Japanese idol culture, or "idol kogyo," is a significant part of the entertainment industry. Idols are trained performers, often young singers and dancers, who are promoted through various media channels. Some notable idol groups include:

Perhaps the most uniquely Japanese digital evolution is the —content creators who use motion capture to stream as 3D anime avatars. Agency Hololive has created a billion-dollar industry where virtual idols (who are actually voice actresses in suits) hold concerts, host talk shows, and interact with fans, blurring the line between reality and animation entirely.