ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28.

 

The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO’s concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.”

 

Additional performers may be announced in the future.

The Metaverse Music Festival, a virtual event organized by the global Web3 platform Decentraland, took place starting on November 10, 2022, featuring a number of Japanese artists. 

 

FRUITS ZIPPER was one of the performing acts, appearing on the MetaTokyo stage on November 11 and November 12.

According to data from MetaTokyo, a total of 20,000 viewers from 101 countries around the world watched the performances, including those from the United States, Canada, Japan, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

This spring, the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER released the track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, which racked up over 600 million views on TikTok. The music video has amassed over 5.5 million views on YouTube, and despite having just debuted, the girls performed at all major idol festivals over the summer.

 

In November, the group’s second solo concert at Shibuya WWW X was a major success. In February 2023, the girls will begin the FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER scheduled to conclude at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on February 12. The group will also perform at a New Year’s Eve event in Tainan, Taiwan. Keep an eye out for them in 2023!

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!”

Popular dance and vocal unit Atarashii Gakko! performed at the Head in the Clouds music festival on December 3 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and December 8 in Manila, Philippines. Local fans showed up in droves for the incredible show.

 

The Head in the Clouds music festival is organized by the record label 88Rising, and the event took place in Los Angeles in August. The label is known for representing Asian artists, with YOASOBI also appearing at the two shows in Jakarta and Manila.

The Jakarta show was attended by around 20,000 people, making it as large as the United States show. The members of Atarashii Gakko!, with their addictive energy and impressive talent, quickly became a talking point among fans not only in the audience but around the world.

 

In addition to the recent shows in Jakarta and Manila, Atarashii Gakko! recently embarked on a five-show US tour, including a solo performance at the Crunchyroll Expo in San Diego in July. Keep an eye out for what these girls will do next!

Photo: Lindsey Blane

IDOLATER is known for exploring the boundary of music, fashion, and other unique aspects of culture through an idol perspective. 

 

We interviewed the five members about their new costumes, which were unveiled for the first time on October 23, 2022.

 

ーTell us some highlights and stories about the new costumes!

 

Tsukishiro Kurumi 

“This is the second time we’ve gotten new outfits as a five-member group! 

Our first costume was a cool green, black, and white outfit, but this time the cream-colored outfits have a more soft and warm feel.

Fushiki and I are showing off our stomaches this time around!

I wonder if that’s a message from the management telling us that we’re the two who always eat before live shows…the thought is scary…should I ask for seconds next time or not…

Okuda, Oishi, and Satsuki all got normal dresses!

Also, each member’s specific color is incorporated into their outfit! Some fans might not be sure about their favorite member’s color, but now that they’re easier to recognize, I hope fans will find it easier to wave the right penlights at our live shows! I’ll do my best as the one in charge of the color red!

I love the skirt the most!

It’s fun when you’re dancing–the way it flutters is a blast. The skirt’s made of more than one piece of fabric, which makes it more fluffy and beautiful.

People group Satsuki and I together because we both have the kanji for ‘moon’ in our names. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not, but our belts have pieces that look a little like the moon! I thought it might have been a mistake and I was going to ask about it at the fitting, but I figured I was being a little too negative. There are things in this world that I don’t need to know.

 

Fushiki Yukino

“When I first saw the costumes, I thought they were really fresh. They even had our member colors incorporated in them, and the design was something that I’d never seen before in IDOLATER. I was super happy because we wanted the same style outfit!

Tsukishiro always tells me that I’ve pulled my belt too tight before we go on stage! (Laugh)

The costume is quite heavy despite how it looks, and I like the way the skirt flutters when I dance. This is the first time I’ve shown my stomach too! I think the silhouette is gorgeous.”

 

Okuda Ayu

“It’s a complete change from our green costumes. The five of us are all wearing neat dresses with the same design and silhouette is something we hadn’t seen before! The skirts look so fluffy and flutter so beautifully when I spin, and the high waist looks amazing. 

