Auri Hirao’s popular manga series, If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die (Oshi ga Budōkan Ittekuretara Shinu), is set to conclude with its upcoming chapter. The announcement was made in the 65th chapter of the series, bringing an end to the story of Eripiyo and her fervent dedication to idol Maina Ichii after over a decade of serialization.
A Decade of Idol Fandom: The Manga’s Journey
The beloved manga, which delves into the passionate world of idol fandom, first began serialization in Tokuma Shoten’s Monthly Comic Ryū magazine in June 2015. Over its run, the series has captivated readers with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and a heartfelt look at the relationship between an enthusiastic fan and her less-popular idol.
The story centers on Eripiyo, a dedicated fan who devotes all her time and money to supporting Maina Ichii, a shy and often overlooked member of the underground idol group ChamJam. Despite Maina being the least popular member, Eripiyo’s unwavering love and support drive her, even if she believes her devotion might never be fully noticed. The manga explores Eripiyo’s journey as she champions Maina, with the ultimate dream of seeing her perform at the prestigious Budokan arena.
Milestones and Adaptations
Throughout its serialization, If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die garnered significant attention, even ranking on Takarajimasha’s “Kono Manga ga Sugoi!” (This Manga Is Amazing!) guidebook’s top 20 list for male readers in 2016. The series has achieved a cumulative print run exceeding 1 million copies.
Its popularity led to several successful adaptations across different media:
- Anime Television Series: An anime adaptation by Eight Bit aired from January to March 2020, bringing Eripiyo and ChamJam to life on screen. Funimation streamed the anime with an English dub.
- Live-Action Film: A live-action film adaptation was released in May 2023, further expanding the franchise’s reach.
- Stage Play: A stage play adaptation is also in the works, scheduled to begin its run in February 2026 in Aichi Prefecture and Tokyo.
Tokyopop has been releasing the manga in English, making the heartwarming tale accessible to a wider international audience. Tokuma Shoten released the manga’s 11th compiled book volume in December 2024, with the 12th volume slated for release on December 12.
Fans eagerly await the final chapter to see how Eripiyo’s unwavering support for Maina and ChamJam’s journey ultimately concludes.
