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Akimoto Yasushi

Akimoto Yasushi – a Second Take.

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about Akimoto Yasushi, the guy who founded the AKB48 jpop empire. Akimoto Yasushi – Good or Evil? I want to revisit that post now. As I’ve become more familiar with Japanese culture, I’ve begun to see nuances that I didn’t before. Are my previous criticisms valid? Yes. He did create an empire that at least has the potential to exploit teenage girls and young women. And as a driver of culture, he bears responsibility for the effects that his songs have… Read More »Akimoto Yasushi – a Second Take.

Akimoto Yasushi – Good or Evil?

      A few days ago, I stumbled upon this interview with Akimoto Yasushi, the mastermind of AKB48 and all of its different sister groups. I listened. I was thoughtful.  And then I lost a little respect for him. I have posted previously about AKB48.  My feelings about them have been conflicted ever since watching “Heavy Rotation” – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a music video with more sexualized connotations since “Anaconda” (though in fairness I don’t watch many at all).  These are girls of various ages wearing… Read More »Akimoto Yasushi – Good or Evil?