CHAI is More Punk Than Kawaii
Don’t call CHAI “kawaii.” While typically a top-tier compliment in Japan, the four-strong pop-punk band—originally from Nagoya and now based in Tokyo—wants to break free from their country’s repressive attitudes towards women. With songs about hair growing in places you don’t want it to grow, hair not growing in places you want it to grow, fat legs, and narrow eyes—CHAI champions neo-kawaii, or “new cute,” an inclusive reappropriation of an otherwise limited term. Mana, on keyboard and vocals, and her twin sister, Kana, on guitar, met drummer Yuna at their high school music club. Yuuki, on bass, joined shortly after, and they’ve been living together and making music ever since. …
*Excerpt via SSENSE interview by Kanako Noda and photography by Yuto Kodo
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