The idol phenomenon in Japan, which emerged in the 1970s, highlights young artists, often teenage girls, who sing and dance for a devoted audience. While this industry may seem glittering ...

The niche they carved out in the Japanese entertainment industry is now filled by popular idol groups like AKB48, Nogizaka46, and Momoiro Clover Z. But the idol industry has a dark side.

Their song "Idol" soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Global charts excluding the United States in 2023. It was the first Japanese track to achieve the feat. The duo came into being after two ...