London-based Japanese Artist Rina Sawayama Covers Hikaru Utada’s Legendary ‘First Love’ at Tokyo Concert
20.February.2023 | MUSIC
Born in Niigata and living in London, international singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama released her second album Hold The Girl on September 16, 2022. Her Japan-based Hold The Girl Tour saw successful shows in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, with Sawayama generating plenty of buzz. During the final show on the tour, the singer surprised the audience with a cover of Hikaru Utada’s hit songFirst Love. The video of this incredible performance is now available to watch on YouTube!
First Love – Rina Sawayama (Hikaru Utada Cover, Tokyo Garden Theatre)
Prior to the Tokyo show, Sawayama took to Instagram, posting a comment for fans. “Since this is the biggest show I’ve ever done, I think I should cover a special Japanese track to commemorate the event,” she said. The singer had previously asked fans to share the songs they’d most like to see performed.
“Without this artist and without this song, I probably wouldn’t have become a musician or an artist. I heard this track when I was around six years old, and I remember dancing for my parents who were sitting on the sofa. This artist also celebrated her 40th birthday yesterday. This is my first cover, but I think it’s the perfect way to commemorate this special event. Please enjoy,” Sawayama concluded.
The audience responded to this surprise with a chorus of excitement, and this was surely an unforgettable night for many fans.
Rina is currently on the Hold The Girl Tour in Europe. At the end of March, she will make her Hollywood debut in the fourth John Wickmovie.
Information
Hold The Girl (2nd Album)
On Sale Now
Listen/Purchase: https://umj.lnk.to/RinaSawayama_HoldTheGirl
Purchase Bonus Details: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/rina-sawayama/news/2022-07-28/
Official Site: https://www.rina.online/
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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!”
Information
<World Tour Details>
AG! CALLING WORLD TOUR Pt.2
September 26 / Vancouver, PNE Forum
September 27 / Seattle, Showbox SoDo
September 29 / San Francisco, The Warfield
October 1 / Mexico City, Pepsi Center
October 3 / Chicago, Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
October 6 / Toronto, HISTORY
October 8 / New York, Terminal 5
October 9 / Boston, Roadrunner
October 11 / Washington, D.C., The Anthem
October 13 / Atlanta, The Eastern
October 15 / Austin, ACL Live
October 17 / Dallas, The Factory in Deep Ellum
October 20 / Los Angeles, Hollywood PalladiumSpecial Tour Website
https://atarashiigakko.com/<Japan Tour Details>
NIPPON Calling Tour 2024
November 3 & 4, 2024 – World Memorial Hall (Hyogo)
November 15 & 16, 2024 – Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi)
November 23 & 24, 2024 – Sendai Sunplaza (Miyagi)
November 27 & 28, 2024 – Fukuoka Sunpalace (Fukuoka)
December 5 & 6, 2024 – Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen HBG Hall (Hiroshima)
December 9, 2024 – Kanamoto Hall (Hokkaido)
December 21 & 22, 2024 – Yoyogi 1st Gymnasium (Tokyo)Buy Tickets Here
https://l-tike.com/st1/leaderstour2024_official/ -
Concert Report: ATARASHII GAKKO! Mesmerizes Packed Crowd in St. Paul during the Final U.S. Performance of the Seishun Tour
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
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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.
Information
ATARASHII GAKKO! The SEISHUN Tour
(All dates local time)
11/7 Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
11/8 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
11/10 New York, NY- Music Hall of Williamsburg
11/11 Washington, D.C.- Black Cat
11/13 Toronto, ON- The Axis Club
11/15 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
11/16 St. Paul, MN- Amsterdam Bar & Hall
11/18 Mexico City, MX- Corona Capital (https://www.coronacapital.com.mx/)
12/2 Hong Kong- Clockenflap Festival (https://www.clockenflap.com/) *Tickets available anytime
12/3 Bangkok, TH- Maho Rasop Festival (https://www.mahorasop.com/) *Tickets available anytime[Tickets]
Spotify Presale: August 17, 2:00AM ~ Limited 1-day sale
General Sales: August 18, 10:00AM (August 19, 2:00AM JST)Special Tour Site
https://atarashiigakko.com/atarashii-gakko-the-seishun-tour<NEW EP>
MANINGEN EP – ATARASHII GAKKO!
