CANDY TUNE, an idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB. project, released the new song WAO! Aoharu on all major streaming platforms today, September 27. The group debuted in March of this year.

Like the group’s popular song Kiss Me Patissier, which has created plenty of buzz on TikTok and inspired a recent music video, WAO! Aoharu also features sound production by Naoki Kubo and lyrics by Suu, both from SILENT SIREN. This catchy and fast-paced coming-of-age track expresses the wide range of emotions felt so deeply at a young age, from love and friendship to depression and melancholy. CANDY TUNE expresses their earnest feelings as girls living through the peak of their youth as idols. WAO! Aoharu will be performed live for the first time at Nanako Ogawa’s Birthday Event at Spotify O-WEST on September 28.

On October 18, CANDY TUNE will hold its long-awaited first solo concert at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo. Tickets are available now from a variety of retailers.

CANDY TUNE 1st Solo Concert -NEW WAY-

小川奈々子生誕祭

On September 13, 2023, popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER released its first single CD Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro. Immediately upon release, the album reached the #3 spot on the Billboard JAPAN Top Singles Sales chart and #4 on the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking chart. The titular track was released digitally in April 2022 and has received over 900 million views on TikTok and 13 million music video views on YouTube.

FRUITS ZIPPER is currently holding its first nationwide tour, FRUITS ZIPPER 1st JAPAN TOUR 2023 -AUTUMN- The parlor of FRUITS ZIPPER. The long-awaited tour began on September 3, and on September 16, the group held a semi-final show at KT Zepp Yokohama in Kanagawa.

The title of the tour, ‘The Parlor of FRUITS ZIPPER,’ hopes to inspire the audience to discover the individuality of each member, akin to a parfait with different layers. Tickets for the Osaka, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido shows have completely sold out. Tickets for the Kanagawa performance were also sold out, and the show was held in front of a completely packed house, even when accounting for the second-floor seats.

Multicolored lasers inspired by the member’s colors swept across the venue, cueing the group to start the show with the hit song Pure in the World, which was released digitally in August. The peppy track instantly captured the hearts of fans in the audience, and that excitement carried into the following songs: Kanpeki Shugide☆ and Fre-Fru Summer!

During the MC, the members took the time to explain the theme of the tour and their new costumes prepared exclusively for the long-awaited event. Each member has a representative fruit, and their flashy costumes feature adorable aprons and other details reminiscent of parlor clerks. “Welcome,” the members yelled, inviting fans into their unique world for a few hours to have a happy and sweet time.

The concert resumed immediately following the MC with Happy Chocolate, and inspired by the TikTok trend, many fans danced along during the chorus. Transforming the energy into something gentler, Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru began soon after, captivating fans with its addictive sweetness. The girls showed their sexy dance moves during We are Frontier and their cooler side during the upbeat Going! With incredible momentum, FRUITS ZIPPER powered through six songs in a row, including the hyper RADIO GALAXY and Roller Coaster Heart. The audience was lucky enough to experience all sides of this multifaceted idol group, subverting expectations and wowing everyone lucky enough to attend.

After the impressive performance, Mana Manaka and Luna Nakagawa shared memories of the national tour, including a moment in Hokkaido when the two felt their lives were in danger from an enzyme bath, drawing laughter from the audience. Suzuka Chinzei also excitedly announced that she would play the starring role in the upcoming CBC drama Link!, and that the theme song for the drama would be the group’s popular track Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru. Mana Manaka touchingly reflected on the group’s past performances, which visited each member’s hometown. “It felt like our triumphant return home. It was such a great experience, to show everyone how much we’ve grown.”

After the members and audience calmed down after the MC, Nakagawa eagerly began the second half of the show. “Are you excited, Yokohama,” she called out. The group ignited fans’ hearts with Welcome to the ♡ Furuppa! and Re→TRY & FLY, leading into one of the happiest songs in recent memory, Chou Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?~ The audience called out the members’ names in loud voices and clapped in unison, creating a deep sense of unity between FRUITS ZIPPER and their fans. As many would expect, the final song performed was Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, the group’s most popular song which was just released as a physical single. TikTok photography was allowed for this song, and legions of fans kept their phones pointed at the stage. Check TikTok to see the colorful and adorable performance!

In typical FRUITS ZIPPER fashion, the show didn’t end there! After fans begged for an encore, the members returned to the stage to perform the new song CO-Kosei. Composed by Sho Yamamoto, the composer of Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, the track fit the tour’s theme perfectly. The lyrics are filled with overwhelming individuality from each member, and the catchy choreography instantly grabbed the audience’s attention, with easily mimicked moves sure to be the next trend. Following the performance, the members showed their eagerness to make the ‘CO-pose’ more popular.

