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

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.

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.

On June 4, FRUITS ZIPPER held FRUITS ZIPPER LIVE Vol. 1 and FRUITS ZIPPER Vol. 2 at Hulic Hall Tokyo. The group recently celebrated its first anniversary. The concerts were planned and held in Japan on extremely short notice, as the girls were initially meant to perform at A-kon in Dallas, Texas on June 2 and 3. Sadly, their appearance had to be canceled, but after so many rehearsals and so much preparation, the group still wanted to put on a show for its dedicated fanbase. Hopefully, this live report can give American fans a glimpse into the incredible show!

With the event being announced on June 1, only three days before FRUITS ZIPPER took the stage in Tokyo, it was uncertain how many fans would show up. Shockingly, the hall was completely full for FRUITS ZIPPER Live Vol. 1 and FRUITS ZIPPER Live Vol. 2, and the audience immediately began cheering as the members appeared on stage. The venue went dark, and mysterious sound effects began to play, setting the scene for an incredible show.

The girls began with three fan favorites: Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete, Kanpeki Shugide☆, and Happpy Chocolate. Immediately, the hall was thrown into a frenzy, and the energy was contagious.

“Welcome to Hulic Hall! We’re FRUITS ZIPPER!”

Soon after, the girls prepared to introduce themselves in English. First, Suzuka Chinzei addressed the crowd. “I’m so glad that so many people are here even with such little notice–thank you so much! We’d like to perform in Yurakucho today as if we were in America. Is that okay?” The audience immediately responded, shouting “Yeah!”

One by one, each member shared a bit about themselves in English.

Yui Sakurai: “Nice to meet you♡ I’ll make everyone fall in love with me in just 5 seconds♡”

Amane Tsukiashi: “How are you? I’m happy to meet you!”

Suzuka Chinzei: “I brought a quick joke as a gift from Japan today! Look at me…♪Like this~♪Lunchbox~…Don’t exist!!! I hope you had a good laugh. Thank you for the big laughs!”

Karen Matsumoto: “I will do my best! Please continue to support me!”

Luna Nakagawa: “It has been my dream to perform in America, so it’s a dream come true! Thank you!”

Noel Hayase: “I wanna say thank you all your guys for coming today. Even though we announced this live concert 3 days ago and there are so many people here in front of us…I’m so happy. Let’s enjoy our day together, thank you!”

Mana Manaka: “I’m sorry that we couldn’t go to America this time but I will do my best to improve my performance and meet you all soon! Thank you for your support!”

Among the members, Noel Hayase is trilingual, fluent in Japanese, English, and German. Speaking to the audience, she got a big reaction with her impressive pronunciation. “Here we go on the next song, okay?” Next, the group performed Roller Coaster Heart, Re→TRY ＆ FLY, and Furefuru Summer!

During Furefuru Summer!, Luna Nakagawa called out to the members and audience alike. “Do you have this towel? Are you ready?” The venue was filled with fans waving their towels around to the beat of the seasonal classic.

“The next song is going to be harder…are you guys ready,” Noel called out. “More more scream,” Luna added, and soon, Going! began to play. During the group’s most famous track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, Yui Sakurai called out in English with a request for the audience–”Let’s KAWAII dance~♡”

To conclude, FRUITS ZIPPER performed the NEW KAWAII-infused track RADIO GALAXY, followed by their latest song Chou Medetai Song ~Konnanni Shiawasede Iinokana?~. Applause rang out as the final notes sounded, with many fans in the audience congratulating the group on a successful show.

As is tradition, a commemorative photo was taken with the audience at the end of the show–this time, with some American flair.

“We are going to take a picture, and it’s going to be used on our official Twitter, so if you don’t want to be in a picture please hide your face. Hide, your, face, please,” Luna said, with the last bit in over-the-top broken Japanese. The members made their classic poses with adorable expressions on their faces.

