[LIVE REPORT] Atarashii Gakko! Performs at Zepp DiverCity

24.May.2022 | MUSIC

On May 20, the indescribably unique four-member dance and vocal group Atarashii Gakko! performed Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo! Given their performance at such a well-known venue, the name of their solo concert was fittingly ‘Wha–?! Graduating from Obscurity ~AG! FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL~.’

 

The group signed with American multi-media company 88rising in January 2021. The label is attempting to introduce more unique Asian music to the US, and it doesn’t get much more unique than Atarashii Gakko! The girls have over 3.8 million TikTok followers, and their April single WOO! GO! was released as a tie-in with NIKE Juku, amassing praise from audiences worldwide.

 

As fans of the band have come to expect, the concert began with the sound of chimes, leading into the first song, Toumei Boy. Followed by an intense dance performance, fans were captivated by the show, which was performed overseas last month to an audience of 25,000 fans. Following the song Final Humanity, a bizarre video began playing, leading into the fan-favorite CANDY from the group’s EP SNACKTIME. For the first time in the group’s solo performance history, backup dancers joined them during the track Night Before the Exam.

Starting with Otona Blue, the members appeared clad in colorful decorations, making it seem as if they were singing on TV. The girls have an unprecedented stage presence that has helped them catapult their career forward, from obscurity to performing one of the most well-known venues in Tokyo. Happy Hormones shoed a cuter side to the girls, offering fans a glimpse beyond their usual hardcore dance moves. The audience joined in, waving their hands from side to side and flashing peace signs.

 

The Italian disco tune Fantastico began with slow-motion movements and added limbo dancing into the choreography, giving the members a chance to show off their comedic skills. Anyone who follows them on social media is well aware of how hilarious they can be!

 

Suddenly, a man dressed as a construction site security guard emerged on stage, performing an impressive rendition of the robot. This man turned out to be DJ Morley Robertson, who joined the girls in Intergalactic, starting with the members calling out “We are Bestie Girls!” As Atarashii Gakko! danced to this classic Beastie Boys tune, Robertson addressed the audience, shouting “The night is just getting started!” 

 

Pineapple Kryptonite shows off the girl’s dancing skills, but the Pineapple Kryptonite REMIX treated fans to an acrobatic performance that brought the energy in the venue to the max.

Member MIZYU spoke to the audience about the choreography in WOO! GO!, the girl’s newest track, calling on them to join in. The members also performed the Spanish version of Free Your Mind, cementing their place as one of Japan’s most global acts. Towards the end of the live show, the members hugged and showed the audience how close they are as friends, bringing everyone to tears.

 

The Zepp DiverCity concert was a whirlwind of excitement and energy. Those in the audience could see how Atarashii Gakko! has improved since their debut, and everyone is excited to see how much higher they can soar going forward. 

 

The archived video of the performance is officially available until May 29 at 23:59. Check out a comment from the group immediately after the concert below!

Comment from Atarashii Gakko!

“This was the best live performance we’ve ever done! With our past shows, the four of us have designed everything ourselves. This time we had a lot of other people involved, and we could really feel the love from both the staff and the audience. During the show, I felt like I was having a conversation with the audience without words. I could see everyone’s faces from the beginning to the end, and it made me so happy. Each day, we interact with so many fans through social media, but being on stage in front of them is so different. We can feel how much they love us and we can really be ourselves. Just before the show started, we reminded ourselves to just have FUN! That’s why this became our best concert ever. I hope we can share all of this love and happiness on an even bigger stage next time!”

RELATED ENTRIES

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Begins Part 2 of 13-Stop World Tour in North America

    28.September.2024 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    On September 27, the vocal dance unit ATARASHII GAKKO! began ‘AG! CALLING WORLD TOUR Pt.2’ at PNE Forum in Vancouver, Canada. The second leg of the tour will see a total attendance of about 40,000 fans.

     

    The group performed two songs from their June album AG! Calling live for the first time: Essa Hoisa and Maji Yoroshiku. During the second half of the performance, the remixed versions of fan-favorite tracks Saisyu Jinrui and Koi Geba were played for the first time to massive applause, ending the first day of the group’s North American tour with a bang.

     

    The group will perform in 13 North American cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Mexico City, making this ATARASHII GAKKO!’s largest overseas tour to date. 