Release Date: August 16【Tracklist】
M1: MANINGEN
M2: KOIBUMI
M3: Que Sera Sera
M4: OTONABLUE – From THE FIRST TAKE
M5: NERAIUCHI (50 th anniversary cover)Streaming URL: https://lnk.to/MANINGEN_EP
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Concludes 7-stop World Tour Including Performance at Primavera Sound, One of Europe’s Largest Music Festivals
14.June.2023 | MUSIC
Harajuku-based artist Kyary Pamyu Pamyu charmed overseas fans during her first world tour in five years. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu WORLD TOUR 2023 -POPPP- took the artist to seven cities in four countries around the world.
In May, Kyary began the U.S. leg of her tour, stopping in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago with French DJ/trackmaker Moe Shop as her opening act.
The artist performed in Paris and London in June, along with Barcelona and Madrid for Primavera Sound 2023, one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.
NATHAN GEY – NATHAN GEY
NATHAN GEY – NATHAN GEY
The Cabaret Sauvage in Paris and the London Earth Hall in London were filled to the brim with local fans, eager to see Kyary Pamyu Pamyu live for the first time in years. The audience sang the popular track Cherry Bon Bon in unison, dancing along with the legendary choreography.
The London show featured Hannah Diamond as Kyary’s opening act. Signed to the UK label PC Music, Diamond is a leader in the HyperPop scene.
KPOP CONCERT – FANNY LE MONNIER
JAME WORLD – VANESSA LE PENNEC
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who continues to be active around the world, wowed the packed London venue with her expert dance moves and musicianship.
At Primavera Sound, a festival taking place over two weeks in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, a large crowd gathered in front of the stage, instantly captivated by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s unique style and Yasutaka Nakata’s addictive electro sound.
Clips of the world tour have been posted on Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Twitter and Instagram. Also, check out the Primavera Sound playlist on Spotify.
On July 15, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform a solo concert at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall, which will also mark her triumphant return to Japan following her successful world tour. The artist will also perform at several summer festivals. Audiences around the world are enthralled with the Kawaii performer, and it’s only a matter of time before she performs for global audiences yet again.
Information
■World Tour
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu WORLD TOUR 2023 -POPPP-
May 15 – New York|Webster Hall
May 17 – Los Angeles|The Novo
May 19 – Chicago|Anime Central
June 2 – Barcelona|PRIMAVERA SOUND 2023 Parc del Forum
June 5 – Paris|Cabaret Sauvage
June 7 – London|London Earth Hall
June 9 – Madrid|PRIMAVERA SOUND 2023 Ciudad del RockSpecial Tour Site: https://wt2023.kyary.asobisystem.com/
【Spotify】 Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Primavera Sound 2023: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Gzl5MVmefJJKSIEEdi1SG
■Concert Information
Celebrating 100 Years: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Special Live 2023 ~Midnight Sun~
Date: July 15, 2023
Venue: Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
Time: Open at 16:30 / Show starts at 17:30
*No admission for preschool-aged children
General Ticket Sales: June 17, 10:00~
https://www.red-hot.ne.jp/play/detail.php?pid=py23966
Sponsor: Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall 100th Anniversary Executive Committee
Planning/Production: ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd.Contact:
HOT STUFF PROMOTION
050-5211-6077
https://www.red-hot.ne.jp/[Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Profile]
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Birthday: January 29, 1993
Birthplace: Tokyo
Artist
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu made her major debut with her mini-album ‘Moshi Moshi Harajuku’ in 2011, produced by Yasutaka Nakata. Since 2013, she’s successfully completed four world tours, and in 2020, she was selected by Lady Gaga as one of the most powerful women from around the world for the “Women of Choice” playlist, made in celebration of International Women’s Day. Her boundless creativity, not bound by global norms, and her powerful self-expression have made Kyary incredibly popular both in Japan and abroad. In April 2022, she performed on the GOBI stage at Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world. The concert was streamed live on YouTube, and the world went wild over her fiery performance. In November 2022, Kyary also performed with Katy Perry at the TRUE COLORS FESTIVAL, an event supporting diversity in the arts. In 2023, the artist held a seven-city world tour in Europe and the United States.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a Harajuku and Japanese pop icon who continues to push the boundaries of self-expression.◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Official Site: http://kyary.asobisystem.com
◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th Anniversary Site: http://kpp10.jp
◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamyurin
◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Staff Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyarystaff
◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyarypappa/
◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Staff Instagram: https://instagram.com/kyarystaff/
◆Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Official Fanclub (KPP CLUB): https://kyary.net/Check out the latest news here: https://lit.link/kpp
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[Live Report] Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Slays the Stage at Packed Anime Central Show in Chicago
Heading towards the concert venue inside the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, it was no surprise to see the line for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s show snaking through the halls to wrap around the building. Anime Central–the largest anime and manga convention in the midwest United States–played host to the concert, and fittingly, plenty of fans were clad in over-the-top cosplay, while many others proudly wore past Kyary concert tees, touting their steadfast devotion to Japan’s most kawaii pop princess.
