Tokyo’s Harajuku has long been considered the capital of all things trendy in Japan, both by those domestically and internationally. Tourists to the capital have long penciled in at least one stop to the neighborhood, whether to experience its global reputation as a fashion center or as a hub for “youth culture.”
The trick with being trendy, though, is that trends come and go. The eternal hitch all “cool” entities face is that coolness isn’t a static state – it is always mutating. The snapback of yesterday will soon be usurped by the bucket hat, which itself will eventually move further into the background. What’s remarkable about Harajuku isn’t that it is a trendy spot in one of the world’s most bustling cities, but rather that it has remained so influential for decades. It has been able to glide along with the times, securing its reputation.
So, what specifically is trendy in Harajuku today? Consider this an overview of what’s buzzing in the district right now.
FASHION
Let’s start with what has defined the neighborhood since the 1970s. Fashion has long been the entry point to understanding Harajuku, with Western artists such as Gwen Stefani and Nicki Minaj referencing the area. It has long been viewed as the center of all things fashionable not only in the capital but the country as well. In particular, Harajuku’s street fashion has been celebrated, the DIY-spirit of young men and women walking around the area captured by photographers and fashion magazines hailing from all over the world. That’s the guiding aesthetic of “Harajuku style” – a mish-mash of colors and styles is alright, as long as it captures just who you are.
As personal as that sounds, plenty of stores have popped up in the area catering to burgeoning fashionistas. For the longest time, these boutique destinations featured colorful and eye-catching duds, helping to paint Harajuku as a bright and at times “crazy” place. Yet in recent years, a variety of stores have opened up – some offer monochrome clothes, while brands such as Spinns have taken the vibe of Harajuku and brought it to an accessible price for anyone to dive into. The fashion available has expanded, but ultimately offers up just more options to figure out just what one’s personal look is.
MUSIC
A much more recent development in Harajuku’s pop cultural impact has been in the music industry. Fittingly, the performer who ushered this in originally hailed from the fashion world. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu started her career as a fashion blogger and, eventually, model, but in 2011 took the pop plunge, teaming up with celebrated J-pop producer Yasutaka Nakata to launch a musical career. Guided by the joyful playroom bounce of debut single “PonPonPon,” she went from local fashion authority to internationally embraced pop star.
And she ushered in a new wave of colorful pop artists, ranging from rock groups such as Silent Siren to bouncy electro-pop performers such as Yun*chi. Although still young, Harajuku’s sonic shape has embraced catchy, electro-leaning pop sounds, with a heavy emphasis on appearing fashionable. It isn’t just a neighborhood to discover the most interesting new clothes, but also maybe your next favorite pop project.
FOOD
What’s something almost as ubiquitous as snazzy street models in Harajuku? Long, snaking lines of people waiting for… something to eat. If you want to know what the most in-demand treat in Japan is at any given moment, walk around Harajuku and find any store boasting a particularly line queue. This is the sign you’ve come across an in-demand meal, one that has probably been featured endlessly on TV news segments.
Owing to its reputation as a place where the youth gravitate to, Harajuku has been the epicenter of recent culinary trends such as decadent dessert pancakes, savory popcorn and colorful Taiwan-born shaved ice. Right now, some of the longest lines exist to nab sugary cupcakes, such as from London bakery Lola’s Cupcakes, but that’s subject to change anytime now.
SHOPPING
The main retail draw of Harajuku is, as you’d probably expect, fashion. Besides the myriad small clothing shops dotting the side streets and back alleys of the area, there are also no shortage of larger brand-name stores and fashion-centric malls, such as the imposing La Foret located at one of the neighborhood’s busiest intersections.
Yet the shopping options have, in recent times, gone well beyond just hip clothing. Potentially owing to Japan’s booming tourism numbers, many general souvenir stores have set up shop in the area, offering items that would make for great mementos of one visit to the country (think fans, or quirky novelty items). They are joined by spots offering up high-tech accessories (iPhone covers, various electronic knick-knacks) and some spaces selling fancy watches. Even a walk down Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street reveals more than clothes options, with all sorts of shiny new spaces devoted to candy and J-pop memorabilia and more.
The area’s shopping scene, like every other element of Harajuku, might skew heavily towards fashion, but offers plenty of space for everyone to find themselves. Maybe that’s why it has managed to remain the definition of “trendy” for so many for so long.
