Aikatsu! (2012)
A beloved Japanese idol anime that follows one girl's sparkling journey from ordinary student to shining performer at Starlight Academy.
Aikatsu! - Series Information
- Original Title: アイカツ！
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Kids, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 178
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 8, 2012 (Australia - G), October 8, 2012 (South Korea - 7)
- Networks: Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: Aikatsu! Idol katsudô (JP), 星梦学园 (HK), 아이 엠 스타!: 꿈의 오디션 (KR), Aikatsu! (CH)
- Production Companies: BN Pictures, SUNRISE, TV Tokyo, dentsu
- Production Countries: Japan
Aikatsu! - Plot
Ichigo Hoshimiya is a regular, ordinary middle school girl. But when her best friend Aoi invites her to join the idol training academy, Starlight Academy, her whole world is turned upside down. As she encounters all kinds of rivals and learns what it takes to be an idol, she uses her Aikatsu Cards to challenge countless auditions.
Aikatsu! - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the world of Starlight Academy:
Where to Watch Aikatsu!
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Aikatsu! - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kaya Matsutani as Orihime Mitsuishi
- Kiyono Yasuno as Sakura Kitaooji (voice)
- Makoto Yasumura as Johnny Beppu
- Sumire Morohoshi as Ichigo Hoshimiya (voice)
- Waka Kirishima as Ichigo Hoshimiya (Singing Voice)
- Asami Seto as Raichi Hoshimiya (voice)
- Remi Mitani as Otome Arisugawa / Yurika Tōdō (singing voice)
- Shino Shimoji as Akari Ōzora (voice)
- Mona Tomoyama as Sumire Hikami (singing voice)
- Ayaka Ohashi as Ran Shibuki (voice)
Writers
- Yoichi Kato
- Yuka Yamada
- Natsuko Takahashi
- Keiichiro Ochi
- Yuuichi Nomura
Executive Producers
- Masayuki Ozaki
Aikatsu! - FAQs
What is Aikatsu! about?
Aikatsu! follows Ichigo Hoshimiya, an ordinary middle school girl who enrolls at Starlight Academy, an elite idol training school. Using collectible Aikatsu Cards to unlock special outfits, she competes in auditions, forms friendships, and grows into a dedicated idol performer across 178 episodes.
Is Aikatsu! based on a card game?
Yes. Aikatsu! is directly based on the Aikatsu! arcade card game by Bandai, released in 2012. Players collect fashion cards representing idol outfits and accessories. The anime adaptation was developed to promote the game and ran concurrently with its arcade release in Japan.
Where can you stream Aikatsu! online?
Aikatsu! streaming availability varies by region. You can check current platform options — including any subscription services, rental, or purchase options available in your area — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for the series.
How many seasons and episodes does Aikatsu! have?
Aikatsu! ran for 4 seasons and a total of 178 episodes. Season 1 contains 50 episodes, Season 2 has 51 episodes, Season 3 has 51 episodes, and Season 4 wraps up the series with 26 episodes. The show aired from October 2012 through March 2016.
Who are the main voice actors in Aikatsu!?
The principal cast includes Sumire Morohoshi as Ichigo Hoshimiya, Shino Shimoji as Akari Ōzora, Kiyono Yasuno as Sakura Kitaooji, Asami Seto as Raichi Hoshimiya, Ayaka Ohashi as Ran Shibuki, Minako Kotobuki as Mizuki Kanzaki, Azusa Tadokoro as Aoi Kiriya, and Tomoyo Kurosawa as Otome Arisugawa.
When did Aikatsu! first air?
Aikatsu! premiered on October 8, 2012, broadcasting on Tokyo MX in Japan. The series concluded in March 2016 after four seasons. Its Australian and South Korean releases also began on October 8, 2012, with respective ratings of G and 7.
Is Aikatsu! suitable for young children?
Aikatsu! is firmly aimed at a younger audience, particularly children and pre-teens. The series carries a G rating in Australia and a 7 rating in South Korea, reflecting its gentle, positive tone. Themes center on friendship, perseverance, and creative self-expression through music and fashion.
What are shows similar to Aikatsu!?
Fans of Aikatsu! may enjoy Aikatsu Stars!, the direct sequel series, as well as other idol and music-themed anime. Titles like Kamisama Minarai: Himitsu no Cocotama and Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma share a similar spirit of youthful competition and personal growth in a school setting.
More About Aikatsu!
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