It has been unveiled that Japan’s pop princess Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will embark on a world tour this year. Information detailing Kyary’s schedule for each tour date has been released, and it is confirmed that she will be kicking off the tour from May, starting in Singapore. In accordance with her 5-year anniversary since her debut, Kyary’s tour is fittingly titled “KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016”! This all-new world tour will be Kyary’s third in total, and will be themed around her brand new song “5iVE YEARS MONSTER”. The song will celebrate Kyary’s five year singing career and will also be included on her upcoming best of album. Moreover, AEON have established a new policy called “ENJOY AEON” (http://www.welcome-aeon.com/) which serves to support foreigners coming to Japan. Kyary’s overseas tour is also receiving support from AEON.
The Regular Edition of the best album comes with two discs totalling 24 songs. It includes many of her well-known hits including “Tsukema Tsukeru”, “Ninja Re Bang Bang”, “Fashion Monster” and of course “PONPONPON”, as well as her most recent songs, and even brand new tracks not yet released! But that’s not all this gorgeous CD has to offer. The First Press release of the Regular Edition will come in a very special package at the very special price of just ￥2,500. The First Press releases are limited in stock, so be sure not to miss out on your chance to get one!
But the thing to really look out for is the First Press Limited Edition. This beautiful item is limited to 55,555 copies and comes in a 3D package of Kyary’s gorgeous face. It includes a self-mix disc produced by Nakata Yasutaka and a bonus DVD that was made specifically for this release, bringing it up to a total of 4 discs! The CD jacket itself bears more beautiful photos of the pop princess, forever preserving her in this the ultimate Kyary experience.
The CD and bonus contents are being announced, and it’s looking to be the most comprehensive line-up of news and goods in Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s overwhelmingly successful 5 years to date. Additionally, Loppi HMV and mu-mo are collaborating with this new release and will be selling their own limited edition versions of the album. Don’t miss out on anything this year!
■KPP BEST Tracklist ※Songs in no particular order
・PONPONPON
・Cherry Bon Bon
・Tsukema Tsukeru
・Kyary ANAN
・CANDY CANDY
・Fashion Monster
・Kimi ni 100 Percent
・Furisodation
・Ninja Re Bang Bang
・Invader Invader
・Super Scooter Happy
・Mottai-Nightland
・Yumeno Hajima Ring Ring -album mix-
・Family Party -album mix-
・Kira Kira Killer
・Tokyo Highway
・Mondai Girl
・Crazy Party Night ～Pumpkins Strike Back～
・No No No
・5iVE YEARS MONSTER (not yet released)
and more…
＊Full details on the tracklist and contents of KPP BEST to be announced soon.
■「KPP BEST」 Order Reservations ※Details on bonuses for ordering within the limited time offer
As a limited time offer, if you order one of the following CDs…
・WPZL-31171 KPP BEST First Press Limited Edition (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Ultra Rare Limited Edition Face Packaging)
・WPCL-12364 KPP BEST First Press Regular Edition (First Arrivals’ Packaging)
… from any Japanese nationwide CD shop or online website from Tuesday March 1st 00:00～Thursday March 31st 23:59, you will receive a First Press edition CD jacket together with a special Kyary Pamyu Pamyu colouring-in picture.
※The bonus items will be available
※Bonuses will only be given either directly in the shop you purchase from or included in your purchase when buying online.
※Bonuses are limited to 1 per CD.
※There may be CD shops and online stores that do not give out bonuses, so please be sure to check before purchasing.
※Enquiries regarding bonuses should be forwarded to the CD shop or online store you purchased from.
