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Japanese Idols
The Japanese idol industry is diverse, with various sub-categories catering to specific audiences.
Below is a list of different types of Japanese idols, based on available information, along with up to 10 notable groups in each category where data is available.
Note that not all categories have 10 active groups due to the niche nature of some sub-categories or limited information.
The groups listed are based on prominence, historical significance, or recent activity as referenced in sources like Wikipedia, Statista, and other cultural analyses.
1. Mainstream Idols
Mainstream idols are the most visible, often appearing on TV, in commercials, and at large concerts. They typically perform J-pop or “idol pop,” emphasizing accessibility, charm, and fan interaction, with groups like AKB48 pioneering the “idols you can meet” concept. 
- Top Groups:
- AKB48
- Nogizaka46
- Morning Musume
- Momoiro Clover Z
- Sakurazaka46
- Hinatazaka46
- NMB48
- SKE48
- HKT48
- STU48
2. Alternative Idols (Alt-Idols/Anti-Idols)
Alternative idols blend idol pop with genres like rock, metal, or punk, often using darker or unconventional aesthetics and shock value to stand out. Pioneered by groups like BiS and Seiko Oomori. 
- Top Groups:
- BiSH (disbanded in 2023 but historically significant)
- BiS
- Necronomidol
- PassCode
- GANG PARADE
- EMPiRE
- Migma Shelter
- ZOC
- CY8ER (disbanded but notable)
- PIGGS
3. Underground Idols (Chika Idols)
Underground idols perform in smaller venues, often in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, and cater to niche fanbases with intimate performances. They are less mainstream but have dedicated followings.
- Notable Groups (fewer than 10 due to niche status):
- Dempagumi.inc
- Up Up Girls (Kakko Kari)
- Niji no Conquistador
- =LOVE
- ≠ME
- ≒JOY
- Sweet Alley
- Manekikecha
4. Akiba-kei Idols
Akiba-kei idols focus on otaku culture, performing in Akihabara and incorporating anime, manga, or maid café aesthetics. They appeal to fans of nerd culture. 
- Notable Groups (limited data on active groups):
- AKB48 (originates from Akihabara)
- Dempagumi.inc
- Niji no Conquistador
- Otome Shinto
- Tokyo Girls’ Style (early Akiba-kei influence) (Fewer than 10 due to overlap with underground idols and limited distinct groups)
5. Local Idols
Local idols promote specific regions, cities, or products, performing at local events and festivals. They are less nationally known but vital to regional culture. 
- Notable Groups (limited data):
- Negicco (Niigata-based)
- KBG84 (Okinawa-based, elderly women group)
- STU48 (Seto Inland Sea)
- Team Kurerekko (regional focus)
- Rev. from DVL (Fukuoka, disbanded but notable) (Fewer than 10 due to the hyper-local nature of these groups)
6. Bandols (Band Idols)
Bandols combine idol aesthetics with live instrument performances, blending pop with rock or other genres. Pioneered by groups like ZONE and popularized by SCANDAL.
- Notable Groups:
- SCANDAL
- Silent Siren
- THE COINLOCKERS
- Tokyo Girls’ Style (later works)
- Benjas!
- Roselia (from BanG Dream!)
- Raise A Suilen (from BanG Dream!)
- Poppin’Party (from BanG Dream!) (Fewer than 10 due to niche crossover)
7. Japanese-South Korean Idols
These groups blend Japanese and Korean pop styles, often produced by K-pop agencies but promoted in Japan. They gained traction during the third Korean wave in the mid-2010s.
- Notable Groups:
- NiziU
- JO1
- Iz*One (disbanded but significant)
- TWICE (Japanese members like Momo, Sana, Mina)
- LE SSERAFIM (Japanese members like Sakura, Kazuha)
- Kep1er (Japanese members like Hikaru)
- ILLIT (Japanese members like Moka, Iroha)
- Rocket Punch (Japanese member Juri) (Fewer than 10 due to limited distinct groups)
8. Virtual Idols
Virtual idols are digital or holographic performers, like Hatsune Miku, often using fan-sourced music or anime-inspired aesthetics.
- Notable Groups/Acts (often solo or project-based):
- Hatsune Miku (Vocaloid, solo but group-like performances)
- LoveLive! (franchise with groups like μ’s, Aqours)
- 22/7
- Hololive (VTuber group with idol elements)
- Nijisanji (VTuber group with idol elements) (Fewer than 10 due to the dominance of solo virtual idols)
9. Idol Voice Actors
Idol voice actors perform in anime or games and also act as idols, singing character songs and appearing at crossover events.
- Notable Groups (often tied to anime projects):
- μ’s (LoveLive!)
- Aqours (LoveLive! Sunshine!!)
- Nijigasaki High School Idol Club (LoveLive!)
- i☆Ris
- Wake Up, Girls!
- TrySail
- Walküre (Macross Delta)
- Roselia (BanG Dream!) (Fewer than 10 due to project-specific nature)
10. Junior Idols
Junior idols are singers or models aged 15 or younger, often controversial due to concerns about exploitation. The category has declined since legal changes in 2014.
- Notable Groups (very limited due to controversy and decline):
- Sakura Gakuin (disbanded in 2021) (No further groups listed due to ethical concerns and industry decline)
11. Gravure Idols
Gravure idols focus on pin-up or swimsuit modeling, often crossing over into mainstream idol activities. Groups are rare; most are solo.
- Notable Groups (very few due to solo dominance):
- Ebisu Muscats (crossover with AV idols) (No further groups due to the solo nature of gravure)
12. AV Idols
AV (adult video) idols are actresses in adult films, sometimes marketed as idols. Groups are uncommon, and the category is controversial.
- Notable Groups:
- Ebisu Muscats (No further groups due to niche and ethical concerns)
Notes:
- Data Limitations: Some categories (e.g., junior idols, gravure idols, AV idols) have fewer groups due to their niche nature, ethical concerns, or solo artist dominance. Others, like mainstream idols, have more robust lists due to their prominence.
- Sources: Group selections are based on references from Wikipedia, Statista, and cultural blogs, focusing on popularity, chart performance (e.g., Oricon), and cultural impact.
- Disbanded Groups: Some historically significant groups (e.g., BiSH, Iz*One) are included for their impact, even if disbanded.
- Overlap: Groups like AKB48 or Dempagumi.inc may appear in multiple categories (e.g., mainstream and Akiba-kei) due to their versatile appeal.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
