Translation result.
[MyDaily = Reporter Gwak Myung-dong] A Japanese underground idol is facing backlash after offering fans a provocative service: allowing them to smell her armpits.
At the center of the controversy: Hari Matsumoto
On the 28th, the South China Morning Post reported that Hari Matsumoto, who hails from Wakayama Prefecture, has more than 400,000 social media followers drawn to her energetic, approachable persona. Unlike mainstream idols, Matsumoto performs primarily in small venues such as intimate theaters and live houses, where close interaction with fans is central to her appeal.
Recently, she began offering a post-show meet-and-greet in which, instead of handshakes or hugs, fans were allowed to smell her armpits. In a publicly shared video, a middle-aged man pretended to act like a dog and sniffed her armpit; Matsumoto then embraced him warmly.
One fan wrote online, “Your scent is amazing. I feel like I was born to meet Hari,” praising her enthusiastically. Some supporters pushed further, proposing a so-called “lifetime happiness contract,” pledging their entire income and vowing to end relationships with other women — gestures of devotion that many found unsettling.
“Disgusting” vs. “survival strategy”: opinions split
Criticism of the stunt has been sharp. One commenter wrote, “It’s disgusting. This looks less like an idol and more like cheap adult entertainment.”
Experts say the episode highlights the harsh realities of Japan’s underground idol industry. A documentary titled “The Youth of Japan’s Underground Idols” estimates that roughly 80% of Japanese idols operate under such difficult conditions.
Harsh reality behind the glamour
The financial situation for many is bleak. While the average monthly salary for a typical Japanese office worker is about ¥300,000 (roughly 2,770,000 KRW; roughly $2,010), underground idols usually earn less than ¥120,000 (about 1,110,000 KRW; about $804). Some agencies do not provide base pay, delay wages, or terminate contracts for arbitrary reasons, contributing to widespread unfair labor practices.
A survey by Japanese firm Tsugiste of 102 idols found that more than half reported experiencing mental health problems while active. The survey also reported that 48% had experienced workplace bullying and 12% had faced sexual harassment.
The SCMP added that as Japan’s idol culture expands and the live-streaming economy grows, similar underground idol scenes have started to emerge in places such as Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Most read
-
63-year-old Nam Kyung-joo, a devoted husband and doting father, faces trial after failed settlement over student sexual assault allegations [MD Issue]
-
[Official] 47-year-old Han Da-gam announces surprise pregnancy, becoming the oldest actress to give birth (full statement)
-
TWICE’s Jeongyeon looks transformed after overcoming side effects; sister Gong Seung-yeon asks, “Who is she?”
Most Commented