On September 17, 2026, a new three-member Japanese dance and vocal group called Rabbit Punk unveiled their first music video—a cover of Kenshi Yonezu's hit song "IRIS OUT," the theme from the anime film Chainsaw Man: Reze-hen. For fans of J-pop idol culture and anime music, the debut is especially intriguing because it brings together a former No No Girls audition contestant with powerful vocals, a Miss Japan finalist, and a mysterious rabbit-themed performer, all under the production guidance of HAKUEI from the rock band PENICILLIN.
If you've seen the announcement and want to know more—who these performers are, why this debut matters, what the music video showcases, and what comes next—we've gathered everything available so far.
The Quick Version
- Rabbit Punk released their first music video on September 17, 2026, covering Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" on their official YouTube channel.
- The group consists of three members: HIBIKI (former No No Girls contestant known for vocal strength), ERINA (finalist in the 59th Miss Japan Contest 2027), and RABBIRON (a mysterious rabbit character).
- Producer HAKUEI from the rock band PENICILLIN is guiding the project, positioning Rabbit Punk as an anime-song (anison) cover group.
- Official debut is scheduled for November 20, 2026, with the group aiming for major venues like Nippon Budokan in the future.
- The music video emphasizes choreography and performance, showcasing the trio's dance-and-vocal style on a song tied to one of the year's biggest anime releases.
Who Are the Members of Rabbit Punk?
We know that new idol and vocal groups often succeed or struggle based on the chemistry and distinct appeal of their members, and Rabbit Punk's lineup brings together three very different backgrounds into one project. Each member contributes something unique, and understanding who they are helps explain why fans are already paying attention.
HIBIKI is the member many J-pop followers will recognize. At 19 years old, she competed in the audition program No No Girls (often shortened to "ノノガ" in Japanese), which produced the popular group HANA. During that competition, HIBIKI earned attention for what observers described as overwhelming vocal ability—she stood out in performance rounds but was eliminated in the fourth audition stage and did not make the final HANA lineup. After that setback, she participated in another audition called WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE in 2026, but was again eliminated early. On September 15, 2026, HIBIKI announced via Instagram that she would debut as part of Rabbit Punk, expressing gratitude to supporters and noting that she has been pursuing her artist dream for several years. For fans who followed her journey on No No Girls, this debut represents a long-awaited second chance.
ERINA comes from a completely different world: beauty pageants. She was a finalist in the 59th Miss Japan Contest 2027, bringing poise, stage presence, and a polished performance background into the group. In a statement about the music video, ERINA emphasized that the highlight is the dance, signaling that choreography is a core part of Rabbit Punk's identity. Her pageant experience likely contributes to the group's visual appeal and stage confidence, offering a complementary skill set to HIBIKI's vocal power.
RABBIRON is the wildcard—a "mysterious rabbit" character whose enigmatic persona is emphasized in all the coverage. Details about RABBIRON remain sparse, and it appears the producers are intentionally keeping the character's background and even full identity under wraps for now. This kind of mystery-driven member isn't uncommon in Japanese idol culture, where playful or theatrical personas can become a signature part of a group's appeal. We expect more about RABBIRON to emerge as the group's activities ramp up toward their official debut.
What Is "IRIS OUT" and Why Did They Choose It?
Choosing the right debut cover is a statement of intent, and Rabbit Punk selected one of the most prominent anime songs of the year. "IRIS OUT" is a major hit by Kenshi Yonezu, serving as the theme song for the theatrical anime film Chainsaw Man: Reze-hen (劇場版「チェンソーマン レゼ篇」). Kenshi Yonezu is one of Japan's biggest contemporary pop artists, known for blending rock, electronic, and traditional influences into widely appealing tracks, and "IRIS OUT" has been celebrated for its cinematic sweep and emotional intensity—a perfect match for the dark, high-energy world of Chainsaw Man.
By covering this song, Rabbit Punk is positioning themselves squarely within the anime music (anison) genre. Anison covers are a well-established niche in Japanese pop culture: groups and solo artists build careers performing beloved theme songs from anime, often bringing fresh arrangements, choreography, and visuals to tracks that fans already love. It's a genre that rewards both vocal skill and performance energy, which aligns well with what we know about HIBIKI's singing ability and the group's dance focus.
The choice also signals ambition. "IRIS OUT" isn't an obscure deep cut—it's tied to a blockbuster franchise and a chart-topping artist. Tackling such a prominent song as a debut cover means Rabbit Punk is aiming for visibility and credibility right out of the gate. The group has openly expressed a desire to "become big" and dreams of performing at Nippon Budokan, one of Japan's most iconic concert venues. Covering Kenshi Yonezu is a way of saying: we're serious, and we're here to compete.
What Does the Music Video Show?
The music video, released on Rabbit Punk's official YouTube channel on September 17, 2026, showcases the trio's performance style and gives fans their first sustained look at the group in action. While detailed descriptions of every visual element aren't fully available, we know from member comments and reports that choreography is a centerpiece. ERINA specifically pointed out that the dance is the highlight, suggesting that the video leans heavily on synchronized movement, staging, and visual energy.
