine and rosemary infusions. One favourite dish highlighted in the new Michelin Guide Tokyo 2016 is its Shoyu Tsukesoba ramen, which is popular for its delicate truffle fragrance.

Recently, in 2017, Tsuta has also opened two branches in Singapore at Scotts Road and Tai Seng Street.

Scotts Road branch

Tai Seng Street branch

Information:
http://www.tsuta.com
http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/michelin-starred-tsuta-to-open-at-pacific-plaza
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/dec/01/tiny-tokyo-noodle-shop-becomes-first-to-get-michelin-star

Pikachu Outbreak!

Prefecture: Kanagawa (Capital: Yokohama)
Credits to Research Team: Muhd Dzarif

Hello everybody! How are all of you coping with the new semester? I wish all of you good luck for this semester! Minna-san, ganbatte!

Who doesn’t know the Pokémon series? Even if you don’t watch it, everyone has most probably heard the word ‘Pokémon’ at least once in their life before! And when you hear ‘Pokémon’, most people will think of the cute, yellow, mouse-like Pokémon with the lightning-shaped tail, Pikachu! (FYI, contrary to popular belief, the tip of Pikachu’s tail is yellow, instead of black! #mychildhoodwasalie)

In Japan, the love for this adorable mascot is taken to another level! A parade is held in Yokohama every year, commemorating the proud mascot, Pikachu. The week-long Pikachu Outbreak showcases bands of Pikachu marching along various locations around Yokohama. In recent years, they have also been appearing in the sky and water!

Pokémon fans gather every year from all around Japan and the rest of the world to watch this annual show usually in August, which lasts for a period of a week. At least 1 million people goes to the parade, with the number increasing every year. This year, the number increased from a huge 1.79 million parade goers in 2016 to a whopping 2.3 million! Crazy, isn’t it?

Pikachu-themed merchandise and other goods are sold during the events. There are many activities alongside this parade, such as a meet-and-greet and photo-taking sessions with the Pikachu mascots. Other Pokémon-related events are sometimes held in conjunction with this event. In 2017, to promote their game, Pokémon GO, many rare and region-exclusive Pokémon can be found during the event, including the first Legendary Pokémon to be available in the game, Mewtwo. Also, some Pokémon have managed to make an appearance in the ‘Pikachu’ Outbreak, such as Mimikyu, a Pokémon that resembles Pikachu and the shape-shifting Ditto, disguising as a Pikachu!

So, if you are planning to go to Japan in August, or just show your love for Pikachu, don’t miss this event! (And don’t forget to bring me along!)

Youtube Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIT6TCr42PQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJehQ9TN6SA

References:

1. http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pika_event/en/
2. http://blogs.timeout.jp/en/2014/08/07/pikachu-outbreak-in-yokohama/
3. https://en.rocketnews24.com/2017/08/21/pikachu-outbreak-event-causes-growing-pains-for-yokohama/
4. https://en.rocketnews24.com/2017/05/24/sounds-like-this-years-pikachu-outbreak-in-yokohama-is-going-to-have-other-pokemon-species-too/

Blue Ramen
Prefecture: Tokyo
Credits to Research Team: Nurul Husna

Hey guys! After a long hiatus, I’m finally back to writing fact of the week! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و

It’s been sooo long and I miss you guys! To kick off this week’s fact, I’ll be talking to you guys about Blue Ramen. Mmmm sounds interesting doesn’t it? Well, let’s begin!

For all you ramen lovers out there, there’s a new hip ramen in town and it is blue in colour! Located 1 minute away from Honjyo Azumabashi, there is the newly opened ramen restaurant called Kipposhi which specialises in making this blue ramen.

The owner, Mr Koizumi, said that he was inspired by the Hawaiian Sea and hence, the blue ramen was created! How the ramen gets its blue colour is still a secret, but don’t worry as all the ingredients used are natural. Some say that the broth gets its colour from a natural pigment called Pyococyanin that comes from spirulina algae.

