The female acoustic singer songwriter, Seiko Omori, started getting popular because of her aggressive live performance and the music videos which express a girl’s real ugly emotions. She is a rare artist who appeared in both “FUJIROCK FESTIVAL” and “Tokyo Idol Fes.” She started coming to prominence by interviewing with an American media VICE called “noisey.”
She is doing the project titled “Wonder Romance Three Good Fortunes” that releases singles for three months in a row starting in August. The first one is both A-side single contains “Pink Methuselah” and “Gutto Kuru Summer” that those are theme songs for the web cartoon called “Nigeneko Jure” which she also does voice actress as the main character, Jure. It ends up becoming a catchy girl’s pop music collaborated with Kenta Sakurai, a music producer, who worked with Seiko Omori before on You Kikkawa’s song called “Ha wo Kuishibare!”, and also took part in creating Seiko Omori’s newest album called “TOKYO BLACK HOLE.” Kenta Sakurai is talented with arranging music such as putting irregular meter on Japanese idol group’s songs. It is worth checking how these two’s music chemistry will be this time.
This time, we interviewed with her in August which was the time she released the first singles of her project. We asked about her idea of the artist that she is trying to be.
■First of all, can you give me some reasons why you wanted to release singles three months in a row?
We named the project “Wonder Romance Three Good Fortunes” after the horse racing’s technical term, “Trio double”. We changed the Chinese character of “Trio double” to “Triple Fortunes”, but it is the same sound. You don’t know if you ever could win the race, but if you could win the race, it is “Fortunes”, so we put “onder romance” in front. Three months is just because it is coming from “Trio double”. I have some friends who I got to know through music. I think it is amazing that we can build many relationships through music.
■What is the subject of this series of singles that you are releasing?
As I said earlier, we can build connections through music. I would like to work with people who I got inspirations. I want people to know my music has changed a little bit better because of their arrangement. I want to say out loud that I worked with this person. I would love to enjoy the next three months interacting with people by creating many songs.
■Did you think about asking Kenta Sakura to do the music arrangement of “Pink Methuselah” from the beginning?
Yes. When I first got this offer and met the animation creator, t.o.L, I was watching hide’s (hide is a Japanese popular musician who died in 1998.) documentary DVD in which t.o.L was working on the cartoon in that movie. The documentary movie was talking about that hide puts importance on brush up young talented kids’ skills to create music. And then, I was like “If he was still alive, he would love to listen to Kenta Sakurai’s music.” I felt connections between them after that.
■You are the voice actress for the main character, Jure, in the cartoon called “Nigeneko Jure” Did you write lyrics based on this cartoon?
I really liked t.o.L’s previous work called “TAMALA2010 a punk cat in space.” There is a funny cat that has a sharp tongue appearing in that show. So I said that I wanted to do this work by myself. I started writing lyrics after I read t.o.L’s script deeply, and interpreted the atmosphere of this cartoon.
■Did you ask anything specific about the music arrangement to Mr.Sakurai?
When I read Jure’s scripts, I got same inspiration from the monsters which appear in the cartoon called “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.” These monsters that appear when the main characters go to different-dimension worlds are not only scary but also strange, cute, funny and poisonous-looking. I got the idea from these monsters like “I have to fight no matter how I lose everything, but fighting with those monsters also means escaping from this world.”
■Were you able to share that idea with Mr.Sakurai easily?
I sent many pictures of those monsters to Mr.Sakurai, and he also likes “Madoka Magica,” so he was like “OK, I understand.” I also sent some songs which has the same atmosphere of my images. The verses of this song are singing about something like a fairy tale or an allegory. These kind of structures’ songs remind me of the songs of a band called “BUMP OF CHIKEN.”
※(BUMP OF CHIKEN)One of the most popular rock bands in Japan; successfully performed in Tokyo Dome.
■The BUMP OF CHIKEN’s songs are a familiar plot with Japanese music listeners.
I worked pretty hard to make same plot as BUMP OF CHIKEN’s songs. But Mr.Sakurai told me that “the course part should sound more like yours, not like BUMP OF CHIKEN’s.”