This would be the third stop on Kyary’s first world tour in five years, following successful shows in New York and Los Angeles.
Since her debut over a decade ago, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has steadily amassed a global following, bringing new fans into the fold with every catchy tune and feast for the eyes she releases. Her name conjures thoughts of oversized bows and danceable earworms, and just last year, the artist performed for a hyped crowd at Coachella, a music festival that needs no introduction.
In October 2022, Kyary wrapped up her lengthy 10th Anniversary Tour around Japan, performing the majority of her 105 songs at the legendary Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. During this tour, the artist made global headlines by announcing the Local Japan Project, a way to revitalize towns and cities around Japan suffering from the pandemic’s aftermath through collaborative releases with small businesses. From limited-edition foods to special pink KPP-inspired train cars, the impact was palpable–if not by sheer funds, by contagious cheeriness.
Named Japan’s Kawaii Harajuku Ambassador by the Mayor of Shibuya, Kyary dabbles in a little of everything, from fashion and dance to cultural endeavors. Her natural ease in front of a crowd has a way of pulling in an audience–and Chicago was no exception. She came prepared to share the deeper meaning of kawaii while challenging stereotypes, accepting individuality, and sharing thoughts of a more open and artistic future.
Prior to the start of the show, French DJ and trackmaker Moe Shop warmed up the crowd with an intense set that had the room shaking with a combination of bass and mass jumping. Although seating was provided for audience members, it was impossible to stay standing as the set began, featuring some of the electro-artist’s biggest hits from Baby Pink to GHOST FOOD (feat. TOREINA). As the first few seconds of CANDY CANDY (Moe Shop Remix) began, the room seemed to burst open, with more and more pink glowsticks beginning to illuminate the crowd.
Packed with kawaii devotees from wall to wall, brief quiet fell as stagehands rushed to decorate the set with POPPP icons, cueing some guests in the front to begin chanting Kyary’s name. As the venue lights dimmed, a brief film briefly introduced Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s history as if she was a character in a storybook, a hero desperate to illuminate the darkness in the world with all things pink and cute.
With her trusty dancers in tow, she finally took the stage as De.Ba.Ya.Shi. 2021, the techno-heavy first track on Kyary’s newest album Candy Racer, set the stage for a night of addictive tunes and carefree fun.
A highlight of the concert’s first half was Dodonpa, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy. The experimental track’s erratic energy, heavy house influence, and gibberish lyrics invite anyone to sing along, regardless of mother tongue, making it an immediate fan-favorite with international Kyary fans.
Upon its release as the fifth single from Candy Racer, Kyary encouraged anyone interested to use the song in their online videos, also opening an official contest encouraging creators to send their best interpretation. The artist navigated through the tricky lyrics with relative ease as the audience egged her on, jumping along with the chorus’s hypnotic beat.
As the song concluded, fans screamed and cheered as Kyary finally began her brief English MC clad in a completely pink princess dress, complete with crown. Asking the audience their favorite color, the correct answer was obvious, and the artist nodded enthusiastically. “This is a pink show,” she stressed.
Leaping into Ninja Re Bang Bang, the artist and dancers performed the legendary choreography with ease as diehard fans imitated the shinobi hand gestures in time with the track.
In 2011, Kyary leaped from the local scene in Harajuku to the outside world with the release of PONPONPON. The bizarre and colorful music video immediately made the rounds on YouTube, and despite being relatively unknown at the time, the artist instantly had a viral hit on her hands. During the Chicago show, a remixed intro of the song, originally produced by Yasutaka Nakata, struck fans with the promise of lethal nostalgia. As the track began in earnest, Kyary bid the fans to dance along–it seemed that the request wasn’t necessary, as the audience was already in full swing.
