I have to say that I agree with everything you wrote here, but also make a little comment: The PV for AKB48’s Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008 included a guy as the love interest of one of the members, Kasai Tomomi. But since the guy was a teacher who basically didn’t even know who she was, and also, Oshima Yuko seemed to have a crush on Tomomi, I think the wotas overlooked this completely.

Also, wotas do see other fans as competition, or as a danger, but this is only relevant in a group like AKB where girls are actually able to interact directly with their fans. I’ve heard stories of wotas hating on a girl because she mentioned another fan in an MC or stuff like that. Freaky…

The romantic male figure they’re talking about in all of their songs is me of course; however, I’m a very busy person, so it’s not feasible for me to make it out to the PV shoots.

Really tho, while I can’t particularly relate to this or a more typical type of relationship with an idol, I totally understand where they’re coming from. Content with fantasy, breaking that pure idol image just wouldn’t fly.

Even my fandom of JE is kind of love-hate- I’m still not entirely sure why I like them, and I’m more into the dramas than the music. Some seem too self-absorbed, but I love them anyway (*ahem* Akanishi Jin). I find a lot of them attractive, but I always try to not let that be the only reason why I admire someone, in my actual life or in entertainment. I’ve decided the reason is mainly charisma- they’ve all got it. For example, Matsumoto Jun in his dramas, even if I don’t like his looks much (or ARASHI’s outfits- entertaining, but somehow sad). And I’ve definitely had that “heeeey, Yamada Ryosuk- wait. No! Wrong! What’s going on?” But that’s probably because all his drama characters have such issues. Like Tantei Gakuen Q- the whole time, I just wanted to hug poor Ryuu.

And I agree, there is a definite mob mentality when it comes to the fandom- I always want to share drama clips with people or gush- kind of like now. I’m partially interested because I’m learning the language and getting into the entertainment is a fun way to expand vocabulary. Also, I’m always kind of torn because I feel like the idol companies exploit their employees, so to speak, so I feel guilty for liking them. But, so long as I don’t become obsessed, I figure it’s okay.

On a more serious note, Vee, you never fail to impress me. Who would have ever thought to compare Japanese idols to muses? Wow.