A New Chapter for the Harajuku Pop Icon
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Japan’s beloved Harajuku pop star, is back with a vibrant new single titled “KURU KURU HARAJUKU,” set to drop on July 18, 2025. This release marks her first musical project in over a year and three months, and it’s an especially meaningful one: it’s her first work since becoming a mother. In a heartwarming and groundbreaking twist, Kyary is teaming up with her own child for this comeback, blending her personal journey with her signature whimsical artistry. Known globally as a pioneer of Japan’s colorful “kawaii” culture, Kyary’s return promises to captivate fans with its exotic sounds, addictive beats, and a deeply personal story of growth and connection.
For those unfamiliar with Kyary, she’s more than just a singer—she’s a cultural phenomenon who has shaped the landscape of Japanese pop music and Harajuku fashion since her debut in 2011. With “KURU KURU HARAJUKU,” she’s not only re-entering the music scene but also redefining herself as both an artist and a mother. This article will explore the song’s features, its creative team, the significance of her collaboration with her child, and how motherhood has influenced her iconic career. Let’s dive into this exciting new chapter of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s life and legacy.
The Song: “KURU KURU HARAJUKU”—A Dance Anthem with Heart
“KURU KURU HARAJUKU” is everything fans have come to expect from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu: quirky, playful, and impossible to resist. The title, which roughly translates to “spinning around Harajuku,” evokes the dizzying energy of Tokyo’s famous fashion district, a place that has long inspired Kyary’s music and style. The song blends exotic sounds with a high-energy, addictive beat, creating a track that’s described as one you “can’t help but dance to.” It’s a perfect addition to Kyary’s catalog of hits like “PonPonPon” and “Fashion Monster,” which have defined her as a global ambassador of Harajuku pop culture.
The production quality is top-notch, thanks to a team of seasoned collaborators who have been with Kyary since her early days. The art direction is led by Steve Nakamura, a creative genius behind many of Kyary’s surreal and eye-catching visuals. Kamishi Konishi handles the hair and makeup, ensuring Kyary’s signature bold look shines through, while Kumiko Iijima takes charge of styling, and Takeshi Hanzawa captures it all through photography. Together, they’ve crafted a visual and auditory experience that’s unmistakably Kyary—bright, bold, and brimming with personality.
A Special Collaboration: Kyary and Her Child Take Center Stage
What sets “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” apart from Kyary’s previous work is its deeply personal touch: her collaboration with her own child. For the first time, Kyary is sharing the spotlight with her baby, who appears alongside her in the song’s artwork and promotional visuals. This isn’t just a cute cameo—it’s a reflection of Kyary’s current life as she balances motherhood with her career as a pop icon.
In the artwork, Kyary’s child is dressed in an adorable costume featuring a dragon headpiece, a nod to their birth in the Year of the Dragon (2024 in the Chinese zodiac). The outfit also incorporates bouldering elements, symbolizing the idea of climbing and growing together as parent and child. Kyary herself appears in her trademark colorful fashion, but with a softer, more nurturing energy that reflects her new role. The visuals capture a candid, relatable side of the star, showing her as both a larger-than-life artist and a devoted mom.
In her own words, Kyary shared her thoughts on this unique collaboration:
“Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has become a duo (laughs). Throughout my career, I’ve always incorporated my personal experiences and timely events into my work, and this time, after giving birth, I decided to feature my child in the main visual. The key points are the dragon headpiece, since my baby was born in the Year of the Dragon, and the bouldering parts on their body. My child is still so small, and I feel like we’re one and the same, like they’re an extension of me. I wanted to express the idea of ‘You can climb all over me. Let’s grow together,’ in a humorous and cute way.”
This collaboration is more than a gimmick—it’s a heartfelt expression of Kyary’s journey into motherhood. By including her child, she’s showing fans that her art is an extension of her life, and that her roles as a mother and an artist can coexist beautifully. It’s a powerful statement about identity, family, and the joy of creating together.
Background: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and the Harajuku Legacy
To understand the full significance of “KURU KURU HARAJUKU,” it’s worth looking back at Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s incredible career and her deep ties to Harajuku culture. Born Kiriko Takemura, Kyary rose to fame in 2011 with her debut single “PonPonPon,” a bubblegum-pop anthem produced by Yasutaka Nakata of the electronic duo Capsule. The song’s surreal music video—featuring Kyary dancing amid a whirlwind of pastel props—went viral worldwide, introducing her unique blend of “kawaii” (cute) aesthetics and catchy melodies to an international audience.
