Guide to ATARASHII GAKKO!
ATARASHII GAKKO!, also known as 新しい学校のリーダーズ (translated to New School Leaders), is a sensational Japanese group that has found a special way to stand out in the industry.
Formed in 2015, this talented, one-a-kind four-member group has gained international recognition for their quirky personalities and captivating performances.
This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about the group.
Table of Contents
Who is ATARASHII GAKKO!
ATARASHII GAKKO!, also known as Atarashii Gakko or 新しい学校のリーダーズ (Atararashii Gakkou no Leaders, translated to “New School Leaders”), is a Japanese four-member dance vocal group.
In a world that often demands conformity, ATARASHII GAKKO! boldly embraces their distinctiveness and celebrates standing out. Their greeting, 個性と自由ではみ出していく (Kosei to jiyuu de hamidashite iku, loosely translating to “we stand out through individuality and freedom,”) is emblematic of their mission to break free from the confines of societal conventions.
As self-proclaimed “Youth Japan Representatives”, the group takes pride in embodying the spirit of Japanese youth. Indeed, each of the members expresses their freedom without restraint.
Referring to themselves as leaders, the group radiates youthful energy and vibrancy in their music, dance, and signature fashion. Their iconic outfits, featuring sailor uniforms, red armbands, and white socks with key slogans, have become emblematic of their brand.
Who are the members of ATARASHII GAKKO!
ATARASHII GAKKO! consists of four members: KANON, MIZYU, RIN, and SUZUKA.
Below is more info about each member:
KANON
KANON, nicknamed the “Graceful One”, is the youngest ATARASHII GAKKO! leader. She is known for her long, flowing hair and modest clothing style, earning her the above-mentioned nickname. Her journey into dance started in the first grade of elementary school after seeing a group of girls perform at a local festival. KANON is often described as a cool beauty with a friendly personality and was an actual class student council leader growing up.
MIZYU
MIZYU is the oldest ATARASHII GAKKO! member. Recognizable by her distinctive hairstyle with bangs and twin tails, she is affectionately referred to as “the Sleeping Kitten”. MIZYU’s journey into the world of dance began at an early age, and was even a backup dancer through Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “Kyary Kids.”
RIN
RIN is known as “the Nice and Funky One”. She is known for her constantly changing and unique hairstyles, which include shaved sides, curly hair, and ponytails. Her journey into dance and performance began with a love for hip-hop music, instilled in her by her parents. Outside of ATARASHII GAKKO!, Rin is a talented DJ.
SUZUKA
SUZUKA, or “The Wildcard”, is the mood-maker of the group. For incoming fans, Suzuka is known as the girl with glasses in ATARASHII GAKKO!
Suzuka is the main vocalist for the group and is also often recognized for her powerful vocals with a Showa-style feel. Growing up, her mother’s love for Western music, including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson, strongly influenced her path to music. The leaders and fans love her for her wild, humorous personality.
Why is ATARASHII GAKKO! So Popular?
While there are many reasons, the group’s great rise to fame can be attributed to some of the reasons below.
Standing out: The leaders embody the essence of unapologetically standing out from the crowd, exuding a freedom that resonates with their fandom. From their performances to their outfits, each part of their identity connects through their concept of standing out through individuality. This youthful spirit is infectious, attracting fans of all ages.
Powerful performances: One of the standout features of ATARASHII GAKKO! is their unique and highly talented performances. The group’s intense dancing and unique performances captivate fans.
Social media: The leader’s spirit isn’t limited to their live shows. Notably, the group has achieved the highest number of followers on TikTok among female artists in Japan. In addition to their music and dancing, the leaders will frequently post skits and funny videos that showcase their fun and quirky personalities.
Global Expansion: After signing with the overseas music label 88rising, ATARASHII GAKKO! began their worldwide activities, from the Head In The Clouds music festival in Jakarta, to Coachella in California.
In 2023, the group went on their first world tour. During their stop in the United States, they performed “Tokyo Calling” on TV, as a musical performance on the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live.
