The Square Root of N Equals Glitter, Hyperpop, and Tokyo Nights
Now, although the mathematical title may be misleading, it does not stray far from the truth. When you expect a lively night clubbing in Tokyo, it shouldn’t be without the colorful DJ maestro N2 [stylized as N square root].
Known as Naoka by close friends, it’s impressive how quickly she created a world for herself in the music scene. She began performing around two years ago when her current manager noticed her musical talent. Jumping from being a former band member to DJing at the famous club One Oak in Roppongi for her first performance, her evolution was swift.
N2 is the founder and organizer of Kyun Desu, which is slang for the excitement you get at seeing something cutesy. Kyun Desu is a collective of like-minded DJs and artists that share a love for Y2K aesthetics, hyperpop, techno, and cyber trends.
This bejeweled and neon group hosts events and curates playlists, but the message behind it is what’s revolutionary: Naoka wants to separate the business side of parties from the artistic side and promote freedom of expression in an environment where everything is curated to look effortless and palatable. Being honest with what you like is what brings Kyun Desu together, especially when Japan’s club culture often treats female DJs as escorts.
Beyond the flickering strobe lights, N2 is a wonderful concoction of sparkling green forests, endless summers, and pink hair. Like a real-life Bratz Doll, she believes that fashion and music are inherently connected, and she has told the Sabukaru network that her recent favs are Alice Longyu Gao and Donatachi. Mixing playfulness with community, N2 and Kyun Desu are creating a new space for creativity, equality, and brand new artists budding from Tokyo.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
