What Underground Idols In Japan Want? Money or Fame?

Image: japan-forward.com

Recently, there was a video showing a Japanese underground idol receiving her daily salary quite a lot. In the video it is shown that she is receiving around 53200 yen ($362) from her ticket sales. But many Japanese netizen are skeptical of the video.

Image: japan-forward.com

The daily wage of an underground idol in Japan can vary depending on the group, the popularity of the idol, and the number of live performances they do. However, in general, underground idols can expect to earn very little money, average than $10 per day or $900 per month. Many underground idols have part-time jobs to supplement their income.

The low wages of underground idols are due in part to the fact that they are often seen as aspiring stars who are willing to work for free in order to gain exposure and build their fan base. However, the lack of financial compensation can make it difficult for underground idols to make ends meet, and can lead to them having to take on other jobs in order to support themselves.

Underground idols in Japan earn money through a variety of methods, they typically perform at small venues, such as clubs and bars. Admission to these performances is usually very cheap, but idols can also sell merchandise, such as CDs, DVDs, and T-shirts, at their shows. These items can sell for from 1,000 to 5,000 yen.

They will earn more money when they do handshake events, hug event, voting for their annual election or take pictures with fans too. Their fans will collect the tickets or voting ballots that can be found inside each of their CDs. Usually, each CD has 1 ticket included, if the handshake event with the idols requires 10 tickets, they will buy 10 CDs. To make his idol wins in the election or to attract his idol's attention, he will buy many CDs to support for his idol. Well, that's how underground idols get extra money at each of their shows.

Image: japan-forward.com

They also have a websites or social media accounts where fans can donate money to them. This money can be used to cover the costs of live performances, merchandise, and other expenses. The Donations can range from a few hundred yen to several thousand yen.

Some underground idols are sponsored by businesses coporation. This can involve anything from wearing the company's logo on their clothing to appearing in their commercials. The amount of money that idols can earn from corporate sponsorships varies depending on the company and the terms of the sponsorship agreement.