RELATED ENTRIES
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Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands. Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. [Comment from BEY] “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”
Information
BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
Date: November 1, 2024
Hours: 19:00~24:00
Admission: Free
DJs: Yuuna Yabe / 50minimals[GOODS]
・L/S TEE
・Hat
・Hand Towel
・Hanafuda Playing Cards
・Teacup Mug
・Original Palo Santo
・StickersBEY’s Instagram：@beytaro_0912
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CUTIE STREET to Release 1st Single CD ‘Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~’ on November 13
After making its debut this August, the new idol group CUTIE STREET will release its first single CD, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~, on November 13. The music video for the song is already available along with the jacket and artist photo.The digital single Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~ was released on September 8 and was ranked #1 on the TikTok Weekly Top 20 (from September 20 - October 6, 2024) and has become a hot topic, also reaching the top spot on Spotify’s ‘Viral Top 50 - Japan’ playlist, which ranks the hottest songs on social media. The art for the upcoming single CD’s jacket was designed by Keiichiro Oshima and photographed by Takeshi Hanzawa. Following the theme of “our own sparkling jewels,” the jewelry portion of the pictured ring is made up of each sparkling member, all bringing their unique sparkle that fans hope will continue to shine. The costumes were designed by Kumiko Iijima, who has created costumes for countless artists and follows the theme of “I am different than everyone else, and I can be anything I want to be.” Each member’s costume design is different, including frills, ribbons, lace, tulle, and other ‘kawaii’ elements that appear often in girl’s dreams. The member’s individuality shines through, expressed through the creation of original accessories. Limited First Edition
CUTIE STREET Edition
Standard Edition
Information
<Release Information>
Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~ – CUTIE STREET
(1st Single CD)
Release Date: November 13, 2024
Preorder URL: https://lnk.to/Just_kawaii_CD
Details: https://cutiestreet.asobisystem.com/news/detail/32526Limited First Edition [CD+Booklet] (KLC-90001 / ¥3,000 Including Tax)
Luxury Booklet / Fave Member Jacket A (All member version)
M1. Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Dame Desu ka?
M2. Hello Hello Future
M3. Devoted Cinderella!
M4. Unlock My HeartCUTIE STREET Edition [CD only] (KLC-90002 / ¥1,800 Including Tax)
Fave Member Jacket B (All member version)
M1. Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~
M2. Hello Hello Future
M3. daylightStandard Edition [CD only] (KLC-90003 / ¥1,200 Including Tax)
M1. Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~
M2. Hello Hello Future
M3. Devoted Cinderella![Store Bonuses]
■Amazon.co.jp
Limited First Edition / CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Mega Jacket
(JK Image for each format)■TOWER RECORDS (Including online store / Participating locations only)
・Limited First Edition: Haruka Sakuraba Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Haruka Sakuraba Snapshot (1
random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■HMV (Including online store / Participating locations only)
・Limited First Edition: Risa Furusawa Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Risa Furusawa Snapshot (1
random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■TSUTAYA RECORDS (Including online store / Participating locations only)
・Limited First Edition: Aika Sano Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Aika Sano Snapshot (1 random
photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Rakuten Books
・Limited First Edition: Ayano Masuda Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Ayano Masuda Snapshot (1
random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Neowing
・Limited First Edition: Miyu Umeda Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Miyu Umeda Snapshot (1 random
photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Seven Net Shopping
・Limited First Edition: Emiru Kawamoto Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Emiru Kawamoto Snapshot (1
random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Joshin (Including Joshin web shop)
・Limited First Edition: Kana Itakura Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Kana Itakura Snapshot (1 random
photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Sony Music Shop
・Limited First Edition: Nagisa Manabe Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Nagisa Manabe Snapshot (1
random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Bonuses available at all shops
・Limited First Edition: Digitally Signed A4 Poster featuring All Members
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Group Snapshot (1 random photo
chosen from 5 varieties)
*Participating stores will be announced soon.
*All bonuses are only available while supplies last.<Release Event Details>
September 21, 2024 (Saitama) AEON LAKE TOWN MORI
September 22, 2024 (Tokyo) LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi 2F Event SpaceSeptember 28, 2024 (Aichi) LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS Outdoor Event
Space
September 29, 2024 (Osaka) Morinomiya Q’s MALL BASE 1F BASE Park
October 11, 2024 (Online) Details to be announced.
