Interest

Singing Grannies Idol Group KBG84 Take Japan by Storm

Of the many idol groups touring across Japan, the newest group among them is currently all the rage. Their shtick? None of them are any younger than 80.

KBG84 is an up-and-coming thirty-three member idol group consisting solely of elderly Japanese women from the small Japanese island of Kohama. The group only has, and will only accept, members of at least 80 years of age with its oldest member being 96. Recruitment and training to join the group begins as early as age 70.

Their name comes from a clever anagram comprised of their island of residence, their status as grannies and their new occupation as singers, as well as their average age of 84. In other words, Kohama Island, Baa-chan (Japanese for granny), Gasshōdan (Japanese for chorus), then 84. Their name serves as an amusing jab at other idol names like AKB48.

The idol group has began touring Tokyo with an album of Kohama Island folk songs remixed with a pop twist. The group picked up an astonishing amount of hype and began touring the country from there.

KBG84 has swept Japan and even caught the attention of overseas with English news channel CCTV News.

These lively old ladies are out to prove that you're never too old to become a star.

[Via Afternoon News]