The IDOLiSH7 multimedia franchise is gearing up for a monumental year. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the popular idol anime is set to launch a fourth season, a compilation movie of the first season, and an adaptation focusing on the rival group ŹOOĻ’s storyline, “Kikkō no Quarter.” The announcements were made during a special livestream event on January 25, 2025, exciting fans worldwide.
A Decade of Idol Dreams: IDOLiSH7’s Journey
IDOLiSH7 began its journey in 2015 as a smartphone rhythm game developed by Bandai Namco Online. The game quickly gained popularity, captivating players with its engaging gameplay and heartfelt story of aspiring idols. The franchise has since expanded into various media, including manga adaptations, novelizations, live concerts, and a successful anime series.
The anime adaptation premiered in January 2018, introducing the vibrant world of IDOLiSH7 to a wider audience. The series follows a group of seven young men who come together at Takanashi Productions to pursue their dreams of becoming top idols. Subsequent seasons, IDOLiSH7 Second BEAT! in 2020 and IDOLiSH7 Third BEAT! which aired in two parts in 2021 and 2022, further explored the characters’ growth, challenges, and the bonds they form as they navigate the competitive world of the entertainment industry.
What’s Next for IDOLiSH7?
Season 4: Continuing the Idol Story
The highly anticipated fourth season of the IDOLiSH7 anime will continue the narrative from IDOLiSH7 Third BEAT!. Fans can expect more drama, captivating performances, and deeper exploration of the characters’ relationships as IDOLiSH7 faces new challenges and strives for even greater heights. While the release date for the fourth season is yet to be revealed, anticipation is already building among fans eager to see what’s in store for their favorite idol group. Animation studio TROYCA, with Makoto Bessho as head, ensures high quality and soulful characters.
Compilation Film: Reliving the Beginning
For those who want to relive the magic of IDOLiSH7’s beginnings, a theatrical film compilation of the first season is in the works. This movie will re-edit the 2018 TV anime into a format fit for the big screen, offering a fresh perspective on the group’s formation and early struggles. The compilation film is a perfect opportunity for new fans to dive into the world of IDOLiSH7 and for longtime fans to experience the nostalgia of the series’ origins.
Kikkō no Quarter: ŹOOĻ’s Turn to Shine
One of the most exciting announcements is the adaptation of the Kikkō no Quarter (Antagonistic Quarter) story from the app game. This storyline focuses on ŹOOĻ, the rival group known for their darker and more aggressive style. The adaptation will delve into the members of ŹOOĻ, exploring their backstories, motivations, and the challenges they face as they strive for success in the idol industry. The format of the Kikkō no Quarter anime is yet to be confirmed, leaving fans to speculate whether it will be a TV series, an OVA, or a movie.
The Team Behind the Magic
The success of the IDOLiSH7 anime is due in no small part to the talented team behind it. Studio TROYCA has consistently delivered high-quality animation, bringing the characters and performances to life with stunning visuals and dynamic choreography. The main staff includes:
- Director: Makoto Bessho
- Series Composition: Ayumi Sekine
- Character Designer: Kazumi Fukagawa
- Music Composer: Tatsuya Kato
The Voices of IDOLiSH7
The voice actors of IDOLiSH7 have also played a crucial role in the series’ popularity, bringing depth and emotion to their respective characters. The main voice cast includes:
- Toshiki Masuda as Iori Izumi
- Yusuke Shirai as Yamato Nikaido
- Tsubasa Yonaga as Mitsuki Izumi
- KENN as Tamaki Yotsuba
- Atsushi Abe as Sogo Osaka
- Takuya Eguchi as Nagi Rokuya
- Kensho Ono as Riku Nanase
- Hiroki Takahashi as Gaku Yaotome
- Wataru Hatano as Ten Kujo
- Takuya Sato as Ryunosuke Tsunashi
- Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Momo
- Daisuke Namikawa as Yuki
- Yuya Hirose as Haruka Isumi
- Subaru Kimura as Toma Inumaru
- Toshiki Masuda as Minami Natsume
- Sho Nogami as Torao Akizuki
A Mixed Media Phenomenon
IDOLiSH7’s success extends beyond the anime series. The franchise has spawned numerous light novels, manga adaptations, video games, and music CD releases. The music from the series is particularly popular, with catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with fans.
In addition to the upcoming anime projects, the staff also revealed a new development for the IDOLiSH7 app, which they’ll confirm more details about soon.
Where to Watch
For those looking to catch up on the IDOLiSH7 anime, all three seasons are currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The streaming service also offers the IDOLiSH7 Live 4bit: Beyond The Period concert film, which premiered in Japan in May 2023.
IDOLiSH7: A Continuing Legacy
As IDOLiSH7 celebrates its 10th anniversary, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. With a new season of the anime, a compilation film, and an adaptation of the Kikkō no Quarter storyline on the horizon, fans have much to look forward to. IDOLiSH7’s enduring popularity is a testament to its engaging story, lovable characters, and the dedication of the team behind it. As the franchise enters its second decade, it’s clear that the world of IDOLiSH7 will continue to captivate and inspire fans for years to come.