The collars have a line with the member’s color and the outfit is so incredibly detailed. If you look closely, you can see that each button is different and there are small animals on the belts. Come see them in person if you can!”

 

Oishi Fuka

“IDOLATER has a  really cool and fashionable image, and that really comes through in these new costumes. 

The skirt has layers of fabric and neat cutouts, and the length is long enough but also shows off our legs a little when we dance.

Each button is different with designs that symbolize each member, and if you look closely, you can see each member’s color!”

 

Satsuki Ririka

“I think these new costumes are attractive and it’s so cute how the skirts flutter when we spin! They look so incredibly good on stage.

These costumes are a bit different from our previous outfits and remind me of Nogizaka’s outfits. You’ll want to come to see them in person!”

Keep an eye out for IDOLATER in their new outfits!

Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!

The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.

 

Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer’s favorite spots around town.

Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area.

 

The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe.

 

TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco Sabo

Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)

Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) 

Closed Mondays

Official Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo

The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either!

 

Kobe MILK

Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30

Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com

For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age.

Kitano Ijin-kan Moore House

Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

Hours: 11:00-17:00

Closed Tuesdays

Official Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/

 

The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did?

 

Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI

Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its Kobe beef restaurants and tasty local spirits.

 

Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Kobe is surrounded by rich nature and produces plenty of tasty veggies while also bringing in tons of fresh fish. The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.

 

Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious fare, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON tagged along. Let’s take a look at her top picks!

 

Kobe beef is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name of this Japanese city, right?

Teppanyaki restaurant Tajima, located in the Kobe Portopia Hotel, serves Kobe beef along with other Japanese black beef, seafood, and seasonal vegetables.

Kyary ordered the Kobe beef loin and seasonal grilled vegetables, watching with excitement as the chef prepared the meal in front of her. The steak is made from carefully selected Kobe beef and melts in your mouth. Tajima has private rooms as well as counter seating, making it a perfect location for everything from a family get-together to a first date.

 

Teppanyaki Tajima

Address: Kobe Portopia Hotel 2F (6-10-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

Hours:

11:30-14:30

17:30-21:30 *Open at 17:00 on weekends and holidays

Open Daily

Official site：https://www.portopia.co.jp/restaurant/detail/tajima/

 

What goes better with Kobe beef than local sake? One area of the city, Nada Gogou, has an incredibly high concentration of sake breweries.

 

Nada Gogo Sake Brewery opened in April 2022 in a renovated building that was formerly the location of Kenbishi, a long-established local sake brewer with over 500 years of history.

 

Visitors can enjoy sake and cuisine from 26 breweries in the area under the themes of ‘Seasonal, Local, Compatible, Fermentation.’ Here, Kyary ordered the Nada Gogou Set which includes the best possible food and drink pairings. Limited to 100 servings each day, the set includes five different sake and three seasonal small plates perfecting for pairing. The drinks and food offerings change with the seasons, allowing guests to enjoy tons of unique flavors from the region no matter what time they visit.

Nada Gogou Brewery

Address: 3-11-2 Mikagehonmachi, Hagashinada-ku, Kobe

Hours: 12:00-21:00 *Opens until 20:00 on Sunday and holidays

Closed Monday-Thursday

Official Site: https://nadagogo.com/

 

GOCOCU is an all-day buffet restaurant in the Kobe Portopia Hotel where guests can enjoy dishes using carefully selected ingredients from the five Hyogo provinces (Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tanba, and Awaji) with a spectacular view of Kobe. Visitors can enjoy the chef’s specialties including roasted and grilled dishes cooked in a custom-made stone oven. The restaurant is also known for its selection of alcoholic beverages, and Kyary enjoyed the Fukuju Junmai Ginjo. This particular sake has won many awards in Japan and abroad, including a gold medal at the National Sake Competition for three consecutive years. Popular for its smooth rice flavor, this well-loved brand uses rice and rice malt grown in Hyogo Prefecture. Adults can enjoy this and many more delicious beverages during buffet hours and cocktail hours after 8:30 or 9:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

