Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Concludes 10th Anniversary Tour with Spectacular Performance at Budokan

22.October.2022 | MUSIC

On October 19, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu celebrated her 10th anniversary as an artist in the best way possible–by holding her first Nippon Budokan concert in six years. The conclusion of her national tour, the show was mysteriously titled ‘UMA 105.’ 

 

Kyary’s special performance was also streamed to a worldwide audience via Zaiko Connect, with the video available to stream through January 2023. The stage itself reflected Kyary’s unique style, with a UFO sporting disco ball legs on the ceiling, a brightly-lit pyramid with eyes in the center, and mushrooms and octopus legs dotting the sides of the stage.

 

While many fans in the audience were expecting the same set list used during the rest of the tour, they were shocked to find it completely redesigned. The singer performed a whopping 82 tracks, blending full versions, short versions, and medleys, giving fans a chance to relive the past decade of her career. All five of Kyary’s full albums were represented: Pamyu Pamyu Revolution (2012), Nanda Collection (2013), Pika Pika Fantajin (2014), Japamyu (2018), and Candy Racer (2021), along with her first mini-album Moshi Moshi Harajuku (2011). The groundbreaking performance also included a cover of a CAPSULE track–the duo is also managed by ASOBISYSTEM, and due to her love of their music and her working relationship with Yasutaka Nakata, Kyary decided to sign to the same agency.

 

During the opening video, Kyary appeared in a stunning pink dress and mask to address everyone’s question–what does ‘UMA 105’ mean? This refers to 105 unidentified organisms, or 105 songs, that have been released by the singer so far. Suddenly, it was also announced that filming was permitted, and the concert began with two of Kyary’s most popular songs, Invader Invader and PONPONPON. Utilizing the incredible power of 12 additional speakers on the Budokan floor, the sound quality was stunning.

 

While the performance conjured memories of Kyary’s earlier days as a performer, it also showed the evolution of the pop star over the past decade. Beloved by audiences abroad, it’s no wonder that the singer was invited to perform at this year’s Coachella, one of the world’s largest music festivals. The dancers at Budokan had been active as KPP dancers since they were children, growing up with Kyary and her music. Understandably, this made the show even more emotional. 

 

“Good evening and welcome to Nippon Budokan,” Kyary yelled during the first MC portion. “Welcome to the finale of my tour! The title of the show, UMA, means ‘unidentified organism,’ and 105 refers to the number of songs I’ve released so far. How would you like me to perform most of those songs tonight?” A number of fans at the venue were dressed in Kyary costumes from past releases and concerts, and with glowsticks in hand, the audience became a sight to behold.

 

The music scene has undergone major changes over the past decade. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s debut signaled a huge shakeup in the industry, with the artist becoming a leader in both Harajuku and Kawaii culture upon the release of her PONPONPON music video a decade ago. The video spread like wildfire around the world, trending on YouTube and catching the attention of major stars like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Charli XCX, all of whom have been greatly influenced by Kyary’s works.

 

The nineteenth track to be performed was the popular Tsukematsukeru. Created with producer Yasutaka Nakata, the song is known by many as the heart of Kyary’s identity, with her colorful outfit and over-the-top dance moves. Goosebumps appeared on my skin when the intro rang out, and the show continued with a medley from the Nanda Collection album. Kirakira Killer, Mondai Girl, and Crazy Party Night ~Pumpkin no Gyakushu~ rang out in perfect succession, and the audience was enthralled.

 

The dancers were dressed as four different types of monsters, each with unique characteristics. Kyary decided to use four dancers all from different dance backgrounds: Okapi, playing Flat Woods Monster, performed an amazingly technical ballet; SHO→TA, playing the Yeti, utilized his height to put on a powerful hip-hop show; Randy, playing the Mothman, dazzled the audience with his stylish voguing; and brown, playing the Chupacabra, showed off his House moves. 

 

During the intermission, the dancers were given the stage to show off their unique styles and personalities while performing to Kyary’s songs. Kanzen Keitai was paired with ballet, Kimi no Mikata was paired with hip-hop, Slow-mo was paired with voguing, and Jumping Up was paired with House in rapid succession. 