■It ends up becoming a characteristic song which contains irregular meter and modulations by Sakurai’s arrangement.
I think so too. People say that “this song sounds like Seiko Omori’s, but it also sounds like Kenta Sakurai” every time we worked together. It is pretty easy to recognize who made the songs.
■Something like You Kikkawa’s “Ha wo Kuishibare!”
It is being told that the song we made for You Kikkawa sounds like Seiko Omori’s song, but it also sounds like Kenta Sakurai’s. It is pretty amazing that people can tell whose sound is this. I didn’t think I had my own sound, because I ask other people for music arrangements. I wasn’t being particular about the songs as long as I could create good melodies. So I didn’t think I had my style in music. It makes me happy that people can recognize my style in music.
■You sure have your own style in music. I think you can widen your appeal as a music creator by branding your style in music.
You think so? Thank you very much.
———
She started domestic concert tours, and will release a single called “POSITIVE STRESS” composed by Tetsuya Komuro as the second project of “Wonder Romance Three Good Fortunes” on Wednesday, October 26th. She raised prominence from both rock music industry and Japanese idol industry. She is also highly expected to succeed in live concerts and tours outside of the country.
EVENT INFORMATION
Seiko Omori’s domestic concert tour in 2016『TOKYO BLACK HOLE TOUR』
Sat, Oct 22nd OKAYAMA● CRAZYMAMA KINGDOM< Band>
Sun, Oct 23rd FUKUOKA● BEAT STATION< Band>
Sat, Oct 29th SAPPORO● PENNEY LANE24< Band>
Fri, Nov 4th HIROSHIMA● LIVE JUKE<Hikigatari>SOLD OUT!
Thu, Nov 10th OSAKA● BIGCA< Band>
Fri, Nov 11th MATSUYAMA●SALON KITTY< Band>
Fri, Nov 18th TOKYO● ZEPP TOKYO< Band>
Details are included in the following website
http://oomoriseiko.info/
RELEASE INFORMATION
Seiko Omori『POSITIVE STRESS』
2016/10/26 Sale
【CD ONLY】¥1,000(Tax excluded)AVCD-83692
【CD+DVD】¥2,500 (Tax excluded) AVCD-83691/B
【CD+DVD(Fan club Limited Edition)】¥3,500(Tax excluded)AVC1-83693/B
Click here for details
http://oomoriseiko.info/
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Chogakusei is a vocalist who has attracted attention for the huge gap between the mysterious atmosphere of his Venetian mask and his aggressive voice. After releasing a single in January, the artist released his first full album Cho on February 15, 2023. We sat down to chat with Chogakusei about his current mental state as he continues to build serious momentum, and about his upcoming first solo concert scheduled for March at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall.
The Theme of the 1st Album is ‘Diversity’
“The word ‘diversity’ can refer to utilizing elements from different people and cultures, but for the diversity used in this album, I focused more on breaking the rules and thinking outside of the box in a more general sense.”
“Since this is my first major album, I felt like it was the fulfillment of a promise. At the same time, I didn’t want to be bound by that feeling. As you listen to each track, I think you’ll find each of them very colorful. So many different people participated in writing the lyrics–for example, the song Ingel was written by Yu Shinda of BURG HAMBURG BURG, and the Vocaloid producers Surii and PinocchioP also contributed. I hope everyone who listens will take note of the diverse group of creators who worked on the album.”
Ingel - Music VideoHeading Towards his First Solo Concert ‘School Admission Briefing’
−You have to admit, it’s a pretty unique title for a concert, isn’t it?
“Since this is my first live performance period, I wanted it to have the theme of a self-introduction, so ‘School Admission Briefing’ seemed to fit, given my name. It’s an unusual title, for sure. (Laugh) I hope fans who attend will feel what it’s like to be a Chogakusei (Super Student). The details of the show are still a secret, though!”
A Vocal Style Inspired by Fan Comments
–You’re popular for your deep, aggressive voice. How did your vocal style come about?
“Honestly, I decided on this style after reading comments from fans posted around the time I released my cover of the song Darling. That’s when I started posting on YouTube more frequently and I got a ton of feedback. Like, people would point out the parts they liked–the minute and the second. After scrolling through all of that, I decided on my current style. In a way, how I sing was completely created by the fans.”
