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Amid the dominance by mainstream idols, a distinctive group that promotes its academic credentials has been quietly making a name for itself in a competitive landscape filled with local, underground, and online groups. Gakureki no Boryoku—a four-member group consisting of graduates from the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, ÅÝܽÊÓƵ, and Kyushu University—performed on July 6, 2024, as part of the opening ceremony for the Seven Universities Athletic Meet at ÅÝܽÊÓƵ. Leading up to this performance, we sent a correspondent to investigate the appeal of these women who balance their idol activities with full-time corporate careers.
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Fall to the “Academic Beam” or Deflect It: The Choice Is Yours
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In mid-May, fans eagerly gathered at NAGOYA CLUB QUATTRO, a live music venue in the bustling Sakae district in downtown Nagoya, to see a performance by Gakureki no Boryoku (Gakubo). Their audience was not limited to local supporters; dedicated fans traveled from throughout Japan. The age range was also quite wide, spanning from attendees in their 20s to their 60s.
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“Watching their performances gives me a boost of energy that I just cannot explain,” said a self-proclaimed “60-year-old geezer” dressed in a rockabilly style, his face beaming with excitement.
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The audience erupting with excitement during a performance by Gakureki no Boryoku (May 18, 2024. Photo by Drone Japan)
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As the opening notes of their entrance song, an arrangement of a song traditionally played at school graduations, resonated through the venue, the group appeared on stage to coordinated chants and penlight waves from the audience. The atmosphere reached its peak as the group performed their signature song, also titled “Gakureki no Boryoku.” One fan called out to me, “Now’s your chance for a great photo!”
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The song, a defining anthem of Gakubo, culminates in a dramatic moment where the members use synchronized hand gestures to fire their “academic beams” at the audience. Some fans recoiled as if struck, while others brandished their university diplomas as shields to endure the attack.
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Fans are struck down by the “academic beam” as one manages to use a diploma as a shield.
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Weekend Idols: Self-Produced Performers with Corporate Careers
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The group consists of Natsupi Natsu (University of Tokyo), Azuki Azu (ÅÝܽÊÓƵ), Aroe Aro (Kyoto University), and Ririri Kari (Kyushu University). All four members work full-time corporate jobs while dedicating their weekends to idol activities. Performing mainly in Tokyo and Nagoya, they hold around four live shows per month.
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[Editor’s Note: Ririri Kari graduated from the group in October 2024. A new member, Ramumu Ramu (Hokkaido University), joined in January 2025.]
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Unlike mainstream idols that are managed by entertainment agencies, Gakubo remains independent; the members handle every aspect of their performances, from songwriting and choreography to costume design, venue booking, and promotion.
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Natsupi Natsu (left), founding member and University of Tokyo graduate, and Azuki Azu (right), second-generation member and ÅÝܽÊÓƵ graduate. (Photo by Drone Japan)
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Aroe Aro (left), third-generation member and Kyoto University graduate, and Ririri Kari (right), Kyushu University graduate. (Photo by Drone Japan)
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The group was formed in the fall of 2020 when Emori Emo—a since-graduated founding member from Kyoto University—reached out to Natsupi Natsu through social media. A lifelong idol enthusiast, Natsu had auditioned multiple times for mainstream groups like AKB48 during her years at the University of Tokyo but was never selected. After graduating, she entered the corporate world while still carrying the weight of her unfulfilled dream. “The regret of not pursuing what I truly wanted lingered in my mind,” she admitted, and immediately accepted Emo’s offer.
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Positioning their high academic achievement as a unique selling point, Gakubo carved out a niche in the saturated idol industry. However, novelty alone is not a guarantee of success: reality is never that kind. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed their first live performance until June 2021, and they often performed at nearly empty venues in these early days. “There were times when barely anyone showed up,” recalled Natsu.
