No More Handshaking: How have COVID-19 pushed the expansion of computer-mediated communication in Japanese idol culture?

Abstract

In Japanese idol culture, meet-and-greet events where fans were allowed to handshake with an idol member for several seconds were regarded as its essential component until the spread of COVID-19. Now, idol groups are struggling in the transition of such events to computer-mediated communication because these events had emphasized meeting face-to-face over communicating, as we can infer from their length of time. I anticipated that investigating this emerging transition would provide implications because their communication has a unique characteristic that is distinct from wellstudied situations, such as workplace communication and intimate relationships. Therefore, I frst conducted a quantitative survey to develop a precise understanding of the transition, and based on its results, had semi-structured interviews with idol fans about their perceptions of the transition. The survey revealed distinctive approaches, including one where fans gathered at a venue but were isolated from the idol member by an acrylic plate and talked via a video call. Then the interviews not only provided answers to why such an approach would be reasonable but also suggested the existence of a large gap between conventional ofine events and emerging online events in their perceptions. Based on the results, I discussed how we can develop interaction techniques to support this transition and how we can apply it to other situations outside idol culture, such as computer-mediated performing arts. CCS CONCEPTS• Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI; • Social and professional topics → Cultural characteristics.

“Ju. T’aime” My Idol, My Streamer: A Case Study on Fandom Experience as Audiences and Creators of VTuber Concert

“…Furthermore, 36 respondents wanted a summary of the chats in Twitch and relay reactions in RuruCinema to be sent to the performer so that the performer could be aware of their cheering. Two participants (P388 and P402) specified that staff should be positioned inside the theater at RuruCinema to restrain abusive users, which is consistent with the findings of a previous study [63].…”

“…As mentioned, the fandom of the VTuber exhibited unique characteristics and advantages in terms of fanwork. A previous study highlighted the importance of intervenability for fan engagement [63]. The fanwork based on VR has potential as a medium that can intervene in the process of building the storyline of the content because the avatar can easily use it and actually interact with it.…”

FlumeRide: Interactive Space Where Artists and Fans Meet-and-Greet Using Video Calls

“…Yakura explored the gap between conventional offline and emerging online events, focusing on the handshaking event, a Japanese idol fan culture. He discussed how interactive technologies could support the transition from offline to online events [54]. Moreover, Yan and Yang [55], Sandi and Triastuti [46], and Kusuma et al [28] analyzed the fans-artists interactions based on parakin relationships using social media in China and Indonesia, respectively.…”

“…Similar to the fan signing event, Withlive provides fans with identity verification, video call order notification, and remaining call time information. However, as Yakura mentioned, the meet-and-greet event has a unique culture in which the fans who admire artists provide great intimacy and connection with artists [54]. Therefore, reflecting specific contexts and their interaction characteristics in a service is necessary beyond simply supporting video calls between them similar to existing applications.…”

“…1:1 conversations, photoshoot, exchange gifts, and communicate. The meet-and-greet is one of the key business means for artists and agencies to increase the sales revenue of CDs and goods, and cultivate new fans [54].…”