"THE IDOLM@STER" is a pioneer of idol anime and still enjoys enduring popularity. This anime has many memorable scenes, including live performances unique to the idol genre. There are a variety of scenes, from funny ones that will make you laugh to emotional ones that will bring you to tears. This time, we'll introduce some memorable scenes that left a strong impression.
10th Place: The Chaotic Marriage Saga
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
10th place goes to episode 8, where the entire town chases after Azusa at the end of her marriage saga. During a photo shoot for a bridal magazine, a misunderstanding leaves Azusa behind in town. Makoto searches for her, and a group of men in black suits cause a commotion in town searching for an engagement ring that Azusa happens to pick up. Completely unaware that such a commotion is unfolding over her, Azusa leisurely heads to the photo shoot, but wherever she goes she meets all kinds of people and spreads happiness. Azusa is truly an angel here - a must-see. In the end, she finds the ring's owner and returns it. The scene where Azusa, who has brought many people with her, and the oil tycoon proposes to her at dusk is both funny and touching.
9th Place: Miki's True Feelings
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
In episode 23, there's a scene where Haruka and Miki are talking during rehearsals for a play they're appearing in. With one of them set to become the main character and the other the supporting character, Haruka says, "Let's work hard together." However, Miki, who desperately wants to be the main character, becomes competitive with Haruka, saying, "Working hard together isn't quite right." Miki, who had always gone at her own pace until now, makes a statement that pushes Haruka away for the first time. At this point, Haruka is made to keenly realize that the 765 Pro members are on different paths. This scene shows that Haruka and Miki's feelings are completely at odds with each other, and it will only make Haruka even more troubled.
8th Place: Ryuugu Komachi Moves Forward
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
8th place is the scene from episode 6, where Ryuugu Komachi breaks through before everyone else and performs "SMOKY THRILL" on TV. It's unusual to see Iori nervously speaking with the Tamori-esque male host, but the highlight is the live performance scene that follows. All drawn by hand, the idols' incredibly well-moving movements really show the enthusiasm of the production staff. Of course, in terms of the story, this is the scene where the idols other than Ryugu Komachi watch TV with envy, once again strengthening their desire to become idols and wanting to be like them. You could say that this is where the 765 Pro members' rapid rise began.
No. 7: Haruka's Comeback
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
In this scene from episode 24, Haruka, who had been questioning her idol activities, finally finds the answer. Haruka is feeling down and unsure of what kind of idol she wants to be, when she happens to meet some children in the park and they ask her to sing. At that moment, she is awakened by the sight of the children listening to the song with such joy, and by the sight of herself singing with such joy. She realizes that the idol she wanted to be is one who sings with joy and entertains everyone. With her doubts now gone, Haruka runs back to her friends and makes a comeback. At that moment, everyone sincerely hopes to respond to Haruka's feelings and make the concert a success together.
Episode 6: Haruka Expresses Her Feelings Not as a Leader, but as "Herself"
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
This is the scene from the movie where Haruka pours out her feelings to the other members about Kana Yabuki, who was on the verge of giving up on her dreams. At this time, even though there isn't much time left until the live performance, Haruka wants to perform on stage with everyone, so she continues to wait for Kana, who hasn't shown up to practice. This causes anxiety among the members, and the success of the live performance is in jeopardy. However, Haruka explains to the members why she is so determined to perform on stage with everyone. She says that she is able to be here now because of everyone's support, and if even one person here had missed out, they wouldn't be able to come to this stage. In this scene, Haruka calls out each member's name, which is the same thing that the producer does in episode 25 of the TV anime. This scene shows that Haruka's feelings are based on her past experiences, and that those experiences are what support her in the "now".
5th Place: Yukiho Hagiwara, Courageous Live
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
5th place goes to Yukiho's live performance scene in Furugo Village in Episode 3. There are many things in the village that Yukiho dislikes, such as dogs and men, and she is afraid to go on stage. Although she runs away before the performance, she is encouraged by the producer and gets motivated, and together with Haruka and Makoto, they sing "ALRIGHT*", bringing the excitement in the venue to a climax and making the performance a success. Rather than letting her dislikes remain, Yukiho mustered up the courage to overcome them and change herself, and this live performance was a big step for Yukiho, and it foreshadowed future success for her.
4th Place: Kisaragi Chihaya's Comeback Live
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
Fourth place is the scene in episode 21 where Chihaya, who had been on hiatus, takes the stage in front of a throng of fans, betting on her complete comeback. Due to interference from President Kuroi, the song couldn't be played, but Chihaya insisted on singing it a cappella. Chihaya's song resonated with the fans and also moved the technical staff, who were under President Kuroi's wing. As a result, the song started playing during the chorus, and the concert was a great success, leaving an impression of Chihaya's complete comeback. After listening to this concert, Jupiter realized that they had completely lost, and now recognizes 765 Pro as their rival.
3rd Place: 765 Pro's First Arena Live
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
3rd Place: The final live performance scene from the movie. After overcoming the crisis of possibly missing a member of the cast, everyone shares Haruka's desire to "stand on stage together." Yabuki Kana, a dancer who had almost given up on becoming an idol, began working hard at lessons again in order to respond to this desire. The live performance that followed was truly a song that sang of the path 765 Pro has walked and the difficulties they have overcome. The live scene in which they performed their new song "M@STERPIECE" in full has been called "a shocking 5 minutes and 30 seconds" and is said to be one of the best live scenes in Animas history.
No. 2: Breaking Away with the Past, Taking a Step Toward the Future
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
This scene in episode 20 is a must-see. Chihaya, who lost her singing voice due to President Kuroi's schemes, attempts to sing on stage again. When Chihaya is unable to sing due to memories of her sad past, the members of 765 Pro desperately support her. They write their own songs and bring them gifts... Chihaya takes the stage again to respond to everyone's feelings. However, once she's on stage, she is reminded of the past and is unable to sing. "It's all over..." Chihaya thinks, as the members of 765 Pro sing "Promise" next to her. What her younger brother Yu truly wants is to "see his older sister singing happily." Realizing this, Chihaya decides to break free from the shackles of the past and sing for the future, finally regaining her singing voice.
No. 1: 765 Pro All-Stars' Full-Power Live
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
No. 1 goes to the live performance scene from episode 25 of the anime, "765 Pro All-Stars Live Second." Starting with a medley of "READY!! and Change!!!" and ending with the song "Watashitachi wa Zutto... Desu ka?" (titled "Forever and Forever" when it aired on TV), the concert is presented like a music video, looking back on famous scenes from episode 25 of the anime. This single song brings back to life the history the idols have walked in the anime and the difficulties they have overcome. Haruka's smile, which shows no anxiety, Chihaya laughing and singing happily, Yukiho singing confidently without fear, the four Ryugu Komachi girls including Ritsuko... and more - it depicts the idols singing freely on the stage they have longed for after overcoming great difficulties. This live performance is the "everyone together" concert that 765 Pro has been pursuing.
The Live Scenes Are Outstanding
Source: THE iDOLM@STER ©Toshiyuki Kubooka ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©BNEI/PROJECT iM@S ©BNEI/PROJECT CINDERELLA
So far, we've introduced 10 memorable scenes, most of which are live performances. These are the idols' shining moments, and they're filled with the idols' various emotions. Also, the anime production staff's commitment to depicting the live performance by hand, rather than using the CG that is so common these days, is evident. However, the scenes in which the idols face obstacles, struggle, and overcome them to grow are also fascinating. The Idolmaster is an anime that depicts the "growth of idols," so it's worth watching with that in mind. You might even find a new favorite scene.
