Introducing Japanese Idol Culture: Famous Idols and Leading Agencies

Japan has a uniquely developed Idol culture. In the case of female idols, most are active in their teens to early 20s, while male idols often begin their entertainment careers in their teens.

Japanese Idol Culture

Slightly different from the image of an "idol" abroad, Japanese idols are strongly perceived not strictly as artists who impress with sheer talent, but as groups that excel at interacting indirectly with fans through singing and dancing.

Furthermore, a key characteristic is that many fans find value not only in the performances and songs but also in watching over and supporting the growth of the idols themselves and their groups.

While there are Mainstream Idols (Chijo Idols) who have made major debuts and Underground Idols (Chika Idols) active in the indie scene, this article will introduce the agencies and groups that are both prominent and have significantly influenced idol culture.

Female Artists Renowned for Their Performance

While some of these groups do not strictly fit the "idol" definition or do not label themselves as such, here are groups and artists that boast idol-like popularity.

BABYMETAL

Themed around the fusion of idols and metal, they enjoy global popularity for their authentic metal sound. Although they sparked controversy when they first formed, they have been embraced as a new style of metal artist due to their genuine sound and performance. Fans are captivated by the Japanese vocals centered around lead singer SU-METAL and the high-level musicianship of the band members.

A notable feature is their focus on international activities over domestic ones and their active participation in rock and metal festivals. Although criticism regarding the members not playing instruments persists, they are accepted as a new genre called "Kawaii Metal" thanks to their undeniable performance skills.

Hello! Project

This talent project has produced many legendary idols, including Morning Musume, which gained explosive popularity under the production of Tsunku♂; the legendary solo idol Aya Matsuura; and ℃-ute, often cited as the "idols whom other idols admire." Their discography is characterized by many songs celebrating family love or love for the entire world, rather than just romantic songs. Despite many humorous and eccentric lyrics, they fascinate fans with their high level of performance power.

Additionally, solo group or agency-wide concerts are held almost year-round. All live performances use live vocals, and some groups feature idols with special talents such as beatboxing, piano, violin, DJing, talkboxes, ballet, and choreography.

Perfume

A techno-pop unit produced by Yasutaka Nakata. Their music incorporates elements of techno, house, and electro, with vocal effects applied to their singing. Perfume's immense appeal also lies in their precise, high-level dancing. The reason for their popularity is a performance only they can deliver: synchronized dancing with perfect timing and performing accurately in high heels.

Their music videos often have a futuristic, somewhat inorganic, and stylish atmosphere. They possess a distinctly different style to the many girl groups that market themselves on "cuteness" or "energy." It was announced that they would enter "Cold Sleep" (hiatus) at the end of 2025, but it is no exaggeration to call them a legendary group that has remained at the forefront for approximately 20 years.

Momoiro Clover Z

Since all members were in middle or high school at the time of formation, they began activities as "Weekend Heroines," focusing on Saturdays and Sundays when they didn't have school. They are a group that made their major debut after a period of prepatory activities such as live street performances. They expanded their fan base by appearing at rock festivals, performing in "battle of the bands," and participating in anime song and metal festivals. They have twice recorded the highest annual concert attendance for female artists (in 2014 and 2016).

A characteristic of their music is the abundance of relatable "cheer songs" and "youth songs." Furthermore, they have shown diverse talents, such as receiving high praise for their acting in the 2015 film The Curtain Rises, in which the whole group starred.

Together with other female idol groups from Stardust Promotion such as Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu, and Iginari Tohoku-san, they form the idol division known as STAR PLANET.

ATARASHII GAKKO!

Active both domestically and internationally, they perform abroad under the name ATARASHII GAKKO!. Their trademarks are sailor uniforms, student discipline committee armbands, and indoor shoes (uwabaki), giving them a charmingly retro vibe.

Additionally, they are a dance and vocal unit where all members are from dance schools; a key feature is that the four members create their own choreography. Their strength lies in their teamwork, allowing them to choreograph on the spot and synchronize their movements instantly.

