Female Idol Performs in Only a Swimsuit in Subzero Cold... Viewers Left Reeling

"It Is No Different from Abuse," Public Criticism Mounts
Agency Says "It Was the Member's Personal Decision... We Take Full Responsibility for Management"
Excessive Concept Competition in Japan's Underground Idol Scene Reexamined

A Japanese underground idol group is facing controversy after performing in swimsuits on an outdoor festival stage in subzero, snowy weather. Local communities and online commenters have been criticizing the performance as a production that "failed to take the members' safety into account," prompting the agency to issue an apology and announce measures to prevent a recurrence.

On February 13, Japanese media outlets including TV Asahi reported that a member of a Japanese idol group performed wearing only a swimsuit in subzero temperatures at the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, sparking controversy.

Underground idol group Peulrangkeuseutajeu performed on the outdoor stage of the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 in Japan on the 8th. At the time, the members appeared wearing school swimsuits and summer gym uniforms as stage costumes, and were holding ice cream props. Peulrangkeuseutajeu on X

Previously, the underground idol group Plankstars took to the outdoor stage of the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 in Japan on the 8th. Plankstars is a so-called "underground idol" group based in Hiroshima. Underground idols are idol groups that focus on small-scale live performances and events rather than TV appearances, communicating directly with fans. At the event, Plankstars members appeared in school swimsuits and summer gym uniforms as their stage costumes, holding ice cream props in their hands. On the day of the performance, the temperature was below freezing and heavy snow was falling. Photos and videos from the show quickly spread through social media.

Performance photos posted by the agency on its official X account drew more than 13 million views and became a hot topic. Online, criticism poured in, with comments such as "Inappropriate for an event with many family visitors," "They could get frostbite," "Wearing swimsuits in midwinter is close to abuse," and "The agency should have stopped it." Some users also pointed out that it could damage the festival's image. Japanese media covered the controversy as well, using phrases such as "shocking costumes."

A member of a Japanese idol group performed wearing only a swimsuit in subzero temperatures at the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, sparking controversy. Plankstars X (Ex)

As criticism mounted, Plankstars released an official statement on the 9th, saying, "A member wore a school swimsuit as a surprise without reporting it in advance to the management," and added, "We apologize for causing concern and discomfort with the costumes and staging." The agency also explained, "Neither the festival organizers nor the agency forced the outfits; it was based on the member's strong wish and personal judgment."

However, the agency added, "We take seriously the fact that we failed to prevent in advance behavior that could be deemed inappropriate at a public event," and said it would strengthen the requirement to report stage costumes in advance. Still, immediately after the apology was posted, promotional posts for the performance and song introductions were uploaded in succession, leading some to question the sincerity of the apology.

Meanwhile, in Japan's underground idol scene, there has been ongoing competition to attract attention through intense concepts and provocative performances. In the past, some groups have drawn concern about health by wearing revealing outfits during outdoor shows in extreme heat or cold, or have been criticized for performances involving safety risks. Observers say that the latest controversy has once again brought to the surface the issue of how to balance creative freedom in staging with public interest and the responsibility to protect group members in the idol industry.