The popular multimedia franchise IDOLiSH7 is set to reignite its anime presence with a series of exciting new projects. During a 10th-anniversary event held on Saturday, the franchise unveiled plans for a fourth season of the main anime, a theatrical compilation film of the first season, and an adaptation of the “Kikkō no Quarter” story, focusing on the rival group ŹOOĻ. These announcements have sent waves of excitement through the fanbase, marking a significant new chapter for the beloved series.
A Triple Dose of Anime Goodness
The IDOLiSH7 franchise, which began as a rhythm game in 2015, has grown into a cultural phenomenon with a dedicated following. The announcement of not one, but three new anime projects highlights the continued popularity and impact of the series.
IDOLiSH7 Returns for a Fourth Season
The most anticipated of the announcements is undoubtedly the confirmation of a fourth season for the main anime series. This new season will continue the narrative from IDOLiSH7 Third BEAT!, picking up where the previous season left off. Fans can look forward to more of the heartfelt stories of idol growth, intense rivalries, and the captivating music that has become synonymous with the franchise. The exact release date for the fourth season is yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building.
Season One Gets the Big Screen Treatment
In addition to the new season, the franchise is also preparing a theatrical film that will compile the first season of the anime. This film will re-edit the original 2018 TV series into a format designed for the big screen, giving fans a chance to relive the beginning of the IDOLiSH7 journey with enhanced visuals and sound. This compilation film will likely draw both long-time fans seeking a nostalgic experience and newcomers eager to jump into the series.
ŹOOĻ Takes Center Stage with “Kikkō no Quarter” Adaptation
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement is the adaptation of the “Kikkō no Quarter” storyline from the mobile game. This adaptation will shift the focus to the antagonist group ŹOOĻ, delving deeper into their backstories and motivations. The format for this adaptation remains unclear, leaving fans to speculate whether it will be a TV series, an OVA (Original Video Animation), or a film. Regardless, the promise of a ŹOOĻ-centric story is a major development for the series, giving fans a chance to explore the complex dynamics of this rival group.
More Than Just Anime
The 10th-anniversary event revealed more than just anime news. There was also the announcement of new developments for the IDOLiSH7 mobile app, though details were scarce. Fans are eagerly awaiting further announcements about this. Additionally, a “Memorial Exhibition” is scheduled to take place in Shibuya, Tokyo, from February 15 to March 2, offering fans an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of IDOLiSH7. The exhibition will likely feature artwork, merchandise, and other exclusive content related to the series. Furthermore, the group TRIGGER is set to release their third album, titled Trois, on March 12, adding to the plethora of new content for fans.
The Legacy of IDOLiSH7
IDOLiSH7 first launched as a rhythm game for Android and iOS platforms in Japan on August 20, 2015. The game features character designs by Arina Tanemura, and the music is produced in collaboration with Lantis. The franchise quickly grew into a multimedia empire, encompassing manga adaptations, novelizations, and an anime television series. The first season of the anime premiered in January 2018, followed by a second season in April 2020, and a third season in July 2021. These anime adaptations further boosted the popularity of the series.
The anime adaptation is produced by the studio Troyca, with Makoto Bessho directing and Ayumi Sekine writing the scripts. The music for the anime is composed by Tatsuya Kato. The series is known for its engaging characters, compelling storylines, and high-quality animation.
A Look Back at Recent Successes
The IDOLiSH7 franchise has seen continued success, including the theatrical anime concert IDOLiSH7 the Movie LIVE 4bit BEYOND THE PERiOD, which opened in Japan in May 2023. This movie achieved remarkable success, earning 220 million yen (about US$1.58 million) in its opening weekend and surpassing 700 million yen (about US$5.02 million) with 440,000 tickets sold in its first 22 days. The movie’s success underscores the franchise’s enduring popularity. A compilation album for the movie was also released, featuring the full-size version of “Pieces of the World” sung by all 16 members of the groups IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER, Re:vale, and ŹOOĻ.
What to Expect
The upcoming projects indicate a strong commitment to the IDOLiSH7 franchise. The fourth season of the anime is poised to continue the series’ legacy of emotional storytelling and dynamic character development, while the first season’s compilation film will be a great re-entry point for fans. The “Kikkō no Quarter” adaptation, focusing on ŹOOĻ, promises to offer a fresh and exciting perspective, adding depth to the series’ complex narrative.
In conclusion, the 10th-anniversary announcements have solidified the IDOLiSH7 franchise’s position as a major player in the world of anime and multimedia entertainment. Fans have much to look forward to with the new season, film, and spin-off, and the future of the franchise looks brighter than ever. The upcoming Memorial Exhibition and TRIGGER’s new album offer additional exciting content for fans to enjoy as they await the new anime projects.