−Tons of international fans have commented on your vocal style. What’s the secret of your popularity?
“I’d love to know myself! (Laugh) Please tell me! In my head, I know that I have this slightly rough, low voice that leads to a more masculine singing style. I also put a lot of thought into the costumes and makeup for each song, so a lot of comments tend to focus on that too. They like my style.”
“I want to try styles from around the world.”
“I’d like to try a ton of unique styles from around the world in the future, like Chinese and Arabic styles. I’m up for the challenge of representing different countries and cultures! I hope to incorporate ideas from fans around the world too, so leave them in the comments. I don’t care what language you speak, please tell me about your country and what you’d like to see!”
Information
Chogakusei
Born in 2001, Chogakusei posted their first cover song at the age of 11. Ever since, he’s consistently posted videos online, currently posting at a rate of one per week. With over 300 million views on his cover tracks, his aggressive voice and mysterious masked appearance have caused him to gain traction with fans around the world. Chogakusei released his first album Cho on February 15, 2023, and his first solo concert, School Admission Briefing, is to be held at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall in Tokyo on March 5, 2023.
Official Site: https://chogakusei.com
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FRUITS ZIPPER, an up-and-coming idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB project, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” For the past year, the girls have been transmitting what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their growing fanbase. Recently, we sat down with the members to chat about their first year as idols since debuting in April 2022. ーWhat has the past year been like as members of FRUITS ZIPPER? Manaka Mana“The past year has been a year of love. I’ve learned so much about myself and see my own weaknesses more than I ever have before!I've been able to encounter emotions I wasn't even aware that I could, and I've even been able to recognize and verbalize a lot of new dreams and goals for the future!Thank you so much!”
Noel Hayase“The past year has been the most packed year of my life. There was something to do every single day–it was so hectic and so fun! I could only think about how thankful I was to be part of FRUITS ZIPPER. I’m sure that we’ve all become stronger over the past year, and I want to keep working hard and expanding our activities more in the coming years!” Amane Tsukiashi“Every day seemed to fly by. I met and talked with so many people, and I was finally able to do the job I had always dreamed of doing.” ーYou performed in Thailand this year, highlighting your slogan of 'From Harajuku to the World.' Can you tell us any fun stories from that time? Yui Sakurai“I was so happy to see how many people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER–it was more than I could have ever imagined! So many fans told me how happy they were to meet me and it made me so thrilled!There were some fans who came from Japan too, and they joined the Thai fans to become Team Yui! I really felt like we had shared Harajuku with the world at that moment. ♡I hope that we’ll keep expanding this way and visiting fans around the world. It was such a warm and special day.” Luna Nakagawa“This was my first time performing overseas and I was nervous about how the audience would react. We weren’t well-known in Thailand, after all–but when we started singing Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, everyone sang along!The concert was so warm and the fans were so sweet, I immediately forgot that it was my first big overseas performance. I was full of adrenaline and it just turned out to be so much fun.That concert is still my best memory. I can't wait to go back to Thailand to perform again.Since our motto is ‘From Harajuku to the World,’ I hope that we can keep expanding to other countries soon!” ーDo you have any goals for the next year in terms of overseas activities? Suzuka Chinzei“I want to do a European tour!I’m still studying German, but I’d love to try out my communication skills! 🥺 (I guess I could do that here too, but…)” Karen Matsumoto“I want to be friends with more overseas fans! 💖Honestly, I’d love to become like Kyary, an idol who is now recognized all over the world!” ーGive a message to your fans both in Japan and abroad! Manaka Mana“In 2023, I hope that I can spend more time with fans from around the world in person! I want to become stronger and care for those important to me while growing my natural gifts!I hope you’re all looking forwards to a powered-up FRUITS ZIPPER!Let’s make 2023 a great one!" 🤍 Noel Hayase“Even though we’ve only just debuted, we’ve already been so blessed, invited to perform in Thailand and to spend New Year’s Eve in Taiwan. How have we been abroad so many times already? I want to keep the momentum going, spread my wings and aim for an even bigger stage! To all the international fans, just wait! We’ll keep bringing Harajuku to the rest of the world!” Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER
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Many visiting Tokyo in the future will want to find the most kawaii spots imaginable, and we know just the girl to serve as a guide! In today’s special interview, we chatted with MIOCHIN to share her recommendations. If you haven’t seen her colorful pop pics on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll want to jump into the MIONOSEKAI! Q. MIOCHIN, what store is a must-visit in Harajuku?“That would be SUGAR HIGH at Harajuku Alta! You can find colorful sweets and cute goods from all over the world. I always stop by when I have time because they have popular snacks I’ve seen on TikTok, tons of jewelry, and things I can use every day♪It’s also a really good spot for buying small souvenirs and gifts for people!★” Q. What store in Tokyo really embodies your personal worldview?
