Back in the days when we only had one daughter, Target had a line of clothing from Gwen Stefani called “Harajuku Mini.” I gobbled it up, dressing the little one in some really cute things, and one item that was handed-down for a short time was what we dubbed the “rocker hoodie.” Alas, the clothing is long gone, but there’s more Harajuku to enjoy, including Stefani’s animated series KUU KUU HARAJUKU. The 2D-animated series currently airs on Nickelodeon in the U.S. and on Family Channel in Canada, and on June 13, 2017, Shout! Factory in collaboration with DHX Media will release KUU KUU HARAJUKU: MUSIC, BABY!, – the series’ first-ever DVD. Containing 14 episodes from Season One, initial shipments of the DVD contain a code to download the KUU KUU HARAJUKU theme song (while supplies last). KUU KUU HARAJUKU: MUSIC, BABY! is available now for pre-order at Amazon.com and ShoutFactory.com.
The animated series KUU KUU HARAJUKU follows the fun-filled adventures of the band HJ5 – Love, Angel, Music, Baby and G – through their super kawaii (cute) world of music, fashion and style. The inspiration for this popular animated series came from Grammy® Award-winning musician Stefani who wanted to create an animated series for girls that encourages and celebrates creative self-expression, imagination and individuality. The show’s setting is inspired by the exuberant street fashion and creative youth culture of the Harajuku district but it takes place in a magical fantasy world like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
G is the lead singer of HJ5. She’s a natural leader and an amazing friend. She’s positive and enthusiastic, and fond of saying “Tick tock, time to rock!” Love is a fashionista, a great dancer, and cute as a button. She’s also a genius who often saves the day with her inventions. Angel is super chic, fun and enthusiastic. This fashionista has 325 pairs of shoes, and even her accessories have accessories! Music has a tough girl attitude, and is brutally honest. She brings a hint of edge and attitude to the group, and is fiercely protective of her friends. Baby sees the kawaii in all things: babies, puppies, rattlesnakes… She sees the good in everything, and also knows how to take care of herself. As G says, “Baby can charm the fire out of a dragon.”
Then, there is Rudie Rhodes, HJ5’s well-meaning but semi-incompetent manager. He books the band on all sorts of gigs, and they are happy to play anywhere, but dealing with villains, aliens and general Harajuku weirdness makes it impossible for them to ever finish a concert!
KUU KUU HARAJUKU is co-created and produced by Moody Street Kids (Australia), Vision Animation (Malaysia) and Gwen Stefani and commissioned by Network Ten with investment funding from Film Victoria (Australia) and MyCreative Ventures (Malaysia). DHX Media handles international distribution for the series, and licensed the series to Shout! Factory.
KUU KUU HARAJUKU™ and device are trademarks of Harajuku Lovers, LLC. Authorised users Vision Animation Sdn Bhd and Moody Street Kids Pty Ltd
Episodes Include:
- Totally Teen Genie / Angel’s Flight
- Music, Baby / Wanted Audience
- Game Over / Phony Ponies
- Hello Puppy / G, This Is Awfully Deep
- Baby’s Birthday / Labor Of Love
- Bad Boy and Little Girl / Yummy Bear Nado
- Drums of Doom / Adventures In Housesitting
