In Japan, being an idol is serious business. Getting caught in anything that has the potential of crushing a fan’s dreams could easily result in the idol getting fired. Simple things that common people partake in without as much as a blink of an eye, such as dating, smoking, or even putting on weight, are huge taboos for many members of Japanese idol groups.
But recently, a new idol group that overturns the conventional concept of weight-watching has surfaced. Instead of watching their weight to keep slim, the chubby idols from Chubbiness are required to maintain their well-rounded figures, or risk getting sent out of the group!
In June last year, music giant Avex collaborated with popular Japanese girls’ fashion magazine CanCam in organizing a Zenkoku Puniko Audition (nationwide chubby girl audition). After stringent selections from a pool of 3,500 applicants, 10 cheerful marshmallow girls made it into the all-rounded idol group, Chubbiness, who are set for their debut as professional artistes in March this year.
In an interview with Nikkan Spa, the reporter notes that all members of Chubbiness enjoy eating and when the conversation revolves around the topic of food, the girls become very lively and happy. Even though they don’t own svelte and slender figures like typical idols do, their friendliness and candid characters make them easy to talk to, and that is one of their charming points as an idol group. The members of Chubbiness also get along very well, and they share very close-knit ties even though the group has only been formed recently, which is a rare sight especially among large idol groups, whose members often end up in fierce competition or politics within the group.
Will they be able to spark off a “marshmallow girl” revolution in Japan? This up and coming, one of a kind idol group is definitely something we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for.
For their latest activity updates and information, head over to Chubbiness’ official website, Facebook, Twitter and blog (all in Japanese).
Source: Zhaizhai News
Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Don’t call them fat, call them Marshmallow Girls -- Local Fukuoka idol already big on Internet -- How to date an idol: A guide to the highly improbable
© RocketNews24
18 Comments
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Shane Jones
They are all absolutely gorgeous.
frjdrankin
There is clearly a different definition of chubby operating here.
Xiron Hoyos
Beautifull!!! im a foreigner and I love chubbies girls :))) more then then girls there in Japan :))) I hope they can come for a tour in Europe!! I will be they number one fan <3 <3
Frungy
Erm... which one is supposed to be the chubby one? I really can't see. Only in Japan would these girls be considered chubby... or possibly Ethiopia.
sighclops
Another week, another girl group!
bass4funk
The only positive thing I can say about this is, that at least, chubby girls are getting some recognition and not shunned anymore like they once were. They have to start somewhere and if it means as a talent, then maybe people will think twice about skinny is the all thing to be, when reality it's not. These girls are cute, no doubt.
nath
They are lovely. i may have to change my handle to Chubbinessfan". JT, disappointed you just lifted the text from RocketNews24 and didn't include all of their photos. BTW, isn't it amazing what passes for chubby/fat in Japan?
slumdog
"Chubby" or not, they are very cute. I don't know if I can explain what I am feeling very well, but I think it would have been nice if they did not feel the need to announce and operate under a "theme" of "chubbiness" but instead just were a group accepted as they are. I think that would have been an even better message, especially if they are actually talented, too.
nath
They are lovely and getting the attention they richly deserve. sure, the publicity stuff is pretty lame (see the pics on RocketNews and the comments about "their favourite chubby parts of their body"), but it still represents a step in the right sirection for Japanese idolatry.
sensei258
Stop the madness! Please, no more "idol" groups.
FightingViking
Just LOVE the way they haven't even started yet but are already considered "professional" (makes one wonder in which field ?)
bass4funk
Judging by the thumbs down, there are a few of you guys that have a bias against chubby girls. Too bad, there are a lot of great girls that are chubby. I'll take them over a skinny no nothing any day. Can't say the same for the music though.....
Thunderbird2
Chubby? On what planet are they considered chubby? They look fine to me... now I am chubby (or fat to be honest) and these girls look relatively slim. Good luck girls.
notasap
These girls are hot...who wants a bag of bones?
Qamar
Chubby??? If they're chubby I'm obese!! ....
LBW2010
Hahaha. Wow. NONE of them are chubby. The disparity between Japan and the U.S. in this is absolutely staggering.
IDontLiveInJapan
This is chubby? Did you ever visit the United States?
BurakuminDes
"Chubby"? "Marshmallow Girls"? Well they all look VERY yummy to me! Some of that marshmallow for me please...