[Idol Basics] What You Should Know First to Attend Events and Live Shows

Last updated:2019/7/28

Idol-loving writeryumi
I discovered BiS when I was in high school and have been deep in the idol rabbit hole ever since. I love rock-style idol songs! I played drums in the light music club, but I didn’t have the talent and gave up quickly... I’ve loved dancing since elementary school, and lately I’m totally into Japanese-style hip-hop. I live and breathe idols and rap!

In what’s being called the Warring States era of idols, the majority are not the famous “mainstream idols” you see on TV and in magazines, but rather “underground idols” with little to no media exposure.

Most underground idol activities are live performances, and one of their biggest appeals is how close they are to their fans.

There are idol shows happening somewhere every day.

Since Japan is an idol superpower, it might be interesting to see a live idol performance at least once while you’re here.

For those who have an idol they’re curious about, here’s what to prepare and what to know before heading to a show.

Let's gather information about the idol.

First of all, about idol concerts and release eventssite; on-site; the scene; workplace; field (context-dependent)It is said.

Also, going to live shows and release events,Go to the siteIt is said.

This is otaku jargon.

Just by using the word “genba,” it suddenly gives off a very otaku vibe.

Before we go to the site, let me share some things you should know.

First, the first one isMember informationIt is.

Most idols are on Twitter, so gathering information is easy.

At the very least, you should remember the members’ names and their assigned colors.

If the otaku who will be at the idol event you're planning to attendglow stickIf you have one, bring a glow stick in your oshi’s color.

Let's learn the calls

The second one is,CallIt is.

There’s a call for each song, so it might be tough to remember them all.

So, basically, there’s no need to memorize it perfectly.

You don't need to memorize it before you go.

However, if you search for “song title call” on Twitter or the web, you’ll often find fans who have compiled easy-to-understand call guides, so if you’re interested, giving them a read will make the live show even more enjoyable.

Also, what I recommend is learning MIX.

There’s a call that’s common to all idols, known as the MIX, which is shouted before a song begins.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Ah—Jya Jya! Tiger! Fire! Cyber! Fiber! Diver! Viber! Jya Jya!

There are Japanese and Ainu versions of this, and just being able to say this can easily create a sense of unity at a live performance.

Even if you can’t remember it, as long as you shout along, you’ll fit right in at an idol event.

Let's get in touch

At idol events, directly meeting and talking with idols, and taking cheki (instant photos) with them,contactIt is called.

In the case of underground idols, a special meet-and-greet event is held before or after each live performance.

It varies depending on the idol, but when you buy merchandise or CDs, you receive a certain number of cheki tickets based on the amount you spend.

About 500 to 3,000 yen.

With this cheki ticket, you can take a cheki (instant photo) with the idol.

This is a precious time when you can talk one-on-one with the idol.

If you’re worried you might get nervous in front of someone you admire, I think it’s a good idea to decide in advance what you’ll talk about and what poses you’ll strike in photos.

If you interact with them several times, the idol may remember you.

thisrecognitionIt is said.

Once you get recognition, going to the site suddenly becomes much more enjoyable, doesn’t it?

There’s an indescribable happiness when my favorite idol says, “Long time no see!” to me.