＜CD Details＞
「KPP BEST」 On sale March 25th, 2016
・KPP BEST First Press Limited Edition (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Ultra Rare Limited Edition Face Packaging)
This edition comes in a 3D box that bears a design of Kyary’s face. On Discs 1 & 2 are a selection of her best hits, as well as the brand new song, for a total of 24 tracks. Disc 3 contains a self-mix line-up of 10 tracks by Kyary’s own producer Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Disc 4 is a special DVD made specifically for this release. This is the ultimate Kyary package preserving her 5 year success up to now. Further details on this edition will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
Stock Number: WPZL-31171/74 (3disc+1DVD) ￥5,555 + tax
・KPP BEST First Press Regular Edition (First Arrivals’ Packaging)
Stock Number: WPCL-12364/65 (2disc)￥2,500 + tax
・KPP BEST Regular Edition
Stock Number: WPCL-12354/55（2disc）￥3,200 + tax
【Loppi・HMV Limited Edition ※Limited stock available!!】
・KPP BEST《Loppi・HMV Limited Edition Original Pen Case Set》
First Press Limited Edition (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Ultra Rare Limited Edition Face Packaging)
Stock Number: WPZL31171LH Price: ￥6,255 (base price) + tax
PC→ http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/6936775
mobile→ http://m.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/6936775
・KPP BEST《Loppi・HMV Limited Edition Original Pen Case Set》
First Press Regular Edition (First Arrivals’ Packaging)
Stock Number: WPCL12364LH Price: ￥3,200 (base price) + tax
PC→ http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/6936776
mobile→ http://m.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/6936776
Loppi→ http://www.lawson.co.jp/campaign/kpp/
【mu-mo Limited Edition ※Limited stock available!!】
・KPP BEST《mu-mo Limited Edition DVD-included Set》
First Press Limited Edition (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Ultra Rare Limited Edition Face Packaging)
Price: ￥6,255 (base price) + tax
http://shop.mu-mo.net/a/item1/?jsiteid=mumo&merc_no=ANCD-33085
・KPP BEST《mu-mo Limited Edition DVD-included Set》
First Press Regular Edition (First Arrivals’ Packaging)
Price: ￥3,200 (base price) + tax
http://shop.mu-mo.net/a/reviewList/?jsiteid=mumo&seq_exhibit_id=164711
ーーー
■WORLD TOUR INFORMATION
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016
・Singapore
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Singapore
Friday May 13th, 2016 / 20:00 START
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Tickets: On sale Monday February 19th
http://preview.sistic.com.sg/preview/events/pamyu0516
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・Sydney (Australia)
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Sydney
Friday June 24th, 2016
Venue: BIG TOP www.bigtopsydney.com
Ticket details coming soon www.handsometours.com
Support: ÆON
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・Melbourne (Australia)
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Australia
Saturday June 25th, 2016
Venue: FESTIVAL HALL www.festivalhall.com.au
Ticket details coming soon www.handsometours.com
Support: ÆON
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・London (UK)
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in London
Friday July 8th, 2016
Venue: KOKO www.koko.uk.com
http://gigst.rs/KPP
Support: ÆON
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・San Francisco (USA)
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in San Francisco＊
Venue details coming soon
Ticket details coming soon
Support: ÆON
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・Taipei (Taiwan)
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Taipei
Saturday August 6th, 2016
Venue: ATT SHOW BOX www.attshowbox.com.tw
Ticket details coming soon
Support: ÆON
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・Tokyo (Japan)
KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Tokyo
▼Dates
Friday August 19th, 2016 / OPEN 17:30 START 18:30
Saturday August 20th, 2016 / OPEN 16:00 START 17:00
▼Tickets
Seat Reservations ¥6,500 (tax included)
General tickets on sale June 4th
▼Enquiries
Hot Staff Promotion 03-5720-9999 www.red-hot.ne.jp
＊Those over 4 years of age must hold a ticket. Those 3 years of age and under may sit on their parent/carer’s lap. A ticket must be held where a seat is required.
■Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 5-Year Debut Anniversary Special Website
Kyary’s anniversary website is themed around “dissection”, and you can run around her body with a special interface. Check out the five listed plans which serve to connect Japan and the rest of the world. Details on the world tour and BEST album also listed!