     

    <Member Comment>

    “Finally! AG! CALLING WORLD TOUR Pt. 2 has begun!

    How far will our power spread?! I can’t comprehend it but I’m so excited.

    Every time we perform overseas and outside of Japan, we’re so moved by how enthusiastic the audiences are and how they’ve been waiting to see us. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of fans we’ll meet on this North American tour. 

    Our youthful journey is a never-ending story!

    After returning to Japan, we’ll be fully devoting ourselves to our Japan tour starting in November, so get ready to see how much we can power up! Thanks for supporting us!”

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Performs Solo for 45 Minutes During the GOBI STAGE Grand Finale at Coachella, One of the World’s Largest Music Festivals

    15.April.2024 | MUSIC

    On April 14, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed solo at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of the world’s largest music festivals held in Indio, California.

     

    This year’s headliners at Coachella included Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat. ATARASHII GAKKO! performed during the grand finale of the GOBI STAGE for the April 14 set headlined by Doja Cat.

     

    The opening sound effects and Taiko project set the mood as the girls appeared on stage in their original padded kimonos, starting with a performance of Toryanse, released in January. Without a pause, they transitioned seamlessly into OMAKASE, performing the song for the first time as the audience cheered loudly in tune with the fusion of Showa-era and modern sounds.

    “Everybody jump,” SUZUKA screamed during Pineapple Kryptonite Remix. Not needing to be told twice, the crowd was instantly united, the voltage almost unbearable. “Let me hear you,” the group called out after the song ended, to which the audience instantly responded “ATARASHII GAKKO!” This was the perfect intro to the group’s beloved song OTONABLUE.

     

    The group continued by performing two never-before-heard songs: Arigato and Forever sisters. During Arigato, each of the four members held a broomstick and used it as a guitar, and despite these songs never being heard before, the audience jumped in perfect unison.

    With dynamic dance moves typical of ATARASHII GAKKO! , the girls performed their popular 2018 number Saishu Jinrui. To wrap up the set, the group performed Tokyo Calling with the USC marching band, bringing America and Japan closer together and stirring the audience’s hearts. The energy in the air was palpable, and without prompting, fans raised their fists in the air as the members chanted “We are marching!”

    The last song performed was NAINAINAI, the first song to be released on the global record label 88rising, bringing ATARASHII GAKKO! to the world. The girls ran around the stage, keeping the fans on their toes until the very end, and closing their set with a smile. Yet again, they have left their mark as “representatives of Japan’s youth” at Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals on Earth.

    ATARASHII GAKKO! has announced that a new album is on the way. Details will be released soon.

     

    The group continues to expand, performing in countries around the world and taking on new challenges at every turn. This year, ATARASHII GAKKO!  World Tour Part I will take the girls across Europe and Asia.

     

    Starting with the Primavera Sound Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe held in Barcelona, Spain, the band will perform a total of 13 concerts across Europe and Asia.

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Wows Audience of 12,000 at First Ever Budokan Concert

    12.January.2024 | MUSIC

    The vocal-dance group ATARASHII GAKKO! made their global debut in 2021 on the 88rising label, which promotes Asian music and culture to the world. The four members have continued to attract attention over the past few years, recently performing on NHK’s New Year’s staple Kohaku Uta Gassen for the first time and starting their own TV show. On January 9, the group held its first concert, SEISHUN SHURAI (Youth Invasion),  at Nippon Budokan.

    When the first notes of Tokyo Calling began playing, all 12,000 fans in attendance instantly reached maximum excitement as they focused their attention on the 360-degree stage. The LED lights covering the stage began to shine and the members, clad in red sailor uniforms, appeared to the sound of wild applause.
    After performing Toryanse, a new song released from embargo just before the start of the concert, and thePineapple Kryptonite Remix, the members began a brief MC, eager to address and thank the audience. “All of you fans out there, can you see us in all 360 degrees? We’ve dreamed of the day that all four of us would be here, standing on our own feet on this legendary stage.”

    After a short intermission, the group moved on to a block of songs appearing on their first and second albums, including Night Before the Exam, Tomei Boy, Koi Geba, and other fan favorites, followed by a medley featuring Freaks, NAINAINAI, and other songs released following the group’s international debut in 2021. Rin performed finger drumming and the members amused fans with a cover of the Beastie Boys’ classic Intergalactic while wearing traffic guard costumes.

