The Uta no Prince-sama franchise continues to captivate fans with its latest installment, Gekijōban Utano☆Princesama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX, and the first two minutes are already creating a buzz. This new film, centered around the popular idol group QUARTET NIGHT, promises a thrilling concert experience with a unique theme. Here’s a breakdown of what the initial sneak peek reveals and what fans can anticipate from the full feature.
What’s Uta no Prince-sama?
Before diving into the specifics of TABOO NIGHT XXXX, it’s essential to understand the Uta no Prince-sama universe. This multimedia franchise began as a dating simulation video game for female players, developed by Broccoli and first released in 2010. Its popularity quickly led to multiple sequels, rhythm game spin-offs, manga adaptations, and a successful anime series produced by A-1 Pictures.
The anime adaptation, Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 1000%, premiered in 2011 and was followed by several sequels, each increasing the stakes and drama. The franchise also includes anime films such as Uta no Prince-sama The Movie: Maji LOVE Kingdom (2019) and Uta no Prince-sama The Movie: Maji LOVE ST☆RISH Tours (2022). These films are known for their vibrant music, stunning animation, and engaging storylines, attracting a large and dedicated fanbase.
TABOO NIGHT XXXX: A New Chapter
Gekijōban Utano☆Princesama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX (read as TABOO NIGHT KISSES) is the latest film in the franchise and focuses on QUARTET NIGHT, a popular idol group within the Uta no Prince-sama universe. The film is produced by A-1 Pictures, with Jōji Furuta serving as chief director and Akiko Seki as director. The music is composed by Elements Garden, ensuring that the film will be filled with memorable and catchy tunes. The movie is scheduled to premiere in Japan on May 9, 2025.
Initial Hype and Anticipation
The release of the first two minutes of TABOO NIGHT XXXX has generated significant excitement among fans. The clip offers a glimpse into the film’s theme, animation style, and the overall concert experience. The initial footage was first unveiled during a stage event at Anime Japan 2025, creating an immediate buzz.
A Phantom Thief Theme
The opening clip introduces QUARTET NIGHT members – Reiji Kotobuki, Ranmaru Kurosaki, Ai Mikaze, and Camus – as they appear on stage dressed as Phantom Thieves. This unique theme adds a layer of intrigue and sophistication to the concert setting. The members are shown throwing calling cards, inviting the audience to join them on an exhilarating journey.
Visual and Animation Highlights
The animation quality in the opening clip is impressive, showcasing the attention to detail that A-1 Pictures is known for. The character designs, crafted by Maki Fujioka based on the original designs by Chinatsu Kurahana, stay true to the series’ aesthetic while adding a fresh and dynamic look. The visuals are vibrant, and the stage presence of QUARTET NIGHT is captivating.
Music and Sound
Elements Garden, responsible for the music, ensures that the soundtrack is both catchy and emotionally resonant. The film’s main theme song, TABOO NIGHT XXXX, along with the insert song JINN-Ω-RAY, debuted on December 25, setting the stage for an unforgettable auditory experience. The music complements the visuals, enhancing the overall impact of the opening clip.
First Two Minutes Breakdown
The two-and-a-half-minute opening clip serves as an introduction to QUARTET NIGHT and their concert theme. The footage begins with individual introductions of each member:
- Reiji Kotobuki: Voiced by Showtaro Morikubo
- Ranmaru Kurosaki: Voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki
- Ai Mikaze: Voiced by Shota Aoi
- Camus: Voiced by Tomoaki Maeno
Each member is showcased in their Phantom Thief attire, exuding charisma and confidence. The camera then zooms in on calling cards that transform into jewels, hinting at the concert’s theme of stealing hearts and treasures. The opening movie highlights the film’s animation and teases the concert’s overall aesthetic, leaving fans eager to see more.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The release of the opening clip has sparked numerous discussions and reactions among fans. Many have praised the animation quality, the unique Phantom Thief theme, and the captivating music. Social media platforms and forums are filled with comments expressing excitement and anticipation for the film’s release.
Stage Greetings and Events
To further build excitement, the film’s staff announced stage greetings by cast members at Shinjuku Piccadilly in Tokyo. Shōta Aoi and Tomoaki Maeno will appear on May 25, while Showtaro Morikubo and Tatsuhisa Suzuki will greet fans on May 31. These events will be broadcast live in 134 theaters across Japan, allowing fans nationwide to participate in the celebration.
The Legacy of Uta no Prince-sama Films
TABOO NIGHT XXXX follows the success of previous Uta no Prince-sama films, each contributing to the franchise’s popularity and box office success.
Maji LOVE Kingdom (2019)
Uta no Prince-sama The Movie: Maji LOVE Kingdom was released in Japan on June 14, 2019, and grossed ¥1.72 billion at the box office. The film was produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tomoka Nagaoka, with Takeshi Furuta as chief director. Maji LOVE Kingdom featured a concert setting with all the main idol groups from the series, creating a grand spectacle for fans.
Maji LOVE ST☆RISH Tours (2022)
Uta no Prince-sama The Movie: Maji LOVE ST☆RISH Tours premiered on September 2, 2022, and continued the franchise’s success. This film centered around the ST☆RISH idol group and took fans on a musical journey around the world. The movie incorporated different musical styles inspired by various countries, adding a unique flavor to the concert experience.
What to Expect from TABOO NIGHT XXXX
Based on the opening clip and the franchise’s track record, here’s what fans can expect from TABOO NIGHT XXXX:
- High-Quality Animation: A-1 Pictures is known for its high animation standards, and TABOO NIGHT XXXX is expected to deliver stunning visuals and dynamic concert sequences.
- Engaging Music: Elements Garden’s involvement ensures that the film will feature memorable and catchy songs that complement the on-screen action.
- Unique Theme: The Phantom Thief theme adds a fresh and intriguing element to the concert setting, promising a unique and thrilling experience.
- Character Focus: The film will likely delve into the individual personalities and dynamics of QUARTET NIGHT members, providing fans with a deeper connection to their favorite idols.
- Emotional Storytelling: The Uta no Prince-sama franchise is known for its emotional storylines, and TABOO NIGHT XXXX is expected to explore themes of friendship, dreams, and the challenges of being an idol.
Where to Watch
As of now, Gekijōban Utano☆Princesama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX is set to release in Japanese theaters on May 9, 2025. Information regarding international releases and streaming options will likely be announced at a later date.
Final Thoughts
The release of the first two minutes of Uta no Prince-sama: TABOO NIGHT XXXX has successfully generated buzz and anticipation among fans. The Phantom Thief theme, high-quality animation, and engaging music promise a thrilling concert experience. As the premiere date approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of QUARTET NIGHT and witness their captivating performance.
