Idol Project
Encyclopedia
is a short, four-episode long OAV (Original Animated Version) series produced in 1995 by Studio OX. This anime follows a cute 14-year old girl named Mimu Emilton, who dreams of becoming a singing idol
, much like her own idol, Yuri. Yuri brought world peace through her music, and became the world's president. Mimu has a chance to audition in her hometown of Starland in front of Yuri, with the help of 6 "Excellent Idols" (Yuri's successors).
However, before Mimu has the chance to sing in front of Yuri and the Excellent Idols, they (minus Yuri) are kidnapped by aliens and taken to another universe! They land on the Tropical Dimension's Bali Hawaii, where they are well welcomed. A competition is to begin in two hours to raise Bali Hawaii's sun, as idols from all over space arrive to take part. The owner, Mr Bananaan, desires the Excellent Idols to win, since they are his most recent obsession. The competitions include the Swing Ski, Muddy Quiz Contest, and Water-Scooter Fight. After hilarious events, Yuri mistakenly is named the only one able to help the sun rise again for the first time, was it Yuri's singing or Mimu's?
After the competition, Mimu must save up enough money to make it back to Starland, her hometown... universes away! How will she get back? How come everyone is beginning to look like Yuri?
, Ultra Maniac
, and Wild Cardz
). Although it was popular enough in Japan to be dubbed into various languages including English, it was not accepted with the same sort of popularity internationally. Most of the appeal in the series comes not from the storyline, or even characters, but the all-star cast of extremely famous voice actresses that starred as the main characters of the series. It was directed by Yasufumi Nagaoka and the character designer/animation director was Noritaka Suzuki.
アイドルプロジェクト―セカンド♥ステージ (Idol Project: Second Stage)
Idol Project: New Dream
Japanese idol
In Japanese culture, are media personalities in their teens and early twenties who are considered particularly attractive or cute and who will, for a period ranging from several months to a few years, regularly appear in the mass media, e.g...
, much like her own idol, Yuri. Yuri brought world peace through her music, and became the world's president. Mimu has a chance to audition in her hometown of Starland in front of Yuri, with the help of 6 "Excellent Idols" (Yuri's successors).
However, before Mimu has the chance to sing in front of Yuri and the Excellent Idols, they (minus Yuri) are kidnapped by aliens and taken to another universe! They land on the Tropical Dimension's Bali Hawaii, where they are well welcomed. A competition is to begin in two hours to raise Bali Hawaii's sun, as idols from all over space arrive to take part. The owner, Mr Bananaan, desires the Excellent Idols to win, since they are his most recent obsession. The competitions include the Swing Ski, Muddy Quiz Contest, and Water-Scooter Fight. After hilarious events, Yuri mistakenly is named the only one able to help the sun rise again for the first time, was it Yuri's singing or Mimu's?
After the competition, Mimu must save up enough money to make it back to Starland, her hometown... universes away! How will she get back? How come everyone is beginning to look like Yuri?
Characters
- Mimu is a 14-year-old girl with large aspirations of becoming the best idol in the universe. Although she is very ambitious, she often loses confidence quickly and becomes easily discouraged. But something always comes up to motivate her, and she works tirelessly for her dream. Her motto is Dream.
- Layla is an outgoing, gritty, 16-year-old rockstar who has an intimate relationship with her guitar. Although she appears extremely tough, she has unusual soft spots, especially for her guitar (which she cannot sleep without) and Mimu, whom she believes to have extraordinary talent. Her advice for aspiring idols is Guts!
- Extra is a superfluous pianist who believes strongly in class. Because a lady never reveals her age, Extra's age is unknown (though she is probably 16 like her rival, Layla). Her philosophy for stardom is Dignity.
- Corvette is a 17-year-old stage dancer with a touchy-feely and too-friendly disposition. She loves taking baths and singing. Her motto is Rhythm.
- Palpu Ranrang (Palpurin for short) is an energetic 13-year-old martial arts expert with her own superhero show. She considers her whirlwind kicks and high-speed punches as signs of endearment - and her fans love being mauled by her. Her idol motto is Relax.
- Ruka is a 9-year-old actress who loves collecting stuffed animals. Her advice for aspiring idols is Smile!
Anime
The anime, also referred to as an OAV (Original Animated Version) was released in 1995 by Studio OX (known for Burn Up WBurn Up W
is an anime OVA directed by Hiroshi Negishi and released in 1996. It was soon followed by a series version called Burn Up Excess though it occasionally lacks continuity with the series. The OVA consists of four episodes, chronicling Team Warrior through more missions...
, Ultra Maniac
Ultra Maniac
is a manga series written by Wataru Yoshizumi. The romantic comedy series features 8th grader Ayu Tateishi, a tennis club member, and her transfer student friend, Nina Sakura, who is actually a trainee witch from the magical kingdom. It premiered in Shueisha's Ribon manga magazine in February 2001...
, and Wild Cardz
Wild Cardz
Wild Cardz, known in Japan as , is a Japanese manga series written by Noritaka Suzuki. It was adapted into a two-episode original video animation anime in 1997, directed by Yasuchika Nagaoka. It was released in Japan by Studio OX, Movic and BMG Victor Japan...
). Although it was popular enough in Japan to be dubbed into various languages including English, it was not accepted with the same sort of popularity internationally. Most of the appeal in the series comes not from the storyline, or even characters, but the all-star cast of extremely famous voice actresses that starred as the main characters of the series. It was directed by Yasufumi Nagaoka and the character designer/animation director was Noritaka Suzuki.
Episode List
- Starland Festival
- Tropical Paradise
- Shocking Report
- Final Concert
Music
Idol Project's appeal is hands-down in its upbeat music, performed by its all-star cast of seiyū.CDs
アイドルプロジェクト―ファーストプレゼント (Idol Project: First Present)- Don't Stop!―ス･テ･キにめぐり会いたい (Don't Stop! Suteki ni Meguri Aitai) (Opening Theme)
- Angel Kiss
- カ･ン･セ･ツ♥キッス (Kansetsu♥Kiss)
- Crystal Generation
- オ･ン･ナ･の果実 (Onna no Kajitsu)
- Cotton Boy
- ビーナス誕生！ (Venus Tanjou!)
- みんあ恋のせいね (Minna Koi no Seine)
- FOLLOW THE HEART
- 実力派に愛のエールを (Jitsuryokuha ni Ai no Yell wo)
- 君のハートを狙いうち (Kimi no Heart wo Neraiuchi)
- 星のメロディー (Hoshi no Melody)
アイドルプロジェクト―セカンド♥ステージ (Idol Project: Second Stage)
- 天使のいる空 (Tenshi no Iru Sora)
- 時季の国のアリス (Toki no Kuni no Alice)
- 真珠色ロマンス (Shinju Iro Romance)
- やる気のシャボン玉 (Yaruki no Shabon Dama)
- Shinny Boy―真夏のまん中― (Shinny Boy -Manatsu no Mannaka-)
- PI･A･NO
- Be Up! ―夢を追いつめて― (Be Up! -Yume wo Oitsumete-)
- 人魚のため息 (Ningyo no Tameiki)
- Star Nights, Star Days
- 愛だ！？ 正義だ！？ ぱるぷりん (Aida!? Seigida!? Palpurin)
- 恋唄 (Koi Uta)
Idol Project: New Dream