Which artist earns the most in Japan?
Japanese magazine, Josei Jisin, revealed a list of the most highly paid celebrities for commercials, and some familiar names made it into the higher ranks.
Arashi came in at the top spot, reportedly earning 150 million yen (approx. $1.95mil USD), ahead of SMAP who earned 120 million yen (approx. $1.56mil USD). Jang Keun Suk was the fourth most highly paid male star for modelling. At his highest, he used to be paid 120 million yen, but he soon lowered his fee to about 80 million yen “because Jang Keun Suk became too expensive, many companies started to pull out their contracts”.
The top spot for female modeling fees went to Japan’s beloved idol group AKB48. AKB48, who is rewriting J-Pop history by releasing million-seller albums and singles, was priced at about 50 million yen (approx. $650,000 USD).
KARA was revealed to be of top star status in Japan by ranking third at around 40-50 million yen. According to the article, KARA is the most highly priced Korean idol singer, and is considered well worth the price.
Girls’ Generation, tied with several other female stars at #12, was priced at 30 million yen, while Tohoshinki came in seventh on the male star list at 40 million yen.
