The four - who may or may not be named Love, Angel, Music and Baby - save her from drowning in the video for "What U Waiting 4," the first single from her solo debut album. They trail behind her and vamp for the camera at public appearances. In interviews, they sit, all in a row, behind Stefani, frequently tilting their heads, alternating facial expressions and shifting in their seats - always in sync.

Harajuku is an entertainment and shopping district in Tokyo famed for its colorful, over-the-top teenagers who dress up to see and be seen. A hotbed of creative self-expression, the area has spawned looks and performers that have changed the face of fashion all over Japan.

Trust Stefani to import the Harajuku sense of style to the States. She's even dedicated a track - "Harajuku Girls" - on her album to the new posse. The refrain includes the lyrics, "You've got the wicked style, I like the way that you are, I am your biggest fan."

"That became my muse for the entire album ... thinking about these Harajuku girls," Stefani told MTV's "The Leak."

Stefani adds to the oddness. On a recent appearance on MTV's "Total Request Live," Carson Daly asked Stefani about the girls. Stefani quizzically replied, "You can see them?" and claimed they are a figment of her imagination.