New Girls' Idol Festival "GIFT" to Feature 20 Groups

TV Asahi has announced the launch of a brand-new idol music festival called "GIFT," which is being promoted as one of the largest new idol events in Japan.

The broadcaster revealed that a total of 20 idol groups will take part in the event, forming what has been described as a large-scale lineup of performers from across the idol music industry.

Among the groups confirmed to appear are several of Japan's most established and popular idol acts, including Nogizaka46, AKB48 and Morning Musume, all of which have built large fanbases over many years.

The event will also feature newer and rapidly rising groups such as FRUITS ZIPPER and =LOVE, both of which have attracted significant attention in recent seasons.

Other groups included in the announced lineup are J=J, Ebichu, Kyurushite, Choto Kisen and iLiFE!, reflecting a wide range of styles and generations within the idol scene.

By bringing together groups with different levels of experience and popularity, the GIFT festival appears designed to unite fans from across the idol community in a single event, rather than limiting attendance to supporters of one specific group.

Such large-scale collaborations between competing idol groups are relatively uncommon in the Japanese entertainment industry, where individual agencies typically organize their own separate concerts and events.

TV Asahi has not yet released full details regarding the venue, date, or ticketing arrangements for the festival, although the complete list of participating groups has already been made public.

The announcement has generated considerable excitement among idol fans online, many of whom have expressed enthusiasm about seeing multiple favorite groups perform together at a single event.

Further information about GIFT, including scheduling and logistical details, is expected to be released by the broadcaster in the coming period.