Since then, Kyary has become a symbol of Harajuku, a Tokyo neighborhood famous for its eccentric street fashion and youthful creativity. Harajuku is where subcultures like Lolita fashion, decora, and visual kei thrive, and Kyary’s music and style have always embodied this spirit of individuality and playfulness. Songs like “Tsukematsukeru” and “Kira Kira Killer” celebrate Harajuku’s vibrant energy, making her a cultural ambassador for the district and for Japanese pop culture as a whole.
Over the past decade, Kyary has released multiple albums, headlined international tours, and collaborated with brands like Adidas and Kawaii Monster Cafe. She’s performed at major festivals like Coachella and served as a face for Japanese tourism, bringing Harajuku’s charm to the world. Her influence extends beyond music—she’s a fashion icon, a trendsetter, and a voice for self-expression, inspiring fans to embrace their own uniqueness.
The Impact of Motherhood on Kyary’s Artistry
Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, and for Kyary, it’s brought a new layer of depth to her work. In the lead-up to “KURU KURU HARAJUKU,” she’s spoken openly about how motherhood has shifted her perspective. “Before, my music was all about my own world,” she said in a recent interview. “Now, it’s about sharing that world with someone else—my child—and creating something we can both enjoy.”
This evolution is subtle but evident in “KURU KURU HARAJUKU.” While the song retains Kyary’s playful, upbeat vibe, it carries themes of growth, discovery, and connection—ideas that resonate with her new role as a parent. The lyrics, though lighthearted, hint at exploring new horizons and embracing change, mirroring Kyary’s own journey into motherhood. The decision to feature her child in the visuals further underscores this shift, blending her personal and professional lives in a way that feels authentic and inspiring.
In Japan, where public figures often maintain a strict divide between their private and public selves, Kyary’s openness is refreshing. By sharing this part of her life, she’s connecting with fans on a human level, showing that even pop icons face the same joys and challenges as everyone else. It’s a move that’s likely to deepen her bond with her audience, particularly young women who may see her as a role model for balancing career and family.
The Meaning of a Parent-Child Collaboration
Kyary’s decision to collaborate with her child isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a statement about the evolving nature of artistry. In an industry obsessed with polished personas, her willingness to bring her baby into her work challenges the idea that artists must separate their personal lives from their craft. It’s a celebration of family and a reminder that creativity can be a shared, intergenerational experience.
This parent-child duo also speaks to broader cultural themes, especially in Japan, where traditional expectations often place women in rigid roles. Kyary’s ability to continue her career while embracing motherhood sends a powerful message: women don’t have to choose between their passions and their families. The bouldering imagery in the artwork—symbolizing climbing and overcoming obstacles—reinforces this idea, suggesting that parenthood is a journey of strength and resilience.
For fans, this collaboration adds a layer of relatability to Kyary’s larger-than-life persona. It’s a glimpse into her world as a mom, making her music and visuals feel more intimate and meaningful. It also sets the stage for future projects—could we see more family-inspired art from Kyary down the line? Only time will tell, but for now, “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” is a beautiful testament to the power of connection.
What’s Next for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu?
The excitement for “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” doesn’t stop with its release. Kyary has announced that she’ll perform the song live for the first time at ASOBIEXPO on July 20, 2025, an event that’s sure to be a dazzling showcase of her talents. Fans can expect her signature choreography, extravagant costumes, and a stage setup that brings the song’s Harajuku spirit to life.
Looking ahead, Kyary has hinted at more music and creative ventures on the horizon. She’s expressed interest in exploring projects that reflect her new role as a mother, such as children’s music or family-oriented content. This could open up a whole new audience for her work, while also allowing her to share her love of art with her child as they grow.
As Kyary continues to evolve, her ability to stay true to her quirky, colorful roots while embracing new chapters keeps her relevant and beloved. “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting era for the Harajuku pop icon.
A Comeback Worth Celebrating
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” is more than a new single—it’s a milestone that blends her signature sound with her personal growth as a mother. By featuring her child in this project, Kyary is inviting fans into her world, showing how love, family, and creativity can intersect in the most delightful ways. The song’s infectious energy, stunning visuals, and heartfelt story make it a standout in her discography, proving once again why she’s a global pop culture treasure.
Don’t miss the release of “KURU KURU HARAJUKU” on July 18, 2025, and be sure to catch Kyary’s live performance at ASOBIEXPO on July 20. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, this is a comeback that’s sure to leave you spinning with joy. Let’s celebrate Kyary Pamyu Pamyu—the Harajuku pop icon turned dynamic duo—and all the magic she continues to bring to the world.
