Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s J-Pop “Kawaii” in Paris

Kyary's full name is Caroline Charonplop Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

Suzuka—born in Tokyo. A translator, writer, reporter, MC, and staff member of the French cable and ADSL television network Nolife, covering Japanese otaku culture. Has become something of an idol among French men who are into Japan. Her first book, "Paris Japon," was released by the publisher Christine Bonneton in 2011.

Kyary and her group on stage in Paris (Feb. 10) during the 100% KPP World Tour 2013. (Photo courtesy of asobisystem.)

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu at the Harajuku Kawaii Festival. As an ambassador for “Harajuku kawaii” she chooses to wear comparitively plainer outfits when she is off-stage. On the right, Kyary makes a rare appearance with another pop idol, Nakagawa Shōko—or Shokotan as she is also known (at Harajuku Quest Hall, Tokyo).

A display at the Harajuku Kawaii Festival. Kyary has appeared in commercials promoting all sorts of products, ranging from earphones, sweets, and color contact lenses to smartphones and cars.

Twelve-year-olds Rina (left) and Yume, interviewed in Harajuku, are huge fans of Kyary. “We’re not interested in idols that all our classmates like. Kyary’s different from everyone else. And her sometimes creepy style is really interesting.”