What is a ‘kaigai’ or ‘overseas’ idol?

‘Kaigai’ or ‘Overseas’ (海外) Idols are performers who refer to themselves as such because they are ‘overseas’ with respect to Japan.  They are generally performers who admire and respect Japanese Idols and Idol Culture and want to share and promote said culture in their respective countries.  This distinguishes idols from Japan and idols based in other countries performing in the style of J-pop idols outside of Japan.

Example: Non-Sweet is a group of five girls based in Vancouver, Canada.  Even when they perform in their own country or in the United States, they would be considered ‘kaigai’ because they are based outside of Japan. 

Subcategories of Idols: Cosplay Idols/Original Idols/Virtual Idols

Idols can be subdivided into ‘cosplay’ idols, ‘original’ idols, and ‘virtual’ idols.  Although at first glance these categories seem to neatly divide idols into groups, there is usually a lot of overlap between one or more of the categories and are not mutually exclusive to one another.

Cosplay Idols:

Many groups and individuals who refer to themselves as Idols were inspired by anime like Oshi no Ko, Idolmaster, and Love Live.  As such, many will form groups, make outfits and perform as the characters from an idol series.  

Example of a(n) Cosplay Idol(s): Irodori Idols is a Love Live dance cover group based in Southern California.  The group mainly does dance covers from the Love Live franchise and cosplay and perform as the characters from the franchise. 

Original Idols:

While many groups and individuals may be inspired from anime series, others may choose to be original, forming their own style, own outfits and even original songs not based on any existing series or characters.  

Example of an Original Idol: Phoebe (Feebeechanchibi) is an original idol based in California. Although she performs many songs from anime and idol series, her outfits generally have a ‘fairytale’ aesthetic and are entirely her own and not based on a character from an anime.  She also writes and performs her own original songs.

Virtual Idols:
Others may be ‘virtual’ in that they mainly perform online but not always in person.  Virtual Idols or groups may also choose to release their songs exclusively online.  In this case many vtubers may also be considered ‘virtual idols.’

Example of a Virtual Idol: Arguably the most famous virtual idol is Miku Hatsune as she sings and dances and performs in the traditional J-pop style, but rarely performs in person on stage.  Other examples are Virtual Youtubers (vtubers) as in they perform songs and dances via an avatar and virtual persona.

Call and Responses

Many idols have a ‘call and response’ as a way to interact with their fans. The format is typically follows, ‘Hello, I'm (name of idol) and my call and response is: (response)

Fan Chants

Certain songs and dances have chants that fans will often chant along. Rather than just singing the lyrics of the whole song, there are parts where the song has no lyrics and the audience fills in the gaps. (Hai! Hai! Hai)

Wotagei

During concerts and performances, many fans and even the performers themselves, will perform ‘wotagei’ which is a specific type of cheering and freestyle that often includes light sticks. It involves synchronized arm-waving, jumping, clapping, and chanting slogans, often using glowsticks to create elaborate visual effects. Wotagei is considered a form of performance art in itself, and fans often practice and choreograph their moves outside of concerts. 

Oshi

Many fans of idols and idol culture will have an ‘oshi’ or favorite.  The word “Oshi” is used for idols and celebrities whom you like. It means “I like and support” (nilsjapan.com)  It is not uncommon for fans to cheer and collect merchandise of their oshis at events.  It’s also not uncommon for fans to have an oshi within a particular group.

Kamioshi

Some fans have an all-time favorite idol ‘kami’ meaning God or deity.  For a fan to refer to an idol as their kamioshi, signifies that person is above and beyond their favorite,  beating out all other idols. 

Penlights/Lightsticks

Oftentimes, penlights, also called Lightsticks,  are used by the audience members during idol performances to perform ‘wotagei’.  They can either be plain (no names or logos) or sold by idols/idol groups with their brand and logo as merchandise. 

Image colors

Typically, every idol will have an ‘image color’ associated with them and often if they are part of a group, the group will also have their own color.  It’s customary to change the light color on the penlight to match the individual or group performing on the stage or, as is often the case, have the same color as your ‘oshi’. This has the effect of fans signaling to their oshis their support in a dark concert hall.  

Chekis/Polaroids

Many idols have or offer chekis (also called polaroids) that they take with fans.  Chekis are taken with polaroid cameras and are physical photos that idols often decorate and autograph as souvenirs.  It’s common for idols to put a date on their chekis to mark each event they perform at.  In recent years it is not uncommon to see fans collect chekis like trading cards at events and conventions. 

Sub-units

A ‘sub-unit’ as the name implies, is a sub group within an existing idol group, typically larger groups consisting of 5 or more members.  The sub unit typically has a smaller group with a specific theme or dance style associated with the members.  A sub-unit has the benefit of allowing the group to perform without their full cast of members and on a smaller stage where it's not possible to accommodate a large group. 

Example: Aqu♡rius Encore Project’s Group color is aqua blue.  So if cheering on the group as a whole, penlight colors should be aqua/light blue.  Aqu♡rius has six members with their own individual colors and if an audience member has an ‘oshi’ or a particular member they like, then it’s customary to change the penlight color to match their respective oshi. (Eg: Jelli's color is Strawberry Pink)