South Korean pop music, or K-pop, continues to have a powerful hold on Japanese hearts with groups such as Kara, SHINee, Choshinsei and Tohoshinki ranking high on the latest hit charts.

Now many Japanese enthusiasts are on the lookout for new talent among Koreans who have yet to rise to stardom.

Until recently most South Korean entertainers who wowed Japanese audiences were already established stars in their own country. But now many fans are flocking to venues in Tokyo where they can take in live performances by little-known Korean entertainers.