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Electropop diva Kyary Pamyu Pamyu voyages on “WORLD TOUR 2023 -POPPP-“, making seven colossal appearances across North America and Europe! JROCK NEWS caught up with the “Pink Princess” during her stop at The Novo Theater in downtown LA, where she shared some thoughts on her touring ambitions, musical vision, and meteoric rise from a Harajuku fashionista to a global icon.
Check out the responses from Kyary’s poppy, funky, and downright kawaii brain below, and let us know what you think!
We’re glad to see you back in California after less than a year! Are there new themes or elements for the LA concert that you’ve prepared for your American fans this time?
This time, the theme is straight up “POP”! Since my musical debut, many people have told me that I’m “so poppy”! However, I rarely had the chance to incorporate pop as the subject matter into my concerts. I figured it was about time to officially turn this into the theme of my tour!
Also, I recently entered my 30s, which I personally dub “Level 3”. Since the number 3 is one element of this tour, the letter “P” appears three times at the end of the word “POPPP”!
Lastly, to vibrantly convey the sense of pop, I wanted my shows to make full use of the color pink, which I’ve always loved.
Kyary stands head to toe in pink for this year’s world tour “-POPPP-“Nori (JROCK NEWS)
It’s been five LONG years since you were able to complete a world tour. Is there a city that you’re especially looking forward to? Will you have time for sightseeing?
I looked forward to visiting every city!
While on tour, I enjoy hopping from store to store on the hunt for vintage clothing. So far, I got to check out many shops in New York and LA!
What are some differences between your Japan and overseas concerts? Can you tell us about how the audience interacts with you in different countries?
In Japan, some events still prohibit cheering from the crowd due to COVID-19 era restrictions, so I’m deeply moved when the audience overseas greets me and sings along with their huge voices!
I’ve also realized that fans in each country have their unique way of expressing their excitement as the music heats up. Come to think of it, there may even be differences depending on whether I appear for a headlining show, a music fest, or an anime convention!
Kyary owns the stage with dancers ANRI, SORa-N, amane, and Hiyori (left to right)Nori (JROCK NEWS)
Everyone wants to know what’s in Kyary’s carry-on! What are some must-have items you bring with you when you travel the world (aside from your smartphone)?
Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) and miso soup!
It’s not possible to put on an international tour all the time, so when I commit to one and tell myself, “Let’s do this!” the travels become quite lengthy. I start to miss Japan after being away for many days, and nibbling on the plums and sipping some miso soup offer me a brief moment of respite!
Last year’s Coachella was a huge milestone. As one of few Japanese musicians ever to be invited to this festival, what did you want to show to Americans who got to see you for the first time?
I truly felt honored to be included in the Coachella lineup. Beyond Japanese acts, artists from across the globe aspire to take the stage there. I put in a lot of prep work to make sure I would put on a show that I could be proud of.
As you may know, all my music since my debut has been produced by Yasutaka Nakata, who’s offered his unmistakably catchy sound to listeners everywhere. I wanted to deliver a performance that encapsulated this sense of pop, my live-staple kawaii tastes, and offbeat worldview for anyone to enjoy!
We loved the beats in Moe Shop’s remix of CANDY CANDY! Are there other artists whom you’d like to collaborate with?
There isn’t really one person that I’ve had in mind. On the other hand, if there are people out there who are excited to share their thoughts on a collaboration with me, I’d love to know!
From this recent collaboration with Moe-chan (Moe Shop) and the one with Steve Aoki, I’m so happy to have reached a new audience who became my fans. Moving forward, I think I’d be up to the task with all kinds of ideas!
The packed crowd at LA’s The Novo Theater falls in love with opener Moe ShopNori (JROCK NEWS)
On that note, what is your favorite candy?
Hmm, what would it be…?
Can you tell us how you felt transitioning from a Harajuku model to an international superstar? How might your tastes in both fashion and music evolve in the future?
One day while out on a stroll through Harajuku, I caught the eye of a street photographer for a fashion magazine. In the beginning, a few people got to know who I was through my appearances in the magazine.
From there, I joined my current management team and met producer Yasutaka Nakata. My fame just took off from that point on. It all happened quickly I couldn’t even wrap my head around everything I was going through!
I feel very fortunate to be recognized by many people around the world now. I still can’t believe how far we’ve come, even to this day!
In terms of both fashion and music, I am less about mapping out my convictions for the future and more about creating what I feel like expressing right then and there. I hope to continue evolving via this approach of living in the moment.
It’s exciting to see more tourists make their way to Japan after COVID-19. As a fashion ambassador, what are some destinations that you recommend for visitors who seek inspiration?
I really recommend Harajuku! There’s a culture of individuality like no other, and it becomes this gathering place for eclectic fashion sensibilities!
Kyary marches on from Harajuku to the world!Nori (JROCK NEWS)
What is your favorite street fashion brand?
I try not to limit myself to following a set list of brands. If I had to pick a “favorite”, I like vintage clothing stores that sell one-of-a-kind pieces. There are tons of shops with a great selection in Harajuku!
