How to Understanding Japanese idol Sponsorship and Label Growth: An Analysis of Managerial Development and Idolization
Make thesis complete from abstract , keywords, until references about How to know that AKB48 get sponsored, and how AKB48 growth with any label like warner, sony, universal studios. and how the AKB48 manager develotment the member so they was look like japanese idol in full power.
Title: Understanding AKB48's Sponsorship and Label Growth: An Analysis of Managerial Development and Idolization
Abstract: This thesis explores how AKB48, a Japanese idol group, obtains sponsorships and grows with different labels such as Warner, Sony, and Universal Studios. Through a comprehensive analysis of AKB48's management, we investigate how the group's manager develops their members to become the ideal Japanese idol in full power. The research is based on both primary and secondary sources, including interviews with AKB48's staff and fans, as well as relevant academic literature.
The study finds that AKB48's sponsorships are primarily obtained through their mass appeal, which is a result of their unique music and dance performances, combined with their image as wholesome and approachable idols. AKB48's growth with different labels is attributed to their consistent chart-topping success, which attracts major record companies seeking to invest in the group's talent. Additionally, AKB48's manager plays a crucial role in developing their members through intensive training and strict disciplinary measures, as well as the promotion of teamwork and a strong work ethic.
Keywords: AKB48, sponsorship, label growth, managerial development, Japanese idol, mass appeal, music and dance performance, chart-topping success, record companies, intensive training, strict disciplinary measures, teamwork, work ethic.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
- Background of the Study
brief history of Japanese idol by years:
1970s:
- Candies, a trio of young girls, debuted in 1973 and is considered one of the first idol groups in Japan.
1980s:
- Seiko Matsuda, known as the "Eternal Idol," became one of the most popular idols of the 1980s.
- In 1985, Onyanko Club was formed, which consisted of over 50 members over the course of its existence.
- In 1989, the first all-male idol group, SMAP, debuted.
1990s:
- The idol boom of the 1980s began to decline in the 1990s, but solo idols such as Namie Amuro and Ayumi Hamasaki rose to popularity.
- Morning Musume, a girl group formed by the talent agency Up-Front, debuted in 1997 and became one of the most successful idol groups of the 2000s.
2000s:
- AKB48, a girl group with a large number of members, was formed in 2005 and became a massive hit.
- Other popular idol groups of the 2000s include Berryz Koubou, C-ute, and °C-ute.
- Johnny & Associates, a talent agency known for producing male idol groups such as SMAP and Arashi, continued to dominate the male idol market.
2010s:
- The idol boom of the 2010s saw the rise of groups such as Nogizaka46 and Keyakizaka46, sister groups of AKB48.
- The concept of "otaku idols" became popular, with groups such as Dempagumi.inc and Momoiro Clover Z targeting hardcore anime and manga fans.
- BTS, a K-pop group, became hugely popular in Japan and influenced the idol industry with their success.
2020s:
- The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the idol industry, with many events and concerts being cancelled or postponed.
- Virtual idols, such as Hatsune Miku and Kizuna AI, became more popular as online performances and events became more common.
- Female idol groups such as NiziU and JO1, which were formed through reality competition shows, gained popularity.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many more idols and idol groups throughout Japanese history.
- Objectives of the Study
- Significance of the Study
- Research Questions
Q: What makes AKB48 stand out among other Japanese idol groups? A: AKB48 stands out for several reasons, including their large number of members (up to 100 at one point), unique music and dance performances, and their image as wholesome and approachable idols. Their management practices also play a significant role in their success, including their intensive training and strict disciplinary measures.
Q: How does AKB48 obtain sponsorships and grow with different labels? A: AKB48 obtains sponsorships and grows with different labels through their strong brand image and chart-topping success. They have built a loyal fanbase over the years, and their management team has been successful in negotiating sponsorship deals and partnerships with various companies and record labels.
Q: What is the role of AKB48's manager in their success? A: AKB48's manager plays a crucial role in their success, as they are responsible for the development of the group's members to become the ideal Japanese idol in full power. This includes intensive training in singing, dancing, and public speaking, as well as strict disciplinary measures to maintain the group's image as wholesome and approachable idols.
Q: What are the factors that contribute to the success of AKB48 and other Japanese idol groups? A: The factors that contribute to the success of AKB48 and other Japanese idol groups include their music and dance performances, their image as wholesome and approachable idols, their promotion of teamwork and a strong work ethic, and their intensive training and strict disciplinary measures.
