Caste System in Japanese Entertainment World
Please read this post in a light mood and don't take it seriously. I'm writing this just for fun.
As you all might know, there was a caste system (mibun seido) among the Japanese society in the Edo period (17th-18th century).
1. Highest one was the NOBLES, including the Emperor, the imperial family and other noble families related to the imperial. Although Shogun came from samurai family, but they were considered as the nobles too. (although some jidaigeki dramas hints that the imperial family look down on the Shogun-s sometimes cos they still think their caste is lower than theirs)
2. Second in line was the SAMURAI.
3. FARMERS/PEASANT was lower, they farm land given by their lord.
4. CHONIN, the lowest caste includes the craftsmen and merchants.
A result of my observation.
1. Kabuki Actors = Imperial Family
2. Actors & Singers = Nobles
3. Johnny's Idols = Samurai
4. Comedians = Farmers
Sometimes, I feel like there are layers of caste in the modern era of the Japanese entertainment world. When Johnnys idols has to work together with comedians in variety shows, the comedians always place themselves lower than the idols and seem to respect the idols very much. The comedians always position themselves below the actors and singers too, when they meet them in talk shows, etc, they really show respect and think like actors are unapproachable for them.
For example, Bakusho Mondai (quite a senior in the comedian world) seem so afraid of Kimura Takuya. Also Cyaeen was so afraid of Takuya too when he pretend to be angry in Tensei Shingo, lol. Okay, maybe that's just because Takuya is kowai, indeed, lol.
But how about Kusanagi Tsuyoshi? In the recent OjaMap episode, Shingo told(ordered) Tsuyoshi to wait and queue for the karaage while he asked the others to come with him to a toy store, and Zakiyama, Shingo's comedian co-host in OjaMap, looked seriously uneasy and awkward about it, not sure what to do, cos it was usually his job, he was all like "eh? is this really okay?" then he talked to Tsuyoshi in polite language (it looked real, lol, it looked like he was so afraid of Tsuyoshi haha) and gave him the OjaMap wallet, but then Shingo told Zakiyama no need to give him the money and told Tsuyoshi to buy the karaage with his own money, lol.
Then Zakiyama talked to Morisanchuu, the other comedian guests "Is it really okay to make a nation-wide star to line up for the karaage?"
lol, like he's so concerned about it. Although Zakiyama always jokingly argue with Shingo in OjaMap, at certain moments, I can see when his real attitude to Shingo shows, he really respect and afraid of Shingo, I think. His attitude when he scold Shingo and all were just an act to make the show interesting.
I'm not sure how comedians
are with other Johnny's idols.... or is it only SMAP that were respected by comedians, cause they basically give out this scary aura and hard-to-approach attitude? But I don't think so... I have an example too with TOKIO... I'll save it for later.
I watched a lot of Arashi shows, but I can't remember any moment where comedians are scared and/or respected them. I hope I only missed it, though.
At this point, I'd like to conclude that COMEDIANS = HYAKUSHO (FARMERS/PEASANT) caste XD
Next, I would say, JOHNNY'S IDOLS = SAMURAI. I would like to say all idols are samurai, but there is so little number of male group idols other than Johnnys. I would say, EXILE = SAMURAI caste too, but I don't know much about Exile, so I can't give any example XD And as for the female idol groups... I don't know how to categorize them... hmm.... geisha? lol j/k
So I will just talk about how JOHNNY'S IDOLS = SAMURAI here. Basically, since idols touch every field in the entertainment world: acting, hosting, comedy skit, singing, etc. Idols has connections with every "caste"... they know the actors/singers and they know the comedians. I think idols are like the bridge between the actors and comedians. Some actors might not be comfortable to appear in variety shows hosted by comedians, but some are willing to appear in variety shows hosted by idols, cause idols know how to make the actors comfortable. Only the senior/experience comedians can make actors feel comfortable in variety shows.
