An alternative idol (also known as an alt-idol or anti-idol) is a term used by overseas J-pop fans to describe idols that differ from the traditional Japanese idol scene typically by having a darker image and performing heavier genres of music. Alternative idols came about in the early 2010s after the formation of Bis popularized mixing alternative rock with typical idol pop music.
Japanese girl group Bis were the first major alternative idols to debut in Japan. Created by Pour Lui and managed by Junnosuke Watanabe under Tsubasa Records, Bis introduced an image much darker than that of the traditional J-pop idol, initially seen as controversial they soon became known as the pioneers of the alt-idol scene. [1] Seiko Oomori, who debuted in 2012 and has a musical style influenced by idol culture and punk rock, is also considered a pioneer of the scene. [2] Known for utilizing shock value early in her career and touching on hard-hitting subjects in her lyrics Oomori's music has an appeal different from the music of mainstream idols. [3] This style of music led by the likes of Bis and Oomori gave way to the more popular genre of Kawaii metal and began a surge in popularity for the sub-culture of alternative idols.
In 2014, after the disbandment of the first generation of Bis and the formation of Pla2me, former Bis manager Watanabe established WACK, a music production company specialising in alternative idols. To date, they have debuted a second and third generation of Bis, re-debuted Pla2me as Gang Parade, which had previously split into Go to the Beds and Paradises, formed Bish who will disband at the end of 2023, Empire (now ExWhyZ), Mameshiba no Taigun, ASP, and the now disbanded Carry Loose. [4] WACK's most successful group, Bish, the successor of the first generation of Bis, achieved two number one singles with "Paint It Black" and "Bye-Bye Show", and two number one studio albums with Letters and Going to Destruction . [5]
Generally alternative idols distance themselves from mainstream J-pop by venturing into heavier genres of music and making use of a darker and more unconventional onstage image to garner more attention. [6]
Alternative idols often venture into genres other than pop and alternative, such as rock, heavy metal, EDM and new wave. [1]
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An idol is a type of entertainer marketed for image, attractiveness, and personality in Japanese pop culture. Idols are primarily singers with training in other performance skills such as acting, dancing, and modeling. Idols are commercialized through merchandise and endorsements by talent agencies, while maintaining a parasocial relationship with a financially loyal consumer fan base.
Takashi Matsumoto is a Japanese lyricist and former musician. After several years playing the drums in the rock bands Apryl Fool and Happy End during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Matsumoto decided to focus on writing lyrics for others in 1974. As of 2015, he had written over 2,100 songs, 130 of which entered the top 10 on the Oricon chart. Total sales of the singles he has written exceed 49.8 million copies, making him the third best-selling lyricist in Japan. In 2017, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government for his work in music.
Bis, also known as Brand-new idol Society, is a Japanese alternative idol girl group that was founded in 2010 by leader Pour Lui following a brief solo career. With music, performances and videos that are extremely different from the typical idol group, Bis have come to be known as alternative idols. They disbanded at Yokohama Arena on July 8, 2014. Exactly two years after their disbandment on July 8, 2016, Pour Lui, Kenta Matsukuma and Junnosuke Watanabe announced that Bis would reform under a new lineup including Pour Lui, and that auditions were going to be held. On March 30, 2019, Bis announced that they would disband at the end of their "Are You Ready To Go?" tour. On the same day, Watanabe announced that he would be holding closed auditions for a third generation of Bis, and the new and current members officially debuted at Tokyo Idol Festival on August 4, 2019.
Hana Sugisaki is a Japanese actress who was previously signed to Stardust Promotion. Her former stage name was Hana Kajiura.
Bish, stylized as BiSH, was a Japanese alternative idol girl group that was founded in 2015 by their manager Junnosuke Watanabe. The group was conceived as a successor to Bis, an idol group managed by Watanabe that disbanded in 2014. They disbanded in June 2023.
Gang Parade (ギャングパレード), stylized as GANG PARADE is a Japanese alternative idol girl group formed in 2014. In 2020, Gang Parade split into two groups: Go to the Beds and Paradises. They resumed activities in 2022.
ExWhyZ, formerly known as Empire, is a Japanese alternative idol girl group formed between WACK and Avex Trax in 2017. They have released six studio albums, five EPs, and five singles since their formation. They re-branded to ExWhyZ in 2022 and re-debuted under EMI Records.
Ayuni D (アユニ・D), stylized as AYUNi D, born on October 12, 1999, is a Japanese singer, member of Japanese rock band Pedro and former member of Japanese girl group Bish. She debuted as a solo artist under the name Aomushi in November 2021.
WACK is a Japanese talent agency and record label specialising in alternative idols. The company was founded by Junnosuke Watanabe in 2014, following the first disbandment of Bis and the formation of Pla2me.
CY8ER was a Japanese alternative idol girl group. Formed by Ichigo Rinahamu and Nicamoq as BPM15Q in 2015, the group expanded and had five members by the time of their dissolution in January 2021. Their music was characterized by its peculiar EDM style with an added kawaii element.
Mameshiba no Taigun (豆柴の大群), stylized as MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN, was a Japanese alternative idol girl group formed through the reality survival show Monster Idol which featured on TBS Television's variety show Wednesday's Downtown in 2019. They debuted on December 19, 2019, with "Restart". They ceased activities as Mameshiba no Taigun in January 2024 after merging with Tonai Bousho to form Mameshiba no Taigun Tonai Bousho a.k.a. MonsterIdol.
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Cent Chihiro Chittiii, also known as Cent and Chihiro Katō (加藤千尋), is a Japanese singer, idol and actor. She is a former member of the idol group Bish. She released her debut solo album, Per→cent→age, in August 2023.
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