GUEST
Heidi – A Japanese idol
Unpacking Japan’s podcast guest, Heidi is an American member of the Japanese underground idol group Merkmal Mermal. We were delighted to get the chance to sit down with her and talk in-depth about Japan’s idol culture, as well as her unique challenges navigating as a foreigner in the well-known industry.
Why did we reach out to Heidi?
AKB48, Nogizaka46, King & Prince, NiziU—if you’re a fan of Japanese pop culture, these names might sound familiar. While these are some of the biggest names in the industry, many idol groups are gaining traction across various niches, and we wanted to share more about this vibrant scene. Given that the idol industry is composed mostly of Japanese nationals, it’s not every day you encounter a foreign national working in it. That’s why we invited her to share her unique story with our audience.
What we talked about:
Heidi’s Journey to Becoming an Idol
Heidi’s introduction to Japanese culture began at a young age, as she became a fan of shows like Sailor Moon, Mermaid Melody, and other Magical Girl anime series. Around the age of 10 or 11, she realized these captivating shows and theme songs originated from Japan. Later, her online exploration of J-pop music sparked the idea of combining her passion for singing and dancing with Japanese culture by becoming an Idol.
Understanding Idol Culture
The allure of Idol groups is certainly gaining more traction globally thanks to social media. However, this culture is different from the West. In Japan, idol groups can have as many as 48 individuals and they are usually involved in singing accompanied by cute dancing. In Japan, idol groups often serve as the first step into the entertainment industry. As members “graduate” or move on from their idol careers, it is common to see them dive into model, acting, or solo singing careers.
How to Become an Idol
To enter the idol industry, you’ll need to go through countless auditions, and you often have very little time to showcase your talents to recruiters. Producers are looking for one thing: your unique selling point. This could be your looks, communication skills, or talent in singing and dancing.The eligibility window to become an idol is remarkably short, with the age cutoff at some agencies being as early as 18 years old. This is often why you see young children in this industry.
A typical day in Idol life
In Heidi’s case, operating within the underground Idol scene means a demanding schedule. She finds herself training up to three hours a day and performing 3-4 times a week, sometimes with multiple shows in a single day. Couple that with after-show meet-and-greets with fans, and she maintains quite a busy agenda. Despite being so busy, Heidi deeply appreciates her fans, and these interactions are special to her.
With the span of an idol’s life being limited Heidi is passionate about enjoying the moment and has big aspirations. She hopes to make Merkmal Mermal become a common name amongst some of the biggest idol groups and break the other common stereotypes and misconceptions she has experienced in the idol industry. Interested in hearing more about Heidi’s story? Check out the podcast below!