You’re often described as kawaii, or an icon for kawaii culture. What does the word “kawaii” mean to you?
“Kawaii” is a unique form of self-expression that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or gender!
I also believe that it’s gradually becoming a universal language as the world grows to share this sentiment!
Join Kyary and her “kawaii” movement to unite everyone!Nori (JROCK NEWS)
Thank you for your time today! Lastly, any words for our JROCK NEWS readers?
It’s me, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Thank you everyone for all your support! Nothing would make me happier than broadening the world of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu beyond Japan and to the rest of the planet. I’ll continue to put on as many concerts overseas as I can, so please come join me!
 It’s been five LONG years since you were able to complete a world tour. Is there a city that you’re especially looking forward to? Will you have time for sightseeing? I looked forward to visiting every city! While on tour, I enjoy hopping from store to store on the hunt for vintage clothing. So far, I got to check out many shops in New York and LA! What are some differences between your Japan and overseas concerts? Can you tell us about how the audience interacts with you in different countries? In Japan, some events still prohibit cheering from the crowd due to COVID-19 era restrictions, so I’m deeply moved when the audience overseas greets me and sings along with their huge voices! I’ve also realized that fans in each country have their unique way of expressing their excitement as the music heats up. Come to think of it, there may even be differences depending on whether I appear for a headlining show, a music fest, or an anime convention! Kyary owns the stage with dancers ANRI, SORa-N, amane, and Hiyori (left to right)Nori (JROCK NEWS) Everyone wants to know what’s in Kyary’s carry-on! What are some must-have items you bring with you when you travel the world (aside from your smartphone)? Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) and miso soup! It’s not possible to put on an international tour all the time, so when I commit to one and tell myself, “Let’s do this!” the travels become quite lengthy. I start to miss Japan after being away for many days, and nibbling on the plums and sipping some miso soup offer me a brief moment of respite! Last year’s Coachella was a huge milestone. As one of few Japanese musicians ever to be invited to this festival, what did you want to show to Americans who got to see you for the first time? I truly felt honored to be included in the Coachella lineup. Beyond Japanese acts, artists from across the globe aspire to take the stage there. I put in a lot of prep work to make sure I would put on a show that I could be proud of. As you may know, all my music since my debut has been produced by Yasutaka Nakata, who’s offered his unmistakably catchy sound to listeners everywhere. I wanted to deliver a performance that encapsulated this sense of pop, my live-staple kawaii tastes, and offbeat worldview for anyone to enjoy! We loved the beats in Moe Shop’s remix of CANDY CANDY! Are there other artists whom you’d like to collaborate with? There isn’t really one person that I’ve had in mind. On the other hand, if there are people out there who are excited to share their thoughts on a collaboration with me, I’d love to know! From this recent collaboration with Moe-chan (Moe Shop) and the one with Steve Aoki, I’m so happy to have reached a new audience who became my fans. Moving forward, I think I’d be up to the task with all kinds of ideas! The packed crowd at LA’s The Novo Theater falls in love with opener Moe ShopNori (JROCK NEWS) On that note, what is your favorite candy? Hmm, what would it be…? Can you tell us how you felt transitioning from a Harajuku model to an international superstar? How might your tastes in both fashion and music evolve in the future? One day while out on a stroll through Harajuku, I caught the eye of a street photographer for a fashion magazine. In the beginning, a few people got to know who I was through my appearances in the magazine. From there, I joined my current management team and met producer Yasutaka Nakata. My fame just took off from that point on. It all happened quickly I couldn’t even wrap my head around everything I was going through! I feel very fortunate to be recognized by many people around the world now. I still can’t believe how far we’ve come, even to this day! In terms of both fashion and music, I am less about mapping out my convictions for the future and more about creating what I feel like expressing right then and there. I hope to continue evolving via this approach of living in the moment. It’s exciting to see more tourists make their way to Japan after COVID-19. As a fashion ambassador, what are some destinations that you recommend for visitors who seek inspiration? I really recommend Harajuku! There’s a culture of individuality like no other, and it becomes this gathering place for eclectic fashion sensibilities! Kyary marches on from Harajuku to the world!Nori (JROCK NEWS) What is your favorite street fashion brand? I try not to limit myself to following a set list of brands. If I had to pick a “favorite”, I like vintage clothing stores that sell one-of-a-kind pieces. There are tons of shops with a great selection in Harajuku! You’re often described as kawaii, or an icon for kawaii culture. What does the word “kawaii” mean to you? “Kawaii” is a unique form of self-expression that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or gender! I also believe that it’s gradually becoming a universal language as the world grows to share this sentiment! Join Kyary and her “kawaii” movement to unite everyone!Nori (JROCK NEWS) Thank you for your time today! Lastly, any words for our JROCK NEWS readers? It’s me, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Thank you everyone for all your support! Nothing would make me happier than broadening the world of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu beyond Japan and to the rest of the planet. I’ll continue to put on as many concerts overseas as I can, so please come join me!
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