TOKYO (TR) – Publisher Kadokawa this week announced the release of former NMB48 member Karen Hara’s highly anticipated first photobook, “Do-Strike,” featuring the 25-year-old flaunting her daring post-idol figure.
Set to hit shelves on October 19, 2026, the skin-baring release is already generating massive buzz. An announcement on Hara’s official X account last month racked up over 450,000 impressions and more than 7,400 likes, driven by tantalizing early teaser shots and a heavily exposed cover.
To stoke the flames, Kadokawa recently dropped a second batch of unreleased photos. The provocative four-cut release includes a shot of Hara in a blue bikini at an Ubud infinity pool in Bali — which the influencer called her “absolute favorite” — along with a revealing silver swimsuit highlighting her backside, an orange bikini shot taken just after sunset on Kuta Beach, and a refreshing blue dress.
TikTok and Instagram
Since graduating from the Osaka-based idol group in November 2024, Hara has pivoted to social media, building a massive following on TikTok and Instagram. However, the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles, particularly after a recent defeat in the competitive beauty pageant circuit.
“Winning a tiara in the pageant world was a dream since I was little. I challenged myself thinking I could stand tall and succeed, but reality wasn’t so sweet,” Hara confessed. “However, I feel my mentality has gotten stronger through the competition.”
Emerging tougher from the ordeal, Hara is now setting her sights on conquering the beauty and fashion industry.
“I still want to study more to become a beauty influencer and haven’t given up on launching my own apparel brand,” she said. Noting the strong female following she cultivated during her idol days, Hara added, “I want to become someone who is supported by a large number of women.”