 

To start the second half, the show moved into EDM mode with DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021 and Candy Racer. The GASH Crew, comprised of three dancers chosen as winners in the Adobe DANCE VIDEO FES dance video contest in August, performed during Dodonpa, and fans couldn’t help but move along.

Fashion Monster, a song loved by audiences around the world, continued to lead the charge, and fans were impressed by the variety of tunes being played in such quick succession. The track was followed by the Pamyu Pamyu Revolution section, paying homage to the legendary album that made Kyary famous. This blended into a unique medley of CAPSULE cover songs. 

If one were to look back on Kyary’s success over the past decade, it was largely due to her gaining popularity in the West. Over the past year, PONPONPON and Cherry Bonbon have seen a resurgence in popularity due to TikTok users in Thailand, Korea, and other countries. 

 

The venue exploded with excitement as the EDM track Harajuku Iyahoi began before flowing in the mellow pop track Kamaitachi. In colorful style, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu gave a full–and very danceable–performance of Gum Gum Girl, and another medley began, this time from Japamyu. Things felt like a 24-hour TV marathon, with the energy starting to reach a fever pitch and the audience in a complete frenzy. Even as Ninja Re Bang Bang and Sai & Co rang out, fans were already begging for an encore.

 

As the seemingly endless applause continued on and on, Kyary changed into a new outfit. Of course, her signature ribbon was in place on top of her head. 

Her emotional MC segment began, with fans giving their undivided attention. 

 

“My voice is worn out…I think I really might have sung too much,” Kyary began with a strained laugh. “Thank you for coming out to the finale of my 10th-anniversary tour. I fell in love with fashion when I was in high school, and at the time, people would giggle at me when I walked down the street. They’d look at me like I was just some weirdo. I was just some odd girl with a big ribbon on her head. But for me, it felt normal. Soon after, I started my career as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. That was a spur-of-the-moment name, and I really didn’t think I’d still be using it a decade later. It’s all thanks to the staff members and fans who have supported me. You’re why I’m standing on stage at Nippon Budokan today.”

 

Through tears, Kyary continued. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I never thought I’d be able to perform at Budokan, let alone three times. I want to keep going, and I want to do my best for another 10 years. I want to become someone who can change nothing into something in this world. Thank you, I’m so happy,” the artist said with a flourish. 

 

“I wanted to push the envelope for my Budokan show. There are things that might seem impossible, but you might be surprised by what you can achieve if you just try. That’s what I wanted to embody with my dancing today. I’m happy that I sang so much that I’m losing my voice! I don’t think I’ll be able to wake up tomorrow, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to talk either, so I’m just going to take a break,” Kyary said with another laugh. Striking a pose, it seemed like the unidentified creature was Kyary Pamyu Pamyu herself. 

 

The show was a culmination of the artist’s growth over the past decade. The last ten years have seen the world of entertainment change dramatically due to the internet, allowing fans from all over to experience music and culture from artists around the world. 

 

Before performing her new electro-pop song Isshin Doutai, Kyary spoke about her accident this summer, in which she cut her leg while swimming in the ocean resulting in ten stitches. “I bought a swimsuit during the tour, and was happy to finally go to the beach, but I really got hurt. It’s healing really well, but I want to love this scar because it’s a part of me. Be sure to watch the music video–I made the scar sing!” 

 

The final song was Chan Chaka Chan Chan, which also served as the final song for other stops on the tour. Rather than saying ‘goodbye,’ the lyrics were changed to ‘see you soon,’ bringing certain members of the audience to tears. After this performance, it’s easy to see that Kyary is continuing to level up. This legendary performance showed off the best of the Queen of Harajuku and was a delight from start to finish.

 

In November, Kyary will appear at True Color Festival THE CONCERT 2022, the world’s largest music festival focusing on diversity and inclusion. This will mark Kyary’s first collaboration with Katy Perry, who helped make the artist popular worldwide. We wish Kyary success over the next decade.