The colour of the ramen might scare you, but you should not be put off just by the looks of it! The ramen starts off with chicken stock for its base.  To get the crystal clear broth the ramen has, Mr Koizumi uses a Chinese technique called “Chintan” where the chicken stock is boiled together with minced meat. The mince meat then collects the particles that causes the cloudiness in the chicken stock and thus, makes it crystal clear.

Not only is the blue ramen instagramable, but it is also packed with flavours! The ramen is then topped off with fresh greens, an egg and chicken slices. The ramen has a very light taste, and the fresh vegetables compliments it. The chicken slices are succulent and tender as they soak up the flavourful chicken soup. The chef uses skinny ramen noodles, with a texture that goes together with the ramen broth. I don’t know about you, but I’m drooling just thinking about it!

Oh, have I also mentioned that the blue broth reminds me of the vocaloid character Hatsune Miku?!

For those who are not so adventurous, Kipposhi also serves traditional chicken soup based ramen for you to induldge in. It wouldn’t hurt trying out new things thought, right? ;) The store is located at 3-1-17 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo. Head over and try the blue ramen while you’re sightseeing around Tokyo! It is definitely and interesting meal you won’t forget!

References:
http://sethlui.com/kipposhi-blue-ramen-tokyo/
http://sethlui.com/kipposhi-blue-ramen-tokyo/
https://matcha-jp.com/en/5062

 

Gunkanjima

Fact of the week!
Credits to Research Team: Cyril
Prefecture: Nagasaki

Gunkanjima is a small island located about 20 kilometers from Nagasaki Port. Until 1974, the island served as a coal mine, and more than 5000 residents called the 480 meter long, 150 meter wide island home, resulting in the highest population density in history recorded worldwide.

To accommodate so many people in such a small area, every piece of land was built up so that the island came to resemble a massive battleship. In fact, “Gunkanjima” is a nickname that means “battleship island” in Japanese. The island’s formal name is Hashima.

Coal was first discovered on Gunkanjima in 1810 by the feudal lord of Saga. Industrial mining began in the late 1800s, and soon after, the island was purchased by the Mitsubishi Corporation. As production increased, the island was expanded, and large residential and industrial buildings and high sea walls were constructed.

Managers, workers and their families all called the little island home. The residents of the island were able to live out a more or less typical life. Half of the island was devoted to the workings of the mine, the other to residential space, schools, restaurants, shops, a public bath and a hospital.

In April 1974, the mine was closed, and its residents had to leave Gunkanjima, abandoning the island with all its buildings. Over the years since then, direct exposure to typhoons has caused the residences and mining facilities to deteriorate, giving the island an eerie and haunting atmosphere. Due to the danger of collapsing structures, Gunkanjima was closed to the public, and for many years could only be seen from sightseeing cruises that circled the island.

In April 2009, however, a newly constructed boat dock made it possible for sightseeing tour boats to land on Gunkanjima. Tour participants are taken to three observation decks in a small part on the southern end of the island and spend about 45 minutes on the island with Japanese speaking tour guides. Tours do not involve getting too close to the buildings because of the risk of collapse.

The boat ride between Nagasaki and Gunkanjima is also enjoyable. Boats take about 50 minutes one way, and pass large Mitsubishi shipbuilding factories and other islands along the way. The ride also allows for some nice views of the city of Nagasaki and its port from the water.

Tour boats are operated by multiple companies and depart from various locations in Nagasaki Port, including the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal near the Ohato tram stop (3 minutes by tram line 1 from Nagasaki Station) and the Tokiwa Terminal near the Ourakaikandori tram stop (15 minutes by tram line 1 and 5 from Nagasaki Station).Multiple companies operate boat tours to Gunkanjima. Tours typically take about three hours, including close to an hour spent on the island itself, and cost around 3400-4500 yen per person. Note that in case of bad weather or high waves, landing on the island may not be possible or boats may not operate at all. Advance reservations are recommended especially on weekends and during holidays.

Sources:
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gubkanjima-island
http://visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/202