I find Korean Pop and Japanese Pop very similar in some respect. Contents of music and dramas are similar and of course their values and styles are very much the same as well. I guess what distinguishes J-Pop from Korean Pop is the Japanese-style ‘Pop idols’ that is so popular in Japan. The ‘life-sized’ model or figure celebrity carries with them indicates they are not living in their own world, but rather, together with people (fans based) in a community. The ‘cuteness’ in Japanese idols are also expressed where girls generally smile with bared teeth and clear, sparkling eyes (Aoyagi) while male idols adopt a more ‘stylish’ or ‘cool’ appearance. So is one wave following another?
Post modern people (especially in most Asian countries or in some Western countries) are consuming more Japanese products as Japan has always been known to be a technological advanced country. Industries such as electronics are highly favoured, as well as its ‘cute’ products. Since Japan is a booming and flourishing country and fans all around the world are attracted to their manga & anime, Japan is now under the spot light. But can consumers forgive Japan’s past history? Are they willing to accept Japan as a whole or will they just accept the new while holding grudges to their past?
