Yet, this industry is not without its contradictions and criticisms. The same culture of wa (social harmony) that fosters meticulous artistry also breeds rigid hierarchies and a resistance to change. The entertainment world has faced global scrutiny for its treatment of performers, from the strict no-dating clauses of talent agencies to the harsh training regimes of idols. Issues of censorship, both legal and self-imposed, affect everything from video game content to music lyrics. Furthermore, the "Galápagos syndrome"—a term describing Japan’s tendency to develop highly advanced but insular standards that fail internationally—means that while the domestic market is incredibly rich, it can struggle to adapt to global streaming trends, unlike its Korean counterpart.