Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 20120707 Japan Expo 01.jpg
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu live at Japan Expo 2012
Background information
Birth name Kiriko Takemura
Born (1993-01-29) January 29, 1993 (age 20)
Nishitōkyō, Tokyo, Japan
Genres J-pop, electronic dance, electro house, rave, bubblegum pop, synthpop
Occupations Singer, model, blogger, businesswoman
Years active 2010–present
Labels unBORDE/Warner (Japan, 2011–present)
Sire/Warner Bros. Records (United States, 2013–present)
Website kyary.asobisystem.com

Kiriko Takemura (竹村 桐子 Takemura Kiriko?, born January 29, 1993), better known by her stage names Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ Kyarī Pamyu Pamyu?), Kyary (きゃりー Kyarī?) or her full stage-associated name Caroline Charonplop Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃろらいんちゃろんぷろっぷきゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ Kyarorain Charonpuroppu Kyarī Pamyu Pamyu?),[1] is a Japanese model, blogger and recording artist associated with the Harajuku district of Tokyo.[2] Though most of her success as a recording artist has been centralized in Asian countries, Pamyu has been dubbed the "J-Pop Princess" or "Harajuku Pop Princess" as recognition of her popularity and widespread influence spreading to western areas. Her public image is notably affiliated with Kawaisa and Decora culture.

Beginning as a fashion blogger and model, Pamyu decided to go forth in a music-oriented career. Pamyu's first debut single, "PonPonPon," was a viral hit worldwide, scoring over fifty million views on YouTube. Known as her signature song, it peaked on Japan's top ten, and had unexpectedly large success around the world. After this, Pamyu released less successful follow-up singles, including "Candy Candy" and "Fashion Monster," and eventually released her full-length studio album titled "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution" (2012). Pamyu continued to release singles like "Ninjya Re Bang Bang" and "Invader Invader," which received commercial attention.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is among the few Asian artists to have received widespread attention in the western markets. Pamyu has spoken in interviews around Europe, and has been photographed for magazines such as "Elle." In April 2013, Pamyu signed an American distribution deal with Sire Records to release her material in the United States.

Contents

Early life[edit]

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu was born on January 29, 1993 in Tokyo, Japan.

In an interview with MTV, she said; "When I was in high-school, I was often wearing a blonde wig, just for fashion. And one of my friends started to call me Kyary, just for fun, saying that I’m like a foreign girl. When I started my blog, I’d felt Kyary was a bit too short for a name, and missing something, so I thought of adding ‘Pamyu Pamyu’ ’cause it had a cute (kawaii) little tone – that’s why my name is 'Kyary Pamyu Pamyu'."[3] She stated that, growing up, her parents were dismissive of her fashion choices.

Career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Kyary started as a fashion blogger, and then began her professional career as a model for Harajuku fashion magazines such as Kera! and Zipper.[4] The name Kyary comes from a nickname her classmates would call her in school because she embraced Western appearance and culture. Kyary is an alternate spelling of Carrie. After achieving a measure of fame, she began to establish herself as a businesswoman by launching a line of fake eyelashes called "Harajuku Doll Eyelashes by Eyemazing x Kyary"[5] and appearing at fashion shows.[6]

2011: Musical beginnings and Moshi Moshi Harajuku[edit]

In April 2011, she headlined the charity event "One Snap for Love" with Japanese fashion editor and photographer Yasumasa Yonehara and Japanese brand 6%DokiDoki for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[7]

In July 2011, Kyary began her musical career by releasing her first promo single, "PonPonPon". At the time of its release, she cited Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry as inspirations.[8] The music video, a psychedelic tribute to kawaisa and Decora culture, was released to YouTube and became a viral hit, leading to it being reported on by MTV and The Huffington Post.[9][10] The single was produced by Yasutaka Nakata and is the first release from Kyary's debut mini-album, Moshi Moshi Harajuku, which was released August 17, 2011.[11] "PonPonPon" was released on July 20, 2011. On July 31, 2011, the song entered Billboard Japan's Hot 100 chart at 72.[12] American rapper G-Eazy sampled the song on his single "Lost in Translation".[13] "PonPonPon" topped the iTunes Electronic Songs Chart in Belgium and Finland.[14]