Following the TikTok shoot with fans throughout the venue–a popular trend during FRUITS ZIPPER concerts–the group performed a few more tracks, including Zutto, Zutto, Zutto! Sending love to the fans, Yui Sakurai announced the last song, asking fans to “make memories together with them.” The performance finally came to an end with a heartfelt rendition of Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete. The audience couldn’t help but dance along, making it the most earnest moment of the performance.

After the show ended, Yui Sakurai and Luna Nakagawa were so moved that they immediately hugged each other. “The song Kimi no Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete was where everything started for us, and every time I sing it, I just have so many flashbacks of the past year and a half,” Suzuka said with tears in her eyes. “The tour isn’t over, and I can’t wait to meet the fans at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium! Let’s keep making memories together, all of you and FRUITS ZIPPER.” The sweet and incredibly action-packed performance came to an end amidst a sea of loving applause.

During this tour, FRUITS ZIPPER has grown to new heights. Their next appearance on the national tour will take place on October 28 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the group’s first arena performance and their largest venue to date. There’s no telling what to expect!

Text: Masatoshi Mayuzumi

Photo: Yuuna Yoshimori

Limited First Edition

Standard Edition

Seven-member edition

On September 13, FRUITS ZIPPER will release its first single CD, Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro. The idol group has released a song from the album titled Pure in the World ahead of this exciting date.

Pure in the World was created by Tamaya 2060% from the rock band Wienners, who was inspired by the ‘pureness’ of the idols. Even when life has you feeling troubled or aimless, this happy track has the power to imbue any listener with instant positivity.

Teaser Video

A teaser for the song’s music video has also been posted to YouTube, with the full video set to premiere on August 16 at 20:00 JST. Directed by Eri Yoshikawa, the video represents the stylish neighborhood of Harajuku, perfect for FRUITS ZIPPER. After all, the group’s concept is ‘From Harajuku to the World.’

Teaser videos focusing on each member will be released in the coming days, along with a dance practice video and more. For this release, the choreography was co-written by SACO MAKITA and Saki Kamiya, who are well-known for their work with FRUITS ZIPPER’s music. For the latest FRUITS ZIPPER information, please follow the group on social media.

FRUITS ZIPPER’s nationwide tour is scheduled to begin in September. All shows have completely sold out except for the finale, which will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. This marks the group’s first arena show, and tickets are now available.

FRUITS ZIPPER will release Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro as the group’s first single CD on September 13, 2022. The popular song has amassed over 800 million views on TikTok and over 12 million music video views on YouTube since its release in 2022. Now, the concept for the photobook that comes paired with the Limited First Edition has been revealed along with the jacket cover. The Standard Edition jacket covers have also been revealed along with the seven-member variations.

Limited First Edition

Standard Edition

Seven-member Variations

Those purchasing the Limited First Edition as part of the ‘Ichiban Kawaii Package’ will
receive a 40-page photobook. The themes for the book are ‘Your Cutest Part’ and ‘My
Cutest Part,’ and two different sides of the FRUITS ZIPPER members are featured on the
A-Side and B-Side.

The A-Side features a collaboration with Sebastian Masuda, the globally-known ‘King of
Kawaii’ and global proponent of Japanese Kawaii culture currently residing in New York City. By chatting with each member before the photo shoot, Masuda explores “the individuality
and cuteness that lies beneath the cuteness that we can see,” expressing it through his art. The artist hopes that the girls will keep the cuteness exhibited during their debut while
focusing on their unique inner charms that continue to shine as their careers progress.

“Kawaii is your own microcosm. I believe that the girls are so much more than their
superficial cuteness. Their charm comes from what lies beneath the surface–the cuteness
that overflows from within,” said Masuda. This marks the first time that the idol group and Masuda have joined forces to present ‘Kawaii’ culture to the world.

The B-Side features a ‘cuter than usual FRUITS ZIPPER,’ including fresh visuals linking to
each of the member’s fruit-inspired colors. The graphics were created by yenter, a creative team with a long history of working on logos, merchandise design, and artist photos. The
Limited First Edition has a holographic three-sided case and Digipak with A-side packaging, while the Standard Edition and seven-member edition jackets display the B-side visual.