URL：http://kpp5.jp
RELATED ENTRIES
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The KAWAII LAB. idol project has announced a new group, SWEET STEADY. Previously, the project has been responsible for the formation of FRUITS ZIPPER, who won the Best New Artist award at the 2023 Japan Record Awards and whose song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro has pulled in 900 million views on TikTok, and CANDY TUNE, who filled Zepp Shinjuku to capacity just six months after their debut.Eight members have been selected for the new group: Ayu Okuda, Yui Otoi, Natsuka Kurita, Rise Shiokawa, Mayumi Shiraishi, Nagisa Shoji, Mia Yanagawa, and Sakina Yamauchi. This will be the first KAWAII LAB. group in which all members have a history in the idol world—all eight girls have participated in various idol activities, including modeling, stage performances, and gravure shoots. Together, they have amassed over 1.8 million followers on social media even before their debut.The group’s name, SWEET STEADY, is inspired by the hope that these sweet girls, like a bouquet of colorful flowers, will steadily grow step by step through their idol experiences. The group will be produced by Misa Kimura, general producer of KAWAII LAB.Additionally, the group’s debut concert, KAWAII LAB. SESSION Vol.7 - SWEET STEADY, will be held at Ebisu’s The Garden Hall on March 4. All members of KAWAII LAB., including FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, and KAWAII LAB. MATES, are also scheduled to perform at the event.[SWEET STEADY Member Profiles / Comments] ■ Ayu Okuda : Blue
“Hi there, I’m Ayu Okuda! I’m happy to announce that I’ll be continuing my activities as part of SWEET STEADY. I never thought I’d be able to be an idol under KAWAII LAB. again, so I’m super excited to be debuting with a new group and am looking forward to meeting all the fans! I hope we can all aim higher and make our dreams come true! I’ll give it my all! Thank you for your support!” X: @ayu_ss0107 Instagram: @okudaayu TikTok: @okudaayu ■Yui Otoi : Light Blue ■Natsuka Kurita : Pink“I’m Yui Otoi, also known as Oyui! I’m pleased to announce that I’m now a member of SWEET STEADY, a new KAWAII LAB. idol group. I’m so happy to be working with these kind girls that I love so much. I already feel like this group will be a powerhouse since each member has their own personality, strengths, and abilities. At the moment, we’re practicing a ton and growing a lot. We’re going to give it our all from the very start, so I hope you’ll stick with us from the beginning and not miss a single second! I’m going to do my best to bring a lot of happiness to those who support me! Thank you so much!” X: @yui_ss0109 Instagram: @otoi_yui_19 TikTok: @otoi_yui_19“I’m Natsuka Kurita from Kyoto! I’m excited to announce that I’m now a member of the new KAWAII LAB. idol group SWEET STEADY. It’s so thrilling to make my idol debut with KAWAII LAB., something I’ve wanted so badly! Each member has their own personality, and I believe that we’ve gathered together some of the strongest members who love each other very much. I would like to make big dreams come true with SWEET STEADY! I’ll continue to be grateful and grow every day! Please look forward to the debut of SWEET STEADY and enjoy the happiness we bring!” X: @natsuka_ss0719 Instagram: @n_wanwan3 TikTok: @n_wanwan3■Rise Shiokawa : Purple“I’m Rise Shiokawa! I’m here to announce that I’ve been chosen as a member of SWEET STEADY, a new group from KAWAII LAB. I’m so happy and proud to work with some of the strongest and most incredible members, all of whom embody both kindness and power. Although we’re just starting, I’d like the eight of us to become incredible idols so that one day we can all bloom as a single flower. I’d like to make my dream come true with all of you who support me, as well as with