On August 3, 2011, her second promo single "Jelly" was internationally released via iTunes.[15] A week after the release of her debut mini-album, Kyary released an autobiography about her rise to fame titled, Oh! My God!! Harajuku Girl.[16][17]

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's first single, "Tsukema Tsukeru", was digitally released internationally on December 7, 2011 via iTunes. Kyary visited Culver City, California on December 9 to perform in a fashion show and play two of her songs. It was the singer's first time performing overseas and her first time performing "Tsukema Tsukeru".[18] "Tsukema Tsukeru" was released physically on January 11, 2012, which included a special edition photobook. It was eventually certified gold in April 2012.

2012: Pamyu Pamyu Revolution[edit]

In February and March 2012, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu represented Japan during Japanese performing arts exhibitions in Shanghai and Hong Kong. She performed on 24 February in Shanghai at the Shanghai Expo Mart.[19][20][21] On 27 March, Kyary performed for 700 fans in Hong Kong at the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre.[22]

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performing at the Japan Expo in 2012

Kyary released her second single, "Candy Candy", as a digital download on March 14, 2012. The single debuted at eighty-nine on the Billbaord Japan Hot 100, and later peaked at number two. The single was physically released on April 4, 2012, and sold 9,913 copies its first week, debuting at number eight on the Oricon weekly singles chart.[23]

Kyary's debut studio album, Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, was released in May 2012. Along with the announcement of her second single back in February, it was revealed that she was planning to hold her first nationwide tour in June of that year, as well as launching an official fan club.[24] The tour kicked off on June 2 at the Namba Hatch in Osaka. It continued in Hiroshima, Nagoya, Sendai, Sapporo, Fukuoka and finished in Tokyo on June 29. In July 2012, Kyary made her European debut by performing for 13,000 fans at the Japan Expo in Paris.[25]

Kyary was bestowed the title of "Kawaii Harajuku Ambassador" on 30 August 2012 by the Mayor of Shibuya.[26] Following a montage of her successes performed on a large screen, she performed several songs in front of a crowd after accepting the award.[27]

Then, in early September 2012, Kyary announced that she was collaborating with Japanese budget fashion brand g.u. for her new single, Fashion Monster. Fashion Monster was given a CD release date of 17 October 2012. Kyary was also used as the image character for g.u. after the announcement.[28] In late 2012, Kyary announced her first world tour. The world tour, titled 100% KPP WORLD TOUR 2013, began in February 2013 and lasted until April. The tour visited the United States, England, France, Belgium, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and Kyary's native Japan.[29]

2013: International attention and Nandacollection[edit]

In February 2013, Kyary released her first concert DVD/Blu-ray, Dokidoki wakuwaku Pamyu Pamyu Revolution Land in Kira Kira Budokan, which was recorded live in November 2012 at the Nippon Budokan.[30]

During 2012 and 2013, Kyary began receiving more attention in Western media. Sputnikmusic listed Pamyu Pamyu Revolution as number one on their "Best Pop Albums of 2012" list.[31] In December 2012, Kyary was styled by Nicola Formichetti and photographed by Matt Irwin for Dazed & Confused.[32] In January 2013, MTV Iggy called Kyary "the coolest girl on the planet" and The Fader called Kyary "the most exciting person making music".[33][34] Also in January 2013, Kyary's video for "Furisodeshon" was named by Stereogum and Dazed & Confused as a "Video of the Week".[35][36] In February 2013, Kyary appeared in Elle France and Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.[37][38] On February 11th, 2013, Kyary appeared on the French television series Le Petit Journal.[39] On 18 February, Kyary was interviewed on the British radio station Monocle 24.[40]

