Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku (私立恵比寿中学)

Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku (私立恵比寿中学), also known as EbiChu, is a Japanese idol group formed under Stardust Promotion. Built around a school-themed concept and a lively, performance-driven approach, the group has become known for its youthful image, energetic shows, and constantly evolving lineup within the J-pop idol scene. From the beginning, Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku stood out as a youth-oriented act whose identity was shaped by both its live presence and the changes in its members over time. The group made its live debut on August 4, 2009 with five members, and in the years that followed it expanded through a series of graduations and new additions that shaped its early identity. That evolving lineup became part of the story of Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, helping define the group's character as it grew from a new idol project into a more established name. Even as the members changed, the school concept and high-energy performance style remained central to EbiChu's appeal. Their first indie single, "Asu no Chime ga Narimashita" ("The Morning Chime Has Rung!"), was released on February 14, 2010, introducing the group to a wider audience. During this period, EbiChu also appeared at major idol events such as TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL and supported Momoiro Clover on tour, helping build their reputation on the live circuit. Their first widely released single, "The Tissue ~Tomaranai Seishun~", arrived in 2011 and marked another important step in their growth. In late February 2012, Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku signed with DefSTAR Records and made their major-label debut with "Kari Keiyaku no Cinderella" in May of that year. The group continued to change in the following years, including a major lineup shift in 2014, while remaining one of Stardust Promotion’s most recognizable idol acts. Their history also includes the loss of member Rina Matsuno in 2017, a significant moment in the group’s story. For listeners interested in Japanese idol music, EbiChu represents a long-running group with a distinctive school-themed image, a strong live reputation, and a history defined by growth, transition, and resilience.