148-427: Snow Man is a Japanese idol boy band formed by Starto Entertainment (formerly known as Johnny & Associates ) in 2012. The group was previously a sub-unit of Smile-Up pre-debut trainee group, Junior . The group's activities focused on acrobats and stage play. Along with SixTONES , Snow Man made their official debut on January 22, 2020. The group's simultaneous debut marks the first time for two groups to debut on
296-438: A closeness between idols and fans, some talent agencies offer meet-and-greets in the form of handshake events , where fans have the opportunity to shake hands, take a photograph, and speak briefly with the idols. AKB48 's business model created more opportunities for fan interactions with their "idols you can meet" concept. An example of this are their elections, where fans can vote for their favorite member, thereby including
444-582: A darker image than that of the idol scene norm. Beginning in the mid-to-late 2010s, the Japanese idol industry crossed over with K-pop with the third Korean wave in Japan, which was sparked partially from positive reception of the Japanese members of the South Korean group Twice . In the years that followed, several Japanese and South Korean companies collaborated to form K-pop influenced groups for
592-686: A demand for idols over the industry's growth. Work schedules for idols have been criticized for being excessive, as idols are expected to work even when sick. Miki Gonobe from Nikkan Sports noted that idols generally do not have a labor union and agencies see no need for one, as they view idol activities akin to extracurricular activities at school. She voiced concerns about young girls becoming idols at an early age, especially elementary school students. In addition, Sasetsu Takeda of GQ Japan criticized some idol managements for intentionally preventing their talents from taking time off, mentioning it "strange" that idols are only notified of their assignments
740-472: A global consumer base, such as Iz*One , JO1 , and NiziU . Passionate male fans of idols are colloquially referred to as wota ( ヲタ ) , derived from the word " otaku ." Beginning in the 1980s, they formed cheering groups known as bodyguards ( 親衛隊 , shin'eitai ) to support idols at concerts and public appearances. During these events, the wota perform wotagei , an organized sequence of fan chants and dancing to show appreciation for
888-454: A group are often given a farewell concert known as "graduations" ( 卒業式 , sotsugyō-shiki ) . The term originated from the idol group Onyanko Club , as the group's youthful concept drew similarities to an after-school club, and the fact that Miharu Nakajima 's final single before retirement was released around graduation season in Japan. Prior to the 1980s, the terms "retirement" and "disbandment" were used. "Graduation" saw usage again in
1036-411: A mix of video game livestreaming , entertainment, and music. The idol system has been criticized for its strict rules, intense work schedules, and offering idols little control over their personal lives. The system has been likened to salarymen in Japan who are unable to disobey their employers. Labor rights activist Shohei Sakagura stated that idols get very little revenue and are ill-prepared for
1184-523: A model for other pop idol industries, such as K-pop . Sub-categories of idols include gravure idols , junior idols , net idols , idol voice actors , virtual idols , AV idols , alternative idols , underground idols, Akiba-kei idols, local idols, bandols, and Japanese- South Korean idols . An idol is a type of entertainer whose image is manufactured to cultivate a dedicated consumer fan following. Talent agencies commercialize idols by recruiting preteens and teenagers with little or no experience in
1332-579: A national subdivision. In 1915, the monthon was split into several provinces, the administrative boundaries of which have since further changed. The city in its current form was created in 1972 with the formation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), following the merger of Phra Nakhon province on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya and Thonburi province on the west during the previous year. The origin of
1480-752: A natural feature. In the 1940s, enclosing concrete walls were added to stop the hill from eroding. Like most of Thailand, Bangkok has a tropical savanna climate (Aw) under the Köppen climate classification and is under the influence of the Asian monsoon system. The city experiences three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool, although temperatures are fairly hot year-round, ranging from an average low of 23.2 °C (73.8 °F) in December to an average high of 35.7 °C (96.3 °F) in April. The annual average temperature
1628-637: A part of Island TV, a website that provides video streaming exclusive for Johnny's Jr. members. The group's debut was first announced by Takizawa, who is told by Johnny Kitagawa in his hospital bed in June 2019. Debuting at the same time as SixTONES, the announcement was officially made in Johnny's Jr. 8.8 Matsuri 〜Tokyo Dome kara Hajimaru〜 concert on August 8, 2019. They also "graduated" from Johhny's Jr. official YouTube channel and officially opened their own YouTube channel on December 25, 2019. On February 1, 2020,
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#17327839788911776-545: A rehaul in Seiko Matsuda 's public image. Namie Amuro , who gained fame as the lead singer of Super Monkey's , found popularity among young girls who emulated her appearance. At the same time, Speed also found a fan following. However, neither Amuro nor Speed referred to themselves under the idol label. While idols appeared less in mainstream media, the popularity of Onyanko Club from the 1980s led to an increase of idol groups with large numbers of members debuting in
1924-422: A release that sells more than a million copies. Their total physical sales in Japan are 20 million copies. In January 2022, Snow Man moved from label Avex Trax to Ment Recording. Ment Recording is a newly established joint label between Avex Entertainment and Smile-Up. The other group from the same company and under Avex Trax, Kis-My-Ft2 , moved to Ment Recording as well. The group was preceded by Mis Snow Man,
2072-531: A rise by 2100 to, on average, 297 to 344 days at or above 32 °C. Bangkok's fifty districts serve as administrative subdivisions under the authority of the BMA. Thirty-five of these districts lie to the east of the Chao Phraya, while fifteen are on the western bank, known as the Thonburi side of the city. The fifty districts, arranged by district code, are: Bangkok's districts often do not accurately represent
2220-447: A sex tourism destination. Disproportionate urban development led to increasing income inequalities and migration from rural areas into Bangkok; its population surged from 1.8 million to 3 million in the 1960s. Following the US withdrawal from Vietnam in 1973, Japanese businesses took over as leaders in investment, and the expansion of export-oriented manufacturing led to growth of
2368-508: A special administrative area under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in 1972, grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s and now exerts a significant impact on Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society. The Asian investment boom in the 1980s and 1990s led many multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city is now a regional force in finance, business and pop culture. It
2516-535: A specific concept appealing to certain audiences. The popularity of young female singers can be traced back to Sayuri Yoshinaga in the 1960s, as well as the Takarazuka Revue and theater shows from the Meiji era . In 1962, Johnny Kitagawa founded Johnny & Associates and created the group Johnnys , which is retroactively considered the first idol group in Japan. He is also credited with pioneering
2664-410: A specific concept appealing to different audiences. To celebrate the diversity of idols, AKB48, Shoko Nakagawa , and Leah Dizon performed a medley called "Special Medley: Latest Japan Proud Culture" at the 58th Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2007, introduced as " Akiba-kei idols" with each act described as a different sub-genre of idols. The idol industry experienced a rapid growth in the beginning of
2812-685: A third revision is undergoing public hearings in 2012. Bangkok's historic centre remains the Rattanakosin Island in Phra Nakhon District. It is the site of the Grand Palace and the City Pillar Shrine, primary symbols of the city's founding, as well as important Buddhist temples. Phra Nakhon, along with the neighbouring Pom Prap Sattru Phai and Samphanthawong Districts, formed what was the city proper in