When Rinko Kikuchi came to Shabekuri 007, the comedian hosts obviously respects her very much and treat and think of her highly even after they found out her comical character. They kept mentioning they can't believe Rinko would come and even a fan of the show. When Rinko Kikuchi came to TOKIO Kakeru, TOKIO treat her like an old friend or a little sister, and even call her "Rin-chan" (Shabekuri guys calls her "Kikuchi-san"). I don't think Rinko ever co-starred any TOKIO members? But even if she had, it doesn't change my point^^
I would love to insert SMAP in samurai costumes here but I can't find it.
So this is Samurai-Arashi ^v^ Kakkoiiii nee~
I remember in 2004, there were articles that SMAP refused to appear in Kouhaku Utagassen because they had no new song in that year. The articles made a comment that SMAP really has samurai souls.
Finally, I would categorize genuine Actors and Singers in the NOBLES caste.
Adding.... the Kabuki Actors are the Imperial Family of the entertainment world lol.
Being the daughter of a nation-wide well-known kabuki actor (sometimes titled as the Kabuki King), trust me, when Matsu Takako debuted in acting and singing in 1994-1998, everyone in the entertainment world treated her like a princess. She created quite a big fuss when she started in the entertainment world. She has a pretty face, good acting skill... so everyone was like "Ooh~! Look, it's Matsumoto Koshiro's daughter!".... in the opening of Sanma and SMAP 1998, Sanma mentioned the guests and when he mentioned, "Oh, Matsu Takako is one of the guests... *turned to SMAP* Kokoro junbi dekita (are your hearts ready for this)?". Both Matsu and her brother, Ichikawa Somegoro had the image of the prince and princess of the royal family back then. Somegoro's image was obocchama (young master), when he appeared in Tunnels Food show, Taka-san and the other guest, Sakai Maki, were teasing him that he cannot eat or never see the common people's food. In TOKIO's talk show, 5LDK (or the earlier one?), somewhere around 2000/2001 I think, Matsuoka asked
Matsu "So how many rooms do you have in your house?". Matsu was thinking hard and count with her fingers, and Matsuoka said, "It's so many that you lost count!?!??" Matsu laughed and denied it, but it shows that the public image of Matsu is that she's an ojousan, the daughter of a wealthy family who live in a castle-like house.
Little did they know, the princess is a tomboy, lol. The first time Kimura Takuya got to know Matsu (LongVaca/LoveGene), he was shocked to hear her came to the set saying "Ohayossu!", then he scold her, "O-ha-yo go-za-i-ma-su darou!?". Kimura talked in the radio that Matsu never wear skirt coming to the filming set, always long pants, lol. In a 2009 special show, Matsu said that thanks to Kimura Takuya, she managed to come all this way (achieved what she has achieved), I believe that was not entirely a joke. Kimura must have taught her a lot of things, including manner and how she has to respect her parents, lol. Later though, Matsu is not treated like a princess anymore, perhaps because the public sooner or later saw her nonchalant and simple personality, so the "princess" image just worn off.
However, Matsumoto Koshiro is still highly respected now and then, and seems like everyone is afraid of him. Maybe coz he has a scary face and there's something about him that makes him look like someone who has authority and power. I rarely see SMAP members afraid of anyone, maybe cause they're all 'bad boys' at heart. But whenever Koshiro-san come to Bistro SMAP, we can see their nervous and tensed expressions, lol. Goro-Tsuyoshi-Shingo were usually sooooooooooo quiet and let TwoTops did all the talking with him. It really did look like the Emperor's coming haha. When Koshiro-san came to SmaStation as a guest, Shingo was so scared of him, he looked down most of the time (Shingo didn't dare to see Koshiro straight in the eyes), Koshiro told him to relax cos he won't bite lol (Koshiro-san has a good sense of humor). Shingo was totally quiet when Koshiro lectured him that he should act in theatrical stage plays, sometimes. Lol, it was like watching a master scolding and giving advice to his disciple XD (Mitani Koki asked Koshiro-san to persuade Shingo to have interest in acting in a stageplay.... I guess the result was Talk Like Singing haha)
Mitani Koki is a big fan of Matsumoto Koshiro too. He wanted to offer him a leading role in the drama script he wrote and he said the first time he was gonna meet Koshiro-san, he was so afraid and shaking, but then he was relieved when he found out Koshiro-san is very friendly.
