What it takes to be an idol in japan?

Troll.

"Looks and personality, as well as skills. You need to be able to talk well, be well to fans, act cute, act, sing, dance, etc..." Hahahaha. By "having personality" she means smiling a lot and nodding your head when someone says something to you. But other than that, a good description. But you have to be chipper. That's the word in English that best describes it. Japanese people are obsessed with aging, and have a general negative worldview, so they need to see people on TV laughing and having fun. And be youthful. When I saw AKB-48 on TV getting interviewed last year, what struck me was how normal they were. They answered the questions like any 14 year old would. They are not given confidence or poise by their recording company manager. They are supposed to be like kids. Humble, unsure of themselves, easily accessible, and so that regular girls and boys will see themselves in the different members, or see a potential girlfriend/boyfriend. Older people simply find them cute and nostalgic, cuz they bring back memories of their own youth. A lot of them, like child TV stars, have a poor future waiting for them. I always like Erika Sawajiri, who said something like "I don't give a sh*t" during a press conference and was shunned by all of Japan for being arrogant. You can see a lot of the negative side of Japanese idols by reading her life story. Those poor girls who become idols are given instant fame, in most cases they stay popular for 1 year, or 2, or semi-fame for 5 or more years. But they are worked like slaves and the record industry and entertainment company take almost of the earnings and the child herself receives little. A lot of times, like Erika Sawajiri, they have mental breakdowns and the press has a field day talking about the child's personal problems on TV 24 hours a day. But 23 years for women is "ancient," you may as well be Betty White. Boy groups on the other hand, have all the negative stuff as well, but are more likely to line up work if they have personalities (see: Smap, Arashi, Tokio, etc.) So, it's a bit like being the next Justin Bieber or .....Kesha? In the USA. You have little talent, but are appealing to the people, a recording company uses the hell out of you for two years, oversaturates the market, and there is a backlash and everyone hates you. Then you are on the "Where are they now?" list like Vanilla Ice, Backstreet Boys, and the Spice Girls (except Beckham's wife).