IDOLiSH7 Episode 1 Review: A Better-Than-Expected Start

IDOLiSH7: The journey to a shining dream

Idols are beings that warm our hearts and sometimes give us courage. The anime "Idolish Seven", which depicts the world of idols, was broadcast in 2018 and captivated many fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal of "Idolish Seven", the background to its production, details about the characters, and subsequent developments.

Overview

"Idolish Seven" is a TV anime series based on the game by Bandai Namco Online and Tsushimi Bunta. It was broadcast on TOKYO MX and BS11 from January 1st to May 19th, 2018. It consists of 17 episodes, each 30 minutes long, directed by Bessho Makoto and animated by TROYCA. Copyright belongs to the BNOI/Idolish Seven Production Committee.

story

Seven young people are gathered at Takanashi Office. They are aspiring idols who will carry the future, and having just met, they all have different personalities and characteristics. However, each has their own unique charm and hidden potential as idols. After forming a group and starting their activities under the name "IDOLiSH7", they captivate people's hearts with their singing and dancing on the shining stage. This is the story of how they harbor their dreams and aim to reach the top in the glamorous but tough world of idols.

Commentary

"Idolish Seven" is a work that combines elements of rhythm games and novel games. The main story is fully voiced, and the story is unlocked by playing the rhythm game and fulfilling certain conditions. The main story is completed up to the third part, and the fourth part was released on February 20, 2020. The protagonist works at "Takanashi Entertainment Agency" run by his father, and is in charge of managing the seven-member male idol group "IDOLiSH7". The story depicts his struggle to help them grow into top idols.

cast

The members of "IDOLiSH7" are as follows:

• Izumi Iori (voiced by Masuda Toshiki)
• Nikaido Yamato (CV: Yusuke Shirai)
• Mitsuki Izumi (CV: Tsubasa Yonaga)
• Tamaki Yotsuba (CV: KENN)
• Sougo Osaka (CV: Atsushi Abe)
• Rokuya Nagi (CV: Takuya Eguchi)
• Riku Nanase (voiced by Kensho Ono)

Also, the members of the rival group "TRIGGER" are:

• Yaotome Gaku (CV: Wataru Hatano)
• Kujo Ten (voiced by Saito Souma)
• Ryunosuke Tohru (CV: Takuya Sato)

The people involved with the Takanashi Office and the Yaotome Office also play important roles:

• Otoharu Takanashi (voiced by Susumu Chiba)
• Mari Ogami (voiced by Kazuyuki Okitsu)
• Tsumugi Takanashi (CV: Satomi Sato)
• Sosuke Yaotome (voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi)
• Kaoru Anesagi (voiced by Yoshihisa Kawahara)

Main Staff

The following staff members are involved in the production of "Idolish Seven":

• Original creator: Bandai Namco Online, Toshimi Bunta
• Character design: Arina Tanemura
• Director: Masato Bessho
• Supervisor: Ei Aoki
• Series Composition: Ayumi Sekine
• Animation character design: Kasumi Fukagawa
• Animation production: TROYCA

Main Characters

Each member of "IDOLiSH7" has their own unique characteristics:

• Izumi Iori: Cool and intelligent. Calm and polite, he can do anything well, but he can be quite sarcastic when he speaks. Mitsuki's younger brother. 17 years old.
• Nikaido Yamato: The oldest member, he is like an older brother to the group. He has a carefree attitude but is passionate inside and cares about his fellow members more than anyone else. He is 22 years old.
• Izumi Mitsuki: Always a cheerful and lively mood maker. Contrary to his cute appearance, he has a manly personality and is very caring. Iori's older brother. 21 years old.
• YOTSUBA TAMAKI: A genius with a laid back personality, but with outstanding athletic ability and a professional level of dancing. She does things at her own pace, and is a bit loose with time and promises. 17 years old.
• Sogo Osaka (OSAKA SOGO): A good young man who is serious and considerate. He is good at singing and dancing. He is kind and gentle to everyone, but scary when he gets angry. 20 years old.
• Rokuya Nagi: Half Scandinavian, naturally charismatic and beautiful. He has a habit of quickly flirting with women and loves Japanese anime. 19 years old.
• Nanase Riku: A hard worker with outstanding singing ability and a straightforward personality. A kind-hearted person who cannot refuse requests, he is also a little naive. 18 years old.

