^Female idol groups have been doing handshake events in Japan since forever, so its not really something new. As far as I know, Johnny's groups don't do them though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by maikaru
The reason AKB48 is doing so well on Oricon, is because the fans buy so many copies of the CDs, because the number of CDs you have means the amount of handshakes or autographs you can get at AKB48's meet-and-greet events they have so many times. The marketing strategy of AKB is really good, so they sell really well on Oricon, but they are not popular with everyone. Mostly just Akibakei and some young girls. But of course, they are making more money than Ayu in cd sales, so we cannot say much against them. Now, we can really notice a renewed Korean Wave in Japan, so I think Korean groups are getting popular once again.
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As much as I don't like them, they ARE popular outside of Akibakei and 'some young girls'. They are everywhere in Japan. Elementary and junior high school kids of both genders in general love them right now. I know because in my job I have to put up with the AKB fever on a day to day basis.

I do think that now female idols do have a chance to make a comeback more so than over the past couple of years, I just wish it wasn't AKB leading the way.