2960-435: A unit formed in 2009 that consists of 9 people. The group has been active in stage play series Takizawa Kabuki since 2010. Among them, a unit consists of Tatsuya Fukazawa, Daisuke Sakuma, Shota Watanabe, Ryota Miyadate, Hikaru Iwamoto, and Ryohei Abe was later formed on May 3, 2012. The group's new name, Snow Man, was first announced when the six men stood in the stage of Takizawa Kabuki 2012 , when letters suddenly appeared on
3108-495: A way of having a long-term relationship without the prospect of supporting a family or dealing with awkwardness outside of a controlled environment. The idol fan culture idealizes the idea of moe , where vulnerability is seen as an attractive trait. Using idols from Johnny & Associates as an example, male idols appeal to female fans by representing a pseudo-romantic ideal for them. However, there are some female fans, particularly in Japan, who prefer to put themselves in
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#17327839788913256-512: A year. Beginning in the 1980s, companies would compete to secure contracts for idols in dramas, which led to the current four-season television cour in Japan. Variety, talk, and music shows also became popular, in part for featuring idols as guests or the stars of the show. The idol industry has crossed over to anime and video games. Using a media mix strategy, various multimedia projects have used fictional idols to market Japanese pop culture and anison music. The series Creamy Mami,
3404-399: Is Ficus benjamina . Giant barb ( Catlocarpio siamensis ) has been chosen as the aquatic animal of Bangkok. The official city slogan, adopted in 2012, reads: As built by deities, the administrative centre, dazzling palaces and temples, the capital of Thailand กรุงเทพฯ ดุจเทพสร้าง เมืองศูนย์กลางการปกครอง วัดวังงามเรืองรอง เมืองหลวงของประเทศไทย As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is
3552-498: Is 28.9 °C (84.0 °F). The rainy season begins with the arrival of the southwest monsoon around mid-May. September is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 335.9 millimetres (13.22 in). The rainy season lasts until October, when the dry and cool northeast monsoon takes over until February. The hot season is generally dry, but also sees occasional summer storms. The surface magnitude of Bangkok's urban heat island has been measured at 2.5 °C (4.5 °F) during
3700-423: Is 3.3 square metres (36 sq ft) of green space per person, compared to an average of 39 square metres (420 sq ft) in other cities across Asia. In Europe, London has 33.4 m of green space per head. Bangkokians thus have 10 times less green space than is standard in the region's urban areas. Green belt areas include about 700 square kilometres (270 sq mi) of rice paddies and orchards on
3848-482: Is a type of entertainer marketed for image, attractiveness, and personality in Japanese pop culture . Idols are primarily singers with training in other performance skills such as acting, dancing, and modeling. Idols are commercialized through merchandise and endorsements by talent agencies , while maintaining a parasocial relationship with a financially loyal consumer fan base. Japan's idol industry first emerged in
3996-545: Is among its most important road junctions, serving over 100 bus lines as well as an elevated train station. From the monument, Phahonyothin and Ratchawithi / Din Daeng Roads respectively run north and east linking to major residential areas. Most of the high-density development areas are within the 113-square-kilometre (44 sq mi) area encircled by the Ratchadaphisek inner ring road. Ratchadaphisek
4144-471: Is among the world's top tourist destinations, and has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings. Bangkok's rapid growth coupled with little urban planning has resulted in a haphazard cityscape and inadequate infrastructure. Despite an extensive expressway network , an inadequate road network and substantial private car usage have led to chronic and crippling traffic congestion , which caused severe air pollution in
4292-420: Is an international hub for transport and health care, and has emerged as a centre for the arts, fashion, and entertainment. The city is known for its street life and cultural landmarks, as well as its red-light districts . The Grand Palace and Buddhist temples including Wat Arun and Wat Pho stand in contrast with other tourist attractions such as the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong . Bangkok
4440-481: Is an issue in the gulf coastal area, a small length of which lies within Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian District . Tidal flat ecosystems existed on the coast; however, many have been reclaimed for agriculture, aquaculture, and salt works. There are no mountains in Bangkok. The closest mountain range is the Khao Khiao Massif , about 40 km (25 mi) southeast of the city. Phu Khao Thong, the only hill in
4588-502: Is characterised by a top layer of soft marine clay , known as "Bangkok clay", averaging 15 metres (49 ft) in thickness, which overlies an aquifer system consisting of eight known units. This feature has contributed to the effects of subsidence caused by extensive groundwater pumping. First discovered in the 1970s, subsidence soon became a critical issue, reaching a rate of 120 millimetres (4.7 in) per year in 1981. Ground water management and mitigation measures have since lessened
Snow Man - Misplaced Pages Continue
4736-596: Is found in many of its soi s ('alley' or 'lane'). Bangkok lacks a single distinct central business district . Instead, the areas of Siam and Ratchaprasong serve as a "central shopping district" containing many of the bigger malls and commercial areas in the city, as well as Siam Station , formerly the only transfer point between the city's then-two elevated train lines (the Sukhumvit and Silom BTS lines). The Victory Monument in Ratchathewi District
4884-426: Is found within the city limits: 3,887 rai (6.2 km ; 2.4 sq mi), amounting to 0.4 per cent of city area. Land use in the city consists of 23 per cent residential use, 24 per cent agriculture, and 30 per cent used for commerce, industry, and government. The BMA's City Planning Department (CPD) is responsible for planning and shaping further development. It published master plan updates in 1999 and 2006, and
5032-676: Is lined with businesses and retail outlets, and office buildings also cluster around Ratchayothin Intersection in Chatuchak District to the north. Farther from the city centre, most areas are primarily mid- or low-density residential. The Thonburi side of the city is less developed, with fewer high rises. With the exception of a few secondary urban centres, Thonburi, in the same manner as the outlying eastern districts, consists mostly of residential and rural areas. While most of Bangkok's streets are fronted by vernacular shophouses ,
5180-579: Is located. Ban Khrua on Saen Saep Canal is home to descendants of the Cham who settled in the late 18th century. Although the Portuguese who settled during the Thonburi period have ceased to exist as a distinct community, their past is reflected in Santa Cruz Church , on the west bank of the river. Likewise, Assumption Cathedral on Charoen Krung Road is among many European-style buildings in
5328-603: Is managed by a district director appointed by the governor. District councils, elected to four-year terms, serve as advisory bodies to their respective district directors. The BMA is divided into sixteen departments, each overseeing different aspects of the administration's responsibilities. Most of these responsibilities concern the city's infrastructure, and include city planning, building control, transportation, drainage, waste management and city beautification, as well as education, medical and rescue services. Many of these services are provided jointly with other agencies. The BMA has
5476-601: Is more commonly translated as 'City of Angels', which is also used to draw comparisons with Los Angeles in the United States, a comparably sized city with similar traffic issues. Another nickname sometimes used to refer to the city is The Big Mango, a tongue-in-cheek comparison to The Big Apple for New York City . The city of Bangkok is locally governed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Although its boundaries are at
5624-527: Is the centrally located Lumphini Park near the Silom–Sathon business district with an area of 57.6 hectares (142 acres). It is connected by a 1.3 km elevated pedestrian and bicycle walkway to the Benjakitti Park, which includes a recently completed expansion including wetlands, skywalks and rare plants. Other parks include the 80-hectare (200-acre) Suanluang Rama IX in the east of the city, and
