Billboard Japan’s esteemed “Women in Music” series continues its tradition of honoring the visionaries—artists, producers, and executives—who are actively reshaping the cultural landscape. Following the spirit of the global Billboard Women in Music honors, this initiative spotlighting Japan’s female trailblazers remains a cornerstone of the industry.
Ahead of the exclusive “Women in Music – EQUAL STAGE” showcase on June 9—a collaborative event between Billboard Japan and Spotify—we sat down with the genre-defying quartet ATARASHII GAKKO!. Now in their eleventh year, SUZUKA, MIZYU, RIN, and KANON continue to champion their core ethos of “hamidashi“—thriving through radical individuality and creative freedom. They joined writer Rio Hirai to discuss their evolving bonds, their unique philosophy on life, and what fans can expect from their upcoming performance.
It’s been a while since your last feature in this series. SUZUKA, you once famously expressed a desire to live “one hell of a life.” As we approach the midpoint of 2026, how has that journey been unfolding?
SUZUKA: Entering our eleventh year felt like a natural pivot point. We’ve been balancing a return to our roots with an aggressive push toward the future. It’s a busy season: Lollapalooza Berlin in July, followed by anniversary celebrations in the Czech Republic and London. By autumn, we head to Seattle, and we’ll wrap up the year with a Latin America tour across Chile, Brazil, and Mexico.
KANON, you previously highlighted the necessity of living fully in the “now.”
KANON: That sentiment is still our compass. We believe that as long as the four of us are anchored in the present moment, we are experiencing our seishun (youth). Every day, I dedicate myself completely to the immediate experience.
Looking back at the first half of 2026, what stands out as a defining moment?
RIN: Our April solo show was particularly transformative. Inspired by the aesthetic of traditional Japanese school entrance ceremonies, we used minimalist staging—lecterns and red-and-white curtains—to create an immersive atmosphere. It allowed us to revisit our origins while deeply exploring what ATARASHII GAKKO! represents in its current form.
MIZYU: Every day has felt intentional. Whether we’re on stage, in the studio crafting new soundscapes, or reflecting on the energy we receive from our fans, every moment has been a vital contribution to our creative growth.
When performing for international audiences who may not understand the Japanese lyrics, what is your strategy for connecting?
RIN: Performance is our primary language. We amplify our body language and facial expressions to translate our emotions—joy, intensity, and wonder—into a universal experience. Our uniforms have become iconic abroad, so we lean into that visual identity, pouring 100% of our energy into every movement. If you commit fully to the stage, the message resonates regardless of the language barrier.
SUZUKA: Take our signature “attention, bow!” gesture, for example. In Japan, it’s a standard formality, but overseas, it provokes pure delight. The cultural contrast often creates these spontaneous, electrifying moments of connection.
Do you still find new dimensions to one another after over a decade together?
SUZUKA: We grew up together during our formative middle school years, and while we’ve matured, our chemistry has only deepened. When we collaborate on choreography or songwriting, we draw from the unique challenges of our daily lives. It’s a fascinating balance of constant evolution and total stability.
MIZYU: The foundation is solid, but we’re all refining our individual edges. We’ve become more mature, and our shared curiosity has grown alongside our drive to evolve.
To those who find the idea of “going beyond the norm” intimidating, what advice would you give?
SUZUKA: Growth requires breaking the mold, and failure is merely an inevitable, productive part of the process. Don’t fear the stumble—embrace it as a stepping stone. If you crash, get back up, find your source of replenishment—be it music or the sky—and keep pushing.
MIZYU: You define what “going beyond the norm” means for you. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; sometimes, it’s just living authentically. You don’t have to rush, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone.
Looking forward to the June 9th show with Awich, Hitsujibungaku, and LANA, what are you bringing to the table?
RIN: This lineup is incredible because it bridges genres and generations. I’m eager to see how the audience reacts to such a diverse tapestry of Japanese female artists. I think fans will be surprised by the raw power and artistry we’re all bringing.
SUZUKA: The atmosphere will be both healing and provocative. We’re going to be unapologetically ourselves—it’s going to be a night of genuine, unified energy.
— Originally published by Billboard Japan
