Japan has an extraordinary paradox: fierce copyright protection for corporations, yet tolerated doujinshi (fan-made manga, often erotic). The culture accepts that fans building derivative works is not theft but worship (Osamu Tezuka encouraged it). This "gift economy" feeds the mainstream; many pro artists started in Comiket (the world's largest fan convention).
: A unique subculture where "idols" are more than just musicians; they represent a standard of perfection and community. Fans often gather for live events, which you can find listed on Barks, a major Japanese music news site. : A unique subculture where "idols" are more
edited by Patrick W. Galbraith and Jason G. Karlin: This provides a deep dive into the Jimusho system, which "mass controls" the idol industry, and the commercialization of Japanese TV. The Structure of the Filmed Entertainment Industry in Japan Galbraith and Jason G