Fans of a huge Japanese female pop group were shocked to learn that the newest member they were fawning over is in fact a computer-generated composite of the other group members.

AKB48 is an all-female "idol" group – one of many comprising nubile young women who are idolised by Japanese geeks mainly because of their flawless looks.

Computer-generated character ... Aimi Eguchi.

The group produces songs and appears in theatre shows and on TV. It holds the Guinness World Record for being the "pop group with the greatest number of members" – dozens are spread into four teams.

Earlier this month Aimi Eguchi was announced as the newest member. ChannelNewsAsia reported that Eguchi received reams of publicity "because of her flawless looks and her uncanny resemblance to other AKB48 members".