Idol groups such as the iconic AKB48 are synonymous with Japan. Known for their cutesy, highly-choreographed stage performances and film clips, they personify Japanese pop culture. What far fewer know is the subculture that has spawned "chika idols," or underground idols, a phenomenon that has grown at
Idol groups such as the iconic AKB48 are synonymous with Japan. Known for their cutesy, highly-choreographed stage performances and film clips, they personify Japanese pop culture.
What far fewer know is the subculture that has spawned « chika idols, » or underground idols, a phenomenon that has grown at an incredible rate, and brought with it some serious downsides. But, like their successful idol cousins, underground idols still dream of making it big.
In many cases, the underground idol groups, which now number in the hundreds, are being taken advantage of by exploitative production companies who prey on their ambitions and force them to sign exclusive long-term contracts that all but make them slaves to the entertainment industry, experts say.
Four former members of the chika idol group Nijiiro Fanfare, which gained popularity through internet live streaming, demanded that they be able to leave the group because of what they described as intolerable working conditions.
Later, one of them was effectively told in a meeting with the female production manager that she would never find work in the idol business again. « Don’t ever try to become an (idol). I will crush you with everything I’ve got, » she was told.
According to the former group members, they were forced into seven-year contracts they could not break. After deductions from a monthly salary of just 38,000 yen (about $340) for lesson fees, their take-home pay was zero.
There was also no remuneration for work they were required to do in generating social media content and most of the costs they incurred for their wardrobe they also had to cover themselves.
« My friend said to me it sounds like a ‘slave contract.’ But I had thought this was just normal, » said Aya Kotobano, 23, one of the former Nijiiro Fanfare members and plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Tokyo-based production company D-Topia Inc.
Even after requesting better treatment, they were ignored and eventually they stopped their training altogether, they said.
The four filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court in November of last year, seeking a nullification of their contracts and payment of their wages. They settled out of court in May this year.
Although the amount of the settlement has not been disclosed, their lawyer said, « The four were satisfied with the result. »
The case of the four former Nijiiro Fanfare members appears to be only the tip of the iceberg in an industry where other underground idols have seemingly come to accept such practices.
« It is grueling work, » one underground idol in her 20s from a famous group said.
She says if she is lucky, she gets one day off per month.
