Who's your oshi? A roundup of popular underground and live idols

FiNAL DANCEFāsuto Samā Uika

BiS / “FiNAL DANCE(Special Edit)”

An artist from Osaka City who has drawn attention with a distinctive expressive style that breaks the conventional mold of idols and with unconventional performances.

In May 2013, she joined the idol group BiS and released unique tracks with diverse musicality, including punk rock and noise music.

With refined vocal ability and an overwhelming presence, she brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.

After working energetically as a member of BiS and its disbandment in July 2014, she formed BILLIE IDLE®.

Alongside her music career, she has broadened her activities as an actress and TV personality, captivating many fans with her cheerful personality and conversational skills.

She’s an artist recommended for those who want to enjoy music freely, without being bound by existing frameworks.

Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET "Isn't it enough to be just cute?"

CUTIE STREET, a group developing their musical activities around the theme of “kawaii” in pop culture, is characterized by a sophisticated sound that incorporates idol pop and electropop.

Debuting in 2024, they are an eight-member female idol group, each with a distinct personality.

Renowned composers such as Hirotaka Hayakawa and Toshihiko Watanabe have contributed to the production of their tracks, which make extensive use of synthesizers and digital music, creating an appealing sound that transcends the boundaries of idol pop.

Their music video was released on YouTube in October 2024 and quickly surpassed 1 million views, underscoring their strong presence on social media.

With a sound that fuses dance music and classic idol charm, and performances that showcase each member’s individuality, they are a recommended group for anyone who wants to enjoy both polished music and kawaii appeal.

Pa Pi Pu Pe POP!Appare!

[MV] Appare! 'Pa Pi Pu Pe POP!'

Formed in 2016 as “Amehare! Harajuku” and renamed Appare! in July 2020, they are a seven-member music group.

Centered on energetic, catchy pop, they express Harajuku’s kawaii aesthetic through music.

They’ve secured a major-label debut with Victor Entertainment and continue to steadily climb the ranks.

They’ve generated major buzz on social media, boasting strong popularity on digital platforms, with over 270 million views on TikTok.

In January 2025, they successfully held a solo concert at Nippon Budokan and also achieved a Guinness World Record for the number of teru teru bozu.

Collaborations with accomplished artists like Maguro Taniguchi of KANA-BOON and Tamaya 2060% of Wienners are another highlight, earning them support from broader music fans beyond the idol scene.