“The minacute CONCEPT STORE at Ikebukuro Sunshine City. I’m actually the store’s producer!★Not only did I design this shop, but I’m also selling cute accessories in collaboration with minacute!!” “The store feels like a big toy box and it’s filled with so many items that kids would love. Not only that–you can find popular brands from around the world and tons of sparkle too★We also hold workshops and events on weekends, so please come visit!♪★” Q. What's your go-to Kawaii Spot? (The HARAJUKU Room)“If you’re looking to surround yourself with everything cute, it’s all about MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS! Each room is perfect for snapping photos–I’ve visited so many times for parties and photo shoots★There are four rooms: DOSKOI, HARAJUKU, ORIGAMI, and SAKURA, and each has a uniquely cute interior♪ If you’re planning on staying the night in Harajuku, be sure to check it out!” Q. Where can the readers find cute clothes like the ones found in your wardrobe? (Skirt, Jacket: grapefruitmoon)“Check out grapefruitmoon, a vintage clothing store. They have so many neat items from the 60s to the 80s, and the designs and shapes are so unique. I’d recommend browsing their retro dresses and funky bottoms★Whether you’re into more monotone fashion or something more flashy and bright, you’ll find it!♪” Q. Where do you buy your makeup? “ANNA SUI. I just can’t get enough of the brand’s vision, and the cosmetics are really one-of-a-kind. Honestly, I buy most of them–I especially love the perfumes. I love the scents and the designs are just too damn cute! It's my favorite collection.” Q. To wrap things up, do you have a message to readers coming to Japan in the future?“I’m so glad that so many people are interested in Japan. I post so many colorful things on social media and always want to share Japanese culture with the world!♪There are so many interesting places that you can only find here, and fascinating activities that you have to visit to enjoy!I hope you’ll come enjoy our food, fashion, and sightseeing spots. And don’t forget to shop for some kawaii goods!★And I hope that once you do, you’ll love Japan even more!” PROFILE: MIOCHIN
Active as an illustrator, TikToker, and streamer, MIOCHIN is known for her colorful pop world MIONOSEKAI. She has fans young and old from around the world and often broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, recently attracting attention for her duet videos on the latter. Her original videos focus on everything from makeup and art to impressions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtdq2828/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mionosekaiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyOak5Hd4WG0oLECz6L0OgTwitter: https://twitter.com/dtdq2828 -
FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” Ready to transmit what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their soon-to-be global fanbase, the group consists of seven members: Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Luna Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase. A while back in Report #12, we chatted with Karen Matsumoto, Yui Sakurai, and Luna Nakagawa about their makeup routine and tips. This time, we’re asking Noel Hayase, Suzuka Chinzei, Mana Manaka, and Amane Tsukiashi to share their thoughts on makeup!
Tell us about your favorite lipsticks and what makes them special!