Although SMAP members had become familiar and more relax with Koshiro-san now (compared to the first time Koshiro-san came to Bistro, they were all so nervous), they still pay attention to their manner in talking and joking, respecting him very much.
Sorry, that I only give example about Koshiro-san in Bistro SMAP, cause I swear he never appear in any other variety show. I think he had come to talk shows like Tetsuko no Heya, but basically those kind of talk shows where the hosts are as old as he is. I have never even once saw Koshiro-san in a variety show or talk show hosted by comedian (except perhaps Tsurube or Tamori or Sanma and the likes). This shows he almost never interact with comedians... just like the Emperor never meet the farmers caste, lol.
I think, one of the reason why he came to Bistro SMAP a few times, is because he's a fan of the show, esp. P-chan skit, lol. During HERO filming, Matsu told Kimura that her father love P-chan skit so much and wishing for the skit to be aired again on SxS. When Koshiro-san came to Bistro, Kimura confirmed this to the person himself and Koshiro said it's true, lol.
Due to this wonderful relationship between SMAP members and Matsumoto Koshiro's family members, I always imagine Koshiro's family is like the imperial family and SMAP members are the samurai group who protect them, lolololol.
Aside of Koshiro's family... when Ichikawa Ebizo or Nakamura Shido appear in variety shows, the hosts would usually feel a bit awkward and uneasy, and they always ask "Eh? You rarely appear in this kind of shows right?". I feel that kabuki actors (and their family members) are always seen and treat highly among the entertainment people.
It doesn't mean there's a real caste system, but we can see there is rarely a pair of Actress/Comedian married couple. Most married couples in the entertainment world are actor-actress, actor-singer... that's why I call them the nobles. Even if there are cross-caste married couple... it's usually idol-comedian or actor-idol, like Kimura Yoshino and Higashiyama Noriyuki (Shonentai). Another example Inohara Yoshihiko/Inocchi (V6) and Seto Asaka. In the press conference, Inocchi said he was very flattered that Seto was willing to date him (in the earlier stage of their relationship) which hinted Inocchi felt some kind of class difference with her. When he introduced Seto to the other V6 members, he was quite nervous and the other V6 members were grinning, but Seto was just smiling, very calm and composed.
Which reminds me... that although they're not married or in a relationship, but Nakai Masahiro (SMAP) also thought highly of Nakama Yukie, he always talk about her like she's a princess from a castle in the sky or something, like she is un-approach-able. This hinted Nakai place himself lower than her, probably aware of his 'idol' status and her 'A-class Actress' status.
The ONLY Actress-Comedian married couple I knew was Fujiwara Norika and Jinnai Tomonori, but then they were divorced. Although the main reason was Jinnai's affair with another woman, but I heard another problem is the fact that Jinnai always talked abt his marriage life with Norika in variety shows and the other comedians made it a joke, Norika was furious abt this (of course!).
However, TUNNELS comedian duo, both married actresses, and theirs are quite long-last marriage. Ishibashi Takaaki (known as Taka-san in the UTABAN music&talk show) married Suzuki Honami (of the "Tokyo Love Story" fame). Kinashi Noritake married Yasuda Narumi (of the "Sugao no Mama de/Just The Way We Are" fame). Both were very popular actresses in the early 90s.
Akashiya Sanma married actress, Ohtake Shinobu too, but divorced. These three people are quite in the older generation, I haven't heard any actress-comedian marriage in the younger generation.
It may not be a caste problem, but kabuki actors rarely marries another celebrity. It has always proven failed. Ichikawa Somegoro dated Terajima Shinobu, broke up. Ichikawa Ebizo dated Yonekura Ryoko, broke up. Nakamura Shido married Takeuchi Yuko, divorced, and it was an awful, awful divorce too. Actually Ebizo's wife was an announcer, but she quit her job now, so I guess they're doing well. Takeuchi Yuko never had the intention to quit her job, so it was difficult to continue the marriage. The rien society (kabuki world) seems to have strict traditional rules.
This "feel" of caste system seems inevitable in the Japanese entertainment world. The culture includes polite language, prioritize manner, and bowing habit... I guess it's just inevitable for the society to create those layers of 'caste' ^_^ I find it interesting.