5772-604: Is the site of many of the country's major corporate headquarters, but also of some of the city's red-light districts . The Siam and Ratchaprasong areas in Pathum Wan are home to some of the largest shopping malls in Southeast Asia . Numerous retail outlets and hotels also stretch along Sukhumvit Road leading southeast through Watthana and Khlong Toei Districts. More office towers line the streets branching off Sukhumvit, especially Asok Montri , while upmarket housing
5920-533: Is their relationship with fans, and they are marketed intentionally by talent agencies to have a high emotional connection with their consumer fan base. Fans are built as active supporters into the narrative of the idol's journey to become a professional entertainer, viewing them as siblings, daughters/sons, or girl/boy next door types due to how easily they can relate to the public. One documented example are fans of female idols, typically consisting of men from 30 to 40 years of age, who seek interactions with them as
6068-548: The Chatuchak – Queen Sirikit – Wachirabenchathat park complex in northern Bangkok, which has a combined area of 92 hectares (230 acres). More parks are expected to be created through the Green Bangkok 2030 project, which aims to leave the city with 10 square metres (110 sq ft) of green space per person, including 30% of the city having tree cover. The city of Bangkok has a population of 8,305,218 according to
Snow Man - Misplaced Pages Continue
6216-504: The Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. In the late 2000s, Vocaloid software Hatsune Miku was received positively among amateur music producers, who used her as an avatar to perform their compositions, influencing Akiba-kei music. In the early 2010s, idol-themed multimedia projects, such as Love Live! , The Idolmaster , and Uta no Prince-sama , became popular. Professor Marc Steinberg suggested that
6364-483: The nine gems , seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra 's behest. The name is listed in Guinness World Records as the world's longest place name , at 168 letters. Many Thais who recall the full name do so because of its use in the 1989 song "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" by Thai rock band Asanee–Wasan , the lyrics of which consist entirely of
6512-500: The 1960s and became prominent in the 1970s and 1980s due to television. During the 1980s, regarded as the "Golden Age of Idols", idols drew in commercial interest and began appearing in commercials and television dramas. As more niche markets began to appear in the late 2000s and early 2010s, it led to a significant growth in the industry known as the "Idol Warring Period." Today, over 10,000 teenage girls in Japan are idols, with over 3,000 groups active. Japan's idol industry has been used as
6660-716: The 1980s to be known as the "Golden Age of Idols", in part due to Japan's economic bubble and growing commercial interest in them. Several figures who defined the Golden Age of Idols are Seiko Matsuda , Akina Nakamori , Kyōko Koizumi , and Onyanko Club . Television programs in which idols appeared often enjoyed high viewer ratings. Dentsu also created the "CM idol" business model , where idols were able to gain fame by singing and appearing in commercials. Onyanko Club, in particular, shifted public perception of idols from professional stars to ordinary schoolgirls who would gain experience throughout their career. They were also
6808-409: The 1980s, uses idols' public image as a marketing asset. As the career of idols are dependent on their image, contracting offices create their image based upon trends in the market and with the intent of generating as much revenue as possible. Along with promoting products, commercials are also a cross-platform to promote idols at the same time by keeping both brand and idol product in the forefront of
6956-454: The 1990s during the revival of idol groups when Tsunku , who produced the group Morning Musume , used the term as a euphemism regarding one of the members leaving the group. An idol having a "graduation" ceremony is seen more favorably than terminating a contract or voluntarily withdrawing, as the latter two terms are negatively connoted with scandals. The diversity of Japan's idol industry has created several sub-category markets, each with
7104-495: The 1990s, performing under independent record labels. These idols became known as underground idols. Because of the lack of publicity over idols on television, many turned to the Internet. Johnny & Associates observed the popularity of former Shibugakitai member Hirohide Yakumaru's success as an MC on variety shows, which prompted them to develop and market their current acts with distinct public personalities. Groups from
7252-486: The 1990s. The city has since turned to public transport in an attempt to solve the problem, operating 10 urban rail lines and building other public transit; however, congestion remains a prevalent issue. The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15th century, to when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River , under the rule of Ayutthaya . Because of its strategic location near
7400-499: The 2010 census, or 12.6 per cent of the national population, while 2020 estimates place the figure at 10.539 million (15.3 per cent). Roughly half are internal migrants from other Thai provinces; population registry statistics recorded 5,676,648 residents belonging to 2,959,524 households in 2018. Much of Bangkok's daytime population commutes from surrounding provinces in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region,
7548-465: The 2010s, and the media coined the nickname "Idol Warring Period" ( アイドル戦国時代 , Aidoru Sengoku Jidai ) to describe the phenomenon. Lawyer Kunitaka Kasai cited the Internet as a reason for the rapid growth of idols, as anyone can upload videos onto websites, and AKB48's business model encouraged this even further through creating more opportunities for fan interactivity. The 2013 television drama Amachan also inspired more idol groups to appear,
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#17327839788917696-597: The Bangkok Metropolitan Council. The council is the BMA's legislative body, and has power over municipal ordinances and the city's budget. The latest gubernatorial election took place on 22 May 2022 after an extended lapse following the 2014 Thai coup d'état , and was won by Chadchart Sittipunt . Bangkok is divided into fifty districts ( khet , equivalent to amphoe in the other provinces), which are further subdivided into 180 sub-districts ( khwaeng , equivalent to tambon ). Each district
7844-605: The Department of Employment, more than half of them migrants from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Following its establishment as capital city in 1782, Bangkok grew only slightly throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries. British diplomat John Crawfurd , visiting in 1822, estimated its population at no more than 50,000. As a result of Western medicine brought by missionaries as well as increased immigration from both within Siam and overseas, Bangkok's population gradually increased as
7992-551: The Grand Palace, reflect the heavy influence of European architecture at the time. Major government offices line the avenue, as does the Democracy Monument . The area is the site of the country's seat of power as well as the city's most popular tourist landmarks. In contrast with the low-rise historic areas, the business district on Si Lom and Sathon Roads in Bang Rak and Sathon Districts teems with skyscrapers. It
8140-467: The Magic Angel was the first notable anime series to use a media mix marketing strategy, where Takako Ōta would provide the voice to the main character and portray her at music events; the series was used as a vehicle to launch her singing career. The first fictional idol to cross over to mainstream media is Lynn Minmay from Macross , whose 1984 single, " Ai Oboete Imasu ka ", charted at #7 on
8288-480: The Matsuno sextuplets while the rest, Ryōta Miyadate, Shōta Watanabe, and Ryōhei Abe, as the movie's original character, each named Period, End, and Close respectively. The film premiered on March 25, 2022. The group also provided the film's theme song "Brother Beat." In the same month, the group announced their first album release titled Snow Mania S1 . The album released on September 29, 2021. The first edition A of
8436-595: The Old Farang Quarter, where European diplomats and merchants lived in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Nearby, the Haroon Mosque is the centre of a Muslim community. Newer expatriate communities exist along Sukhumvit Road, including the Japanese community near Soi Phrom Phong and Soi Thong Lo , and the Arab and North African neighbourhood along Soi Nana. Sukhumvit Plaza, a mall on Soi Sukhumvit 12,