KYARY ANAN pic.twitter.com/aw77siGxOL
— きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ (@pamyurin) May 20, 2023
Cherry Bonbon and Kyary ANAN followed, the latter of which saw fans chanting the singer’s name along with the lyrics. Though some present at the concert were likely unfamiliar with the music filling the hall, the energy was unrivaled, and it was nearly impossible to escape the waves of exhilaration and feverish fondness that penetrated the air.
If you weren’t a Kyary Pamyu Pamyu fan when you walked in, you certainly were when you walked out, whether her sound was your typical poison or not.
Invader Invader and Fashion Monster, tracks used in popular GU ads in Japan during the early 2010s, have similar staying power in the U.S., and are both credited as some of Kyary’s most popular songs. Prior to the start of Fashion Monster, a brief interlude began, in which the video monitors broadcast an impressive collection of snapshots of Kyary’s fashion over the past decade. A costume change was imminent, and when the artist returned to the stage, she donned a pink mask and pink ruffled dress, both seen during her Budokan performance late last year. Holding her mic beneath the mask seemed like an annoyance, but Kyary seemed to thrive off of the challenge, not missing a beat.
In its entirety, the setlist included nearly 20 tracks, easily checking off a bucket list item for hundreds of fans in the audience. Entry to the concert was included with a pass to the popular convention, though seating wasn’t guaranteed, causing dedicated fans to line up for hours prior to the show’s 6:30 start time.
But there were no complaints to be heard–instead, there was immense gratitude towards Kyary, her management company, and Anime Central for bringing the singer to Chicago.
Considering Kyary’s upward trajectory to date, it’s impossible to imagine a future in which the singer doesn’t continue catapulting towards the zenith of bubble pop legends in a global sense. The singer will now travel to Europe for the remainder of her world tour, and reports from there are sure to reflect the same general sentiment. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is here to stay, and kawaii culture is sure to continue its spread.
Written by Carley Garcia
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://kyary.asobisystem.com
OFFICIAL Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamyurin
OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kyarypappa/
OFFICIAL FANCLUB「KPP CLUB」:https://kyary.net/
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FRUITS ZIPPER to Embark on First National Tour in September
18.April.2023 | MUSIC
Idol group FRUITS ZIPPER will embark on its first nationwide tour, FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN-, this September.
FRUITS ZIPPER has been climbing to the top of the idol scene at a breakneck pace. Their first overseas solo performance in Taiwan was recently a huge success, and tickets for their first anniversary live shows at Toyosu PIT in Tokyo and Namba Hatch in Osaka in May sold out immediately after going on sale.
The tour will begin with a concert in Osaka on September 3, followed by performances in Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Kanagawa. Tickets for the presale lottery are now on sale for members of the KAWAII LAB fan club.
FRUITS ZIPPER’s single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, released last year, has inspired over 700 million related videos on TikTok, while the music video has been viewed over 10 million times. Keep an eye on their activities in the near future!
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN-
Date: September 3, 2023
Venue: Zepp Namba / Osaka
Time: Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Contact: Kyodo Information – 0570-200-888Date: September 5, 2023
Venue: Zepp Nagoya / Aichi
Time: Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:30
Contact: Sunday Folk Promotion – 052-320-9100 (12:00~18:00)Date: September 8, 2023
Venue: Zepp Fukuoka / Fukuoka
Time: Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:30
Contact: Kyodo West Japan – 0570-09-2424 (11:00~15:00 / Closed on Sundays and Holidays)Date: September 10, 2023
Venue: BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA / Hiroshima
Time: Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Contact: YUMEBANCHI (Hiroshima) – 082-249-3571 (Weekdays 12:00~17:00)Date: September 13, 2023
Venue: PENNY LANE24 / Hokkaido
Time: Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:30
Contact: Mount Alive – 011-623-6555Date: September 16, 2023
Venue: KT Zepp Yokohama / Kanagawa
Time: Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION – 050-5211-6077 (Weekdays 12:00~18:00)[Tickets]
VIP Standing: ¥16,500 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
miniVIP Standing: ¥7,700 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
General Standing: ¥5,500 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
2F Reserved Seat: ¥5,500 (Including Tax, excluding drinks)
*Available tickets for Hiroshima and Hokkaido are VIP and General Standing onlyKAWAII LAB. Fan Club Presale Tickets (Lottery)
Entry Period: April 10 at 21:00 ~ April 17 at 23:59
URL: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/
*Up to 2 tickets available per person per showNew information will be announced on the official FRUITS ZIPPER social media pages when available.
