Boundary-breaking South Korean collective Balming Tiger have teamed up with the ever-energetic Japanese group ATARASHII GAKKO! for a kaleidoscopic new release titled “Narani Narani”. Melding eccentric charm with playful nostalgia, the collaborative track brings together two of Asia’s most genre-defying acts in a celebration of childhood wonder, marking the first official collaboration between Balming Tiger and a Japanese artist. This acts as the follow-up to Balming Tiger’s single “Wash Away”, and ATARASHII GAKKO!’s feature on BIGYUKI’s single “Free Yourself”.
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Written by ATARASHII GAKKO!, bj wnjn, Mudd the student, Omega Sapien, San Yawnsogumm, and Unsinkable, whilst it has been produced by Unsinkable, bj wnjn, San Yawn, sogumm, and Leesuho, “Narani Narani” captures a vivid sense of youthful freedom, drawing inspiration from carefree playground days to craft a psychedelic folk anthem that effortlessly dances between cultures and genres. With both collectives known for pushing artistic limits, the track offers an unpredictable blend of sounds that mirror the untamed imagination of its creators. From the whimsical instrumentals to its surreal visuals, “Narani Narani” welcomes listeners into an audaciously colourful world brimming with creative joy.
The song takes psychedelic folk to a whole new universe, drawing listeners in with an eclectic mix of rhythmic styles and melodies, all elevated by flawless vocals. There’s a reason both groups are at the top of their game: they are both constantly redefining genres and making an unforgettable impact. This track alone showcases their undeniable artistry, and it’s safe to say this collaboration feels like history in the making. Here’s hoping they team up again in the near future.
“We met by crossing mountains and seas with a heart that cared for each other,” stated Balming Tiger. “Thanks to AG!’s kindness and smile, a work full of positive energy was born. We hope that you will find a little peace in your hearts as well, recalling the memories of laughing and crying with your childhood friends.”
ATARASHII GAKKO! added: “We have been inspired [by Balming Tiger and their] activities for a long time. Because it is BT and AG!, a chemical reaction is possible, and we cannot hide our excitement. We hope that this work will spread not only to our countries, but also to the world!”
The accompanying music video for “Narani Narani” brings Balming Tiger and ATARASHII GAKKO!’s creative chemistry to life with full-blown surrealism and nostalgic chaos. Directed by Pennacky and creatively led by Balming Tiger’s own San Yawn, the video stars group members Omega Sapien, Mudd the student, bj wnjn, sogumm, and San Yawn, alongside ATARASHII GAKKO!’s SUZUKA, KANON, MIZYU, and RIN. They’re joined by a supporting cast including Hisao Kanno, Taiki Tsuhako, Paseshun, Ryu Kinno, Yusuke Yamazaki, Kensei Miyazono, and Sera Nakada, with cinematography by Kohei Shimazu.
Right from the opening scene, a choir sings “na” in rhythmic unison as a stern conductor directs. The next scene sees Bigfoot appear on-stage while the choir now holds two oversized megaphones. It’s clear from the outset that the visual is going to be as chaotic as the track itself, and honestly, we expect nothing less from this pairing.
The video swings between childhood whimsy and absurd surrealism. Nostalgic themes emerge through scenes like a life-sized version of Whack-a-Mole (where humans are the moles and Bigfoot wields the hammer), a giant playground slide, and a chaotic classroom setting where school uniforms and tech-class radio antics mix with supernatural elements. At points, it veers into darker territory, a moment of mind control hints at something sinister, there’s a brief vampire-like sequence, and the final shot reveals the choir is now made up of uniformed students and monstrous figures, with the once-human conductor transformed into a skeleton.
In the mid-section, both groups are outside in a playground-like field setting delivering sharp choreography with synchronised flair, staying true to East-Asian music video standards where dance is often a central storytelling device. Additional visual nods to playground games like clapping routines and a spinning fairground ride (reminiscent of teacups or waltzers) reinforce the song’s central theme of childhood joy, all with a delightfully twisted edge.
The single follows several recent crossovers between the two, including a memorable joint performance at Wonderlivet Festival of “Buriburi / Pigeon and Plastic” and a viral dance trend to “Spirit Chaebol” that swept across Japan and South Korea. As the final release before Balming Tiger’s upcoming world tour, “Narani Narani” sets the tone for the next chapter in their boundary-pushing journey.
Fans of both acts will be thrilled to know that Balming Tiger is preparing to hit the road this summer, kicking off a world tour on July 5, 2025, at Mongolia’s Playtime Festival. Promising an all-new live setup and never-before-seen band arrangements, the tour will span major cities and festivals across Asia and the UK, including appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals and a headline show in London.
Balming Tiger World Expo ’25 Tour Dates:
- July 5, 2025 – Playtime Festival, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- July 14, 2025 – Solo Show, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- July 19, 2025 – Solo Show, Taipei, Taiwan
- July 26, 2025 – Fuji Rock Festival, Niigata, Japan
- August 23, 2025 – Reading Festival, Reading, United Kingdom
- August 24, 2025 – Leeds Festival, Leeds, United Kingdom
- August 26, 2025 – Solo Show, London, United Kingdom
Known for their experimental soundscapes and avant-garde visuals, Balming Tiger have become a major force in alternative K-pop. The group includes a rotating crew of vocalists, producers, and visual artists, each bringing their unique flavour to the collective’s output. With global recognition from outlets like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Vogue, and a Colbert Show performance under their belt, Balming Tiger continue to make waves on an international scale.
As for ATARASHII GAKKO!, the four-piece has cemented their place as one of Japan’s most daring pop exports. Their 2021 global debut under 88rising catapulted them onto the international stage, and their high-octane performances—including a standout Coachella set in 2023 and a sold-out 33-city world tour—have only grown their global fanbase.
With “Narani Narani”, both groups come together to create something unmistakably fresh, fiercely fun, and globally resonant. It’s a moment of playful collaboration that underscores the power of creativity without borders, and fans around the world are here for it.
“Narani Narani”, by Balming Tiger featuring ATARASHII GAKKO!, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. Don’t forget to catch Balming Tiger on tour this summer, tickets are available from their official website and See Tickets.