KYODO NEWS



 

Perfume, an all-female Japanese techno-pop group, made its last performance Wednesday on Japan's public broadcaster's year-end live music show before taking a hiatus.

The trio, who have captured a strong fan base in Japan and beyond for their futuristic style and sharp, synchronized and robot-like dance moves, announced in September that the group will be put "into a deep sleep starting in 2026."

The group, who appeared on NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen," or red and white song battle, for 16 straight years from 2008 to 2023, dazzled the audience with a medley of their songs including "Polyrhythm," which appeared on the soundtrack for the Pixar Animation Studios film "Cars 2."

Perfume, which consists of members fondly known by fans as A-chan, Kashiyuka and Nocchi, was formed in 1999 in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, and had their major-label debut in 2005.

Before their performance, A-chan said, "We each want to come back more powerful than ever, so it would be great if you will continue to support us warmly until the day we can meet again."

With "Chocolate Disco" and "Laser Beam" also among their hit songs, the group has been familiar in the Japanese music scene.

It has also extended its reach overseas, having performed in Asia, Europe and the United States at events such as the Coachella festival in California in 2019.

"To take on new challenges, we decided to end this chapter," Perfume said in a statement announcing its hiatus on Sept. 21, the 20th anniversary of its major-label debut with the single "Linear Motor Girl."