Video featuring ねぎっこ(Negicco) a local idol group.

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Chika Idols (地下アイドル) [Under Ground Idols] are idols who are outside of the mainstream music industry proper, hence the name underground Idols. This is directly compared to Chijou Idols (地上アイドル) [Above Ground Idols], who are mainstream household names (because of the finances, influence, and power of the mainstream music industry that promotes them), hence the name above ground idols. Chika Idols are known by many names, like local Idols (ご当地アイドル - Gotoji Idols), Indies Idols (インディーズアイドル), etc…. They are not (in general) known outside of their hometown and do not have a connection to the mainstream music industry. Chijou Idols (Mainstream) are supported by the finances and connections of people in the “Music Industry” Proper (They make Popular Music). Chika Idols are generally independent artists (Meaning independent from the “Music Industry”). Within the chika idol umbrella there are more specific types of idols, such as Akiba Styled Idols. A good number of chika idols, likely are trying to position themselves so they can be National Idols, as the National Idols tend to recruit and add chika idols to their rosters. The rest are likely content with their status, or are having difficulty moving up.

So a local idol likely could not get on a variety show, because they are not represented by a mainstream talent company.

Being a Chika Idol does not mean you are unpopular. As it is nearly a requisite to have a fanatical fanbase to be considered an Idol.

Local Idol sort of implies idols in a rural setting (Hachikin Girls), while Chika Idol sort of implies idols in an urban setting (You'll Melt More).

Abbreviations:

• ロコドル(LocoDoru)
• ジモドル(JimoDoru)

Examples of Chika Idols:

• Hachikin Girls
• Dempagumi.inc

Feel free to check out these articles on the topic.

• Meet Chika Idols in the Underground Scene Article
• Japanese Wikipedia Article on Local Idols Has idols arranged by what region in Japan they come from, and a section for local idols who made major debuts).
• Japanese Wikipedia's article on Live Idols.
• Chika Idol Matome (Mostly Text Based)
• A Chika Idol Matome named Idol Fan (A large amount of pictures and videos)