(8)Clack and Claymates (Originally written on Feb.23, 2007)

If I did not know about the huge volume of information available online, his CD would remain merely one of my favorites. I’ve realized that he is much more magnetic in movement, especially talking, than photos. By watching several TV talk shows and interview videos, I’ve found this fact.
A wide range of video files are compiled by American fans. A few databases exist on the web, covering data from his current TV appearances to recorded image in his boyhood days. They also cover videos of scenes where somebody simply mentioned “Clay Aiken” on TV programs. They are not only on You Tube, fans own their database which is supported by posts and donations. In these sites, a lot of information is integrated and classified in order. Surprisingly, there are lots of videos of his concerts. Fans took videos from their seats. Sometimes they do so secretly. These videos are called “Clack”. If I start to think about concepts such as “copyrights” or “the right to his portraits”, I am at a loss for words in the face of this phenomenon. Here in Japan, it is impossible! “Clay Nation” is founded on informational society I guess. I’ve learned all about Clay from Clack. Then I’ve seen Clay through the eyes of American Claymates. That is fun and interesting. I feel that I am peeping at the U.S. society.

(9) (Originally written on Feb.23, 2007)

Some questions arise in my mind. He seems very popular. Which person is as popular as him among Japanese celebrities? And I’ve been asked this question many times.

Is he like HikaKiyo in Japan? (Hikakiyo a.k.a. Hikawa Kiyoshi is an enka singer. Enka is a schmaltzy Japanese ballad, and he is a cute, rustic and admirable man. He speaks in Kyushu accent and is known for having a lot of devotees among middle-aged women.) I think this metaphor is pretty good. But some Japanese Clay fans will get angry if they hear that. Because Hikakiyo is cute but････may not be beautiful.･･･mmmm.

I wonder again, what is his position in the show business industry in the U.S.? He seems to be viewed as a “nice guy”. It seems to be related to his religious faith, being close to his mother and engaging with special education. I read an article in the Rolling Stone that described him as “good-natured, Baptist-church-going”. I think Clay has his own opinion on social issues and is more intelligent than Hikakiyo. I, as a Japanese, can’t assume what meaning having strong faith has in current U.S. society. He does not drink alcohol nor does not like to talk about sexual issues. Are these points regarded as “honesty” or “wonder”?
Moreover, Clay is frequently emphasized that he is from the South. What does South mean in the U.S.? Simply that it is country? Does it mean stable or typical “ordinary American people”? How do people feel about his southern accent? I imagine that it is not the same position as Osaka accent. He graduated from the University of North Carolina with a special education degree. What implication does this factor have? Is this similar to a student who graduated from Gifu University, faculty of education (perceived as smart and down to earth) ? Oh my god,I had started to research about North Carolina. Moving on, is Clay’s position equal to “Kimutaku” in Japan? Kimutaku a.k.a. Kimura Takuya who is one of the most famous celebrities in Japan. When Clay shoved his hand over Kelly Ripa’s mouth on a TV show (and she got upset), this event was treated as if it was big news on other TV shows. If Kimutaku hit Ms. Wada Akiko’s head (or Ms. Ken Naoko) on a TV show, this news would be reported sensationally. ……. Is Clay such a great star? “American Idol” seems to get a huge number of viewers. Is it equal that many Japanese TV show’s hosts talk about the costume of Sachiko Kobayashi in last night’s KOHAKU(Red and White Singing Contest)? …“Did you see Clay Aiken’s new hair in AI yesterday?”