Miichan, AKB & the Love-Ban-Law

AH! I have to vent about this or go crazy! I'm probably going to sound like a big meany. I am tired of hearing everyone go on about Miichan and how bad they feel for her. I adore Miichan! She's an amazing idol and has brought a lot to AKB as a member. I'm not saying "oh she deserves it" and I don't agree with every angle on the Love-Ban-Law.

Here is the thing though- she's been with the group since Gen 1. She knows the rules, whether she likes and/or agrees with them or not. In order to stay in AKB, you follow the rules. I think the Love-Ban-Law serves a purpose.

I watched a video by TheYoungTurks on YT about "J-pop Idol's Teary Apology for Dating" and got very annoyed. I'm not an expert on Japanese Culture. But people from the outside looking in, that have no knowledge of how the idol world works, don't get it. And the comments the news-reporters made frustrated me.

The part I dislike about AKB and other idols sometimes, is the innocent virgin idol. I know it's to appeal to guys as their fans, to create an image, to let them dream and fantasize about their idol loves. Blah blah blah. Just because AKB's manager was smart enough to find a market on something and sell it like crazy, doesn't mean that the AKB members, other Idols, or the Asian Music Industry are doing something horrible.

In a way, the market caters to females like me as well. I go gaga just as much over my favorite idols and songs, there is definitely an attraction. But my fantasies are the ones where I get to meet the members, or actually go to a concert. It's not always (I can't speak for every) on a sexual level. Being an idol fan, gosh, it's so deep. It's so much. It MEANS so much. It can be hard to put into words the connection we feel.

Anyways, back on topic.

Love-Ban-Law. So many people have been hitting it low and hard since the Miichan scandal. But it's a reasonable rule IMO. It's practical. Imagine having to manage 91 girls, in several different groups. Practices, outfits fittings, video and vocal recordings, not to mention the EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK performances! Plus school and/or college.

The girls are constantly fighting for their position in AKB. They divide their attention between so many things they have to do and do well. They divide themselves up between their managers, teachers, and they also devote time to other members they're close to. Plus they must get family time now and then, right? THEN add in extra time to somehow make a relationship work.

You think there is scandal in AKB now?! It could take ten times the amount of filtering, protecting, and arguments with newspapers and other publishing companies in order to try and keep scandal down. Any tiny glimpse of trouble in paradise with any member's relationship would be all over the news.

I can't even imagine and or describe all of the possible scenarios. It could cause chaos within the group and/or company. Girls unable to balance it all, becoming jealous, running late to practice, and -goodness forbid- getting pregnant at an early age. And yes, it might damage sales or lose them fans. It is a hard fact that fans and selling singles & tickets is what keepts AKB going. If there isn't a group, you can't be in it.

So why trade it all for having no chance to even date?

They're idols. They'll never have 100% private lives as idols. They have to work hard & make choices and/or sacrifices. And to walk into it, knowing that. Especially a powerhouse like AKB. To be in the group, and learn it well. To live it. To be it. You KNOW the rules. You know that you are putting the possibility of a relationship on the back burner.

If you decide you don't like it, that you can't make the sacrifice?

Then leave. Graduate. Move on.

Don't do it behind everyone's back, create a scandal, then be upset when everyone finds out you broke the rules.

That last part isn't directly aimed at Miichan. It's how I generally feel about the Love-Ban-Law. Is it a stupid rule? No. Is it for everyone? No. There isn't a way to make everyone happy. It keeps the idols in check and assists management. They are all part of something bigger than themselves.

"But she's 20 and at her youth's prime and should be allowed to date"

No one but Miichan has taken away her ability to date.

She is a member of AKB. They enforce the Love-Ban-Law. And she chooses to be a part of AKB.

And the recent action she has taken following the scandal?

She wants SO MUCH to stay in AKB. She is so devoted, that instead of leaving the group, she has gone with managements decision and become a trainee. If she put herself through all that anguish, reflected on her actions, the situation and what her options are, and still CHOSE to remain in AKB- then I think she must have decided that it means more to her now than a relationship.

I am happy for her. I know her fellow Gen 1 members will support her, and she'll be the cutest and most talented trainee! Maybe someday she'll get promoted from a trainee again!! I do feel Miichan's sadness. I really hate seeing a beloved idol so worried and emotionally low. But she is like a shining light when she smiles, and I believe in her.

If she leaves AKB within a year or so because she decides she isn't truly happy, or she wants to pursue love- that's okay too. It's what she wants, what will make her happy. The Love-Ban-Law isn't every idols enemy. It only is if they let it be. Management may be management, but there is still some choices involved for the idols.

I wish Miichan all the happiness and success in the world.

But I am going to purposely avoid reading more articles and blog-posts about the scandal lol