“My second album will finally be released! It would make so happy if the picture for the limited edition made you mutter, ‘What the!?’ The CD also has all sorts of songs, from the rock-flavoured ‘Fashion Monster’ to the sparkly alien song ‘Invader Invader’, so please look forward to it! It definitely won’t let you down! I want you all to hear it soon!”[41]

-Kyary Pamyu Pamyu talking about her second full-length studio album.
“
”

In March 2013, a museum exhibit titled "Kyary Pamyu Pamuseum" housing all of her costumes was held in Roppongi Hills.[42][43] The exhibit lasted from 1 March 2013 to 25 March 2013 and included all her costumes from music videos and live performances.[44] Admission was ¥600 for advanced booking, and ¥800 for purchasing tickets at the venue. Those too young to attend school were admitted for free.[45] In April 2013, Kyary signed an American distribution deal with Sire Records and re-released Fashion Monster in the United States on April 30.[46][47]

In Late May, Pamyu's second studio album, entitled Nanda Kore Ku Shon (Nandas Collection) was announced to be released on June 26, 2013.[41] Along with the album artwork, both standard and sleeve edition, and tracklist being revealed, Pamyu stated that the new music "includes all sorts of genres [...]"[41] In addition, all twelve tracks were revealed.

Artistry[edit]

Public image[edit]

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has been noted by the media for her fashion sense. According to a review of her London concert, a press release stated "[Kyary] is not supposed to be musically talented. She is more about image featuring her creative fashion sense as one of the main subjects of her career, not just the music."[48] She has recently cited American singers Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga as her inspirations in both music and fashion.[49] However, her fashion sense has also been criticized. While being interviewed on TV Asahi‘s “Music Station“, she was wearing an oversized ribbon on her head, which blocked Japanese boy band Kanjani8 for being seen on camera, angering fans of Kanjani8 for her outrageous fashion style. She later stated that when she is being interviewed on television, she will restrict for what she is wearing, which her fans were angered about.[50] Her fans, however, defended her wearing the outfit.[50] Pamyu cites kawaii (meaning "Cute" or "Cuteness") as her background style.[3]

Many sources have recognized Pamyu as "Japan's Lady Gaga."[51] One article stated that she only uses her current fashion sense to attract attention, which Gaga was rumored to also do.[50] Her international success has also received much attention. During an interview with Pamyu, she was asked if she meant to make music outside of Asia, where she responded; "At first, I didnt think about global markets at all. But even in Japanese, my lyrics don’t make any sense and have a kind of mystery, like on “Pon Pon Pon” and “Tsukema Tsukeru.” I can feel that what I’m doing in Japanese is catchy to global audiences anyway."[49]

During her success as musical entertainer, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has been recognized as the "J-Pop Princess" or "Harajuku Pop Princess".[52][53]

Musical style and videos[edit]

While reviewing her London concert, "[Kyary’s] vocals sound a lot more raw to Perfume’s robotic vocals live and in recorded songs [...] she worked hard to perform with her dancing (she does very complicated but weirdly cute hand gestures while she dances – similar to Perfume) and her facial expressions for every song were just perfect."[54]

During an interview with Pamyu, she stated about her music videos; "I love grotesque things. My concept is scary things that become traumatic with their cuteness. There are so many “just cute” things in the world, so I add grotesque, scary and even shocking materials like eyeballs and brains to balance out the cuteness."[49] One of Kyary's most popular music videos, "PonPonPon" received a lot of attention, American recording artist Katy Perry had mentioned the video, reportedly being a fan of hers.[55]

Discography[edit]

Main article: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu discography

Singles[edit]

