They can't be serious!
That role didn't fit my image at all.
Audition Waiting Room
Secret Meeting in Progress
No peeking!
This summer is all about bittersweet cute!
Special
A field of flowers in summer
A
Yes...
Yes.
Then we'll look forward to our next opportunity...
O–Otonashi-san?
Don't tell me that last audition...
That's right.
Not a single person survived!
We haven't passed a single audition since the month started!
What? It doesn't make any sense.
How could they possibly reject me, Iori-chan?
There's nothing we can do about it.
That's something they decide, after all.
The judges must be blind.
That, or you bring us bad luck.
D–Don't blame it on me.
Nii-chan! We want to be on TV more!
I–I see.
If we don't get any work this month either, we won't be able to pay for next month's lunches!
T–That's right...
It's true that we're in trouble at this rate.
But with that said...
Why can't anyone pass in the first place?
Um, Producer-san...
About that...
These are our senzai?
TL Note: Senzai means both promotional materials and laundry detergent.
What? Nii-chan, you're gonna do the laundry?
Not quite...
These are our promotional pictures.
Oh, that's what you meant.
But why are everyones' pictures like this...?
What's your problem? The Chief told us to make use of our individuality.
He told us he really liked those pictures!
S–Something's not quite right here.
‘Scuse me!
Open the door!
Hey, Ricchan! Are these...?
That's right. They're the matching stage outfits you've all been waiting for.
Hooray!
We splurged a little.
Though thanks to that, 765 Pro's bank account is completely empty...
Ritsuko!
...What?
Are
you
ready?
I’m
ready!
Ha
ji
me
yo
u!
Are
you
ready?
I’m
ready!
Ha
ji
me
yo
u!
Ya
re
ba
de
ki
ru
Ya
re
ba
de
ki
ru
Ki
t
to
ze
t
ta
i
wa
ta
shi
Num
ber
one
Ki
t
to
ze
t
ta
i
wa
ta
shi
Num
ber
one
Start
ha
ji
ma
ru
kyo
u
no
sute
e
ji
Start
ha
ji
ma
ru
kyo
u
no
sute
e
ji
Check
maiku
meeku
i
shou
ni
Show
time
Check
maiku
meeku
i
shou
ni
Show
time
Try
chall
enge!
Try
chall
enge!
Star
dom
hi
ka
ri
hi
ka
ru
Spot
light
Star
dom
hi
ka
ri
hi
ka
ru
Spot
light
Ma
bu
shi
i
ka
ga
ya
ki
ma
s
su
gu
De
but
Ma
bu
shi
i
ka
ga
ya
ki
ma
s
su
gu
De
but
Yu
me
wa
ka
na
u
mo
no
Yu
me
wa
ka
na
u
mo
no
Wa
ta
shi
n
ji
te
ru
Wa
ta
shi
n
ji
te
ru
Saa
i
chi
ni
tsu
i
te
Let’s
go
Saa
i
chi
ni
tsu
i
te
Let’s
go
Yeah!
Are
you
ready?
I’m
ready!
U
ta
wo
u
ta
ou!
Are
you
ready?
I’m
ready!
U
ta
wo
u
ta
ou!
Hi
to
tsu
hi
to
tsu
e
ga
o
to
na
mi
da
wa
Hi
to
tsu
hi
to
tsu
e
ga
o
to
na
mi
da
wa
Yu
me
ni
na
ru
En
ter
tain
ment
Yu
me
ni
na
ru
En
ter
tain
ment
Are
you
ready?
I’m
ready!
Ha
ji
me
yo
u!
Are
you
ready?
I’m
ready!
Ha
ji
me
yo
u!
Ya
re
ba
de
ki
ru
Ya
re
ba
de
ki
ru
Ki
t
to
ze
t
ta
i
wa
ta
shi
Num
ber
one
Ki
t
to
ze
t
ta
i
wa
ta
shi
Num
ber
one
What? You want to redo the composites?!
Not a chance. How much do you think it cost with those outfits?
Sure, I know it's hard to say these are the best we could do...
Right?
So just think of it as if you were re-taking your daughter's matchmaking picture...
My daughter ? Do I look that old to you?
Ricchan, let's do a splash of retakes!
See, I was just saying we don't have the kind of money...
