The concept of idol groups in Japan dates back to the 1960s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the phenomenon gained widespread popularity. This was largely thanks to the success of groups like Johnny's & Associates' (Johnny's) boy bands, such as SMAP and V6. The 2000s saw the emergence of new idol groups, including AKB48, which would go on to become one of the most successful and enduring idol groups in Japanese pop culture.