I became an idol in Japan overnight at 14 with millions of fans just by dancing to J Pop songs in my Isle of Man bedroom
A YOUNG woman has revealed how she became a Japanese pop star while dancing in her bedroom as a teen.
Becki, once known as Beckii Cruel, became an overnight success in Japan at the age of 14 despite growing up on the Isle of Man and never stepping foot in the country.
Now 29, Becki has recalled her stint as a Japanese pop star and how it all happened.
“I had a really strange early childhood when I was like an idol in Japan,” she said.
An idol in Japan is essentially a famous entertainer, usually singers.
“For me, the internet was really a way for me to explore the world,” she explained.
“I just woke up and my inbox was like new subscriber, new subscriber, I was like ‘something’s going on.”
She revealed it all started when she picked up a Manga book and became obsessed with the cartoons, which led her to deep dive into Japanese culture.
Becki soon started watching YouTube videos of people dancing to J Pop songs (a term used for Japanese Pop music) and decided to give it a go herself from her bedroom in the Isle of Man.
Despite not speaking a word of Japanese or ever visiting the country – she woke up one day to see her videos had gone viral in the country and had several millions of fans overnight.
After her success, Becki revealed she signed a three-year management contract with a Japanese company as well as a recording label with Tokuma Records and an advertisement contract with Amazon.
Becki then headed to Japan during the summer holidays for her career recording the song Danjo and even being part of J pop group called Cruel Angels.
She added: “I’ve been to Japan three times then after purposely maintaining a low profile in the Isle of Man I made my first appearance on local radio three FM and it’s the first time local people knew about what I was doing.
“Then I had a full page article in the Manx Independent and then also we made a taster documentary for BBC 3.”
Becki did say that while doing her first photo card album in Japan there was pressure for her to pose in swimwear something her parents fended off.
She said: “(There was) pressure to do things that were perhaps not going to be like age appropriate from a western perspective such as swimsuit photoshoots at the age that I was at.
The rise of J Pop in Western culture
The rise of J-Pop (Japanese Pop) and K-Pop (Korean Pop) in Western culture can be attributed to a variety of factors.
- Globalisation and the Internet: The internet has played a crucial role in the global spread of J-Pop and K-Pop. Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have made it easier for fans around the world to access and share music, videos, and news about their favourite artists. This has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for non-Western music in Western markets.
- High Production Quality: Both J-Pop and K-Pop are known for their high production values. Music videos are often elaborate and visually stunning, featuring impressive choreography, fashion, and special effects. This level of production quality has attracted a global audience that appreciates the artistry and effort put into each performance.
- Idol Culture: In both Japan and Korea, the concept of ‘idols’ – young pop stars who are meticulously trained in singing, dancing, and public image – is central to the music industry. These idols often have a strong fan base due to their talent, hard work, and carefully crafted public personas. The idol culture has intrigued many Western fans who are drawn to the dedication and discipline of these performers.
“I think for the girls in Japan it probably is that sense of there’s 1,000 other girls just like you who will go to any length to be the most successful, so if you’re not doing the swimsuit photoshoot we have no use for you.
“That was my takeaway from it.”
Becki has received thousands of views and likes on her videos explaining her Idol career on TikTok @beckiibeckii.
One person wrote: “I remember watching your documentary and being amazed because I was the same age as you.”
Another commented: “Beckii Cruel! I remember you!”
“I remember your BBC3 documentary, teen icon,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Omgggg this has unlocked a core memory.”
“Whaaaat!? This is so cool,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “Oh wow I remember you! It’s certainly been a minute, but nice you can look back on those times fondly.”
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