Get ready for a dazzling collaboration that will unite the worlds of Aikatsu! and PriPara! A brand-new anime film, Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki! (Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE -The Miracle of Encounters!-), is set to premiere in Japan this fall, bringing together the beloved idol franchises for a “dream project” ten years in the making.
A Decade of Idol Magic
Both Aikatsu! and PriPara have captivated audiences with their stories of aspiring idols, catchy music, and vibrant characters. The Aikatsu! franchise began in October 2012 with a Data Carddass arcade game by Bandai, while PriPara started in July 2014 as an arcade game by Takara Tomy. Both franchises expanded into anime series, films, manga, and various other media, gaining immense popularity among fans of all ages.
This crossover film celebrates the 10th anniversary of both series, commemorating a decade of idol adventures, friendships, and unforgettable performances.
Aikatsu!: Idol Activity!
Aikatsu!, short for “Aidoru Katsudou!” (Idol Activity!), revolves around girls attending Starlight Academy, a prestigious idol training school. The girls use Aikatsu! Cards to coordinate their outfits and participate in auditions and performances, all while striving to become top idols. The original anime series aired from 2012 to 2016 and was followed by several successive series, including Aikatsu Stars!, Aikatsu Friends!, Aikatsu on Parade!, and Aikatsu Planet!.
PriPara: Prism Paradise
PriPara, short for “Prism Paradise”, is set in a magical idol theme park where anyone can become an idol. The series follows Laala Manaka and her friends as they navigate the challenges and joys of the idol world, aiming to become “God Idols.” The first anime series aired from 2014 to 2017, followed by Idol Time PriPara and the web anime and smartphone game Idol Land PriPara.
The Miracle of Encounters!
Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki!- promises an original story with new performance scenes, uniting the Akari Generation of Aikatsu! with the world of PriPara. The film will focus on the theme of “miraculous encounters,” highlighting the friendships and connections that form through the shared love of music and performance.
Meet the Stars
The film will feature Shino Shimoji as Akari Ōzora from Aikatsu!, and Himika Akenaya as Laala Manaka from PriPara. These two iconic characters will share the stage for the first time, creating a moment that fans have been eagerly anticipating.
The Creative Team
The film is directed by Takahiro Ōkawa (Aikatsu on Parade!, Aikatsu Friends! ~Kagayaki no Jewel~ episode director) at BN Pictures. Michihiro Tsuchiya (Cinderella Boy, Kaleido Star) is writing the scenario, and Hiroko Yaguchi and Shōji Hara (four seasons of Aikatsu!) (Idol Time PriPara, Idolland PriPara) are designing the characters. Ryuichi Kimura and Makoto Moriwaki, directors of Aikatsu! and PriPara respectively, will supervise the film, ensuring that it stays true to the spirit of both franchises. Tatsunoko Production is handling the 3D CG, while Bandai Namco Pictures and Avex Pictures are distributing the film.
A Dream Collaboration Realized
The collaboration between Aikatsu! and PriPara is a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of both franchises. Takara Tomy Arts and Bandai have previously held joint exhibitions and live events, showcasing the synergy between the two idol universes. This film marks a new milestone, bringing together the beloved characters and worlds in a completely original story.
What to Expect
- New Story: The film will feature a completely new storyline, promising fresh adventures and challenges for Akari and Laala.
- New Performance Scenes: Get ready for dazzling new performances that showcase the unique styles and talents of the Aikatsu! and PriPara idols.
- 10 Years of Love and Gratitude: The film is packed with “ten years of love” and “ten years of gratitude” for the fans who have supported both franchises since their debut.
Franchise Overviews
To fully appreciate the significance of this crossover, let’s delve deeper into the history and key elements of each franchise:
Aikatsu! – A World of Idol Activities
Aikatsu!, short for “Idol Activities,” is a multimedia franchise that started with an arcade collectible card game in 2012. The franchise revolves around girls who aspire to become top idols and enroll in schools like Starlight Academy to hone their skills.
Key Elements of Aikatsu!:
- Aikatsu! Cards: These cards contain digitized clothes worn by idols during performances and auditions. They are divided into four categories: Tops, Bottoms, Shoes, and Accessories. Clothes come from various brands and have varying degrees of rarity, allowing players to mix and match different cards to create unique combinations.
- Brands: Different clothing brands exist within the Aikatsu! universe, each with its own unique style and image. Idols often align themselves with specific brands to cultivate their personal aesthetic.
- Auditions and Performances: The idols participate in various auditions and performances to showcase their talents and gain popularity. These events often feature elaborate stage designs, costumes, and special effects.
- Schools and Academies: Schools like Starlight Academy provide a structured environment for aspiring idols to learn and grow. These institutions offer lessons in singing, dancing, acting, and fashion.
- Units: Idols often form units or groups to collaborate and perform together. These units allow for unique combinations of talents and personalities, adding depth to the performances.
- Successive Series: The Aikatsu! franchise has been succeeded by multiple follow-up series, including:
- Aikatsu Stars! (2016-2018)
- Aikatsu Friends! (2018-2019)
- Aikatsu on Parade! (2019-2020)
- Aikatsu Planet! (2021)
PriPara – Dive into Prism Paradise
PriPara (short for Prism Paradise) is a Japanese arcade game by Takara Tomy and the successor to the Pretty Rhythm series. It combines music, fashion, and magic, offering a vibrant and enchanting world for aspiring idols.
Key Elements of PriPara:
- Pretty Series: PriPara is part of the wider Pretty Series franchise, which began in 2010 with a kids-targeted arcade game.
- Idol Theme Park: The series is set in a magical idol theme park called PriPara, where anyone can become an idol.
- God Idols: The ultimate goal for idols in PriPara is to become “God Idols,” representing the highest level of achievement and recognition.
- Friendships and Rivalries: PriPara focuses on the friendships and rivalries between girls as they aim to become top idols.
- Music and Performances: Like Aikatsu!, music and performances are central to PriPara, with catchy songs and elaborate stage shows.
- Idol Land PriPara: A mobile game and web series, Idol Land PriPara, was released in 2023, further expanding the PriPara universe.
The Impact of Idol Anime
Aikatsu! and PriPara are part of a larger trend of idol anime that has gained immense popularity worldwide. These shows often feature:
- Relatable Characters: The characters are often portrayed as hardworking and determined, making them relatable to viewers who are also striving to achieve their dreams.
- Positive Messages: Idol anime often promote positive messages about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.
- Catchy Music: The music in these shows is often upbeat and catchy, contributing to their overall appeal.
- Visual Appeal: Idol anime are known for their colorful animation, elaborate costumes, and dazzling stage designs.
Final Thoughts
Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki!- is poised to be a momentous event for fans of both franchises. It celebrates the history, characters, and music that have made Aikatsu! and PriPara so beloved, while also promising a fresh and exciting new story. Get ready to witness the miracle of encounters as these two idol worlds collide on the big screen this fall!
