Note: This review will cover the full run of the original Aikatsu which is 178 episodes in length. Aikatsuhttps://anilist.co/anime/15061 as an anime brings a different and unique flavor to the idol genre. An arcade collectible card gamehttp://www.aikatsu.com/friends/ from Bandais Data Carddass line it was released in late 2012 and has since cemented itself as a popular choice in Japanese arcades. An anime adaptation followed the games release that has been ongoing for 6 years with sequels such as Aikatsu Starshttps://anilist.co/anime/21648/AikatsuStars/ and Aikatsu Friendshttps://anilist.co/anime/101043/AikatsuFriends/. A very simplistic anime aimed towards a younger female audience Aikatsus bright and colorful characters along with a healthy selection of songs ranging from cute pop to hard rock to electronic dance music make it a solid entry in the world of idol anime. If like Ichigo Ive become able to ease someones unpleasant feelings or bring them a smile then thats all I could ask for. Ill work harder and harder even if something bad happens even harder always doing my best Ozora Akari Episode 177 The music in an idol anime is arguably one of the most if not the most important aspects of the show. Music is somewhat of an international language it is understood by all. The ability to connect to feel to have fun through music makes it a wonderful medium that is enjoyed all over the world. A great soundtrack can take your enjoyment to the next level and if youre looking into idol anime chances are you already have an interest in music. The music is the strongest aspect of this show with plenty of great songs thatll get stuck in your head. What makes Aikatsu different than its anime counterparts is its wide variety of catchy upbeat and fun music. This plays into the games concept where idols are classified into four different types: cute cool sexy and pop. There is something for everyone to enjoy. SHINING LINEhttp://musicofaikatsu.tumblr.com/post/132989413737/letmelistenwhosestoryisthisifoundit is a fan favorite cutetype song with its catchy and bright melodies. Feeling something a bit heavier with a strong guitar track? Glass Dollhttp://musicofaikatsu.tumblr.com/post/132301669257/thisisalongstoryasicanseeimchainedhere is an incredible cooltype song with a riveting and sinister feel thatll suck the blood right out of you. Trap of Lovehttp://musicofaikatsu.tumblr.com/post/136467543927/heywillyoutellmetobemoreboldthese delivers a funky rhythm coupled with a soothing vocal that brings a sexytype feel to the table. CHUCHURAINBOWhttp://musicofaikatsu.tumblr.com/post/135865182942/whenyouarealoneattimesandyourheartcalls a personal favorite in the poptype category is cheery and bouncy with a very cute vocal to boot. The four songs Ive listed here all appear at the beginning of season one there are countless more down the line to be heard. Back then I would have never imagined that I someone like me could become an idol Hoshimiya Ichigo Episode 1 Where Aikatsu falls a bit flat is its plot. There is a storyline and there is progression its just not very captivating or direct. There is an overarching goal every idol is striving to be her best and the characters do work towards achieving that goal but the things they do are a bit unrealistic at times. Every now and then the girls will be doing something so ridiculous that a character will semibreak the fourth wall and question what theyre doinghttps://pbs.tw.com/media/B55jPJhCYAEvZc.png as a running gag. The premise of each episode follows the same pattern as well for the majority of the series which does create a feeling of repetitiveness which can be detrimental for such a long running anime. If youre looking for drama or a more captivating story you will not find it here. If youre wanting a real world setting with realistic interactions you will not find it here. The drama is kept to a minimum the show really reinforces the belief that we can all be rivals but still remain the best of friends at the same time. The shows primary target audience is really obvious in this case and this is where a lot of people will turn away from the show. The animes colorful tones reflect its message of positivity throughout which can be a hit or miss. Cute idols doing cute things would be the best way to describe it. Despite all of this the story the anime does tell is heartwarming and fulfilling right until the very end. Through even the worst of times these young idols still hold their head up high and push themselves even harder to becoming the star they dream of being. Each episode typically presents a challenge to the idols that in turn help them grow. Character development is there but like the plot its very subtle. Where Aikatsu also differs from other idol anime is how the characters have a normal talking voice and a singing voice. The voice actors who voices the characters do not provide their singing voice. This can be discomforting to some but the disparity isnt all that noticeable. The singers themselves are very talented to say the least. Most of them worked under Akihabaras DearStagehttps://wowjapan.asia/2015/04/guideakihabaradearstage/ a venue in Japan where girls work towards becoming an idol or singer. Its oddly fitting to have real life wanttobe idols voice characters who are also striving for idolhood. Another thing to mention is the majority of the singers provide the singing voices for multiple characters as well. While you may be able to hear similarities the singers are talented enough to alter their voice to make each character identifiable and unique. A great example of this is singer Mitani Remihttp://aikatsu.wikia.com/wiki/RemiMitani who provides the singing voices for Miyabihttp://aikatsu.wikia.com/wiki/MiyabiFujiwara and Yurikahttp://aikatsu.wikia.com/wiki/YurikaTC58DdC58D along with a couple others. Her ability to alter her voice has led to fans claiming they were unable to recognize her when first listening to Light Pink Day Tripperhttp://musicofaikatsu.tumblr.com/post/141155816362/shimmeringshimmeringthemaikoskimonois Miyabi and Eternally Flickering Flamehttp://musicofaikatsu.tumblr.com/post/167418663497/eternalfuturecontinuetoshineonmenowand Yurika. Galaxy Amazing Its SHOWTIME Johnny Beppsenseis main catchphrase One of the defining features of Aikatsu are the stage performances or more commonly referred to as lives. Usually at the end of every episode there will be a live performed. Youll get to listen to a short version of whatever song they choose to feature in that episode along with a 3D CGI performance example here on YouTubehttps://www..com/watch?v=2OG8igXKTA. The 3D CGI is a bit odd at first and even for me it took some time getting used to but thinking about the technology at the time its not unbearable. Its actually a replication of what the arcade game play looks like. Fortunately the animation quality does improve over the course of the series and it actually looks quite decent by the end. A small thing to note are the character designs and Aikatsu falls victim to having the same body and facial structure for nearly all of their characters. They are made to be lovable and cute as typical of moe shows. Perhaps this design decision was made to make it more appealing to its younger intended audience but its a common criticism among viewers. With its popularity stable and rising in Japan both in arcades and on the television Aikatsu brings a lighthearted and bright anime infused with great music and an adorable cast thatll keep it around for years to come. While its target audience is reflected in how the show presents itself along with its repetitive nature it still manages to bring excitement and fun to every episode. The lack of presence in the West plus missing qualities that appeal to the Western fan base may make it a bit harder to get into. Comparable to a diamond in the rough I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for something cute with a splash of terrific music on the side. With that being said despite my love for Aikatsu as a franchise the anime is very simplistic with not much to offer for viewers wanting more depth. Come for the cute idols stay for the amazing soundtrack.