 

GOCOCU ~Blessings of the Five Kingdoms~

Address: Kobe Portopia Hotel 30F (6-10-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

Hours: 7:00-10:30, 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:00, 20:30-23:00

Open Daily

Official Site: https://www.portopia.co.jp/restaurant/detail/gococu/

Founded in 1659, Kiku Masamune is a leader in the sake industry. We visited the Kiku Masamune Sake Factory, opened to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its handy barreled sake, perfect for allowing customers to enjoy barrel-aged sake at home easily. Visitors can enjoy browsing sake barrels, with many created using traditional barrel making techniques that are still used today. They can also enjoy an exhibition of Yoshino cedar, the material used to make the barrels. Tours are by appointment only. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservations are recommended!

Kiku Masamune Sake Factory

Address: Uozaki Nishimachi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe

Tour Times: 10:30~, 14:00~, 15:00~ (Each tour is approximately 30 minutes.)

Closed during New Year’s holidays.

Official Site: https://www.kikumasamune.co.jp/tarusake-mf/

*No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the factory. Tastings are available at the Memorial Hall after the tour.

 

After reading this, you’re interested in coming to Kobe, right? Enjoy some of this savory fare the next time you’re in the area. 

 

Kobe Beef Version:https://youtu.be/-HrNq6JGO3A

 

Nada Sake Version: https://youtu.be/cd9_f59NWIw

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 Hayase

When 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 Chinzei

I 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 Manaka

Jill 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 DIORETTE

DIOR ADDICT Maximizer 103 Pure Gold (This one was a gift🙇‍♂️) 

04 rom&nd Dewiful Water Tint

I 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 Hayase

I 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 Chinzei

I 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 Manaka

These 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 Hayase

First, 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 Chinzei

Before 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 Manaka

I 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 Tsukiashi

I 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 Hayase

I’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 Chinzei

I 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 Manaka

On 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 Tsukiashi

Eyes!

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!

 

On October 29, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took part in Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival in Oakland, California. The following day, the popular singer also appeared at Porter Robinson + Friends, an afterparty event held in San Francisco. American fans are finding their excitement at a fever pitch as the Harajuku-based artist continues to perform abroad!

 

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu recently made headlines when she performed an unprecedented 62 songs at Nippon Budokan on October 19 during the final stop on her 10th-anniversary tour. Following this impressive feat, Kyary performed at yet another festival in Japan before hastily returning to the United States following her show-stopping performance at Coachella half a year ago.

 

Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival was hosted by and featured performances by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Porter Robinson. Other important figures in the dance music scene also appeared including SKRILLEX and RL GRIME.

 

The event took place in a large parking lot adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Athletics MLB team. Since the show took place close to Halloween, plenty of decorations could be found, and fans lined up from the early morning to get inside.

 

Although Kyary’s performance was scheduled for quite early in the day, the audience sprawled out as far as the eye could see. As DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021 began to play, fans began to excitedly call out Kyary’s name. In Japan, regulations are in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, meaning that audience members are forbidden to yell during concerts–but no such precaution exists in the U.S. It was clear that Kyary was beyond excited to hear the audience’s enthusiasm, and as the show began, the artist called out “Second Sky,” to which the fans responded with excited cries. 

 

The audience danced wildly to Candy Racer and Dodonpa, two of Kyary’s most peppy tracks, which played in succession. The singer did her best to speak English. “Hello! I’m Kyary Pamyu Pamyu from Japan,” she began. She then complimented a fan in full Kyary cosplay. “Wow! Nice costume! PONPONPON costume, so nice,” she said.

