
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】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Beautiful new Hatsune Miku shoes make you look like the virtual idol, look like her themselves too
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan’s new wearable air conditioner belt is here just in time for the Tokyo heat wave
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
How do people in Japan feel about eating whale? We asked five people for their opinions
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Leave a Reply