[3] In Japan, the concept of an "idol" singer first came into prominence after the 1963 film Cherchez l'idole was released in the country, with Japanese audiences becoming fascinated with Sylvie Vartan and praising both her musical talent and youthful appearance.
Her popularity led Japanese entertainment companies to address young singers who shared her aesthetic as "idols.
Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel was the first notable anime series to use a "media mix" marketing strategy to launch Takako Ōta's singing career, where she would provide the voice to the main character and portray her at music events.
[8] Idol singer Noriko Hidaka played the lead character, Minami Asakura, in Touch.
[9] In the 1990s, public interest in idols declined, but slowly began regaining popularity near the early 2000s.