Pop idols seem to be going through a non-conformist revival these days: grandmothers from Okinawa, cutesy girls playing metal, senior women from Niigata who only sing about rice, they’re all making big airwaves. One of the louder (and smaller, member-wise) additions is Ladybaby, headed by none other than a bearded Australian crossdresser who belts out metal vocals. Yes, they might even give Babymetal a run for their money.
Frontman Ladybeard has been performing in Japan for a few years now, and is known for his signature 'kawaiicore' style and music. Earlier this year, he teamed up with singers Rie Kaneko and Rei Kuromiya to form Ladybaby, and the rest is kawaiicore history. Their tagline is ‘Change the rules, smash the boundaries’, and they are the self-described newest idol sensation that smashes borders of gender, nationality, age, culture and rules through singing and dancing. Keeping with the kawaii theme, all members dress up as cute as possible, and they even have Clearstone, a costume brand, as their main producer/sponsor. Their first single, Nippon Manju (above), has amassed over 10 million views on Youtube, and features just about everything commercial and stereotypical of Japan. Be sure to turn on the subtitles if needed for great lyric translations. The song is even described as their gift to the world for the 2020 Olympics. We’re wondering if the Japan Tourism Board has actually agreed to that. Soft power though pop metal – it is rather catchy, if you’re good at those very low notes.
For those wanting to catch this phenomenon while it’s still hot, head to the Ex Theatre Roppongi on November 18, or to Hyper Japan London from November 27-29. More info on their Facebook page or website.
– By Kirsty Bouwers