    The audience’s excitement only continued to grow as the girls called out, screaming “Budokan, here we go!” before breaking into an intense performance of Saisyu Jinrui filled with head-banging and shoulder rides. During the last part of the concert, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed their new song BORN TO BE FREE!!!! for the first time. The track’s fast-paced sound immediately captured the hearts of fans, and the girls closed the main event with SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO, an extremely popular song at their live performances.

    The first encore song, unsurprisingly, was OTONABLUE, the global hit that has pulled in over 3.3 billion views on TikTok. The audience cheered, joining in with the viral ‘neck swing’ dance during the chorus.

    During the final MC portion, there was a tearful moment in which Suzuka cried and hugged the other members. “I don’t want anyone to suffer alone,” she said. “We’re all here together. Thank you all so much.”

    The group’s first concert at Nippon Budokan ended with Mayoeba Toutoshi, known as a common final song at ATARASHII GAKKO! concerts. “If you ever feel lost, you can always rely on us–on our concerts, our videos, and everything else,” Suzuka said.

    Along with the announcement of a new fan club, the group’s first fan club tour, which will visit five prefectures, was announced during the show. Additionally, the new song Toryanse will be available to stream on January 26.

    ■SET LIST
    Tokyo Calling
    Giri Giri
    Toryanse
    Pineapple Kryptonite (Yohji Igarashi Remix)
    Night Before the Exam
    Sekigae Gattuso
    Tomei Boy
    Koi Geba
    Dokubana
    Shiritai
    Freaks
    NAINAINAI
    Fantastico
    Pineapple Kryptonite
    Intergalactic
    Saishuu Jinrui
    Janaindayo
    BORN TO BE FREE!!!!
    SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO

     

    <ENCORE>
    OTONABLUE
    Que Sera, Sera
    Mayoeba Toutoshi

  • Miyu and ATARASHII GAKKO! to Participate in ‘True Colors DANCE 2024’ Dance Project for Diversity

    21.December.2023 | MUSIC

    As part of the True Colors Festival -Super Diversity Arts Festival-, the diversity dance project True Colors DANCE 2024 will be held alongside several other exciting events. The festival invites artists and audience members to celebrate their individuality in terms of disability, gender, age, language, and nationality through performing arts. Both Miyu and ATARASHII GAKKO! will participate in the project.

     

    Held in September 2019, True Colors DANCE wowed audiences and subverted expectations when focusing on disabilities. The multinational world-class breakdance team ILL-Abilities, whose members all have physical disabilities, and the Japanese group Bboy Shigekixx came together for some intense battles, leaving an impression on viewers.

     

    In 2024, a group of unique dancers, many of whom are junior high and high school students, will hit the stage along with ATARASHII GAKKO!, the dance and vocal group taking the world by storm. Under the themes of individuality and freedom, the unpredictable, wild, and powerful concert is sure to impress audiences next March. The theme song for the event has been announced as Odoru Honnou 001 by ATARASHII GAKKO!

     

    Miyu, active in many fields both in Japan and abroad, and the group SOCIAL WORKEEERZ will work as mentors to support the True Color DANCERS. The latter is led by DAIKI, a dancer with chondrodysplasia, and its members work in the welfare sector helping both children and the disabled.

     

    The schedule for the event next month will be posted on the special True Colors DANCE 2024 website, as well as the official YouTube channel and social media accounts. Details can also be found on the website of the high school dance club magazine D-S-K. We hope you’ll look forward to seeing how the True Colors DANCERS transform the stage with their unique personalities next year!

     

    The theme song for the project, Odoru Honnou 001, will also be aired as the January theme of HNK’s SDGs campaign ‘Minna no Uta ~Hirogare! Irotoridori.’ The project aims to share the fundamental power of dance with a wider audience.

     

    <Comment from ATARASHII GAKKO!>

    “Hi there, we’re ATARASHII GAKKO!
    We’re happy to announce that our song Odoru Honnou 001 has been chosen as the theme song for True Colors DANCE 2024! When we started performing overseas, we realized that dance is a form of communication that everyone can understand, regardless of differences in gender, language, nationality, or background. We’re looking forward to going all out on stage with these uniquely individual dancers while our song plays! We’ll put on a special show for everyone, so please come watch!”

