The Most Popular Idol Group in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the idol group you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 07:13
In the dynamic world of music, fans often debate which idol group stands out as the top sensation in Japan. Such rankings are not just about celebrating the artists, but also about connecting fans from various backgrounds through shared musical passions. By voting for their favorite idol groups, fans contribute to a dynamic list that reflects current trends and popularity in the Japanese music scene.
Each vote cast in this interactive list plays a crucial role in shaping the standing of these idol groups. This active participation ensures that the list remains an accurate representation of what fans truly love and support. As new groups rise in popularity and others create landmark performances, your votes help highlight who is making the biggest impact in the lively world of Japanese idol music.
What Is the Most Popular Idol Group in Japan?
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195votesAKB48 is a Japanese idol girl group formed in 2005, and it is one of the most popular idol groups in Japan. They have a large number of members, and their concerts and singles are always a huge hit. They have sold over 56 million records in Japan as of 2021.AKB48 is a Japanese idol girl group formed in 2005. It is one of the most popular and successful musical acts in Japan, known for its large number of members and frequent lineup changes. The group follows a unique concept of 'idols you can meet' by holding daily performances in their own theater and regularly interacting with fans. AKB48 has gained a massive following both in Japan and internationally, releasing numerous hit singles and albums.
- Formation Year: 2005
- Number of Members: Over 100
- Theater Location: Akihabara, Tokyo
- Average Age of Members: Late teens to early 20s
- Team System: Divided into multiple teams (Team A, Team K, Team B, Team 4, etc.)
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243votesArashi is a five-member boy band that has been active since 1999. They are known for their catchy pop songs and energetic performances. They have sold over 56 million records in Japan as of 2021.Arashi is a Japanese idol group formed under the talent agency Johnny & Associates. They debuted in 1999 and have since become one of the most popular and influential boy bands in Japan. The group's name translates to 'storm' in Japanese, reflecting their dynamic and energetic performances. Arashi has an extensive discography and has released numerous chart-topping songs, making them a prominent figure in the Japanese music industry. They are known for their versatile music styles, ranging from pop and R&B to rock and dance music.
- Debut Year: 1999
- Number of Members: 5
- Current Members: Ohno Satoshi, Sakurai Sho, Aiba Masaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, Matsumoto Jun
- Number of Studio Albums: 17
- Number of Concert Tours: 16
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39votesSMAP was a five-member boy band that was active from 1988 to 2016. They were one of the most popular idol groups in Japan during their active years, and their music has had a significant impact on the Japanese music industry.SMAP is a popular Japanese boy band that was active from 1988 to 2016. They were known for their versatile music style, including pop, R&B, rock, and dance genres. SMAP became one of the most successful and influential groups in Japan, with a massive fan base throughout their career.
- Debut Year: 1988
- Disbandment Year: 2016
- Number of Members: 5
- Members: Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori
- Record Label: Victor Entertainment/SMAP GREATEST HITS
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423votes
Morning Musume
TsunkuMorning Musume is a Japanese girl group that was formed in 1997. They have had many members over the years, and their music is known for its upbeat and catchy melodies. They have sold over 23 million records in Japan as of 2021.Morning Musume is a popular idol group in Japan that was created by producer Tsunku in 1997. The group is known for its constantly changing lineup and energetic performances. Morning Musume has had a significant impact on the Japanese music industry and has become one of the most successful idol groups in Japan.- Debut Year: 1997
- Current Members: 15
- Total Members: 74
- Number of Singles: 67
- Number of Albums: 17
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515votesEXILE is a Japanese boy band that was formed in 2001. They are known for their high-energy performances and catchy pop songs. They have sold over 20 million records in Japan as of 2021.EXILE is a popular Japanese idol group formed in 2001. The group is known for their energetic performances and a diverse range of music styles including pop, hip hop, and R&B. They have been a dominant force in the Japanese music industry, winning numerous awards and achieving several chart-topping singles and albums.
- Debut Year: 2001
- Number of Members: 18
- Music Styles: Pop, Hip Hop, R&B
- Record Label: Rhythm Zone
- Number of Singles Released: 47
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616votesHey! Say! JUMP is a nine-member boy band that was formed in 2007. They are known for their youthful energy and catchy pop songs. They have sold over 10 million records in Japan as of 2021.
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718votesNogizaka46 is a Japanese girl group that was formed in 2011. They are known for their elegant and sophisticated image, as well as their catchy pop songs. They have sold over 10 million records in Japan as of 2021.Nogizaka46 is a Japanese idol group that was formed as part of the AKB48 family of idol groups. It is named after the Tokyo-based Sony Music Japan's office building, Nogizaka Studio. The group follows the concept of being the 'official rival' to AKB48 and consists of members who are active in various fields such as music, acting, and modeling.
