Igniting the Stage: SPARKing 2nd Crowns New Idol Talent
On February 1, 2026, the Asakusabashi Hulic Hall buzzed with electric energy as 24 burgeoning idol groups battled for supremacy at the “SPARKing 2nd” contest. This highly anticipated event, proudly sponsored by BUZZ GROUP, a leading rental studio operator, spotlighted the next wave of Japanese pop talent, culminating in exciting wins and promising opportunities for the rising stars.
The contest, a vibrant showcase of passion and performance, saw “Kimihare.” clinch the prestigious STUDIO BUZZ Award, a recognition that comes with valuable BUZZ free coupons for studio usage. Furthermore, the top three finalists—”L nante nan no L desu ka?” (1st place), “Palpitink” (2nd place), and “Kimihare.” (3rd place)—secured coveted features in BEEEEM, a prominent girls’ culture magazine published by BUZZ PUBLISHING, a group company.
What is SPARKing?
“SPARKing” is a major idol contest where new idol groups compete for a 1 million yen prize and the opportunity to perform on a bigger stage. The second iteration of this event featured 24 new idol groups, who navigated through three preliminary blocks before advancing to the finals. The ultimate winners were determined by enthusiastic fan votes, reflecting the deep connection between idols and their supporters in Japan’s unique fan culture.
STUDIO BUZZ Award Goes to ‘Kimihare.’
“Kimihare.” (@kimihare_915) captivated audiences and judges alike, securing the STUDIO BUZZ Award. This prize offers free coupons for BUZZ rental studios, providing essential resources for dance practice, vocal lessons, rehearsal sessions, and creative photoshoots. It’s a vital support system for young idols honing their craft and producing content.
BEEEEM Magazine Features for the Top 3
The top three groups from the SPARKing 2nd finals earned the unique opportunity to be featured in BEEEEM magazine. This exposure is invaluable for emerging idols, offering a two-page spread to showcase their visuals and tell their stories to a broader audience.
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1st Place: L nante nan no L desu ka? (@lnan_idol)
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2nd Place: Palpitink (@Paltin_official)
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3rd Place: Kimihare. (@kimihare_915)
“It’s incredible to see these new groups pour their hearts out on stage,” commented a fan at the event, reflecting the palpable excitement of the audience. “Opportunities like this truly spark their dreams!”
Supporting the Entertainment World: BUZZ and BEEEEM
BUZZ, operating over 84 rental studios primarily in the Kanto region and across Japan, prides itself on being a hub where “entertainment is born.” With over 250,000 monthly users and 400,000 members, BUZZ offers 24/7 access to facilities equipped with the latest sound and lighting, appealing interiors, and easy booking at reasonable prices. Their sponsorship of SPARKing underscores their commitment to nurturing next-generation entertainment.
- BUZZ Official Website: https://buzz-st.com/
BEEEEM, launched in September 2025 by BUZZ PUBLISHING, serves as a dynamic girls’ culture media. It captures the essence of current idols and artists through exclusive visuals and interviews, charting the evolving landscape of the girls’ culture scene. Its inaugural issue featured Yui Sakurai of FRUITS ZIPPER, and its second issue in January 2026, themed “Beyond the World,” featured ≒JOY, exploring the global expansion of girls’ culture.
- BEEEEM Official Website: https://beeeem.com/
The Future of Kawaii Idol Culture
The success of SPARKing 2nd and the continued support from entities like BUZZ GROUP highlight a robust ecosystem for new idol talent in Japan. By providing essential resources like practice spaces and media exposure, these initiatives are crucial for the growth and global reach of kawaii idol culture. As these emerging idols gain visibility through platforms like BEEEEM, they are sure to capture the hearts of fans not only in Japan but also internationally, contributing to the ever-evolving narrative of Japanese pop culture.