In live performances, they captivate fans with explosive, emotional displays. Their overwhelming energy is supported across international borders.

BiSH

From 2015 to 2023, the group was active under the tagline “a punk band without instruments.” In addition to all members contributing lyrics, they were also involved in composing select songs themselves.

In the early days, they were known for controversy-driven marketing, but as they moved to a major debut, these extreme methods decreased, replaced by unique promotions such as guerrilla lives and guerrilla releases.

They created a cult following through a fusion of diverse music—including rock, punk, and pop—with the shining individuality of the members' vocals and their passionate live performances.

Other Female Idols

The following are famous idol agencies that manage female idol groups other than those mentioned above.

DEARSTAGE

This agency is home to groups like Dempagumi.inc (set to end activities in 2025), a group of unique individuals who all have "otaku" backgrounds; STAR☆ANIS and AIKATSU☆STARS!, who perform songs for the TV anime Aikatsu!; and Niji no Conquistador, born from a special initiative launched by pixiv, a social networking service dedicated to illustration sharing. Many of their groups have a strong connection with anime and games, and the agency also manages virtual idol groups.

KAWAII LAB.

An agency housing groups such as FRUITS ZIPPER, CUTIE STREET, and CANDY TUNE. In addition to the traditional approach of building popularity and name recognition through live performances and media appearances, they have adopted a new strategy that focuses on gaining fans through social media sharing and viral buzz.

While there have been groups loved regardless of age or gender—such as Perfume, Momoclo, and Hello! Project—this agency is characterized by exceptionally strong support from young female fans.

Akimoto-Produced (48 Groups, Sakamichi, etc.)

AKB48, produced by Yasushi Akimoto, operates under the concept of "idols you can meet" and performs daily at their dedicated theater in Akihabara. They also have an aspect of being local idols, with sister groups across Japan and throughout various Asian countries. The "Sakamichi Series" refers to groups like Nogizaka46, which was formed as the official rival to AKB48.

Note: While there is an idol group with a number in its name called Kiyoshi Ryujin 25, this is a "polygamous idol" group consisting of singer-songwriter Kiyoshi Ryujin and his "wives." Despite a customer base where many men are fans of the female idols, it is a unique group where the women's "husband," Kiyoshi Ryujin, also receives high-pitched cheers from the crowd.

Male Artists Renowned for Their Performance

While some of these groups do not strictly fit the "idol" definition or do not label themselves as such, we include groups and artists that boast idol-like popularity.

STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (Formerly Johnny & Associates)

This agency is home to groups such as Arashi, King & Prince, Snow Man, and Naniwa Danshi. It is a company that boasts an overwhelming scale in the male idol market and has taken on various challenges.

They were early to appear on variety shows to build a friendly image, and the culture of using penlights at concerts originated here. The “moving stage,” which travels above the audience, was conceived by Jun Matsumoto of the nationally beloved idol group Arashi. Today, it is widely used in live performances by many artists across Japan.

Beyond idols, many talents are primarily active as actors that belong to the agency, performing in TV dramas, movies, and stage plays. Koichi Domoto (formerly of KinKi Kids) holds records for the youngest chairperson and the most solo lead performances at the Imperial Theatre for his original series SHOCK. Additionally, Taiga Kyomoto of SixTONES has achieved high acclaim and results in various fields, such as appearing as a principal cast member in Elisabeth and Mozart!.

Stardust Promotion (Agency)

This agency features EBiDAN (Ebisu Gakuen Danshi-bu)—a group of young male artists and actors including Chotokkyu (Bullet Train), M!LK, SUPER★DRAGON, and Genju wa Jibun ni aru (The Cause Lies Within Me)—as well as the dance-rock band DISH//. Counting trainees, there are over ten units, and many members balance group activities with acting careers.

They also hold EBiDAN-wide TV and radio programs, stage plays, and concerts, with each individual developing their own skills.

DA PUMP

A dance and vocal group that develops catchy songs based on hip-hop.

