Tokyo-based and wildly special four-girl progressive pop-group ATARASHII GAKKO! have returned with their new single “Tokyo Calling,” out today via 88rising. Opening with a doomsday-like alarm that continues as the central beat to the track, the song recognizes the harsh realities of daily life, even in their beloved home city. Although these mundane realities, the group works its way to a triumphant and euphoric chant of “we are marching!” In classic ATARASHII GAKKO! fashion, the track’s chorus is a catchy mantra meant for live audiences to scream back at them.
Directed by Pennacky, the music video depicts the four-piece in a gigantic form, on a mission to rescue Tokyo citizens from the negativity of monotony. Despite the initial panic throughout the city as they harness Genki energy to save their peers, ATARASHII GAKKO! ultimately prevails and leads people from all walks of life to a high-energy gathering where they escape the dullness of their lives. Award-winning director Pennacky is a longtime collaborator of ATARASHII GAKKO!, directing videos such as “NAINAINAI” and “Night Before The Exam.” His other works include Balming Tiger, BTS, Gen Hoshino and more.
LISTEN TO “TOKYO CALLING” HERE
WATCH THE VIDEO TO “TOKYO CALLING” HERE
The group reflected on the song, “ATARASHII GAKKO! have ventured further into new territory. In other words, this may be literally the new ‘ATARASHII’ GAKKO! In our beloved Tokyo, this song addresses the daily dilemmas and struggles we all face. From Tokyo to all of Japan and to the world, we will send our energy, courage, and love. Please give us your best regards!”
“Tokyo Calling” arrives just ahead of the quartet’s first ever North American tour. The already sold out SEISHUN Tour kicks off at Los Angeles’ The Fonda Theatre on November 7th and runs through the month wrapping the North American leg at Mexico City’s Corona Capital festival. Earlier this year, the band played Head In The Clouds’ LA and New York festivals, giving U.S. audiences a taste of the group’s unapologetic authenticity on stage. Full tour dates are listed below.
ATARASHII GAKKO! (literally meaning “new school” in Japanese) are a group of four young women who are redefining what it means to be a girl group. While most J-Pop female idol groups are known for their squeaky high voices, perfectly synchronized dance moves, feigned images of purity and innocence, and an excessive drive to always be kawaii (cute), AG! isn’t into any of that. They wear sailor-fuku (sailor suits) uniforms in a style that were worn by Japanese students back in the 70s and 80s with long skirts and pulled-up socks, and staunchly refuse to be objectified. Their aggressive and expressive dance moves, which they choreograph themselves, are a hybrid of the energy of Japanese butoh dance, heavy metal headbanging, and hip-hop street dancing. Musically, AG! brings together elements of modern J-Pop, Showa-era kayokyoku, rap, punk, dance music, but it would be pointless to try to categorize them in any genre.
FULL NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
Nov. 7 Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
Nov. 8 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Nov. 10 New York, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Nov. 11 Washington, D.C. @ Black Cat
Nov. 13 Toronto, ON @ The Axis Club
Nov. 15 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Nov. 16 St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Nov. 18 Mexico City, MX @ Corona Capital
Dec. 2 Hong Kong @ Clockenflap Festival
Dec. 3 Bangkok, TH @ Maho Rasop Festival
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88rising is a global entertainment powerhouse focused on celebrating Asian stories, talent, and culture. Their roster includes Rich Brian, Joji, Higher Brothers, Niki, Jackson Wang, and more. 88 is trailblazing the way for groundbreaking content and is a leader in progressive music and the apex of youth culture worldwide.
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