Leiden University Student Repository

Ramkisoen, Shivam (2024)

Evolution of social media and fan-idol relationships in 'Perfect Blue' and 'Oshi no Ko'

Bachelor thesis | Japanstudies (BA)

This thesis discusses the evolution of social media and fan-idol relationships through the analysis of the film Perfect Blue (1997) and anime series Oshi no Ko (2023). By exploring the historical definitions of “otaku” and “oshi”, this thesis describes how these terms have evolved and reflect broader societal changes within Japanese idol culture. By using feminist theories Laura Mulvey’s “male gaze” and Yasheng She’s “guardian gaze”, this thesis investigates the dynamics of the fan-idol relationship and portrayal of idols in both media. It highlights the commodification of the female body and the impact of online harassment on idols by comparing the experiences depicted in Perfect Blue’s nascent internet culture against Oshi no Ko’s harsher, contemporary environment. Through these analyses, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of media, technology and cultural norms continuously reshape the relationships between fans and idols, presenting new challenges, and...Show moreThis thesis discusses the evolution of social media and fan-idol relationships through the analysis of the film Perfect Blue (1997) and anime series Oshi no Ko (2023). By exploring the historical definitions of “otaku” and “oshi”, this thesis describes how these terms have evolved and reflect broader societal changes within Japanese idol culture. By using feminist theories Laura Mulvey’s “male gaze” and Yasheng She’s “guardian gaze”, this thesis investigates the dynamics of the fan-idol relationship and portrayal of idols in both media. It highlights the commodification of the female body and the impact of online harassment on idols by comparing the experiences depicted in Perfect Blue’s nascent internet culture against Oshi no Ko’s harsher, contemporary environment. Through these analyses, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of media, technology and cultural norms continuously reshape the relationships between fans and idols, presenting new challenges, and possibilities for engagement, privacy and identity in the digital age.Show less

Oshi no Ko

Perfect Blue

anime

fan

idol

relationships

evolution

social media

Author

Ramkisoen, Shivam

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

M.E. Crandol

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en