Becky wins Kodansha's 'Best Character Award'
Entertainment ( 78 )
TOKYO —
“Talent” Becky, 27, is this year’s winner of publisher Kodansha’s “Best Character Award.” Part of the Kodansha Advertising Awards, it goes to the celebrity voted most popular by readers during the year and who contributed to the progress of magazine advertising.
Becky said that she often reads women’s fashion magazines and health magazines and is inspired by magazine ads and gets ideas for music promotion videos from them.
Japan Today
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78 Comments
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1
sensei258
I love Becky! I'm glad she won.
0
some14some
Congratulations Becky !
1
JapanGal
At a loss for words.
1
Atsushi Idobe
Congratulations Becky!!! I think she's a great tarento and her character is amazing especially on the television programs she appears on.
-1
tmarie
Hate Becky! Does this mean all her fake, airheaded BS is a character? Thank god for that! 27?? Perhaps she might want ot lose the baby voice and wide eyed look and grow up??
-1
southsakai
She's really awesome and much talented - expect music :) I was watching a program where she was doing some sand art type of thing, amazingly talented! This is wonderful for her I say. Congratulations Becky!
-4
FightingViking
As my mother would say : "When a man says something good about a woman, he's just complimenting her (or wants something out of her...) when he says something bad, it's usually true. When a woman says something good about another woman, she usually means it ! When she says something bad, it's because she's jealous..."
6
NuckinFutz
After seeing her many times on TV I am still not sure exactly what her "talent" is?
1
tenguleavings
Vital stuff, indeed.Let's hope they have top men working on it...
-15
Elbuda Mexicano
Becky san is so sweet! Tender hearted and all around good people as we down south! Some people her are just way too jaded to see Becky's TRUE INNER BEAUTY!!! IMHO
-1
LH10
ewww noooooo! booo!!1
-1
LH10
agree with ya tmarie ^^ lol!!
0
Pukey2
Kodansha International closes its doors. And we have this drivel? Oh pleeez!
mexico;
Yes indeed, in your opinion.
2
LH10
go away becky -_-
4
It"S ME
Becky go with god but GO.
5
smartacus
I've bet Becky a few times. She is a very nice young lady and immensely popular among Japanese people of all ages. I don't see why so many readers here have to insult her.
3
It"S ME
Maybe because she like many other foreign geinojin provide an image of foreigners that don't help us?
Got to say I truly dislike the vast majority of foreign geinojin here(channel will get changed fast).
0
mackemack
Best character? Is that like a cartoon character? But I thought she was a real person.
0
atomheartmother
She "contributed to the progress of magazine advertising." Um, no comment.
0
atomheartmother
@smartacus I think that with "awards" such as these, people like "Becky" represent and are literally the faces of the inane Japanese media personality system. If you elect to put yourself out there as a participant in said system then you must take the good with the bad, up to and including ridicule as a public figure (from particularly among this crowd at Japan Today, because you probably won't see such hidoi harshness among predominantly Japanese people or websites). These media people seek attention as their raison d'etre anyway, so we're giving it to them, with both barrels.
0
Foxie
I can just imagine walking into her living room...'and this one was my award for best character'.
Yeah, agree with It's Me', just stop embarrassing the rest of us here on TV, Betty. I am sure you are a nice person but please bear some responsibility.
2
Harry_Gatto
It has always been the same, I could write the script for the posts whenever Becky-chan is mentioned here. There are those who like her, those who don't care and those who spout all the jealous vitriol they can muster.
Becky is far from stupid and certainly is no airhead. She has an MBA and she is in business, it is as simple as that. Her business is selling herself (in the nicest possible way) to those who want to buy what she has. No different from anyone selling themself because they are a native English speaker and can teach the language; no different from selling your talents as a manager, programmer, whatever trade or profession you have or belong to; no different from owning a pub and selling beer and food to those who want to buy what you have for sale.
The girl has done well for herself, she does not need to be insulted. If you don't like her then don't watch or read about her, move on but don't criticise her for being successful. Personally I admire her for being successful at what she does, she is moderately talented and atttractive with it though a tad skinny for my tastes. She is going to be around for many years to come, you wait and see.
2
Darrin Flores
i agree with NuckinFutz.... seen her on some shows.... Exactly what is her talent again?
-10
tmarie
What exactly am I, and others, supposed to be jealous of? I'm not selling my soul to make money. The same can't be said for her.
