A Japanese underground music idol named Harida Matsumoto has sparked a heated debate after photos surfaced showing her allowing fans to sniff her armpits after performances. Matsumoto, who has about 400,000 social media followers, is part of the highly competitive underground idol scene in Japan, where performers struggle to stand out without the backing of major talent agencies.
Underground idols typically perform in small venues and rely heavily on direct fan engagement to build their following, but many online critics called Matsumoto’s fan service inappropriate and disgusting. Other observers argued the controversy simply highlights the difficult and often desperate situations underground idols face, including low pay and intense pressure to keep fans loyal. Most of her followers have continued to support her despite the backlash.
Source: Oddity Central