October 12, 2024 (Tokyo) Shiodome City Center Underground Walkway,
Special Stage
October 15, 2024 (Hokkaido) RaSORa Sapporo A Town 1F Event Court
October 19, 2024 (Osaka) Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda
October 22, 2024 (Online) Details to be announced.
October 26, 2024 (Tokyo) Akishima Mori Town MOVIX Garden Stage
October 27, 2024 (Fukuoka) CANAL CITY HAKATA B1F Sun Plaza Stage
November 2, 2024 (Tokyo) Tower Records Shibuya B1F CUTUP STUDIO
November 4, 2024 (Chiba) AEON MALL Makuhari New City Grand Mall 1F
Grand Square
November 9, 2024 (Tokyo) Kameido Clock 1F Stage (Outdoor South Side
Plaza)
November 10, 2024 (Tokyo) Tower Records -LaLaport Tokyo Bay- Center
Stage
November 13, 2024 (Tokyo) Hulic Hall Tokyo
November 15, 2024 (Online) Details to be announced.
November 16, 2024 (Chiba) Seven Park Ario Kashiwa Outdoor Smile Park
*Please refrain from contacting the listed stores.<Event Information>
■ CUTIE STREET 1st Single Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~ Release Event Concert
Venue: Hulic Hall Tokyo
Date: November 13, 2024 / Doors open 17:00, Show starts 18:00
Performer: CUTIE STREETCUTIE STREET Official Fan Club – 2nd Round of Presale Tickets
October 19, 11:00 ~ October 23, 23:59
https://cutiestreet.asobisystem.com/General Ticket Sales
November 6, 20:00~[Tickets]
Reserved Front Seats: ¥6,000 (Tax Included, Drinks not included)
*Exclusively for CUTIE STREET FC
*Limit 2 per person
General Reserved Seats: ¥3,000 (Tax included, Drinks not included)
*Limit 4 per person
*No admission for preschool-aged children.
*No resale for commercial purposes
*No recording/photography in the venue.
*There is a possibility of baggage inspection upon entry.*Identification will be required at the entrance on the day of the event. No one
will be allowed to enter the venue other than the person himself/herself for any
reason. Accompanying persons must come with the person who purchased the
ticket. Please have identification documents ready for the accompanying
person.■CUTIE STREET Solo LIVE -02 STREET-
Venue: Hulic Hall Tokyo
Date: December 5, 2024 / Doors open 17:00, Show starts 18:00■CUTIE STREET 1st Solo Concert
Venue: Toyosu PIT (Tokyo) Date: February 2, 2025 -
Idol group CUTIE STREET, which debuted this August, held its first solo concert CUTIE STREET Solo Live – 01 STREET – at Tokyo Hulic Hall on October 7, 2024. CUTIE STREET is composed of eight members: Risa Furusawa, Aika Sano, Kana Itakura, Ayano Masuda, Emiru Kawamoto, Miyu Umeda, Nagisa Manabe, and Haruka Sakuraba. The girls made their debut as part of ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB. idol project in Summer 2024, with the group’s concept being “KAWAII MAKER.” The eight members are all different ages and come from different backgrounds, and they aim to transmit KAWAII from Harajuku to the world. This solo performance was held about two months after the girls made their stage debut. Tickets were sold out and many fans came to the venue way before the show, eager to see the girls perform on their big day.
