The popular “Pretty Series” franchise is expanding its universe with a new anime film, Eiga Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live!, slated to premiere in Japan on March 13, 2026. The announcement has been accompanied by a teaser video and a visual, building anticipation for the latest installment.
Delving into Eiga Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live!
The upcoming film, officially titled Eiga Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live!, will bring the idol-themed adventure to the big screen. The premise centers around an event called the “Spring Float Race,” where Ai Princesses gather at the invitation of Princess Ring. While all participants vie for the grand prize, the “Yujo Sakura Twin Coordinates,” an unexpected incident unfolds that threatens to expose everyone’s deepest secrets. Adding an interactive element, all screenings for the film are planned as participatory live screenings, encouraging audience members to engage and shout out loud.
Key Creative Team and Production Studios
The production sees familiar names returning from the television anime series. Kentaro Yamaguchi, who served as a co-director for the TV anime, is directing the film. He is joined by chief directors Nam Sung Min, An Jae Ho, Oh Seon Gyeong, and Choi Gyeong Won, all reprising their roles from Himitsu no AiPri: Ring Arc. The script is penned by Gigaemon Ichikawa, known as the series composer for the TV anime. Character design is handled by Yuki Nagano, based on original concepts by syn Sophia’s Hiromi Nashimoto, both of whom are returning staff. Satoru Yanagawa is the CG director, and bransic’s Izumi Hayashi is composing the music. The film is being produced by animation studios OLM and Dongwoo A&E, continuing their collaboration from the TV series.
Understanding the “Himitsu no AiPri” Phenomenon
Himitsu no AiPri, which translates to “Secret AiPri,” is the latest iteration in the long-running “Pretty Series,” a multimedia franchise known for blending music, fashion, and magic. The franchise originated with a kids-targeted arcade game developed by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S. and syn Sophia in 2010.
The Television Anime Series
The Himitsu no AiPri television anime series first premiered its initial season in April 2024. It introduced audiences to close friends Himari Aozora, voiced by Minori Fujidera, and Mitsuki Hoshikawa, voiced by Sae Hiratsuka, who attend Paradise Private Academy. The central conflict revolves around their shared secret: both are “AiPri” (Idol Princesses) in a virtual world called AiPriVerse, a fact they must keep hidden from each other and their peers. The narrative builds on themes of secrets, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams through singing, dancing, and fashion.
The second season of the TV anime, titled Himitsu no AiPri: Ring Arc, began airing in April 2025, further expanding the story and character roster. The anime’s tie-ins extend beyond the screen, with arcade game machines and toys also available, offering fans immersive experiences within the “AiPriVerse”.
