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Originally Posted by nmskalmn
You can live without smoking. That law applies to every 18 yr old in Japan, not just Hello! Project members.
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Yes, but the problem is that law is almost never enforced. I would say at least 50% of underage highschoolers in Japan smoke. Japan is a smoking country, it doesn't have the same negative stigma to it that is attached to it in the US and some other countries. Only now are they starting to get a little bit more smoking conscious. The only reason Kago is getting in trouble for this is because she is an "idol." Which is one of the many reasons why I'm glad Ayu got out of that business.
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Originally Posted by Brittany
She probably got fined by the ones that caught her .
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No she didn't. Law enforcement or any legalities have not gotten involved at all. The only people making a big deal out of this is her own Agency and the crazy fan boys.
She is an 18 year old girl who made a mistake and had a cigarette. She does not in any way deserve the way she is being treated now. W's album and single have even been cancelled. I'm thinking there might be something else going on behind the scenes for Up Front Agency to be having this big of a reaction. (It's primarily them that make these decisions, not Tsunku as far as I know.)
In short, cut the girl some slack. She is allowed to have a rebellious streak at her age - if she didn't, she would be sub-human. Let these girls live and make their mistakes.
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Originally Posted by walking proud
I think that she deserves the same treatment as everyone else in Japan, but suspension is a bit far....
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If she got the same treatment as a normal person in Japan, nothing would happen to her. After having lived in Japan, trust me, most people consider this law a joke. It was created in 1900(!). I've seen teens smoke all the time on school grounds, with teachers around and the most anyone ever does is tell them to put it out.(but even that is rare, usually because the teachers themselves are smokers^_^)
And of COURSE Kago knows smoking is bad for you. But smoking isn't the problem, it is the symptom of a problem. Her just quitting smoking won't solve the original problem be it stress or weight issues or what not. I personally believe she started smoking a few months ago because you saw her slim down a bit. You'd be suprised how many girls take up smoking to lose weight rather than dieting because it is a quick fix. And really, with the amount of pressure that there is to be petite in Japan(even more so than the US), I can understand the reasons why she would. Not that it is right, but I can put myself in someone elses shoes and understand.
Obviously I'm passionate about this subject.
It just bugs me that so many "fans" can be so devoted to these girls, but the second that they make any sort of mistake people turn their backs on them. They really aren't allowed to make mistakes and be human.
As I've said before, I think the whole idol industry needs a major change because as it is now I think any psychologist would tell you it is emotionally and mentally unhealthy for the girls in the long run. Mari had the right idea to get out.