     

    <Comment from Miyu>


    “Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to see True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 in person and I was shocked by the wonderful performance. I hoped that more people would know about it, so when I was invited to participate, I immediately said yes. Though it’s my first time participating, I’ve been looking forward to it the moment it was announced.
    I’d like this year’s performance to express each dancer’s personality, and I hope that they can inspire the world itself through dance. I hope to open up even more possibilities while respecting the unique qualities of every person, so let’s have a fun and memorable time together!”

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! appeared on the popular U.S. late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!

    15.December.2023 | MUSIC

    After successfully holding their first solo arena concert in Japan and completing their first overseas tour for a total of 10 shows, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed on the popular ABC late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 7, 2023.

     

    Hosted by popular comedian Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been on the air since 2003 and attracts more than 1.3 million viewers each night. Countless famous guests have appeared on the program, including Taylor Swift, BTS, BLACKPINK, and former U.S. President Obama.

     

    The episode featuring ATARASHII GAKKO! also features Maroon5 vocalist Adam Levine and actress Halle Berry. The group will perform Tokyo Calling, released in October by the record label 88rising, and the performance will be available on the program’s official YouTube channel following the broadcast.

  • Concert Report: ATARASHII GAKKO! Mesmerizes Packed Crowd in St. Paul during the Final U.S. Performance of the Seishun Tour

    22.November.2023 | FEATURES / MUSIC

    Upon my arrival on Thursday, November 16, I wondered if the intimate space of the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota would be able to contain the massive personalities of ATARASHII GAKKO! The four members never hold back–either on or off the stage, it seems–and as fans began to arrive en masse, it was clear that the Twin Cities wasn’t lacking a fanbase for the dance-vocal group currently taking the world by storm.

     

    Just under three weeks prior, ATARASHII GAKKO! had performed for a whopping 8,000 fans at their first arena concert, held at the famed Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Now, they were preparing to walk out to a crowd of only a few hundred, most with cocktails in hand and lyrics memorized. The majority of the concertgoers seemed more than passingly familiar with the group, though a few bewildered onlookers couldn’t possibly have been prepared for what the night would bring. Needless to say, although the stage was quaint, the concert was anything but. None of the members’ usual energy had diminished, and despite this being the final stop on the U.S. portion of the tour, there wasn’t a hint of fatigue to be found during the hour-long set.

     

    The show was sold out weeks in advance, and plenty of eager fans equipped with glowsticks and wearing the group’s signature socks rushed toward the stage to secure the best spot. Other attendees swarmed the merch booth, eager for a hoodie or bag to show their pride.

     

    For the show to be standing room only was a boon–it’s unlikely anyone in the audience could have remained seated once the four girls appeared following the intro, quickly leading into the high-energy number Seishun wo Kirisaku Hado. Fans were instantly chanting in unison, responding eagerly as Suzuka addressed the room, her enthusiasm bordering on contagious.

     

    Nine years after its formation, ATARASHII GAKKO! Recently announced that the group would be making its Kouhaku debut at this December’s 74th Kouhaku Uta Gassen. The New Year’s Eve staple features performances from the most popular musical acts of the year, proving that the group has found its footing both domestically and abroad.

     

    Fans swatted balloons around and jumped in time to the beat as saisyu jinrui, one of the group’s older songs, began to a sea of applause. Suzuka, Rin, Mizyu, and Kanon didn’t seem phased to hear the largely American audience singing along in Japanese, though their appreciation and joy were palpable as they moved in perfect unison. CANDY and The Edge followed, with the members taking turns asking the audience to raise their hands or clap along. Anyone who wasn’t already a fan was likely converted by the commanding energy sweeping the room, making it impossible not to move along.

     

    During the MC portion, the members showed off their English, asking the audience “do you know Seishun?” They explained that it means “to live your life to the fullest,” and quickly invited the audience to celebrate this important idea. Throughout the show, they would often initiate a call and response, teaching those assembled a few words in Japanese and expressing their interest in returning to America for another tour in the future. Given how quickly the tickets sold out this time around, the sky’s the limit for concerts in the future.
    In January, ATARASHII GAKKO! will perform at Nippon Budokan for the first time, ushering in a new era of popularity for the four members. It makes me wonder what massive U.S. venues may someday play home to another of their unforgettable shows. Madison Square Garden? Radio City Music Hall? The Hollywood Bowl?

