Idol groups such as the iconic AKB48 are synonymous with Japan. Known for their cutesy, highly-choreographed stage performances and film clips, they personify Japanese pop culture.What far fewer know is the subculture that has spawned "chika idols," or underground idols, a phenomenon that has grown at an incredible rate, and brought with it some serious downsides. But, like their successful idol cousins, underground idols still dream of making it big.In many cases, the underground idol groups, which now number in the hundreds, are being taken advantage of by exploitative production companie…READ FULL ARTICLE
