Theatrical release of “The Flowers of Passion” documentary on Japan’s underground idol scene

You may have heard about the underground Japanese idol scene, and some of our readers may even have had a chance to attend some live events during a visit to Akihabara or perhaps some other live houses. However, few expats are as connected to the Japanese chika (underground) idol scene (and the alternative idol scene in particular) as Derek Vasconi.

Founding member and guitarist for metalcore band From a Second Story Window, Vasconi was initially inspired by Japanese horror and got into writing horror fiction. However, on a research trip to Japan, he had a fateful encounter with the group Guso Drop (2014-2017). Captivated by the world of independent and alternative idols, the American expat decided to devote his life to it. At first he worked with idol groups as a staff member, learning the ropes, but then he got involved in promotion and production. He now runs an internet business called Idol Underworld, working tirelessly to promote idols internationally, bridging the gap between idol groups and international fans.

Between August 2019 to January 2020, Vasconi channeled his prodigious enthusiasm for chika idols into an ambitious documentary series, The Flowers of Passion: Stories from the Japanese Underground Idol Scene.

Reproduced with permission from © Derek Vasconi / © The Flowers of Passion

Truly a labor of love, the series marks Vasconi's directorial debut, but it represents what is surely the most in-depth and honest exploration of the Japanese underground idol scene to date.

Filmed from August of 2019 to January of 2020, several idols and idol groups share their reasons for joining the sub-culture of the underground idol scene, as well as demonstrate what it is that they do; namely, singing, dancing, and helping to try and make the world smile, even while trying to pursue their own happiness and dreams.

This docuseries is a very intimate and behind-the-scenes look of what it means to work in the Japanese idol industry, both from the perspective of the idols, as well as those who manage, produce, support, and promote idols.

Written, produced, and directed by Derek Vasconi, Edited by Masakazu Tanahashi and Madeline Kinney, Subtitles by Elisa Ovalles, Original Score by: OPUS.TRAVELERS & Derek Vasconi

Trailer

Theatrical release and livestream: July 14th-18th

Although The Flowers of Passion is already available as a DVD or to purchase for streaming, the film had not yet been shown in theaters.

Finally, this will change when the docuseries gets a limited theatrical release at the Theater Guild cinema in Daikanyama, Tokyo between July 14th and 18th.

For the five evenings, each session will begin with an introduction by the director, Derek Vasconi, and after the screening of each part, there will be a question and answer session. Many of the people who participated in the documentary will also be in attendance, so this is a great opportunity not only to see the film and meet the director but also to meet some of the members of the underground idol scene.

Moreover, all those who attend will receive a free poster.

Livestream

For those who can't attend in person, there will also be a livestream from the theater at the following link.

Episode Overview

Episode One

1080p HD | Approximate Run time: 1:08:00

The history of Japanese idols is explored, along with present-day idols and the current state of the idol industry.

Featured Idols: Saka-Sama, Avandoned, Nanomoral, Merry Bad End
Special guest appearances: Last Question
Narration by Nayuta Aku

Episode Two

1080p HD | Approximate Run time: 1:12:59

The creative side of the idol industry is examined and discussed by both idols and idol producers.

Featured Idols: Kiss Hug Extreme, Nanomoral, 14th Generation Toilet Hanako San, Lilii Kaona

Episode Three

1080p HD | Approximate Run time: 38 minutes

The otaku fandom and relationship between fans and idols are examined and discussed.

Featured Idols: Moe from XOXO Extreme, Chihiro from Merry Bad End, Koyuki/Yuka from Lilii Kaona
With a special commentary from Patrick Galbraith

Episode Four

1080p HD | Approximate Run time: 46 minutes

The day-to-day grind of the underground idol scene is on full display, as several idols are pushed to their limits. Includes a devastating final scene in which one idol reveals a tragic secret about her past, and much more.

Featured Idols: Beni from Avandoned, Chihiro, Yuina, and Honami from Merry Bad End, Koyuki/Yuka from Lilii Kaona

Episode Five

1080p HD | Approximate Run time: 61 minutes

The idols in the documentary reach the conclusions of their stories. From performing a successful "one-man live" (a solo concert without any supporting acts) to hosting birthday events to considering their lives, the idols carve out a path to their futures, whether it's doing more in the idol industry, and beyond.

Featured Idols: Beni and Avandoned, Chihiro, Yuina, and Honami from Merry Bad End, Koyuki/Yuka from Lilii Kaona, Mizuho from Saka-Sama, Miku from Nanomoral, Moe from XOXO Extreme