A thorough review of the second series of AKB0048 next stage!

AKB0048 next stage - AKB0048 Next Stage

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

January 5, 2013 - March 30, 2013

■TV Broadcast

• Chiba TV / January 5, 2013 - / Saturday 25:00 - 25:30
• tvk / January 5, 2013 - / Saturday 25:00 - 25:30
• TOKYO MX / January 5, 2013 - / Saturday 25:30 - 26:00
• TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting / January 6, 2013 - / Sunday 6:30 - 7:00
• Teletama / January 6, 2013 - / Sunday 23:30 - 24:00
• Sun TV / January 6, 2013 - / Sunday 23:30 - 24:00
• Tochigi TV / January 6, 2013 - / Sunday 23:45 - 24:15
• KBS Kyoto / January 6, 2013 - / Sunday 24:00 - 24:30
• Hiroshima Television / January 6, 2013 - / Sunday 25:50 - 26:20
• Fukushima Television / January 9, 2013 - / Wednesday 15:28 - 15:58
• Tohoku Broadcasting / January 10, 2013 - / Thursday 25:30 - 26:00
• Mie Television / January 11, 2013 - / Friday 17:00 - 17:30
• BS11 / January 11, 2013 - / Friday 23:30 - 24:00
• Hokkaido Television / January 12, 2013 - / Saturday 26:45 - 27:15
• Gunma Television / January 13, 2013 - / Sunday 23:30 - 24:00

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

・Original work: Shoji Kawamori

■ Director

・Director: Yoshimasa Hiraike

■ Production

Original story and animation production: Satelight

■Works

©Satellite/AKB0048 Production Committee

■ Story

During an era when entertainment was banned, there were idols who, regardless of the danger, put on guerrilla live shows.
Yes, their name is "AKB0048".
AKB48 continued to shine as a legendary idol group until just before the end of the Earth.
This is the story of a super galactic idol team that inherited the name by assuming it.

■Explanation

What is "AKB0048"?
This is a high-quality original animation created by Animation Studio Satelight, utilizing cutting-edge technology and a stellar staff including Shoji Kawamori.
Shoji Kawamori continues to lead the world in anime and film, receiving overwhelming support from anime and film fans around the world for his work on the Macross series and Transformers (original designs).
Kawamori, who was one of the earliest artists to incorporate "songs" and "idols" into his works and have produced one hit after another, presents this latest masterpiece with confidence, packed with innovative ideas.

This time, we welcomed young director Yoshimasa Hiraike, who is well-known for depicting the everyday life of cute women.
The series will be written by popular screenwriter Mari Okada, who has worked on "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day."
The character designs will be done by a team of talented staff including Ebata Risa, who gained attention for her work on "Macross F," and they will create a completely new type of idol!

■Cast

・Sono Chieri/Watanabe Mayu・Aita Orion/Nakaya Ayaka・Ichijo Yuka/Sato Amina・Shinonome Kanata/Ishida Haruka・Shinonome Sokata/Yagami Kumi・Kishida Mimori/Sato Sumire・Kanzaki Suzuko/Hata Sawako・Yokomizo Makoto/Mita Mao・Motomiya Nagisa/Iwata Karen・13th Maeda Atsuko/Sawashiro Miyuki・9th Oshima Yuko/Kanda Akemi・6th Kashiwagi Yuki/Horie Yui・3rd Watanabe Mayu/Tamura Yukari・8th Kojima Haruna/Noto Mamiko・5th Takahashi Minami/Shiraishi Ryoko・11th Itano Tomomi/Ueda Kana・10th Miyazawa Sae/Nakahara Mai・10th Sayaka Akimoto/Ayako Kawasumi and Tsubasa/Yumi Kakazu and Ushiyama/Daisuke Ono and Megumi Wanibuchi/Momoka Kinoshita and Hazuki Yanagawa/Miyu and Mamoru Takeuchi/Haruka Ishida and Aoi/Airi Furukawa and Mikako Minamino/Sachiko Kojima

