ATARASHII GAKKO! has almost finished the European leg of their first world tour and there’s an atmosphere of celebration at Indigo at the O2. Formed in 2017, the quartet of Suzuka, Kanon, Rin, and Mizyu has become a cultural export from Japan. Known for performing in school uniforms, their name, ATARASHII GAKKO!, means “New School Leaders”. They have become an alternative export to J-pop’s idol culture due to their authentic and expressive flair and explosive performances.
After signing to the American label 88rising, the global profile of AG! has soared; they have dominated festivals worldwide, such as Coachella and Clockenflap. Their London show begins with “Toryanse”, a song related to rites of passage, which feels fitting as they are ready to take on the world. Their choreography is magnetic and whimsical, with the four of them making broom-mic contraptions onstage and using them for everything from pole routines to air guitars.
ATARASHII GAKKO! have come a long way from their early experimental jazz-punk days, and they are fully in control of their new beat-heavy sound that has helped them appeal to an international audience. “We are AG around the world,” they announce on “Hello”, their theme song to the animated movie, The Tiger’s Apprentice. As their crossover audiences continue to grow, they have added a few English songs to their set.
The crowd screams back every refrain to their hit songs “Tokyo Calling” and “NAINAINAI!”, proving AG!’s obvious appeal to audience members of all ages. As the lights come back up, Suzuka shares a heartfelt off-the-cuff insight, “There are so many AG! fans in Europe… why??? My mind is exploding!”. ATARASHII GAKKO! have become more than just a symbol of ‘cool Japan’, as they ride a wave to the world not simply powered by novelty, but by their inventiveness, flair, and sheer hard work
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