Bala is the collective creating a new Tokyo culture, where anything goes

This story originally appeared on i-D Japan.

There’s something different about Bala. They might look like your favourite new girl band, but there’s a lot more to them than that. Made up of five artists working across different disciplines in Tokyo’s fashion, music and art scenes, the friends have teamed up to combine their individual tastes and talents into a powerful creative force. So who are they? There’s Manon, who we proclaimed “Japan’s rising hyperpop star” just this summer; Asa Wu, a trilingual R&B singer from Taiwan; Sunny Only 1, a model and punk musician; 00s-inspired creative director, photographer and videographer Dan; and Kano Rogers, who is behind the group’s playful 3D graphics. 

Bala was born in spring 2022, when the creative duo KissGelz (Kano Rogers and Dan), joined forces with musicians Manon, Asa and Sunny. Sharing values and aesthetics – the group are all fans of R&B, hyperpop and vaporwave – they, quite rightly, figured that anything would be possible if they worked together. “I’ve been a solo artist for a long time, but by getting together with other kids of the same generation, I make new discoveries,” says Sunny. “We inspire each other.” Bala’s cross-medium partnership – one where there is no main character, all members are as important as each other – is sort of revolutionary; their super inclusive attitude setting a precedent for how often-sidelined creatives are viewed in the music industry and beyond. “You might think that video, photography and design are behind-the-scenes jobs, but we’re out front and present as members of the group,” says Kano Rogers. “This is what makes Bala special.” 

As well as working with brands like Nike and ASICS, the collective runs a monthly event called ‘Bala Presents take me with you’ at Ebisu’s Batica, providing a platform for their own work as well as other young artists they admire. “I want to create a new Tokyo culture where anything goes,” Utana says. “I hope more people will see what we’re doing and realise it’s ok to express themselves – to share what they like, however they like.” Last month, they took their club night global with an event in Hackney, part of their aim to “bring Japan to London” and ultimately impact any preconceptions the world might have of Japanese culture. “I want to become a crew that represents not only Tokyo, but also Japan,” Sunny says. “I think that by sharing not just typical Japanese things, but also the interesting things hidden within our culture, we can change Japanese stereotypes.”

Get to know Bala’s members below, as they discuss their favourite songs, the latest Tokyo trends and how they stay creative.

Manon

Manon, musician

What’s your favourite fashion brand right now?
No Dress.

If you could speak to your 16-year-old self, what would you tell her?
I wouldn’t say anything, I’d just give her a BIG HUG❤︎.

Which musician are you keen to collaborate with?
Alice Longyu Gao – her music shows that she is inspired by Japan, her fashion and attitude is very gyaru-like and I feel the same vibes.

Do you have a message for your fellow Bala members?
I love you! ( -ॢᴗ-ॢ⋈) Let’s go for kaitenzushi together soon <3

@jesuismanon2

Asa Wu, singer

How would you describe Bala?
A group of people who bring out the best in each other.

How does working with the collective compare to working alone?
It expands the size of the creative circle.

What song are you into at the moment?
“Summertime” by FLO.

If you could, what would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
You’re still beautiful.

What do you do when you have a creative block?
Take a deep breath.

How do you want to spend the rest of 2022?
Making memories like never before.

@asawurarara

Sunny Only 1, model / musician

What has working as a member of Bala taught you?
That I should always improve myself. By doing so, Bala is also enhanced.

What does creativity mean to you?
Being unstoppable.

What song are you into at the moment?
Raär’s “Leave Me In My Broken Dreams”.

What do you think is currently popular in Tokyo?
140 bpm techno.

What was the most shocking event in your life?
When I went to Notting Hill Carnival.

How do you want to spend the rest of 2022?
Preparing for the release of my songs.

@sunny_only1

Dan, photographer / creative director

What does creativity mean to you?
It’s what you leave behind as proof that you were alive.

What does it mean to be creative with your friends and not alone?
You can create a new culture together.

What music are you into at the moment?
Definitely beabadoobee — I love indie rock.

What kind of team do you want Bala to grow into?
A hybrid crew that can fit into any mould.

What do you do when you hit a creative block?
I talk to others.

@danbabeboo

Kano Rogers, model / 3D creator

What’s the most important thing in your creative work?
That it’s cute.

What shoes are you wearing today?
Mikio Sakabe’s Grounds.

What is cool in Tokyo right now?
Self-communication.

What’s the secret to staying true to your own style and not worrying about what those around you think?
I don’t think people around me care about me in the first place. If they do care, I assume they mean well!

How do you want to spend the rest of 2022?
Trying to juggle schoolwork and everything else!

@ardkano

Credits

Creative Director Kazumi Asamura Hayashi
Photography Mirei Kuno
Text Honoka Yamazaki
Editor Riku Ogawa