As the Overture played, the members appeared on stage one after another, with the audience erupting with shouts of joy. Their first song performed solo was Devoted Cinderella! Despite clearly being nervous, the girls continued to smile, performing earnestly like princesses in a fairy tale. After the song, the eight members greeted the fans gathered at the venue. Adorably, each girl introduced herself and announced what they had eaten for breakfast that day. “I’m so happy to see so many people here,” Manabe said. “I hope that even more people will come to love CUTIE STREET!” The second song performed was Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? The track is getting rave reviews and recently ranked first in the ‘TikTok Popular Songs Ranking 50.’ The song is scheduled to be released via CD on November 13 and features a catchy pop melody and fun dialogue and phrases from the members. The performance was open to video recording, and the eight too-cute performers can be seen on TikTok and other social networking sites. Following this, the group covered the song Nantene! by SWEET STEADY, another idol group belonging to the same label. They performed to the best of their ability, utilizing a different kind of charm than their seniors. The girls also showed off their diverse talents filled with unlimited potential, with Unlock My Heart, a cool song with a rock-style melody, and daylight, an emotional song with a fast pace. CUTIE STREET also performed the new song Happy World! for the first time, showing off choreography filled with fist-pumping and energy. The audience couldn’t help but smile, and the entire venue was filled to the brim with happiness. The final part of the concert began with Hello Hello Mirai as Furusawa called out to the audience. “Are you ready to wave your penlights?” Penlights displaying the girl’s member colors twinkled like a starry sky throughout the venue. The light shone as if it was congratulating the girls on their future lives as idols. Lastly, the group performed their popular song Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? one more time, with the girls charming the audience with their extreme cuteness. CUTIE STREET announced a solo performance to commemorate the CD release of their first single, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?, would be held at Hulic Hall Tokyo on November 13, with a second solo performance scheduled for December 5. The surprises did not end there, as the group also told fans that on October 16, they would release the music video for the song, getting the audience more excited. A teaser for the music video has already been revealed. The eight idols have continued to grow at a rapid pace since their debut, and no one knows what the future holds. After seeing such an engaging solo performance, fans are excited to see what’s in store, as CUTIE STREET’s journey has only just begun. Information
<Event Information>
■ CUTIE STREET 1st Single Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? Release Event Concert
Venue: Hulic Hall Tokyo
Date: November 13, 2024 / Doors open 17:00, Show starts 18:00
Performer: CUTIE STREET
Details: https://cutiestreet.asobisystem.com/news/detail/33870FC Pre-sale tickets available: October 7, 2024 at 19:30 ~ October 14 at 23:59
Buy FC Pre-sale tickets here: https://cutiestreet.asobisystem.com/feature/18ae997ce3951467e7cb992a982a23fa[Tickets]
Reserved Front Seats: ¥6,000 (Tax Included, Drinks not included)
*Exclusively for CUTIE STREET FC
*Limit 2 per person
General Reserved Seats: ¥3,000 (Tax included, Drinks not included)
*Limit 4 per person*No admission for preschool-aged children.
*No resale for commercial purposes
*No recording/photography in the venue.
There is a possibility of baggage inspection upon entry.
*Identification will be required at the entrance on the day of the event. No one will be allowed to enter the venue other than the person himself/herself for any reason. Accompanying persons must come with the person who purchased the ticket. Please have identification documents ready for the accompanying person.■CUTIE STREET Solo LIVE -02 STREET-
Venue: Hulic Hall Tokyo
Date: December 5, 2024 / Doors open 17:00, Show starts 18:00<Release Information>
Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? – CUTIE STREET (1st Single CD)
Release Date: November 13, 2024
Preorder URL: https://lnk.to/Just_kawaii_CD
Details: https://cutiestreet.asobisystem.com/news/detail/32526Limited First Edition [CD+Booklet] (KLC-90001 / ¥3,000 Including Tax)
Luxury Booklet / Fave Member Jacket A (All member version)
M1. Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?
M2. Hello Hello Future
M3. Devoted Cinderella!
M4. Unlock My HeartCUTIE STREET Edition [CD only] (KLC-90002 / ¥1,800 Including Tax)
Fave Member Jacket B (All member version)
M1. Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?
M2. Hello Hello Future
M3. daylightStandard Edition [CD only] (KLC-90003 / ¥1,200 Including Tax)
M1. Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?
M2. Hello Hello Future
M3. Devoted Cinderella![Store Bonuses]
■Amazon.co.jp
Limited First Edition / CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Mega Jacket (JK Image for each format)■TOWER RECORDS (Including online store / Participating locations only)
・Limited First Edition: Haruka Sakuraba Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Haruka Sakuraba Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■HMV (Including online store / Participating locations only)
・Limited First Edition: Risa Furusawa Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Risa Furusawa Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■TSUTAYA RECORDS (Including online store / Participating locations only)
・Limited First Edition: Aika Sano Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Aika Sano Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Rakuten Books
・Limited First Edition: Ayano Masuda Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Ayano Masuda Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Neowing
・Limited First Edition: Miyu Umeda Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Miyu Umeda Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Seven Net Shopping
・Limited First Edition: Emiru Kawamoto Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Emiru Kawamoto Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Joshin (Including Joshin web shop)
・Limited First Edition: Kana Itakura Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Kana Itakura Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Sony Music Shop
・Limited First Edition: Nagisa Manabe Digitally Signed A4 Poster
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Nagisa Manabe Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)■Bonuses available at all shops
・Limited First Edition: Digitally Signed A4 Poster featuring All Members
・CUTIE STREET Edition / Standard Edition: Group Snapshot (1 random photo chosen from 5 varieties)
*Participating stores will be announced soon.
