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 by Stardust Promotion in 2009. Blending dance, J-pop, and pop with a school-themed concept, the group built its identity around energetic live shows and a rotating lineup that has included Rika Mayama, Ayaka Yasumoto, Aika Hirota, Mirei Hoshina, Rina Matsuno, Hinata Kashiwagi, Kanon Nanaki, Natsu Anno, Hirono Suzuki, Narumi Uno, Kaho Kobayashi, Riko Nakayama, Mizuki, Hinaki Yano, Cocona Sakuragi, Yuno Kokubo, Nonoka Kazami, Emma Sakurai, and Yuna Nakamura. The group made its live debut on August 4, 2009 with five members, released its first indie single, "Asu no Chime ga Narimashita" ("The Morning Chime Has Rung!"), on February 14, 2010, and appeared at major idol events such as TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL while also supporting Momoiro Clover on tour. Its first widely released single, "The Tissue ~Tomaranai Seishun~", arrived in 2011, and in late February 2012 Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku signed with DefSTAR Records for its major-label debut with "Kari Keiyaku no Cinderella" in May of that year. The group continued through graduations, additions, and a major lineup shift in 2014, and the loss of member Rina Matsuno in 2017 remains a significant part of its history. For listeners searching for ebichu J-pop or Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku members, EbiChu stands out as a long-running idol group with a distinctive school concept and a strong live reputation.