Many months ago, I was invited by the lovely people at Nante Japan – one of the most important news blogs covering Japanese pop culture in English – to speak about my research on idol fandom in Japan. This is my second time joining the lovely folks of this podcast, after having spoke to them at length about my first book Regimes of Desire during their special pride episode in 2022.

My second podcast interview with them is now available (several months later)!

In this discussion, my hosts Ronald and Hannah and I use our reflections on Usami Rin’s award-winning novella “Idol, Burning” to discuss the feminist potentials of female fandom for male idols in Japan, as well as reflect on representations of fandom more broadly. I outline my ongoing argument that oshi-katsu (pushing one’s bias through consumer behaviour) should be conceptualised as a feminist praxis. I also reflect on recent controversies surrounding male idols in Japan, particularly the unfolding sexual abuse allegations at one of Japan’s largest producers of male idols.

Here is a link to Nante Japan’s write-up of the podcast, as well as links to various streaming services for you to listen if you so desire!