The appeal and evaluation of "Love Live! μ's → NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ENDLESS PARADE" as a live anime

LoveLive! μ's →NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ENDLESS PARADE Live anime detailed review and recommendation

Overview

Love Live! μ's →NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ENDLESS PARADE Live Anime is an anime that was shown as part of an event held at Saitama Super Arena on February 8-9, 2014. This anime is a special work that combines the live performance of the popular unit μ's (Muse) from the Love Live! series with SD (Super Deformed) animation depicting their daily lives. It was distributed by Lantis and animated by Sunrise. It is directed by Kyogoku Naohiko, based on the original work by Yatate Hajime, and the copyright is owned by Project Love Live!.

■ Story

Otonokizaka Academy is a traditional school located between the three cities of Akihabara, Kanda, and Jimbocho, but it was facing the threat of being closed down or merged. To save the school from this crisis, nine female students, led by second-year student Honoka Kosaka, rise up. They aim to promote the school widely and increase the number of students by "becoming idols." This was the beginning of the School Idol Project, "a story that we can all make come true."

■Explanation

This live anime was shown at the "Love Live! μ's →NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ~ENDLESS PARADE~" event held at Saitama Super Arena on February 8th and 9th, 2014. Between live performances, an anime drama featuring SD versions of the μ's members was shown, providing a special experience for fans. This event became an unforgettable memory for μ's fans, and was a moment where they could feel the girls' growth and bond.

■Cast

The members of μ's are:

• Honoka Kosaka - Emi Nitta
• Eli Ayase - Yoshino Nanjo
• Minami Kotori - Aya Uchida
• Umi Sonoda - Suzuko Mimori
• Rin Hoshizora - Riho Iida
• Maki Nishikino - Pile
• Nozomi Tojo - Aina Kusuda
• Hanayo Koizumi - Yurika Kubo
• Nico Yazawa - Blue Sky Tokui

■ Main Characters

Detailed profiles of μ's members are as follows:

Honoka Kosaka

• Age: 16
• Birthday: August 3 (Leo)
• Blood type: O
• Height: 157cm
• Measurements: B78, W58, H82
• Favorite food: Strawberries
• Disliked food: Green peppers

Honoka is the founder of μ's, and her redeeming features are her always smiling and energetic nature. She acts on intuition and inspiration, and once she makes a decision, she charges ahead with determination. Even when faced with difficulties, she overcomes them one after another with her ultra-positive thinking, and she is the engine and driving force of μ's.

Eri Ayase

• Age: 17
• Birthday: October 21st (Libra)
• Blood type: B
• Height: 162cm
• Measurements: B88, W60, H84
• Favorite food: Chocolate
• Disliked foods: Umeboshi, seaweed

Eri is a quarter Russian, a smart, athletic, and excellent student who excels at whatever she does. She is extremely popular at school, has a strong sense of responsibility, and served as student council president.

Minami Kotori

• Age: 16
• Birthday: September 12th (Virgo)
• Blood type: O
• Height: 159cm
• Measurements: B80, W58, H80
• Favorite food: Cheesecake
• Disliked food: Garlic

Kotori is Honoka's best friend and childhood friend. In contrast to Honoka, Kotori has a gentle and calm personality and is an excellent student who does well in her studies. Although she is gentle, she has a strong core and is not easily intimidated.

Umi Sonoda

• Age: 16
• Birthday: March 15th (Pisces)
• Blood type: A
• Height: 159cm
• Measurements: B76, W58, H80
• Favorite food: Manju from Honoka's house
• Disliked food: Carbonated drinks

Umi was raised in a family of Japanese dance masters, and is a Japanese woman with a dignified aura. She has been trained in Kyudo since she was a child, and is a girl with perfect manners. She is typical of someone who is strict with herself and those around her, and hates bad deeds and laziness. She is childhood friends with Honoka and Kotori.

Hoshizora Rin

• Age: 15
• Birthday: November 1st (Scorpio)
• Blood type: A
• Height: 155cm
• Measurements: B75, W59, H80
• Favorite food: Ramen!
• Disliked food: Fish

Rin is an athletic girl who is always cheerful and prefers to get active rather than worry. She is caring and always looks after her childhood friend Hanayo. No matter what she is told, she always responds with a big response, and her brisk training is impressive.

Maki Nishikino

• Age: 15
• Birthday: April 19th (Aries)
• Blood type: AB
• Height: 161cm
• Measurements: B78, W56, H83
• Favorite food: Tomato
• Disliked food: Mandarins

Maki is a daughter of a wealthy family whose parents run a large hospital. She is a long-awaited first-year student who is exceptionally good at singing and playing the piano. She is arrogant and proud, and is not good at showing her true feelings, but she has the courage to deal with upperclassmen with confidence. In fact, she also has a lonely side.