     

    As the question “Suki?” rang out, the crowd cheered, as Suki Lie has become a fan favorite since its release earlier this year. The girl’s choreography, as usual, was a highlight of the show, with Fantastico and the Yohji Igarashi remix of Pineapple Kryptonite quickly sending the audience into a rhythmic frenzy.

     

    Just in front of me, I watched a couple mimic the vast majority of moves in perfect unison, taking time to laugh and joke when they failed to hit the mark. That’s the essence of ATARASHII GAKKO!–fun. The group represents ‘fun’ in its purest form, asking fans to recall the freedom of youth and to reach out to grasp it one more time, without fear of failure or embarrassment. Dance as if no one is watching, sing along in a language you cannot understand, and dress up in a school uniform despite being in your upper 30s. Why not?

     

    As expected, the entire building shook as fans marched along during the group’s newest release Tokyo Calling. It had been enough of a warm-up, and as each of the girls placed a hand behind their heads, Otona Blue, the group’s magnum opus, rang out to a sea of screams. The track has amassed an incredible response on TikTok over the past year; this, despite being released way back in 2020. ATARASHII GAKKO! performed the song on THE FIRST TAKE, with the YouTube video now sitting at 50 million views. Everyone likely woke up with a sore neck after mimicking the classic choreography during the chorus.

     

    After the explosive energy of WOO! GO! and NAINAINAI, the girls began to say their goodbyes, asking their fans to visit Japan someday and promising to return to St. Paul sometime in the future. Exiting the stage, they returned only a few minutes later after the audience demanded an encore, this time dressed more casually and eager to chat with a few fans at the front, one of whom was holding up a skilled drawing of Suzuka. The singer accepted the gift gladly, with other fans handing bouquets to the other members. As the lights in the venue brightened, the group snapped a few photos with the audience, creating the perfect keepsake for such a perfect night.

     

    No one wanted such an energetic time to end, and the group knew just how to bid farewell to America–with the lively rock track Free Your Mind. The venue became a sea of clapping hands, and the concert came to a close on the highest possible note.

     

    With a performance at Kouhaku fast approaching and their first-ever Budokan show only two months away, it’s almost certain that ATARASHII GAKKO! will return to the U.S. in the future. Until then, American fans will continue to support these four powerhouses from afar, eager for the day we meet–and dance–again.

     

    Report: Carley Garcia

     

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Performs for 8,000 Fans at First Arena Concert, Budokan Show Announced for January 2024

    09.November.2023 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    On October 29, ATARASHII GAKKO!’s First Arena Solo Concert 2023 HAMIDASHIHTEIKU was held at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

     

    The four members made their world debut in 2021 as part of 88risinng, a record label introducing Asian culture and artists to global audiences. Recently, they have continued to garner attention for their appearance on the music program Music Station and the premiere of their first-ever television show. Tickets for the first arena show were sold out immediately, including extra sales.

     

    The concert kicked off with MANINGEN, beginning with Suzuka’s commanding vocals as the group suddenly appeared on top of the massive set. The 8,000 fans in attendance were already as excited as they could be, and as Saishuu Jinrui began soon after, the group’s intense performance raised the energy in the venue to even higher levels. The girls even performed covers of Dounimo Tomaranai and Neraiuchi, and Suzuka asked the audience to clap along to these popular songs from the past. Following this, H ZETT M, who produced many tracks on the group’s first and second albums Maenarawanai and Wakage ga Itaru, appeared on stage. Fans cheered loudly for such a major player behind ATARASHII GAKKO!’s early hits, and the girls performed the tracks Koi no Jadanki, zzz, and Koigeba in quick succession, creating a super special collaboration for the audience.

    Although the members are typically seen in their signature school uniforms, they dressed up in the American Family costumes they wore in the music video forPineapple Kryptonite for a rare performance never seen at one of their live shows before. The audience roared in unabashed excitement as OTONABLUE, which has garnered 3.1 billion views in related videos on TikTok and subsequently won the 2023 TikTok Trending Grand Prize for the first half of the year, began to play. Fans were eager to move along with the chorus, performing the popular neck-swing dance with enthusiasm.