8584-662: The album contains the highly requested group's pre-debut original songs, including "Make It Hot!" and "Owaranai Memories." Member Ryota Miyadate was chosen as the Swarovski jewelry brand's first ambassador in Japan, as revealed on October 1, 2024. In the same month, the group performed the ending theme song for the second season of the anime Blue Lock , titled "One". Tokyo , Japan Tokyo , Japan Tokyo , Japan Tokyo , Japan Saitama , Japan Chiba , Japan Nara , Japan Tokyo , Japan Tokyo , Japan Japanese idol An idol ( アイドル , aidoru )
8732-488: The area was originally swampland , which was gradually drained and irrigated for agriculture by the construction of canals ( khlong ) which took place from the 16th to 19th centuries. The course of the river as it flows through Bangkok has been modified by the construction of several shortcut canals . The city's waterway network served as the primary means of transport until the late 19th century, when modern roads began to be built. Up until then, most people lived near or on
8880-542: The authority to implement local ordinances, although civil law enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police Bureau . The seal of the city shows Hindu god Indra riding in the clouds on Airavata , a divine white elephant known in Thai as Erawan. In his hand Indra holds his weapon, the vajra . The seal is based on a painting done by Prince Naris . The tree symbol of Bangkok
9028-408: The availability of having home television sets gave audiences greater accessibility of seeing idols at any time compared to going to theaters. Momoe Yamaguchi , Junko Sakurada , Saori Minami , and Mari Amachi , some of the idols recruited through television, were some of the more popular figures of this era, along with groups such as Candies and Pink Lady . Saori Minami, who debuted in 1971,
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#17327839788919176-485: The big screen behind them. The group's name was officially announced both to them and audience as a surprise. While active as back dancers for Tackey & Tsubasa , Kis-My-Ft2 , A.B.C-Z , and other senior groups, they also regularly appeared in stage plays Dream Boys and Takizawa Kabuki , and from 2015, Shonen-tachi and its movie version. Since all of them are good at acrobatics, they are sometimes referred as "the craftsman group" and are often nominated by seniors in
9324-526: The capital to the eastern bank's Rattanakosin Island , thus founding the Rattanakosin Kingdom . The City Pillar was erected on 21 April 1782, which is regarded as the date of foundation of Bangkok as the capital. Bangkok's economy gradually expanded through international trade, first with China , then with Western merchants returning in the early-to-mid 19th century. As the capital, Bangkok
9472-791: The center position in the group's choreography and thus receives the most focus. Another example is the leader, usually relegated to the oldest or most experienced member in the group, who acts as an intermediary for the members and the staff. Idols are seen as role models to the public, and their personal lives and image can sometimes be tightly controlled by their talent agencies. Common restrictions include not being allowed to smoke or drink in public, or pursue romantic relationships. Idols generally perform in elaborate costumes for specific performances. Costumes are created for each song in their promotion cycle, as well as graduation events, and some groups have their own in-house costume designer. AKB48 , in particular, has had over 1,102 costumes created for
9620-999: The city as envoy of the United States in 1833, noted that the city, since becoming capital, was known as Sia-Yut'hia , and this is the name used in international treaties of the period. The city's ceremonial name came into use during the reign of King Mongkut. The full name reads as follows: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบูรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์ The name, composed of Pali and Sanskrit root words, translates as: City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of
9768-411: The city modernized in the late 19th century. This growth became even more pronounced in the 1930s, following the discovery of antibiotics. Although family planning and birth control were introduced in the 1960s, the lowered birth rate was more than offset by increased migration from the provinces as economic expansion accelerated. Only in the 1990s have Bangkok's population growth rates decreased, following
9916-457: The city occurred in 1995 and 2011 . In 2011, most of Bangkok's northern, eastern and western districts were flooded, in some places for over two months. Bangkok's coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels due to global warming and climate change. A study by the OECD has estimated that 5.138 million people in Bangkok may be exposed to coastal flooding by 2070,
10064-440: The city's full name, repeated throughout the song. Today, the city is officially known in Thai by a shortened form of the full ceremonial name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon ( กรุงเทพมหานคร ), which is colloquially further shortened to Krung Thep ( กรุงเทพฯ ). Krung กรุง is a Thai word of Khmer origin, meaning 'capital, king', while thep , เทพ is from Pali/Sanskrit deva , meaning 'deity' or 'god'. The name
10212-553: The city's population is Buddhist, according to the 2010 census. Other religions include Islam (4.6 per cent), Christianity (1.9 per cent), Hinduism (0.3 per cent), Sikhism (0.1 per cent) and Confucianism (0.1 per cent). Apart from Yaowarat, Bangkok also has several other distinct ethnic neighbourhoods. The Indian community is centred in Phahurat , where the Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha, founded in 1933,
10360-437: The company as "Junior members they want to have as back dancers." While has been always described as "the best dancer among Junior" since their formation in 2012 and despite their appearances in theater, the group couldn't get the chance to get a debut, leading to its member to "having a thought of leaving several times." In January 2019, Raul from Shonen Ninja, Ren Meguro from Uchuu Six, and a member from Kansai Junior Koji Mukai,
10508-441: The company began gaining more attention, drawing in fans from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and their marketing success led to many other idols doing the same. In the mid-1990s, there was an increase in young idols in the elementary school age, which the media described as the "Chidol (child idol) Boom." The term "chidol" was coined by journalist Akio Nakamori in the magazine Weekly Spa! In the 2000s, "chidol" saw fewer usage, and it
10656-459: The consumers' minds. Pitches for commercials are often made with a specific idol who matches the company's image in mind. Idols contracted to particular brands are expected to uphold the brand's image and may not work for competing brands or networks; the agreement extends to magazine advertisements, online videos, and appearances in dramas. Idols may also provide the music or jingle for commercials. The idol industry makes approximately $ 1 billion
10804-495: The country's population. Over 17.4 million people (25%) live within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region as of the 2021 estimate, making Bangkok a megacity and an extreme primate city , dwarfing Thailand's other urban centres in both size and importance to the national economy. Bangkok traces its roots to a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, which eventually grew and became
10952-411: The course of their careers and with support from their fans. Despite being trained in multiple roles in entertainment, idols in Japan are not expected to meet the high standards of performances that professionals in their fields do. Because of their manufactured image, idols are generally not regarded as authentic artists. Likewise, many young Japanese artists pursuing careers in acting or music reject
11100-586: The day and 8.0 °C (14 °F) at night. The highest recorded temperature of Bangkok metropolis was 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) on 7 May 2023, and the lowest recorded temperature was 9.9 °C (49.8 °F) in January 1955. The Climate Impact Group at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies projected severe weather impacts on Bangkok caused by climate change . It found that Bangkok in 1960 had 193 days at or above 32 °C. In 2018, Bangkok can expect 276 days at or above 32 °C. The group forecasts
