Get Exposed to Chemical X: We Go Behind the Scenes of an Idol Debut

On a recent winter evening in Japan, an over-reliance on Google Maps had Papermaiden and I well and truly lost in Shibuya. We were attempting to locate the address of a legendary dance studio that currently serves as the rehearsal space for NEO JAPONISM, APOKALIPPPS and other prominent chika idol units. Google insisted that the sought-after place was housed in a building among the side streets off Dogenzaka, but after fruitlessly circling through several alleyways, Papermaiden took over navigation. Soon after, Papermaiden’s efforts in orienteering led us to a single bright, square sign on a towering storefront among the thousands of others lighting the surrounding buildings and marking the target of our search.

Here, on the sidewalks of Shibuya, we met Hiroshi, the manger of the new chika idol unit, Chemical X. Papermaiden and I had been fortunate enough to be invited to attend the group’s rehearsal as the members prepared for their January 20th debut. It was a chilly evening, so the introductions were brisk: we quickly met Yossy, the group’s creator and producer, and members Amemiya R Galaxy, Chiimayu, Aoi Hitotsuki and Maho Setsuna. KILLERMACHINE, we were told, was running a bit late as she was coming from another commitment. After brief greetings, we hurried inside and upstairs to the warmth of the studio.

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Homicidols’ Songs of Summer, 2022

We have reached the height of summer, that magical season when school’s out, parties are at the pool, blankets are on the beach and indelible memories are being made, each one set to a signature soundtrack destined to trigger nostalgic memories well into our sunset years (unless you’re reading this in Australia right now in which case, at least the snakes are hibernating ?). This seemed like the perfect time to ask Team Homicidols to put down the margaritas and fireworks for a second and share those songs that they’ve got on repeat in their summertime playlists.

Here are the songs that will forever come to define the dog days of 2022:

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Yurapico Launches Solo Project

Yurapico launched her career as a solo idol just days ago and it’s already off to a fantastic start. The current member of APOKALIPPPS and former member of Guso Drop and BURST GIRL dropped the announcement of her solo project on Monday and has since held her introductory live and released two singles and two MVs.

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