[J-ENT] TELEVIEWS / Metamorphosis the way to get ahead in Japanese entertainment world

In a recent Televiews article for the Daily Yomiuri, Wm. Penn wrote, “Want to reinvent yourself? Come right this way. The Japanese entertainment world beckons and one of its greatest charms is that it allows its denizens so much room to transform themselves.”

“The door to this world is wide open. Nationality, gender, looks, class or level of education make no real difference. Indeed, it is perhaps the most open, least discriminating sector of Japanese society. Just about anyone sexy or silly enough, bold or bizarre enough can have their chance at fame and fortune.”

“Of course, the competition in the silly, sexy, bold and bizarre categories is fierce. While most anyone can get into the entrance hall, most are kicked out of the “genkan” again in a matter of months unless they are very resilient and resourceful. But the point is one does not have to identify one’s self or plop down a fingerprint to get through the gate. There’s plenty of time to figure out who you are once safely inside, having secured at least a spot in the crowd if not the spotlight. Those not happy with their lot can eventually reinvent themselves.”

“Too numerous to mention are the idols and TV personalities of all persuasions who have morphed into singers, actors, comedians and talk show regulars. Comedians can become artists. (Remember Tsurutaro Kataoka and Jimmy Onishi? Both have had their work featured in Europe.) Variety show hosts turn into news anchors (Hiroshi Kume and Ichiro Furutachi). Retired sports figures get plenty of exercise as reporters and variety show regulars. Politicians and former bureaucrats can morph into commentators or clowning commentators like Hamako (former Dietman Koichi Hamada), while a long list of comedians have become politicians.”

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