This is false. South Korea and other parts of East Asia also have this same idol mentality. In fact, I'd argue the idol industry there is possibly worse than it is in Japan where facial reconstruction, plastic surgeries, and extreme diets/malnourishment are a norm. The SK idol industry also has a very large US following of netizens, so I'd say it's normalized and tolerated, if not encouraged in the west as well. Stan culture is everywhere and the entertainment industry can be gruesome regardless of the country, not to say Japan in particular doesn't have its fair share of issues, but the ones you listed here are not something unique to it.
Well, sorry but you're missing the point.
The initial subject was Japan vs the West. We are well aware that most Asian countries are concerned by the subject. Didn't want to have fun dissecting specificities of each country. So you're basically right, but that doesn't contradict my argument in this context.
For the last part, I persist and sign, but the Japanese mentality (or of Asia in general, if you insist) has nothing to do with that of the West. It's cultural. Private life, public image, and responsibilities in front of the fans can't be compared. Either you're in denial, or too deep into an echo chamber but that i can assure you.
I mean.. we're on a manga reading site... and mangas are particularly notorious for being pretty vocal about the toxicity of these situations. You have litterally proof of that under any title of this website.
While as an european, I can't even remember the last time a drama involving fans and stars took place in my country. I mean, nobody cares besides teenage girls anyway, you'll not find creepy 25yo guys following actresses in the street like it's a normal behaviour. Yes, it sometimes "happens", but come on, we're talking about nuance here.
Again, I'm not saying that the West (and "West" is already pretty vague to be fair) is perfect and Japan is crazy. But idolatry is not handled in the same way. And one is more toxic than the other...