Moderator
Readers, please do not post any further ill-mannered remarks about Becky.
-1
CrazyJoe
Becky has character. She's fun watching on TV.
-3
anglootaku
She was good in 'Shinkansen Girl'
-4
gogogo
Can we make a best comment-ist award and give it to anyone and make a big press release about it and post it everywhere?
0
southsakai
Nicely said man, agree with you whole heartdly 100%
-2
Manuel D. Valencia III
Big deal!
-2
zichi
To be honest, I never know who these people are. Guess I live in another dimension?
-2
Dutchduck
All you nay sayers are just jealous! None of you have the amazing talent or unearthly beauty this fine creature of god possesses. She
s multi-lingual, great at math and has a great sense of humor. Furthermore Ive heard that shes a great cook and knows how to knit (according to aera magazine). Congratulations Becky, nobody deserves this award more than you and Im sure many more are to follow!-3
Serrano
Becky's awesome!
0
Allie Chambers
I never know how I feel about Becky. I feel like she is a very sweet, genuine person, but there is just something about her that irks me...I would say she does have talent though.
0
genjuro
I kind of feel the same way. Could it be her perpetual vacant, deer-in-the-headlights look?
2
afterthequake
I know next to naught about Becky, I have no telly, and no interest in Talent, neither here or any other country.......BUT, with regards to this girl, I did once have an adult English lesson wherein one of the questions I was forced to ask was "Which Japanese entertainer do you like the most", and all of the women in the room said "Becky". "Why???" "Because she hates work place gossip, slander, back stabbing, and is always very positive". I know that is hardly a talent but it is a pretty reasonable quality to have, and if she can inspire and encourage others through it, well done I say.
0
Elbuda Mexicano
I have worked with Becky not Betty my dear Foxie and she is very kind and intelligent also for being raised here in Japan her English is better than many here trying to comment in their native language so I truly respect Becky.
0
FightingViking
That's exactly what I meant ! (Only the truth hurts...)
1
It"S ME
I am not against Becky perse, but against the image that many foreign geinojin use to sell themselves. But tired to get asked why I don't act more like X or Y foreign geinojin, my reply why don't you act more like Z or A.
This goes for top ones like Becky, Bobby, Patrick Haran, etc down to smaller ones that work on some travel programs.
Most of them were either born/raised or raised in Japan so I feel that we have little in common. Same with many other foreigners that were raised here.
Don't doubt her intelligence, etc neither do I doubt the ones of their japanese counterparts (like Imoto Hunter, etc). Those people work hard and are given bad-deals as often as not. As for being bilingual, majority of the world speaks multiple languages 2, 3 or more). Personally I think Becky ranks in the looks department right alongside Imoto-Hunter.
Now there are quiet a few foreigners on J-TV I got full respect for like Robert Campbell, etc.
Rant over.
0
Foxie
ElBuda: As I have said she probably is a nice girl but why the embarrassement on TV all the time? Look at Jessica Michibata, she never embarrasses herself and comes up with intelligent and witty comments.
-2
Elbuda Mexicano
Sorry Foxie not too sure who Jessica Michibata, but back to Becky, can you explain to me what you mean about embarrasses herself?? Most Japanese tv is just about doing crazy and wild things that regular Japanese would never ever do in their regular lives, remember this is a very strict country, about forcing people to be quiet, but on Japanese tv people can be loud, wild have fun and get $$$$.
3
Foxie
Her TV persona is a funny loudmouthed shrieking girl, or simply annoying to a point where it is not funny anymore but ridiculous.
For example, how often do you see her and others alike sitting on a so called celebrity panel discussing the various issues of the day. They are light entertainers, their opinions are not relevant, yet they appear in 99 percent of prime time TV. Apart from NHK, the daily output of the commercial channels is identical. The same old variety shows, quizzes on the bizzare practices in various foreign countries, endless shows about food and what the world eats, etc. It is official, Japanese TV is mindless pulp for a nation that really doesn’t care anyway.
-1
Chris Jacques
I think the biggest problem is that foreigners don't understand the concept of a "Talent" in Japan. It's not referring to their skill or talent, it's simply a title given to quasi-celebrities whose only function is being on talk shows, game shows, commercials, etc. They don't usually act in movies or make music, they are just there to participate in panels and goofy shows. It's all very lighthearted and enjoyable if you don't take it so seriously.
I think she accels at being a Talent. She is the loud, goofy girl, while other female talent have different characteristics.