No. Title Release date Oricon
Weekly
Singles
Chart
Singles
1 "Tsukematsukeru" (つけまつける?) August 11, 2012 (2012-08-11) 7
2 "CANDY CANDY" April 4, 2012 (2012-04-04) 8
3 "Fashion Monster (ファッションモンスター?) October 17, 2012 (2012-10-17) 5
4 "Kimi ni 100 Percent/Furisodeshon"
  (キミに100パーセント / ふりそでーしょん?)		 January 30, 2013 (2013-01-30) 3
5 "Ninjya Re Bang Bang" (にんじゃりばんばん?) March 20, 2013 (2013-03-20) 3
6 "Invader Invader" (インベーダーインベーダー?) May 15, 2013 (2013-05-15) 6

Concert tours[edit]

Domestic
  • Pamyu Pamyu Revolution Tour (2012)
International

Filmography[edit]

Television
Year Title Role Network Notes
2012 Catherine Herself / Host Kansai TV[56] Japanese variety show
2013 Crayon Shin-chan Herself tv asahi[57] Voice

Bibliography[edit]

  • Oh! My! God! Harajuku Girl (2011)
  • HARAJUKU KAWAii!!!! Girls (2011) With "Yasumasa Yonehara"
  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Kyary Bon (2012)
  • Moshi Moshi TOKYO - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu no Tokyo kawaii Guide Tour - (2012)
  • Harajyuku Jyoshi Hara J (2012)

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Association Category Nominated work Result
2011 BEST STYLING AWARD 2011 Artist Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Won
2012 MUSIC JACKET AWARD 2012 Grand Prix Moshi Moshi Harajuku Won
SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards 2012 Special Award Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Won
45th Wired Japan Grand Prix Won
54th Japan Record Award Won
VOGUE JAPAN Women of the Year 2012 Stylist Won
Best Dressed Award 2012 International
2013 Japanese CD Shop Association Awards The CD Shop Grand Prize Pamyu Pamyu Revolution 2nd Place
Space Shower Music Video Awards Video of the Year Tsukematsukeru
Rekochoku Best March Month Music Award Download (Single) Ninjari Bang Bang
Ring Song

References[edit]

