A Fan’s Heartfelt Anthem: “Knight”
“Knight” is crafted from the perspective of a devoted fan, painting a vivid picture of their journey. It chronicles the initial spark of attraction upon discovering an idol on social media, the cherished moments spent gazing at them during live performances, and the fleeting, yet exhilarating, seconds of conversation at fan events. The lyrics beautifully articulate a fan’s sincere desire to be a steadfast supporter, a “knight” to their idol, wishing to stand by them even as one of countless admirers. This emotional depth is brought to life through “knight”-themed choreography and stage settings that ingeniously recreate the intimate atmosphere of fan meetings, inviting audiences to step into this special bond.
Leader Nagao Rio’s Message and Upcoming Tour
Karen na Ivory’s leader, Nagao Rio, shared her thoughts on the new release: “This song portrays the sincere wish to remain a supporter, even if you’re one in tens of thousands. When I first heard it, my heart swelled, wondering if our fans feel this way too. Please pay attention to the ‘knight’-themed choreography and scenes that mimic fan events on stage. We’re holding release events and a national tour, so we’ll do our best to introduce Karen na Ivory to new audiences during this period. Karen na Ivory, be found by the world!”
In conjunction with the single, Karen na Ivory is set to embark on the “Karen na Ivory National Tour 2026 Knight,” kicking off on May 2nd in Hiroshima and spanning four cities across Japan. The tour promises an immersive live experience, further cementing the bond between the group and their dedicated fanbase.
Release and Event Information
Major 3rd Single “Knight” Details
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Release Date: June 24, 2026 (Wednesday)
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Further Information: https://www.crownrecord.co.jp/s/c01/artist/karennaivory/live?ima=4305&ct=jpop
Upcoming Events and Live Schedule
“Karen na Ivory Major 3rd Single ‘Knight’ Release Commemoration Events”
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April 5 (Sunday) 13:00 KAMEIDO CLOCK Kamechro Court
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April 11 (Saturday) 13:00 Shiodome Siosite Underground Walkway
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April 29 (Wednesday/Holiday) ①13:00 ②16:00 Shinjuku Marui Men Rooftop Event Space
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…and more will be announced.
“Karen na Ivory National Tour 2026 Knight”
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May 2 (Saturday) Hiroshima・BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA
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May 17 (Sunday) Aichi・THE BOTTOM LINE
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June 7 (Sunday) Kyoto・Kyoto FANJ
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July 11 (Saturday) Tokyo・Ebisu・The Garden Hall
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Tour Details: https://karennaivory.jp/news/5550/
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Fan App “Kareai+” Pre-sale Application: https://kareaiapp.com/
About Karen na Ivory
Karen na Ivory is an 11-member female idol group whose members were chosen from a staggering 3,167 applicants in the “TIF de Debut 2021 by TWIN PLANET” audition (a collaboration between TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL and Twin Planet), alongside new members selected in a June 2024 audition. The group is entirely sound-produced by HoneyWorks, a creator unit with over 2.5 billion total views on their related videos. They are known for officially covering many popular HoneyWorks songs, such as “Kinyoubi no Ohayou” and “Fansa,” and have released numerous original tracks, boasting over 30 million total YouTube views.
One of their original songs, “Oshihen Nante Yurusanai!” (Changing Your Oshi is Unforgivable!), was recognized on TikTok’s official “HOT SONGS IN JAPAN” list (as of August 29, 2022), inspiring over 24,000 user-generated videos from idols and influencers alike. The group made their major debut on January 29, 2025, with the album “Shiro ja Irarenai” (Can’t Be White) under Nippon Crown and are affiliated with Twin Planet.
The group’s name, “Karen na Ivory,” blends “Karen” (meaning lovely or delicate, evoking a desire to protect) with “Ivory,” symbolizing the strength and strong companionship of elephants. It also carries the nuance of “ivory color,” representing the ambiguous emotional hues of adolescence, a period between childhood and adulthood.
Official Links:
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Official Website: https://karennaivory.jp/
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Official X: https://x.com/karennaivory
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Official YouTube: http://youtube.com/@karennaivory
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Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karennaivory_official
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Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karennaivory_official/
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Nippon Crown: https://www.crownrecord.co.jp/s/c01/artist/karennaivory
The Future of “Knight” and Kawaii Culture
The release of “Knight” and the accompanying national tour mark a significant moment for Karen na Ivory, potentially elevating their global recognition. This song, with its sincere theme of fan devotion and engaging performance elements, is a prime example of the unique and deeply emotional fan-idol relationship at the heart of Kawaii culture. It is anticipated that the universal message of unwavering support, combined with their vibrant performances, will resonate deeply with international audiences, further expanding the reach and appreciation of J-pop idol culture worldwide. Through “Knight,” Karen na Ivory is poised to invite more people into their world, strengthening the global community of idol enthusiasts.
