ATARASHII GAKKO! Leading Japan’s Idol Revolution

Live Nation

In a world where the music industry is constantly evolving, Atarashii Gakko! stands out as a beacon of innovation and authenticity. This Japanese idol group, also known as Atarashii Gakkou no Leader, or Japan Leaders, has captured the attention of both domestic and international audiences with their groundbreaking approach to music, performance, and entertainment. With their partnership with the renowned record label 88 Rising, Atarashii Gakko! has solidified its position on the global music radar, thanks to their infectious hit "NAINAINAI".

Let's delve deeper into the phenomenon that is Atarashii Gakko! and explore the unique traits of each of its four members.

In this article

• The Rise of Atarashii Gakko!

• Meet the Members

• A Fresh Take on Japanese Idol Culture

• A New Kind of Entertainment

• Leading the new generation

© Sendenkaigi Co.

The Rise of Atarashii Gakko!

Atarashii Gakko! is a Japanese girl group with four members, created in 2015. However, it wasn't until 2017 that they marked their Japanese debut with the single ‘Dokubana’ - 毒花. The rock nature of the song and its accompanying music video instantly established the group's persona as a squad of fierce and badass schoolgirls, evident through their outfit, poses, and their energetic choreography—a defining feature of Atarashii Gakko!

Their iconic white socks became a staple of their school attire when Atarashii Gakko! made their international debut in 2021 with the single ‘Nainainai’, a track exploring the influence of social media and beauty standards. This milestone marked their inclusion in the 88rising artist roster. The music video takes place in a Japanese school environment and was the first to include English subtitles.

While ‘Nainainai’ undoubtedly contributed to Atarashii Gakko!'s international recognition, it was their 2023 single ‘Otonablue’, featured on the album ‘Ichijikikoku’, that truly opened the door to the global stage. This track resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, its infectious melody striking a chord across cultures. The accompanying music video showcased a remarkable leap in production value, coupled with mesmerizing choreography that captured the interest of music and Japan enthusiasts worldwide. As "Otona Blue" ascended the charts, Atarashii Gakko! solidified their position as an international sensation.

Following the release of their single 'Otonablue,' the group's international acclaim surged quickly. In December 2023, Atarashii Gakko made their U.S. television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, taking the hearts of audiences with their latest hit, 'Tokyo Calling.' Dressed in sci-fi police outfits designed specifically for Tokyo Calling, the quartet took the stage with confidence.. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, with the group engaging the audience while executing their choreography, resulting in over 2 million views on YouTube.

A couple of months later, in April 2024, Atarashii Gakko! conquers Coachella. At the Gobi Stage the four members absolutely aced it, introducing a new audience to the absolute Japanese energy bomb that is Atarashii Gakko!, having the entire crowd bouncing with their arms in the air, thus successfully continuing the rise of Japanese idol pop on the global stage.

Meet the Members

MIZYU

Mizyu exudes a sense of innocence and charm with her fluffy pigtails and endearing personality. Despite her laid-back demeanor, Mizyu is a powerhouse performer who captivates audiences with her sweet vocals and dynamic stage presence. Offstage, she charms fans with her relatable and down-to-earth personality, making her a beloved member of the group.

KANON

Kanon brings an aura of elegance and sophistication to Atarashii Gakko! She dazzles with her sleek style and graceful movements on stage. With her impeccable dance skills and magnetic presence, she effortlessly commands attention and leaves a lasting impression on audiences. 

RIN

Rin is a dynamic force within Atarashii Gakko! Known for her spectacular rap skills and infectious energy, Rin adds a unique flavor to the group's sound and performance style. Whether she's spitting rapid-fire verses or captivating audiences with her charismatic stage presence, Rin never fails to leave a lasting impression. 

SUZUKA

Suzuka, the enigmatic "Wildcard" of Atarashii Gakko!, brings an element of unpredictability and excitement to the group. With her distinctive round glasses and powerful vocals, Suzuka commands attention and stands out as the group's main vocalist. Beyond her impressive vocal range, Suzuka possesses a magnetic personality and infectious charisma that captivates audiences both on and off stage.

A Fresh Take on Japanese Idol Culture

Atarashii Gakko! brings a refreshing perspective to the traditional Japanese idol culture. Unlike many idol groups that adhere strictly to established norms and expectations, Atarashii Gakko! embraces chaos, authenticity, and rebellion, infusing their performances with a sense of youthfulness and spontaneity. Dressed in school uniforms, they challenge the conventional image of idol groups and carve out their own unique identity in the industry.

They discarded the kawaii level and returned to basics. With their school uniforms—featuring long skirts that nod to Sukeban, Japan’s 80s delinquent girl gangs—their choreography, and above all, their storytelling lyrics, they challenge the conventional image of idol groups and carve out a unique identity in the industry.

The philosophy that Atarashii Gakko no Leaders adapted and still carries to this day is to challenge the norms of Japanese society. The four girls position themselves as representatives of Japan’s youth culture. Their motto or mission states:  "In a time when only exemplar citizens are acknowledged, we strive to defy a narrow-minded society by embracing individuality and freedom."

You can sense this philosophy in every move Atarashii Gakko! makes. Their music blends rap, techno, jazz, and pop, creating a radical sound that is reinforced by the stories they tell. From alien invasions to challenging beauty standards, Atarashii Gakko! isn't seeking to be loved; they're making a stand.

Atarashii Gakko!│© GBA Studios Tokyo

A New Kind of Entertainment

Atarashii Gakko! is not just a music group; they are a multifaceted entertainment phenomenon. In addition to their electrifying performances and infectious music, the group engages audiences through a variety of platforms and mediums. 

From self-choreographed skits on YouTube that offer insights into Japanese culture to TikTok content that showcases their charm and personality, Atarashii Gakko! has gathered a strong online presence and amassed a dedicated following of over 3.5 million fans. Their ability to connect with audiences across different platforms speaks to their versatility and appeal as entertainers.

The quartet  pushes boundaries with their approach to entertainment, through not only their music, but also their characters, choreo, and visually stunning music videos. From jazzy math rock to techno-pop, their eclectic sound defies categorization and showcases their willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. Their music videos, characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic choreography, and quirky visuals, capture the interest of fans all over the world and leave a lasting impression. Standout tracks like "Pineapple Kryptonite”, "Freaks" featuring Warren Hue or the more recent “Otonablue” & “Tokyo Calling” showcase the group's versatility and creativity, further solidifying their status as trailblazers in the global music industry.

Leading the new generation

In the end it comes down to this. Atarashii Gakko! is not just a girl group; they are a cultural phenomenon that is reshaping Japan's idol culture and captivating audiences around the world. With their innovative approach to music, performance, and entertainment, they have carved out a unique niche in the industry and earned a dedicated following. As they continue to push boundaries and defy expectations, Atarashii Gakko! is poised to leave a lasting legacy on the global music scene, inspiring future generations of artists and entertainers to embrace authenticity, creativity, and individuality.

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