11248-530: The early 2000s. When AKB48 debuted in 2006, the group used a school concept and the members have performed in various stylized costumes based on school uniforms. Since then, other groups have used stylized school uniforms as costumes, such as AKB48's sister groups, Sakura Gakuin , and Sakurazaka46 , with some modifications to suit the groups' image and choreography. In 2017, Nihon Tarento Meikan noted that stylized school uniforms being used as costumes gained popularity through AKB48 due to their unique designs,
11396-407: The early 2010s, the diversification of the idol industry led to several acts mixing pop music with other musical genres such as alternative rock and heavy metal ; this was pioneered by Bis and Seiko Oomori and was given the sub-category " alternative idol " by English-speaking publications. They have also been known for utilising shock value to gain public and media attention and making use of
11544-513: The early days of its founding: several ethnic communities were formed by immigrants and forced settlers including the Khmer , northern Thai , Lao , Vietnamese , Mon and Malay . Most prominent were the Chinese, who played major roles in the city's trade and became the majority of Bangkok's population—estimates include up to three-fourths in 1828 and almost half in the 1950s. Chinese immigration
11692-558: The eastern and western edges of the city, although their primary purpose is to serve as flood detention basins rather than to limit urban expansion. Bang Kachao , a 20-square-kilometre (7.7 sq mi) conservation area on an oxbow of the Chao Phraya, lies just across the southern riverbank districts, in Samut Prakan province . A master development plan has been proposed to increase total park area to 4 square metres (43 sq ft) per person. One of Bangkok's largest parks
11840-428: The entertainment industry, and market them as aspiring stars. Idols are marketed for their image, attractiveness, and personalities. An idol's main objective is to "sell dreams", offering fans a form of escapism from the troubles of daily life. Idols are predominantly singers, but are also often trained in acting, dancing, and modeling. This style of recruiting and training was pioneered by Johnny Kitagawa ,
11988-663: The exception of Chachoengsao, these provinces, together with Bangkok, form the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Region . Bangkok is situated in the Chao Phraya River delta in Thailand's central plain . The river meanders through the city in a southerly direction, emptying into the Gulf of Thailand approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of city centre. The area is flat and low-lying, with an average elevation of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level . Most of
12136-486: The fans directly into the members' individual success. Because idols share an intimate relationship with their fans, fans may feel "betrayed" if idols reveal unfavorable parts of their personal lives that are different from the image they present, or break the illusion that they are there exclusively for fans. Idols often appear in advertising, with 50–70% of commercials in Japan featuring an idol. The "CM idol" business model, conceptualized by advertising agency Dentsu in
12284-402: The film sold more than a million copies in Japan. Vartan was heralded for her youthful, adorable looks and musical talent, leading the Japanese entertainment industry to assign the word "idol" to singers who shared a similar aesthetic. Television greatly impacted the popularity of the idol phenomenon, as beginning in the 1970s, many idols were recruited through audition programs. In addition,
12432-407: The financial market in Bangkok. Rapid growth of the city continued through the 1980s and early 1990s, until it was stalled by the 1997 Asian financial crisis . By then, many public and social issues had emerged, among them the strain on infrastructure reflected in the city's notorious traffic jams. Bangkok's role as the nation's political stage continues to be seen in strings of popular protests, from
12580-442: The first group to introduce a "graduation system", where older members would eventually leave the group while newer inexperienced members would join, with the system being named such as the group drew similarities to a school club. Onyanko Club also led to idols becoming closely associated with television due to the popularity of their variety show, as the visual component became important to the overall enjoyment of their music. At
12728-425: The first week more than 841k physical copies, and became in the best selling first week for a boygroup studio album in Japan history, and in the second best week for a debut album in the country history. Their single Grandeur was the best-selling release of 2021 in Japan with more than 1 million physical copies sold, with this Snow Man became the first male artist since L'Arc~en~Ciel in 1999 to have two consecutive years
12876-540: The founder of Johnny & Associates , and has since been used in other pop idol industries such as Korean idols in K-pop . Idols often spend time isolated from family and friends while enduring busy work schedules, with some agencies withholding job assignments from their talents and notifying them of work on short notice to prevent them from taking time off. Some talent agencies do not rigorously train their idols and market them as amateurs who will gain experience over
13024-629: The functional divisions of its neighbourhoods or land usage. Although urban planning policies date back to the commission of the "Litchfield Plan" in 1960, which set out strategies for land use, transportation and general infrastructure improvements, zoning regulations were not fully implemented until 1992. As a result, the city grew organically throughout the period of its rapid expansion, both horizontally as ribbon developments extended along newly built roads, and vertically, with increasing numbers of high rises and skyscrapers being built in commercial areas. The city has grown from its original centre along
13172-722: The group marked their first overseas appearance in Japan Expo Thailand 2020 . Their Asia tour titled Snow Man ASIA TOUR 2D.2D in Kanagawa Prefecture , Osaka , and Tokyo, as well as overseas live in Bangkok , Singapore , Jakarta , and Taipei had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . In March 2020, the group received their own television show titled Sore Snow Man ni Yarasete Kudasai ( それSnowManにやらせて下さい , lit. Leave It to Snow Man ) . The show's
13320-641: The group since 2017. The outfits worn by female idols are generally described as "cute", while outfits worn by male idols are described as "cool." Among many idol groups, school uniforms have been used as a standard costume. The integration of school uniforms in the idol industry originated from Onyanko Club , who debuted in 1985 with a concept based on school. Following their disbandment in 1987, other groups began adopting school uniforms as costumes, such as CoCo and Ribbon , two groups put together by Fuji TV 's audition programs, followed by Seifuku Kōjō Iinkai [ ja ] in 1992 and Morning Musume in
13468-559: The group's dating ban to similar dating bans for baseball teams competing at the Kōshien , where dating is seen as a distraction from preparing for tournaments. On the other hand, critics have suggested a dating ban is implemented in order to sell a fantasy of idols being accessible to their fans and disagreed with them for being inhumane. The Japan Times noted that aside from talent agencies, idol fan culture has contributed to this, especially with male fans of female idols; male fans buy into
13616-472: The group, and Nagata filed a counter lawsuit for libel and resigned several days later. On February 10, 2020, the Tokyo District Court dismissed his claims and ordered him to pay ¥1.1 million to the woman in damages. Most idols are not allowed to form romantic relationships or must obtain permission from their agencies to get married. Yasushi Akimoto , the producer of AKB48 , likened
13764-548: The idea of " moe ", which fetishizes weakness and submissiveness while asserting "complete control" over the girls' sexual independence. Several idols who were confirmed to have been dismissed, suspended, demoted, or forced to leave their groups following reports of them dating or having sexual relations include Mari Yaguchi , Ai Kago , Aya Hirano , Rino Sashihara , and Minami Minegishi . Minegishi, in particular, caught international media attention after her apology video went viral, causing international criticism over
13912-410: The idol label in their bid to be seen as professionals. Music from idol singers is generally categorized under J-pop , though talent agencies may label them under the sub-genre "idol pop" for further distinction. Many idol singers find success as groups rather than individually. Within each idol group, the members are sometimes given distinct roles. One example of a role is the center, who occupies