But if we change up our promotional pictures, we'll be drenched in work!
...Drenched?
That's right! It'll be another chance to prove Father wrong!
We'll also be able to pay for lunches!
Please, Ritsuko!
Even so...
If you look at it in the long run, it's an investment in the future.
An investment in the future, huh?
Okay! Let's give it a shot, then!
Yes!
Coming, coming.
Hello?
Ah, Producer. Thanks for calling.
Yes. Yes.
In the new outfits?!
It seems like we're retaking our promotional pictures.
How strange. Were the ones we had of no use?
Haruka?
Are you okay? You look kind of pale...
I–I'm so nervous...
I–I think my heart might pop out.
What?! This is an emergency!
We must call an ambulance immediately!
D–Don't misunderstand! That's not what I meant!
U–Um, I need to use the restroom.
I–I'm so sorry!
What the hell?!
Watch where you're goin'!
Christ.
I'm... I'm really sorry!
Haruka? Is something wrong?
N–No... I just tripped.
Wow, they're so cute!
Oh, but I would've liked something more frilly.
But I think you look better in cool outfits, Makoto-kun.
Yep, yep!
Not you too, Yukiho!
What kind of pictures should we go with?
Let's take poses like bam-bang again, ‘kay?
We also have to choose our street clothes.
I wonder what would be good.
Ah! Ami likes this kind! It's like, BAM!
Then Mami wants this one! It's all, BANG!
Then I want... I think I want...
Oh, come on. There's no point in this at all.
Why would you want to imitate dirty, clichéd idols like these?
U–Um, I may be poor, but I'm not dirty...
That's not what I meant.
I'm saying we can't just copy what's already there!
Now get this. To stand at the pinnacle of all idols...
To stand at the pinnacle...?
Individuality! Individuality is what's important!
Ooh!
But what's individuality?
L–Let's see then...
To stand out more than anyone else, I guess?
Oh, to stand out!
How do you do that?
W–What do you mean, how?
Just try to surprise everyone!
I get it!
Okay then!
People weren't really surprised when Mami was a monkey last time.
So this time I'll be a bear and be like, “rawr!” and surprise them all!
Then Ami'll be tempura over rice! Doesn't it sound delicious?
Um... Um... I'll...
T–Tempura over rice ?
Yayoi-cchi, you can be steak!
Ah, s–steak?!
Yeah!
Eh...?
Way to go, Iorin! Pure genius!
A real woman who knows her stuff!
Steak!
If that's what you want, bring on the tempura on rice, the steak, or anything at all!
Leave your outfits to me!
No, I really can't.
You're so generous!
I've got to keep on my diet until the shoot is over.
Iorin! Iorin! Iorin! Iorin! Iorin! Iorin! Iorin! Io–!
But maybe just one!
I–Iori?
What?
What's all this?
Can't you tell just by looking at them?
They're outfits for the photo shoot.
All of these?
This one, too?
That's right.
It's so cute! Iorin's the best!
Something doesn't feel quite right here.
Hey, hey, where's the tempura on rice?
PLACEHOLDER
I think it was around here...
Actually, Iori... Promotional pictures are more, you know—
Would you shut up? What's your problem?!
No, I'm just saying—
Wow!
Hmm, but don't you think a brighter color would be better?
Do you think so?
Do I look fat?
Not at all!
Hey, Producer!
Azusa-san would look good in this color too, right?
I think so, too.
Let's try making that skirt a little shorter!
Then we can push up her boobs better, like this...
Hey!
No!
Hmph. Just look at him, ogling her like that...
But Azusa-san's really beautiful, isn't she?
Y–Yeah, I guess.
Okay, I've made up my mind.
Change of plans!
The thing that we were lacking...
...is the sexiness of a grown-up!
Ooh!
It must be that boom, squeeze, boom thing.
Boom, squeeze, boom?
Yep!
Boom!
Squeeze!
Boom! Get it, Yayoi-cchi?
Oh... right...
I guess.
In any case!
Let's do this so we don't lose to Azusa!
Okay!
Come on!
Pheromones!
Listen up!
We have to start with this sparkly make-up.
I—It's so bright!
That's exactly right!
This is the sparkle that will put Azusa in her place!
R–Right!
First, you put this here...
