Alt-Idol

Alt-Idol is a subversive twist on the traditional Japanese idol genre, blending the polished pop sensibilities of idol music with eclectic influences ranging from punk and metal to electronic and experimental sounds. Emerging in the early 2010s, this genre challenges conventional idol norms with its edgy aesthetics and themes, often incorporating unconventional fashion and raw, energetic performances. Notable for its DIY ethic and cult-like fan communities, Alt-Idol provides a platform for artistic expression that both embraces and rebels against mainstream idol culture.