■Comment from Sebastian Masuda

“Kawaii is your own microcosm. If we chat with 100 people, we’ll find 100 different types of kawaii. With that in mind, I chatted with each member of FRUITS ZIPPER one-on-one to
explore their personalities and individual charms. I hope you’ll open the photobook and
compare their words to the artwork on the pages. Their charm comes from what lies
beneath the surface–the cuteness that overflows from within.”

FRUITS ZIPPER is preparing for its first national tour in the fall and has announced a solo
concert at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium as the tour finale. CD pre-order events will also be held throughout Japan in conjunction with the tour, so check out FRUITS ZIPPER’s
official NOTE for the schedule and details!

The idol project KAWAII LAB. is now accepting applications from aspiring artists wanting to join a new idol group.

The KAWAII LAB project aims to introduce Japan’s growing idol culture to overseas audiences under the concept of ‘From Harajuku to the World.’ The project has spawned three groups so far–FRUITS ZIPPER, known for the TikTok smash hit Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro; IDOLATER, comprised of the finalists of ASOBISYSTEM’s first audition; and CANDY TUNE, which made its debut this March.

The audition is open to females between the ages of 10 and 24. While dance and vocal skills are important, the project is also seeking unique applicants with a charm that extends beyond skill or ability. Both those with and without experience are welcome to apply. Those who pass the audition will work toward their debut in 2024 in a new idol group and as solo performers aiming toward a global debut.

This audition will also include the selection of candidates for a training group for a future debut. Successful candidates will be given basic lessons in preparation for their debut.

KAWAII LAB. Artists

IDOLATER

FRUITS ZIPPER

CANDY TUNE

IDOLATER, a group belonging to the KAWAII LAB. project, which aims to promote Japan’s growing idol culture to the world, will release its 12th single, Promise, on streaming services on July 20, 2023.

The new track is upbeat with a cozy and rhythmic electro sound. Promise was first performed at the KAWAII LAB SESSION event held by KAWAII LAB. at Zepp Shinjuku in June, where members of the group donned new costumes for the track’s reveal. The comical and easy-to-imitate choreography by SACO MAKITA is sure to make this song a hit at live concerts, and a certain member’s adorable first attempt at rapping is a major highlight.

A live video of IDOLATER performing the new song has been uploaded to YouTube, so be sure to check it out!

[Live Footage] Promise – IDOLATER (Live at Zepp Shinjuku)

Yukino Fushiki

Ayu Okuda

Kurumi Tsukishiro

Ririka Satsuki

Fuka Oishi

Soon after wrapping up their successful first-anniversary concert, FRUITS ZIPPER released Chou Medetai Song ~Konnanni Shiawasede Iinokana?~ as a digital single on May 4, 2023. New teaser trailers for the song’s music video have been released every day since June 29, with the final product scheduled to drop on July 7 at 21:00 JST. Ahead of this exciting day, we sat down with the members to commemorate the music video’s official release!

–Just listening to Chou Medetai Song ~Konnanni Shiawasede Iinokana?~ is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face! How did you feel when you heard it for the first time?

Suzuka Chinzei: I thought it was the happiest song of the Reiwa era! I love the lyrics that
tell people they can choose their own happiness. The question in the song’s title–Is it okay
to be this happy?–was answered by the amazing Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the song’s
lyrics. “Yes, it’s okay, because it’s something I chose myself.” I think he’s a genius for that answer.

–What’s your favorite lyric in Chou Medetai Song?

Yui Sakurai: “It feels impossible to feel this way without expecting something a little bad!” Whenever you’re SO happy that you feel like something bad must be on the way, that’s some powerful happiness. The lyrics in this song are so fluffy and packed with joy, I just love it.

–What’s the main thing audiences should focus on when they see Chou Medetai Song’s choreography?

Mana Manaka: Everything! The choreography is really fun, catchy, and easy to imitate!

@fruits_zipper 8/4(金)『TGC teen 2023 Summer』 @国立代々木競技場 第二体育館に出演させて頂きます✨#FRUITSZIPPER #ふるっぱー #ちょめでた #ちょめでたダンス ♬ 超めでたいソング 〜こんなに幸せでいいのかな？〜 – FRUITS ZIPPER

–The music video will be released soon! What are the vibes?

Luna Nakagawa: I feel like our fans have been really excited about this one. I just hope that this music video will make everyone happy–remember to congratulate yourself sometimes!

–Is there a specific scene in the video that you’d like fans to watch out for?

Amane Tsukiashi: I love Luna and I wearing fun sunglasses when we sing “First, can we start being bolder today?”

