HÀ NỘI — Applications are open for the next big girl group, as a Japanese entertainment firm is looking to recruit female Vietnamese citizens and residents hoping to make it as an idol.

Female applicants aged 12 to 22, including both Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals residing in Việt Nam who are fluent in Vietnamese, are eligible to apply for the Kawaii Lab Vietnam Audition 2026.

Organised by Japanese entertainment company Asobisystem, the project aims to recruit and form a seven- to nine-member girl group in Việt Nam as part of a massive talent search being conducted simultaneously across five markets: Việt Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and China.

In Việt Nam, the project will be produced by POPS Music, the record label of POPS, one of Southeast Asia's leading digital entertainment companies.

No prior performance experience or formal arts training is required. The key eligibility criterion is proficiency in Vietnamese to support training, performances and media engagements.

Unlike other talent competitions, the Kawaii Lab Vietnam Audition 2026 aims to look for contestants whose individuality and confidence set them apart.

Kawaii Lab producer and representative Kimura Misa expressed her optimism about the next generation of young talent in the region.

"Kawaii Lab was created with the vision of bringing Harajuku (cute pop idol) culture to the world," Kimura said. "This audition marks the next step in that journey. We hope to discover promising young talent, celebrate each individual's unique identity, and work together to shape the future of Kawaii culture," she said.

Under the project's development roadmap, participants will undergo an intensive training programme based on international standards, lasting between six months and one year. The duration will be tailored to the members' abilities and group compatibility. The girl band is expected to make its official debut in or after 2027, following the completion of its training in Việt Nam.

Addressing concerns that participation could disrupt contestants' schooling, a key consideration for younger contestants and their parents, the organisers stress that academic studies would remain the top priority. Training sessions will be scheduled flexibly outside school hours and on weekends.

Following the selection process, the organisers will work directly with each successful applicant to determine support tailored to individual circumstances including accommodation and expenses related to training and daily living.

Selected contestants will be allowed to retain and use their personal social media accounts. However, they will be required to comply with strict confidentiality rules concerning the project throughout their participation.

Japanese entertainment company Asobisystem is popular for cultivating many of Tokyo's Harajuku cultural icons. The company has made the success of FRUITS ZIPPER, which won the Best Girl Group award at the 2026 Music Awards Japan, as well as other social media trendsetters such as CANDY TUNE and SWEET STEADY.

Online applications will remain open until October 31. Further information and application details are available on the project's official website and Facebook page at https://kawaiilabvn.popsww.com or https://facebook.com/kawaiilabvn. — OVN/VNS