kawaii Idol News & Announcements in Japan

Dive into the vibrant world of Love Live!'s newest school idols at the 'Minna no Love Kō POP UP SHOP,' featuring exclusive merchandise, captivating displays, and fan-centric bonuses in the heart of Tokyo.

Anticipation builds as NOWZ, the rising K-Pop sensation, announces their debut Japan EP 'NOWZ' on March 4th, accompanied by special mini-live performances and fan events in Tokyo, marking a significant step in their global expansion.

Fresh off their new member reveal, Toi Toi Toi launches their first digital EP, 'with Toi', featuring four powerful new tracks and a captivating live performance video, signaling a vibrant future for the "Be Alright" idols.

Popular mobile game 'Ensemble Stars!! Bright me up!!' is set to release 'Ensemble Stars!! Chips 2 Vol.2 Usushio Flavor' on February 17, 2026, featuring 30 exclusive original cards from fan-favorite idol units like Trickstar, ALKALOID, Eden, and Switch. This highly anticipated snack will be available across Japan at major retailers and online, allowing fans to collect their beloved idols while enjoying a classic lightly salted treat.

K-Pop sensation i-dle has released their first new track of 2026, "Mono (Feat. skaiwater)," a groundbreaking collaboration with British rapper skaiwater. This digital single showcases a minimalist sound and a powerful message of self-reflection, accompanied by a visually striking music video. The release also sets the stage for their "2026 i-dle WORLD TOUR [Syncopation]," with dates announced across Asia and Oceania, including a two-day stop in Yokohama, Japan.

The latest issue of 'FLASH' magazine, released on January 27th, features an incredible lineup of Japan's most captivating talents, including actress Momotsuki Nashiko in her first lead TV drama role, rising gravure idols, and a seasoned freelance announcer, offering a vibrant snapshot of the nation's evolving entertainment scene.

Meet Quintet, the "meet-able" VTuber idol unit bridging virtual and real worlds. Their latest MV release and a successful online event series set the stage for their highly anticipated 1st anniversary live in Shibuya.

KLab's AI idol 'Yumemi Nana,' the center of the five-member AI idol group from 'Yumekairo Production,' has rapidly gained over 2,000 YouTube subscribers within eight days of her channel's launch, signaling strong anticipation for her February 15th debut.

Japanese idol group Finally, known for their powerful live performances, is set to make their major debut in summer 2026 and will hold their largest-ever one-man live at Zepp Shinjuku on July 29, 2026.

The 2.5D idol sensation, Chrono▷◀Reverse, is set to captivate fans with its inaugural three-city, six-performance tour and the release of its highly anticipated 2nd album, "Rise of Re:Virth," on April 8, 2026. This dual announcement marks a pivotal moment, signaling the culmination of their initial journey and the thrilling commencement of a new chapter.

NEXST and DEARSTAGE Inc. announce the addition of popular idol group "Kyurun tte Shite Mite" members Shimamura Uta and Tamaki Yane as new characters in their Web3 rhythm game, 'Dearst! RHYTHM STAGE'. This marks the fifth wave of character additions, bringing new strategic depth to gameplay and celebrating with a special plushie keyholder giveaway campaign.

The highly anticipated LEAP! PROJECT is entering its final stage, with free tickets for the grand selection event at EX THEATER ROPPONGI now open for registration. Witness the birth of future idol-voice actors as they unveil four months of intensive training.

STPR's dynamic 2.5D idol group, Meteorites, has dropped their highly anticipated first live-action music video for 'King So Dirty.' This groundbreaking release, filmed in extreme cold and featuring the members' debut in acting, serves as a powerful prelude to their 2nd one-man live at K-Arena Yokohama in March 2026.

VAZ and Twin Planet unveil α+, an 11-member idol group, with former "Meruputi" center Mahoko Seno. Their debut single "Seishun no Effect" promises to cheer on a new generation.

