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 Despite one of the lowest rates of obesity in the developed world,
Japan has a growing number of underweight young women, who rely on
excessive dieting to satisfy society's emphasis on being slim.
Heavy people are the frequent target of jokes in the media and use
of the derogatory "debu," or "fatso," remains common.
Enter "Pottya", a pop group named after a slang word for chubby and
consisting of four young women who are not especially hefty to
Western eyes, but well above average weight in Japan.
"People assume that being chubby is a sign of laziness or lack of
self-discipline," said Michiko Ohashi, the group's heaviest member
at 87 kg (192 lb) and a height of 167 cm (5.5 ft).
"I became an idol with the hope of changing that image. If they see
us working to make our dreams come true, we can show that chubby
people can work hard."
First treated as a quirky joke at its debut in 2015, the group's
image is changing, with the release of two albums and a growing
roster of live concerts and television appearances.
Members range in weight from 63 kg (139 lb) to 87 kg (192 lb) for
the 26-year-old Ohashi, and their average of 76 kg (168 lb) is about
26 kg (57 lb) over the Japanese average for women aged 13 to 18,
according to the Health Ministry.
Their body mass index, which compares weight to height, ranges from
27.4 to 31.2. Doctors consider an individual with a BMI above 25 to
be overweight, and one above 31 obese.
"We're really heavy but we want to use that to shake up the idol
world," Ohashi said.
Pottya has passionate devotees, both male and female, many of whom
describe themselves as overweight.
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Fans gather to meet Pottya members for a high-calorie lunch each
month, with the menu of one recent meal featuring rice, noodles,
chicken and potatoes -- all fried.
"I was quite attracted and overwhelmed with how lively their
plus-size bodies move and dance," said Tabo, a 36-year-old man who
gave only his fan nickname.
The group was an inspiration, said Miho Kishi, who was bullied about
her weight as a child.
"They've come out and are actually selling themselves as chubby,
which has given us chubby women a lot of hope and courage," said the
25-year-old.
(Writing by Elaine Lies; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
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