HoneyWorks-Produced “Karen na Ivory” Ignites Ikebukuro with Major 2nd Single “Kienai” Release Event

kawaii Live Shows & Events in Idol Culture

A Burst of Laughter: Cool Poco.’s Surprise Appearance

Adding an unexpected twist to the celebration, popular comedy duo Cool Poco. made a surprise guest appearance. Their arrival, accompanied by their signature entrance music, filled the plaza with laughter and applause. The duo, famous for their traditional mochi-pounding act and the catchphrase “Naa~ni~!?” (What!?), performed their spirited routine, transforming the stage into a festive scene for a “hit kigan” – a prayer for success.

Cool Poco. joining Karen na Ivory on stage

During the talk segment, the members of Karen na Ivory posed a pertinent question to Cool Poco.: “What’s the secret to surviving in the entertainment industry and never ‘fading away’?” – a clever nod to their new single’s title, “Kienai.” The veteran comedians offered valuable advice and insights, which the idols absorbed with a mix of smiles and serious contemplation. The collaboration culminated in a special joint performance of Cool Poco.’s iconic gag, with all members of Karen na Ivory enthusiastically joining in the “Naa~ni~!?” chant, much to the delight of the audience. The comedians sent off the group with a fitting send-off: “It’s going to be a hit!” and “Men, listen to it in silence!”, perfectly aligning with the single’s release day.

Karen na Ivory and Cool Poco. performing together

An Emotional Climax and a Bright Future

As the event drew to a close, leader Nagao Rio introduced the title track, “Kienai.” The song, conveying a powerful and unforgettable emotion, was delivered with emotional dance moves and strong vocals. The moment all members’ voices converged in the chorus created a breathtaking sense of unity throughout the venue. The grand finale was the highly anticipated first live performance of “Wake Up Baby,” a track from the new single. Its powerful, fast-paced sound symbolized the group’s determined step forward with their 2nd single.

Karen na Ivory members jumping on stage

After the performances, Cool Poco. rejoined the stage for a commemorative photo with the group, wrapping up a day filled with smiles, excitement, and immense anticipation. The members conveyed their gratitude to their fans with deep bows, concluding their memorable release day stage amidst a wave of joyful applause. The event at Sunshine City Fountain Plaza, a long-held aspiration for the group, was realized in the best possible way, supported by Cool Poco. and a multitude of dedicated fans. With their Major 2nd Single as a new powerful asset, Karen na Ivory is poised to continue their journey with an “unfading” passion, making them a group to watch closely.

Audience at Karen na Ivory's release event

Setlist

  • Overture

    1. Ai no Kuni to Hoshi no Dance (★)
    1. Kawaii Riyuu (★)
    1. Koi no Yajirushi
    1. Sore wa Suki tte Koto
    1. Fanservice

  • ~Talk Part~

    1. Kienai (★)
    1. Wake Up Baby (★)

(★ = Major 2nd Single track)

Leader’s Message

Karen na Ivory leader Nagao Rio shared her heartfelt thoughts on the release and event:

“We released our 2nd single today! I’m so happy and honored to have held this release event at Ikebukuro Sunshine City’s Fountain Plaza, a place I’ve always admired,” she expressed. “This single features four diverse songs, including a HoneyWorks cover. I hope everyone finds their favorite! We wish for Karen na Ivory to remain an ‘unfading’ presence etched into everyone’s lives.”

Nagao Rio, leader of Karen na Ivory

“Kienai” Recording Making Movie Released

To give fans a glimpse into the creation of their new music, Karen na Ivory released a Recording Making Movie for the title track “Kienai” on their official YouTube channel on January 14th and 15th. The video showcases the members’ dedicated efforts to convey the song’s message through their sincere vocals.

Major 2nd Single “Kienai” Release Information

Karen na Ivory’s Major 2nd Single “Kienai” was released on January 14th. It is available across various distribution sites:

The single is available in several editions, each offering unique content:

  • Special Edition (CD+Special BOOK+Trading Card)

    • CRCP-10492 ¥3,300 (excl. tax ¥3,000)

    • Tracks: 1. Kienai, 2. Ai no Kuni to Hoshi no Dance, 3. Wake Up Baby, 4. Kawaii Riyuu (2026 ver.), 5-8. Instrumental versions of tracks 1-4.