These opportunities have helped to grow their international fan base.
Who Choreographs ATARASHII GAKKO!’s Dances?
One of the reasons why the leaders’ performances stand out is because the leaders choreograph all of the dances themselves. Their unique choreography allows them to showcase their high-level dancing skills and distinctive style.
The members are also trained in kumitaisou, known as coordinated group gymnastics, which focuses on acrobatics, teamwork, and balance. This training further showcases their incredible athleticism when performing.
Is ATARASHII GAKKO! Popular in Japan?
While ATARASHII GAKKO! had a strong international following for many years, “Otonablue” helped the group rise to incredible popularity in their home country.
“Otonablue” was released in 2020, but it gained popularity in early 2023 on TikTok, amassing over 2.5 billion video views. The song’s kubifuri (head-shaking) dance became a viral sensation. Fans described it as “addictive.”
In March of 2023, “Otonablue”’s music video was released and topped the Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs chart for two consecutive weeks. This helped the group gain recognition in the mainstream Japanese music scene.
The following month, they performed the song on the popular YouTube channel, “THE FIRST TAKE.” Their confident performance went viral and ranked first in YouTube’s weekly video views ranking in the music category. You can watch the video above.
Indeed, the group became so popular that the phrase Atarashii gakkō no rīdāzu/Kubifuri dansu was nominated for Japan’s 2023 Words of the Year. Now, the leaders have their own TV show (Atarashii Gakko!’s Extracurricular Lesson), star in many commercials with reputable brands, and are featured in many media opportunities.
Evidently, the leaders have sparked mainstream media attention; along the way, they gained massive popularity in Japan.
What is the ATARASHII GAKKO!’s Debut Song?
ATARASHII GAKKO!’s major debut in Japan took place in 2017 with the single “Dokuhana.” The song was featured as the theme song for the drama Joshu Seven (Seven Female Prisoners).
What is the ATARASHII GAKKO!’s World Debut Song?
In 2020, the group signed with the international music label 88rising to begin their international activities. Their world debut took place in 2021 with the digital single “NAINAINAI.” This song, and their growing TikTok following, helped grow their popularity on the global stage.
The group would continue to gain traction globally. Then in 2023, their success soared with the song “Otona Blue.” This song, with its infectious dance head shaking dance, went viral on TikTok, catapulting them to international fame.
What are some anime songs by ATARASHII GAKKO!?
Learn more about every anime song by ATARASHII GAKKO!
Did ATARASHII GAKKO! perform in Coachella 2024?
ATARASHII GAKKO! was on the lineup at Coachella 2024, performing on Sunday, April 14th and 21st.
The group’s Coachella Performance was a massive success. According to data from Luminate, ATARASHII GAKKO!’s streams increased by 31.5% during Week 1 of Coachella. Check out the video above for a recap of their performances.
Other notable Japanese music performances include YOASOBI, as well as number_i and Awich for the 88rising Futures set.
Is ATARASHII GAKKO! in Ghostbusters?
The leaders sang GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN SUMMER, a collaboration song used in the Japanese dubbed version of the movie Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire.
The group was in full attendance at the red-carpet movie premiere in New York City, where they took many group selfies. Check out the music video above.
Didn’t see your question?
Given their strong international following, there are a lot of great articles, interviews, and fan-made content about the group. Check out this subreddit, with a regularly updated frequently asked questions page.
To sum it up…
The leaders are big global sensations captivating fans worldwide.
- The group consists of the following four members: KANON, MIZYU, RIN, and SUZUKA.
- Their unique fashion style, energetic performances, and commitment to expressing their individuality have made them stand out.
- Through their hard work and great effort, they’ve become a big hit, both in Japan and overseas.
Be sure to keep a close eye on ATARASHII GAKKO! – they are a musical force to be reckoned with.
Where can I follow the leaders?
Official Website: https://atarashiigakko.com/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japanleaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japan_leaders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japanleaders
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japanleaders
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp0iCvHGMwyfPHpYq7n2sPw
Check out other artist introductions and articles on utatune.
