Junior Idol Rei Kuromiya _top_ -
The EP, titled , represents a significant step forward in Kuromiya’s career, marking her transition from a niche idol and independent artist to a professionally managed, major-label recording artist. In interviews with Billboard Japan , the duo explained the deeply personal nature of the project, breaking down each track on the EP and discussing the thoughts and emotions that inspired the music. They also released a music video for the lead single, “AISHITEYO,” which received positive coverage from music publications. To support the EP, REIRIE embarked on their largest nationwide tour to date, the "REIRIE Live Tour 2026 -Amethyst-," which covered twelve cities across Japan. This ambitious tour schedule demonstrates the level of investment and confidence that the label has in the duo.
Following her exit from the idol sphere, Kuromiya poured her entire focus back into . Free from the constraints of idol contracts, the band signed with major labels like Avex and adopted a much darker, heavier grunge sound.
Rei Kuromiya was born on November 29, 2000, in Saitama, Japan. Her career began remarkably early—at just eight years old—when she entered the entertainment industry as a junior idol. Initially performing under just her given name "Rei," she later adopted "Rei Kuromiya" as she became more established. As a junior idol, she became a member of (いもうとシスターズ), a group where child models engaged in "gravure" (glamour) modeling. junior idol rei kuromiya
The band played aggressive punk and alternative rock, a harsh contrast to J-pop.
She frequently collaborated with her older sister, Aya Kuromiya, who was also a junior idol. The EP, titled , represents a significant step
Kuromiya began working in the entertainment industry as a child, starting at approximately age eight. She gained initial recognition as a junior idol and through participation in , an unconventional Japanese audition project. LADYBABY (2015–2017): She gained international viral fame as a member of
Rei Kuromiya’s career is frequently discussed in the context of the intense pressure faced by child entertainers in Japan. Her transition from a young gravure model to a self-determined musician in BRATS is seen by many as a triumph of personal agency. Her journey highlights the complexities of the Japanese entertainment industry, where young idols are forced to navigate fame, public perception, and their own identity from a tender age. To support the EP, REIRIE embarked on their
Rei's impact on Japanese popular culture extends beyond her own performances. She has been involved in several high-profile projects, including collaborations with prominent brands and charities. Her influence has helped to promote Japanese pop culture globally, inspiring a new generation of young fans.