- Formation Date: August 22, 2011
- Number of Members: 46
- Agency: N46Div.
- Debut Single: Guruguru Curtain
- Music Genre: J-pop
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810votesBTS is a South Korean boy band that has gained massive popularity in Japan and around the world. They are known for their high-energy performances and socially conscious lyrics. They have sold over 2 million records in Japan as of 2021.BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bulletproof Boy Scouts, is a South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Entertainment in 2013. They are one of the most popular K-pop groups worldwide, known for their energetic performances, catchy music, and meaningful lyrics. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. BTS has gained a massive global fan base, known as the Army, and has achieved numerous milestones and records throughout their career.
- Debut Date: June 13, 2013
- Members: 7
- Genres: K-pop, hip-hop, R&B
- Official Fan Name: Army
- Official Light Stick: ARMY Bomb
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98votesTWICE is a South Korean girl group that has also gained popularity in Japan. They are known for their cute and bubbly image, as well as their catchy pop songs. They have sold over 4 million records in Japan as of 2021.TWICE is a highly popular South Korean girl group known for their energetic and catchy K-Pop music. They were formed through the reality show called 'Sixteen', created by JYP Entertainment. TWICE's concept revolves around bright and youthful charm, captivating fans with their fun performances and visually appealing music videos.
- Debut Date: October 20, 2015
- Members: 9 (Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu)
- Fandom Name: ONCE
- Official Colors: Apricot and Neon Magenta
- Representative Song: 'Cheer Up'
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109votes
Momoiro Clover Z
Akira KawakamiMomoiro Clover Z is a Japanese girl group that was formed in 2008. They are known for their energetic performances and colorful costumes. They have sold over 5 million records in Japan as of 2021.Momoiro Clover Z is a popular idol group in Japan known for their energetic and colorful performances. With a unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music, they have amassed a large and dedicated fan base. The group consists of five members: Kanako Momota, Shiori Tamai, Ayaka Sasaki, Momoka Ariyasu, and Reni Takagi.- Debut Year: 2008
- Number of Members: 5
- Genre: J-pop, idol, pop rock
- Record Label: Stardust Promotion
- Official Colors: Red, pink, green, yellow, and blue
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Ranking factors for popular idol group
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Sales and chart performanceAnalyze the sales of their singles, albums, DVDs, and other merchandise. Look at their positions on music charts like Oricon and Billboard Japan.
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Concert attendanceEvaluate how many people attend their live performances, and the size and frequency of solo and joint concerts.
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Fanbase size and engagementAssess the size of the group's fan clubs, social media followings, and online communities. Gauge the level of fan enthusiasm and interaction (through comments, likes, and shares) on social media platforms.
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Media exposureDetermine the group's presence in various media formats, including TV shows, radio appearances, and interviews in newspapers and magazines. Consider endorsement deals and appearances in commercials.
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Awards and accoladesCheck the awards and recognitions the group has received, including rankings in polls and music award ceremonies.
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Longevity and consistencyConsider the group's staying power in the industry; how long they have remained popular and kept a consistent level of success.
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Influence and impactAnalyze the group's impact on the industry, society, and culture—whether they have inspired trends or caused a significant shift in the idol scene.
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Quality and innovation of music and performancesEvaluate the group's artistic merit, including their vocal abilities, choreography, and overall stage presence. Consider whether they have introduced new concepts, styles, or themes to the idol scene.
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Member popularity and individual activitiesConsider the popularity of individual members and their success in solo activities such as acting, modeling, and hosting TV shows and radio programs.
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International reachEvaluate the group's popularity, activities, and success outside of Japan, particularly in Asia and worldwide.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular idol group in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or idol is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3334 views
- 240 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each idol once every 24 hours. The rank of each idol is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular idol group in japan
Japan is known for its vibrant pop culture scene, and idol groups are a big part of it. These groups consist of young, attractive performers who sing and dance, and are adored by fans. Idol groups are often created by talent agencies, and members are chosen through rigorous auditions. Once selected, the members undergo intense training in singing, dancing, and other skills.
Idol groups in Japan have a massive following, with fans known as "otaku" who are dedicated to their favorite groups. These fans buy merchandise, attend concerts, and vote in polls to show their support. With so many idol groups to choose from, it can be hard to determine which one is the most popular. However, StrawPoll has compiled data from thousands of polls to determine the top idol group in Japan.
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