“Kawaii” Fashionista and Pop Star

Recognize her?

The eccentric style and big doll-like eyes... it’s no other than musician and Harajuku fashion leader, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu!

With her huge hit with the music video for PonPonPon in 2011, in which she incorprates the “kawaii” and “decora” culture, her (long and difficult to pronounce) name quickly became more and more known, especially overseas.

PonPonPon

Kyari, at the Japan Expo Paris in 2012.

What’s that? You know all about her and this is old news??

Okay okay. Well, I’m not done yet!

Bubblegum Pop Meets Electro-Dance-House

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to… Perfume!

From left to right: Nocchi, Kashiyuka and A~chan.

What is unique about Perfume is the mix of bubble-gum pop and badass electro-techno sound.

Their image is cute and clean enough to be considered “idols” (aidoru) *, while their music is able to attract hardcore techno fans.
*entertainment personalities, produced by established music companies, often marketed as someone to be admired.

Music video of “1mm”, released in 2013.

Their performances are spectacular. The catchy music, innovative choreography and futuristic stage design using the latest technology… it all comes together on stage.

The music for both Kyary and Perfume are produced by the super-talented artist, Yasutaka Nakata.

Nakata on the right, with Toshiko Koshijima. This unit called Capsule, is also produced by Nakata.

Idol-Pop Meets Metal

Speaking of cute idols breaking grounds, let us not forget Babymetal, an idol group that does… heavy metal?!

From left to right: Yuimetal, Su-metal and Moametal.

Between their cute looks and solid sound, they appeal to a wide range of people, even diehard metal fans!
But what could they possibly be singing about… oh, chocolate, of course!

The group was noticed by Lady Gaga, for whom they played as an opening act on the mega-star’s US tour!

This is just the tip of the iceberg of all that’s happening in the J-pop music scene. I hope you enjoyed this little intro!

Photos from
matome.naver
en.wikipedia
omp-s
prcm
news.live
babymetal