Featured Idol Friday: BiSH

In 2014, it was announced that popular “rebel idol” unit BiS (Brand-new idol Society) would disband at Budokan Yokohama Arena. In an effort to keep the legacy of BiS alive, manager Watanabe Junnosuke held auditions to replace the entire lineup. The group was announced in January of 2015, and the lineup was solidified a few months later. They were introduced as BiSH (Brand-new idol SHiT). BiSH was:
 
Sen to Chihiro Chicchi, group captain (currently known as Cent Chihiro Chitti)
Aina The End, a former R&B singer and member of PARALLEL
Hug Me
Momoko Gumi Company
Yukako Love Deluxe
 
Shortly after their first single, “Spark”, Yukako Love Deluxe left the group due to anxiety, but they went on without her. The debut album “Brand-new idol SHiT” was released shortly after to massive acclaim, blowing BiS’s Oricon chart records out of the water.

BiSH - BiSH: Hoshi ga Matataku Yoru ni MV

BiSH has become known for their over-the-top, often shocking music videos. From “BiSH: Hoshi ga Matataku Yoru ni” featuring scat and semen imagery, to “MONSTERS” where the group fights against the oppressive regime of a boot camp instructor (a callout against idol culture in general). The group is also known to be honest and open about their personal lives, holding nothing back in interviews. Hug Me writes a column in a porn magazine (starting with her VERY in-depth recollection of her first Brazilian wax) and Momoko has openly admitted to hating otaku, most idol fans, and even handshake events. Aina has gone on record about her history of being bullied in school, and even mentioned that she was homeless for a short time prior to auditioning for BiSH.
 
It’s not just BiSH’s public image that differs from “ordinary” idol units; it’s also what happens behind-the-scenes. The members often write their own songs, and even do their own choreography. Their song lyrics aren’t usually that far off from what you would expect from idols (read: love songs) but they’ve been known to break the rules from time to time. A handful of their songs deal with the realities of life as an idol, including depression, discomfort, and anxiety. Some songs deal with loneliness or fear of getting stuck in the idol lifestyle without any future, or even sex. Their biggest single, “OTNK”, is about penises (though they try to hide it with the “official” lyrics being completely different to the actual lyrics.) According to Momoko, the lyrics are cute.

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BiSH - OTNK MV

In 2015, BiSH picked up two new members: Lingling and Hashiyasume Atsuko. With their new 6-person lineup, they released their second full-length album “FAKE METAL JACKET”, and flew up the charts faster than ever. With the album came the announcement that they would soon be signing to avex trax, the same label which had signed BiS. Their major label debut is set to be released on May 4th, 2016.

There’s a lot to say about BiSH, but the best way is to just jump right in. They’re perfect for fans of groups like Babymetal and Ladybaby, or just for an idol fan looking for something new. Their music varies from pop to metal, and even to jazz-rock, hardcore punk, thrash, and blues rock. There’s something for almost everybody. I recommend starting with one of their singles, like “OTNK” or “MONSTERS”. The deep album tracks can get a little weird for anyone who isn’t into obscure subgenres. I’m still holding out hope for the inevitable “BiSHKaidan” album which will surely be the best idol album of all time.
 
BiSH Is:
Cent Chihiro Chitti (Captain)
Aina the End
Hug Me
Momoko Gumi Company
Lingling
Hashiyasume Atsuko

BiSH - MONSTERS MV