Japan debuts new girl group who sing about cryptocurrencies, Latest Music News - The New Paper
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Japan debuts new girl group who sing about cryptocurrencies

Move over AKB48.

Japan has a new all-girl "idol" band - the Virtual Currency Girls - on a mission to educate the public about bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Each of the eight girls in the group, known in Japanese as Kasotsuka Shojo, plays a character representing a virtual currency such as bitcoin, ethereum or ripple.

Promotional material show the performers wearing character masks, frilly miniskirts and "maid" aprons complete with knee-high socks.

The Virtual Currency Girls are due to hold their debut live concert in Tokyo today, according to its management company Cinderella Academy.

In keeping with the theme, payment for merchandise will be accepted only in virtual currencies.

"We want to promote the idea through entertainment that virtual currencies are not just a tool for speculation but are a wonderful technology that will shape the future," said the group's leader Rara Naruse, 18, in a statement.

In their debut song, The Moon And Virtual Currencies And Me, they warn against fraudulent operators and urge people to make sure of their online security.

The group is tapping into a rich seam in Japan, where bitcoin is recognised as legal tender. Nearly one-third of global bitcoin transactions last month were denominated in yen, according to specialised website jpbitcoin.com. - AFP

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