Starting in October 2022, artist MANON released new music for four consecutive months. Continuing her exploration of the HyperPop genre, her new track L.M.S.N feat. Kyunchi is now streaming.

 

MANON is known for releasing music with up-and-coming artists, and for this new track, she’s collaborated with NY-based HyperPop artist Kyunchi. L.M.S.N was composed by trackmaker Kiraku, who also worked on MANON’s previous release. The song is a Gal anthem, packed with Kiraku’s signature sound and ‘Gal Rap’ performed by MANON and Kyunchi.

Kyunchi

MANON

<Comment from MANON>

“I’ve wanted to collab with Kyunchi for so long, and it’s finally happened.

 

When I go to parties, I have a habit of being loud and not holding back, so people tend to shoot me these judgmental looks. But I don’t care! I always think “LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!!” This song is just that–it’s us doing what we want to do at the moment. ⭐️That’s the vibe.

 

I feel like gals from the 2010s are all about YOLO–they give off this super strong vibe. That’s what I was trying to channel in this track, but then Kyunchi’s bad bitch rap made it so much more intense. The jacket was also inspired by blinged-out images from the 2010s and was made by Kiraku’s friend onumi!

 

When you hear this song, be sure to MAKE SOME NOISE!!”

 

On May 19, the drama series Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games will begin airing on NTT Docomo’s Lemino streaming service. SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO, a new song from ATARASHII GAKKO!, will serve as the theme song.

 

Inspired by Eri Ejima’s manga series of the same name, the over-the-top comedy series follows female students at an elite finishing school as they fall in love with fighting games–the furthest thing from a dignified hobby. The fast-paced song SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO was written and composed by Kenta Matsukuma and has a catchy melody and passionate lyrics that perfectly fit the energy of the series.

 

<Comment from ATARASHII GAKKO!>

“SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO, a song from our new EP ICHIJIKIKOKU, has been chosen as the theme song for Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games! We’re so incredibly honored! The enthusiasm that the characters feel for video games is channeled through this feel-good track, and the choreography has provided us with a brand-new challenge! The excitement is exploding!”

 

■STORY
Aya Mitsuki (Mizuki Kayashima) is a commoner and a new student at Kuromi Girls’ Academy, a refined and elegant school that expects the best from its young ladies. She aims to become as perfect as her fellow student and idol Shirayuri (Ririka Tanabe). One day, Aya catches her passionately engaged in a fighting game in an empty classroom. Sworn to secrecy about her idol’s secret pastime, Aya is actually a gamer herself. As the two begin competing against each other in no-holds-barred virtual combat, they start to become closer!

In March, the Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala released its first single, barla. On April 26, a remixed version of the track featuring BBY NABE was released on streaming services.

 

The song barla, produced by Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso) and written by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella), first dropped on March 8. The song has been well-received for its stylish music video highlighting the unique backgrounds and interests of each member. The remix features BBY NABE, a bilingual rapper who is the same age as the members. His song PINK SWEET was a viral hit, and the artist is known for producing music across several different genres. barla (feat. BBY NABE) is an anthem for the current generation featuring the rapper’s catchy flow over a dance tune that brings back the house sound of the late 90s.

Atarashii Gakko! concluded the first performance of their current solo concert tour in Tokyo and Osaka with some major news. At Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30, the girls announced that they would be kicking off their first arena tour on October 29.

 

The Osaka stop on the current tour, titled We’re in Japan but this is Only Temporary Tour 2023, will be broadcast on TV Asahi CS Channel 1 on June 25 and will include an exclusive interview.

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.

Atarashii Gakko! took to the stage on THE FIRST TAKE for the first time. The members performed their hit song Otonablue, which has become a major hit on social media for its unique choreography during the chorus.

 

Since its release, Otonablue has continued to be a hot topic, with the live performance video racking up over 8 million views on YouTube and related TikTok videos pulling in over 400 million views.

 

Atarashii Gakko! will release a new EP titled Ichijikikoku (Temporary Return to Japan) on April 12, 2023.

 

The 7-track EP will include the popular hit Otonablue. The live version of the song has attracted over 8 million views on YouTube and over 400 million plays on TikTok. Ichijikikoku will also include Janaindayo, the theme song for the film Baby Assassins 2, and Suki Lie, the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama series Nani ka Okashii 2. Additionally, the song Seishun wo Kirisaku Hadou was produced by Kenta Matsukuma, who has worked alongside BiSH and other popular music acts. The songs Odoru Honnou 001 and Otome no Bigaku were produced by H ZETT M, who also produced the group’s first and second albums.

