In the pre-novel coronavirus world, Japanese pop idols held meet-and-greets with fans in which they’d shake hands and pose for pictures. Now, they’re doing it, too, but things have changed.
As reported by News Gamme, a series of precautions are being taken for an idol group Momoiro Revolution’s recent live event. For example, fans were staggered in the seats and wearing masks and face shields.
After the concerts, idols donned masks, they had gloves for shaking hands, and plastic barriers were placed between for social distancing. (Reportedly, it’s hard for the idols to hear the fans through the masks and plastic!)
One member just a claw hand to hand a fan a photo.
Previously, Kotaku reported that idol group 2o Love to Sweet Bullet charged fans who don’t wear face masks.
Let’s hope these extra steps keep Momoiro Revolution fans and group members safe.
DISCUSSION
Are Japanese artists exploited by the music industry or is this whole thing on the up and up?
I just can’t imagine Taylor Swift being obligated to sit at a meet and greet through a wall of plastic during a pandemic.
Are these these type of events really the way to build a fanbase or is this just some outdated thinking/cultural hold over? Outside looking in it seems like the star making machine business model is inherently predatory.