Fostered idols and chinese identity

Abstract

Originating in Japan as an ACG (Animation, Comics and Games) subculture, the ‘fostered idol’ concept has been incorporated into the mainstream cultural industries in China and has gained popularity since the 2010s. This new form of youth culture differs fundamentally from the traditional concept of the ‘idol’, due to its dual nature as fans’ mass engagement in the creation of idols and the much closer relationship between idols and fans. This chapter entails a case study based on representative Chinese fostered idols. By using statistical methods and cultural theories of nationalism, it identifies how the TFBoys, a pop group composed of these idols, serve as a bridge to remind their fans and the public of traditional Chinese heritage and Chinese culture, and have strengthened the fans’ Chinese identity.