14060-480: The idol system commodifying youth, the industry is criticized for putting minors at risk, most particularly junior idols , who are aged 15 years and younger. Idol swimsuit photo books are often sold in the same sections as pornographic titles. In 1999, Japan banned production and distribution of sexually explicit depictions of minors, which outlawed photo books depicting nude junior idols. Multiple junior idol distributors closed after possession of child pornography
14208-627: The idol trainee system, where talents would be accepted in the agency at a young age and train not only in singing, but also dancing and acting, until they were ready for debut. However, the concept of an idol was not defined by mainstream Japanese media until in November 1964, when the 1963 French film Cherchez l'idole was released in Japan under the title Aidoru o Sagase ( アイドルを探せ ) . Many Japanese audiences took interest in Sylvie Vartan , whose song " La plus belle pour aller danser " from
14356-581: The idols' accessibility may cause fans to be unable to distinguish between fantasy and real life. Talent agencies have also been criticized over offering inadequate protection towards idols after several incidents of violent attacks on female idols such as the saw attack on Anna Iriyama and Rina Kawaei , the stabbing of Mayu Tomita , and the assault of Maho Yamaguchi . Idols are often sexualized, especially female idols, some of whom also work as gravure idols and have suggestive swimsuit photo shoots that are published in magazines targeted towards adults. With
14504-476: The idols. Fan chants where an idol's name is called after each bar is sung was popularized by Mari Amachi 's fans in the 1970s. Because mainstream Japanese media exercises self-censorship over taboo, controversial subjects, fans are influential in circulating under-reported news through social media. Idol fan culture has introduced several slang terms into the Japanese public, including: A notable trait of idols that sets them apart from typical celebrities
14652-600: The large slums in Khlong Toei District . In total there were 125 squatted areas. Bangkok has several parks, although these amount to a per capita total park area of only 1.82 square metres (19.6 sq ft) in the city proper. Total green space for the entire city is moderate, at 11.8 square metres (127 sq ft) per person. In the more densely built-up areas of the city these numbers are as low as 1.73 and 0.72 square metres (18.6 and 7.8 sq ft) per person. More recent numbers claim that there
14800-515: The largely unrestricted building euphoria of the 1980s has transformed the city into an urban area of skyscrapers and high rises of contrasting and clashing styles. There are 581 skyscrapers over 90 metres (300 feet) tall in the city. Bangkok was ranked as the world's eighth tallest city in 2016. As a result of persistent economic disparity , many slums have emerged in the city. In 2000 there were over one million people living in about 800 informal settlements . Some settlements are squatted such as
14948-519: The late 19th century. Many traditional neighbourhoods and markets are found here, including the Chinese settlement of Sampheng . The city was expanded toward Dusit District in the early 19th century, following King Chulalongkorn's relocation of the royal household to the new Dusit Palace . The buildings of the palace, including the neoclassical Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall , as well as the Royal Plaza and Ratchadamnoen Avenue which leads to it from
15096-627: The majority of them being "local idols" who performed in specific rural communities. Several independent idol groups also crossed over into mainstream, such as Dempagumi.inc , Dorothy Little Happy , and Rev. from DVL , the latter of which gained mainstream popularity after a photo of then-member Kanna Hashimoto went viral. Since 2010, the biggest idol concert festival, Tokyo Idol Festival , has taken place. More than 200 idol groups and about 1500 idols performed, attracting more than 80,000 spectators in 2017. During 2014, about 486,000 people attended AKB48 and Momoiro Clover Z 's live concerts, which
15244-419: The management of her group, AKB48, as well as the Japanese idol industry. A talent agency filed a lawsuit against a 17-year-old former idol singer for accepting an invitation to a hotel room from two male fans, which had caused her group to disband within the first 3 months of their debut. In September 2015, Judge Akitomo Kojima, along with the Tokyo District Court , ruled in favor of the talent agency and fined
15392-399: The metropolitan area, originated with a very large chedi that King Rama III (1787–1851) built at Wat Saket . The chedi collapsed during construction because the soft soil could not support its weight. Over the next few decades, the abandoned mud-and-brick structure acquired the shape of a natural hill and became overgrown with weeds. The locals called it phu khao ( ภูเขา ), as if it were
15540-465: The military and political elite as the country abolished absolute monarchy in 1932 . As Thailand allied with Japan in World War II , Bangkok was subjected to Allied bombing , but rapidly grew in the post-war period as a result of US aid and government-sponsored investment. Bangkok's role as a US military R&R destination boosted its tourism industry as well as firmly establishing it as
15688-651: The mouth of the river, the town gradually increased in importance. Bangkok initially served as a customs outpost with forts on both sides of the river, and was the site of a siege in 1688 in which the French were expelled from Siam. After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, the newly crowned King Taksin established his capital at the town, which became the base of the Thonburi Kingdom . In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded Taksin, moved
15836-419: The name Bangkok ( บางกอก , pronounced in Thai as [bāːŋ kɔ̀ːk] ) is unclear. Bang บาง is a Thai word meaning 'a village on a stream', and the name might have been derived from Bang Ko ( บางเกาะ ), ko เกาะ meaning 'island', stemming from the city's watery landscape. Another theory suggests that it is shortened from Bang Makok ( บางมะกอก ), makok มะกอก being
15984-499: The name of Elaeocarpus hygrophilus , a plant bearing olive-like fruit. This is supported by the former name of Wat Arun , a historic temple in the area, that used to be called Wat Makok . Officially, the town was known as Thonburi Si Mahasamut ( ธนบุรีศรีมหาสมุทร , from Pali and Sanskrit , literally 'city of treasures gracing the ocean') or Thonburi , according to the Ayutthaya Chronicles . Bangkok
16132-486: The national rate; Thailand had long since become highly centralized around the capital. In 1980, Bangkok's population was fifty-one times that of Hat Yai and Songkhla , the second-largest urban centre at the time, making it the world's most prominent primate city . The majority of Bangkok's population identify as Thai , although details on the city's ethnic make-up are unavailable, as the national census does not document race. Bangkok's cultural pluralism dates back to
16280-488: The night before. He also condemned the idol industry for not providing talents access to better mental health resources, as idols are often suspended or dismissed for publicly showing they are stressed out of concern that they may cause fans to feel worried or upset. In March 2018, Ehime Girls member Honoka Omoto died by suicide, with her family launching a lawsuit against her talent agency in October 2018. Allegedly, Omoto
16428-416: The other 76 provinces of Thailand. Of this, about 700 square kilometres (270 sq mi) form the built-up urban area. It is ranked 73rd in the world in terms of land area. The city's urban sprawl reaches into parts of the six other provinces that it borders, namely, in clockwise order from northwest: Nonthaburi , Pathum Thani , Chachoengsao , Samut Prakan , Samut Sakhon , and Nakhon Pathom . With
16576-453: The popularity of idol-related media mix projects may stem from the managerial aspect found in life simulation games, with The Idolmaster being the first notable idol franchise to include this. These franchises set the fans in the active contributing role of the "producer" and regularly involved interactivity, as input made by the players were crucial to the idols' success. The growth of idol-related media mix projects in anime and video games