Then you grind this against this...
Kihon teki ni wa ippongi dake do
I've usually got a one-track mind
Sorry, is there a blue brush...
Toki to baai de utsurigi nano
But from time to time I'm fickle
Sonna jyuunan tekiou ryoku
You need that kind of flexibility
Umaku ikashite tsunawatari
To walk a tightrope right
Suki na hito ni wa nikoniko shite
I'm all smiles for the person I like
G–Ghosts!
Next is bust-up!
Sou de nai hito mo sorenari ni
And I guess for everyone else, too
Sotozura yokute uchibenkei
I look nice on the outside, but I'm a devil inside
Yowatari dake wa jyouzu
Making my way in the world is all I'm good at
Iori-chan, how's this?
You're barely getting started!
Kiryou to sainou dake de karuku
This isn't a job you can do
Right!
You should go for this much!
That's strange...
Konaseru shigoto jya nai no dakara
On beauty and talent alone
Where'd my curler go?
And finally, the art of tease!
I—Is it really okay?
Hito ni mienai doryoku nante
I work harder behind the scenes
Don't worry! Go for it!
Hakuchou nami ijyou
Than any swan
That's it, that's it, that's it, that's it!
Kitto watashi ga ichiban!
I know I'm number one!
Go, go, go, go, go!
Demo anata mo sokosoko kamo
But you might be okay, too
I think I hear strange voices...
Sorya watashi to kuraberu kara
When you compare yourself to me
Okay, thanks.
Chotto bun warui noyo
The odds are just against you
Thank you very much!
Datte Start line ga
After all, the start line
That was great, Azusa-san.
Mou haruka tooku ni atte
Is already so far away
Really?
Ah, that's right.
Sou kantan ni wa nukenai
You won't pass me up so easy
Azusa-san, about the swimsuit shoot coming up...
Aru imi dekireesu nano
In a way, it's a rigged race
Yes?
Sorry we're late!
Huh?!
Yaochou de wa naku seisei doudou
Fair and square instead of a fixed game
Ugh...
Mochiron
Of course!
Oh dear!
Was this too stimulating for you?
I totally understand your feelings, Nii-chan!
What are you guys thinking?
Huh?
Hurry up and get changed!
Don't play around!
Hold it! What's wrong wi—
What?
What's going on?
Yayoi! Are you okay?
It's all dark!
What a piece of work!
I've been a journalist for a long time, but you don't see anything like these very often.
Right?
This one came out so well, but he says to retake them...
What a pity!
That one's great!
Right?!
Looks like Chief seriously liked them...
And look at this one...
It's just unbelievable, really.
If I were in charge, I'd use costumes like this...
Yukiho!
Makoto-sama!
I'll never leave your side!
Next time, the shocking final chapter!
–shi-kun... Otonashi-kun?
What's wrong, Otonashi-kun?
O–Oh, it's nothing at all!
You can't...! You can't, Kotori!
You got all the make-up off?
Well, I get what you were going for.
Then what were we supposed to do?
Exactly! We were totally individualistic.
Look at it this way.
Individuality doesn't really just mean to stand out, or rather...
Or rather?
Okay!
Then let's think about it together.
You don't know either.
Shut up.
Huh?
What's wrong, everyone?
Those are some crazy clothes.
Hey, forehead...
Don't call me "forehead"!
You gonna get your picture taken in those clothes?
Huh?
I don't think you look good in those at all.
O–Of course not. Don't be ridiculous.
Miki, get ready.
Off I go!
Sure.
Okay, let's get started.
Hey, hey, cameraman-san!
Hmm?
I'm gonna strike a bunch of poses, so do your flash-flash thing in rhythm, okay?
Oh... sure.
Let's go!
How'm I doing?
Let's try some bolder movements next.
Got it! Something like this?
That's great!
Miki-Miki looks so cool!
Yeah. Her poses are really taking shape.
Next is Haruka-san!
Th—Thank you!
I like your energy!
Yup!
Harurun's smile is her weapon!
A fundamental for any idol.
Okay, one more shot.
Okay!
I knew it...
I–I'm sor—
Not bad! You're pretty interesting.
But it's just like Harurun to trip and still make a pretty picture.
I'm in your care!
She's here! It's Mako-chin!