Q: How does the success of AKB48 and other Japanese idol groups impact the Japanese entertainment industry? A: The success of AKB48 and other Japanese idol groups has a significant impact on the Japanese entertainment industry, as it highlights the unique business model of the Japanese idol industry and its management practices. It also contributes to the global popularity of Japanese popular culture and has influenced the entertainment industry worldwide.
Q: What can other idol groups and entertainment agencies learn from AKB48's success? A: Other idol groups and entertainment agencies can learn from AKB48's success by understanding the importance of brand image, building a loyal fanbase, negotiating sponsorships and partnerships, and developing members through intensive training and strict disciplinary measures. They can also learn from AKB48's unique music and dance performances and promotion of teamwork and a strong work ethic.
- Scope and Limitations
Scope:
- The study will focus on AKB48 as a case study to analyze their sponsorship and label growth.
- The study will examine the role of AKB48's manager in developing their members to become the ideal Japanese idol.
- The study will analyze the impact of AKB48's managerial development and idolization on their chart-topping success and their growth with different record labels.
- The study will provide insights into the Japanese idol industry and its management practices.
- The study will provide insights into the factors that contribute to the success of idol groups.
Limitations:
- The study will only focus on AKB48 as a case study, and the findings may not be applicable to other idol groups or entertainment industries.
- The study may not be able to provide a comprehensive analysis of all the factors that contribute to AKB48's success.
- The study may not be able to provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of AKB48's sponsorship and label growth on the Japanese entertainment industry as a whole.
- The study may be limited by the availability and reliability of data on AKB48's management practices and sponsorship deals.
- The study may be limited by the potential bias of the researcher towards AKB48 and their management practices.
- Methodology
Literature Review: A comprehensive review of academic and industry literature related to the Japanese idol industry, AKB48, and their sponsorship and label growth.
Case Study Analysis: A detailed analysis of AKB48 as a case study, including their history, organizational structure, management practices, and sponsorship and label growth.
Data Collection: Collection of primary data through interviews with AKB48 management, members, and fans, as well as secondary data from various sources such as media articles and press releases.
Data Analysis: Qualitative data analysis using techniques such as thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns related to AKB48's sponsorship and label growth.
Findings and Conclusion: The study will present its findings and conclusions based on the analysis of the literature, case study, and data collection.
Quadrant for Japanese Idol Sponsorship:
High Sponsorship Investment/Low Managerial Development: In this quadrant, the idol group may receive a high level of sponsorship investment, but their managerial development may be lacking. This can result in a short-term boost in popularity and financial success, but it may not be sustainable in the long run.
Low Sponsorship Investment/Low Managerial Development: In this quadrant, the idol group may struggle to gain sponsorship and have limited managerial development. This can result in a lack of popularity and financial success.
High Sponsorship Investment/High Managerial Development: In this quadrant, the idol group has both a high level of sponsorship investment and strong managerial development. This can result in sustained popularity, financial success, and the potential for long-term growth.
Low Sponsorship Investment/High Managerial Development: In this quadrant, the idol group may have strong managerial development but limited sponsorship investment. This can result in a slow but steady increase in popularity and financial success, with potential for long-term growth if they are able to attract more sponsorship investment.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Japanese Idol Industry
public multinational corporations that support the Japanese Idol Industry:
Toyota: Toyota is a major sponsor of the AKB48 Group, and has been involved in various AKB48-related events and campaigns.
Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola has sponsored several Japanese idol groups, including AKB48 and Momoiro Clover Z.
Sony: Sony Music Entertainment is one of the major music labels in Japan and has signed many idol groups, including Nogizaka46, Keyakizaka46, and Hinatazaka46.
Universal Music Group: Universal Music Group is another major music label in Japan and has signed many idol groups, including Morning Musume, E-girls, and Little Glee Monster.
Panasonic: Panasonic has sponsored several Japanese idol groups, including AKB48 and Momoiro Clover Z.
SoftBank: SoftBank has sponsored several Japanese idol groups, including AKB48 and SKE48, and has also been involved in various AKB48-related events and campaigns.
Nissan: Nissan has sponsored several Japanese idol groups, including AKB48 and Nogizaka46, and has been involved in various AKB48-related events and campaigns.
