JPHiP was lucky enough to score a seat at the press junket for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Sebastian Masuda, and the Harajuku Kawaii models at the opening of the Harajuku Kawaii pop-up shop in San Francisco. There were some pretty good questions and interesting answers – read on to see what the girls and Sebastian had to say about fashion, music, and what they’re into right now!

Question: Kyary, did you think that you would get as popular as you have overseas?

Answer: I was surprised by how much reaction we got from overseas! When we first made the music videos, we were totally intending to make them for the Japanese audience. When it was put up on Youtube, there were more and more reactions from all over the world; it was truly a surprise, and it makes me very happy.

Question: Kyary, you’re the focus of a lot of people around the world, but right now do you have anything that you’re focusing on?

Answer: I’m really interested in different artists and performers from overseas! Katie Perry is absolutely one of my favorite artists, so I’m constantly watching for what she’s up to.

Question: Are there any items that you’re into now?

Answer: I love things that seem like they’re from a fantasy world, so things like disney; that’s the kind of stuff I’m into now.

Question: Kyary, we know that you’re very into fashion! Have you ever thought of starting your own line?

Answer: I do love fashion, but I also love incorporating fashion into my music. So, for example, for every performance I always think about what I’m wearing and how it fits with a song. I’m more into that than establishing my own line right now.

Question: How has it been on your tour, travelling from state to state?

Answer: For some of us this is the first time we’ve ever been overseas, so we really look forward to meeting more people!

Question: Can you describe your personal style in a few words?

Answers:
Saki Sato: Simple and casual
Eva: Really colorful and cute!
Kyary: Cuteness and complexity!
Sebastian: I produce fashion like you see here, but I always like to express concepts like a girl turning into a young lady.
Ayumi Seto: I’m really into old fashioned american stuff, so casual american or something from the US.
Yura: I’m all black.
Yuka: Like what I’m wearing, sensational kawaii.

Question: Sebatstian, have you thought about collaborating with American designers?

Answer: I’m constantly looking towards the overseas audience, so I would love to collaborate with people in America, Europe, Asia. I’m constantly looking at other designers to give me inspiration.

Question: Kyary, what are your thoughts on Lolita fashion and have you thought about incorporating that into your look?

Answer: Lolita fashion is one of the iconic looks from Harajuku, so whenever I walk there I always notice the girls in Lolita fashion and I think they’re really cute! My own style isn’t quite Lolita, but there are some elements like puffy sleeves and full skirts that are the same.

Question: Kyary, I know this is your first time in San Francisco, but you’ve also been to New York and LA. What unique things have you noticed here as opposed to other places in America, and what would you like to convey to people here?

Answer: So as you might already know, I’ve toured in New York and LA before, but this is the very first time I’ve come to San Francisco. I still haven’t walked around much to see things, but I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans here at J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL and in San Francisco. As far as what I want to convey to people, it’s that we’ve been working hard to set up this shop, Harajuku Kawaii pop-up store, and this has been a dream for a lot of us. We wanted to bring the experience of shopping in Harajuku to the people of San Francisco, so please enjoy!

Question: Sebastian, what are your thoughts on how kawaii culture has changed, and where do you think it will go in the future?

Answer: When we started to bring over the kawaii culture to the states, it was a very niche market with very few people who were interested. Now that it’s grown more popular, we want to move forward and try to convey this culture to more and more people overseas.

Thank you to New People, 6% DOKIDOKI, Sebastian Masuda, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and the models! We here at JPHiP are looking forward to the expansion of kawaii all over the world!

Photos provided courtesy of Chase of New School Kaidan x Nihongogo