ATARASHII GAKKO!, the trailblazing Japanese group comprised of Mizyu, Rin, Kanon, and Suzuka, is redefining their musical boundaries. The dynamic quartet brings a melting pot of genre-blending music paired with synchronized dance moves to their first North American tour, The SEISHUN Tour. ATARASHII GAKKO! arrived in Toronto, Canada for the first time on November 13 at The Axis Club. 

Fans were waving lightsticks and chanting “AG” as they anticipated the show’s commencement. ATARASHII GAKKO! brought a burst of energy the second they stepped on stage performing “青春を切り裂く波動 (SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO).” The group showed off fast-paced, choreographed moves that involved lifts, members jumping over one another, and tumbling across the stage.

They continued with “最終人類 (Saishuu Jinrui),” and then took a moment to introduce themselves. The group exuded even more energy and enthusiasm as Suzuka was perched on top of her members, greeting their adoring fans. Mizyu explained the meaning behind the name of their tour, SEISHUN: “Enjoy every moment, be yourself!” Then Suzuka led the crowd to chant SEISHUN before performing “CANDY” and “The Edge.”

The four-piece group showcased their iconic track “Pineapple Kryptonite” before swiftly changing into black coats for the song's remix by Yohji Igarashi. The bass-amped rendition had the crowd jumping, causing the venue floors to shake with energy.

Moving right along, the group performed their newest single, “Tokyo Calling,” along with a cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic” — this is when Suzuka calls themselves “Beastie Girls.” Their cover is in Japanese and of course, was accompanied by choreographed moves.

While conversing with their fans, Suzuka asked a series of questions such as “Do you love Japan?” and “What kind of food do you like?” which received a mix of answers from the audience. Suzuka also asked the members their favorite foods: Mizyu said tofu, Kanon likes sukiyaki, and Rin answered edamame. Suzuka also shared she likes takoyaki and posed as if she was flexing her muscles. 

When the girls took a fan’s sign that asked for Suzuka’s shoe, Suzuka asked Mizyu if she knew English to translate the sign, in which Mizyu stuttered “えと...(uhm…)” and pointed the mic to the fan to speak instead. Suzuka said she was sorry, but it was her last shoe and a very special shoe.

Fans received a lot more fanservice during “NAINAINAI” as members would lean into the crowd to touch everyone’s hands and give cute and funny poses. At one point, Suzuka jumped off the stage and made her way through the crowd, singing and waving to fans. Suzuka said everyone here would have to come to Japan for another ATARASHII GAKKO! concert, receiving more screams and cheers. The members said their goodbyes before running off stage, and fans quickly began chanting for an encore.

The girls came back onto the stage a few minutes after, dressed in tour merch, to perform their last song of the night, “Free Your Mind.” They took a group photo with the whole venue and received gifts from their fans before ending their concert with a final bow.

ATARASHII GAKKO!’s first show in Canada began and ended with everyone wanting more, and their growing fanbase cannot wait to see the group in Toronto again.

Have you seen ATARASHII GAKKO! on tour? What was your highlight of the concert? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X (Twitter)!

STAY UPDATED ON ATARASHII GAKKO!:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | X (TWITTER) | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

Edited by Zoe Selesi