Japanese underground idol group PLANCK STARS is facing intense public backlash and growing calls to disband after performing in bikinis in freezing conditions at Sapporo Snow Festival on February 8. The controversial stage not only shocked audiences, but also reignited criticism of 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 shed their outerwear, revealing thin, revealing swimsuits despite the heavy snow. 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 racked up millions of views on X, sparking widespread outrage.
Many netizens criticized the act as inappropriate for a cultural festival attended by audiences of all ages. Others expressed serious concern for the health of members, warning of potential hypothermia and accusing the management company of exploiting artists for shock value marketing.
Under mounting pressure, the agency issued an apology, claiming the members were not forced to wear revealing clothing and the idea was a spontaneous surprise for fans. The company promised it too tighten the rules on customs moving forward. However, the apology was widely rejected not sincere after the group’s official account continued to promote photos and content from the same controversial performance.
This incident is not 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 member with the lowest sales would be forced to debut as an adult film actress. The following year, the group was again convicted for organizing an event where a male fan was present pressurized in dishwashing liquid to drink during an interaction with a fan.
Debuting in Hiroshima in 2018, PLANCK STARS later moved operations to Tokyo in October 2025. Calling themselves an underground rebel idol group, they openly describe their image as a “gang of bad and free children” and position themselves in opposition to the traditional norms of the Japanese idol industry. In 2023, the group even declared that it would abandon the “idol” label in pursuit of something more unconventional identity.
Since their debut, the group has undergone constant lineup changes, with members often leaving 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 an entirely new lineup.
Following a restructuring in late 2025, the group currently consists of two official core members, Anaru Rairai and Candy Vivid Paradise, along with five trainee candidates: Nagisa Juri, Iori, Raichi, Hanyu Yuka, and Okaeri. Despite repeated controversies and widespread calls for dissolution, 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 Fuck the PINCHIKE, STAY FUCKING GOLDand the mini-album Ochiomegarema. Using the controversy as a publicity tool, PLANCK STARS has maintained a niche but curious fan base. Their notoriety has also enabled international tours in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Brazil.
However, the recent Sapporo Snow Festival the performance pushed audience criticism to new heights. As the online debate continues to intensify, many are wondering whether PLANCK STARS can survive another scandal, or whether this time the calls for dissolution will finally prevail.
Sources: K14
