1on1 Live Chat with Idols Online?: Looking at Idol Live Chat Apps

​In Japan it is quite common to be able to talk to your idols 1 on 1 when you go to events like handshake events, cheki events or even just buying merchandise from their merch table. However, as an overseas fan, unless your favorite idols come over, the only way to personally talk to them is by booking that expensive flight to Japan to see them. 

​But what if you can’t go to Japan? Do you just have to accept your fate of never telling them how much you love them 1 on 1? Do you just type your messages through SNS and hope they’re reading it? Nowadays they have sites and phone apps that allow you to talk to these idols through video chat! In this article, I will introduce 2 sites that I researched for my own sake. (Just in case I’m in desperate need to express my love and get a response) 

​Also note that both of these sites are not free, and in fact they are not cheap either. I would say they start from about 50 dollars and the prices vary on time slots and idol. (but if you really want to talk to an idol, price doesn’t matter right??) 

First I introduce to you the site, “Kimi Dake Live”. 

Site: https://kimidake.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimidake_live

Started by Mixi, a Japanese social media site, they have a wide variety of idols including LinQ, i☆Ris, Wasuta, Cheeky Parade, Kamiyado, Chubbiness and even guy idols! This site has worked with a huge variety of idols in the past including my favorite, KOTO! I’ve also seen them host idol events with whoever has participated in the site. Here is the detailed breakdown of their process and rates: 

• Must use a Twitter account to signup and a Skype account to use for the live chats.
• The currency on this site are “hearts”. Each heart is 120 yen and you get 5 bonus hearts for each month you login. Hearts expire after 6 months of acquiring (free and paid). 
• The site uses a lottery system where if you win, you get to live chat for about 5-10 minutes with your chosen idol. 
• No need to show your face or even use a microphone if you don’t want to, you can use the skype chat. 
• Can have as many people in your live chat as long as it’s using one account. For example, if you wanted to invite your whole town over to talk to the idol, you can do so! 
• They have an “oshi meter” function on the site which is very similar to the likes on CHEERZ. 

Next site is “kimidori”. 

(Can we just take a moment to acknowledge HOW DAMN CUTE THE LOGO IS?? BIRBS!!!)

Site: https://kimidori.live/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimidori_mixi

This is a relatively new service as it started this past January 2017. The reason why the cute as heck bird is in the logo is because the “dori” part can mean bird. The logo is in lime green because the word for lime green in Japanese is “kimidori”. Having a similar concept, they also have somewhat overlapping idols. Idols include Team Syachihoko, i☆Ris, Wasuta, GEM, Up Up Girls (Kari) and also guy idols on this app! Here is a detailed breakdown of what is on the site: 

• Can sign up on either app or site. 
• The currency they use are “stars”. Each star is 180 yen, stars must be purchased. 
• Unlike the other site, the live chats are all through the kimidori app and not through a third party app. 
• You can reserve a ticket instead of entering a lottery.
• Estimated time you get to live chat with the idol is 1-4 minutes.
• They also have a like system by giving them "withs".  

Comparing the two, I would say if you want a guaranteed live chat, I would go with kimidori. But if you’re okay with the gamble and want a longer chat, then go with “Kimi Dake Live”. I have no idea if these sites are competitors or actually the same company but they really are similar. I’m personally conflicted because I LOVE the bird logo for kimidori and the idols even hold the logos during live chats it seems like (just imagining my favorite idols with birbs makes any money worth it) but I would rather have more bang for my buck by getting longer time slots. 

In the end, it really depends on your preferences and your ability to go to Japan. These sites are a great idea but I rather much shake hands with my favorite idols and have an in person one on one talk! Are you guys interested in these services? Do you think one service is better than the other? Comment your opinions because I want to know! 

-Tiffany