As you all might know, there was a caste system (mibun seido) among the Japanese society in the Edo period (17th-18th century).
1. Highest one was the NOBLES, including the Emperor, the imperial family and other noble families related to the imperial. Although Shogun came from samurai family, but they were considered as the nobles too. (although some jidaigeki dramas hints that the imperial family look down on the Shogun-s sometimes cos they still think their caste is lower than theirs)
2. Second in line was the SAMURAI.
3. FARMERS/PEASANT was lower, they farm land given by their lord.
4. CHONIN, the lowest caste includes the craftsmen and merchants.
A result of my observation.
1. Kabuki Actors = Imperial Family
2. Actors & Singers = Nobles
3. Johnny's Idols = Samurai
4. Comedians = Farmers
Sometimes, I feel like there are layers of caste in the modern era of the Japanese entertainment world. When Johnnys idols has to work together with comedians in variety shows, the comedians always place themselves lower than the idols and seem to respect the idols very much. The comedians always position themselves below the actors and singers too, when they meet them in talk shows, etc, they really show respect and think like actors are unapproachable for them.
For example, Bakusho Mondai (quite a senior in the comedian world) seem so afraid of Kimura Takuya. Also Cyaeen was so afraid of Takuya too when he pretend to be angry in Tensei Shingo, lol. Okay, maybe that's just because Takuya is kowai, indeed, lol.
But how about Kusanagi Tsuyoshi? In the recent OjaMap episode, Shingo told(ordered) Tsuyoshi to wait and queue for the karaage while he asked the others to come with him to a toy store, and Zakiyama, Shingo's comedian co-host in OjaMap, looked seriously uneasy and awkward about it, not sure what to do, cos it was usually his job, he was all like "eh? is this really okay?" then he talked to Tsuyoshi in polite language (it looked real, lol, it looked like he was so afraid of Tsuyoshi haha) and gave him the OjaMap wallet, but then Shingo told Zakiyama no need to give him the money and told Tsuyoshi to buy the karaage with his own money, lol.
Then Zakiyama talked to Morisanchuu, the other comedian guests "Is it really okay to make a nation-wide star to line up for the karaage?"
lol, like he's so concerned about it. Although Zakiyama always jokingly argue with Shingo in OjaMap, at certain moments, I can see when his real attitude to Shingo shows, he really respect and afraid of Shingo, I think. His attitude when he scold Shingo and all were just an act to make the show interesting.
I'm not sure how comedians
are with other Johnny's idols.... or is it only SMAP that were respected by comedians, cause they basically give out this scary aura and hard-to-approach attitude? But I don't think so... I have an example too with TOKIO... I'll save it for later.
I watched a lot of Arashi shows, but I can't remember any moment where comedians are scared and/or respected them. I hope I only missed it, though.
At this point, I'd like to conclude that COMEDIANS = HYAKUSHO (FARMERS/PEASANT) caste XD
Next, I would say, JOHNNY'S IDOLS = SAMURAI. I would like to say all idols are samurai, but there is so little number of male group idols other than Johnnys. I would say, EXILE = SAMURAI caste too, but I don't know much about Exile, so I can't give any example XD And as for the female idol groups... I don't know how to categorize them... hmm.... geisha? lol j/k
So I will just talk about how JOHNNY'S IDOLS = SAMURAI here. Basically, since idols touch every field in the entertainment world: acting, hosting, comedy skit, singing, etc. Idols has connections with every "caste"... they know the actors/singers and they know the comedians. I think idols are like the bridge between the actors and comedians. Some actors might not be comfortable to appear in variety shows hosted by comedians, but some are willing to appear in variety shows hosted by idols, cause idols know how to make the actors comfortable. Only the senior/experience comedians can make actors feel comfortable in variety shows.
When Rinko Kikuchi came to Shabekuri 007, the comedian hosts obviously respects her very much and treat and think of her highly even after they found out her comical character. They kept mentioning they can't believe Rinko would come and even a fan of the show. When Rinko Kikuchi came to TOKIO Kakeru, TOKIO treat her like an old friend or a little sister, and even call her "Rin-chan" (Shabekuri guys calls her "Kikuchi-san"). I don't think Rinko ever co-starred any TOKIO members? But even if she had, it doesn't change my point^^
I would love to insert SMAP in samurai costumes here but I can't find it.