the other members and the staff! Thank you very much for your support.” X: @rise_ss0731 Instagram: @rise_shio TikTok: @rise_7 ■Nagisa Shoji : Orange“I’m Nagisa Shoji and I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been chosen to be a member of SWEET STEADY, a new group from KAWAII LAB.! I’m so thrilled to make my debut with the strongest members in such a supportive environment! It’s a miracle that eight such strong members have come together, and we’ve heard people say “It’s hard to believe that they haven’t even debuted yet!” We’ll do our best to make our dreams come true one by one, hand in hand, and to make our cheering fans happy! We’d like to become a group that can add color to the idol world! Thanks for supporting us!” X: @nagisa_ss1029 Instagram: @nagyuuu_official TikTok: @nagyu_official ■Mayumi Shiraishi : Red“My name is Mayumi Shiraishi! I’m pleased to announce that I’m now a member of SWEET STEADY, a new idol group from KAWAII LAB.! I’m very happy to be able to work hard as an idol alongside such cute and kind people as we aim to be the top performers in KAWAII LAB! I’m really looking forward to the days ahead when we can work together as SWEET STEADY! I think we have the eight strongest members out there, so I’d be thrilled if you can watch and support us as we grow! Thanks for cheering for SWEET STEADY!!” X: @mayumi_ss1227 Instagram: @mayumi.1227 TikTok: @shiraishi_mayumi■Mia Yanagawa : Mint Green“I’m Mia Yanagawa! I’m excited to announce that I’m now a member of the new KAWAII LAB. idol group SWEET STEADY. It’s a dream come true to work with some of my favorite people and some of the most skilled girls out there at my dream company! With this happiness in mind, I’ll never forget my original intentions, I’ll always be grateful, and I’ll do my very best! Alongside the other members, I’d like to make big dreams come true and repay those who have helped us by becoming successful!”■Sakina Yamauchi : Yellow“My name is Sakina Yamauchi! I’m happy to announce that I’ll be continuing my activities as part of SWEET STEADY! I’m so excited to be able to work with these lovely members who I care for so much! My goal is to spread as much happiness as I can while always remembering to be grateful for the incredible opportunity to become an idol in such a warm environment! I hope to make many big dreams come true with SWEET STEADY and everyone who supports us! Thank you so much!” X: @sakina_ss0229 Instagram: @sakina_yamauchi TikTok: @sakina_yamauchiInformation
<SWEET STEADY Profile>
SWEET STEADY is a new idol group created by KAWAII LAB., a project spearheaded by ASOBISYSTEM to introduce Japanese idol culture to the world. The producer of the group is model and celebrity Misa Kimura, the former leader of the idol group Musubizm and the general producer of KAWAII LAB. The group’s name, SWEET STEADY, is inspired by the hope that these sweet girls, like a bouquet of colorful flowers, will steadily grow step by step through their idol experiences.
X: @SWEET_STEADY
Instagram: @sweet_steady_
YouTube: @SWEET_STEADY
TikTok: @sweet_steady<Debut Concert Information>
Title: KAWAII LAB. SESSION ~SWEET STEADY~
Venue: Ebisu’s The Garden Hall
Date: March 4, 2024
Time: Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00
Admission: Priority Standing ¥7,000 / General Standing ¥3,000[Tickets]
KAWAII LAB. FC Presale: Priority Standing / General Standing
January 23, 2024 at 18:00 ~ January 29, 2024 at 23:59
URL: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/news/detail/21463PG Preorder: General Standing only
January 23, 2024 at 18:00 ~ January 28, 2024 at 23:59
URL: https://w.pia.jp/t/kawaii-lab-vol07/General Sales
February 3, 2024 at 10:00~
URL: https://w.pia.jp/t/kawaii-lab-vol07/More details will be announced on KAWAII LAB. and SWEET STEADY’s official social media channels in the future.
