Idol, Burning by Rin Usami

Idol, Burning

by Rin Usami

Translated by Asa Yoneda

I may be wrong, but I do get the impression that most contemporary Japanese literature features characters who are eccentrics and outsiders, often at odds with the expectations of society.   This is certainly the case with the novella Idol, Burning by Rin Usami, now available in an English translation by Asa Yoneda. Its protagonist and narrator is Akari, a troubled teenager with learning problems whose life revolves her oshi, or idol –  Masaki Ueno, a member of the J-Pop band Maza Maza.  Akari, who finds it so difficult to fit in, is within her element when writing on her blog, corresponding with fellow fans.  Her devotion to her idol, bordering on quasi-religious fanaticism, is the only aim which keeps her going in life, even as she fails school and messes up at her waitering job.  Akari’s Masaki-centred world, however, starts to collapse when allegations emerge of his having assaulted a fan – or, possibly, a girlfriend.  As accusations pile up and the singer’s star wanes, Akari has to find a new sense in life – one that does not rely on her obsession as a crutch. 

Idol, Burning won its young author (Rin Usami is just 23...) the Akutagawa prize and was a bestseller in Japan. One can understand why.  At first glance, this book might seem slim, its “fall from grace” story rather underwhelming. But dig a little deeper, and the unassuming surface reveals many thoughtful undercurrents.  It explores the sometime complex relationship between pop stars and their followers; it shines an ambivalent spotlight on cancel culture and pokes some sarcastic fun at the money-making pop music market (even Akari, obsessed as she is, is sharp enough to note that the industry exploits fandom.) 

But what struck me most about this novel was what seemed like a strong “personal” element.  And it was only on reading the Author’s afterword that I realised that I might not have been far off the mark.  Because not only is the author just a few years older than her protagonist (and, therefore, a fellow traveller of the same world) but we also learn that the poignant, compassionate portrayal of Akari is based in part on Rin Usami’s brother, an intelligent child let down by the education system.

Idol, Burning is a quick read, but one with much to unpack. The novella is complemented with illustrations by comic-book/manga artist Leslie Hung.

Format

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication

November 3, 2022 by Canongate