So this is Samurai-Arashi ^v^ Kakkoiiii nee~
I remember in 2004, there were articles that SMAP refused to appear in Kouhaku Utagassen because they had no new song in that year. The articles made a comment that SMAP really has samurai souls.
Finally, I would categorize genuine Actors and Singers in the NOBLES caste.
Adding.... the Kabuki Actors are the Imperial Family of the entertainment world lol.
Being the daughter of a nation-wide well-known kabuki actor (sometimes titled as the Kabuki King), trust me, when Matsu Takako debuted in acting and singing in 1994-1998, everyone in the entertainment world treated her like a princess. She created quite a big fuss when she started in the entertainment world. She has a pretty face, good acting skill... so everyone was like "Ooh~! Look, it's Matsumoto Koshiro's daughter!".... in the opening of Sanma and SMAP 1998, Sanma mentioned the guests and when he mentioned, "Oh, Matsu Takako is one of the guests... *turned to SMAP* Kokoro junbi dekita (are your hearts ready for this)?". Both Matsu and her brother, Ichikawa Somegoro had the image of the prince and princess of the royal family back then. Somegoro's image was obocchama (young master), when he appeared in Tunnels Food show, Taka-san and the other guest, Sakai Maki, were teasing him that he cannot eat or never see the common people's food. In TOKIO's talk show, 5LDK (or the earlier one?), somewhere around 2000/2001 I think, Matsuoka asked
Matsu "So how many rooms do you have in your house?". Matsu was thinking hard and count with her fingers, and Matsuoka said, "It's so many that you lost count!?!??" Matsu laughed and denied it, but it shows that the public image of Matsu is that she's an ojousan, the daughter of a wealthy family who live in a castle-like house.
Little did they know, the princess is a tomboy, lol. The first time Kimura Takuya got to know Matsu (LongVaca/LoveGene), he was shocked to hear her came to the set saying "Ohayossu!", then he scold her, "O-ha-yo go-za-i-ma-su darou!?". Kimura talked in the radio that Matsu never wear skirt coming to the filming set, always long pants, lol. In a 2009 special show, Matsu said that thanks to Kimura Takuya, she managed to come all this way (achieved what she has achieved), I believe that was not entirely a joke. Kimura must have taught her a lot of things, including manner and how she has to respect her parents, lol. Later though, Matsu is not treated like a princess anymore, perhaps because the public sooner or later saw her nonchalant and simple personality, so the "princess" image just worn off.
However, Matsumoto Koshiro is still highly respected now and then, and seems like everyone is afraid of him. Maybe coz he has a scary face and there's something about him that makes him look like someone who has authority and power. I rarely see SMAP members afraid of anyone, maybe cause they're all 'bad boys' at heart. But whenever Koshiro-san come to Bistro SMAP, we can see their nervous and tensed expressions, lol. Goro-Tsuyoshi-Shingo were usually sooooooooooo quiet and let TwoTops did all the talking with him. It really did look like the Emperor's coming haha. When Koshiro-san came to SmaStation as a guest, Shingo was so scared of him, he looked down most of the time (Shingo didn't dare to see Koshiro straight in the eyes), Koshiro told him to relax cos he won't bite lol (Koshiro-san has a good sense of humor). Shingo was totally quiet when Koshiro lectured him that he should act in theatrical stage plays, sometimes. Lol, it was like watching a master scolding and giving advice to his disciple XD (Mitani Koki asked Koshiro-san to persuade Shingo to have interest in acting in a stageplay.... I guess the result was Talk Like Singing haha)
Mitani Koki is a big fan of Matsumoto Koshiro too. He wanted to offer him a leading role in the drama script he wrote and he said the first time he was gonna meet Koshiro-san, he was so afraid and shaking, but then he was relieved when he found out Koshiro-san is very friendly.
