Japanese underground idol group PLANCK STARS is facing intense public backlash and growing calls for disbandment after performing in bikinis under freezing conditions at the Sapporo Snow Festival on February 8. The controversial stage not only shocked audiences but also reignited criticism over the group’s long history of extreme publicity stunts.
During their outdoor performance in sub-zero weather, the members initially appeared wearing winter coats. However, once the song “Ufoufo” began, they dramatically removed their outerwear, revealing thin, revealing swimwear despite the harsh snowfall. Shortly after, the group’s official account uploaded a clip showing the members dancing and singing in bikinis while holding soft-serve ice cream in the snow. The video quickly amassed millions of views on X, triggering widespread outrage.
Many netizens criticized the act as inappropriate for a cultural festival attended by audiences of all ages. Others expressed serious concern over the members’ health, warning of potential hypothermia and accusing the management company of exploiting the artists for shock value marketing.
Under mounting pressure, the agency released an apology, claiming the members were not forced to wear revealing outfits and that the idea was a spontaneous surprise for fans. The company also promised to tighten costume regulations moving forward. However, the apology was widely dismissed as insincere after the group’s official account continued promoting photos and content from the very same controversial performance.
This incident is far from the first time PLANCK STARS has sparked outrage. In 2022, their management company drew heavy criticism after announcing special photo ticket packages accompanied by a shocking statement that the lowest-selling member would be forced to debut as an adult film actress. The following year, the group was again condemned for staging an event where a male fan was pressured into drinking dishwashing liquid during a fan interaction.
Debuting in Hiroshima in 2018, PLANCK STARS later relocated activities to Tokyo in October 2025. Branding themselves as an underground rebel idol group, they openly describe their image as a “gang of bad, free children” and position themselves in opposition to traditional Japanese idol industry norms. In 2023, the group even declared that they would abandon the “idol” label altogether in pursuit of a more unconventional identity.
Since their debut, the group has undergone constant lineup changes, with members frequently departing and new recruits joining. This instability peaked in early 2025 when PLANCK STARS shockingly announced their disbandment—only to reverse the decision months later and relaunch with a completely new lineup.
Following a restructuring in late 2025, the group currently consists of two official core members, Anaru Rairai and Candy Vivid Paradise, alongside five trainee candidates: Nagisa Juri, Iori, Raichi, Hanyu Yuka, and Okaeri. Despite repeated controversies and widespread calls for disbandment, PLANCK STARS continues to release music regularly.
Musically, the group blends J-pop, rock, EDM, and hyper-pop influences. Over the years, they have released albums such as F** THE PINCHIKE, STAY F****’ GOLD, and the mini-album Ochiomegarema. By leveraging controversy as a publicity tool, PLANCK STARS has maintained a niche but curious fanbase. Their notoriety has even enabled international tours across the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Brazil.
However, the recent Sapporo Snow Festival performance has pushed public criticism to new heights. As debate continues to intensify online, many question whether PLANCK STARS can survive yet another scandal—or whether this time, the calls for disbandment will finally prevail.
Sources: K14