■ Main staff

・Planning and supervision: Yasushi Akimoto・Original story and general director: Shoji Kawamori・Executive producer: Toshimichi Otsuki・Director: Yoshimasa Hiraike・Series composition and script: Mari Okada・Character design: Risa Ebata・Sub-character design and general animation director: Hideki Inoue, Ikuko Ito, Mariko Ito・Dance artist: Masahiro Aizawa・Mechanic design: Brune, Stanislas・Art design: Romain, Thomas, Legal, Yan・Color design: Nanae Shinji・CG director: Hiroyuki Kashima (unknownCASE)
・CG animation director: Atsushi Sakiyama (unknownCASE)
・Character modeling director: Katsuyoshi Miyajima ・Art director: Sei Ito ・Director of photography: Maki Ueda ・Sound director: Jin Aketagawa ・Sound effects: Yuji Furuya ・Music: Hiroshi Takagi/Slavek, Kowalewski ・Sound production: Magic Capsule ・Editor: Kentaro Tsubone (REAL-T)
Original story and animation production: Satelight

■ Main Characters

●Research Student: Chieri Sono
77th trainee. 13 years old. She has a cool personality and can be harsh to others at times. Her sincerity and enthusiasm towards 0048 is far superior to her peers. She is actually the daughter of a wealthy family. She looks up to 0048 and has big dreams that she doesn't tell others about.
・Aita Orion
77th trainee. 13 years old. She has a gentle personality and is often seen walking behind Nagisa and Tomoka. Surprisingly, she likes tinkering with machines and is good at it. She has a tendency to blush a little and makes big gestures when she gets flustered.
・Yuuka Ichijo
77th trainee. 14 years old. She is a straightforward type and a little short-tempered, but she also has a gentle side. She always carries a big bag and brings out everything. She is childhood friends with Orine and Nagisa, and she often leads the two of them in their actions.
・Shinonome Kanata
75th trainee. 15 years old. She is hardworking, serious, and has a somewhat rigid personality. She is best friends with Mimori, who is from the same year, and she can tell her honest feelings to her. She is Sokata's older sister, and generally finds her younger sister annoying. The two sisters' fights are quite intense.
・Shinonome Sokata
77th trainee. 10 years old. The youngest trainee, she is the shortest and most athletic... or rather, she is a bit of a wild and airheaded child. She gives people strange nicknames right away, but they don't really stick. She is Kanata's younger sister and loves her older sister very much.
・Mimori Kishida
75th trainee. 17 years old. She is a sexy character with a tall figure and ample proportions. She speaks in a slightly sweet way, using lowercase letters at the end of her sentences, but it seems she isn't actually acting that way. For some reason, she is often seen in sexy poses.
・Suzuko Kanzaki
77th trainee. 14 years old. She is usually a quiet girl with glasses, but she is an idol otaku who is knowledgeable about the trivia and history of 0048 and often gives explanations. She treasures an autograph she received from a certain person.
・Makoto Yokomizo
77th trainee. 16 years old. A coward and a bit of a scaredy-cat. She thinks it's too presumptuous to become a member. She worries about her lack of style, and hopes that she will appear more feminine when she is ready to step out.
・Nagisa Motomiya
77th trainee. 13 years old. Although she is a little absent-minded, she admires 0048. She is often scolded by Tomoka for being too laid back. She is not very good at singing, but she has been improving since becoming a trainee.
●Successor member ・13th generation Atsuko Maeda successor member. Originally clumsy, she became refined as an idol by becoming the center. She is unpredictable and takes things at her own pace. She can make the luminous life form Kirara shine brilliantly.
