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

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

Teaser Video

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

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

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

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

Limited First Edition

Standard Edition

Seven-member Variations

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

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

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

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

■Comment from Sebastian Masuda

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

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

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

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

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

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

KAWAII LAB. Artists

IDOLATER

FRUITS ZIPPER

CANDY TUNE

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

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

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

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

Yukino Fushiki

Ayu Okuda

Kurumi Tsukishiro

Ririka Satsuki

Fuka Oishi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

宝物

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ーーDo you have a favorite lyric?

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

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

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

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

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

Dance with Noel Hayase (FRUITS ZIPPER)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harajuku-based artist Kyary Pamyu Pamyu charmed overseas fans during her first world tour in five years. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu WORLD TOUR 2023 -POPPP- took the artist to seven cities in four countries around the world.

In May, Kyary began the U.S. leg of her tour, stopping in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago with French DJ/trackmaker Moe Shop as her opening act.

The artist performed in Paris and London in June, along with Barcelona and Madrid for Primavera Sound 2023, one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

NATHAN GEY – NATHAN GEY

NATHAN GEY – NATHAN GEY

The Cabaret Sauvage in Paris and the London Earth Hall in London were filled to the brim with local fans, eager to see Kyary Pamyu Pamyu live for the first time in years. The audience sang the popular track Cherry Bon Bon in unison, dancing along with the legendary choreography.

The London show featured Hannah Diamond as Kyary’s opening act. Signed to the UK label PC Music, Diamond is a leader in the HyperPop scene.

KPOP CONCERT – FANNY LE MONNIER

JAME WORLD – VANESSA LE PENNEC

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who continues to be active around the world, wowed the packed London venue with her expert dance moves and musicianship.

At Primavera Sound, a festival taking place over two weeks in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, a large crowd gathered in front of the stage, instantly captivated by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s unique style and Yasutaka Nakata’s addictive electro sound.

Clips of the world tour have been posted on Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Twitter and Instagram. Also, check out the Primavera Sound playlist on Spotify.

On July 15, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform a solo concert at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall, which will also mark her triumphant return to Japan following her successful world tour. The artist will also perform at several summer festivals. Audiences around the world are enthralled with the Kawaii performer, and it’s only a matter of time before she performs for global audiences yet again.

On May 31, the idol group IDOLATER released its 11th single, Aimai Silhouette.

Unlike the group’s more mature love songs released in the past, this new track is packed with cuteness and a fresh sound.

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