During CANDY CANDY -Remix-, the audience raised their hands high in the air as they followed Kyary’s instructions to jump, swaying from left to right. As the audience moved in sync, a number of hit tracks began to play, including Harajuku Iyahoi and Tsukematsukeru. However, nothing could match the excitement of the moment that the intro to PONPONPON began to play. Porter Robinson, who was watching the live performance from the side of the stage, was moved to tears, and everyone could feel how big Kyary’s presence was for local fans.

Kyary’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April of this year became a hot topic, showing that Kyary is still incredibly popular in the U.S. ten years after her major debut.

 

In addition to her largest national tour to date, Kyary has made numerous appearances at music festivals in Japan and abroad in 2022. The artist’s first overseas performance during her 11th year as a performer was an incredible success and bodes well for Kyary’s future.

 

＜Setlist＞
2022.10.29 “Second Sky Music Festival”
OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
1. Candy Racer
2. Dodonpa
3.Invader Invader
4. CANDY CANDY –Remix-
5. Ninja Re Bang Bang –Steve Aoki Remix-
6. Harajuku Iyahoi
7. Tsukematsukeru
8. PONPONPON –Extended Mix-
9. Fashion Monster

2022.10.30 “Porter Robinson + Friends”
OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
1. Candy Racer
2. Ninja Re Bang Bang
3. CANDY CANDY
4.Crazy Party Night-Pumpkins Strike Back-
5. Kira Kira Killer
6. Isshin Doutai
7. Harajuku Iyahoi
8. Fashion Monster
9. PONPONPON

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.

 

Mika Pikazo is an illustrator and character designer. The artist has designed characters for many popular titles including Fire Emblem Engage, the latest in Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series, as well as book covers and CD jackets.

 

Starting December 10, the artist will hold his second solo exhibition in three years at the Hz event space in Shibuya.

 

According to a press release, the exhibition is being held to show a number of creations Pikazo has made recently, and aims to show off new animation and past illustrations to merge his past and future selves. The creator hopes to challenge himself more going forward.

 

The first main visual, REVENGE, can be seen on the exhibition’s official website. A total of three visuals have been newly drawn for the event and will be released sequentially. In addition, a number of collaborative works with other creators will be on display, so art fans won’t want to miss out.

Limited-edition merchandise featuring new illustrations will be on sale at the venue, and autograph sessions are planned to be held. For more details, check the official Twitter page!

 

Be sure to come to see Mika Pikazo’s colorful pieces in person!

On October 31, the dance and vocal unit Atarashii Gakko! released their new song HANAKO via 88rising.

 

Atarashii Gakko! made their world debut last year through the record label 88rising. This year, the group held a successful solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in May, followed by two sold-out solo concerts in the U.S. and a five-show U.S. tour including an appearance at the Head in the Clouds festival organized by 88rising. In a relatively short time, Atarashii Gakko! has become a smash hit with fans abroad.

 

The new song HANAKO is based on the classic Japanese school horror story Hanako-san. The urban legend tells the story of a young girl who haunts school toilets. Manny Mark produced the song, following his involvement in the group’s previous tracks. The lyrics were written by Atarashii Gakko! themselves and the track has a bizarre yet cutesy vibe.

 

The lyric video for HANAKO was released at midnight on October 31, with the music video dropping at 13:00 on the same day. The unintentionally chilling, ghost-story-style video set in an elementary school is also sure to make an impression.

 

Comment from the Members

“HANAKO is the perfect spooky song for Halloween and we’re happy to release it on October 31.

 

The song was actually being made concurrently with SNACKTIME, which we released last year! (With Money Mark, of course.)

 

The four of us would have meetings about the melody and lyrics while we were in LA. We stopped working on the song when it was still in the demo phase, but when we went to LA this summer, we worked with Money Mark to evolve it into something new. As we continued to build it, it became creepier and creepier.

 

It’s a ghost story. It’s all about being terrified, but also about being curious. Hanako is a popular urban legend in Japan about a ghost that haunts school bathrooms. In the legend, if you say the ghost’s name three times, it might respond…or even appear in front of you.”