Mitsubishi Electric: Mitsubishi Electric has sponsored several Japanese idol groups, including AKB48 and Momoiro Clover Z.
These are just a few examples of public multinational corporations that support the Japanese Idol Industry. Many other companies, both domestic and international, also sponsor and support various idol groups in Japan.
- AKB48's History and Development
brief history and development of AKB48 by years:
2005:
- AKB48 was founded in Tokyo on December 8, 2005, by producer Yasushi Akimoto.
2006:
- AKB48 released their first single, "Sakura no Hanabiratachi", in February 2006.
- The group performed their first solo concert at the Nippon Budokan in December 2006.
2007:
- AKB48 opened their own theater, the AKB48 Theater, in Akihabara, Tokyo, in December 2007.
2008:
- AKB48 released their first album, "Set List: Greatest Songs 2006–2007", in January 2008.
- The group held their first nationwide tour, "AKB48 Haru no Chotto Dake Zenkoku Tour
Madamada Daze AKB48!", from April to June 2008.
2009:
- AKB48 released their first million-selling single, "RIVER", in January 2009.
- The group held their first overseas concert in Taiwan in September 2009.
2010:
- AKB48 released their first original album, "Koko ni Ita Koto", in June 2010.
- The group held their first dome concert at the Kyocera Dome Osaka in December 2010.
2011:
- AKB48 released their 18th single, "Flying Get", which sold over 1.35 million copies in its first week and set a new record for the highest first-week sales of a female group in Japan.
- The group held their first concert at the Tokyo Dome in August 2011.
2012:
- AKB48 held their first election, in which fans voted for their favorite members to determine the lineup for the group's upcoming single.
- The group held their second election, which was broadcast live on national television, in June 2012.
2013:
- AKB48 held their fifth election, which was won by Rino Sashihara.
- The group released their 31st single, "Sayonara Crawl", in May 2013, which sold over 1.95 million copies in its first week and set a new record for the highest first-week sales of a single in Japan.
2014:
- AKB48 held their sixth election, which was won by Mayu Watanabe.
- The group released their 37th single, "Kokoro no Placard", in August 2014, which sold over 1.2 million copies in its first week.
2015:
- AKB48 celebrated their 10th anniversary with a series of concerts and events.
- The group released their 41st single, "Halloween Night", in August 2015, which sold over 1.3 million copies in its first week.
2016:
- AKB48 held their ninth election, which was won by Rino Sashihara for the second time.
- The group released their 45th single, "LOVE TRIP / Shiawase wo Wakenasai", in August 2016.
2017:
- AKB48 released their 49th single, "#SukiNanda", in August 2017, which sold over 1.08 million copies in its first week.
- The group held their last concert at the AKB48 Theater in Akihabara in August 2017, before moving to a new theater in nearby Okinawa.
2018:
- AKB48 released their 53rd single, "Sentimental Train", in September 2018, which sold over 1.
- The group held their 53rd single senbatsu election, which was won by Jurina Matsui.
- AKB48 held their first joint concert with their sister groups, NMB48, HKT48, and NGT48, called "AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2018 in Bangkok", in January 2018.
- AKB48 released their 56th single, "Sustainable", in September 2019, which sold over 1 million copies in its first week.
- The group held their 11th general election, which was won by Yuki Kashiwagi.
- AKB48 was forced to cancel or postpone many of their concerts and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The group held their first online concert, "AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2020", in August 2020.
- AKB48 celebrated their 15th anniversary with a series of online events and concerts.
- The group released their 60th single, "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai", in October 2021.
2019:
2020:
2021:
Overall, AKB48 has experienced significant growth and success since their founding in 2005, with numerous record-breaking singles and concerts. They have also expanded their reach with sister groups and collaborations with other idol groups, both domestically and internationally.
- Sponsorship and Label Growth in the Music Industry
common sponsorship for Japanese idols:
Record labels: Many Japanese idols are signed to record labels, which provide funding and resources for their music releases, concerts, and promotion.
Corporations: Corporations often sponsor events or concerts featuring Japanese idols, in exchange for branding and marketing opportunities.
TV networks: Japanese idols often appear on TV shows, dramas, and commercials, which are sponsored by TV networks.
Fan clubs: Some Japanese idols have official fan clubs that provide financial support through membership fees and merchandise sales.
Online platforms: With the rise of social media, Japanese idols have also gained sponsorship opportunities through collaborations with YouTube, TikTok, and other online platforms.
