Idols, Me, and Mameshiba no Taigun
I had never been interested in idols my entire life until my mid-40s. Recently, I became a fan of the Japanese girl idol group Mameshiba no Taigun. This all started about five years ago, in December 2019, with the TBS variety show Wednesday’s Downtown.
The project featured Kuro-chan, who was known for being an unpopular celebrity, as the producer for selecting members for a new idol group from WACK. Initially, I watched it thinking of it as a comedy, but I felt a bit moved watching the Mameshiba no Taigun prepare for their first concert, given the effort they had put in to form the group. Their debut song ‘りスタート(리스타트)’ had a remarkable quality and addictiveness, and although I listened to it several times, it eventually faded from my memory.
The Return of Mameshiba
Recently, I saw the Mameshiba no Taigun again through Wednesday’s Downtown. Their appearance during a hidden camera segment aimed at disturbing Kuro-chan was somewhat shocking.
Over the five years, there had been member changes, and their performance venues shifted from large concert halls to streets or small venues — sometimes filling the audience was a challenge. I even found a YouTube video showing members selling uncompleted tickets on the street. The CEO of WACK, Watanabe, was studying abroad, and without a producer, they kept the team alive in solitude.
However, their dedication to growing with their fans and striving for their dreams was astonishing. Unlike Korean idols who are demanded to be perfect, Japanese idols build their skills alongside fans, creating a story of desperation and growth. This was moving, and Mameshiba was at the center of it.
Growth Amidst Crisis and Change
At the end of 2023, with the departure of Miyuki and Hanae and the merger with Tonai Bousho (都内某所), the team name also changed to 豆柴の大群都内某所 a.k.a. MONSTERIDOL. There must have been several difficulties during this process. After the merger, Miku from Tonai Bousho (都内某所) left due to health issues, placing the team in an even tougher situation.
Nonetheless, they did not give up. Despite the harsh environment, they have kept the team together and continued to grow. Finally, on January 8, 2025, Kuro-chan returned as the producer, Hanae rejoined, and the team name was restored to Mameshiba no Taigun.
Witnessing the members welcome Hanae with tears, I felt a genuine desire to support this team.
Supporting a New Beginning
As a member of the Mameshibu (豆粒), I want to cheer for their journey from Korea. I wish to celebrate their new beginning through the newly released song ‘りロード’ of Mameshiba no Taigun.
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