She's still a hundred times better than most American celebrities!
3
afterthequake
Correct Foxie. Japanese TV is mostly drivel. However, whenever I go abroad, most foreign TV is on a similar level. Reality Big Brother TV, pimp my ride, check out the size of Kobe Bryant's house..... I would rather chew my arm off than spend a day watching that. Regardless of where you are, turn off the telly, or at least get really selective about when you turn it on.
1
tokyokawasaki
I have nothing against her personally, but please enlighten me, what is her talent? I mean what does she do?
4
Foxie
Chris, the problem is (and that is not her mistake) that the rest of the population sees her as a foreigner. Many times Japanese people are surprised when they meet me since I don't act that way and make me into a 'not normal foreigner'. The other day someone was surprised that I eat fish and we are not even talking about raw fish. For someone who has never been abroad, where do you think this idea came from? It becomes tiring after all those years I spent here to hear this same old stereotyping over and over again. That being said the reality shows in other countries are just as bad, just as afterthequake said.
-1
rickyvee
come on guys, it's so obvious that becky's "talent" is to smile, laugh, say "ooooiiishhiiiii," sing off key, and smile. oh wait, i said smile twice, i meant laugh.
1
Ben_Jackinoff
Becky is popular with viewer because she is kind, respectful and cheerful. The world could use more of this, not less. Come to think of it, so could this discussion :)
2
Ben_Jackinoff
Should have been "viewers", not "viewer". Is that the reason for the thumbs down?
Anyway,
She is a presenter and commentator on various variety shows. She speaks smoothly and professionally on TV in front of millions of people. She makes people smile and feel good without having to resort to sleazy comments, etc. She is definitely not a 'loud talent' at all. In fact, she is quite the opposite of most 'talents' on Japanese TV in that she is well-spoken and poised as well as being kind, respectful and cheerful.
1
Foxie
What's this then?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Oys7FRqWg8&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSa7mNDWwfI
-3
pavorito
Becky is a good girl. Leave her alone!
2
It"S ME
Foxie.
Agree her after-midnight show performances are the worst.
-1
Ben_Jackinoff
Foxie,
Those kinds of appearances are definitely in the minority for Becky. I can think of loads of people much more worth the ire being shown in this thread. Becky has also done voice-over work for some major motion pictures. The woman is a professional entertainer.
0
tokyokawasaki
All those defending her as being great, what does she do? I read she's great, kind, she smiles, she laughs.... But what is her talent? Why is she on TV, what talent does she bring?
Or is it that her talent is doing what we can all do? Laugh, smile etc, etc...
I am totally confused as to what she does? Does she specialize in doing something?
-1
Ben_Jackinoff
To repeat, she is a presenter and commentator on various variety shows. She speaks smoothly and professionally on TV in front of millions of people. Becky has also done voice-over work for some major motion pictures. The woman is a professional entertainer. It is interesting that so many people assume they could do what she does when they have never done it themselves. Most people would not be able to pronounce their own name correctly on live TV in front of millions of people. Doing this kind of thing day in and day out if not nearly the same as being interviewed on the street for a couple of seconds for the nightly news.
When people ask the question 'what does she do', what are they expecting her to do? Fly through the air? Transport through time? She is an on air personality and one that is quite popular.
Don't get me wrong. I don't think she can walk on water. At least I have not seen her do it yet ;) However, she is definitely a decent TV personality and does her job rather well.
0
tokyokawasaki
Ben for those of us fortunate enough not to own a TV we have no idea what she does. Being called a 'talent' is meaningless.
If they said Becky 'News Reporter, weather girl, chat or game show host' I would understand more about what she does. So those like myself who asked 'what does she do' were not having a go or insulting her, I for one was just curious what she does.
0
Ben_Jackinoff
tokyokawasaki,
Fair enough. I am not particularly crazy about the term 'talent' and I guess JT isn't either because they usually put it in quotes. Basically is just means a TV personality or someone who is paid to talk on TV. Which is what Becky gets paid for.
4
tmarie
She speaks smoothly and professionally on TV in front of millions of people
Last time I saw her she was in a box screaming! Not exactly "smooth" nor "professional". She plays up to the typical gaijin stereotype. Nice, polite, wide eyed, genki, always smiling... She's not "clever" except for making tons of cash off of stupid people who buy into her hype.
Women like her because she dislike gossip and mean people? Who on this earth likes this stuff?? Why aren't THEY doing something to stop the pettiness that goes on.
