The queen of Japan’s sugar-coated pop scene, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has unveiled bold plans to conquer the world — just as soon as she’s done her English homework.

    Still only 22, Kyary’s rise to superstardom has been meteoric, a coquettish charm and off-kilter pop appeal spawning a string of number ones and viral videos and thrusting her firmly to the forefront of Japanese “kawaii” (cute) culture.

    Despite extraordinary fame in her home country and frequent comparisons to American divas Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, the popette wants to capture hearts and minds further afield.

    “I’m happy for people to liken me to Katy Perry or Lady Gaga so I’m working hard to emulate them and become a global star,” Kyary told AFP in a backstage interview before performing at the Summer Sonic music festival outside Tokyo last weekend.

    Kyary’s bubblegum fashion carefully mirrors the kawaii craze sparked in the colorful boutiques of Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya and Harajuku districts.

    “We are similar in having a clearly defined concept or theme for our videos or live shows,” Kyary said, referring to Perry. “But I know I’ve got to improve my English. My new song’s about Halloween and has an English chorus, but my pronunciation isn’t very good.

    “I just hope people think it’s cute.”

    Kyary, who released her debut album in 2011, describes her sound as a mish-mash of styles.

    Kyary has triggered controversy, notably when her music video for the 2013 single “Furisodation” sparked protests from anti-alcohol abuse campaigners for showing her swigging from a bottle to celebrate coming of age.

    But she remains fiercely determined to conquer the North American and European markets, with two world tours — including sold-out shows in Los Angeles and New York — under her belt already. (SD-Agencies)