While at the time relatively short-lived, Onyanko Club, formed in Tokyo in 1985, have left a legacy that has made them perhaps the most significant female idol group of the '80s. The initial lineup of 11 members was put together under the aegis of producer Yasushi Akimoto, from participants chosen through the Fuji TV audition show All Night Joshikosei Special, but subsequent, frequent lineup changes resulted in more than 50 girls passing through the group's revolving door membership policy.
Onyanko Club debuted in April of 1985 via their own TV show, Yuyake Nyan Nyan, but the...