I have seen Becky being told to her face that "You wouldn't understand because you aren't Japanese". Her reply? Nothing. Great role model. I don't think she has it easy because it is clear that she's not expected as a Japanese. No idea why she stays. Oh wait, all that cash she makes for squealing and saying "OOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIISHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!"
0
Darren Brannan
Becky>SMAP
-2
mrjack
when I lived in Japan, saw Becky on T.V many times.
Because she does speak Japanese fluently, she does fit into their t.v profile.
Many here are jealous of that very fact, she plays the game to gain the fame.
Good on her. have no problem with that, we all do what we have to, to survive on this planet
-1
smithinjapan
Another breath-taking award... and I was on pins and needles all year! :)
-2
Ben_Jackinoff
Which is it? You saw her in a box screaming (one show I am going to hazzard a guess) or that she is "Nice, polite, wide eyed, genki, always smiling"? Could it be she is usually smooth and professional and she was acting silly one one show? Also, how the heck is screaming in a box playing to the typical gaijin stereotype? Seems to me she was playing to the typical "Japanese talent" stereotype. Anyway, she has a business degree from a very decent university, so suggesting she is not clever is off the mark.
Yes, the rest of the world is gossip, meaness and pettiness free. Would that Japan were more like that. Eyes a rollin'.
Gotta clip handy? Becky is Japanese and everyone knows this. I have never seen anyone on TV say anything resembling this to her. Please reference this.
I beg to differ. She acts quite Japanese. No wonder, she is.
0
Ben_Jackinoff
I know what you mean. I just get all tingly thinking about it ;)
0
tmarie
Ben, I don't have a clip but others have mentioned seeing her being told she isn't Japanese. You don't have to believe but I saw it - and often hear of halfu kids not being accepted. Nothing new in that one.
Screaming and yelping is indeed a common theme on TV here. Why you could respect anyone one that makes a living acting the fool is beyond me but go on, claim Becky as a great role model and whatnot. I will just simply disagree with you. To each his own. She's certainly popular but I don't get why.
0
Vernie Jefferies
Seems like every Popular Japanese entertainer that's mentioned in JT gets severely bashed (assuming from Gaijins). If you going to take the time to write about how much you hate these people, why don't you give an effort to compare them with someone that you enjoy. A lot of you have been in Japan for a long time....there has got to be some talent here that you like.
0
Educator60
"No idea why she stays."
Well, let's see. She was born and raised in Japan and has spent most of her adult life here. Her parents and siblings live here. Her mother's side of her family lives here. Having grown up here it is quite possible most of her friends are here but I could be wrong. She seems to have steady employment here that to all appearances she is grateful for and enjoys. I have no idea if she has a live interest here but that could be another reason. There could be more reasons but aren't those enough?
0
Educator60
Ooops, a correction: live interest in my post above should have --love interest--
2
calm down
why dont all you criticisers try squeezing a stress ball instead
0
Weasel
I wonder what character she played to win the award?
2
amerijap
Becky who? Wonder how she sings 'Ecky Brecky Heart'' -♪ ♪ ♪
-3
amerijapanese1
Beautiful girl.
-8
Elbuda Mexicano
Is anybody here being FORCED to watch Becky on Japanese tv?? No!! If you hate Japanese TV watch the Internet or read a book etc.. Japan is not going to change for a few whiners here on JT etc...
-1
pacific08
Becky IS Japanese...of course she speaks Japanese fluently !
2
cactusJack
She should also get the "My Face is All Over the Place" Award as well.
0
Fadamor
LOL. Everything from "a true talent" to "she's selling her soul (to the devil, presumably) to make money". I know zip-point-squat about this person named "Becky" except for this: She's in the entertainment industry and enough readers of Kodansha's Popularity poll enjoy the entertainment she provides to choose her over all the other candidates that were offered.
Majority rules. Granted, that "majority" requires an asterisk because the only ones who voted were readers of a particular magazine publishing group, plus fans of "Becky" who urged their acquaintences to vote. People who aren't readers of Kodansha publications probably aren't likely to be fans of people presented in those publications, either.
-2
Bazza
Becky- I love you more than ever.
0
judochick
best character award? what did she do to deserve this? i mean, i don't have anything against her or anything, but still...
-1
LH10
@ tmarie "What exactly am I, and others, supposed to be jealous of? I'm not selling my soul to make money. The same can't be said for her."
lol!!! so true!! bwahahahahahaha Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ
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