A recent online discussion in Japan has blown up, all thanks to a rather pungent topic: the "smell of idol concert venues." One netizen even broke down the distinct aromas of various Hello! Project groups, sparking a wave of hilarious (and horrifying) recollections from fans about their own past experiences with less-than-fresh concert atmospheres. The internet, predictably, went wild.
The whole thing kicked off when a Twitter user shared their "impressions" of Hello! Project concerts. The verdict? Almost universally, they were described as "smelly," with some even getting specific, calling out "especially stinky" or "old person smell." It's the kind of post that makes you laugh and cringe simultaneously. Given these are active groups, it seems modern idol fans might still be contributing to some olfactory challenges at live shows.
Another fan shared their most unforgettable experience: a Matsuura Aya concert back in 2003. They arrived late, and the moment they stepped inside, they were hit with an incredibly intense smell, describing it as a "backdraft-like shockwave." That post, in particular, resonated with countless others, igniting a flurry of shared memories and discussions.
This vivid description had other netizens cracking up and exclaiming, "That image is way too vivid, LOL," "Just thinking about it is terrifying," and "I thought only Comiket was like this, turns out concerts too!"
The comment section quickly filled with exaggerated but incredibly descriptive comparisons, like "over-fermented red wine" and "unwashed stray dog." Some even dropped a bombshell, revealing that many fans would change clothes right there at the venue after the concert, a scene that left many shocked.
One netizen humorously admitted, "I probably contributed to that smell," drawing plenty of laughs. It makes sense, though, as many fans bring extra clothes because they're going all out, dancing and cheering like crazy throughout the entire live show, working up a serious sweat.
However, not everyone agreed. Some netizens pointed out that compared to the past, the environment at idol concerts has significantly improved. With an increasing proportion of female fans and activities like handshake events and photo ops bringing idols and fans closer, there's a greater emphasis on personal hygiene and appearance among the fanbase.
Ultimately, most netizens reached a unanimous conclusion: "No matter what kind of concert you're going to, at least take a shower beforehand." A simple sentence, but it became the most universally agreed-upon piece of advice in this whole smelly saga.
via： togetter