Tokyo Idols + Q&A 18

Girl bands and their pop music are a central part of modern Japanese life. Following an aspiring pop singer Rio and her fans, Tokyo Idols explores a cultural phenomenon driven by an obsession with young female sexuality, and the growing disconnect between men and women in hyper-modern societies.

In this award-winning documentary, Kyoko Miyake takes us inside the fascinating world of the Japanese female-teen Idol industry. At 19, Rio is fast approach the age-limit in an industry that is obsessed with extreme youth.  Rio’s main fans, known as ‘the brothers’ are nearly all mostly middle-aged men who devote their lives to their idolization of Rio and other teen idols. Tokyo Idols explores how an obsession with young female sexuality and Internet popularity is fueling a complex industry that is turning towards ever-younger stars.

Screening and Q&A with director Kyoko Miyake