Although SMAP members had become familiar and more relax with Koshiro-san now (compared to the first time Koshiro-san came to Bistro, they were all so nervous), they still pay attention to their manner in talking and joking, respecting him very much.
Sorry, that I only give example about Koshiro-san in Bistro SMAP, cause I swear he never appear in any other variety show. I think he had come to talk shows like Tetsuko no Heya, but basically those kind of talk shows where the hosts are as old as he is. I have never even once saw Koshiro-san in a variety show or talk show hosted by comedian (except perhaps Tsurube or Tamori or Sanma and the likes). This shows he almost never interact with comedians... just like the Emperor never meet the farmers caste, lol.
I think, one of the reason why he came to Bistro SMAP a few times, is because he's a fan of the show, esp. P-chan skit, lol. During HERO filming, Matsu told Kimura that her father love P-chan skit so much and wishing for the skit to be aired again on SxS. When Koshiro-san came to Bistro, Kimura confirmed this to the person himself and Koshiro said it's true, lol.
Due to this wonderful relationship between SMAP members and Matsumoto Koshiro's family members, I always imagine Koshiro's family is like the imperial family and SMAP members are the samurai group who protect them, lolololol.
Aside of Koshiro's family... when Ichikawa Ebizo or Nakamura Shido appear in variety shows, the hosts would usually feel a bit awkward and uneasy, and they always ask "Eh? You rarely appear in this kind of shows right?". I feel that kabuki actors (and their family members) are always seen and treat highly among the entertainment people.
It doesn't mean there's a real caste system, but we can see there is rarely a pair of Actress/Comedian married couple. Most married couples in the entertainment world are actor-actress, actor-singer... that's why I call them the nobles. Even if there are cross-caste married couple... it's usually idol-comedian or actor-idol, like Kimura Yoshino and Higashiyama Noriyuki (Shonentai). Another example Inohara Yoshihiko/Inocchi (V6) and Seto Asaka. In the press conference, Inocchi said he was very flattered that Seto was willing to date him (in the earlier stage of their relationship) which hinted Inocchi felt some kind of class difference with her. When he introduced Seto to the other V6 members, he was quite nervous and the other V6 members were grinning, but Seto was just smiling, very calm and composed.
Which reminds me... that although they're not married or in a relationship, but Nakai Masahiro (SMAP) also thought highly of Nakama Yukie, he always talk about her like she's a princess from a castle in the sky or something, like she is un-approach-able. This hinted Nakai place himself lower than her, probably aware of his 'idol' status and her 'A-class Actress' status.
The ONLY Actress-Comedian married couple I knew was Fujiwara Norika and Jinnai Tomonori, but then they were divorced. Although the main reason was Jinnai's affair with another woman, but I heard another problem is the fact that Jinnai always talked abt his marriage life with Norika in variety shows and the other comedians made it a joke, Norika was furious abt this (of course!).
However, TUNNELS comedian duo, both married actresses, and theirs are quite long-last marriage. Ishibashi Takaaki (known as Taka-san in the UTABAN music&talk show) married Suzuki Honami (of the "Tokyo Love Story" fame). Kinashi Noritake married Yasuda Narumi (of the "Sugao no Mama de/Just The Way We Are" fame). Both were very popular actresses in the early 90s.
Akashiya Sanma married actress, Ohtake Shinobu too, but divorced. These three people are quite in the older generation, I haven't heard any actress-comedian marriage in the younger generation.
It may not be a caste problem, but kabuki actors rarely marries another celebrity. It has always proven failed. Ichikawa Somegoro dated Terajima Shinobu, broke up. Ichikawa Ebizo dated Yonekura Ryoko, broke up. Nakamura Shido married Takeuchi Yuko, divorced, and it was an awful, awful divorce too. Actually Ebizo's wife was an announcer, but she quit her job now, so I guess they're doing well. Takeuchi Yuko never had the intention to quit her job, so it was difficult to continue the marriage. The rien society (kabuki world) seems to have strict traditional rules.
This "feel" of caste system seems inevitable in the Japanese entertainment world. The culture includes polite language, prioritize manner, and bowing habit... I guess it's just inevitable for the society to create those layers of 'caste' ^_^ I find it interesting.