*All bonuses are only available while supplies last.<Release Event Details>
September 21, 2024 (Saitama) AEON LAKE TOWN MORI
September 22, 2024 (Tokyo) LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi 2F Event Space
September 28, 2024 (Aichi) LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS Outdoor Event Space
September 29, 2024 (Osaka) Morinomiya Q’s MALL BASE 1F BASE Park
October 11, 2024 (Online) Details to be announced.
October 12, 2024 (Tokyo) Shiodome City Center Underground Walkway, Special Stage
October 15, 2024 (Hokkaido) RaSORa Sapporo A Town 1F Event Court
October 19, 2024 (Osaka) Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda
October 22, 2024 (Online) Details to be announced.
October 26, 2024 (Tokyo) Location to be decided.
October 27, 2024 (Fukuoka) CANAL CITY HAKATA B1F Sun Plaza Stage *Only certain members participating.
November 2, 2024 (Tokyo) Tower Records Shibuya B1F CUTUP STUDIO
November 4, 2024 (Chiba) AEON MALL Makuhari New City Grand Mall 1F Grand Square
November 9, 2024 (Tokyo) Kameido Clock 1F Stage (Outdoor South Side Plaza)
November 10, 2024 (Tokyo) Tower Records -LaLaport Tokyo Bay- Center Stage
November 13, 2024 (Tokyo) Hulic Hall Tokyo
November 15, 2024 (Online) Details to be announced.
November 16, 2024 (Chiba) Seven Park Ario Kashiwa Outdoor Smile Park
*Please refrain from contacting the listed stores. -
On October 18, CANDY TUNE will release the new track Are You Zombie? Ahead of the song’s release, it is already available to stream on TikTok. This song is CANDY TUNE's first Halloween song and features a cute arrangement and catchy chorus that embodies the spirit of mischief. The lyrics, music, and arrangement were all handled by songwriter Satsuki ga Tenkomori. Additionally, Halloween events will be held on October 27 and October 30 to celebrate the song’s release.
@candy_tune 本日よりTikTok先行配信スタート😈❣️ CANDY TUNE『君もゾンビですか ゾンビですね』 みんなでハロウィンを盛り上げよー🧟❤️🩹 是非#君ゾン でたくさん投稿してね🍬 #きゃんちゅー#CANDYTUNE #君ゾン#君もゾンビですかゾンビですね #ハロウィン#Halloween ♬ 君もゾンビですか ゾンビですね - 1サビ ver. - CANDY TUNE Information
Are You Zombie? – CANDY TUNE (11th Digital Single)
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Streaming Link: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/AreYouZombie (Pre-add / Pre-save)Available to stream on all major music download and streaming sites
<Event Information>
Date: October 27, 2024
Venue: Tokyo (to be decided)Date: October 30, 2024
Title: CANDY HALLOWEEN
Venue: Veats ShibuyaMore information will be posted on CANDY TUNE’s official site
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FRUITS ZIPPER Member Yui Sakurai Concludes Project Celebrating 10th Anniversary as an Idol, Will Release Solo Track Recently Performed Live
Last October, FRUITS ZIPPER member Yui Sakurai began a one-year project titled ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ to celebrate the 10th year since her idol debut. On October 2, the idol held ‘Yui Sakurai 10th ANNIVERSARY LIVE 2024’ at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo). Sakurai debuted in the entertainment industry in 2013 and currently boasts the mint green member color in the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. With their adorable looks and unique personalities, the members have become popular with both men and women alike, and are currently seen as representatives of idol culture going into 2025. ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ included a solo tour held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, along with the release of her first photo book. The recent solo concert represented the culmination of the project, and understandably, many fans came to the venue to congratulate the idol. As the lights dimmed and green penlights filled the venue, Sakurai appeared in a dress resembling a bouquet of flowers, accompanied by the lively sounds of the band. The idol first performed her solo song Spotlight from FRUITS ZIPPER’s latest single NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket. The track expresses the singer’s desire to grow up after 10 years as an idol, and dares to feature a tune that Sakurai doesn’t excel at. The audience agreed that Sakurai performed Spotlight with a perfect score of 100 points, proving her growth before her fans. Continuing on, the idol won the hearts of the fans yet again with Zurui Kawayui, a pop tune with a distinctive sound. The live performance immediately invited fans into the ever-changing world of Yui Sakurai without holding back. After thanking the fans who had gathered at the venue, Sakurai