The members of "TRIGGER" have the following characteristics:

• YAOTOME GAKU: He was chosen as the "No. 1 man to be hugged by" and enjoys overwhelming popularity. He hates to lose and has a bad mouth, but he is kind and cares for his friends. 22 years old.
• Kujo Tenn: On the surface, she plays the role of a little devil, but in reality, she is a perfectionist with a high level of professionalism. As an idol, she always strives to be perfect. 18 years old.
• TSUNASHI RYUNOSUKE: His selling point is his sexy and wild charm, but his true personality is shy and gentle. The contrast can sometimes be confusing. 23 years old.

The people involved in the Takanashi Office have the following roles:

• Takanashi Otoharu: President of the agency that IDOLiSH7 belongs to. Although he is gentle, he is sincere in his work and keeps a warm eye on the aspiring idols.
• Ogami Banri: A capable staff member who supports the office. She is a reliable presence who supports IDOLiSH7 and the new manager Tsumugi.
• Takanashi Tsumugi: Otoharu's only daughter. She is in charge of managing IDOLiSH7 and works hard to promote them. She is a very positive and strong-willed person.

The members of the Yaotome Office have the following roles:

• Yaotome Sosuke: The president of the major agency that TRIGGER belongs to, and Yaotome Raku's father. He is ruthless and will use any means to achieve his goals.
• ANESAGI KAORU: TRIGGER's talented manager. She is top-notch at her job, but she is strong-willed and scary when she gets angry. She prioritizes the office's convenience over the members.

subtitle

The subtitles of each episode are as follows:

• #1: Shaking your heart
• #2: The Beginning Stage
• #3: Each person's feelings
• #4: Professional Determination
• #5: Secret
• #6: Triumphant return in the rain
• #7: A ray of light
• #8: Please, Music
• #9: Precious Time
• #10: Expanding World
• #11: Going to Summer
• #12: 5 people and 2 people
• #13: What's Lost
• #14: That song again
• #15: The door that closes
• #16: Zero Point Determination
• #17: Making the dream

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Idolish Seven" are as follows:

• OP: WiSH VOYAGE
  • Lyrics: Erika Masaki, kz
  • Composer: kz
  • Sung by: IDOLiSH7
• ED1: Heavenly Visitor
  • Lyricist: Aira Yuuki
  • Composer: Atsushi Harada
  • Arrangement: Kyohei Yamamoto
  • Sung by: TRIGGER
• ED2: Rain
  • Lyricist: Shogo
  • Composition: Shogo, Hirotaka Hayakawa
  • Arrangement: Hirotaka Hayakawa
  • Sung by: MEZZO"

Evaluation and Impressions

"Idolish Seven" is highly acclaimed as a work that depicts the growth of idols and their pursuit of dreams. In particular, the characters' personalities and growth are carefully depicted, deeply moving viewers. The music is also excellent, with the theme songs and insert songs playing an important role in livening up the story.

The story of the anime draws out the charm of the original game to the fullest while depicting the world of idols from a new perspective. In particular, the backgrounds and struggles of each member of IDOLiSH7 are depicted, making viewers empathize with their growth and want to root for them. Also, don't miss the contrast with rival group TRIGGER and the drama surrounding the people at the agency.

Subsequent developments

Following the success of the first season of the anime, "Idolish Seven" aired its second season, "Idolish Seven Second BEAT!" in 2020. Furthermore, the third season, "Idolish Seven Third BEAT!", will air in 2023, further deepening the story. The fourth part of the game's main story has also been released, continuing to meet the expectations of fans.

They also hold live events and concerts where you can see the members of IDOLiSH7 and TRIGGER singing and dancing in real life. These events are special experiences for fans, and they make the world of idols feel more real.

Reasons for recommendation

"Idolish Seven" is a moving story about the dreams and growth of idols. The characters' personalities and growth are carefully depicted, and viewers will find themselves rooting for their success. The music is also excellent, with the theme songs and insert songs playing an important role in livening up the story.

It is especially recommended for those who like idols and youth dramas. It is also a perfect work for those who like music and want to enjoy the growth of characters. You can experience the world of "Idolish Seven" more deeply by enjoying not only the anime but also the games and live events.

"Idolish Seven" is a work that gives us courage and hope through the image of young people chasing their dreams. Please join us in walking the path to this shining dream.