Japanese indie pop band CHAI have announced their breakup after more than 10 years. In a social media statement, the quarter wrote that they will “eternalize NEO KAWAII” (part ways as a band), following a farewell tour of Japan.
“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,” CHAI wrote. “We are so sorry to surprise you with this news. CHAI would never have been able to travel the world without all of your support, and we cannot thank you enough for the love and courage you have given us.”
CHAI went on to say that each member of the group “will continue to represent and spread NEO KAWAII in our own individual ways” after they “travel Japan on our last tour to give LOVE to all of our NEO KAWAII BABIES one last time.”
Twin sisters Mana (vocals/keys) and Kana (guitar) formed CHAI in 2012 with drummer Yuna and bassist/lyricist Yuuki, when all four members were still in high school. Aiming to redefine the Japanese word “kawaii” (or “cute” in English), they created a NEO KAWAII aesthetic and found early inspiration from artists like Basement Jaxx, Jamiroquai, and Gorillaz — the latter of whom they collaborated with in 2020.
Their sophomore album, PUNK, gained them an international following, and they signed to Sub Pop in 2020. CHAI’s final studio effort was a self-titled album released this past September. Their farewell tour begins in Sapporo, Japan on January 28th and will make stops in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and more. Get your tickets here.