The "Alice" motif is overused. For every brilliant twist (e.g., the Queen of Hearts as a toxic social media algorithm), there is a predictable moment (a direct "drink me" reference without subversion). Nanase is at her best when she nearly abandons Carroll altogether – like in the track "Seven Wakes," a song about seven different versions of herself waking up in parallel timelines. More of that raw originality, less of the borrowed whimsy, and she would be a 5/5 artist.
The phenomenon of idols in Japan is a complex and multifaceted one, influenced by the country's cultural and social landscape. The idol industry, with its highly produced and managed stars, has long been a staple of Japanese popular culture. However, in recent years, a new generation of idols has emerged, characterized by their increased autonomy, creative agency, and experimentation with diverse artistic formats. Alice Nanase is part of this vanguard, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an idol in Japan. Her success can be seen as a reflection of the evolving tastes and expectations of Japanese pop culture fans, who are seeking more nuanced and sophisticated forms of entertainment. alice nanase