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu World Tour: Future Funk Guru Moe Shop to Perform at 3 U.S. Shows
17.April.2023 | MUSIC
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will embark on her world tour POPPP in May, performing in seven cities around the world. Trackmaker and DJ Moe Shop, a leader in the world of Future Funk, will appear as the opening act for three U.S. tour dates.
Moe Shop’s unique fusion of French house music and Japanese pop and club tunes has earned the artist over 26 million views per year on YouTube and over 31 million views per year on Spotify, making them one of the most popular electronic music artists around the globe. The artist has gone on record to say that they have been largely influenced by Yasutaka Nakata, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s producer, and their addictive sound is making waves in both Japan and abroad.
To celebrate this incredible collaboration, a playlist of songs selected by Moe Shop is now available on Spotify. Be sure to give it a listen!
【Spotify】Kyary Pamyu Pamyu meets Moe Shop
Information
▼Moe Shop Performances
May 15
New York|Webster Hall
https://www.axs.com/events/471702/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-tickets
May 17
Los Angeles|The Novo
https://www.axs.com/events/471552/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-tickets
May 19
Chicago|Anime Central
https://www.acen.org/registration/
▼Other Performances
June 2
Barcelona|PRIMAVERA SOUND 2023 Parc del Forum
https://www.primaverasound.com/
June 5
Paris|Cabaret Sauvage
https://www.seetickets.com/fr/d/event/kyary-pamyu-pamyu/cabaret-sauvage/8769451
June 7
London|London EartH Hall
https://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/kyary-pamyu-pamyu
June 9
Madrid|PRIMAVERA SOUND 2023 Ciudad del Rock
https://www.primaverasound.com/
Tour Website
http://cw.kyary.asobisystem.com/
<LINKS>
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Official Website: kyary.asobisystem.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/pamyurin
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kyary_official
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kyarypappa/
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/kyaryofficial/
Facebook (English): https://www.facebook.com/KPP.FC/
Fan Club: https://kyary.net
Moe Shop
Twitter: twitter.com/korewamoe
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Embark on First World Tour in Five Years
03.March.2023 | MUSIC
The Kyary Pamyu Pamyu World Tour 2023, titled POPPP, will begin this May!
This will be the singer’s first world tour in five years, as last year’s planned international tour was canceled. Kyary will perform in six cities–New York, Los Angeles, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, and London. The Spain shows will take place during the massive Primavera Sound music festival.
In 2022, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed as the final act on the Gobi Stage at Coachella, the world’s largest music festival held in Indio, California. The artist received accolades from both the American audience and viewers from around the world. This year, Kyary is continuing to attract attention as the first Japanese solo artist to be featured in Global Spin, an original showcase of artists from around the world made by the Recording Academy in the U.S., the organizer of the Grammy Awards.
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu WORLD TOUR 2023 – POPPP –
May 15, 2023
New York, U.S. – Webster Hall
https://www.axs.com/events/471552/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-tickets?skin=websterhallMay 17, 2023
Los Angeles, U.S – The Novo
https://www.axs.com/artists/1262/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-ticketsJune 2, 2023
Barcelona, Spain – PRIMAVERA SOUND 2023 Parc del Forum
https://www.primaverasound.com/June 5, 2023
Paris, France – Cabaret Sauvage
https://www.seetickets.com/fr/d/event/kyary-pamyu-pamyu/cabaret-sauvage/8769451June 7, 2023
London, England – London EartH Halll
https://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/kyary-pamyu-pamyuJune 9, 2023
Madrid, Spain – PRIMAVERA SOUND 2023 Ciudad del Rock
https://www.primaverasound.com/More Details
https://wt2023.kyary.asobisystem.com/ -
FRUITS ZIPPER Completes First Tour, Announces Solo Concert in Taiwan and 1st Anniversary Shows in Tokyo and Osaka
14.February.2023 | MUSIC
FRUITS ZIPPER held the final performance of FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 -WINTER- ♡BE AT THE HEART♡ on February 12, 2023 at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.
FRUITS ZIPPER debuted on April 24, 2022. The group’s song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro skyrocketed in popularity after its release on April 29 of last year, becoming a huge hit on TikTok and one of the most popular tracks in the idol world.