    “Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, can we keep going,” the girls asked as they performed SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO, showing the true extent of their energy. During the interlude towards the end of the concert, the venue was full of over-the-top cheers and dances as fans begged for more.

     

    To bring the show to a close, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed Tokyo Calling, their newest song released on October 20. Wearing their Earth Defense Force costumes that were shown in the music video, Suzuka addressed everyone in attendance. “From Tokyo, Japan, to the world, let’s show our power! You all represent the youth of Japan!”

     

    During the encore, ATARASHII GAKKO! announced that their first solo Budokan concert would be held on January 9, 2024. “You’re all coming, right,” the members called out.

     

    The girls performed a total of 25 songs to an overjoyed sea of fans. ATARASHII GAKKO! will begin their first overseas tour in November, and this rare domestic solo concert ended as a massive success.

    ■Setlist
    01. MANINGEN
    02. Saishuu Jinrui
    03. Koibumi
    04. Suki Lie
    05. Giri Giri
    06. Dounimo Tomaranai
    07. Neraiuchi
    08. Koi no Shadanki
    09. zzz
    10. Koigeba
    11. Happy Hormones
    12. CANDY
    13. Fantastico
    14. Pineapple Kryptonite
    15. Free Your Mind
    16. OTONABLUE
    17. NAINAINAI Remix
    18. NAINAINAI
    19. Pineapple Kryptonite Remix
    20. Odoru Honno 001
    21. SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO
    22. Tokyo Calling

     

    Encore
    01. OTONABLUE (Hyperschool Remix)
    02. Que Sera Sera
    03. Amoeba Toutoshi

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Appointed as Image Characters for the 61st Sendenkaigi Awards

    25.August.2023 | FASHION

    The members of ATARASHII GAKKO! have been chosen to appear as image characters for this year’s Sendenkaigi Awards. The monthly Sendenkaigi magazine sponsors the event focusing on creativity and trends in the world of marketing.

     

    Many people from both inside and outside the advertising world submit their creations, and the Sendenkaigi Awards has become a place for creatives to discover words that shine. This year’s applicants were encouraged to explore new ways of expression to break stereotypes and foster new ideas. The members of Atarashii Gakko! are a fitting addition to this year’s event, as the group is known for its unapologetic individuality.

     

    ATARASHII GAKKO! will appear on official posters displayed at train stations and bookstores. The group will also appear on the cover of the October/November issue of Sendenkaigi magazine.

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Announces First Overseas Tour

    18.August.2023 | MUSIC

    After releasing the new MANINGEN EP on August 16, the members of ATARASHII GAKKO! announced that they would embark on their first overseas tour, ATARASHII GAKKO! The SEISHUN Tour, this November.

     

    The group’s song OTONABLUE has reached an astounding 3.1 billion views on TikTok, winning the TikTok Trending Award for the first half of 2023 with over 14 million followers on the social media site. ATARASHII GAKKO! performed in New York in May and at the Head in the Clouds festival in Los Angeles in July, continuing to make headlines. Their tour will kick off at the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles and continue for 10 shows across North America, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

     

    Before embarking on their global tour, the group will perform a solo show at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on October 29. Tickets sold out quickly, and the group’s more dedicated fans can’t wait for the rare opportunity to see ATARASHII GAKKO! perform solo in Japan.

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Performs on a Flower-Filled Stage at Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall for Celebratory Midnight Sun Concert

    25.July.2023 | MUSIC

    Following her successful seven-city world tour across four countries including a show at Primavera Sound, one of Europe’s largest music festivals, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has once again taken the stage in her native Japan. On July 15, the artist performed a stunning solo show, Celebrating 100 Years: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Special Live 2023 ~Midnight Sun~, at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall in Tokyo.

     

    The performance itself was part of a larger project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Hibiya venue. Fittingly, the theme of this one-night-only show was ‘the biggest celebration of your life,’ inspired by the ‘both joyful and terrifying festival held beneath the Midnight Sun.’ Kyary Pamyu Pamyu directed the performance herself, and the final product felt like it was pulling the audience into a movie world rather than a live performance.

