Attractiveness of Hinatazaka46 in the Eyes of Fans : Factors Affecting Fans’ Evaluations

Abstract

Hinatazaka46 is one of the top idol groups in Japan. This study assumes that Hinatazaka46’s fans differently evaluate the group’s attractiveness depending on when they started having an interest in the group or whether they like other idol groups. By analyzing data collected from ninety fans of Hitanazaka46, this study shows that longtime fans evaluate the hardships the group faced in their early days more than new fans. However, contrary to the hypotheses proposed in this study, it is shown that, regardless of whether fans like other groups, some of the group’s characteristics commonly attract fans. Moreover, we provide suggestions for future research.