Much like the numerous festivals FRUITS ZIPPER appeared in during the summer of 2022, as soon as the concert ended, the idol fans packed into the venue quickly dispersed as if a storm had come through.
The group’s first tour was announced in October 2022. The announcement that there would be a male-only show and a female-only show was a surprise to many female fans, and two weeks later it was announced that the Osaka venue would be changed to Namba Hatch due to huge ticket sales. Soon after, it was announced that the tour finale would be held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.
The difficulty of organizing a tour for a new idol group and attracting fans seemed clear, but the shows at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA and Namba Hatch managed to sell out well before the tour began, creating a ton of buzz in the idol world.
LINE CUBE SHIBUYA was close to overflowing, and the live soundtrack was created by trackmaker YUC’e for this tour. As the live title ♡BE AT THE HEART♡ suggests, the emotion and excitement in the venue continued to grow with every heartbeat.
Following the opening track, FRUITS ZIPPER appeared on stage to perform the song RADIO GALAXY, also by YUC’e. The tour finale opened with this beloved track that perfectly expresses the group’s NEW KAWAII concept.
Following this, the group performed the new song Welcome to the ♡ Furuppa!, a track that introduces each member. Performed for the first time on this tour, it’s a great way to open a concert and get the audience hyped and up to speed.
The members introduced themselves during the MC, expressing their thoughts about the concert and sharing their gratitude to the packed house. While the members were nervous, Karen Matsumoto was smiling as usual. “I’ll do my best,” she said with a smile.
Following the MC, the group continued with well-known tracks like Kimi no Akarui Mirai wo Oikakete, skyfeelan, Re→TRY & FLY, and We are Frontier.
After a video was played, Yui Sakurai’s solo part in the song Sekai wa Kimi kara Hajimaru drew the audience’s attention to the stage. Performed during this tour, the song Zutto, Zutto, Zutto shared FRUITS ZIPPER’s kawaii vibe.
During the next MC statement, FRUITS ZIPPER began a special corner seen on Atsumare☆Furuppa!, a stream available once a month on OPENREC.tv to subscribers only. Titled ‘The Valentine’s Day Heart-Pounding Phrase Contest,’ the members shared their most romantic and heartwarming lines with the audience. For those who were unable to attend the show, be sure to tune into Atsumare☆Furuppa!
As the concert continued, the audience waved their towels in the air along with Furefure Summer! and Kanpeki shugi de☆, both staples at FRUITS ZIPPER live shows. The group’s anthem Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro began to play, summoning heart-shaped messages to fall from the ceiling and rain down on fans.
The final song performed was Happy Chocolate, which was just released on February 1. The song was created to become a standard Valentine’s Day track for Gen Z and has already become a smash hit on TikTok.
FRUITS ZIPPER appeared on stage for an encore following seemingly endless clapping. The members took turns chatting about anything on their minds, with many of the girls shedding some well-earned tears. “From Harajuku to the world! Please continue to follow us,” Luna Nakagawa cried out to the crowd.
For the encore, the group performed the never-before-heard song Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~), created by Yamamoto Sho and Gento Miyano.
The tour’s finale concluded with a second performance of Happy Chocolate.
During the last MC, the members announced that they would be holding a solo concert in Taiwan. An official fan club for KAWAII LAB. was also announced, along with a FRUITS ZIPPER first anniversary concert to be held on May 4 at Toyosu PIT and on May 26 at Namba Hatch.
After this tour finale at LINE CLUB SHIBUYA and the group’s first-anniversary concert announcements, I could only think one thing–” It’s only been a year?!”
It’s clear that FRUITS ZIPPER is only getting started. Be sure to follow them as they continue to take the idol world by storm in 2023.
Text: Mizuki Hasegawa
Photo: Yuuna Yoshimori
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st Anniversary Photo Book
Tokyo News, the publisher of B.L.T and other popular TV magazines, will release a photobook celebrating the first anniversary of FRUITS ZIPPER on April 24, 2023!
FRUITS ZIPPER is a 7-member idol group that debuted in April 2022 under the concept “from Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro became a massive hit on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. Having become incredibly popular, the group’s first solo tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka in February sold out at all venues, including LINE CUBE SHIBUYA and Namba Hatch. A photobook commemorating the first year of FRUITS ZIPPER will be on sale in April.
