Japanese pop idol, Haruna Iikubo, recently made headlines with her heartfelt statement, "Family isn't only about blood." The singer expressed her emotions towards her fellow Hello!Project members, emphasizing the value of non-biological familial bonds. This was part of a talk segment during a recent live show, where she took the opportunity to eulogize her colleagues and non-blood relatives.

In Japan, family ties and values are held in high regard, and often intersect with many public figures' careers. Iikubo's sentiments can resonate with many, as it demonstrates the importance of non-familial relationships in a largely family-oriented society, and validates those who consider their friends or colleagues as family members.

Similar sentiments are often echoed by famous personalities in the West. Many celebrities in the US or EU, especially within the entertainment industry, often refer to their close-knit units like cast members or bandmates as their "second family" or "chosen family".