attarashi gakko interview grandmas
K-Pop & Asia

J-Pop Sensation ATARASHII GAKKO! Promises To Perform Together Until They Are 'Grandmas'

The four-member Japanese act is setting up camp in California as their global takeover gains momentum.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 1 min read

The rebellious Japanese pop group ATARASHII GAKKO! is taking their signature high-octane energy worldwide, and they have zero plans of slowing down. The four-member act, whose name translates to "New School," revealed that they intend to keep performing together for decades to come—even well into their senior years. Making the physical and cultural leap from Tokyo, Japan, to Southern California, the group recently checked in from Culver City, where their team has established a brand-new West Coast headquarters. The quartet has quickly made themselves at home in the United States as their global fanbase continues to explode across social media and concert venues.

How long will atarashii gakko stay together

Known for their iconic sailor-style school uniforms, expressive choreography, and genre-bending sound, ATARASHII GAKKO! has built a massive international reputation by tearing up the traditional J-pop playbook. Despite the demanding physical intensity required for their chaotic and theatrical live routines, the band members insist their partnership is built to last. According to recent reports, the group envisions a long-term future together on stage, openly sharing their intention to perform as a unit until they reach grandmother status. That commitment underscores the tight-knit bond shared among all four members, who have steadily built their global phenomenon together since initially forming the group.

What does atarashii gakko mean in english

The band's Japanese title translates directly to "New School," a phrase that double-functions as their core artistic philosophy. The group aims to push back against rigid societal norms and conventional expectations within music, fusing athletic dance moves with punchy pop melodies and unapologetic self-expression. By bridging the distance between Tokyo's vibrant music scene and the American entertainment market, ATARASHII GAKKO! is positioning themselves for long-term global longevity. With a new base set up in Culver City and an ever-expanding roster of international tour dates, the group is making it clear that their wild ride is only just beginning.

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The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

ATARASHII GAKKO!: The Road From School Uniforms to a Global Stage

Before the California chapter, MIZYU, RIN, SUZUKA and KANON build their following through self-made choreography, an international label deal and a song that takes three years to catch fire.

  1. Four members make their entrance

    Atarashii Gakko! — Four members make their entrance

    MIZYU, RIN, SUZUKA and KANON form the group in Japan. Performing in sailor-style school uniforms, they develop their own choreography—a defining part of an act whose Japanese name, Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders, means New School Leaders.

  2. 2017-06-07

    The major-label chapter opens

    Atarashii Gakko! — The major-label chapter opens

    The group makes its major-label debut through Victor Entertainment with the single Dokubana.

  3. 2020-05-01

    Otonablue arrives—without its later frenzy

    Atarashii Gakko! — Otonablue arrives—without its later frenzy

    The quartet releases Otonablue, the song that will eventually transform its profile. Its release and its breakthrough are separate milestones: the track's social-media surge comes in 2023.

  4. 2021-01

    88rising opens the overseas door

    Atarashii Gakko! — 88rising opens the overseas door

    ATARASHII GAKKO! makes its international debut through 88rising with NAINAINAI. The release puts the Japanese quartet on the roster of a music company built around bringing Asian artists to international audiences.

  5. A neck movement changes the picture

    Atarashii Gakko! — A neck movement changes the picture

    Otonablue breaks through as its distinctive neck-swaying choreography spreads on TikTok. A widely watched performance on the music platform THE FIRST TAKE gives the song another showcase, turning a three-year-old release into the group's signature hit.

  6. 2023-12-31

    The year ends on Japan's national stage

    Atarashii Gakko! — The year ends on Japan's national stage

    The group makes its first appearance on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Japan's annual New Year's Eve television music special, performing Otonablue. The booking caps the year in which their viral breakthrough becomes mainstream recognition at home.

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People also ask

What does ATARASHII GAKKO! mean?
The group's Japanese name translates to 'New School,' representing their mission to challenge traditional norms in music and culture.
Where is ATARASHII GAKKO! based?
While originating from Tokyo, Japan, the four-member group has recently established an operational hub in Culver City, California, for their U.S. activities.
How many members are in ATARASHII GAKKO!?
ATARASHII GAKKO! consists of four members who perform high-energy, self-choreographed music together.