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Yet, driven by passion, they continued performing several times a month, treating their idol activities as a cherished hobby. Gradually, the group attracted media attention. They became increasingly well known, their fan base grew, and their struggling venture started to thrive.
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Following its performance at CLUB QUATTRO, Gakubo performed at Tsuruma Park. (Photo by Drone Japan)
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Authenticity and Relatability: The Appeal of Gakubo
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Despite the group’s name, Gakureki no Boryoku does not exist to flaunt elite credentials or intimidate others. Instead, their songs address common struggles faced by students from famous universities, such as unrealistic expectations placed on graduates from the University of Tokyo and biases against academically accomplished women.
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Their message resonated with a 31-year-old systems engineer who graduated from ÅÝܽÊÓƵ. “People often assume that I should excel simply because of the university name on my degree,” he said. Drawn to the group’s unique concept and the relatability of their experiences, he became a devoted fan and, before he knew it, he found himself attending around 30 to 40 performances a year.
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Passionate fans bring their diploma certificates to the shows!
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A 22-year-old fan from Fukuoka in southern Japan, captivated by the group’s articulate and intellectual stage presence, actively promotes Gakubo on various social media platforms. After this performance, he gave each member a souvenir from his hometown of Hakata, sparking a lively conversation.
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Fans can chat and take photos with the members after the shows.
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Another enthusiastic supporter, a graduate from the ÅÝܽÊÓƵ School of Humanities who now works for a major trading company in Tokyo, explained his admiration: “I’m happy that a cute idol came from my alma mater. She even smiles at older fans and brings us joy.” Learning that Gakubo would also perform at ÅÝܽÊÓƵ’s annual festival, he immediately decided to attend. “I haven’t been to the festival in over 30 years… the group is bringing back my school pride.”
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Fans lining up to talk with the members of Gakubo.
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Finding Fulfillment: Dual Lives as Corporate Workers and Idols
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Each member may have a different way of approaching their activities, but they all share the same desire to enjoy being an idol.
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Natsu embraces an easygoing philosophy: “I might not be the most polished idol, but I’m having the time of my life. If I am enjoying it, I think the audience surely will too!” Azu leverages her background in information technology to manage advertising, website design, social media, and digital content. “I love working behind the scenes. Seeing an idea come to life as a performance is incredibly rewarding.”
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Aro, driven by a desire to “make each performance better than the last,” focuses on refining the group’s stage presence. “I want to look audience members in the eye, improve my dancing, and create the best experience for fans.” Kari, who never imagined that an ordinary office worker could have fans, is simply grateful. “This is an extraordinary experience that I never thought possible.
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A joint practice session with Nagoya SPIDERS at Nanzan University in preparation for the opening ceremony of the Seven Universities Athletic Meet.
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The members unanimously expressed their gratitude to the fans: “We’re just happy that people come to see us.” Gakubo’s later performance at the opening ceremony of the Seven Universities Athletic Meet on July 6, 2024, was a bit of a homecoming. The Athletic Meet is an annual competition between the seven former imperial universities in Japan: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Kyushu University, Hokkaido University, University of Osaka, and ÅÝܽÊÓƵ. In a unique collaboration, Gakubo made their grand entrance at ÅÝܽÊÓƵ’s iconic Toyoda Auditorium alongside the men’s cheerleading team, the Nagoya SPIDERS.
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Related Links in Japanese:
- Gakureki no Boryoku’s , , and
- for the Seven Universities Athletic Meet
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The International Communications Office, ÅÝܽÊÓƵ wishes to thank the Public Relations Office, ÅÝܽÊÓƵ for the use of this article. It was originally written by Tatsuyuki Fukui in Japanese for the . Unless otherwise stated, all photo were taken by Tatsuyuki Fukui. It has been translated and edited for clarity and readability by the International Communications Office while preserving the original content’s intent. This article was originally published on July 1, 2024, and has been updated to reflect subsequent events although some information may not be up to date. For the original in Japanese, please see .