Japanese pop star Hikaru Iwao, from the band Hey! Say! JUMP, has landed a role as a university student at the age of 35. This surprising casting decision has sparked interest among fans and industry insiders alike. It also touches on themes of adult education and lifetime learning in the Japanese entertainment industry, showing that it's never too late for a career shift or personal growth.

In Japan, mature age students in universities are not as common as in Western cultures due to a strong societal focus on linear life progression. Moreover, this is a unique case, especially in the entertainment industry, where maintaining a youthful image is often paramount. Fans are excited to see Iwao take on a role that challenges societal norms.

In the US and Europe, it's more common to see mature students in university settings both on and off the screen. However, similar to Japan, seeing a pop star in such a role would still generate buzz, particularly as it presents a shift in societal norms and expectations.