–Share something super happy that’s happened to you lately!

Noel Hayase: That has to be our performance at Nakano Sunplaza!

宝物

ありがとうございました#AYAKARNIVAL #AYAKARNIVAL2023 pic.twitter.com/ikL3EfStza

— 月足天音 (FRUITS ZIPPER) (@amane_fz1026) June 17, 2023

Karen Matsumoto: Amane really loves Arin from Momoiro Clover Z, and getting to perform with her was so wonderful! I was happy too!

–Lastly, do you have anything you’d like to say to the fans?

Suzuka: The music video for Chou Medetai Song ~Konnanni Shiawasede Iinokana?~ is
finally here! Whether you’re a man or woman, young or old, an earthling or an alien, it
doesn’t matter–this song will make you happy! I love all of you so much♡♡So lucky!!!”

FRUITS ZIPPER is continuing their incredible success, recently announcing their first CD release, first national tour, and first arena show. Keep an eye out for what they’ll do next!

On June 26, FRUITS ZIPPER held a one-man live performance at the “Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival,” marking the culmination of Nakano Sunplaza’s rich history as it undergoes a fresh transformation in honor of its 50th anniversary this year.

With the opening SE playing, laser beams filled the venue, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation as the live performance kicked off with “Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru.” Popular upbeat songs like “Kanpeki Shugide☆,” “Cho Medetai Song – Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana?-” and “Fure Furu Summer!” followed, captivating the audience from the beginning and keeping the excitement alive.

During the MC segment, it was announced that their hit song “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” which garnered a staggering 800 million views on TikTok and surpassed 12 million views on the music video since its digital release last year, would be released as the group’s first-ever CD single in this September. The announcement of the release consisting of a first-press limited edition, regular edition, and member edition featuring solo jacket designs for each member, heightened the excitement of the audience even further. With smiles on their faces, the group delivered an outstanding performance of all 14 songs, bringing the live show to a close.

As the encore calls echoed through the venue, a sudden news program-style video began playing on the screen, and the expressions of the members reflected a sense of nervousness. Within the homage-like footage resembling the moment of the Olympic host city announcement, it was revealed that the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium had been chosen as the venue for the grand finale of their nationwide tour in this fall. Suzuka Chinzei expressed, “Having the opportunity to perform in such a large venue in our second year since debut is an amazing challenge, and we were able to make this decision because of all of you being here. We will train together as a group leading up to this day, so please stay excited!” The audience responded with warm applause to her heartfelt words.

During the encore, they unveiled their new song “Pure In the World,” which is sure to become a new staple that energizes their live performances. The song was produced by Tamaya2060% from Wienners. At the finale of the event, which was filled with “super celebratory” announcements for both fans and members, they performed “Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana-?” once again. The audience joined in with loud handclaps and responded to Luna Nakagawa’s shout of “FRUITS ZIPPER Arena Live Show!” with chants of “Congratulations!” The entire venue came together as one, closing the curtain on a memorable night.

FRUITS ZIPPER will kick off their first nationwide tour in September. The pre-sale of tickets for the tour finale at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium has begun and will run until July 3.

CANDY TUNE debuted with their first album CANDY TUNE, in March of this year. Part of the KAWAII LAB. idol project, the girls already have an exciting lineup of performances scheduled at various major idol festivals this summer. On June 27th, they held their first solo live show at Spotify O-WEST in Shibuya, Tokyo.

CANDY TUNE kicked off their live performance with Nanairo Prologue, continuing into a passionate rendition of Mikanna Seishyun (Incomplete Youth), delivering a real feeling of exhilaration to the audience. When the group performed Cu Cu Cu Cute for the first time, the audience’s excitement increased ten-fold as they became lost in the Arabian sounds and catchy choreography reminiscent of rubbing a magic lamp.

During the show, the girls showcased the same intermission that recently they performed during the TIF2023 Main Stage Battle Preliminary Match.=. Looking back on the event, Kotomi Tachibana said “Our bond with the other members of CANDY TUNE and all theAme-chan (the name for CANDY TUNE’s fans) have become incredibly strong, and I feel that we have grown together as a result. We will continue to move forward, so please continue to support us!” Her message resonated with the audience, who responded with warm applause. The show reached its peak with a series of upbeat numbers, and during the finale, the girls engaged in the call-and-response portion of the show with their popular TikTok song Kiss Me Patissier. For the closing track, they expressed their gratitude to the fans through the heartfelt song hanamaru, leaving the stage with bright smiles.