  1. ^ About Kyary ｜Kyary Official Blog Retrieved on 2012-01-17.
  2. ^ ""Oh! My! God! Harajuku Girl" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu". 
  3. ^ a b http://www.mtviggy.com/interviews/cray-pop-the-kawaii-genius-of-kyary-pamyu-pamyu/
  4. ^ Kyary Profile in Japanese and English. Kyary.asobisystem.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  5. ^ Harajuku Doll Eyelashes by Eyemazing x Kyary. Tokyofashion.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  6. ^ Spinns Harajuku Fashion Show Pictures – Spring 2011. Tokyofashion.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  7. ^ Harajuku earthquake relief effort frontlining Kyary. Tokyofashion.com (2011-04-04). Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  8. ^ Hadfield, James (2011-08-19). "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu: the long interview". Time Out Tokyo. Retrieved 28 September 2012. 
  9. ^ Dooling, Annemarie (2011-07-27). "'PonPonPon' Gives Us A Kawaisa Seizure". Huffington Post. 
  10. ^ Favorite Summer Artists & Cats Grilling Out (!!!): It's Episode 2 Of MTV's Pop Music Web Show, 'Bigger Than The Buzz'!. Buzzworthy.mtv.com (2011-08-04). Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  11. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "PonPonPon" Music Video w/ Art by 6%DokiDoki". 
  12. ^ "Hot 100 Billboard Japan Charts (ja)" (in ja). 
  13. ^ "G-Eazy - Lost In Translation". 
  14. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “PONPONPON” tops iTunes charts in Finland + Belgium". 
  15. ^ Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Jelly on iTunes. Itunes.apple.com (2011-08-03). Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  16. ^ “Oh! My! God! Harajuku Girl” by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Tokyofashion.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  17. ^ Oh! My God!! Harajuku Girl on Amazon Japan. Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
  18. ^ "Kawaii for the Masses: Rune Boutique's Debut". Asia Pacific Arts. 2012-01-25. 
  19. ^ "AKB48、动漫歌手、DJ KAYA 日本超级明星阵容激情绽放“活力日本展". Shanghaimart. 2012-02-16. 
  20. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 特别演出&见面会". Shanghaimart. 2012-02. 
  21. ^ "日本当红演艺动漫明星联袂首秀上海，亚洲流行偶像超豪华演出阵容震撼登场". hxgift.cn. 2012-02-15. 
  22. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu holds her first concert in Hong Kong". Tokyo Hive. 2012-03-29. 
  23. ^ "CDシングル 週間ランキング-ORICON STYLE ランキング". Oricon Style. Oricon Inc. Retrieved 21 April 2013. 
  24. ^ "きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ2ndシングル＆ツアー発表、FCも設立". natalie.mu. 2012-02-26. 
  25. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu holds successful live in Paris for “JAPAN EXPO”". Tokyo Hive. 2012-07-9. 
  26. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Crowned Harajuku Kawaii Ambassador". 2012-09-05. 
  27. ^ "きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ、原宿カワイイ大使に就任「全世界を麻痺させたい」". 2012-08-30. 
  28. ^ "前田敦子に続く「g.u.」イメージキャラ決定　きゃりー「私でいいのかな」". 2012-09-05. 
  29. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu World Tour 2013: She’s coming to Singapore". 2012-12-27. 
  30. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to release her Budokan live on DVD & Blu-ray". 2012-12-28. 
  31. ^ "Best Pop Albums of 2012". 2012. 
  32. ^ "KYARY PAMYU PAMYU COVERSHOOT". 2012-11. 
  33. ^ "Video: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, “Furisodation”". 2013-1-9. 
  34. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “Furisodeshon” PV Is Red Hot". 2013-1-9. 
  35. ^ "The 5 Best Videos Of The Week". 2013-1-11. 
  36. ^ "This week's Kyary Pamyu Pamyu vids, XXYYXX mash-ups and a Grimes remix from Four Tet". 2013-1-15. 
  37. ^ "Elle France". 2013-2-10. 
  38. ^ "Swedish newspaper article". 2013-2-10. 
  39. ^ "Le Petit Journal reçoit le phénomène japonais Kyary Pamyu Pamyu". 2013-2-11. 
  40. ^ "Monocle 24: Culture, episode 71". 2013-2-18. 
  41. ^ a b c http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/05/24/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-reveals-new-pics-and-info-on-2nd-album
  42. ^ "きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ衣装展開催決定！". 2013-2-1. 
  43. ^ "Kyary Pamyu Pamuseum". 2013-2-1. 
  44. ^ "KyaryPamyuPamyu to hold her first costume exhibition in March!！". 2013-3-27. 
  45. ^ "KyaryPamyuPamuseum / About". 2013-3-27. 
  46. ^ "KYARY PAMYU PAMYU PERFORMING IN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES". 2013-4-09. 
  47. ^ "Fashion Monster". 2013-4-27. 
  48. ^ http://londonsenpai.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/kyary-pamyu-pamyus-world-tour-concert-in-london-review/
  49. ^ a b c http://www.thefader.com/2013/04/16/interview-kyary-pamyu-pamyu/
  50. ^ a b c http://www.asianjunkie.com/2012/06/kyary-pamyu-pamyu-apologizes-to-kanjani8-fans-netizens-tell-her-fuck-them/
  51. ^ http://www.bilerico.com/2011/07/is_this_japans_lady_gaga.php
  52. ^ J-Pop Star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Debuts in New York City - Photos. MTV.
  53. ^ http://popdust.com/2013/05/12/j-pop-princess-kyary-pamyu-pamyu-finally-does-dubstep/
  54. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named London (see the help page).
  55. ^ http://news.japanese-entertainment.com/2012/01/katy-perry-is-fan-of-kyary-pamyu-pamyu.html
  56. ^ "Catherine 3". Kansai Telecasting Corporation. 
  57. ^ News on Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's character in Crayon Shin-chan. tv asahi.

External links[edit]

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