Interest

Underground Idol Group "Mask Girls" Top Oricon Chart

In the highly competitive industry of idol performers, each idol group needs to have their own unique flair, something that makes them stand out to their fans. While there certainly are some interesting groups out there, none of them can quite hold a candle to the underground idol group "Mask Girls."

Clad in colorful, sometimes even rainbow-colored uniforms and hockey masks, these girls deliver music with a mix of cute and spunky. While most viewers may be a bit taken aback at first, apparently there is fanbase for girls in neon masks a la Friday the 13th, because as of last week, this indie girls group has just taken the top spot on the Oricon music charts.

Still, while it might be Mask Girls' one-of-a-kind uniforms that first catch the attention of people, it's a bit difficult to deny that they have talent after listening to their hit single, "Genki da ne," which won them the title of number one.

While topping the Oricon music charts is no easy feat for even big, corporately-sponsored groups, Mask Girls' achievement is even more impressive, being the first instance of a female group from an independent record label to ever reach such heights. Previously, only male groups from independent record label companies have taken the spot, including MONGOL800 in 2003 with their "Yorokobi no Uta" ("Song of Joy"), and Golden Bomber in 2013 with "Dance My Generation" and again in 2014 for their "101st Curse."

For fans who like Mask Girls' style of music, but have a little bit of trouble getting behind the whole serial killer look, have no fear. Mask Girls' Alice project is made up of three groups, each with their own individual style. In contrast to the serial killer style that is typically associated with Mask Girls' headliner group Alice Juban, there is also the futuristic look of gas mask sister group "Steam Girls," and the color coded steel-clad members of "Armor Girls."

[Via Hachima Kikou]