Japan's Leading Groups Including 'NMB48', 'Niji no Conquistador', and 'Takane no Nadeshiko' Gather! Report on the Idol Festival 'NIG FES 2026'

The NEXT IDOL GRANDPRIX Executive Committee held the idol festival "NIG FES 2026" on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Kanadevia Hall (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo), featuring 23 popular idol groups including "NMB48", "Niji no Conquistador", and "Takane no Nadeshiko". While this event has traditionally been held over two days, this year it was held as a one-day event for "NIG FES" following the "Zipper x NIG FES -LIVE & FASHION SHOW-" collaboration festival held the previous day in partnership with 'Zipper'.

The event also featured performances by the 7-member idol group "Congratche!", which won the Grand Prix at the "NEXT IDOL GRANDPRIX 2026" (abbreviated as "NIG2026"), a major idol contest with a total prize pool of 20 million yen to determine the next breakout idol, as well as the runner-up "PHiZZ" and groups that placed 3rd to 5th, allowing them to share the stage with established stars.

"NIG FES 2026" Official Website: https://nig.mixch.tv/2026-fes/

■ "NIG FES 2026" Kicks Off with Popular Idols Gathered Together!

Kicking off "NIG FES 2026" was "Kasumin", who placed 5th in "NIG2026" the previous day! The venue was immediately filled with excitement as they delivered a powerful performance on the stage they had earned through hard work and fan support. Following them, the 4th place group "Fruit Fruit" energized the crowd with their adorable and spirited dance, setting a passionate tone for the festival from the start. "α+" performed a refreshing song about the feelings of adolescent girls, and "Full Course" showed a presence that belied their status as rookie idols in costumes featuring gold decorations on black. Furthermore, 3rd place winner "Momonyan" enveloped the venue in a sweet, delicate singing voice like cotton candy, passing the gentle lingering emotion to the next act. Senior and junior groups from the same agency, such as "SUNNY CIRCLE", "FR2PON!", "Okosama Plate.", and "BAD IVY", also appeared, captivating the audience with their unique worldviews, ranging from EDM that makes you want to dance to upbeat love songs and cool tracks that highlight mature charm.

In the second part, "PHiZZ", the runner-up of "NIG2026", appeared on stage with confidence! They captivated the audience with singing and dancing so stable that one could hardly believe they had unveiled their new lineup only about six months ago. Furthermore, during the stages of "Puella no Zettaichi" and "SAI²Rium", there were moments where the audience held their breath at the powerful, clear singing voices and performances that seemed to convey a straight path toward their dreams amidst a venue swaying with glow sticks. Emerging with a hard sound that pierced through that lingering emotion was "Shuumatsu no Anthem", the Grand Prix winner of last year's "NIG2025"! Performing a total of four songs, including "ANTHEM" which they also performed on last year's stage, they overwhelmed the venue with their polished performance and unwavering presence. Following them were "CAL & RES" and "Paradeek"...