January is the month where we celebrate the year with a Ninjari Bang BANG…. as it is the birth month of Harajuku fashion blogger/model and singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, also labeled as the “J-Pop Queen” and the “Harajuku Pop Princess”.
Her first single entitled “PONPONPON” was a viral hit on YouTube, which is now at almost 60 million views. She currently has 3 studio albums. Her songs are produced by Capsule’s Yasutaka Nakata, who also produced the well-known electronic dance trio, Perfume.
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu PH (KPP PH) is a fanclub formed by Filipino fans of KPP, founded by Anne Pinero and Mikee Yboa of Kawaii Philippines on November 6, 2012.
They also organized of the Philippine launch of KPP’s third studio album entitled “Nanda Collection (なんだこれくしょん)”, which happened last August 31, 2013 at Ali Mall in Quezon City.
Three weeks ago, I was informed by KPP PH that they will organize a New Year Party which happens on January 18. At first, I didn’t know what to do with it since I only have a brief knowledge about Japan’s ‘Kawaii’ culture, which KPP is also known promoting.
I joined the fanclub since this is one way for me to keep in touch with the fans, to be informed of their activities & how well they promote her to the Filipino people. This will also be my first time to cover a non-anime event for Anime Pilipinas.
The event happened at the SM Megamall branch of Tokyo Bubble Tea, where it is estimated that there are about 20 people at the said establishment.
I was welcomed by KPP PH founders Anne and Mikee, and I’ve met some of the members as well.
We first introduced ourselves and shared what our favorite KPP songs is… For the record, my favorites are “Otona no Kodomo” and “Ninjari Bang Bang”. Some were given freebies, and there are also games that served as ice breakers… which everyone participated, including me.
There were prizes for the participants who got the right answers for the quiz game, for the early birds and for the most “Kawaii” outfit. We also sang a birthday greeting for Kyary that day… Just to let everyone know, She turns 21 on January 29 this year.
Anne and Mikee told me that this was their first time to gather with such number of KPP fans since they usually have only a few participants with their previous gatherings. They would set another fan gathering within this year with a bigger venue to accommodate the fans. They are also keen on organizing gatherings in some pop-culture events like ToyCon, Cosplay Mania and the like.
I must say, the event is well planned and it’s good that everyone has participated with the activities. This also made me prove that Kyary Pamyu Pamyu PH is one of the most active and liveliest local J-Pop fanclubs around.
To those who I have met and have talked to… Thank you for the time and hope to see you soon!
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To Kiriko… I mean Kyary, Hope you have a Very Wonderful Birthday! 🙂
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kyle Florencio was the Resident Photographer of ZEN Otaku Honbu, which is the former name of this website. Aside from Photography, he now handles the Music & Pop-culture beat for Anime Pilipinas. You may follow him on his Twitter and Instagram accounts at @kyflo.
This piece was also edited by JM Melegrito, You may follow him on his twitter account at @blockerZENPH.
