The worlds of Aikatsu! and PriPara, two of Japan’s most beloved idol-themed anime franchises, are set to collide in a brand new theatrical film. Titled Aikatsu! × PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki! (translated as Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE – The Miracle of Encounters! or The Trajectory of Encounters!), this “dream project” celebrates the 10th anniversary of both series with an original story and fresh musical performances. Scheduled for release in Japan this fall, the film promises to be a momentous occasion for fans who have followed these idol journeys for a decade.
A Decade of Idol Magic: Celebrating Aikatsu! and PriPara
Both Aikatsu! and PriPara have captivated audiences with their vibrant characters, catchy music, and heartwarming stories of aspiring idols. The fact that both franchises are celebrating their 10th anniversary is a testament to their lasting appeal.
Aikatsu!: The Aikatsu! franchise began in October 2012 with an arcade collectible card game developed by Bandai as part of its Data Carddass line. The game centers around collecting cards featuring various clothes to help aspiring idols pass auditions. The success of the arcade game led to an anime television adaptation by Sunrise, which aired from October 2012 to March 2016. Aikatsu! follows the girls at Starlight Academy, who are striving to become top idols through hard work and the use of Aikatsu! Cards. The franchise has since expanded to include multiple sequel series, spin-offs, and films.
PriPara: PriPara (short for Prism Paradise) is a Japanese arcade game created by Takara Tomy, and is the successor to the Pretty Rhythm series. The PriPara anime television series, produced by Tatsunoko Production and DongWoo A&E, aired from 2014 to 2017. The series focuses on Laala Manaka, a fifth-grade student who discovers a virtual world called PriPara, where anyone can become an idol. PriPara emphasizes the importance of friendship as the girls aim to become “God Idols”. The franchise also includes a second anime adaptation, Idol Time PriPara, a mobile game titled Idol Land PriPara, and several animated films.
The Miracle of Encounter: What to Expect
Aikatsu! × PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki! promises to be a unique experience, uniting the worlds of Aikatsu! and PriPara in a way that fans have long dreamed of. Here’s what we know so far:
Original Story: The film will feature an entirely new story, separate from the established storylines of the Aikatsu! and PriPara anime series. This means that even longtime fans can expect fresh surprises and exciting developments.
New Performances: A major draw for fans will be the inclusion of brand new live performance sequences. The Aikatsu! and PriPara series are known for their energetic and visually stunning musical numbers, and the film promises to deliver even more spectacular performances.
Akari and Laala Unite: The teaser visual and trailer for the film prominently feature Akari Ozora from Aikatsu! and Laala Manaka from PriPara, symbolizing the meeting of these two iconic characters. The tagline on the teaser visual reads: “A dream project filled with 10 years of love embarks!”. Their interaction and collaboration are sure to be a highlight of the movie.
Celebrating 10 Years: The film is being promoted as a “10th-anniversary dream project,” indicating that it will be a celebration of the history and legacy of both franchises. It is expected to evoke a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the fans who have supported Aikatsu! and PriPara over the years.
The Creative Team: A Fusion of Talent
The film brings together talent from both the Aikatsu! and PriPara franchises, ensuring that the crossover stays true to the spirit of both series:
Director: Takahiro Okawa (episode director for Aikatsu Stars! and Aikatsu Friends!, director for Aikatsu on Parade!)
Supervisors: Ryuichi Kimura (Aikatsu! director) and Makoto Moriwaki (PriPara director)
Scenario Writer: Michihiro Tsuchiya (PriPri Chi-chan!! and Idol Time PriPara series composer)
Character Designers: Hiroko Yaguchi (Aikatsu! character designer) and Shoji Hara (PriPara co-character designer)
3DCG: Tatsunoko Production
Distribution: Bandai Namco Pictures and Avex Pictures
The film will star Shino Shimoji as Akari Ōzora from Aikatsu!, and Himika Akenaya as Laala Manaka from PriPara.
A Tale of Two Idol Worlds
To fully appreciate the significance of this crossover, it’s helpful to understand the unique appeal of each franchise:
Aikatsu!: Focuses on the world of aspiring idols in a school setting. The girls at Starlight Academy hone their skills through auditions, fashion shows, and live performances, using special Aikatsu! Cards to enhance their abilities. Aikatsu! blends the energy of sports anime with the glamour of show business, emphasizing hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.
PriPara: Takes place in a magical idol theme park where anyone can become an idol. The series revolves around themes of friendship, competition, and the pursuit of becoming a “God Idol.” PriPara is known for its over-the-top humor, vibrant visuals, and emphasis on individual expression.
The film will combine elements of both series, creating a unique world where the Aikatsu! and PriPara characters can interact and learn from each other.
What Makes These Series So Popular?
Aikatsu! and PriPara have resonated with audiences for a variety of reasons:
Relatable Characters: The series feature a diverse cast of characters with unique personalities, dreams, and struggles. Viewers can easily find characters they identify with and root for.
Catchy Music: Both franchises are known for their upbeat and memorable songs. The music plays a central role in the series, adding to the excitement and emotional impact of the performances.
Positive Themes: Aikatsu! and PriPara promote positive values such as hard work, friendship, perseverance, and self-expression. The series offer an uplifting message to viewers of all ages.
Visually Appealing: The anime are known for their vibrant colors, stylish character designs, and dazzling performance sequences. The visual elements of the series are a major part of their appeal.
While both series are primarily targeted towards young girls, they have also attracted a significant following among older fans, including both males and females. These older fans, sometimes referred to as “Aikatsu Ojisan” or “PriPara Onēsan/Obasan,” appreciate the series for their positive messages, catchy music, and nostalgic appeal.
A Look at the Broader Franchises
Both Aikatsu! and PriPara are part of larger multimedia franchises that include arcade games, manga adaptations, video games, merchandise, and live events.
Aikatsu! Franchise:
- Anime Series: Aikatsu!, Aikatsu Stars!, Aikatsu Friends!, Aikatsu on Parade!, Aikatsu Planet!, Aikatsu Academy!
- Films: Aikatsu! The Movie, Aikatsu! Music Awards – The Show Where Everyone Gets an Award!, Aikatsu! The Targeted Magical Aikatsu Card, Aikatsu! 10th Story: Starway to the Future
- Games: Aikatsu! Data Carddass, Aikatsu! Cinderella Lesson (Nintendo 3DS), Aikatsu! My No.1 Stage! (Nintendo 3DS)
PriPara Franchise:
- Anime Series: PriPara, Idol Time PriPara, Idol Land PriPara (web anime)
- Films: PriPara the Movie: Everyone, Assemble! Prism☆Tours, Fly Out, PriPara: Aim for it with Everyone! Idol☆Grand Prix, PriPara: Everyone’s Longing! Let’s Go PriParis!, PriPara: All Idol Perfect Stage!
- Games: PriPara (arcade game), Idol Land PriPara (mobile game), PriPara: All Idol Perfect Stage! (Nintendo Switch)
The Future is Bright for Idol Fans
The Aikatsu! × PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki! is a significant event for fans of both franchises, marking a celebration of their shared history and a promising step forward for the future. The film is a testament to the enduring appeal of idol anime and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the promise of new music, exciting collaborations, and heartwarming stories ensures that the magic of Aikatsu! and PriPara will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