・9th generation Yuko Oshima successor member. Speedy and large-scale dancing is her specialty. She has an open personality and is friendly. She is dynamic during battles and agile like a baby squirrel. She sometimes plays sexual harassment like an old man, but her physical contact is based on her good feelings.
・A member who inherited the name Yuki Kashiwagi from the 6th generation. She is a huge idol fan who aims to be an idol for life. She has a godlike way of dealing with fans. Although she is originally shy and does things at her own pace, she usually takes on an older sister-like role among the members and is soft-spoken.
・3rd type: Watanabe Mayu successor member. In front of fans and cameras, she has a very charming idol smile, but when she is in the dorm or interacting with other members, she speaks calmly with a poker face. She sometimes makes meaningful statements, but the truth behind them is unknown.
・8th generation Kojima Haruna successor member. She is the most feminine of the successor members, and is very particular about fashion and skin care. She can be a little naive and clumsy, but when it's time to get serious, she gets serious. She generally walks slightly inward, and has a lot of feminine gestures.
・5th generation Takahashi Minami member and captain of AKB0048. She is a highly respected leader who gives precise instructions during live shows and operations. The other members follow her attitude of working harder than anyone else. She is a bit scatterbrained and often gets picked on.
・A member who will take over the name of the 11th generation Itano Tomomi. A petite and cute girl. Her sense of fashion is number one. Her charm point is her mouth. She is the object of admiration for girls, and is popular with a wide range of people from children to adults. She doesn't say much and appears cool at first glance, but she is friendly and gets along well with her juniors.
・10th generation Miyazawa Sae successor member. A sports-oriented girl. She often participates in combat members, and is a member who is more interested in combat than live performances. Her short hair and boyish look are popular with female fans. She is caring and is loved by the trainees.
・10th generation member who took on the name Sayaka Akimoto. She's beautiful, but not feminine. But she's not rough either. Even though she's an idol, she has six-pack abs and is athletic, and the other members also want to train. She looks good when she pumps her fist in victory.
●OTHERS
・Manager and producer of Tsubasa Theater. In charge of issuing instructions to AKB0048's successor members and trainees. A calm and collected, reliable commander. A mysterious woman who doesn't like to talk much about her past.
・Ushiyama: AKB0048's dance teacher. Sometimes strict, sometimes kind. He has a strong relationship of trust with Tsubasa, and is both a friend and a good confidant.
・Megumi Wanibuchi
She was a 76th trainee. She was originally best friends with Yoko (now the 10th Miyazawa Sae), who was her classmate and took over the name before her.
・Hazuki Yanagawa
76th trainee. Strong-willed, but also caring.
・Male friend of Mamoru Yuuka. At first he was against idols, but now he is a WOTA fan of Suzuko.
Aoi is one of the WOTA members who lives in Lancaster. She is always with Mamoru.
・Mikako Minamino A photographer who works at the mecca for gravure models, "Atami Hoshi". She is the original 5th generation Minami Minegishi, and the center nova that Tsubasa is chasing after!

