Sakurazaka46 is stepping into the world of HUNTER×HUNTER with a new music video collaboration. The group's track "Unhappy birthday kobun" is getting a special visual treatment tied to the anime franchise, with the MV set to premiere soon.

The collaboration brings together two major forces in Japanese pop culture—Sakurazaka46, one of the most prominent idol groups under Sony Music, and HUNTER×HUNTER, a long-running manga and anime series that remains a cultural touchstone in Japan and globally. The partnership suggests a creative alignment between the group's visual style and the anime's aesthetic.

Sakurazaka46, which spun off from Keyakizaka46 in 2020, has built a reputation for experimental music videos and theatrical performances. The group has consistently pushed boundaries in the idol space, collaborating with notable directors and exploring genres beyond the typical idol pop formula. This HUNTER×HUNTER crossover fits that pattern of seeking fresh creative opportunities.

Details about the MV's specific premise and how it ties into the anime's narrative remain limited, but anime-manga-idol collaborations like this typically feature members in-character or in settings inspired by the source material. Given HUNTER×HUNTER's darker, adventure-driven tone, the track title "Unhappy birthday kobun" suggests the visual may lean into the series' more dramatic elements rather than a straightforward cheerful celebration.

For fans of both Sakurazaka46 and HUNTER×HUNTER, the collaboration represents a rare crossover moment. Anime tie-ups with idol groups are common in Japan's entertainment ecosystem, but ones involving major franchises and established groups often generate significant buzz. The timing and execution of such projects can introduce each fanbase to the other, creating unexpected audience overlap.

The premiere date has been announced for the collaboration MV, though availability may initially be limited to Japanese platforms or regional releases depending on licensing agreements.