 

Text: Fukuryuu (Music Concierge)

Photo: Aki Ishii

 

[Archived Stream]

10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 -TOUR FINAL- UMA 105

Available to stream worldwide on Zaiko Connect

Stream Available: October 19, 2022 – January 9, 2023

URL: https://connect.zaiko.io/e/kpp10

 

[Concert Information]

[True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022]

November 19, 2022 – Doors open 16:00 / Show starts 18:00

November 20, 2022 – Doors open 15:00 / Show starts 17:00

Venue: Tokyo Garden Theater

 

Contact: 

True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 Office

Phone: 050-5541-8600 (9:00~20:00 daily)

 

[Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Special Live 2022 ~Back to Coachella~]

Date: December 20, 2022

Venue: Nanba Hatch (Osaka)

 

Date: December 21 and 22, 2022

Venue: EX THEATER ROPPONGI (Tokyo)

RELATED ENTRIES

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

    12.January.2024 | MUSIC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

    <ENCORE>
    OTONABLUE
    Que Sera, Sera
    Mayoeba Toutoshi

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Performs at Fuji Rock for the First Time, Original DJ Mix by Yasutaka Nakata Wows Audience

    03.August.2023 | MUSIC

    On July 30, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took the outdoor stage at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ‘23 at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata.

     

    This marks the first time that the artist has performed at the legendary Japanese music festival. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has completed five world tours in the past, also performing at Coachella in the U.S. in 2022 and at Primavera Sound in Spain this June. The artist was the first performer during the Sunday Session on July 30, the final night of the festival.

     

    The Red Marquee housed the Sunday Session performances, and the venue was nearly overflowing with excited fans. As the audience began to chant Kyary’s name before she appeared on stage, a DJ wearing a rabbit mask appeared as DE.BA.YA.SHI 2021 began to play. The crowd’s chant only increased in intensity, and soon after, Kyary appeared wearing the famed pink outfit from her world tour held earlier this year.

    Immediately after, the popular singer performed Candy Racer and Dodonpa from her newest album, with the festival-like anthem Harajuku Iyahoi quickly following in a nonstop DJ mix. The crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch, and fans began chanting along with the familiar tracks. Isshin Doutai, Perfect Oneisan, and Kyary’s debut track PON PON PON quickly followed.

    The sense of unity in the venue was amplified as the singer’s first song rang out, and when the intro to Ninja Re Bang Bang entered the mix, the crowd erupted in a thunderous cheer. Kyary continued with CANDY CANDY, Tsukematsukuru, and Mottai Night Land, with the excitement continuing unabated until the MC.

    “Thank you so much for coming to my first performance at Fuji Rock! I’d love to do it again,” the singer said emotionally. “The next song will be my last! It’s the most ‘rock’ of all of my songs, so would you mind getting pumped up with me?” Fashion Monster marked the finale of Kyary’s first Fuji Rock performance, and the event at the packed Red Marquee concluded with huge success.

    The original nonstop DJ mix for the event was created by Yasutaka Nakata. The crowd was shocked by Kyary’s ‘cool’ persona during her performance, her on-stage aura no doubt honed by her time spent overseas. After the show was over, social media was immediately filled with praise for the performance.

     

    Kyary will be performing at several other music festivals around Japan this summer, so keep an eye out!

     

    Photo:Ruriko Inagaki

     

    [Setlist]

    1. DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021
    2. Candy Racer
    3. Dodonpa
    4. Harajuku Iyahoi
    5. Isshin Doutai
    6. Perfect Oneisan
    7. PON PON PON
    8. Ninja Re Bang Bang
    9. CANDY CANDY
    10. Tsukematsukeru
    11. Mottai Night Land
    12. Fashion Monster
  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Performs on a Flower-Filled Stage at Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall for Celebratory Midnight Sun Concert

    25.July.2023 | MUSIC

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

     

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

     

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

    Photo: Aki Ishii

     

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

     

  • 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.

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Perform Live at FUELFEST JAPAN, America’s Largest Car Festival

    25.May.2023 | MUSIC / Uncategorized

    Last year, one of the largest car festivals in America was held in Japan for the first time. FUELFEST JAPAN was a massive success, bringing in an audience of over 33,000 people to Fuji Speedway and transforming the space into what felt like the world of Fast & Furious. The event is returning to Fuji Speedway on August 11, 2023, and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will be taking the stage for a live performance.

