In Rin Usami's award-winning novel "Idol, Burning," readers are taken on a thought-provoking journey into the life of 17-year-old Akari Yamashita, who struggles with even the simplest tasks.
The book, expertly translated into English by Asa Yoneda, is written in riotous and taut prose that captures the nuances of teen spirit.
It explores the theme of obsessive fandom and the ways in which individuals can find purpose in their virtual lives.
In this article, we will delve into the complexities of being a fan, particularly of idols, and how being a fan can be a part of a person's identity and sense of purpose.
We will also discuss the author's views on the difference between a performer on stage and their personal life and the importance of understanding this difference.
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Akari's Quest for Meaning
The protagonist, Akari, finds solace in creating a virtual persona as a wise superfan of Masaki Ueno, a J-pop idol.
When Masaki punches a fan, Akari's online life begins to unravel, causing her to spiral out of control.
She is caught in the middle of a scandal that garners hatred and negative attention, exposing her vulnerability.
Throughout the novel, Akari reveals the ways in which she has abandoned her failures and frustrations in the physical world to shine in her virtual life.
Usami's ability to encapsulate the teen spirit is reminiscent of J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye."
The novel smolders with the protagonist's view of adult hypocrisies, but it lacks the overt railing against “phonies” seen in “The Catcher in the Rye.”
Usami's magic lies in her ability to capture the nuances of the teen spirit with brilliant clarity.
The translation of the book was a double challenge, as it involved capturing the meaning of internet slang and abbreviations while keeping true to the author's message.
Asa Yoneda's translation of "Idol, Burning" is fresh and gives a fitting introduction to Usami's work.
Interview with the Author
In an interview, the author, Rin Usami, explains that she wrote the novel because she felt that the concept of being a fan was not well understood by society.
She believes that being a fan of someone or something can be a part of a person's identity and sense of purpose.
Rin Usami acknowledges that being a fan can take on many forms and that her own way of being a fan is to attend live performances and support her favorite actor.
Rin also discusses the importance of understanding the difference between a performer on stage and their personal life.
Being a fan does not necessarily mean blindly following their every action.
The interview highlights the complexity and diversity of being a fan, and the significance it can hold for individuals.
Akari updates a blog throughout the novel, which includes her thoughts on using a voice-enabled alarm clock for her favorite artist and a transcript of a radio show in which she appeared.
The blog serves as a way for Akari to express herself and share her love for her "oshi" with others.
The author admits that she drew inspiration from fan SNS and blogs when writing this novel.
Final Thoughts
In "Idol, Burning," Rin Usami takes readers on a journey into the mind of an adolescent who finds purpose and meaning in obsessive fandom.
The novel is a thought-provoking study of the ways in which individuals can find solace and comfort in their virtual lives.
Rin's interview highlights the complexity and diversity of being a fan, and the significance it can hold for individuals.