Renowned Japanese singer, Noriaki Mikawa, has expressed his distress over viewing his own performances on a televised song program. Despite being a celebrated figure in the music industry, Mikawa confessed the experience felt rather challenging, provoking a stirred emotional response. The story sheds light on the emotional complexities experienced by even the most distinguished artists, piercing through the alluring façade of the entertainment industry.

Japan's entertainment industry holds a significant social imprint as it profoundly shapes the pop culture. Mikawa's confession is especially stirring in a cultural context where maintaining a “public face” or "Tatemae" is exceptionally valued. A revered figure expressing his vulnerability resonely echoes through the societal norms of emotional restraint.

In the US or EU, it's not uncommon for celebrities to express their vulnerabilities, mental health struggles, or challenges within the industry; in fact, it's often encouraged as a means to humanize celebrities and reduce stigmatization around these issues. While Japan's entertainment industry is gradually becoming open to such discussions, it is still considered a relatively new phenomenon.