    • Special BOOK: Off-shot photos, lyrics with vocal assignments.

    • Trading Card: 1 random card from 12 member solo designs.

    Special Edition of Karen na Ivory's "Kienai" single

  • Limited Edition A (CD+DVD)

    • CRCP-10493 ¥2,750 (excl. tax ¥2,500)

    • Tracks: 1. Kienai, 2. Ai no Kuni to Hoshi no Dance, 3. Wake Up Baby, 4-6. Instrumental versions of tracks 1-3.

    • DVD Content: Karen na Ivory members’ special off-shot video (Part 1).

    Limited Edition A of Karen na Ivory's "Kienai" single

  • Limited Edition B (CD+DVD)

    • CRCP-10494 ¥2,750 (excl. tax ¥2,500)

    • Tracks: 1. Kienai, 2. Ai no Kuni to Hoshi no Dance, 3. Kawaii Riyuu (2026 ver.), 4-6. Instrumental versions of tracks 1-3.

    • DVD Content: Karen na Ivory members’ special off-shot video (Part 2).

    Limited Edition B of Karen na Ivory's "Kienai" single

  • Kareai Edition (CD Only)

    • CRCP-10495 ¥1,300 (excl. tax ¥1,182)

    • Tracks: 1. Kienai, 2. Ai no Kuni to Hoshi no Dance, 3. Kienai (instrumental), 4. Ai no Kuni to Hoshi no Dance (instrumental).

    Kareai Edition of Karen na Ivory's "Kienai" single

Upcoming Events & Media Information

Karen na Ivory has several upcoming release events planned:

  • Karen na Ivory Major 2nd Single “Kienai” Release Commemorative Events

    • January 15th (Thursday) 7:00 PM: Tokyo, Village Vanguard Shibuya Main Store

    • January 16th (Friday) 7:00 PM: Tokyo, Village Vanguard Shibuya Main Store

    • January 17th (Saturday) Part 1 1:00 PM / Part 2 4:00 PM: Saitama, Ario Kawaguchi 1F Center Court

    • January 18th (Sunday) Part 1 1:00 PM / Part 2 4:00 PM: Tokyo, Ariake Garden 3F Minna no Terrace

    • February 15th (Sunday) 1:00 PM: Tokyo, P.O. Minami Aoyama Hall

    Detailed event information can be found here: https://karennaivory.jp/news/5270/

  • TOKYO FM Podcast Membership “Karen na Ivory no Kareai Hoso Kyoku”

Karen na Ivory Profile

Karen na Ivory is a female idol group comprising 12 members. The initial 8 members were selected from over 3,167 applicants in the “TIF de Debut 2021 by TWIN PLANET” audition, a joint project by the world’s largest idol festival “TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL (TIF)” and Twin Planet. An additional 4 members joined in June 2024 through the group’s first new member audition.

Karen na Ivory group profile photo

The group is sound-produced by HoneyWorks, a creator unit with over 2.5 billion total video views for their related works. Karen na Ivory officially covers numerous popular HoneyWorks songs, such as “Kinyoubi no Ohayou” and “Fanservice,” and has released many original songs, accumulating over 30 million total YouTube views. Their original song “Oshichen Nante Yurusanai!” was even selected for TikTok’s official “HOT SONGS IN JAPAN” list (as of August 29th, 2022), leading to over 24,000 user-generated videos featuring the track by famous idols and influencers.

The group made their major debut on January 29th, 2025, with their album “Shiro Ja Irarenai” under Nippon Crown. They are affiliated with Twin Planet. The name “Karen na Ivory” combines “Karen” (可憐), meaning lovely or charming, with “Ivory,” symbolizing the strength and gentleness of an elephant, reflecting a desire for the idols to be strong, kind, and noble like elephants. It also evokes the ambiguous emotional color of adolescence—the period between childhood and adulthood.

Official Links

With the momentum from their successful Major 2nd Single release and the enthusiastic support from their fans and even a legendary comedy duo, Karen na Ivory is poised to further solidify their presence in the Japanese idol scene. Their blend of HoneyWorks’ signature sound and their own evolving charm suggests a future where their “unfading” presence will continue to captivate audiences both in Japan and, perhaps, eventually beyond its shores, adding a vibrant hue to the global kawaii culture.

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