The appeal and reputation of "CUE!": New possibilities for idol anime

"CUE!": A moving story depicting the dreams and reality of new voice actors

CUE! is a TV anime series that aired from January 8 to June 25, 2022, and is based on the game by Liber Entertainment. It is a touching story about the dreams, setbacks, and growth of young people who want to become voice actors. Animation was produced by Yumeta Company and Graphinica, and the series was directed by Katakai Makoto. The 24-episode series aired on MBS, TBS, and BS-TBS, and was also available on various online streaming services.

story

The setting of "CUE!" is "AiRBLUE," a new voice actor agency with no track record or experience. The agency is staffed by a diverse group of aspiring voice actors. While pursuing their dreams, the women face the harsh reality and overcome suffering and setbacks. The way they try out for auditions, fail, and then get back up again deeply moves viewers.

The story revolves around the main character, Hina Mutsuishi. After seeing a certain work, Hina aspires to be a voice actress, and while attending a training school, she joins "AiRBLUE." Her kind-hearted and earnest personality attracts those around her, and she is at the center of the story. However, not only Hina, but the other members also have their own backgrounds and dreams, and this diversity enriches the story.

character

The charm of "CUE!" is, without a doubt, the unique characters. Below are the main characters.

• Haruna Mutsuishi : 16 years old. She has a kind and serious personality, and while she prioritizes those around her, she also has a stubborn side. The reason she wanted to become a voice actress was because of a certain work she saw.
• Maika Takatori : 17 years old. A lively high school student who aims to become a voice actress, wanting to voice the characters her younger brothers watch. She is known for being outspoken, but also caring towards her friends.
• Shiho Kano : 18 years old. She has a carefree personality and doesn't show her emotions, but sometimes makes strange remarks that confuse those around her. She had a past where she couldn't accept her own voice, but she became interested in the profession of voice acting.
• Honoka Tsukii : 16 years old. Friendly and responsible, she is relied upon by those around her. She loves sports, and the hero movies she saw as a child inspired her to become a voice actress.
• Tendo Yuuki : 15 years old. Positive and energetic, he is the mood maker for everyone. He likes robot anime and aspires to be a voice actor. His family runs a diner in a downtown area.
• Akagawa Chisa : 18 years old. She is serious and caring, but she is not good at showing her weaknesses to others. Becoming a voice actress has been her dream since she was a child.
• Eniwa Airi : 15 years old. Although she has a negative personality and lacks confidence in herself, she sometimes surprises the other members with her positive comments. She likes fortune telling, and sometimes decides her actions based on the results of her morning fortune telling.
• Kujo Yuzuha : 16 years old. A young lady raised in Singapore who became interested in voice acting after watching Japanese anime. She is characterized by her individualism and frank way of speaking, which is unique to someone who grew up overseas.
• Miharu Yomine : 22 years old. Graduated from a music college, she is currently attending graduate school while continuing her voice acting lessons. She has a gentle demeanor and puts people at ease. Her piano skills are of professional level.
• Kamuro Aya : 18 years old. Contrary to her cool appearance, she loves cute things and shojo manga. When she declared that she wanted to become a voice actress, her grandmother was the only person who listened to her seriously and understood her.
• Miyaji Mahoro : 21 years old. A former child actor, she is highly regarded in the newcomers of "AiRBLUE". While she cares about the number of followers she has on social media, she has a lone wolf personality and doesn't try to fit in with the people around her.
• Riko Hinakura : 21 years old. She is a friendly girl who is open with everyone and is trusted by the other members. Influenced by a radio show about voice actors that she listened to while working part-time, she aims to become a voice actress.
• Rie Maruyama : 18 years old. A girl with a chuunibyou syndrome who likes gothic lolita and calls herself Devil Eris. She is serious, responsible, and considerate of those around her. She is a childhood friend of Naru.
• Satori Utsugi : 19 years old. A calm and collected realist, she hates breaking her routine. She's an otaku who can't stop talking about the works she cares about. Her mother is a famous voice actress.
• Myojin Rinne : 20 years old. A boundlessly cheerful optimist, she always does things at her own pace. She loves children and aspires to be a voice actress, hoping to find a job that will give children dreams.
• Toomi Mei : 17 years old. She is quiet and emotionless, but she is a genius when it comes to acting. She is good at games and can also program. When her childhood friend Rie wanted to be a voice actress, she decided to join "AiRBLUE" together.

Production Staff

CUE! was produced by a team of talented people including director Katakai Makoto, series composition by Urahata Tatsuhiko, character design by Taniguchi Motohiro, sub-character design by Nishimura Rie, art direction by Matsumoto Hiroki, color design by Matsumori Yoriko, cinematography by Kano Atsushi, editor by Kondo Yuji, sound director by Hamano Kazuzou, and music by Nakanishi Ryosuke. Music was produced by Pony Canyon and Updream, and animation was done by Yumeta Company and Graphinica.

Broadcast information

"CUE!" was broadcast every Saturday from January 8 to June 25, 2022. It was broadcast on MBS, TBS affiliates, and BS-TBS, and the broadcast times for each station are as follows.

