Rafu Staff Reports
The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles held a “Cool Japan” business networking event Thursday, with Japanese pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu among the participants.
About 60 local representatives from the worlds of fashion, film and music were introduced to the youth culture of Japan. Since last year, Kyary has served as “kawaii” (cuteness) ambassador for Tokyo’s trend-setting Harajuku district. Her influence overseas is expected to play a major role in “Cool Japan,” the Japanese government’s effort to promote anime, fashion and other elements of Japanese pop culture worldwide.
The 20-year-old model, blogger and singer, whose real name is Kiriko Takemura, performs tonight at Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd. in Downtown L.A., as part of her American tour. Showtime is 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $75, plus $150 tickets that include VIP balcony seating and a post-show meet-and-greet. For more information, visit http://www.clubnokia.com/. Kyary is also performing in New York on April 14.
At Consul General Jun Niimi’s residence, she was presented with a certificate of appreciation from L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz’s office. Niimi stated that Kyary’s popularity is no longer limited to Japan.
Representatives of the L.A. Tourism and Convention Board and JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) discussed Melrose and Harajuku fashion, respectively, and their efforts to promote tourism between the two countries.
On Wednesday, Kyary toured the Melrose district, visiting clothing stores, department stores, and the legendary Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. She commented that there were many “kawaii” stores and she felt that Melrose is on the cutting edge of style. She was also surprised at the variety of figures from Japanese manga, anime and video games available there.
Known throughout Japan for her almost cartoonish looks, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is known for helping to promote “kawaii” culture among pop culture fans across Asia and as well as in the West. She has also successfully launched her own cosmetic line, beginning with a brand of false eyelashes.
She said that she wants the world to know not only about Harajuku culture, but also the fact that Japan has many artists with unique styles of their own.
For more information on Kyary (in Japanese), visit:
https://www.facebook.com/kyaryofficial