Former national idol turned Ginza hostess at 26: “I make 10 times more now.”

 

Former Keyakizaka46 Shida Manaka (26)

She’s now working as a hostess at a high-end club in prime Ginza.

“I’m making more than I did as an idol—like, ten times more,” she admitted bluntly.
“When I first started, I aimed to be number one that month. Not sure where I stand now, though.”

[+15, -234]

source: Girls Channel

1. [+29, -80]

She had a glow-up.

2. [+359, -5]

She really managed to become number one? Maybe her old fans are showing up and spending big?

3. [+422, -2]

Well, the jobs aren’t all that different anyway. Of course you’d go with the one that pays better.

4. [+501, -16]

She grew up in a single-mother household, and her mom was in the nightlife business too. Upbringing really does matter… She finally made it as a popular idol, and now it just feels like such a waste. 

>> You’d think she might’ve escaped the cycle, but honestly, maybe this is her true calling.

>> Just like nightlife work, idols can only make real money when they’re young—except for a rare few who become talents or actresses. So honestly, choosing the path that pays better makes total sense.

5. [+282, -3]

National idol?

>> After graduating from Keyakizaka, it’s mostly just Nagahama Neru who’s showing up on regular TV, right? You don’t really see much of Nogizaka either, besides the big names, but the Keyaki girls are heading down some really weird paths.

6. [+208, -3]

She said something heartbreaking about drinking because she can’t see a future for herself.
It really worried me — like, what if she doesn’t make it to see any future at all?

7. [+30, -6]

Well, this is her way of living, so if she’s okay with it, then who are we to judge?

8. [+136, -15]

She’s cute. Hope she’s saving up properly!

9. [+190, -1]

Idols and nightlife work are basically two sides of the same coin.

10. [+128, -1]

I saw her on TV and her face looked super unnatural...

11. [+26, -5]

I think it’s totally fine for former idols and young girls to use whatever assets they’ve got while they can to make money.

12. [+84, -3]

No, but wouldn’t it be more accurate to say “former member of a national idol group” instead of “former national idol”?