Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Triumphant Return: A Mother’s Evolution on Stage at ASOBIEXPO 2025
On July 20, 2025, Japan’s beloved Harajuku pop icon, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (32), stepped back into the spotlight at the ASOBIEXPO 2025 festival, held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. This electrifying performance marked her first live show in over a year and two months, following the birth of her first child in October 2024. Organized by the powerhouse entertainment agency ASOBI SYSTEM, the festival showcased 14 of its top artists, including FRUITS ZIPPER and CUTIE STREET, in a dazzling celebration of creativity and Harajuku culture. For Kyary, it was more than just a concert—it was a triumphant declaration of her evolution as both a mother and an artist, delivered with her signature colorful and eccentric flair to a crowd of 12,000 adoring fans.
(Daily Sports)
A Roaring “I’m Back!” and a Warm Welcome
The moment Kyary took the stage, she unleashed a jubilant “I’m back!”—a cry that echoed through the venue and was met with an overwhelming “Welcome back!” from the audience. With her trademark charm, she addressed the crowd, smiling as she said, “Some of you might not know what I’m returning from, but I gave birth to a baby!” This candid revelation set the tone for an evening that blended personal milestones with professional brilliance. For the 12,000 fans in attendance, it was a heartfelt reunion with an artist who has shaped Japan’s pop landscape for over a decade.
Who Is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu? A Brief Background
For those new to her world, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu—born Kiriko Takemura—is a cultural phenomenon. She burst onto the scene in 2011 with her debut single “PONPONPON,” a quirky, candy-coated anthem produced by Yasutaka Nakata of the electronic duo Capsule. The song’s surreal music video, filled with dancing eyeballs and pastel explosions, went viral, cementing her as the face of Harajuku’s kawaii (cute) culture. Her style—a fusion of street fashion, pop art, and playful absurdity—quickly made her a global ambassador for Japanese creativity.
Over the years, Kyary has evolved from a teenage trendsetter to a seasoned artist, headlining international stages like Coachella and collaborating with brands like Adidas. Her discography, including hits like “Fashion Monster” and “Ninja Re Bang Bang,” blends catchy melodies with whimsical lyrics, reflecting the vibrant chaos of Harajuku’s streets. By 2025, at age 32, she’s not just a pop star—she’s a symbol of individuality and resilience, a legacy she carried into her ASOBIEXPO performance.
Motherhood Meets Music: A Cultural Milestone
Kyary’s return after giving birth is more than a personal triumph; it’s a statement with broader cultural resonance, especially in Japan. Historically, Japanese society has placed significant pressure on women to prioritize family over career after motherhood, often sidelining professional ambitions. Kyary’s choice to reclaim the stage challenges this norm, aligning with a gradual shift toward greater acceptance of working mothers. Her performance at ASOBIEXPO 2025 wasn’t just a comeback—it was a bold affirmation that motherhood and artistry can coexist.
This narrative is deeply personal for Kyary. During the show, she shared a touching memory about Yusuke Nakagawa, president of ASOBI SYSTEM and affectionately known as “A-mi-san.” She recalled how, at 18, fresh out of high school and starting her career, Nakagawa told her, “I want you to keep performing, even if you get married or have kids someday.” At the time, she admitted, the advice didn’t fully sink in. But now, standing before thousands as a mother and performer, she beamed with fulfillment: “That dream has come true, and I’m so happy to be back.”
A Dazzling Setlist and a New Anthem
Kyary’s ASOBIEXPO set was a seven-song journey through her past and present, bursting with the energy that defines her. She kicked off with “Fashion Monster,” a 2012 hit that embodies her rebellious, rule-defying spirit—perfect for a night celebrating her return. The stage came alive with vibrant costumes and whimsical visuals, a hallmark of her performances that transports fans into her eccentric universe.
The highlight, though, was the live debut of her latest single, “KURU KURU HARAJUKU,” released just two days prior on July 18, 2025. The title, meaning “spinning around Harajuku,” evokes the district’s dizzying energy, and the song delivers with its playful rhythm and exotic flair. It’s a love letter to the streets that shaped her, blending nostalgia with a fresh twist that hints at her artistic growth as a mother. By the end of her set, the crowd was buzzing, swept up in the infectious joy of her world.
