Getting to Know ATARASHII GAKKO!: Japanese Girlgroup with Unique Concept, Breakthrough in the International Scene After Being Noticed by Label 88rising

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Angelia Leony Van Augista

ATARASHII GAKKO! is a Japanese girlgroup formed in 2015. With a total of 4 members, namely Mizyu, Rin, Suzuka, and Kanon, this group is known for their unique music, members, and stage performance. The group made their debut in June 2017 under the management of Victor Entertainment.

ATARASHII GAKKO! debuted with their single titled DOKUBANA. FYI, that single became the theme song for the Japanese drama JOSHU SEVEN (SEVEN WOMEN IN PRISON) in 2017.

Let's get to know more about this music group!

1. Mizyu Profile

instagram.com/japan_leaders

Ishii Mitsuki or better known as Mizyu was born on December 22, 1998 and holds the position as the leader of ATARASHII GAKKO!. In his childhood, he was a model for children's magazines. He is actively involved in producing lyrics for his group, such as Kimiwaina'17, ZZZ, Sekigae Gattuso, and Koi no shadanki.

Fun fact about Mizyu:
His favorite food is bean sprouts
His favorite season is winter
His ideal type of man is someone who is a bit messy
His hobby is sleeping
His favorite quote is "Love yourself and find what you love"
Personal Instagram: mizyu_leaders

2. Rin Profile

instagram.com/japan_leaders

Nagasawa Rin or commonly known as Rin is an only child born on September 11, 2001. He started his career as a model in 2014. He is also active in writing lyrics for his group. Some songs he wrote lyrics for are Kimiwaina'17, Sekigae Gattuso, Koi no shadanki, and Toumei Boy.

Fun fact about Rin:
His favorite food is eggplant
His favorite seasons are autumn and spring
His ideal type of man is someone who is relaxed and calm
His hobby is cooking
His favorite quote is "Don't compare yourself with others"
Personal Instagram: rin_leaders

3. Suzuka Profile

instagram.com/japan_leaders

Kanazawa Suzuka, or commonly known as Suzuka, was born on November 29, 2001. She is the sister of Sakika, a member of the disbanded Japanese girl group GIRLFRIEND in 2021. Suzuka is the tallest member in her group, with a height of 168 cm. She attends Caless Vocal & Dance School Osaka.

Fun fact about Suzuka:
Her favorite season is summer
Her favorite subjects are sports and arts
Her ideal type of man is someone with attractive eyes
Her hobby is drawing
Her favorite quote is "Take a good look at what colors are inside of you"
Personal Instagram: suzuka_leaders

4. Kanon Profile

instagram.com/japan_leaders

Kimura Kanon, or often called Kanon, is the youngest member born on January 18, 2002. She also participated in writing lyrics for the songs Kimiwaina'17, Sekigae Gattuso, and Koi no shadanki.

Fun facts about Kanon:
Her favorite food is mango
Her favorite season is winter
Her ideal type of man is someone who is meticulous and knowledgeable
Her hobby is baking cakes
Her favorite phrase is "Believe in yourself"
Personal Instagram: kanon_leaders

5. Distinctive Features of Each Member

To make it easier for KLovers to remember the four members, let's take a look at the photos below!

Suzuka: known for round glasses

Mizyu: always tied her hair in two braids

Kanon: long black hair always let down

Rin: short curly hair tied in one braid

6. ATARASHII GAKKO! Music Genre

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This unique group combines multiple genres in their songs. Seasoned with punk energy from its four members, ATARASHII GAKKO! stands out from most other girl groups. Their stage act is also commendable as all four members go all out in performing each song. No fake club!

7. Characteristic: Always Wearing Japanese School Uniform

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ATARASHII GAKKO! always performs in Japanese sailor-themed school uniforms. Their main goal is to represent the distinctive features of Japan and stand out from other music groups. They are determined to live up to their slogans, which are "Marching outside the lines with individuality and freedom" and "Representing a new generation of Japanese youth." ATARASHII GAKKO! has achieved success thanks to their uniqueness that cannot be found in other girl groups.

8. Individually Created Choreography by Each Member

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Another unique aspect of this music group is their choreography. The four members of ATARASHII GAKKO! collaborate to create choreography for each of their songs. Unlike most other girl groups, the choreo they create is unexpected, expressive, and abstract.

Headbanging heavy metal, acrobatics, and hip-hop dance often become the distinctive features of this group's choreography. Fans are often left amazed by the unconventional choreographic moves.

9. Joining 88rising

instagram.com/japan_leaders

ATARASHII GAKKO! started performing worldwide since January 2021 under the 88rising label with their single titled NAINAINAI. Their appearance was warmly welcomed by 88rising fans. Initially, the four members of ATARASHII GAKKO! uploaded a video of them singing a song titled KOI GEBA, which caught the attention of the 88rising label.

10. Appearing at Coachella 2024

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The popularity of ATARASHII GAKKO! reached its peak when the group successfully performed at the Coachella stage on April 14th. They brought Japanese culture with taiko drums, sailor uniforms, and kimonos that they wore during their performance. Suzuka expressed that the audience's enthusiasm was extraordinary at the largest music festival.

11. New Album and World Tour

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On June 7th, 2024, ATARASHII GAKKO! released their new album titled AG! CALLING. This album contains 11 unique songs. Currently, they are conducting a world tour and traveling from Asia, Europe, to America.

12. AG! X Milli

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For KLovers who don't know who Milli is, he is a musician and rapper from Thailand who is also under the label 88rising. Milli has collaborated with several K-Pop idols, such as Changbin Stray Kids, with their song titled Mirror Mirror.

On June 13, 2024, ATARASHII GAKKO! worked on a project together with Milli in their collaboration, which gave birth to a song titled Drama. When AG! held their tour in Thailand, Milli came as their special guest and performed together for the first time in Bangkok.

13. Appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live

ATARASHII GAKKO! appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel talk show in December 2023. The four of them performed their song titled Tokyo Calling with their unique choreography. Check out the video below!

(kpl/ony)