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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
Information
■Celebrating the 1st Budokan Concert! ATARASHII GAKKO! WOWOW Special
To commemorate the group’s performance, WOWOW will stream the concert and feature ATARASHII GAKKO! for three consecutive months. In February, a music video collection will be aired covering the group’s past activities, and in March, a ‘Special Edition’ will be broadcast featuring footage from the January 9 Budokan performance along with interviews with each of the members.Special Site
https://www.wowow.co.jp/music/leaders/<Fanclub Information>
The Official ATARASHII GAKKO! Fanclub ‘ATARASHII GAKKO!’s SEISHUN CLUB’
URL: https://www.fanclub.ag-official.com/ja/home<Tour Information>
ATARASHII GAKKO! NEW FANCLUB TOUR 2024 (Tentative Title)
May 5, 2024 Zepp Fukuoka
May 6, 2024 Zepp Osaka Bayside
May 9, 2024 Zepp DiverCity
May 16, 2024 Zepp Sapporo
May 28, 2024 Zepp Nagoya[Tickets]
Available: January 9 ~ January 31, 2024 at 23:59
Where to Buy: https://www.fanclub.ag-official.com/tickets<New Song Information>
Toryanse – ATARASHII GAKKO! (Digital Single)
Release Date: January 26, 2024 -
Having celebrated her 10th year in showbiz in 2023, Yui Sakurai, a member of the popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, will release her first photobook on February 20, 2024.
The photos were shot in Phuket, Thailand, and the Phi Phi Islands, which Sakurai had dreamed of visiting. On the world-class island of Phuket, the artist experienced riding an elephant along the beach and enjoyed a romantic floating breakfast in a warm pool. When visiting the Phi Phi Islands, Sakurai visited Maya Bay, which served as the location for the film The Beach and is known by many as ‘Phantom Beach.’ Along with some swimsuit shots, Sakurai also makes her first appearance in lingerie.
A special edition of the photobook including an acrylic stand, a special book, and an exclusive box will be sold exclusively at HMV&BOOKS online, HMV&BOOKS, HMV (participating stores), and Tower Records (the Shibuya store and online). The special book features an exclusive dialogue between Sakurai and the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER, snapshots of their many outfits, and other rare personal details. Those who purchase the special edition will also be invited to attend an exclusive event.
<Comment from Yui Sakurai>
“I am so excited to announce the release of my first photobook! Shooting this book overseas during the 10th anniversary of my idol career was a dream come true. The release date is February 20, which is the last day I’ll be 23 years old. I’m so lucky to be able to experience so many wonderful things!
Thank you so much to the fans and all of the people whose support has made this dream come true! In the book, you’ll see plenty of photos that show not only my on-stage self, but also my more relaxed self and a more personal side of me! I hope this release will give more people an opportunity to get to know me…I hope you’ll enjoy it…”
Information
Yui Sakurai’s 1st Photobook (Title to be announced)
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Specifications: 128 pages / Softcover
Publisher: KobunshaOnline Stores:
・Standard Cover (Amazon) http://x.gd/oFHwA
・Seven Net Exclusive Cover http://x.gd/XRqga
・Rakuten Books Exclusivev Cover http://x.gd/K16aG
・[Special Edition] HMV&BOOKS http://x.gd/m8tBo
・[Special Edition] Tower Records http://x.gd/0Kpi1
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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!” Information
About the True Colors Festival
The True Colors Festival is an experimental project by The Nippon Foundation’s DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS division, which aims to create a future in which everyone can live together while valuing their own individuality (True Colors). Starting in 2019, the project imagines a future in which those with disabilities and other differences more often appear on stage, and teaches audiences how exciting and unique an experience this can be.
For more information on past initiatives, please visit the True Colors Festival website.
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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.
Information
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Official Site
https://abc.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/news/schedule/jkl-schedule-for-12042023YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyKimmelLive<Release Information>
ICHIJIKIKOKU DELUXE – ATARASHII GAKKO!
Release Date: December 13, 2023
*Now available to preorder[Tracklist]
01. JANAINDAYO (Theme song for the film Baby Assassins 2)
02. SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO (Opening theme song for the TV Asahi series ATARASHII GAKKO!’s Extracurricular Lesson)
03. Giri Giri
04. Suki Lie (Theme song for the TV Tokyo drama series Nanika Okashii 2)
05. OTONABLUE
06. Otome no Bigaku
07. Odoru Honno 001
08. OTONABLUE (Hyper School Remix)Preorder here
https://leaders.asobisystem.com/news/350876 -
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