After the photo shoot, Mana Manaka shared her gratitude with the fans in the audience. “Thank you so much to everyone who came to this concert, despite the short notice. We were really encouraged by everyone planning on going to the U.S. with us and everyone who supported our trip abroad on social media. FRUITS ZIPPER will continue to expand its activities around the world, so don’t be discouraged by this setback! Please continue to support us! Thank you for coming today!” The members smiled and said “See you!” as they left the stage.

FRUITS ZIPPER LIVE Vol. 1 and FRUITS ZIPPER Vol. 2 were held on very short notice after the group’s upcoming U.S. appearance was canceled. Despite this, the audience’s unwavering and sincere support for the girls was palpable throughout the venue. The fans raised their hands and shouted along with the group, and the performance was filled with nothing but warmth and happiness.

There’s no doubt that the girls will continue their global expansion. We’re looking forward to FRUITS ZIPPER’s performance in the U.S. sometime in the future, and as they continue to impress audiences around the world, there’s no doubt that the group will soon touch every corner of the globe.

Photo: yoshimoriyuna

Heading towards the concert venue inside the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, it was no surprise to see the line for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s show snaking through the halls to wrap around the building. Anime Central–the largest anime and manga convention in the midwest United States–played host to the concert, and fittingly, plenty of fans were clad in over-the-top cosplay, while many others proudly wore past Kyary concert tees, touting their steadfast devotion to Japan’s most kawaii pop princess.

This would be the third stop on Kyary’s first world tour in five years, following successful shows in New York and Los Angeles.

Since her debut over a decade ago, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has steadily amassed a global following, bringing new fans into the fold with every catchy tune and feast for the eyes she releases. Her name conjures thoughts of oversized bows and danceable earworms, and just last year, the artist performed for a hyped crowd at Coachella, a music festival that needs no introduction.

In October 2022, Kyary wrapped up her lengthy 10th Anniversary Tour around Japan, performing the majority of her 105 songs at the legendary Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. During this tour, the artist made global headlines by announcing the Local Japan Project, a way to revitalize towns and cities around Japan suffering from the pandemic’s aftermath through collaborative releases with small businesses. From limited-edition foods to special pink KPP-inspired train cars, the impact was palpable–if not by sheer funds, by contagious cheeriness.

Named Japan’s Kawaii Harajuku Ambassador by the Mayor of Shibuya, Kyary dabbles in a little of everything, from fashion and dance to cultural endeavors. Her natural ease in front of a crowd has a way of pulling in an audience–and Chicago was no exception. She came prepared to share the deeper meaning of kawaii while challenging stereotypes, accepting individuality, and sharing thoughts of a more open and artistic future.

Prior to the start of the show, French DJ and trackmaker Moe Shop warmed up the crowd with an intense set that had the room shaking with a combination of bass and mass jumping. Although seating was provided for audience members, it was impossible to stay standing as the set began, featuring some of the electro-artist’s biggest hits from Baby Pink to GHOST FOOD (feat. TOREINA). As the first few seconds of CANDY CANDY (Moe Shop Remix) began, the room seemed to burst open, with more and more pink glowsticks beginning to illuminate the crowd.

Packed with kawaii devotees from wall to wall, brief quiet fell as stagehands rushed to decorate the set with POPPP icons, cueing some guests in the front to begin chanting Kyary’s name. As the venue lights dimmed, a brief film briefly introduced Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s history as if she was a character in a storybook, a hero desperate to illuminate the darkness in the world with all things pink and cute.

With her trusty dancers in tow, she finally took the stage as De.Ba.Ya.Shi. 2021, the techno-heavy first track on Kyary’s newest album Candy Racer, set the stage for a night of addictive tunes and carefree fun.

A highlight of the concert’s first half was Dodonpa, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy. The experimental track’s erratic energy, heavy house influence, and gibberish lyrics invite anyone to sing along, regardless of mother tongue, making it an immediate fan-favorite with international Kyary fans.

Upon its release as the fifth single from Candy Racer, Kyary encouraged anyone interested to use the song in their online videos, also opening an official contest encouraging creators to send their best interpretation. The artist navigated through the tricky lyrics with relative ease as the audience egged her on, jumping along with the chorus’s hypnotic beat.

