The industry relies on intense fan loyalty, monetized through handshake events, talent elections (like those pioneered by the group AKB48), and exclusive fan club memberships.
This was the Japanese paradox Kenji lived every day: the rigid, quiet discipline of shokunin (craftsmanship) colliding with the explosive, ephemeral glitter of idol culture. The industry relies on intense fan loyalty, monetized
remains the world’s most valuable intellectual property at an estimated $120 billion Hello Kitty follows as a close second. 2. Anime & Manga: The Modern Mythology monetized through handshake events