     

    The costumes, made exclusively for this performance, were created by fashion stylist Yudai Ichinosawa. Stunning special effects makeup was provided by Kaiho, who has worked with Kyary in the past. In addition, the floral stage decorations for the live performance, made to be sustainable, were created in collaboration with Hibiya Kadan, whose headquarters are located inside Hibiya Park. Fresh flowers and greenery along with colorful artificial flowers were used to create a unique space for the special occasion.

    To begin the show, the curtain was raised as joyful Celtic music was played by a band of elves. The ‘Kyary Family’ marched onto the stage, their faces hidden by veils. The daughter, Kyary, appeared with dancers dressed as her father, mother, and twin sister, and as the characters removed their veils, the artist began with a performance of Easta, an Easter-themed song.

    During the MC portion of the show, Kyary shared her heartfelt congratulations to Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall for its 100-year history. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a colorful outdoor stage before,” she continued, inviting the audience to take in the gorgeous scenery.

     

    Kyary also shyly addressed her marriage in front of an audience for the first time. The artist also announced that she had invited the person who found her lost shoe sole in Harajuku months ago to the show, causing plenty of excitement in the audience.

    It was a night of celebration at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall, between the 100th anniversary of the space, Kyary’s marriage, and the recovery of her beloved shoe sole. The setlist included 22 songs along with an encore, blending both classic and new tracks, including songs not often performed live. The performance was punctuated with Celtic flare, giving the entire show an odd yet welcoming air as the audience celebrated the Midnight Sun with Kyary’s unique family.

    The official Midnight Sun playlist, which includes some special content, is available on major music streaming sites now. During certain portions of the concert, fans were allowed to film, so you can also expect to find some video footage scattered around social media.

     

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is scheduled to perform at LuckyFes on July 17 and FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL on July 30. As she continues to take the stage at festivals around Japan, fans are invited to come and see this internationally-acclaimed pop star as she continues to wow audiences.

     

    Photo: Aki Ishii

     

    ■Playlist
    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Special Live 2023 – Midnight Sun –
    https://lnk.to/KPP_Midnight_Sun

     

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Wins Grand Prize in the TikTok Trend Awards for the First Half of 2023 with ‘ATARASHII GAKKO! Wins Grand Prize in the TikTok Trend Awards for the First Half of 2023 with ‘OTONABLUE’

    04.July.2023 | MUSIC

    The wildly popular track OTONABLUE by ATARASHII GAKKO! won the top prize for the first half of 2023 in the TikTok Trend Awards.

     

    Although the track was initially released years ago, OTONABLUE became popular this year after its curious neck-swing dance became a popular subject on TikTok. As of June 21, 2023, the total number of videos using the song on the short video app exceeds 3.1 billion. The award recognizes the track’s incredible impact on TikTok, considering the total amount of likes and views on related videos. The neck-swing dance has become a major trend with young people both on the app and outside of it.

     

    The group performed OTONABLUE live at the awards ceremony, wowing the crowd with their rendition of the iconic choreography. The award was bestowed by Ichiro Yamaguchi of Sakanaction, a TikTok ambassador and presenter at the ceremony.

  • ‘MANINGEN’ by ATARASHII GAKKO! Chosen as Theme Song for TV Asahi Drama Series ‘Keibuho Daimajin’

    22.June.2023 | MUSIC

    MANINGEN, a new song from ATARASHII GAKKO!, will be the opening theme for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama series Keibuho Daimajin.

     

    The series is an adaptation of the popular manga series of the same name by Richard Wu (Takashi Nagasaki) and will star Toma Ikuta. Directed by Takashi Miike, fans are excited to see artist Kouji Kouno and Richard Wu reunite to create something new following the successful drama series Inspector Kurokocchi. A special teaser trailer featuring the new theme song is available on the TV Asahi YouTube channel.

    An EP featuring MANINGEN will be released physically on August 16. The track will be available to stream worldwide on August 9.

     

    <Comment from Keibuho Daimaijin Star Toma Ikuta>

    “I’ve been a massive fan of ATARASHII GAKKO! for years. I love the girls’ music and performances, so I’m thrilled to be able to work on this project together with them. They put so much effort and energy into their dance routines and stage performances, and they always have this over-the-top presence. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of performance they come up with this time. The track starts with Suzuka’s elongated vocals, which sound incredible as expected. I think it matches the series perfectly, and listeners will get the sense that the drama will only continue to grow. You’ll feel as though the story has only just begun.”

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