Yup, same here.
In charge of 765 Pro's Handsome division!
Here we go!
Got it!
If you took that away from Makoto, she'd have nothing left.
I place myself in your care.
Takane-san really is beautiful!
Princess is so steady.
Please allow me a moment.
Is this acceptable?
She's steady, indeed...
Okay, one more shot.
O–Okay...
Hey, Nii-chan...
Yuki-pyon's doing pretty well, isn't she?
Yeah.
But Yuki-pyon isn't even making any big "tah-dah!" poses, so how come?
She couldn't make them even if she wanted to.
The cameraman's a man, after all.
But she looks so good with those white flowers! She's beautiful!
Yeah, you're right.
I guess it's because they fit her image.
It might actually match Yukiho's atmosphere better if she doesn't make flashy poses.
I suppose everyone has a way of doing things that fits them individually.
Okay, one more!
What is it, Hamuzou?
Cameraman-san, we come off better a little more from the right.
You're right...
Nii-chan, Nii-chan!
Ami knows Mami's super-sexy angle, too!
Is that right?
Mami knows yours, too!
Ami's is like this from this side, right?
And Mami's is like this from this side!
Then why don't you just have your shoot done like that?
I see! The angles best for each of them...
You two know them better than anyone, right?
So that's it...
Right?!
Nii-chan! Can we go get ready first?
Sure.
Sit right there and wait for our special pose!
Hibiki and the twins are so lucky.
N–Nothing.
I–Is it wrong to be just a little jealous of things like that?!
N–No...
Well, in their case, it's because they've always been together.
They're probably always watching one another, too.
Right. They're a lot more reliable than this producer I know.
Iori-chan, what about Charles?
You and Charles have been together ever since you were little, right?
Yeah, you're always carrying it around.
Things like that might just become a hint for you.
Is Charles holding the fort for you today?
That's right. He was just holding the fort for a little.
What do you mean, "can't smile"?
The cameraman says my smile doesn't feel natural.
Doesn't feel natural...?
Could you smile for a second?
Ah...
In that case, you don't really have to force a smile, do you?
Oh, I like how calm you look.
Wasn't that great?
It's strange to be complimented for something I didn't feel was right.
It was a natural, unforced expression. It was just fine.
Do you really think so?
Kisaragi-san, do you have a moment?
Yes!
I–Iori...
I want my picture taken with him.
That's okay, right?
That's the result of your discussion with your partner?
Right.
The concept is a "Natural Pretty" Iori-chan.
What do you think?
Sure.
I think it's great.
Of course it's great. That's normal.
Yayoi, did you decide what you want to do?
What's wrong?
When I'm wearing my usual clothes, it doesn't feel like I'm dressed for the occasion.
Oh dear! Yayoi-chan, you don't want to do it in those clothes?
That's not it!
My mom patched this on herself! It's my favorite...
Oh my! Then that's just fine, isn't it?
It's much more fun to have your picture taken in your favorite clothes.
And I think the orange on your parka looks really good on you.
R–Really?!
Does it really look good on me?!
I'm so glad!
Doing well, as always.
W–What?
Nothing really.
Yeah, not bad.
That's it? They look so much better I hardly recognized them!
If we keep going like this, the next audition...
...is as good as ours!
Producer!
What is it?
Yoshizawa-san complimented all of our pictures!
That's great!
That means those pictures captured everyone's good side.
Even though we made a couple teeny mistakes.
But it was worth the trouble, wasn't it?
I suppose.
Wasn't it fun, Iori-chan?
I guess it was.
Um, Producer?
Could you raise your hand?
Like this?
Come on. You too, Iori-chan.
No point in worrying
Na
ya
n
de
mo
shi
ka
ta
na
i
Here we go!
Things happen, but tomorrow will be different
Ma
so
n
na
to
ki
mo
a
ru
sa
a
shi
ta
wa
chi
ga
u
sa
High-touch!
Yay!
This is where 765 Pro's charge begins!
Nayande mo shikatanai
We're going to get all sorts of jobs!
Ricchan, that sounds like the last chapter of a discontinued manga!
Woo!
Hey! Don't say something so ominous!
Yeah!
