By Oona McGee

Meet Tobi and Miya. Together they make up the music duo, Les Romanesques, whose intriguing stage performances have made them a huge hit in France. Their appearance on "France’s Got Talent" became the most watched YouTube video in all of France, and the 4th most watched video worldwide.

Since then, they’ve appeared in French TV commercials for Mazda, and even helped promote the Paris International Film Festival with Jane Fonda and the Mayor of Paris. Their entertaining performances and music videos have just the right mix of talent and zany Japanese appeal that’s got audiences around the world asking for more.

Heavily inspired by glam rock, the main vocalist, Tobi, channels a fusion of David Bowie, Prince and Gene Simmons, mashed up with a good dose of Japanese humour and approachability. It’s glam rock through a Japanese-tinted looking glass.

Miya, who provides back-up vocals and dance moves, appears to be an angry French maid, known for her signature blonde afro, white lips and steely expression.

Despite graduating from Japanese universities (Tobi studied Economics at Keio and Miya studied Human sciences at Waseda) the two decided to follow a more creative path, forming their duo in Paris in 2000. After a live performance at the 2008 Paris Collections, people in the fashion world took notice and the two went on to perform in ten countries and 30 cities around the world.

The duo received nationwide recognition after their 2009 appearance on "La France a un incroyable talent," the French version of the popular worldwide "Got Talent" series. Although initially confused by the unique Japanese-style performance, both the crowd and the judges eventually warmed to them, charmed by the catchy tune and fun dance moves. The boos and cheers made this the most watched video on YouTube in France at the time.

Although the melody of the song, "Zoun-Doko Bushi," is well-known in Japan, having been covered by a number of different artists over the years, Les Romanesques used French lyrics for a satirical take on life in Paris:

Tout va bien-ien-ien, tout les citoyens-yens-yens Everything is well with all the citizens Je me promène le dimanche matin I walk around on a Sunday morning Les pigeons picorent des miettes de pain Pigeons pecking crumbs of bread Je mets mes pieds sur une crotte de chien I put my foot on a dog turd

Although they’ve become household names in France, the duo haven’t forgotten their roots, travelling to Japan often for performances. Be sure to check out their website and Facebook page for tour updates.

Sources: Matome Naver Les Romanesques, Les Romanesques

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