Fourteen years after her first appearance at Japan Expo, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu returned to France for the festival’s 25th anniversary. From the colorful and unconventional universe that turned her into a global J-pop icon to the cooler direction of her latest single, Focus Focus, the artist continues to reinvent herself. In our interview, she reflects on her creative identity, her long-standing collaboration with Yasutaka Nakata, the influence of international cultures on her work, and the changes in her life since her first visit to France. She also looks ahead to her upcoming album — and hopes for a future tour that could bring her back to French fans.

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You’re back at Japan Expo after several years. Were you looking forward to returning?

I first came to Japan Expo fourteen years ago, and it was the very beginning of my career. It was also my first concert in France and even my first overseas performance so I remember being incredibly nervous. I’m really happy to be back for the festival’s 25th anniversary! The showcase went really well, the audience was amazing, and I’m just so happy to be here again.

You started your career at a very young age and quickly became an icon of Japanese pop culture around the world. Is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu a character you portray, or is it your true personality?

It’s actually everything I love. I’ve always been drawn to things that are weird, unique, and a little grotesque. My style is really a mix of different influences. Whether it’s for my concerts or my music videos, I always begin with a theme and a visual concept, then my staff helps bring the world I have in mind to life. So, in many ways, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is the result of a true team effort.

You’ve always enjoyed surprising your audience. Is that still your main priority, or do you now simply focus on creating what you enjoy?

Everything I create feels perfectly normal to me, even if other people think it’s strange or surprising. But I’m currently working on a new album, which will be released next year, and it will feature a lot of songs that are much more on the cooler side rather than the cute side. I usually decide on the theme of each song after I’ve written it, depending on the feeling the music gives me.

Speaking of your next album, you recently released “Focus Focus,” which features a very different artistic direction. Will it set the tone for the new record?

Yes, I definitely changed my style with Focus Focus. It’s a much cooler song, and even the music video has a completely different atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on the color blue. Everything about it felt new to me, I even have black hair in the video, and the choreography is much more elaborate. I’m always looking for new challenges and trying to discover sides of myself that I haven’t explored yet.

This new single was once again produced by Yasutaka Nakata, whom you’ve worked with for fifteen years. Is working with the same producer for so long more of a challenge or a source of comfort?

I’ve been a huge fan of CAPSULE for a very long time, so having Mr. Nakata produce my songs has always been a dream come true. Sometimes I wonder how long we’ll be able to keep working together, but I truly hope it continues for as long as possible.

Your creative universe has inspired countless artists and creators around the world. How does it feel to see the impact you’ve had?

Honestly, I don’t think I’m fully aware of it, but it makes me very happy to hear that. (Laughs.) I remember meeting Katy Perry, and when she told me, “I’d love to be like you, I love what you do,” I was overjoyed. A festival like Japan Expo is a wonderful place where cultures meet and inspire one another. When I was eighteen, I was fascinated by Europe and the United States, and I tried to draw inspiration from those cultures. So coming here now and realizing that I might, in turn, inspire other people feels a little surreal but it also makes me incredibly happy. Even when I’m in Japan, I love reading French magazines, especially fashion magazines, because they inspire me so much.

French fans gave you a very warm welcome for your return to France. Is there anything you would like to say to them?

I’m so happy to be back at Japan Expo and the showcase was incredible! This time, I’ve come to France with my two-year-old daughter. Fourteen years ago, I was just starting my career, and my life has changed completely since then. I have a family now, so this visit feels very different from the last one. It’s a strange feeling, but a wonderful change. Next year I’ll be releasing my new album, and I would love to come back to France as part of a tour so I can share it with everyone here.

We would like to thank Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Japan Expo for this opportunity.
This interview is a collaboration between KAvenyou, CKJPOPNEWS and NAUTILJON.