Yuki Hashimoto, a former Japanese girl group Masked Girls member, has exposed shocking conditions for female idols.
On the 13th (local time), Tsugisute Corp., a company that supports the second careers of retired idols, announced in a survey of idol-experienced persons, “We were able to visualize how difficult and unique the situation in the idol industry is through data.”
Tsugisute, led by Yuki Hashimoto, a former member of Masked Girls and current representative of Shibuya Ward Assembly, surveyed the “Mental and Physical Conditions of Idols” (January 16-31) to promote understanding of the idol working environment and provide better services. They received responses from a total of 102 people (58 former idols and 44 active idols). The survey results surfaced various issues.
Tsugisute stated, “Over 80% of female idols reported that they work in an environment with many male staff members, leaving them without anyone to consult about sensitive issues such as dieting and menstruation, and thus, they continue their activities while holding onto these problems. Approximately 60% are feeling mental pressure due to dieting. The number of idols who have dieted is 78.4%. It was not uncommon for this to lead to mental depression, menstrual irregularities, and eating disorders.”
They continued, “52% suffered from mental illnesses during their idol activities. Over half reported experiencing harassment.” Representative Yuki Hashimoto said, “Through this survey, we were able to visualize how severe and unique the situation in the idol industry is. I believe that even our shared partial survey results can convey this.”
Meanwhile, Yuki Hashimoto shared her experiences: “I was an idol for nine years, but I was torturing my mind and body. I had to stop menstruating for several years due to excessive dieting, suffered from fatigue fractures, and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression due to mood swings. I think I pushed myself too hard to to live a healthy life even after “graduating” from being an idol”. This experience led her to start her business.
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