ATARASHII GAKKO!

ATARASHII GAKKO! (literally "new school" in Japanese) are a group of of four women who are redefining what it means to be a girl group. While most female J-pop idol groups are known for their high-pitched voices, perfectly synchronized dance moves, supposed innocence and excessive efforts to always be kawaii (cute), AG! has nothing to do with any of that. They wear sailor suits (sailor-fuku), as worn by Japanese students in the 70s and 80s of , with long skirts and high socks, and stubbornly resist objectification. Their aggressive and expressive dance movements, which they choreograph themselves, are a mixture of Japanese Butoh dance, heavy metal headbanging and hip-hop-style street dance. Musically, AG! combine elements of modern J-pop, the Kayokyoku Showa era, rap, punk and dance music - it would be pointless to try and categorize them into a specific genre.