What's the deal with… Kyary Pamyu Pamyu?
Get the lowdown on the 21 year old Japanese model and singer
Mon Apr 28 2014
Sorry, what did you just say?
You mean you haven’t heard of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu? Keep up – her YouTube videos have been watched more than 220 million times, and her Shepherd’s Bush show this week sold out months in advance.
Wow! So… who is she, then?
Kiriko Takemura, a 21-year-old singer and model from Tokyo. She spent her teenage years sneaking out to the city’s famous Harajuku area, which is where she picked up her, er, distinctive dress sense.
She does look pretty bizarre.
Hey, let’s not be hasty. She’s tapping into a major strand of contemporary Japanese culture: kawaii, a mania for all things cute. But yeah, she does come across as… well, totally crazeballs. Check out her smash hit video ‘Pon Pon Pon’, which features piles of sweets, floating brains and bread, dripping eyeballs, skulls and fruit hats – all in eye-popping, candy-coloured, psychedelic CGI. It’s adorable, and also bloody terrifying.
And, dare I ask: how’s the music?
Not bad, actually. Think sugary J-pop with an electronic kick and some strong melodies. But obviously it’s image that comes first here in kitsch-loving London.
Well, she certainly makes a change from Pixie Lott.
And for that we can all be grateful.
The bottom line: Who can argue with Harajuku?
Watch 'PonPonPon' video
Users say
Listen to Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Read more music features
Interview: Matt Berry
‘It was never the plan to be taken seriously’ – the actor, musician and insomniac reveals the late-night process behind his latest album
What's the deal with… Benjamin Clementine
Here's everything you need to know about this soulful singer and his astonishing voice
Interview: Lykke Li
We speak to the Swedish star about trading in synthpop for ballads and heartbreak
What's the deal with… Brooke Candy?
Meet the former heroin addict, stripper and vampire rock star on the cusp of hip hop fame
Interview: The Horrors
The garage punks-turned-sonic innovators on arena shows, violent fans and their basement studio in Dalston
Comments
Add +