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

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!

Playlist

Who's your oshi? A roundup of popular underground and live idols
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Caramel SweetKamiyado		The breadth of Kamiyado's songs and the appeal of their love songs
2	Fanfare☆Kamen Joshi		Mask Girls’ new song has a positive theme
3	I’m crazy about youKiss Bee		KissBee's razor-sharp performance is captivating
4	Mero-sama26-ji no masukareido		Rapidly gaining popularity with the summer song of a group full of good-looking members
5	An anonymous youth songwāsuta		Wasuta’s Hazuki Graduation Single
6	poplarKaika		KAIKA’s refined singing voice is captivating.
7	In the revolving worldmaneki kecha		The new song by the Twin-Tail Association’s idol group is making waves
8	Our Scenariomugen no shinario		A hidden-gem idol unit from Nagoya, brimming with charm
9	START DAYyumemiru adoresensu		Yume Ad releases a youth-themed cheer song under a new lineup
10	Poi Poi Pacmasshirona kyanbasu		Introduce Shirokyan’s songs and co-creation album
11	summer snowUguisu Kago		Uguisukago is an idol group known for their intense live performances.
12	New Strangersora tob sakana		Osakana, an idol group that gained popularity with their distinctive music
13	I won’t run away!!Yurumerumo!		Captivating many with lyrics that aren't typical of an idol
14	Blossom declaration!Nanarando		Wizard group unveils a new development with a rock song
15	double standardFirosofī no Dansu		The growth and appeal of Philosophy no Dance
16	Girls LegendANDCRAZY BREAK		And Crazy makes a comeback, with a new song on the verge of breaking big
17	WINGSukka		ukka's upbeat song WINGS
18	Elephunk GardenErefanku niwa		Erega is an idol produced by zopp.
19	Shine! Sunshine Muscatansuryūmu		Attraction of Idol Groups and Song Introductions
20	Brave SoulOsaka☆Shunkashuto		A powerful rock song by an idol group originating from Kansai
21	Mileage Love SummerNiji no Conquistador		NijiCon: diverse music and energetic activities
22	Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET		An idol group with a 'cute' theme
23	FiNAL DANCEFāsuto Samā Uika		An artist from Osaka, active with a distinctive musical expression
24	Pa Pi Pu Pe POP!Appare!		Appare! is a pop group with a Harajuku Kawaii aesthetic.