Following a sold-out Budokan debut, the enigmatic singer-songwriter Koresawa is set to captivate over 30,000 fans with an evolved stage experience and a new live Blu-ray. This marks her largest tour to date, promising unforgettable nights for fans nationwide.

VAZ and TWIN PLANET join forces to launch α+ (Alpha Plus), an 11-member idol group, with their debut single "Seishun no Effect." They aim to empower youth to embrace their true selves and cheer up the world's "I want to try" spirit.

Meet the 11-member sensation, α+, co-produced by VAZ and TWIN PLANET, as they launch with their debut single "Seishun no Effect" and a mission to "cheer up" the SNS generation.

KADOKAWA announces the release of "BABYMETAL no Metaraji! BOOK" on March 31, 2026, compiling exclusive talks with 16 "Meta-Tomo" guests including Tak Matsumoto, HYDE, and Taka, alongside new visuals and interviews.

Japanese idol unit 365° is set to release their cover of the popular Vocaloid song "Eh? Ah, Sou." on February 4th, accompanied by an original music video. This release from the Imgramox Music label promises to showcase a new, alluring side of the five-member group.

Japanese girl group HANA releases their powerful new single "Cold Night," the highly anticipated opening theme for 'Medalist' Season 2, available digitally now with a special CD edition to follow.

TOKYO MX is set to broadcast the third installment of 'STPR ni Muchu!' on January 24th, featuring a vibrant 'Who's the Reddest?' championship with STPR Family's red-themed members, a thrilling hide-and-seek finale at TOKYO MX headquarters, and audience-inspired segment ideas.

Voice actress and artist Hina Aoki celebrates her 26th birthday with the announcement of her highly anticipated first photobook, set to release on March 30, 2026. Titled “Aoki Hina Photobook (tentative),” the book offers an intimate journey through her cherished hometown of Miyagi Prefecture, showcasing a spectrum of expressions from natural yukata poses to elegant black dress attire. Early reservation campaigns and exclusive fan events are now open, promising unique interactions for her dedicated fanbase.

Prepare to dive deep into the world of MISAMO! The highly anticipated Rolling Stone Korea SPECIAL EDITION No. 4, featuring TWICE's Japanese unit, is now available for pre-order, offering fans an exclusive glimpse into their sophisticated charm and artistry through two distinct special box sets.

KAWAII LAB. reveals the live video for "CHU CHU CHU研究中!" by its special unit, TEAM KAWAII LAB., featuring members from FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, and CUTIE STREET. This release precedes the highly anticipated "KAWAII LAB. BEST ALBUM" on February 11, 2026, with exclusive store purchase benefits now unveiled.

Dive deep into the electrifying world of Japanese idol performances with "TV Guide PLUS Live Special 2026," featuring Hey! Say! JUMP's Yuto Nakajima on the cover and an extensive collection of live reports and exclusive gravure shots from the hottest concerts and stages.

The highly anticipated calendar, featuring the idol group in stylish denim, captures their mature charm and personal growth, set to launch on March 18, 2026.

SAMANTHAVEGA unveils its 2026 Spring/Summer collection visuals, featuring Kotomi Tachibana from the idol group CANDY TUNE, showcasing a fresh take on 'New Kawaii' fashion.

A new idol project by WithU Co., Ltd. is seeking talents to become the "SSR" (Sweet, Sexy, Radiant) of the idol world. The project promises extensive support, including free lessons, top-tier creative teams, and major performance opportunities, aiming for national tours and diverse media appearances by 2029.

New merchandise featuring Chihaya Kisaragi from The Idolmaster series, including a meticulously embroidered work shirt, a sterling silver pendant, and an exclusive T-shirt, will be available at her solo concert "OathONE" at Nippon Budokan.

Fans of AKB48's Yui Oguri can rejoice as her much-anticipated 2026 April-start calendar is set to launch, offering a refreshingly natural portrayal of the idol captured by renowned photographer Koji Hosoi. This new collection promises an intimate look at her everyday life, moving beyond her usual cool image.