The word otaku originally carried heavy stigma, meaning a socially inept obsessive. But the 1990s recession and the "Lost Decade" forced Japan to pivot from hardware (Sony TVs) to software (manga, games, anime). What was once shameful became Cool Japan .
After months of intense training, Yui's big moment arrived. Her agency announced the debut of their new idol group, and Yui was one of the chosen members. The group's name was "Sakura Dream," and their debut single, "Hana no Kiseki" (The Trail of Flowers), was set to release on a major music chart.