IDOLS in Thailand, PART 1: How Berryz Koubou and Hello! Project Sparked a Japanese Idol Wave in Thailand

Author's Note: "IDOLS in Thailand" is a four-part series on the growth of idols and idol culture in Thailand, and how the modern Thai idol industry was largely influenced by Japanese idols. I would like to extend my thanks to my informants in Thailand, who have graciously lent their time to show me the history of idol culture in Thailand and acquaint me well with it, so that I may pass it forward.

In recent years, Japanese idol culture has become wildly popular overseas. But, in one particular country in Southeast Asia, Japanese idol culture has spawned a local idol culture unique to that country itself and a number of performers / groups that largely follow the Japanese idol concept. That country is Thailand.

Read More