• MBS: Every Saturday from 1:55 to 2:25 (first broadcast is from 2:25 to 2:55)
• TBS: Every Saturday 1:55-2:25 (first broadcast 2:25-2:55)
• BS-TBS: Every Saturday 2:30-3:00
• AT-X: Every Tuesday from 21:00 to 21:30

It was also available through online streaming services, and could be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including all-you-can-watch services, pay-per-view services, and the latest episode free for one week.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs of "CUE!" are also important elements that liven up the story. Below are the main songs.

• OP1 "Start Line" : Lyrics and composition by shilo, arrangement by Takano Satoshi, vocals by AiRBLUE
• OP2 "Tomorrow's Diary" : Lyrics by shilo, Composition by Sho Ishihama (MONACA), Arrangement by Sho Ishihama (MONACA), Sung by AiRBLUE
• ED1 "The Sky Where the Bell of Beginning Rings" : Lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Ken Ito, vocals by AiRBLUE
• ED2 "Goodbye Lady Maid" : Lyrics, composition, arrangement: Shinpei Nasuno, vocals: AiRBLUE
• ED3 "Yumedayori" : Lyrics and composition by Sho Watanabe, arrangement by Atsushi Yuasa, vocals by AiRBLUE
• ED4 "My Sustainer" : Lyrics and composition by Shinpei Nasuno, arrangement by Shinpei Nasuno and Yuki Harada, vocals by AiRBLUE
• ED5 "Mirai Canvas" : Lyrics by shilo, Composition by Sho Ishihama (MONACA), Arrangement by Sho Ishihama (MONACA), Sung by AiRBLUE
• IN1 "The Voice" : Composition: shilo, Arrangement: Ryosuke Nakanishi
• IN2 "Otsukisama" : Lyrics by Tatsuhiko Urahata, Music by Shuho Mitani, Arrangement by Shuho Mitani
• IN3 "We Can Fly!!!!" : Lyrics, composition, arrangement, Hige Driver, vocals, Chun x 4
• IN4 "Shizuku no Keisatsu" (Drops of Crystals) : Lyrics and composition by ZAQ, arrangement by Akito Matsuda, vocals by AiRBLUE
• IN5 "Irodori Heart" : Lyrics by Erika Masaki, Composition by Tsukasa Yatoki (Arte Refact), Arrangement by Tsukasa Yatoki (Arte Refact), Vocals by Chun x 4
• IN6 "LUNΛ Labyrinth" : Lyrics by Kanata Nakamura, Composition by Atsushi Harada (Arte Refact), Arrangement by Atsushi Harada (Arte Refact), Sung by LUNΛ ω rabbits
• IN7 "The Voice" : Lyrics by shilo, Composition by Ryosuke Nakanishi, Arrangement by Ryosuke Nakanishi, Sung by Miharu Yamine (Yukari Anzai)
• IN8 "Whispers' Hope" : Lyrics by Erika Masaki, Music by Takaaki Kimura (KEYTONE), Arrangement by Takaaki Kimura (KEYTONE), Vocals by Harmonia
• IN9 "HARU・NARU" : Lyrics by Kanata Nakamura, Music by Yosuke Kurokawa, Arrangement by Yosuke Kurokawa, Sung by Meguli-Hana
• IN10 "Forever Friends" : Lyrics and composition by shilo, arrangement by Ken Ito, vocals by AiRBLUE

Evaluation and Impressions

"CUE!" has been highly praised for its realistic portrayal of the rigors and charms of the voice acting profession. In particular, the characters' growth and changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, deeply moving viewers. Other highlights include the realistic portrayal of the voice acting industry and the performances that highlight the individuality of the characters.

The story unfolds around each character's backstory and their pursuit of their dreams. In particular, Hina's growth and her search for her path as a voice actress through her interactions with the other members resonated with many viewers. Many viewers were also moved to tears by scenes in which the characters overcame setbacks and failures.

Music was also an important element in adding excitement to the story, with the theme songs and insert songs reflecting the characters' feelings and evoking emotions in the viewers. In particular, the lyrics of the opening and ending songs contain the dreams and hopes of the characters, symbolizing the theme of the story.

Recommended points

"CUE! - Cue -" is a touching story about the dreams and reality of young people who want to become voice actors. Below are some points that make this work recommended.

• Realistic portrayal of the voice acting industry : The rigors and joys of being a voice actor are depicted realistically, making it especially recommended for those who are interested in voice acting.
• Characters with Unique Personalities : Each character has their own background and dreams, and their growth and changes in relationships are a highlight of the story.
• Inspiring story : Many viewers were touched and sympathized with the characters as they overcame setbacks and failures.
• Beautiful music : The theme song and insert songs liven up the story and reflect the emotions of the characters. Recommended for music lovers.
• Diverse streaming services : With a variety of streaming options, including all-you-can-watch and pay-per-view services, you can enjoy content according to your lifestyle.

Conclusion

"CUE!" is a moving story about the dreams and reality of young people aspiring to become voice actors. It is full of many charms, such as the growth of unique characters, changes in relationships, a realistic portrayal of the voice acting industry, and beautiful music. This is a work that is recommended not only for those who are interested in voice acting, but also for those who are looking for a moving story. Please give it a watch.