The hiatus of BRATS did not signal the end of Kuromiya’s musical career; rather, it allowed for a new and highly anticipated reunion. In January 2023, Rei Kuromiya and her former LADYBABY bandmate Rie Kaneko announced the formation of a new duo called (pronounced "Ray-Ree"). The group’s name is a portmanteau of their first names, Rei and Rie . After roughly five years apart, the two performers reunited with a renewed creative vision. The project quickly gained traction, and in 2025, REIRIE announced a major milestone: a debut on a major record label. They signed with MoooD Records, a subsidiary of Bandai Namco Music Live, and set the release of their first EP for January 28, 2026.
, a group that blended "Kawaii" aesthetics with heavy metal. The group featured
In 2015, Kuromiya’s career exploded globally through an unexpected avenue: the kawaii-metal group . Formed alongside fellow teen model Rie Kaneko and Australian cross-dressing professional wrestler/metal singer Richard Magarey (known as Ladybeard ), the group took the internet by storm. The Viral Storm of "Nippon Manju"
: The group's debut music video, "Nippon Manju," combined catchy J-pop choruses with heavy metal breakdowns and death growls. The video became an instant viral sensation, amassing tens of millions of views and drawing international press attention. junior idol rei kuromiya
While her early career was focused on modeling, Rei Kuromiya gained international recognition as a core member of the Japanese pop-metal group .
To understand the early career of Rei Kuromiya, one must understand the distinct framework of Japan's talent markets.
An Australian cross-dressing professional wrestler who provided heavy metal screaming vocals. The hiatus of BRATS did not signal the
: Their debut single, "Nippon Manju," combined J-pop melodies with heavy metal and hyper-energetic visuals, garnering tens of millions of views on YouTube.
After she rose to fame with LADYBABY and BRATS, many new fans who discovered her through her music were shocked to learn about her extensive back catalog of gravure content. This led to a great deal of online vitriol and scrutiny directed at Kuromiya herself. Critics have argued that her childhood was one of exploitation, where agents, producers, and even her own parents profited from the sexualized portrayal of a minor. The Kuromiya sisters were managed by their agency, which in turn approved and distributed their gravure content.
While LADYBABY brought international attention, Kuromiya's true passion lay in authentic rock music. Parallel to her pop endeavors, she formed the alternative rock band BRATS in 2011 with her sister Aya. After roughly five years apart, the two performers
Rei's public profile skyrocketed when she won the award, a talent competition. Her victory led to the formation of LADYBABY , an idol group that immediately captured global attention for its bizarre and viral lineup: two young female idols, Rei Kuromiya and Rie Kaneko, performing alongside a burly, bearded, cross-dressing male performer named Ladybeard. Their debut single, "Nippon Manju," was a smash hit, particularly on international platforms.
, she became a prominent figure in the "alternative idol" scene, known for her rebellious image and disillusionment with the traditional idol industry. Key Career Milestones Early Career (Junior Idol & Modeling):