In response to cries for an encore from the audience, the members reappeared on stage, announcing their summer festival appearances on the massive screen. “We have an important announcement for everyone,” it read. The members and the audience alike were shocked when a surprise announcement was made revealing that their first solo live show would be held at Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO) in October. The audience reacted with surprised shouts and loud applause, and some of the members could be seen crying on stage. Rino Fukuyama expressed, with a teary voice, “We had the opportunity to perform at Zepp Shinjuku once before during the collaboration KAWAII LAB. concert, and we all thought that the only reason we could ever perform on such a famous stage was that we had more experienced groups like FRUITS ZIPPER and IDOLATER up there with us. I’m so happy that we can now aim for that goal more proudly,” said Rino Fukuyama.

The new Cu Cu Cu Cute, which was performed for the first time at the live show, was released on June 27th. The refreshing pop tune with an explosive sound was produced by Kubo Naoki, a former member of SILENT SIREN who also worked on CANDY TUNE’s previous release CATCH YOU, and features lyrics by Suu. Enjoy the #きゃんちゅーと初めての夏 (First Summer with CANDYTUNE) while listening to this song!

FRUITS ZIPPER‘s popular song “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” which has garnered 800 million plays on TikTok since its digital release last year and surpassed 12 million views on the music video, will be released as the group’s first-ever CD single on September 13th.

The CD will be available in a total of nine editions, including the limited edition, member editions (seven variations), and regular edition. In addition to the hit song “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” the CD will feature the new track “Pure In the World” and the popular live song “Cho Medetai Song -Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? -.” Furthermore, the member editions will include exclusive songs specific to each member.

The schedule for in-store events will be announced on FRUITS ZIPPER’s official Twitter.

On May 31, IDOLATER’s 11th single, Aimai Silhouette, was released. A massive departure from the group’s mature love songs of the past, the new track is packed with fresh energy, cute lyrics, and unforgettable choreography. We sat down to interview the members about the new song and their newly-unveiled costumes.

ーーAimai Silhouette just released. How would you describe it?

Yukino Fushiki: “It’s unlike any IDOLATER song to date! It’s a fast-tempo,
bittersweet, pop love song. The chorus is super catchy and the choreography is so cute, I want everyone to see it live! There are already tons of Aimai Silhouette
videos on TikTok, and I hope you’ll try to learn the dance!” ♡

ーーDo you have a favorite lyric?

Ayu Okuda: [In my call history, all I see is your name / Little by little, you occupy more space, When we meet, hey, your voice is so close, my heart starts pounding / But I won’t say that aloud]

“I think those lyrics are so cute. They tell the story of a first love that’s unrequited.”

ーーThe choreography is also adorable! What part of the dance should fans focus on?

Fuka Oishi: “Just like the song itself, the choreography is much more cutesy than previous IDOLATER dances. My favorite thing about it is how many times we make cute heart shapes♡ You’ll need to watch carefully to spot how many heart shapes appear! The choreography has a lot of parts that fans can easily imitate, so I hope you’ll come to see us live and dance with us in the audience!”

@ofu_chan 天使とあいまいシルエット👼🏻💛 @のえさん #あいまいシルエット #fyp #fruitszipper #IDOLATER #アイドル #おすすめ #おすすめにのりたい ♬ あいまいシルエット – なんで！？ ver. – IDOLATER

Dance with Noel Hayase (FRUITS ZIPPER)

ーーYour new costumes are so different from IDOLATER’s past outfits. What did you think when you saw them for the first time?

Kurumi Tsukishiro: “I couldn’t believe how cute they were!
We didn’t know the fabric, the color, the shape–we had to wait to see. Once we
did, all the members screamed “They’re so cute!” (Laugh)
I’ve always loved idols who wear frilly outfits, so finally being able to wear one
myself is really a dream come true.”

@official_idlt 今日のダンスの先生はぱんちゃん😸‼️@月代来実 (ぱん) #IDOLATER #あいまいシルエット #KAWAII #アイドレちゃん #idol ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – IDOLATER

ーーLastly, do you have anything you’d like to say to the fans?

Ririka Satsuki: “I don’t think anyone expected this new song and these new
outfits. This summer, let’s have lots of fun with this exciting song and these sparkly
costumes!

I want to make this the best possible summer for both the members and the fans! I hope everyone will keep supporting the renewed IDOLATER!”

While they’ve shown a more mature side in the past, we hope you’ll keep an eye on IDOLATER as they show off their cutesy side.

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.