■Subtitle

・Stage 14/Girl's trial ・Stage 15/Shocking new developments!?
・Stage 16/Before the Dawn of the Idol・Stage 17/New General Election・Stage 18/Forbidden Star・Stage 19/The Successor of the Shine・Stage 20/Mimori Revolution・Stage 21/Akiba Star Battle・Stage 22/Blue Betrayal・Stage 23/Scream Paradise・Stage 24/Beyond the Door・Stage 25/The Road to the Theater・Stage 26/NO NAME…

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・The main voice of No Name ・Lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto ・Music by Shusui, Heroism ・Arrangement by Shusui, Heroism ・Singer by NO NAME

・ED1
・I dedicate these tears to you・Lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto・Music by Hiroshi Natsumi・Arrangement by Seiji Muto・Singer by NO NAME

AKB0048 next stage - Review and Recommendation

"AKB0048 next stage" is a TV anime series that aired in 2013, and was produced as an original animation based on the original work by Shoji Kawamori. This work is set in a future world where entertainment activities are banned, and the members of "AKB0048", who inherit the name of the legendary idol group "AKB48", take risks and perform guerrilla live shows to deliver hope. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and features of this work, as well as the recommended points.

Story and worldview

"AKB0048 Next Stage" is set in a future world where entertainment activities are banned. In this world, the Earth is on the brink of destruction, and "AKB0048" acts to bring hope to people's hearts. They take on the name of the legendary idol group "AKB48" and bring song and dance to people through guerrilla live performances. This setting is a novel fusion of real idol culture and science fiction elements, and has the power to draw viewers in.

The story is made up of a wide range of episodes, including the growth of the trainees into the new members, the friendship between the members, and the fight against the opposing forces. The trainees' growth story in particular resonates with viewers, and their dreams and efforts touch the hearts of viewers. Another appeal is the unique characters of the new members, and the backstories and growth of each member are carefully depicted.

Characters and cast

The characters in "AKB0048 Next Stage" are unique and charming. Each trainee has a different background and personality, and is depicted growing up. For example, Sono Chieri has a cool and sincere personality, and her passion for 0048 is outstanding. On the other hand, Aida Orion has a gentle personality, and an unexpected side to her: she is good at tinkering with machines. Also, Ichijo Tomoka shows leadership and is a leader who leads her friends.

The successors are also attractive, with characters based on real AKB48 members such as Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, and Yuki Kashiwagi. Their personalities and skills add depth to the story and draw viewers in. The cast is also luxurious, with the performances of voice actors such as Yukari Tamura as Mayu Watanabe and Mamiko Noto as Haruna Kojima bringing the characters to life.

Music and Dance

The music and dance of "AKB0048 next stage" are a major attraction of the work. The opening theme "Masterless Voice" and the ending theme "I Give These Tears to You" were written by Yasushi Akimoto, and the lyrics and melodies that reflect the theme of the story are impressive. In addition, the dance performances in the live scenes are visually enjoyable, as they show Shoji Kawamori's attention to detail.

In particular, the dance scenes make full use of cutting-edge CG technology, fusing realistic movements with beautiful visuals. This allows viewers to experience the sense of realism as if they were at a live concert. In addition, the new songs and dances performed in each episode change as the story progresses, so viewers will never get bored.

Production staff and technology

"AKB0048 next stage" was animated by Satelight under the direction and direction of Shoji Kawamori. Shoji Kawamori is a master of animation known for the "Macross" series and "Transformers," and his vision is reflected in this work. Director Yoshimasa Hiraike is also known for depicting the everyday lives of cute women, and his direction brings out the charm of the characters.

Mari Okada, who was in charge of the series composition and scriptwriting, is a popular scriptwriter known for works such as "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day," and her storytelling adds depth to the story. Character designer Risa Ebata is a designer who gained attention for her work on "Macross F," and her designs bring out the individuality of the characters. Also, don't miss the visual expression that makes full use of cutting-edge CG technology. The skills of CG director Hiroyuki Kashima and CG animation director Atsushi Sakiyama enhance the visuals of the work.

Recommended points

"AKB0048 next stage" can be recommended for the following reasons.

• Innovative setting and worldview : The setting of a future world where entertainment activities are banned is a new attempt to combine real-life idol culture with science fiction elements. This worldview draws the viewer in and adds depth to the story.
• Attractive characters : From trainees to successor members, there are a wide variety of characters. Their growth, friendship, and efforts are depicted, evoking sympathy from viewers. The characters, modeled after real AKB48 members, are also appealing.
• Music and Dance : The theme song with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and the dance performance that reflects Shoji Kawamori's passion are the main attractions of the work. The live performance scenes, which make full use of cutting-edge CG technology, are also visually enjoyable.
• A luxurious team of staff and technology : The original author and general director of the film is Shoji Kawamori, the director is Yoshimasa Hiraike, the screenwriter is Mari Okada, and the character designer is Risa Ebata. The latest CG technology also enhances the visuals of the film.

"AKB0048 next stage" is a work recommended not only for idol fans, but also for those who are interested in science fiction and animation. Be sure to check out this work, which is filled with the growth stories of the trainees, the personalities of the successor members, and the charm of music and dance.