We can infer that the video also introduces each member's persona and how they fit together as a unit. HIBIKI's vocal power, ERINA's pageant-honed stage presence, and RABBIRON's mysterious character likely each get moments to shine, balanced with group shots that establish their chemistry. The production quality and styling choices in a debut music video are crucial—they set the tone for how the group will be perceived going forward. Given that HAKUEI, an established musician with decades of experience in the Japanese rock scene, is producing, it's reasonable to expect a polished, thoughtfully crafted visual presentation.
For fans of Chainsaw Man and Kenshi Yonezu, the video offers a new interpretation of "IRIS OUT" filtered through Rabbit Punk's emerging identity. Cover groups succeed when they honor the original while adding something fresh, and early reactions suggest that Rabbit Punk is threading that needle.
Who Is Producer HAKUEI and What Does He Bring?
Behind every successful idol or vocal group is a guiding vision, and for Rabbit Punk, that vision comes from HAKUEI. He is best known as the vocalist of PENICILLIN, a Japanese rock band that has been active since the 1990s and is associated with the visual kei movement—a style that blends flamboyant visual presentation with rock music. HAKUEI's background means he understands both performance spectacle and musical craft, and his involvement signals that Rabbit Punk isn't just another idol project thrown together for quick attention. There's an artistic ambition here.
HAKUEI's role as producer likely extends across multiple areas: song selection, arrangement, coaching the members on performance and stage presence, and shaping the group's overall brand. His rock pedigree also suggests that Rabbit Punk's sound and visuals may carry an edge or intensity that sets them apart from more traditionally "cute" idol groups. The combination of anison covers and a rock-influenced producer is an interesting hybrid, and it will be worth watching how that balance evolves as the group releases more material.
What Happens Next: The Road to November 20, 2026
Rabbit Punk's official debut is scheduled for November 20, 2026. The September 17 music video release functions as a preview—a way to introduce the group, build anticipation, and start gathering a fanbase before the full launch. Between now and November, we can expect additional promotional activity: social media updates, possible live-streamed performances, interviews, and perhaps teasers of original material or further covers.
The group has made clear that their goals are ambitious. They've spoken about wanting to perform at Nippon Budokan, a venue that has hosted everyone from The Beatles to major J-pop and rock acts, and is a symbolic milestone for any Japanese artist. Reaching Budokan would signal that Rabbit Punk has moved from newcomer status to a genuinely significant act within the anison and idol landscape.
We don't yet know if the November debut will include original songs, a full EP, or additional covers, but the deliberate rollout—announcement in mid-September, music video shortly after, and a debut date two months out—suggests a coordinated campaign rather than a rushed launch. That's a good sign for fans hoping this project has staying power.
What People Are Saying
Fans who followed HIBIKI during No No Girls have been vocal about their excitement and relief. One commenter noted, "We've been waiting for this—she deserves another shot after how strong her vocals were on the show." The sense that HIBIKI's talent was overlooked in the original audition has created a rooting interest, and many are eager to see her succeed this time.
Others have remarked on how different HIBIKI looks and seems in the Rabbit Punk promotional images compared to her No No Girls appearances. "Her expressions and styling are like a different person—she's grown so much," one fan observed, suggesting that the time between auditions and this debut has allowed her to mature as a performer.
The choice of "IRIS OUT" has also drawn positive reactions. A Chainsaw Man fan wrote, "This is such a bold first cover—Kenshi Yonezu's version is incredible, so they're setting a high bar for themselves." The consensus seems to be that covering a song this prominent is risky but signals confidence, and early viewers are curious to see how the group's interpretation compares to the original.
RABBIRON's mysterious character has sparked curiosity and speculation. "Who is the rabbit? Is it a character, a real person in costume, or something else?" one commenter asked. The intrigue around RABBIRON is clearly part of the group's appeal, and fans are already theorizing about reveals and surprises to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Rabbit Punk's "IRIS OUT" music video?
The music video was released on September 17, 2026, on Rabbit Punk's official YouTube channel. You can find it by searching for "Rabbit Punk IRIS OUT" on YouTube.
When is Rabbit Punk's official debut?
The group is scheduled to officially debut on November 20, 2026. The September release is a preview ahead of that launch.
Who produces Rabbit Punk?
HAKUEI, the vocalist of the Japanese rock band PENICILLIN, is the producer guiding the group's music and performance direction.
Will Rabbit Punk release original songs or only covers?
So far, the group has been introduced as an anison (anime song) cover group, and their first release is a cover of Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT." Whether they will release original material hasn't been confirmed yet, but it's common for groups in this space to eventually introduce their own songs alongside covers.
What is HIBIKI's background?
HIBIKI is a 19-year-old singer who competed in the No No Girls audition program, where she was known for strong vocal ability but was eliminated in the fourth round. She later participated in another audition in 2026 before joining Rabbit Punk.
What to Watch For as Rabbit Punk Moves Forward
Rabbit Punk's September 17, 2026, music video debut offers a compelling first look at a group that blends vocal talent, performance skill, mystery, and ambition under the guidance of an experienced producer. The choice to cover Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" signals that the group is aiming high, and the lineup—anchored by HIBIKI's long-awaited return to the stage—has already generated buzz among J-pop and anison fans. With a formal debut set for November 20, 2026, we'll soon see whether Rabbit Punk can translate this early momentum into a lasting presence in Japan's competitive music scene. For anyone who loves anime music, idol culture, or stories of second chances, this is a group worth keeping an eye on.