They debuted in 1997 and performed at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for five consecutive years from 1998 to 2002. They continued their activities while undergoing member changes, returning to Kohaku in 2018 after a 16-year hiatus.

Since their debut, they have excelled in songs and dances incorporating rap, which significantly influenced the performance styles of other agencies' groups like Arashi and SMAP.

w-inds.

A dance and vocal group that debuted as juniors to DA PUMP, characterized by performances and songs that incorporate elements from various genres. They captivated fans by singing and dancing to a fusion of J-POP with hip-hop, club music, and rock, featuring soaring vocals.

They perform and participate in events not only in Japan but also in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, continuing to grow their international fan base.

WaT

A vocal duo consisting of Eiji Wentz and Teppei Koike, active until 2016.

The two, who were active as actors, began as street musicians. Upon making their major debut in 2005, they set a record for the fastest appearance at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, just about two months after their debut.

LDH

Led by EXILE, this agency houses numerous dance and vocal groups such as Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, GENERATIONS, and THE RAMPAGE.

Their focus is primarily on groups that emphasize dance performance, characterized by high-energy stages.

Da-iCE

A high-caliber dance and vocal group featuring twin vocals with a four-octave range and overwhelming dance skills. Their music is diverse, spanning pop, rock, R&B, and electro, including both externally provided songs and tracks written and composed by the members. Each member displays multi-faceted talent, producing music, apparel brands, and accessories, as well as acting in dramas and musicals. It is no exaggeration to say they fascinate fans with activities that transcend the traditional boundaries of an artist.

Junretsu

They are a kayō chorus group that has been active since 2007, performing harmony-driven songs rooted in the tradition of Japanese popular music. As of 2025, the members are in their 30s to 50s. They are a unique group that performs at cabarets, health centers, and "Super Sento" (public bathhouses), and their fan base is centered around the middle-aged and senior generations. They are loved for their friendly and approachable characters.

Groups Born from Auditions

In Japan, idol activities basically start by joining an agency and taking lessons or honing their skills through street performances and other grassroots activities before officially debuting. However, in the 2020s, audition programs originating from Korea (so-called "survival shows") have risen to prominence.

While Morning Musume was also born from a vocal audition held within a TV show in the 1990s, recent idol auditions demand not only singing and dancing but also self-production abilities. A major difference from traditional auditions is that votes by general fans often carry a heavy weight in survival shows, and participants are ranked for each task. A major characteristic of these shows is that because fans can see the growth process of each participant, it is easier to form an emotional attachment, thus passionate fans are acquired even before the debut.

JO1

A male idol group born from the idol audition show PRODUCE 101 JAPAN. It was a large-scale survival program where about 11 members were chosen from 101 trainees, and the fan-voting system generated significant buzz.

In Japan, PRODUCE 101 has been held three times, leading to the debuts of their younger brother group INI and sister group ME:I. Sometimes, groups are also formed by members who did not pass the final audition.

BE:FIRST

A boy group born from the audition THE FIRST, held by SKY-HI of the dance and vocal group AAA. The progress of the audition was broadcast from April 2021, drawing attention to the passion of producer SKY-HI and the skills of the participants.

Despite being an audition, SKY-HI himself lived and ate with the participants during the training camp to offer advice. This emphasis on communication and the sight of participants supporting each other to grow gained popularity as a new style of audition program.

HANA

A girl group born from the audition program No No Girls, produced by rapper and singer-songwriter Chanmina, with SKY-HI serving as executive producer.

The group was formed through auditions open to participants of all nationalities, appearances, body types, and ages, under the guiding philosophy of BMSG: “to avoid killing talent.” As a result, the group has attracted a growing fan base captivated by the group's powerful sense of beauty.

timelesz

The STARTO ENTERTAINMENT idol group Sexy Zone changed its name to timelesz in 2024 following a member's departure. Furthermore, they held a new member audition starting in May 2024.

In general, it is standard for the company's idols to debut after a training period as a "Jr.", making this an exceptional situation. In addition to general candidates, members active in the agency's acting department also participated in the audition, and ultimately, five members joined.