16724-501: The provincial ( changwat ) level, unlike the other 76 provinces Bangkok is a special administrative area whose governor is directly elected to serve a four-year term. The governor, together with four appointed deputies, form the executive body, who implement policies through the BMA civil service headed by the Permanent Secretary for the BMA. In separate elections, each district elects one or more city councillors, who form
16872-407: The public after retirement. In public, idols took steps to play a distinct character and uphold an illusion of perfection, such as maintaining a virginal image. Other examples include being told not to use restrooms in public and answering interview questions about their favorite food with feminine-sounding answers such as "strawberries" and "shortcake." The influence idols had on television led
17020-634: The public became disillusioned with the idol system. By the 1990s, public interest in idols began to wane, as audiences lost interest in singing and audition programs, particularly due to a shift in attitudes caused by Japan's economic collapse . The media coined the term "Idol Winter Period" ( アイドル冬の時代 , Aidoru Fuyu no Jidai ) to describe the stagnation of the idol industry beginning in 1990. More young people yielded aspirations to be defined as an artist instead of an idol. During this decline, public perception of idols again shifted from inexperienced amateurs to strong, independent women, in part due to
17168-421: The public. Independently managed idol groups offer even less protection, with idols given ambiguously worded contracts that keep them in their companies for years, while offering almost no pay and compensation for transportation and costuming fees. Lawyer Kunitaka Kasai stated management may be poor, especially among independent idol groups, because they were established by people with a lack of experience to fill
17316-426: The river into a sprawling metropolis surrounded by swaths of suburban residential development extending north and south into neighbouring provinces. The highly populated and growing cities of Nonthaburi , Pak Kret , Rangsit and Samut Prakan are effectively now suburbs of Bangkok. Nevertheless, large agricultural areas remain within the city proper at its eastern and western fringes, and a small number of forest area
17464-558: The role of an external observer. For them, the absence of other women is a way of watching the male idols interact with one another and imagining their interactions to be similar to yaoi . Fans spend money on merchandise and endorsed products to directly support their favorites, comparing it to spending money on "loved ones"; some express feeling happy that they were able to make someone they admired happy. Dedicated fans may give up their careers and devote their life savings to supporting and following their favorite members. To foster
17612-590: The same day in the company's history. Snow Man makes the best selling debut group since KAT-TUN in 2006. D.D./Imitation Rain is the best-selling debut release in Asian history with more than 1.8 million physical copies sold, it is also the first male idol single in 17 years to stayed in the top 100 of the Oricon chart for more than 100 weeks. Since their debut in 2020 the group sold 11 million physical copies in Japan. In 2021, their debut studio album, Snow Mania S1, sold in
17760-482: The same time, male idols gained popularity, with acts from Johnny & Associates normalizing idols singing and dancing at the same time. However, fewer male idol acts from other companies achieved the same success as Johnny's idols due to the company's CEO, Johnny Kitagawa, controlling the media and pressuring certain programs not to invite male idols from competing agencies, as he would continue to until his death in 2019. Around 1985, idols soon became unpopular after
17908-540: The seat of all branches of the national government . The Government House , Parliament House and Supreme , Administrative and Constitutional Courts are all in the city. Bangkok is the site of the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace , respectively the official and de facto residence of the king. Most government ministries also have headquarters and offices in the capital. Bangkok covers an area of 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi), ranking 69th among
18056-487: The seventh highest figure among the world's port cities. There are fears that the city may be submerged by 2030. A study published in October 2019 in Nature Communications corrected earlier models of coastal elevations and concluded that up to 12 million Thais—mostly in the greater Bangkok metropolitan area—face the prospect of annual flooding events. This is compounded by coastal erosion, which
18204-829: The severity of the situation, and the rate of subsidence decreased to 10 to 30 millimetres (0.39 to 1.18 in) per year in the early 2000s, though parts of the city are now 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) below sea level. Subsidence has resulted in increased flood risk, as Bangkok is already prone to flooding due to its low elevation and an inadequate drainage infrastructure, often compounded by blockage from rubbish pollution (especially plastic waste). The city now relies on flood barriers and augmenting drainage from canals by pumping and building drain tunnels, but parts of Bangkok and its suburbs are still regularly inundated. Heavy downpours resulting in urban runoff overwhelming drainage systems, and runoff discharge from upstream areas, are major triggering factors. Severe flooding affecting much of
18352-419: The short skirts, and the neatness of the uniform. The uniforms found popularity with men, as they represent their "eternal longing" and nostalgia for high school, while only gaining popularity with women in the 2010s through anime. Idols are typically expected to change careers after aging out of the industry, with female idols typically changing careers at age 25 and male idols at ages 30–45. Idols who leave
18500-521: The site of two capital cities, Thonburi in 1767 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Bangkok was at the heart of the modernization of Siam during the late-19th century, as the country faced pressures from the West. The city was at the centre of the country's political struggles throughout the 20th century , as Siam—later renamed Thailand—abolished absolute monarchy, adopted constitutional rule, and underwent numerous coups and several uprisings. The city, incorporated as
18648-520: The sports genre in anime due to a similar competitive nature and team-building the characters face, as well as being linked to the Odagiri effect for featuring attractive people of the same gender interacting with each other. The idol fan culture is heavily tied to anime and manga , and most fans of anime are also fans of idols. The idea of " moe ", which was popularized by anime, can be projected onto both idols and fictional characters, linking
18796-520: The student uprisings in 1973 and 1976 , anti-military demonstrations in 1992 , and frequent street protests since 2006 , including those by groups opposing and supporting former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from 2006 to 2013 , and a renewed student-led movement in 2020 . Administration of the city was first formalized by King Chulalongkorn in 1906, with the establishment of Monthon Krung Thep Phra Maha Nakhon ( มณฑลกรุงเทพพระมหานคร ) as
18944-552: The total population of which is 14,626,225 (2010 census). Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city; the census showed that it is home to 567,120 expatriates from Asian countries (including 71,024 Chinese and 63,069 Japanese nationals), 88,177 from Europe, 32,241 from the Americas, 5,856 from Oceania and 5,758 from Africa. Migrants from neighbouring countries include 216,528 Burmese, 72,934 Cambodians and 52,498 Lao. In 2018, numbers show that there are 370,000 international migrants registered with
19092-491: The two. Some may prefer fictional idols due to them never disbanding, leaving groups, or getting into scandals. A 2005 study by the Nomura Research Institute revealed that idol fans were the third largest group of otaku interests, following comics and anime . In the late-2010s, the idol agency influenced the business model of VTuber agencies such as Hololive and Nijisanji —which focus on
19240-458: The water, leading the city to be known during the 19th century as the " Venice of the East". Many of these canals have since been filled in or paved over, but others still criss-cross the city, serving as major drainage channels and transport routes. Most canals are now badly polluted, although the BMA has committed to the treatment and cleaning up of several canals. The geology of the Bangkok area
