Japan takes fan culture to the next level, as evidenced by the popularity of the okkake (groupies or loyal followers who chase their beloved performers’ tours from place to place) phenomenon. Moreover, the country also has its own take on ‘meet-and-greet’ culture, where fans have the chance to shake hands with, or even receive ‘gifts’ directly from, their idols.
Manga artist Sachiko Takeuchi has been an okkake for some 20 years, and has written numerous manga on the subject. While Takeuchi herself identifies as lesbian, her passions as an okkake fan are directed towards handsome men. This summer she released the third volume in her ‘Burabura Chinsho’ (‘Strange Places to Hang Around’) series, in which she provides humorous accounts of her all-out efforts to spend more time around goodlooking guys as she visits a range of unusual places and take part in weird and ridiculous events.
We caught up with Takeuchi to hear her thoughts on what makes an ikemen and find out about some of her favourite hotspots for hunk-spotters, a number of which have appeared in her manga.
Discover diamonds in the rough at ikemen contests
Before going to see any well-known hunks, first check out contests for ‘amateur ikemen’ who have yet to accrue much experience in the entertainment industry. ‘These events are kind of like auditions that are open to public, and it's a lot of fun to watch with your judges’ hat on. You might even discover a diamond in the rough!’ says Takeuchi. While the best-known competition of this kind in Japan is the Junon Superboy Contest, Takeuchi also recommends the ‘Mr’ contests held every autumn as part of the campus festivals at the city's various colleges and universities.
Meet ikemen at akushukai sessions
To any okkake, an akushukai (handshake session) means lining up for sometimes up to five or six hours for the chance to meet face-to-face for no more than a few seconds with their hot pop star idol. Is it worth it? Takeuchi explains with a laugh, ‘It’s the only way to see your idol up close – so even a few seconds is enough to give you an emotional experience. When I went to handshake sessions with (actor) Takeru Satoh and (actor-singer) Haruma Miura, I only met them for a very brief moment, but when I saw them smile in person, it was like “vitamins” for my soul, and it made me feel energised and happy. To me, that’s what an ikemen does.’
The bookstores that Takeuchi frequently visits for handshake sessions are Fukuya Books at Shinjuku Subnade, and the Shinjuku location of Book 1st. At the former, these meet-and-greets take place just about every week (schedules are posted in-store). The latter shop, however, not only hosts numerous handshake sessions and signings by writers, but also carries an extensive selection of pop star photo books. Both bookstores frequently hosts owatashikai (events at which fans can purchase CDs, books etc and receive them directly from the stars themselves).
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Go on a date with a crossdressing ikemen
Although ikemen are often associated with men, for Takeuchi, ‘an ikemen can be someone who looks good, regardless of whether they’re a man or a woman.’
She recommends going on a date in Akihabara with a woman dressed up in menswear. ‘Being escorted around by an androgynous ikemen, and having a silly, casual conversation while my heart was racing, it was a completely new experience,’ says Takeuchi. You can book such a tour at Re.sty. (This venue does not appear in Takeuchi’s books.)
Learn about tea from ikemen
Takeuchi recommends the private tea salon Chez Sica, which appears in her book ‘Moh Tanoshii Kotoshika Shitakunaikara, Ikemen ni Ainiitta’ (‘At This Point, All I Want Is to Have Fun, So I Went to See Some Ikemen’). ‘At Chez Sica,’ says Takeuchi, ‘there are these lovely male butlers, like you’d see in a manga for girls. Also, all the teachers here are certified tea experts. As well as being able to chat with handsome guys, you can learn about the history of black tea and the authentic way to make it. You can even learn proper table manners.’
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Tour Asakusa with a dreamy rickshaw driver
Another activity Takeuchi suggests is riding in a rickshaw pulled by an ikemen. In addition to it being a fun way to explore the shitamachi neighbourhood of Asakusa – home to arguably the most atmospheric streets in Tokyo – it’s a chance to learn about the area’s history and great restaurants from a strong, handsome guy, all while watching his muscles at work. Rickshaw rides are also available in other neighbourhoods, but Takeuchi recommends Ebisuya in Asakusa for its special elegance. (This venue does not appear in Takeuchi’s books.)
Feel like an F1 driver
Takeuchi's final pick is DDR, a racing simulator activity in Ikebukuro. This virtual reality experience, in which you navigate through a Formula One racecourse in a car loaded with software developed by a real F1 team, gets full marks for both realism and thrills. ‘I'd heard that pro racers come there to practice, and one was actually there when I went. The cars here are made just like an F1 car, and the people who work there are active racers. Being taught by ikemen with that special racer physique is a great feeling!’