Kyary didn’t stop there. She dropped a bombshell announcement: a one-man live concert scheduled for October 25, 2025, at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo. This declaration of her “complete comeback” sent fans into a frenzy, promising more of the magic she brought to ASOBIEXPO.
ASOBIEXPO 2025: A Showcase of Harajuku Talent
The festival itself was a testament to ASOBI SYSTEM’s influence in Japan’s entertainment scene. Alongside Kyary, 13 other acts graced the stage, including rising stars from the agency’s “KAWAII LAB.” project—an initiative to spread “NEW KAWAII” culture globally. Groups like the eight-member CUTIE STREET and seven-member FRUITS ZIPPER brought their own flavor to the event, embodying the next generation of Harajuku-inspired idols.
However, the day wasn’t without hiccups. FRUITS ZIPPER’s Karen Matsumoto (23) performed earlier in a duo called “PiKi” with CUTIE STREET’s Haruka Sakuraba (19), but she abruptly canceled her later appearance with FRUITS ZIPPER due to poor health. This followed ongoing health struggles for group member Amane Tsukitashi (25) since June, leaving FRUITS ZIPPER to perform with just five members. These setbacks highlight the grueling demands of the idol industry, where performers often push themselves to the brink to meet fan expectations.
Despite these challenges, ASOBIEXPO 2025 was a resounding success, drawing 12,000 attendees and showcasing the diversity and resilience of ASOBI SYSTEM’s roster. Kyary’s set stood out as the emotional and artistic pinnacle, a beacon of what the agency—and Harajuku culture—can achieve.
The Bigger Picture: Impact and Inspiration
Kyary’s return resonates beyond the stage lights. In Japan, where the entertainment industry can be unforgiving to women who step away, her comeback sets a precedent. It’s a beacon for female artists navigating motherhood, proving that a career pause doesn’t mean a career end. Globally, her story taps into conversations about work-life balance, offering inspiration to fans and creators who admire her tenacity.
Her influence also underscores Harajuku’s enduring appeal. Once a niche subculture, it’s now a global phenomenon, thanks in part to Kyary’s ambassadorship. Her performance at ASOBIEXPO 2025 wasn’t just a concert—it was a cultural export, a reminder of how Japanese pop can captivate the world with its blend of tradition and innovation.
A Unique Perspective: Evolution Through Motherhood
What sets Kyary’s return apart is how motherhood has subtly reshaped her art. Her pre-baby work was a kaleidoscope of youthful rebellion and surreal fantasy, a reflection of her own journey. Now, there’s a new layer—connection. “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” feels like a gift not just to fans but to her child, a playful invitation into the world she’s built. In interviews, she’s hinted at future projects, like children’s music or family-friendly content, suggesting her creative lens is widening to include her role as a mom.
This evolution mirrors her career arc. From the bubblegum chaos of “PONPONPON” to the mature confidence of her 2025 performance, Kyary has always adapted while staying unmistakably herself. Motherhood hasn’t softened her edge—it’s sharpened her purpose, grounding her eccentricity in a deeper narrative of love and legacy.
What’s Next for Kyary?
With her October 25 concert on the horizon, Kyary shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can expect more music that bridges her past and present, perhaps with nods to her new life as a mother. “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” is just the start—its success signals she’s still a hitmaker with a finger on the pulse of pop culture. Whether she’s spinning tales of Harajuku or crafting lullabies for her child, Kyary’s next chapter promises to be as vibrant as ever.
A Pop Icon Reborn
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s ASOBIEXPO 2025 performance was a masterclass in reinvention. She didn’t just return—she evolved, blending her iconic style with the strength and joy of motherhood. For 12,000 fans, it was a night of music and memories; for the world, it was a glimpse of an artist who continues to defy expectations. As she prepares for her Tokyo solo show and beyond, Kyary remains a trailblazer—proof that the Harajuku spirit, like her, only grows brighter with time.