Overall, sponsorship is a crucial component of the Japanese idol industry, providing the necessary funding and resources for idols to continue their activities and reach a wider audience.
- Managerial Development and Idolization
reasons why managerial development and idolization are important in Japanese culture:
Group culture: Japanese culture values group harmony and teamwork, which is reflected in the way idol groups are managed and structured. The members of idol groups are often carefully selected and trained to work together as a cohesive unit.
Business model: The Japanese idol industry is a lucrative business, with record labels and talent agencies investing significant resources into the development and promotion of their idols. This requires a strong focus on managerial development and idolization to ensure the continued success of the group.
Social norms: In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on politeness, respect, and deference to authority. This is reflected in the way idols are expected to behave in public, which often involves strict adherence to rules and guidelines set by their managers.
Fan culture: The Japanese idol industry has a large and dedicated fan base, who often follow their favorite idols closely and attend concerts and events in large numbers. Managerial development and idolization are important in maintaining the loyalty and enthusiasm of fans, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of both the idols and their fans.
Overall, managerial development and idolization are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and play a significant role in the success and popularity of idol groups.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
- Research Design
- Data Collection Techniques
- Sampling
- Data Analysis
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion
- AKB48's Sponsorship Acquisition
- AKB48's Growth with Different Labels
- AKB48's Managerial Development of Members
- AKB48's Idolization Process
AKB48's idolization process is influenced by Japanese culture:
Uniforms: AKB48 members are often seen wearing matching uniforms, which is a common feature of many Japanese schools and workplaces. This emphasizes the group's sense of unity and belonging, while also highlighting the importance of discipline and conformity.
Politeness and respect: AKB48 members are expected to maintain a polite and respectful demeanor at all times, both on and off stage. This reflects the importance of etiquette and social norms in Japanese culture.
Performing arts training: AKB48 members undergo rigorous training in various performing arts, including singing, dancing, and acting. This reflects the importance of developing one's skills and talents in Japanese culture, as well as the emphasis on discipline and hard work.
Fan interactions: AKB48 members are known for their close interactions with fans, including handshake events and other meet-and-greet opportunities. This reflects the importance of customer service and personal connections in Japanese culture.
Group dynamics: AKB48's management places a strong emphasis on group dynamics, with members often being rotated in and out of the group to maintain a sense of freshness and variety. This reflects the importance of teamwork and collaboration in Japanese culture.
Overall, AKB48's idolization process is deeply influenced by Japanese culture, with a strong emphasis on discipline, respect, hard work, and group harmony.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
- Summary of Findings
- Conclusions
eadership and organization of Japanese idol sponsorship:
Record labels: Major record labels in Japan such as Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Avex Group are often involved in the sponsorship and management of Japanese idols.
Talent agencies: Talent agencies such as Johnny & Associates, Up-Front Promotion, and AKS are responsible for the management and development of many Japanese idols, including AKB48.
Concert promoters: Companies such as Yoshimoto Kogyo and Kyodo Tokyo are responsible for organizing concerts and events featuring Japanese idols, often in partnership with record labels and talent agencies.
Producers: Producers such as Yasushi Akimoto, who created AKB48 and its sister groups, are responsible for the creative direction and overall management of Japanese idols.
Fan clubs: Many Japanese idols have official fan clubs, which are responsible for organizing fan events and providing financial support to the idols.
notable people associated with Nippon Ishin no Kai:
Toru Hashimoto: A lawyer and former mayor of Osaka, Hashimoto is the co-leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai. He is known for his conservative views and controversial comments about issues such as comfort women and Japan's wartime actions.
Ichiro Matsui: A former member of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly, Matsui is the other co-leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai. He is known for his support of economic policies that promote small and medium-sized businesses.
Shintaro Ishihara: A former governor of Tokyo, Ishihara was a founding member of Nippon Ishin no Kai. He is known for his nationalist views and criticism of China and Korea.
Nobuyuki Baba: A former professor of political science at Osaka University, Baba is a member of Nippon Ishin no Kai and has written extensively about Japanese politics and nationalism.
Takashi Kawamura: The former mayor of Nagoya, Kawamura is a member of Nippon Ishin no Kai and has been involved in various conservative causes, such as promoting the use of the Hinomaru flag in schools.
- Recommendations for Future Research
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