continued with a cover of Seiko Matsuda’s classic Akai Sweet Pea. Her performance mesmerized fans, her voice soft, but she quickly raised the venue’s voltage with a cover of Hatsukoi Cider by Buono! After changing into an angelic costume complete with wings, she went on to perform Tokaikko Junjou (°C-ute) and More Kiss (Fairies). Her confidence amazed the crowd. In addition to these covers, Sakurai also performed You, You, You, a new song prepared for the concert. The dance number embodied a more mature Yui Sakurai, blending cuteness and sexiness and showing an entirely new side to the performer. As the atmosphere seemed to switch, Sakurai also performed covers of Tenshi wa doko e (≠ME) and Idol (YOASOBI.) The stage was a stunning sight, and loud cheers rang out from the entire audience.The second half of the concert began with Caste Summer Session as silver tape fell from the ceiling. Even though fall had already begun, the venue was filled with summer-like enthusiasm. With the electricity in the venue at its highest level of the night, Sakurai sand FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature song Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro solo. The biggest KAWAII of the day had certainly appeared at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), and for the last song of the show, the idol performed BABY I LOVED. Her crystal clear voice captivated every fan in the audience. As soon as the idol left the stage, the fans immediately asked for an encore. These loud voices summoned the artist back, and she performed her new song You, You, You for a second time. An MC portion followed, in which Sakurai read a letter reflecting on the past decade, including the excitement she felt starting out as an idol, the heartbreak of leaving the stage at one point, and how it felt meeting the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER. “I’m only here because of those who support me and protect me. Even in my private life, I’m supported by so many people,” she said. “I continue to love and cherish each and every one of you!” Continuing, Sakurai concluded her letter hoping for future growth. “For my next anniversary, I’d like to truly embody what it is to be an eternal idol for everyone, inspired by the phrase “idol of idol” given to me by (producer) Misa Kimura.” The final encore was a second performance of Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, and fans were allowed to record video. Yui Sakurai’s growth and cuteness are sure to spread around the world thanks to this footage taken by the audience. Sakurai’s 10 years as an idol have not been smooth. Nevertheless, she continued to work as hard as she could and has grown into an idol who can now fill Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), not only as a group but also as a solo artist. “If you don’t give up, your dreams will come true.” This Cinderella story was something the artist realized together with her fans. The story of Yui Sakurai will continue, into her 11th year, 15th year, 20th year, and beyond. “Someday, I’d like to hold a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan,” Sakurai said when the concert concluded. Fans are excited to see what other dreams she’ll make come true in the future. In addition, the new digital single Zurui Kawayui will be available on all music streaming services on October 20, the 10th anniversary of Sakurai’s debut. The solo song You, You, You and Caste Summer Session will also be available. Information
<Streaming Information>
Zurui KawaYui – Yui Sakurai (New Digital Single)
Release Date: October 20, 2024
Tracklist:
M1 Zurui KawaYui
M2 Caste Summer Session
M3 You, You, You -
On December 25, Klang Ruler will release the Unbelievable EP, including the new song Unbelievable, used as the ending theme for the TBS anime series Trillion Game. The series began on October 3. The EP will be inspired by Trillion Game and include new songs like Honey Money, Gimme Gimme, Placeless Boy, and Tired. A teaser video for Unbelievable with narration from Trillion Game has also been released.
October 2, 2024The music video for Unbelievable has been released. The video, directed by the alternative collective GROUPN, retains the vibes of the anime series, with the members of Klang Ruler dressed as salarymen as they attempt to overcome their colleagues to become the best. Information
Unbelievable EP (Trillion Game-Inspired EP)
Release Date: December 25, 2024Unbelievable (Pre-distribution)
Streaming Date: October 2, 2024
Streaming URL: https://klang-ruler.lnk.to/Unbelievable_EP