Nozomi Tojo

• Age: 17
• Birthday: June 9th (Gemini)
• Blood type: O
• Height: 159cm
• Measurements: B90, W60, H82
• Favorite food: Yakiniku
• Disliked food: Caramel

In contrast to Eli, Nozomi has a laid-back personality and speaks in a unique tone that is a mix of Kansai dialect. She makes a good pair with Eli, who has a cool demeanor, and is easygoing, which makes you think that she is actually the oldest mentally out of all the members. Although she is easygoing, she also has a surprisingly scheming side.

Hanayo Koizumi

• Age: 15
• Birthday: January 17th (Capricorn)
• Blood type: B
• Height: 156cm
• Measurements: B82, W60, H83
• Favorite food: White rice
• Disliked food: None

Hanayo is a quiet girl who doesn't stand out much in class. She has no confidence and tends to give up no matter what she tries to do, but she admires μ's and joins the club with Rin and Maki. She is good friends with Rin and they are always together. Her favorite food is white rice.

Nico Yazawa

• Age: 17
• Birthday: July 22nd (Cancer)
• Blood type: A
• Height: 154cm
• Measurements: B74, W57, H79
• Favorite food: Sweets
• Disliked food: spicy food

Nico is a bona fide idol otaku who works hard day and night to become an idol. As a senior who also aims to become an idol, she often talks down to Honoka and the others, but despite that, she makes a lot of mistakes and is surprisingly clumsy. "Nikko Nikko Nii" is her catchphrase.

■A-RISE

A-RISE is a rival unit to μ's and includes the following members:

Kira Tsubasa

She is the center position girl of A-RISE, and although she is short, she shows off her powerful dancing skills. Her charm point is her forehead.

Toudou Erena

He is a tall member with a mature aura, and has strong, narrow eyes that give off a strong will, so he seems to have a lot of female fans. His teardrop mole is very sexy.

Yuki Anjyu

She is the most girlish and ladylike member of A-RISE. She is known for her loose, fluffy hairstyle and sweet voice.

■ Evaluation

"Love Live! μ's →NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ENDLESS PARADE Live Anime" is a special work for μ's fans. The combination of live performances and SD animation provided a fresh and fun experience for fans. In particular, the SD animation shown between live performances depicts the daily lives and bonds of the μ's members, giving fans an opportunity to understand their characters more deeply.

The appeal of this work is that the individuality of each member of μ's stands out. Each member's characteristics are depicted through SD animation, such as Honoka's leadership, Eli's sense of responsibility, Kotori's kindness, Umi's strictness, Rin's cheerfulness, Maki's pride, Nozomi's laid-back attitude, Hanayo's hard work, and Nico's passion for idols. This allows fans to feel the girls' growth and bond more deeply.

The quality of the live performances is also very high, and μ's singing ability and dance performance are beautifully expressed. In particular, the production incorporates the excitement of the live performance directly into the anime, enveloping the audience in a sense of realism as if they were at a live concert. This is a major feature that sets this anime apart from other anime works.

Moreover, this work is important not only for fans of μ's, but also for fans of the entire Love Live! series. This live anime, which can be considered the culmination of μ's activities, provides an opportunity to look back on their efforts and growth, making it a moving experience for fans.

■Recommendation

Here are the reasons why I recommend "Love Live! μ's →NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ENDLESS PARADE Live Anime":

1. A fusion of live performance and SD animation

The combination of live performance and SD animation will provide fans with a fresh and fun experience. In particular, the production, which incorporates the excitement of the live performance directly into the animation, will immerse the audience in a realistic sensation, as if they were at the live concert.

2. The individual personalities of each member of μ's

The distinct personalities of each member of μ's are a major attraction of this work. Their daily lives and the bonds they form are depicted through SD animation, providing a moving experience for fans.

3. Quality of Live Performance

Another appeal of this work is the beautiful portrayal of μ's singing ability and dance performance. The production, which incorporates the excitement of a live concert directly into the anime, envelops the audience in a realistic sensation as if they were at a live concert.

4. The culmination of μ's activities

This live anime, which can be considered the culmination of μ's activities, provides an opportunity to look back on their efforts and growth, providing an emotional experience for fans.

Conclusion

"Love Live! μ's →NEXT LoveLive! 2014 ENDLESS PARADE Live Anime" is a special work for μ's fans, and its combination of live performances and SD animation provides a fresh and fun experience. This work has many charms, such as the distinctive personalities of each μ's member, the high quality of the live performances, and its value as a culmination of μ's activities. It is highly recommended not only for fans of the Love Live! series, but also for those who like idol anime and live performances.