 

The EP is now available to preorder on iTunes. As a preorder bonus, fans will receive a video of Atarashii Gakko! performing Otona Blueduring last year’s solo concert Unnamed but triumphant return solo concert ~Welcome to Snacktime Um-hum~.

 

On the EP’s release day, Atarashii Gakko! will hold a commemorative TikTok Live from Tokyo Tower starting at 20:00 (JST). The music video for Janaindayo will be released immediately following the broadcast at 21:00.

 

 

The title for the group’s 2023 solo concert tour in Tokyo and Osaka has also been revealed–We’re in Japan but this is Only Temporary Tour 2023. Tickets have already sold out for two performances, and an additional date has been added at Zepp Shinjuku on May 1. Tickets are now available via lottery.

 

Atarashii Gakko! continues to impress audiences around the world. With 10 million followers across social media and the highest TikTok follower count of any female artist in Japan*, the girls aren’t slowing down in 2023, performing at the Head In The Clouds music festival in New York City in May.

 

*According to TWIN PLANET

Rohto Pharmaceuticals has teamed up with the popular group Atarashii Gakko! to launch a new cross-brand youth support project for Gen Z titled MOTTO MOTTO MOTTO / Want More, Get More.

 

For the first step of the new project, an original collaboration video was released that incorporates both the things that young people want and Rohto products in the lyrics. Trackmaker SASUKE appears as the male student in the video, and the members of Atarashii Gakko! support young people saying what they want to say as they live happy everyday lives.

 

The project aims to convey a powerful message, and through the new song, both Rohto and the members of Atarashii Gakko! want to remind young people to reach for their dreams without hesitation while not being afraid to try new things. The song itself is catchy, so be sure to give it a listen!

 

 

<Interview with Atarashii Gakko!>

 

Group: Hello, everyone! We’re Atarashii Gakko!, and we stand for individuality, freedom, and chasing after what you want!

 

 

Q. Tell us about something greedy you did when you were a student.

 

SUZUKA: I confessed to everyone I fell in love with in middle school.

 

Group: What–! That’s insane! How did you confess?

 

SUZUKA: I wrote letters, I sent LINE messages…but not all of those were received well. (Laugh) But when I like someone, I can’t help but want to tell them! My sister told me that it was too outspoken like that, men would run away from me, but is that true? (Laugh)

 

RIN: I was super greedy when it came to school lunch!

 

Group: CUTE!

 

RIN: Anyway, I looked so forward to lunch every day, I just wouldn’t want it to end.

 

KANON: You’re still like that now! (The members laugh)

 

RIN: It was like, since we were having certain foods on certain days, I wanted seconds of everything while I could get them. I’d eat what I could get myself, and then if someone didn’t want theirs, they’d give it to me and I’d eat all of it.

 

 

Q. What’s something you’ve started doing lately?

 

KANON: I keep a record of what I spend each day. I couldn’t keep up with it when I wrote it by hand, so I use an app on my phone. Even if I spend a tiny amount at the convenience store, I track it. That way, I see if I stuck to my budget or if I was too greedy.

 

SUZUKA: I couldn’t do that! I just keep track of what I spend internally. It’s like having an internal metronome.

 

KANON: An internal metronome? I’ve never heard of this. (Laugh)

 

MIZYU: I’ve just started trying to breakdance! I’ve started watching YouTube videos lately and I’ve had friends tell me about it, so I thought I’d ask if they’d join me in the studio.

 

SUZUKA: Well, those dance moves will start popping up in our choreo. Maybe we pause for a breakdance performance, you can have the spotlight for five minutes. (Laugh)

 

Group: That’s so long! (Laugh)

 

 

Q. What Rohto products have you used?

 

Group: A ton!

 

MIZYU: Their face wash and eye drops!

 

RIN: I use their Mentholatum Repair One Lip Balm.

 

SUZUKA: I use their Gokujun All-in-One.

 

Group: We use a ton of their products, and we’re so thankful.

 

SUZUKA: I use the Gokujun gel every day.

 

RIN: I was browsing the website and I realized “oh, that’s what my mom would buy when my skin was itchy!” I didn’t realize how many Rohto products I’ve used!

 

SUZUKA: That’s why when we were approached for the collab, I was so excited. I didn’t realize how many products Rohto made; I use so many of them in my daily life. I’m super thankful.

