Types of idols that exist in Japan.

[Obelisk]

Traditional idols - The concept which developed in 70th with an image of a cute, sweet and charming girl next door while being a role model. They debut mostly as a girl group or boyband. However not every act debuting with strictly idol-ish concept, so the only way to distinct is how they promote themselves. The best alternative from the west, I think, would be teen pop stars and 90th boy bands.

 

Example:

 

http://www.bilibili.com/video/av3362722/

 

 

 

Alternative idols - Is a new trend, which goes against traditional idol concept.

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

 

Kpop idols - Their purpose is to fill the boyband niche, which is not developed very much for obvious reasons. They promote with already established kpop concept and not adapting to Japanese style since their mission to promote kpop. They also sing with exotic accent to make themselves more distinctive.

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

Not idols - Since the expectations from idols are low, some acts would avoid to call themselves idols to appear more professional. It also gives more freedom of creativity.

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

 

Gravure idols - Are models with more sexual genre. Many people find it weird or bizarre, but having sexualized photoshoots isn't new idea in the west. Some traditional idols also do this photoshoots, but it all depends on their concept.

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

 

AV idols - Are actors/actress of mature concept films, an alternative to western term pornstar. What makes it distinct from western cinematography is censorship.

 

Example:

 

The example is censored!

 

 

 

I honestly think I missed something.

 

 

I personally, find this term to be annoying lately. I find it stupid to fight over which acts are idols or not. I think, that every act is some sort of idol, if he idolized.

[neojasnee]

What genre does this singer fall into?

 

 

[Slowpoke X]

I feel like among popular boygroups the divisions is on Johnny's and those who pretend they are different from Johnny's.

 

 

That kpop shade tho. Everyone is in the industry for money.

[Obelisk]

I feel like among popular boygroups the divisions is on Johnny's and those who pretend they are different from Johnny's.

 

 

That kpop shade tho. Everyone is in the industry for money.

I only against their Japanese.

[MelanatedBeauty]

I feel like among popular boygroups the divisions is on Johnny's and those who pretend they are different from Johnny's.

 

 

That kpop shade tho. Everyone is in the industry for money.

I'm just laughing cause lez be real jpop idols be in it for the money too shiiiiit lemme debut and find out I ain't making bank

 

#noragrets #benjaminsplease

[Obelisk]

I'm just laughing cause lez be real jpop idols be in it for the money too shiiiiit lemme debut and find out I ain't making bank

 

#noragrets #benjaminsplease

OK, I fix it.

[Slowpoke X]

I only against their Japanese.

 

Yes, japanese in kpop MVs can be pretty awful.

 

But it seems nobody care since Japanese kpop fans buy it anyway.

[DocumentaLy]

The idea of alternative idols isn't really new. I mean, Jun Togawa. It was basically her trying to be the anti-Seiko Matsuda.

[SeeYaWithYou]

The idea of alternative idols isn't really new. I mean, Jun Togawa. It was basically her trying to be the anti-Seiko Matsuda.

I mean yeah they existed, but they weren't a trend. They are totally a trend now with new alt-idol groups popping up every week. It's the big thing in the idol industry right now.

The success of acts like Kamen Joshi and BiSH show how this trend is really taking over the idol scene.

 

This website covers a lot of the alt-idol acts that are out there right now: http://www.homicidols.com

[mochichan]

Some alt. idols are too out there for me to actually like them but their concepts are interesting to watch at least lol the lyrics tho

 

 

 

 

I mean yeah they existed, but they weren't a trend. They are totally a trend now with new alt-idol groups popping up every week. It's the big thing in the idol industry right now.

The success of acts like Kamen Joshi and BiSH show how this trend is really taking over the idol scene.

 

This website covers a lot of the alt-idol acts that are out there right now: http://www.homicidols.com

Oh that Yumemiru group seems interesting. I'll check them.

[MatsuoBasho]

 The term 'non-idols' should be a bigger thing so people stop arguing over artist vs idol bc there is such a wide gap in between. I love the alternative trend but not the too extreme ones. 

[gyrobot]

The thing that irritates with the Not Idol concept shows just how stagnant traditional idols are since Not Idols do a lot to distance themselves. Their growth is deliberately restricted by producers. It surprises to see how they keep this act until they are too old to perform while the "traditonal" idol in korea is expected to be versatile concept wise. 

[Hemlock]

The term has been dumb for a while now. If people can't agree on the definition and who is and isn't an idol, then it's a worthless label.

 

 

Some alt. idols are too out there for me to actually like them but their concepts are interesting to watch at least lol the lyrics tho

Oh that Yumemiru group seems interesting. I'll check them.

Yumemiru Adolescence are much more traditional idol pop than that song posted on the website makes them seem. 

[Bubbledin]

The term 'non-idols' should be a bigger thing so people stop arguing over artist vs idol bc there is such a wide gap in between. I love the alternative trend but not the too extreme ones.

 

I think many LDH fan is still not happy if they was put in 'not-idols' idol category

[MatsuoBasho]

I think many LDH fan is still not happy if they was put in 'not-idols' idol category

So "not-idol" is under the idol category, that's confusing. If it was completely separate from idol, maybe it'd be less disliked? I just refer to LDH groups as vocal&performance groups, it's the best alternative. It's like with Big Bang, GD himself is an artist but is the entire group? Oh wellz

[DocumentaLy]

I think many LDH fan is still not happy if they was put in 'not-idols' idol category

 

LDH fans are more bothered over the idol label than anyone else.

[SeeYaWithYou]

So "not-idol" is under the idol category, that's confusing. 

It's under the idol category because they are clearly still idols and them calling themselves "not idols" doesn't mean anything because they still partake in idol promotion tactics.

 

Except that TGS was used as the example, when they are the one actual group to declare themselves to not be idols and actually followed through. when they declared they were no longer idols they literally changed their entire promotion tactic. They stopped including gimmicks in their singles, started being more involved musically and in the production of their concerts, etc. But this was all at the cost of their sales and popularity, but I guess they are happy they were able to follow through with what they want. 

[MatsuoBasho]

It's under the idol category because they are clearly still idols and them calling themselves "not idols" doesn't mean anything because they still partake in idol promotion tactics.

 

Except that TGS was used as the example, when they are the one actual group to declare themselves to not be idols and actually followed through. when they declared they were no longer idols they literally changed their entire promotion tactic. They stopped including gimmicks in their singles, started being more involved musically and in the production of their concerts, etc. But this was all at the cost of their sales and popularity, but I guess they are happy they were able to follow through with what they want. 

Ahh ok I get it now. Thanks for the explanation.