Aya Hirayama - Japanese Hot Babe

In the 1980s, idols became much closer to average Japanese people; this is likely because the average lifestyle of the Japanese improved. Most of those called idols have sung songs that would fit J-Pop and they are generally pretty, cute, or fresh-faced, if not beautiful. However, there are exceptions to the norm.Fans had few opportunities to see them beyond a few minutes on TV or radio and it was difficult to share their interests. Magazines were the best source for information and many idols had an official fan club that periodically mailed what little information could be released.

Their pay was surprisingly low. Their public and "private" lives were carefully orchestrated—they always appeared perfect in all situations and seemed to enjoy a lavish lifestyle that most Japanese could only dream about. In reality, however, they were placed under continuous surveillance by their promoters and were unable to enjoy the private lives invented for them. They were often overworked and even if their songs sold well most of the money went to the musicians and writers.