[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] ATARASHII GAKKO! Say, “spreading our culture through song and dance to the world at full force!”

ATARASHII GAKKO! (also known as Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders), a 4-member girl group from Japan, talk about their appearance at Head In The Clouds LA 2022, their concepts and so much more. While they officially made their Japanese debut in 2017, they made their global debut in 2021 through 88Rising. They’ve been making a name for themselves by being featured at the Head In The Cloud Festivals and garnering the interest of many fans.

Members Suzuka, Kanon, Rin, and Mizyu are known for their unique style and sound. Many affiliate them by their choice of clothing – Japanese school uniforms. Others associate them with their unique choreography and sound. Regardless of how one knows this girl group, everyone will agree that they are a group that is in sync and ready to take over the stage with their personalities and music.

Check out their interview below.

Please introduce yourselves to the readers of HypnoticAsia. 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: We are ATARASHII GAKKO! A whirlwind 4-girl pop group clad in Japanese school uniform. We are self-proclaimed Japanese representatives of Seishun [youth], spreading our culture through song and dance to the world at full force! 

How does it feel to have performed at Head in the Clouds for two years in a row? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: It was such a privilege to be invited two years in a row to perform at such a grand stage. It was beyond our expectations! And to be a part of advocating Asian culture to the world is fantastic! 

We also saw that you’d be joining them for the festivals in Jakarta and Manila! What are you most excited for at those Head in the Cloud stops? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: We’ve never been to either the Philippines or Indonesia, so that alone is already very exciting. But also, we’ve noticed that many of our fans are from the Philippines and Indonesia. So naturally, we’ve been dying to meet them! We’re so happy that that’s become a reality. We can’t wait to see how they will respond to AG! at the show there! 

You made a Japanese debut in 2017 and a worldwide debut in 2021; how would you say your music has changed throughout the years? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: Our focus has grown to be global and more consciously representing Japan and its youth. Our music reciprocates that. For example, we take the opportunity to incorporate things like catchy and recognizable Japanese phrases in the lyrics or add some hip-hop elements familiar to 88rising fans. We even tried singing in Spanish in response to our social media’s many supportive Spanish comments! 

Atarashii Gakko! formed in 2015! What were your first impressions of each other? 

• Impression of SUZUKA: Powerful energy and so funny 
• Impression of KANON: She’s only 12 years old but she seems so sophisticated
• Impression of RIN: She appears to be such a cool kid but she has a gentle soul
• Impression of MIZYU: Cute as a doll, a kawaii Harajuku girl 

Your group ditched the cute concept that most Japanese girl groups are known for and made your own style; do you like this style and would you like to try something else? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: We love our style. It’s essential for us to be ourselves. Don’t mind the mundane things; go full force on anything that excites us. And always have fun. 

The four of us will always continue to take on challenges and try things we’ve yet to discover. 

You are all very active in the concepts, arrangements, and choreography for your tracks. Are any of the members in charge of anything in particular? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: It’s really a joint effort. Typically, we begin by discussing the song’s image amongst the four of us. Then each of us would contribute ideas. And finally, bring everything together and create something that the four of us are all happy with. 

Can you tell us a little about your future plans? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: As mentioned here, we’ll be performing at Head in the Clouds Jakarta and Manila very soon! We’re also working on new music, so look out for new release announcements from us! 

What advice would you give to an aspiring/up-and-coming artist(s)? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: Believe in yourself, and always have fun! 

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? 

ATARASHII GAKKO!: There haven’t been a lot of opportunities to meet everyone, but we feel the love from the social media comments. Thank you! Your messages are a source of energy for us! We hope to do a world tour someday to come and meet all of you! 

We love you!!