HATE and TEARS, the electro group that’s breaking the rules
Discover HATE and TEARS before Japan Expo 2025
Born in Nagoya in 2020, the group HATE and TEARS has made a name for itself in the Japanese pop scene. On the eve of their first appearance in Europe at Japan Expo 2025, here’s a portrait of a trio determined to shake up the conventions of the modern idol world.
Lineup
KAYO
Role: Leader, Vocals
Date of Birth: December 24
Color: Pink (Absolute Pink)
https://x.com/kayo__hat
UI
Role: Vocals
Date of Birth: February 27
Color: Cherry Red
https://x.com/ui__hat
MISA
Role: Vocals
Date of Birth: September 25
Color: Orange
https://x.com/misa__hat
In their early days, HATE and TEARS described themselves as an electro-pop group. But over time, the group, its members, and their musical universe have evolved. Today, their sound is more defined—blending elements of club, pop, cool vibes, and catchy melodies.
[...] 日本にはかわいいアイドルさんも歌やダンスの上手なアイドルさん、素敵なアイドルさんがたくさんいます。だからこそ今は、アイドルも多様性を求められる時期。もちろん私たちも、HATE and TEARSにしかできないアイドルとしてのスタイルを確立しようと、常日頃から模索しているんです。
"[...] In Japan, there are so many talented and adorable idols with diverse styles. Nowadays, people expect idols to be versatile. We’re also aiming to create a unique style that’s truly our own as HATE and TEARS."
From GEKIROCK Interview, November 2024Released in August 2023, their first major single marked a turning point.
Both a slogan and the inspiration behind their name, they “sing about girls’ emotions” but in truth, they’re telling their own stories, expressing what they experience and feel. These are sincere, human-sized emotions. Still, they reassure us: their songs aren’t dark, they are powerful
さっきUIちゃんが"尖っている"という話をしてましたけど [...] 最近は"いい女性"みたいなことについて歌うことが多いんですけど、今の社会って女性が結構強くなってきていると思うから、そこに刺さるといいなとか。
“We’re sharp […] Our songs are aimed at a more niche audience, even minorities […] The role of women in society is changing, so if our music can resonate with that audience, all the better.”
From SKREAM Interview, May 2023Released in November 2024, their third single was created with an international audience in mind.
(Let’s just hope they don’t try to steal the Mona Lisa once they’re in Paris!)
Since signing with a major label in September 2023, and with the support of ADA Japan (Warner Music Japan), the group and their production team have made their ambitions clear: to go global. The first step came that same year with a performance in Thailand, and it was only the beginning.
HATE and TEARSは間違いなくアイドルなんですけど、やっている音楽に関しては、世界に通用するような、強いて言うのであればPerfumeさんのような、クラブ・ミュージックに特化したグループと思っていただければなと思っています。
“HATE and TEARS are idols, no doubt about that, but musically, they’re a group with real international potential. If I had to name a reference, it would be Perfume.”
Group Producer in an interview for Skream, August 2023On the singles front, a wave of tracks crafted for international appeal swept through 2024 and 2025, including "俺はオレっ！" (Ore wa Ore!), "Cherish", and "DirtyMuseum », each showcasing a distinct style. And it’s working!
Released in September 2024, their first single aimed at the international market.
To shift into high gear, HATE and TEARS released their first album, “CHOCOLATE and CREAM,” on March 19, 2025, an essential listen to truly dive into the heart of their unique style.
HATE and TEARSは茨の道を進んでいると思うんですけど、そこを切り拓いていくときに、ファンの方や見つけてくれる方がいると、茨の道だからこそ見つけてくれて嬉しいなという感情がありますね。
“The path we’re forging with HATE and TEARS is difficult, so it’s wonderful when people who discover us choose to stay and support us. It’s because it’s challenging that these kinds of connections are so incredible.”
From SKREAM Interview, May 2023You too can join the journey with “HATE & Tears” and meet them during their first trip to France and Europe at Japan Expo Paris 2025, happening every day from July 3 to 6.
Their schedule during Japan Expo (last update 05/31):
July, Thursday 3:
- Live on TSUBAME stage: 11:15AM - 11:45AM
- Live on KAMO stage: 2:35PM - 2:55PM
July, Friday 4:
- Live on KAMO stage: 12:10PM - 12:30PM
- Live on KAMO stage: 4:30PM - 5:15PM
July, Saturday 5:
- Live on KAMO stage: 2:15PM - 2:35PM
July, Sunday 6:
- Live on KAMO stage: 12:25PM - 12:45PM
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