-Noel HayaseWhen I do my own makeup, I use b idol's Glossy Lip No. 08 and then layer PERIPERA's G Tint No. 06 on the inside. I’ve tried so many b idol lipsticks and I finally found one that matches my skin color perfectly. The tinted one was a gift but I love applying it on the inside of my lips–it gives this neat blood-colored look. It also doesn’t fade which is awesome.-Suzuka ChinzeiI like THREE Lyrical Lipstick Bloom 11 RUN FREE. The texture is soft, the color doesn’t fade, and the color is really cute. When I found it, I was so thrilled–it was the exact color I was looking for. Seriously, it’s the best lipstick! It’s honestly all I use in fall and winter♡ -Mana ManakaJill Stuart’s lip oil!We call the people who support us Soragumi, and some of them gave us these gifts along with letters and flowers after our first solo concert. We were so happy☁️I love the colors and the cloth wrapping, but I feel like it would be such a waste if I ran out so I only carry them as good luck charms. (Laugh) -Amane Tsukiashi DIOR ADDICT 524 DIORETTEDIOR ADDICT Maximizer 103 Pure Gold (This one was a gift🙇♂️) 04 rom&nd Dewiful Water TintI have so many favorite lipsticks, but lately I've been into layering this shimmery gold maximizer with brown, orange, red, and darker lip shades. It’s really cute!🤍 What do you use for your foundation?
-Noel HayaseI don’t put a lot on my skin, but I do apply a makeup primer called UV Idea XL Protection Tone-Up by La Roche-Posay first. After that, I use Dior Skin Forever Skin Correct Concealer to hide dark circles and redness. That’s all!-Suzuka ChinzeiI moisturize with VT's CICA cream. Depending on the weather, I’ll apply Chant a Charm sunscreen followed by The Skin Minimalist by Decorte. I put on powder last. I use CANMAKE's Secret Beauty Powder or Elegance's La Poudre Haute Nuance. No foundation for me! -Mana ManakaThese were also gifts, but I use Lunasol sunscreen, Dior primer, and foundation!The bottle is really beautiful, with the engraving…❤️I ran out of powder when I was in Thailand recently, so I'm just using what I bought locally!I don't know if it's because it's makeup from a really hot country, but it goes on so smoothly that it doesn't feel sticky at all, even with a mask on. I've been using it even after I got back to Japan! -Amane Tsukiashi CHANEL Base Hydra Luminere(I might upgrade.) CHANEL Fluid Foundation de CHANEL B10 Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer 0N SUQQU Oil Rich Glow Loose Powder clé de peau BEAUTÉ LE REHAUSSEUR D’ÉCLAT 105 (This was a gift! 🙇♂️) What do you typically do when it comes to skincare?
-Noel HayaseFirst, I use &honey cleansing balm to remove my makeup. When I heard that you could cleanse and wash your face at the same time, I gave it a try and it was amazing, so I’m never going back. After my bath and before putting on my makeup, I use a complete skin care set like La Roche-Posay's skincare set, which includes mist lotion, toner, and skin cream. It’s not cheap, but since I started using it my skin feels so incredible. Remember to always buy products depending on what kind of skin you have!-Suzuka ChinzeiBefore makeup in the morning, I always cleanse with Bioderma. If I don’t feel moisturized enough, I apply a lotion emulsion. After cleansing at night, I use Bioderma again and then a toner emulsion. Sometimes I like doing face masks, and when I do, I use Mediplorer's CO2 Sheet Mask. It was recommended to me by someone with really beautiful skin and it’s amazing. I also use a Cell Cure. It’s crazy after how much dirt it removes. (Laugh) -Mana ManakaI use lotion, then a face mask, then a serum!When I used the MediHeal mask that Luna recommended, I was so surprised at how good it was that I started buying and trying tons of different masks.I'm trying different things to see what fits and what doesn't, and lately I've been buying a lot of Korean masks. -Amane TsukiashiI haven’t been doing much skincare, but I have been moisturizing a lot lately since my skin gets super dry. On some days I’ll do a face mask and use steam. On the day before an important photo shoot, I use my favorite CellCure 4t Plus. Oh no! You're running late! You only have time to apply one product! What part of your face will you focus on and why?
