Idle Thoughts about Idols [English]

Chika idols are a fascinating phenomenon. The variety of idol units is immense, with different genres, fan environments (ex. surfing), and degrees of popularity. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is an idol unit for everyone.

However, it is the frequent performances and chekis that are the most alluring. Someone only needs to follow 2-3 groups to have at least one event per week to attend. That's crazy compared to the infrequent live schedules of anison and commercial artists where the delay between performances is measured in weeks or months! Chekis need little explanation. Access to performers to such an extent is usually a rarity, if it even ever happens, but with chika idols it is both regular and expected.

It is the second paragraph that illustrates the temptation chika idols represent to me. It is worth noting that yes, most chika idol music isn't at the level of commercial production, but it doesn't have to be. I listen to plenty of doujin music, and thus I am quite used to the varying levels of musical quality that chika idols have. Being able to attend multiple fun lives every single week, saying hello to familiar faces at each live, and of course getting chekis with your favourite idols is an intoxicating notion like no other. I did exactly this when I stayed for 34 days in Japan over November and December and it was one of the best months in my life.

In the past, I could plan trips around the limited schedules of my oshimens. But with chika idols, there is an endless number of events, and that is a lure that always leaves me wanting more.

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この記事の日本語訳はこちら：https://note.com/lavo_2/n/nc3336be64369