They’re now known as “live idols,” but groups that centered their activities around live performances used to be called “underground idols,” right?
The term actually has a surprisingly long history—it originated in the 1990s!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of idol groups known as live idols (formerly underground idols) all at once.
We’ve picked out everything from groups that are already popular to up-and-coming acts likely to break through, so be sure to find a new favorite!
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Who's your oshi? A roundup of popular underground and live idols (1–10)
Caramel SweetKamiyado
All the fans know this: the group’s name combines the “Jin” from Jingumae and the “Hara” from Harajuku to make “Kamyado.” When they greet the audience, they clap their hands twice and bow as if paying respects at a shrine—so cute! From idol-like pop songs to sophisticated, urban tracks, Kamyado’s strength is their wide musical range.
Their song “Caramel Sweet” is a cool number about adult romance.
It likens love to the delicate balance between caramel’s sweetness and faint bitterness—a blend that strangely makes you want to listen over and over.
Even if you don’t know Kamyado yet, give them a try!
Fanfare☆Kamen Joshi
The first time I saw Kamen Joshi, the impact was incredible.
After all, they hid what is usually an idol’s biggest selling point—their faces—behind slightly scary masks.
I also vividly remember Tomoka Igari’s accident and her comeback in a wheelchair.
The song Fanfare☆ features lyrics written by Igari herself.
Its upbeat message—“If tomorrow comes, if I’m alive, I can accomplish anything”—is a reassuring, quintessential idol motif.
There’s no doubt it’s a new leading anthem that will support the entire Kamen Joshi group!
I’m crazy about youKiss Bee
KissBee’s biggest selling point is their razor-sharp performance.
They do have songs they sing gently and emotionally, but once their switch flips, I don’t think anyone can compete with them! “Kimi ni Muchuu” even hit No.
1 on the Oricon Daily Ranking.
Its pop lyrics about being head over heels in a one-sided crush and the chorus choreography that you can’t help but want to copy are outstanding.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at live shows! Their sister group KissBee WEST is also full of talented members.
If you’re interested, be sure to check them out!
Mero-sama26-ji no masukareido
This group started with seven members chosen through the “Domo BOYS & GIRLS × Zipper Idol Audition.” From the moment they formed, they were a lineup of beauties, so I was sure they’d become popular.
“MeloSama” is a breezy summer song that captures a girl’s feelings as she goes head over heels for a boy she likes—and, if possible, hopes he’ll fall head over heels for her too.
The catchy, chant-friendly chorus feels practically made with live shows in mind.
Rinrin, Miicha, and the rest of the so-called “Nijimasu” are only at the beginning of their meteoric rise! The music video, with its Korean-inspired flair, is also a must-see!
In the revolving worldmaneki kecha
A five-member idol group produced by the Japan Twin-Tail Association.
They’ve had countless hits like “Jōdan Janai ne” and “Kimiwazurai.” Their song “Mawaru Sekai ni” is another god-tier track that made every fan go, “Ah, so that’s the angle!” The lyrics—about liking someone and breaking up, reaching for something and seeing your dreams fall apart, and how all of that connects into a single world—capture the group’s current, slightly more mature selves, holding back their emotions.
With releases that balance hype anthems and tender ballads, fans are totally smitten.
By the way, the currently popular group 7LAND (Nanaland) is also produced by the Japan Twin-Tail Association.
START DAYyumemiru adoresensu
Yume Miru Adolescence, known as “YumeAdo,” has continued to grow despite numerous member changes.
Former members Kyoka and Akari Yamada are also thriving as gravure idols and models.
With songs provided by many artists—including KEYTALK and Yabai T-Shirts Yasan—the group has steadily expanded its support not only among idol fans but also among idol-song enthusiasts.
Their track “START DAY” is a forward-looking youth anthem that seems to celebrate YumeAdo’s new lineup and a fresh departure of their own.
It’s a sweet-and-sour song that reminds you how love can make people stronger.
An anonymous youth songwāsuta
WaaSuta with their cute cat ears.
WaaSuta is short for “The World Standard,” and as the name suggests, they’re a major Avex idol group aiming for the global stage.
Their signature song, “Inu Neko.
Seishun Massakari,” is a monumental track in the idol world that just about every idol group has covered at least once.
This single, “Yomibito Shirazu no Seishunka,” is the last one featuring member Hazuki Sakamoto.
Pay attention to the lyrics that seem to hold back tears, like “People meet and part—that’s one page of youth.” The music video, which feels like it’s packed with Hazuki-chan’s ten years, is a real tearjerker.