     

    The 2023 event will be on an even larger scale. Actor Cody Walker, the brother of the late Paul Walker, will be in attendance, along with over 2,000 show cars, including many used in the Fast & Furious films. Guests can also enjoy drifting and supercar ride-alongs, a 0-200m drag race, and many other car-centric events, as well as a merchandise and food area. It’ll be difficult to see everything in a single day!

     

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is slated to perform at the event. The artist, now hugely popular in the United States, performed at the world-renowned music festival Coachella in 2022, as well as the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles soon after.

     

    Whether you’re a fan of cars or just a fan of good music, FUELFEST JAPAN is sure to impress. This one-day event will be packed with content, so don’t miss this blend of Hollywood supercars and Kyary’s kawaii performance!

  • [Live Report] Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Slays the Stage at Packed Anime Central Show in Chicago

    25.May.2023 | FEATURES / MUSIC

    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.

     

     

    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

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Release ‘CANDY CANDY (Moe Shop Remix), Artist to Perform Solo Concert at Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall in July

    28.April.2023 | MUSIC

    A Moe Shop Remix of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s legendary song CANDY CANDY, originally released in 2012, will appear on streaming services on April 21.

     

    Moe Shop is a DJ and trackmaker whose one-of-a-kind sound is influenced by French electronica and Japanese pop music. Having amassed a global following, the creator claims to be greatly influenced by Yasutaka Nakata, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s producer.

     

    CANDY CANDY (Moe Shop Remix) is the second remix to be released by the Harajuku star. In 2020, Ninja Re Bang Bang (Steve Aoki Remix) was released to massive fanfare. The new pop tune has a completely different vibe than the original, and fans won’t want to miss it.

     

    Recently, it was announced that Moe Shop would be performing as the opening act for the three U.S. dates of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s POPPP world tour starting in May. The two artists will also be collaborating on a special YouTube Live, allowing fans from around the world to participate in the festivities. The jacket illustration for the single, created by illustrator Natsumi Yoshida, has also been unveiled.

     

    After the world tour concludes, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will hold a special solo concert on July 15 at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall. ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Special Live 2023 ~Midnight Sun~’ will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the venue.

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Performs Theme Song for RPG Dark Tales ~Mirror and Mad Princess~

    18.April.2023 | ANIME&GAME

    The smartphone game Dark Tales ~Mirror and Mad Princess~ was officially released on April 11, and the popular singer and talent Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed the theme song for the title.

     

    The dark RPG tells a tale of the loss of childlike innocence and was pre-downloaded over 1 million times. The theme song, Magical Mirror, was written and composed by Yasutaka Nakata.

     

    Fans of the genre won’t want to miss out on this mysterious mobile title!

  • 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

     

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Appear as a Regular on NHK Educational TV’s ‘Let’s Play English Meets the World’

    15.March.2023 | BUSINESS

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will appear as the Novice Wizard Kyary on NHK Educational TV’s Let’s Play English Meets the World. The series will premiere on April 4, 2023.

     

    Yasutaka Nakata will produce the show’s opening theme and a selection of music used throughout.

     

    <Comment from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu>

    “I’m so thrilled to be appearing on a show I’ve watched since I was a kid!
    Even though I often perform overseas, I’m still a beginner in English. I hope I can learn together with everyone through this series!

     

    Also, Yasutaka Nakata is providing the opening song and quite a few tracks throughout the show.

     

    Some of the tracks you’ll hear are very different than the standard Kyary songs, so I hope you’ll enjoy them and sing along!”

  • 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.

     

  • Report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Tasty Time in Gastropolis Kobe – Sweets Edition

    03.December.2022 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!

    The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.

     

    Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer’s favorite spots around town.

    Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area.

     

    The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe.

     

    TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco Sabo

    Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)

    Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) 

    Closed Mondays

    Official Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo

    The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either!

     

    Kobe MILK

    Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

    Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30

    Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com

    For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age.

    Kitano Ijin-kan Moore House

    Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

    Hours: 11:00-17:00

    Closed Tuesdays

    Official Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/

     

    The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did?

     

    Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI

RANKING

  • DAILY
  • MONTHLY

FOLLOW US