National / Social Issues Dec 21, 2018
The dark side of Japan's underground idols: Little pay, long hours and unbreakable contracts
by Misa Ogawa, Mayuko Isobe and Misa Hirabayashi
Idol groups such as the iconic AKB48 are synonymous with Japan. Known for their cutesy, highly choreographed stage performances and film clips, they personify the nation's pop culture. But far fewer people are familiar with the subculture that has spawned chika (underground) idols, a phenomenon ...