[DeepL Translation - needs review] AKB48 is an idol group that continues to sing about labor issues in this era with a string of million-seller albums. The lyrics of the songs, written by lyricist Yasushi Akimoto, are a portrait of labor in Japan. Company people, social inequality, free competition, job hunting, black companies, and job mobility. ...... AKB48 itself is a reproduction of the country's employment system. This book explains about 50 AKB48 songs and shows that they are work song...
It's not secret that the idol industry is rampant with abuse and exploitation of its performers. It's also no secret that idols are closer to character performers at amusement parks than singers or dancers. Often criticized for the lack of vocal or dancing skills of many of its members, the group AKB48, which has since become almost synonymous with idols and idol culture itself, serves as a common representation of all of these concepts.
The author analyzes song lyrics, album releases, fan even