-Noel HayaseI’d only do eye makeup. In this day and age, everyone wears masks, so when you meet someone, you always make eye contact, right? Besides, if it's just eye makeup, I can get by without base makeup, and I can do the rest of my makeup whenever. (Laugh)-Suzuka ChinzeiI just need sunscreen!Sunscreen is life. It’s so important!Starting when I was in junior high, my parents told me to wear sunscreen, so I can’t imagine not doing it now. No matter how busy I am, I put on sunscreen, even while walking to the station.I was on the track team in junior high and I’d put some on every 30 minutes. At the time I thought it was so annoying, but now I’m so glad my mom told me to do it. (Strangely enough, my mom doesn’t wear sunscreen at all.) -Mana ManakaOn days when I actually have a whole day off or if I’m just at rehearsal, I don't wear makeup. I hide behind a mask and a hat! (Laugh)If I use anything at all, it's sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen in it.It covers my eyebrows and eyes so much that I can't see at all, but I do want to prevent spots!!! (Laugh) -Amane TsukiashiEyes!I always think that wearing eye makeup makes a huge difference. I’d want to do my eyebrows too, but at least I can hide them with my bangs. Eyes it is! Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER
Amane Tsukiashi
Twitter
https://twitter.com/amane_fz1026
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/am1026_official/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@am1026_official
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYH_GZdDHYrrh_8iQOi4P0g
Suzuka Chinzei
Twitter
https://twitter.com/suzuka_fz1124
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tarasuzuka24/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@oooooossssss24
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XgLUbhD1Wdj_hgknrDo7A
Mana Manaka
Twitter
https://twitter.com/manafy_fz0422
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/manafy_baby/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@manafy_fz0422
Noel Hayase
Twitter
https://twitter.com/noel_fz1229
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/noel_hayase/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@hysnl1229
Youtube
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“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve.” Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. Recently, we launched a new interview series with foreign influencers active in Japan, and for the third edition, we’re chatting with Zhu Zhu! A popular influencer with over 2 million followers on Weibo, Zhu Zhu claims that since coming to Japan, her fashion has become ‘softer.’ We sat down to ask her what kind of Kawaii she’s found in Japan.
Q. Why did you first come to Japan?
"In 2013, I moved to Japan with my family because Beijing’s air pollution had become really bad. It’s already been nine years!"Zhu Zhu when she first came to Japan
Q. When you first arrived in Japan, what surprised you?
“When I first came to Japan, what really surprised me was the wide use of the word ‘kawaii.’ It’s so interesting that literally anything can be called kawaii. Sure, it makes sense to call girls, animals, or clothes cute, but in Japan, people call things cute that people in other countries would never refer to in that way. I mean, I think calling things ‘cute’ when you mean ‘good’ is something really commonplace here. (laugh)”Q. Tell us what you find the most Kawaii in Japan!
"There are so many cute things in Japan, but I think that the sweets take the cake. I was surprised by how small they are unlike in other countries. And there are so many kinds! Cakes, baked goods, wagashi, they’re all so incredibly kawaii!"Q. How did your encounter with Kawaii culture in Japan change you?
“Since I first came into contact with the Japanese version of kawaii, I think my style has become softer. When I was overseas, I typically just worse really simple outfits and makeup, but now, I’m always conscious of looking girly and cute.”Q.In Japan, what are you interested in right now? Where do you want to visit in the future?
“I recently read an article about Yufuin Floral Village, which is England-inspired. It looks so cute and I really want to go!”Q. Do you have anything to say to our readers who want to visit Japan in the future?
“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something new. Please visit!”Zhu Zhu ProfileAn influencer from China with 2 million followers on Weibo. Nicknamed “Big Cousin” on social media, she has been a favorite of many Japanese brands for years. Since moving to Japan, Zhu Zhu has actively shared fashion, beauty, travel, and food posts on social media. In addition to appearing on TV and in magazines, she has collaborated with a number of major Japanese apparel and cosmetics companies. -
FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB project, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” This summer, the group’s track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro took off on TikTok with the music video racking up over 500 million plays, propelling the girls into the idol spotlight. Along with regular monthly performances, tickets for the girl’s first solo concert in September and their second solo concert in November were sold out immediately. FRUITS ZIPPER is scheduled to go on tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka in February 2023, and even the fashion industry has become obsessed, with the group serving as the seasonal ambassadors for Samantha Vega starting in August 2022. Only six months after its debut, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER are already taking their first steps outside of Harajuku. Their first overseas trip was to Thailand, called the land of smiles. FRUITS ZIPPER performed as one of more than 50 artists representing Thailand and Japan at the THAI-JAPAN ICONIC MUSIC FEST 2022 from October 21 to October 23. The music festival was held to commemorate the 135th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan. Four different stages were set up during the event, and FRUITS ZIPPER managed to attract fans not only from Japan, but from Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, the Philippines, and other Asian countries. Many guests even knew the choreography to a number of FRUITS ZIPPER songs, including, of course, Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro. The audience was thrilled when the members addressed them in Thai, and a collaboration interview video shot with local idols was also taken. It’s now available on FRUITS ZIPPER’s TikTok channel, so check it out! We sat down with the seven members of FRUITS ZIPPER to hear about their best memories from Thailand!
