Idol group =LOVE members Takamatsu Hitomi and Takigawa Shogo shared details about their internal support system during a product launch in Tokyo on Saturday [1].
The revelations provide insight into the emotional labor and interpersonal dynamics required to maintain a high-pressure idol group over several years. As the group navigates the demands of the entertainment industry, these peer-support structures serve as a primary mechanism for preventing burnout.
The pair appeared at the "Happyくじ ‘Zootopia’ 10th Anniversary Product Launch" [1]. During the event, Takamatsu described the group's internal bond as a "buddy" system, noting that there are 10 members in the group [2].
Takamatsu said that the members look out for one another, acknowledging that not every day is filled with high energy. She said that some members have days when they lack energy and that the atmosphere is not always celebratory [2].
To manage these fluctuations in mood, the group employs a strategy of intuitive support. Takamatsu said that when they sense a member is feeling down, they intentionally avoid being too pushy or aggressive in their approach to give the person space [2].
This approach to emotional wellbeing comes as =LOVE marks nine years of activity [2]. The members said that the ability to sense a peer's emotional state and react with restraint is key to their collective stability.
The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Happyくじ ‘Zootopia’ product line [1], bringing the group together to promote the anniversary merchandise while discussing the personal bonds that sustain their professional partnership.
““イコラブは10人いるんですけど、みんなバディっていう感じで””
The description of a 'buddy' system within =LOVE highlights a shift toward prioritizing mental health and emotional intelligence within the Japanese idol industry. By acknowledging that members cannot maintain a constant 'high-energy' persona and implementing a system of intuitive, non-intrusive support, the group demonstrates a sustainable model for long-term activity in a field often criticized for extreme pressure on young performers.
