KYODO NEWS - Feb 19, 2019 - 18:35 | Arts, All, Japan

Major Japanese entertainment agency Johnny & Associates Inc. announced on Tuesday that it is creating its first virtual idols in collaboration with video streaming service Showroom.

The virtual idols -- all-singing, all-dancing digital performers -- will be able to interact with fans during videos that will be streamed live every day at 9:30 p.m. starting from Feb. 19.

Joichiro Fujiwara and Kazuya Ohashi, members of the Kansai Johnny's Jr. sub-unit Naniwa Danshi, will be the respective voices of virtual idols Asuka Kaido and Kanata Ichigoya.

Yuji Maeda, the president of general producer Showroom, said, "We want to introduce the characters to the world, not just Japan."