Voice Actors, Wota Life, and Crossdressing | 5 Types of Male Idol Groups I'd Like To See

Hey there, idol fans! As you probably already know, there is an idol group for pretty much everything (does the Happy Science cult idol group still exist?). Any specific, bizarre interest you have, there is probably an idol group that caters to it. However, there doesn't seem to be as many male idol groups with quirky concepts out there as there are female groups. Here's a list of a few concepts I'd like to see in the world of male idols in the future. Here's hoping a male idol agency will hire me someday so I can make some of these happen, haha.

1. A group with rotating members

When you think of female idol groups, outfits such as AKB48 and Morning Musume. tend to spring to mind. These groups have been around for a long time but have managed to stay somewhat relevant partially due to their 'rotating member system'. Basically a member will graduate (be it to move onto the next stage of their life, they're 'let go' because of a scandal, or they just simply reach a certain age) and every so often an audition will be held to replace the member(s) that have left. This concept doesn't seem to exist in the world of male idols. With male idol groups, the line-up seems to be more-or-less set in stone once they have their debut. If a member does leave they most likely won't be replaced. I'd love to see a male idol group with a concept more reminiscent of these kinds of female groups, where members graduate and auditions are held regularly. Fans can get to know the new auditionees through social media or TV shows and maybe even get to vote for their favourites. (Pictured: JUNON SUPERBOY ANOTHERS)

2. An 'idol otaku' group

I think pretty much every idol has at least some amount of appreciation for fellow idols, and there are some idols (e.g. Nishioka Kengo) who are not ashamed to admit that their love of idols was a big part of what influenced them to become idols themselves. However, I'd love to see an entire group with this concept! Imagine an idol who has a genuine love and support for other idols. Imagine being able to gush about your favourite idols to one of your favourite idols who also loves idols. Lots of idols. Idolception. (Pictured: Nishioka Kengo from MAG!C☆PRINCE)

3. A group that's part anime and part real life

There are a couple of groups that already kind of meet this concept but what I'm talking about is something like a male equivalent to "Wake Up, Girls!". In this franchise, the girls in the anime all share names and other characteristics with the voice actresses who play them and the voice actresses are active in a kind of 'real life version' of the anime's idol group. We do already have virtual male idol groups such as Hi!Superb, but I'd love to see an actual male idol group with a whole anime franchise formed around it as well. (Pictured: Hi!Superb)

5 Reasons Why I Love Nishioka Kengo from MAG!C☆PRINCE

Nishioka Kengo is the lead singer and centre of this month's featured group, MAG!C☆PRINCE. He also happens to be one of my absolute favourite idols of all time. Here's a list of a few reasons why I love him and hopefully you'll come to love him too!

1. He's the Idol Prince.

If you love idols what's better than an idol who also loves idols?! Kengo in fact became an idol himself because he was such a big fan of both female and male idols alike. In particular he likes Sexy Zone who were actually the first male idol group I became interested in myself so they hold a very special place in my heart.

2. He was an odorite.

Once upon a time I used to make Jpop dance cover videos on YouTube. Although that's not something I do anymore, I remember those times fondly and still like to perform on occasion. I was very excited to find out that this is something Kengo used to do too before he became a member of Magipri. In the past he uploaded a few videos of himself dancing to songs from popular idol groups such as AKB48 and Morning Musume.

3. He's very 'otomen'.

It's not uncommon for people to mistake Kengo for a girl what with his soft feminine features, his high voice, and his somewhat girlish interests. This may not be to everyone's taste but I absolutely adore this about him; it was what attracted me to him in the first place. I don't know why but I've always been more into guys who have a rather evident feminine side and even better if they aren't ashamed of it.