-How did you feel about your first overseas trip to Thailand?
Noel Hayase“It was our first time performing in Thailand. Not many people knew who we were and we were far away from home, but people welcomed us with open arms. So many people came to watch us, and I was happy to see the audience dancing along to the songs!” Yui Sakurai“When I became an idol two years ago, Thai fans really supported me. Back then, I told them I’d love to come to see them, but I never got the chance. I’m happy that I was about to finally achieve that goal, or my dream, I guess, of going to Thailand to meet all of those fans. There were so many more people waiting for me than I could have imagined, and even though we couldn’t communicate very well with the language barrier, we could easily communicate through music. I was so happy.” Karen Matsumoto“So many non-Japanese fans came out to support us! Even though they didn’t speak Japanese, they did their best to tell us they were rooting for us, and that they loved us. I was so happy, I can’t wait to go back!” Mana Manaka“This was my first visit to Thailand, and part of me felt a little uneasy since everything felt so different when compared to live shows in Japan. I was allowed to take pictures and to really use my voice, and the stage configuration was really confusing. But everyone in Thailand was super welcoming and kind, and I was so happy to see them trying to learn Japanese. They’d listen to me talk and nod, looking me in the eyes, even if they didn’t understand what I was saying. It was a wonderful trip that reminded me how excited I am to travel abroad. I hope I can see everyone in Thailand again, thank you so much!” Luna Nakagawa“Even though I’ve been an idol for a while, this was my first trip overseas. Going to Thailand had always been a dream of mine, but at the same time, I was nervous. I didn’t know what kind of fans I’d find there, or if there would be any fans at all. But the Thai people were so unbelievably kind. During our performance, a girl held up a board that said ‘Lunapi’ and waved a purple penlight. She shouted that she was looking so forward to meeting me, and it made me so happy.We started to share information with the Thai people after our performance was decided, but it seemed that they had known about us before that. I felt that so many people had been excited about coming to see us, and now I just want to go to Thailand again to see everyone a second time. Kob kun kaa!” Amane Tsukiashi“This was the first time I had visited Thailand, and I thought it was so beautiful. Seeing ICONSIAM was unbelievable–the biggest building I’d ever seen! I was so happy to see the fans, and so many told me that they had been waiting to meet us. Thank you so much.” Suzuka Chinzei“Before going to Thailand, I wondered how many local people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER and how many would actually come to see us. When we actually took the stage on the first day, there were so many Thai people, and Japanese people too! Since I was able to use my voice to the fullest in Thailand, I was thrilled when the audience could sing along with the ‘Ne, ne, ne’ part in Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro! This live show was so unique to Thailand, and it felt so much freer than live shows are in Japan right now with all the restrictions. Since there was a language barrier, I wanted to put all of my feelings and emotions into my performance. I felt like I could communicate with the audience with my eyes, and those three days of performances were so unforgettable. We’ll be back and we’ll be even stronger, so wait for us until then! Kob kun kaa!” FRUITS ZIPPER is on course to become a smash hit not only in Japan, but around the world.Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: @fruits_zipper
Instagram: @fruits_zipper
YouTube: FRUITS ZIPPER
TikTok: @fruits_zipper
Facebook: FRUITS ZIPPERKAWAII LAB.
Twitter: @kawaii__lab
YouTube: KAWAII LAB.