 

MIZYU: You were a huge Rohto supporter without even realizing it.

 

KANON: I feel like they’ve really taken care of me for a while.

 

 

Q. What were your impressions after the shoot?

 

SUZUKA: We were in the same pose for about an hour and a half. (Laugh) They were shooting from above, so everyone was trying to balance and we constantly felt like we were going to lose our footing.

 

RIN: But the result was an incredibly awesome and very greedy photo.

 

SUZUKA: You were too greedy with what you had on the desk!

 

MIZYU: SUZUKA had a rice ball that was bigger than her face. (Laugh)

 

SUZUKA: I used enough for three rice balls and it was way too heavy. I had to hold it for an hour and a half so my arm is sore now. (Laugh) I’m getting rice ball vibrations.

 

 

Q. Give a message to the viewers.

 

MIZYU: If there’s something you want, go and get it now!

 

RIN: Before you lose sight of what you want, push forward with all your might and rush after it!

 

SUZUKA: Forgive yourself for being a little greedy sometimes!

 

KANON: It’s okay to be greedy!

 

Group: Want More, Get More! MOTTO MOTTO MOTTO! This has been Atarashii Gakko! Bow! School’s over!

The globally popular four-member dance and vocal group Atarashii Gakko! has released the music video for their song Otonablue, originally released in 2020.

 

The live performance video of Otonablue currently has over six million views on YouTube, with related TikTok videos pulling in 400 million views to date. The song’s choreography–particularly during the chorus–became a big hit on TikTok after a television performance last year, inspiring a music video to be created.

In the video, the members perform the retro-inspired number in nostalgic and gimmicky locations that pay homage to the Showa era. The video is a must-see for fans both young and old.

 

In addition, tickets for the group’s live performance in Tokyo and Osaka, tentatively titled We’re working on some amazing new songs and we’re dying for everyone to see our newest evolution at Tokyo and Osaka ZEPP, have almost sold out. An additional performance will be held at Zepp Shinjuku on May 1.

Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.

 

HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.

 

The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!

 

 

Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747

The four-member dance and vocal group Atarashii Gakko! continues to cause a buzz. The group’s song Otona Blue has racked up 400 million plays on TikTok, and the new song Janaindayo is scheduled to release on March 22! The track is being used as the theme song for the upcoming film Baby Assassins 2.

 

The song was written and composed by jon-YAKITORY, a Vocaloid producer who had a viral hit with Shikabanese (feat. Ado). The chorus features the catchy phrase “nothing’s a given,” and the fast-paced rock track is sure to be another hit. The artwork was designed by BEY, an illustrator who creates works based on the theme ‘Wamerican,’ blending traditional Japanese art styles like ukiyo-e with American pop culture.

 

The original Baby Assassins film was released on July 30, 2021 and ranked at the top spot in Filmarks’ first-day satisfaction ranking and won the Japan Movie Critics Award for Best New Director (Yugo Sakamoto) and Best New Actress (Saori Izawa). Expectations are high for this long-awaited sequel! The full song will be unveiled on FM802’s THE NAKAJIMA HIROTO SHOW 802 RADIO MASTERS on March 2.

 

<Comment from Atarashii Gakko!>
“This is our first time working with jon-YAKITORY and the song turned out to be packed with energy! During recording, we made sure to sing with as much excitement as we could–it was easy, given how straightforward the message was. We were so impressed by the battle scenes in Baby Assassins 2, we challenged ourselves to incorporate more realistic action into the choreography! The song expresses the strength that can come from recognizing your own weaknesses. We hope you enjoy listening and watching us perform it!”

 

<Comment from jon-YAKITORY>
“Because this track is being used as the theme song for Baby Assassins 2, I kept in mind the sense of speed and coolness that both the film and Atarashii Gakko! have in common.
I hope you’ll enjoy watching the character’s daily life in the movie as you listen to this youthful and exciting track.
In the past few years, the world has become a place where things that used to be a given are no longer a given, and I believe that this has really been perfectly expressed by the members of Atarashii Gakko! Be sure to listen!”

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!

 

The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma’s favorite pudding.

 

Menu

Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger

コリラックマのクリームパスタ

Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta

Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger

Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry　

Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake

Congratulatory Flower Parfait

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats　

Honey Forest Jelly Soda

Relaxing Pudding Drink

Take-Out Drink Bottle

 

Original Merch

Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)

Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)

Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag

Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster

Stuffed Animal

 

 

In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma’s 20th anniversary.

Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!

 

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