FRUITS ZIPPER Live in Taiwan 2023
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st Anniversary Live
Tokyo Performance
Date: May 4, 2023
Venue: Toyosu PIT
Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00Osaka Performance
Date: May 26, 2023
Venue: Namba Hatch
Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00Ticket Details:
Available for KAWAII LAB. Official Fanclub members while supplies last
VIP Tickets: ¥16,500 (Excluding Tax, Drinks)
General Admission: ¥5,500 (Excluding Tax, Drinks)FRUITS ZIPPER -Live in Taiwan 2023-
Date: April 5, 2023
Doors open 16:00 / Show starts 17:00
Venue: Legacy Taipei
VIP Tickets: 3000 NTD (Only 50 available)
Advance Tickets: 1600 NTD
Day-of Tickets: 1800 NTDSales begin: February 13 at 12:00PM *JST (11:00 Taiwan)
Buy Tickets: https://atctwn.kktix.cc/events/f0dc7526KAWAII LAB Official Fan Club
KAWAII LAB. has finally opened an official fan club! The company aims to discover, train, and produce idols with the potential to be active globally–both in person and in the digital world.KAWAII LAB Official Fan Club
https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/FRUITS ZIPPER 1st Anniversary Photo Book
https://bltweb.jp/FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER/ -
BAND-MAID Reveals 10th Anniversary Tour in Japan and America, Additional Festival Appearances
21.January.2023 | MUSIC
Having amassed a global audience, BAND-MAID is starting off 2023 in the best possible way. The group performed their largest-ever concert, BAND-MAID TOKYO GARDEN THEATER OKYUJI, on January 9. Soon after, they announced a domestic and overseas tour set to begin in March 2023.
BAND-MAID’s 10th-anniversary tour will commence with a show in Kumamoto on March 23 and will then travel to 20 cities around Japan for a total of 23 performances. The legendary finale will take place at Yokohama Arena on November 26, marking the largest-ever solo performance for the band. In May and August, the girls will tour the U.S. and appear at a number of major festivals. More details will be announced soon.
The sold-out TOKYO GARDEN THEATER performance is also available to stream. Tickets are now available through February 8 and fans around the world are welcome to enjoy this
incredible show from the comfort of their own home!To commemorate BAND-MAID’s 10th anniversary, a high-resolution stream of all works
after the group’s transfer to Pony Canyon will be available on streaming sites starting January 10.Information
BAND-MAID 10th Anniversary Tour
High-resolution Streaming Link: https://band-maid.lnk.to/BAND_MAID_HiRes -
Atarashii Gakko! to Perform Solo at Zepp Venues in Tokyo and Osaka in Spring 2023
16.January.2023 | MUSIC
Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.
These performances will be held almost a year after the girls held their solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo last May. This year’s events will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30 and Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo on May 2.
ATARASHII GAKKO! – HANAKO (Official Music Video)
ATARASHII GAKKO! – Pineapple Kryptonite (Official Music Video)
Information
Atarashii Gakko! at Tokyo & Osaka Zepp
-We’re working on some amazing new songs and we’re dying for everyone to see our newest evolution (Tentative title)-
April 30, 2023 – Zepp Osaka Bayside
May 2, 2023 – Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Fan’s Presale Tickets (Starting January 1)
https://www.fansnet.jp/leaders -
ONE OK ROCK to Join Muse on North American Tour Starting February 2023
14.November.2022 | MUSIC
ONE OK ROCK has become an incredible success with audiences around the world. The Japanese rock band will join Muse’s North American tour starting in February 2023 as special guests along with Evanescence, and the three musical acts will tour arenas in the US and Canada for around a month.
The band released their album Luxury Disease in September. Immediately following this, ONE OK ROCK headlined a 23-city North American tour, selling out a number of shows.
Be sure to follow ONE OK ROCK as they continue their upward climb to become international superstars!
WILL OF THE PEOPLE WORLD TOUR 2023
02/25/2023 Chicago, IL – United Center
02/26/2023 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
02/28/2023 Austin, TX – Moody Center
03/02/2023 Houston, TX – Toyota Center
03/03/2023 Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
03/05/2023 St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
03/07/2023 Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
03/09/2023 Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
03/11/2023 Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre
03/12/2023 Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre
03/14/2023 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
03/15/2023 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
03/17/2023 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
03/19/2023 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
*ONE OK ROCK will perform from February 25 until March 19.
Information
Official Site: https://www.oneokrock.com/jp/tour/