Japanese Band CHAI To Disband After Farewell Japan Tour

In an announcement made on January 19, Japanese pop band CHAI shared that they will be breaking up.

“We are sad to let you know that, following our upcoming Japan tour, CHAI will eternalize NEO KAWAII (=parting ways as a band),” they wrote via social media. “To continue our journey of self-love, as CHAI have always said, and to continue to fulfill our own personal visions, we have decided to go our separate ways.”

The band will officially disband after their farewell Japan tour, which is happening from February to March 2024. They will be performing across Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and more.

Formed in 2012, CHAI comprises twin sisters Mana and Kana, as well as Yuna and Yuuki. Most known for their distinct “Neo-Kawaii” concept, the quartet released their critically acclaimed album, Pink in 2017 and went on to sign to the revered American label, Sub Pop. Throughout their career, CHAI have been praised for their unapologetic brand of pop that’s had a hand in redefining the idea of “cute” in Japanese society.

“Everyone interprets it in a different way, but I think they find hope in CHAI’s approach because everyone has something they’re hung up on in life. This is what I see on everyone’s faces during our shows. I was born a woman, I stand on stage as a woman, and I write songs about my life as a woman, but I get reactions from all kinds of people, regardless of gender, generation, or race. I feel that if I do it right, people will understand,” said Mana, in an interview with Billboard Japan.

Listen to CHAI’s latest eponymous album here.