19388-542: The woman to pay ¥650,000 , stating that the dating ban was necessary for idols to "win the support of male fans." In January 2016, a similar lawsuit filed with the Tokyo District Court ruled in favor of a 23-year-old former idol, with Judge Kazuya Hara stating that the dating ban "significantly restricts the freedom to pursue happiness." Since handshake and other related events allow fans to be in close proximity with idols, critics also believe that marketing
19536-480: The women stated that they had performed the request anyway. Bangkok Bangkok , officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep , is the capital and most populous city of Thailand . The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated population of 9.0 million as of 2021, 13% of
19684-595: The work force after leaving their groups, as many of them spend their academic years learning poor job skills. In addition to this, Rob Schwartz from Billboard addressed that Japanese mainstream media outlets rarely bring attention to controversies and allegations of power harassment due to self-censorship on what they are allowed to write. Sasetsu Takeda of GQ Japan wrote that talent agencies dismiss idols regardless of their popularity, sometimes intentionally blocking job offers in order to pressure them to leave, all while declaring that they are "resting from illness" to
19832-523: Was added as new members. While the original 6 members accepted the decision as "they wanted to protect the group," they also felt that the "even if whole group (as original Snow Man) has gone, we just want to realize our dream as Snow Man," and "the only way to get rid of this problem (off my head) is this." In March 2019, the group, along with 11 other Johnny's Jr. groups (SixTones, Travis Japan, HiHi Jets, Bi Shonen, 7 Men Samurai, Shonen Ninja, Jr.SP, Uchuu Six, Naniwa Danshi , Lil Kansai, and Ae! group) become
19980-660: Was also seen as an attempt from the Japanese government to market Japanese pop culture overseas through the Cool Japan initiative. Music produced by voice actor idols and fictional idols have crossed over to mainstream music charts, with Billboard Japan launching the Billboard Japan Hot Animation Chart on December 1, 2010, exclusively for anime and video game music releases. Fictional idols have been treated like real-life celebrities. Idol-themed anime and video game series have been compared to
20128-413: Was among those present. The other 8 members also made their apology in their appearance at the live music program CDTV Live! Live! on the same day as the reported news. On July 1, Johnny's net and Johnny's web announced that Iwamoto would return to resume his activities. In April 2020, the group performed the 11th opening theme song for the anime Black Clover , titled "Stories". In May 2020, Snow Man
20276-477: Was announced to be a part of Twenty★Twenty, a temporary unit consisting of 75 talents that have debuted in Johnny's, to perform a charity song. The unit was formed to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. The song, titled "Smile," is written by Kazutoshi Sakurai and is produced by Hideaki Takizawa. A movie version of stage play Takizawa Kabuki called Takizawa Kabuki Zero The Movie (滝沢歌舞伎 ZERO The Movie)
20424-808: Was eventually replaced by the term " junior idol " to legitimize them as part of the idol industry as well as removing the focus on their age. The 2000s saw the rise in popularity of idol groups again after Morning Musume 's debut in 1997 and the formation of their musical collective , Hello! Project . Around the same time, there was an increase in gravure idols , who competed in magazine and photo book sales. In addition, anime voice actors , such as Yui Horie , Nana Mizuki , and Yukari Tamura , were also marketed as idols to promote both their activities and singing careers. While idols briefly experienced another decline after 2002, AKB48 debuted in 2005 and later became known as nation's idol group. The public image of idols had diversified, with each idol group having
20572-509: Was likely a colloquial name, albeit one widely adopted by foreign visitors , who continued to use it to refer to the city even after the new capital's establishment. When King Rama I established his new capital on the river's eastern bank, the city inherited Ayutthaya's ceremonial name, of which there were many variants, including Krung Thep Thawarawadi Si Ayutthaya ( กรุงเทพทวารวดีศรีอยุธยา ) and Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Si Ayutthaya ( กรุงเทพมหานครศรีอยุธยา ). Edmund Roberts , visiting
20720-456: Was made illegal in Japan in 2014. However, junior idol content currently stands on legally ambiguous ground due to open interpretations of child pornography laws in Japan . In 2017, through a survey conducted by the Japanese government, 53 out of 197 women contracted with talent agencies stated that they had been asked to take part in pornographic photo or video shoots of which were not previously disclosed nor included in their contracts. 17 of
20868-502: Was noted by scholar Masayoshi Sakai to be the turning point of when teenage stars became popular in mainstream media. Music was produced by a shared climate of songwriters and art directors seeking a step towards a depoliticized youth culture. Idols grew in popularity over the 1970s, as they offered audiences escapism from political violence and radical student movements. Idols at the time were seen as ephemeral because of how short-lived their careers were, and how they would disappear from
21016-410: Was released on December 5, 2020, starring the members of Snow Man in the main roles. This marks Snow Man's post-debut first main role in a movie. In December 2020, it was announced that Ryota Miyadate had tested positive for COVID-19 . Their New Years performance was canceled as a result. On January 5, 2021, Snow Man's song "Grandeur" debuted as the 13th Opening for Black Clover . In April 2021, it
21164-515: Was reported that Daisuke Sakuma would voice the male lead of Chinese animated movie White Snake , Ah Xuan, in its Japanese dub version. This is Sakuma's second voice acting role after he debuted in Black Clover . The Japanese version of the movie also features a theme song by Snow Man, "Yuan" ( 縁 -YUÁN- ) . In August 2021, Snow Man was announced to star in the live action movie adaptation of anime series Mr. Osomatsu . Six of them played as
21312-611: Was restricted from the 1930s and effectively ceased after the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. Their prominence subsequently declined as younger generations of Thai Chinese integrated and adopted a Thai identity . Bangkok is still nevertheless home to a large Chinese community, with the greatest concentration in Yaowarat , Bangkok's Chinatown . Religion in Bangkok The majority (93 per cent) of
21460-489: Was revealed as a surprise to Snow Man through their YouTube channel in February 2020. The show first ran from March 25, 2020, on TBS . However, later in the same month, Hikaru Iwamoto was reported to be taking a break from the group's activities after the Japanese magazine Friday published a report of him drinking at love motel in 2017. Through Johnny's apology post, it was written that Iwamoto confirmed that an underage girl
21608-427: Was the centre of Siam's modernization as it faced pressure from Western powers in the late-19th century. The reigns of Kings Mongkut (Rama IV, r. 1851–68) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V, r. 1868–1910) saw the introduction of the steam engine, printing press, rail transport and utilities infrastructure in the city, as well as formal education and healthcare. Bangkok became the centre stage for power struggles between
21756-593: Was the highest record of all female musicians in Japan. Momoiro Clover Z has been ranked as the most popular female idol group from 2013 to 2017 according to surveys by The Nikkei , There were more than 10,000 teenage girls who performed as idols in Japan in 2017. In 2019, there were over 3,000 female idol groups. From 2013 to 2018, boy band Arashi was ranked as the most popular artist overall in Japan according to Oricon polls of 20,000 people. Other male idols also found success as underground idols, as well as anime media mix projects and 2.5D musicals . In
21904-486: Was working 10 hours a day at the expense of her studies and when she had asked to leave the group, a staff member threatened her with violence while Takahiro Sasaki, the head of her managing company, told her she would have to pay a penalty fee of ¥1 million . In June 2018, a former member of Niji no Conquistador filed a lawsuit against Pixiv representative director, Hiroaki Nagata, and the group's management companies for voyeurism and sexual harassment during her time with
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