I’ve always been curious about the Japanese idol scene but didn’t want to start with big names like AKB48. I wanted something more intimate and personal, so I turned to underground idols. A Reddit user actually suggested I check out KOURiN at Tower Records, and that’s how my journey started. Their costumes instantly caught my eye, and Aika stood out with her energy, cuteness, and beauty. I knew I had to see them again, so I looked up their next show—and luckily, I could attend the New Generation Christmas SP!
The Tower Records event had its ups and downs. Due to some miscommunication between me and the staff, I thought the show was over after just two songs. It turned out there was more, but I missed it. Still, that brief glimpse made me fall for KOURiN, especially Aika.
The Christmas special, though, was everything I hoped for and more. Aika was absolutely stunning, with a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. When I got to meet her and take a picture, she was incredibly kind and kept trying to talk to me, even though I don’t speak Japanese. Hirono was equally adorable, wearing a cute cat-themed Christmas costume with a fluffy white tail. Her rap was amazing, and she even continued talking to me after her manager said my time was up—it felt so special!
The atmosphere of the show was unforgettable. It was held in a venue for around 100-150 people max, all standing. The crowd was super energetic—two fans in front of me were literally jumping like they were trying to dunk a basketball, and one of them did this zig-zag style of dancing. It was so fun to watch! The other idol groups also interacted with their fans while performing, which added to the charm.
The venue might have been small, but the lighting and sound system were surprisingly professional. My favorite performance of the night wasn’t actually from KOURiN—though they were amazing—it was from モノクローン (Monoclone). Their choreography was so well-executed, and Kutsushita’s interaction with fans on stage was unforgettable.
If I get the chance to visit Japan again, I’ll definitely attend another idol show. Next time, though, I’ll come prepared with a light stick—it really adds to the experience!
For anyone thinking of attending an underground idol show, here are some tips:
1. Buy your ticket online to secure your spot and avoid missing out.
2. Get a front ticket for your first show—it’s the best way to experience the energy up close.
3. Bring a light stick. You can buy one at Don Quijote (Donki).
4. Bring cash for extras like photo sessions. Taking an instax photo with an idol costs between 1000-2000 yen. For KOURiN, it was 1000 yen per photo (either with the idol or just the idol), but some groups charge an additional 1000 yen if you want to be in the picture with them.
5. Ask questions. Don’t hesitate to approach staff or other attendees if you’re unsure about anything.
6. Follow the rules. Some groups allow recording, but many don’t. When in doubt, watch what others are doing and follow their lead.
Lastly, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped me along the way—whether it was suggesting venues, sharing tips, or just encouraging me to explore the underground idol scene. This experience was so much fun, and I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends. If you’re even slightly curious about underground idols, don’t hesitate to check out a show—you might discover your new favorites, just like I did with KOURiN, Aika, and Hirono!
by Tirkeni