Jump awake at the alarm clock, change clothes with a smile
Me
za
ma
shi
de
to
bi
o
ki
te
e
ga
o
de
ki
ga
e
Jumping on board the usual bus, chatting with friends
I
tsu
mo
no
ba
su
to
bi
no
ri
na
ka
ma
to
da
be
ri
Class is such a bore
Jyu
gyou
ga
ta
i
ku
tsu
Ma sonna toki mo aru sa ashita wa chigau sa
Kill time with texting
Me
e
ru
de
tsu
bu
su
Jyugyou ga taikutsu
Wanna go somewhere on the way home?
Ka
e
ri
ni
do
ko
i
ku?
Meeru de tsubusu
I want to eat a crepe
Ku
re
e
pu
ta
be
ta
i
Kaeri ni doko iku?
Before I know what's happening
Ki
ga
tsu
ku
to
mo
hi
to
ri
There's another me with a mask on
Ka
me
n
tsu
ke
ta
ji
bu
n
ga
i
ru
Kureepu tabetai
Are you sure you're not just faking that cheerfulness?
Ho
n
to
u
wa
ka
ra
ge
n
ki
na
n
jya
na
i
no?
Kigatsuku to mo hitori
How about it?
Do
u
na
no?
Dou nano?
Mama's lectures, Papa's snoring, career counseling
Ma
ma
no
se
kkyou
Pa
pa
no
i
bi
ki
shin
ryou
no
sou
da
n
This sucks!
Sa
i
a
ku~
A test in English next week, a sudden pop quiz
Rai
shuu
ei
ken
to
tsu
zen
mo
chi
ken
Saiaku~
Kamen tsuketa jibun ga iru
"Wait, I forgot my textbook!"
"Tsuu
ka
kyou
ka
sho
wa
su
re
ta!"
Mezamashi de tobiokite egao de kigae
No point in worrying
Na
ya
n
de
mo
shi
ka
ta
nai
Things happen, but tomorrow will be different
Ma
so
n
na
to
ki
mo
a
ru
sa
a
shi
ta
wa
chi
ga
u
sa
Raishuu eiken totsuzen mochiken
"Tsuuka kyoukasho wasureta!"
Itsumo no basu tobinori nakama to daberi
Can't blame you for complaining
Gu
gu
tte
mo
shi
ka
ta
nai
Nayande mo shikatanai
But if you continue straight forward, you'll understand
Ma
yo
wa
zu
ni
su
me
yo
yu
ke
ba
wa
ka
ru
no
sa
Hontou wa kara genki nan jya nai no?
When you get down
He
ko
n
jya
tta
to
ki
wa
Gugutte mo shikatanai
Mama no sekkyou Papa no ibiki shinryou no soudan
Give yourself a good cry then come back to life
I
ppa
tsu
na
i
te
so
shi
te
fu
k
ka
tsu
su
ru
no
sa
If even that doesn't work
So
n
de
mo
da
me
na
ra
Hekon jyatta toki wa
Take a shower and just hit the hay
Sho
wer
a
bi
te
so
no
ma
ba
ku
su
i
su
ru
no
sa
No point in worrying
Na
ya
n
de
mo
shi
ka
ta
nai
Son demo dame nara
Things happen, but tomorrow will be different
Ma
so
n
na
to
ki
mo
a
ru
sa
a
shi
ta
wa
chi
ga
u
sa
Can't blame you for complaining
Gu
gu
tte
mo
shi
ka
ta
nai
Nayande mo shikatanai
But if you continue straight forward
Ma
yo
wa
zu
ni
su
me
yo
Ma sonna toki mo aru sa ashita wa chigau sa
One, two, three!
One,
two,
three!
One, two, three!
You'll understand
Yu
ke
ba
wa
ka
ru
no
sa
Gugutte mo shikatanai
Mayowazu ni susume yo yukeba wakaru no sa
Mayowazu ni susume yo
Yeah!
Yukeba wakaru no sa
Next week, on iDOLM@STER!
Ippatsu naite soshite fukkatsu suru no sa
Yay! This is Takatsuki Yayoi.
Um, we'll all give it our best like "kaboom" and "tah-dah" and "ba-bam"!
Shower abite sono mama bakusui suru no sa
So please look forward...
...to next time!
Ma sonna toki mo aru sa ashita wa chigau sa