As the song concluded, fans screamed and cheered as Kyary finally began her brief English MC clad in a completely pink princess dress, complete with crown. Asking the audience their favorite color, the correct answer was obvious, and the artist nodded enthusiastically. “This is a pink show,” she stressed.

Leaping into Ninja Re Bang Bang, the artist and dancers performed the legendary choreography with ease as diehard fans imitated the shinobi hand gestures in time with the track.

In 2011, Kyary leaped from the local scene in Harajuku to the outside world with the release of PONPONPON. The bizarre and colorful music video immediately made the rounds on YouTube, and despite being relatively unknown at the time, the artist instantly had a viral hit on her hands. During the Chicago show, a remixed intro of the song, originally produced by Yasutaka Nakata, struck fans with the promise of lethal nostalgia. As the track began in earnest, Kyary bid the fans to dance along–it seemed that the request wasn’t necessary, as the audience was already in full swing.

KYARY ANAN pic.twitter.com/aw77siGxOL

— きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ (@pamyurin) May 20, 2023

Cherry Bonbon and Kyary ANAN followed, the latter of which saw fans chanting the singer’s name along with the lyrics. Though some present at the concert were likely unfamiliar with the music filling the hall, the energy was unrivaled, and it was nearly impossible to escape the waves of exhilaration and feverish fondness that penetrated the air.

If you weren’t a Kyary Pamyu Pamyu fan when you walked in, you certainly were when you walked out, whether her sound was your typical poison or not.

Invader Invader and Fashion Monster, tracks used in popular GU ads in Japan during the early 2010s, have similar staying power in the U.S., and are both credited as some of Kyary’s most popular songs. Prior to the start of Fashion Monster, a brief interlude began, in which the video monitors broadcast an impressive collection of snapshots of Kyary’s fashion over the past decade. A costume change was imminent, and when the artist returned to the stage, she donned a pink mask and pink ruffled dress, both seen during her Budokan performance late last year. Holding her mic beneath the mask seemed like an annoyance, but Kyary seemed to thrive off of the challenge, not missing a beat.

In its entirety, the setlist included nearly 20 tracks, easily checking off a bucket list item for hundreds of fans in the audience. Entry to the concert was included with a pass to the popular convention, though seating wasn’t guaranteed, causing dedicated fans to line up for hours prior to the show’s 6:30 start time.

But there were no complaints to be heard–instead, there was immense gratitude towards Kyary, her management company, and Anime Central for bringing the singer to Chicago.

Considering Kyary’s upward trajectory to date, it’s impossible to imagine a future in which the singer doesn’t continue catapulting towards the zenith of bubble pop legends in a global sense. The singer will now travel to Europe for the remainder of her world tour, and reports from there are sure to reflect the same general sentiment. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is here to stay, and kawaii culture is sure to continue its spread.

Written by Carley Garcia

On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.

Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group’s debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.

In the year since their debut, FRUITS ZIPPER has skyrocketed in popularity, performing live at several idol festivals and some of Japan’s largest fashion events, and successfully touring Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Their show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA garnered incredible attention.

For the first anniversary concert, the stage was transformed by a special set and the member appeared in new never-before-seen costumes. They performed a total of 17 songs, and each member expressed their gratitude to their fans during the MC segments.

During the performance, it was announced that the group would perform at the Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival on June 26. The venue, which has seen countless performances over its long history, will be demolished and replaced to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Fans are excited to see their favorite artists perform on this legendary stage, and many are curious to see how it will be transformed in the future.

FRUITS ZIPPER has also released the song Cho Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? ~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~) on all major streaming services. The track was co-written by Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the group’s hit song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, currently with over 700 million views on TikTok, and Gento Miyano, who has written songs for numerous popular artists. The super-happy pop tune has a sound reminiscent of idol tracks from the 2000s and has been a smash hit at live shows, stirring the fans into a frenzy.