
Handsome miner dummies take the mannequin challenge to new heights with a catchy new music video that’s winning over fans around the country.
Last year, the Internet was flooded with videos of people taking part in the “Mannequin Challenge“, a viral trend where groups of people froze in mid-pose as a moving camera recorded them.
While people around the world had fun mimicking mannequins, the mannequins of the world remained silent throughout the trend. Until now.
Now there’s a group of silver-mining dummies out to mimic the human world, with the first-ever mannequin idol group from Japan, made up of 60 members from a mine in Asago, in Hyogo Prefecture.
Take a look at their new music video, “Gingira Silver Mine Paradise – GGGZPDS“:
Now that we all have “Gin Gin Gin Gin Ginzan Boyz Gin Gira Ginzan Paradise” stuck on repeat in our heads, it’s safe to say that the new idol unit has successfully brought attention to Asago’s Ikuno Silver Mine and Ikuno Mineral Museum, which was really their plan all along.
The handsome mannequins spend their days at the popular tourist spot, re-enacting the work undertaken by locals in the former mining town, and now their epic music video is bringing them even more attention from new fans around the country.
▼ Because who doesn’t want to fall in love with a mannequin and then desperately desire to see them in person?
Just like a regular idol group, each member has a different look and personality. Those with a keen eye, though, may have spotted one mannequin that looked a little too lifelike, and that’s because it’s actually Asago’s City Mayor, or “Shicho” in Japanese, who has thrown his support behind the project by making a cameo appearance in the clip.
Local high students also showed their support for the project, by providing backing vocals for the group’s debut single. While the dummies themselves are obviously unable to sing, fans don’t seem to mind, as they’re already flocking to the area to meet their favourite members.
To take a look at all 60 members of the idol unit, check out their official website here. With lyrics that reveal how hard they work “digging up dreams” 880 metres, or half a mile, underground in their cool environment, it’s no wonder this underground unit has so many fans!
Source: PR Times
Featured image: YouTube/生野銀山と生野鉱物館史跡・
Insert images: YouTube/生野銀山と生野鉱物館史跡・, PR Times
[ Read in Japanese ]






Three reasons why new girl idol group “Beyooooonds” may be the next big thing in Japan【Video】
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】