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「期待、不安、そして予兆」 (Kitai, Fuan, Soshite Yochou)
“Hopes, Anxieties, and Signs”
As much as I enjoyed seeing Haruka spearhead the optimism in the group, I can’t say I like where things are headed with Miki feeling betrayed by the Producer at the very end. If she leaves 765 Pro for another agency, a huge part of way I started watching IM@S will be gone. God forbid, she goes back to rival studio 961 Pro, which she was an idol of in the IDOLM@STER SP game.
Luckily, there’s nothing to suggest that she will from the game as far as I’m aware, but the thought did cross my mind since I think Miki has what it takes to make it on her own if she really tried. It was compounded by the scene in the preview, where she’s happily talking away to the media and/or scouts and everyone else is gloomy over the thought that she may not come back. I can definitely see where they’re coming from, especially when she has hips like that. If she leaves, only Hibiki will be left to flash some midriff on a regular basis. (Yes, I do take notice of these things.) In spite of all my (irrelevant) worries, I do like the prospect of an episode devoted to getting Miki to come back, assuming that is what we’re in store for next time.
As for Haruka, she is supposedly the “main” girl of the franchise, so it’s nice to finally see more of her “charm points” (as they like to refer to them in Japan). In execution, it felt like more of a packaged deal though, since Chihaya shared almost as much of the spotlight by helping Haruka with her singing and her studies. I didn’t mind of course, seeing as they compliment one another’s personality really well, particularly with the way that Haruka can get Chihaya to open up to her goofiness and even spoil her to a certain degree. Chihaya’s diligent and independent personality makes her come off a girl who’s really reserved around everyone except her closest friends. Of all the sub-groups at 765 Pro, they’re undoubtedly one of my favorites to watch. Their practical outlook on all the dance and singing practice served as a nice contrast to the struggling Yayoi and Yukiho too, the latter of whom I couldn’t help but feel sorry for.
The writers could have easily stretched out Yukiho’s struggles, but as always, chose to depict some character growth every episode. It worked really well in contrast to her and Yayoi’s soft-spoken nature, which may not seem like much, but wouldn’t have the same effect if it were say… Hibiki or Mami struggling. I just really can’t imagine anything bringing either of those two down. Every time Hibiki questioned if they’re going to be okay as idols this episode, I just laughed. Anyway, this was a fun episode to show what the others are doing to catch up to Ryuuguu Komachi and had some nice bits of drama throughout.
INS11: 「笑って!」 (Waratte!) by 中村繪里子 (Nakamura Eriko)
Watch the 11th INS!: Streaming ▼
ED11 Sequence
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ED11: 「START!!」 by 中村繪里子 (Nakamura Eriko)
Watch the 11th ED!: Streaming ▼
Preview
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It was Great to have Hibiki and Miki help with the dancing, as well as Chihaya help out with Haruka’s singing.
And for future reference Hibiki is mine >.<. just like how divine calls Miki xD
Weird how my favourite is Makoto, shes just so cool!
Game references and Miki here
Show Spoiler ▼
Three girls I think the anime is mainly focused on: Chihaya, Miki, and Iori-chan.
Chihaya because of how they keep reminding us of her focused nature on her work (not doing any packing AT ALL) and her love for singing(which also helped out Haruka).
Miki because of how she regularly is lazy and all, but recently has been trying to work harder in order to get into Ryuuguu Komachi.
Iori-chan because she is the main girl in Ryuuguu Komachi (although I have to object myself since she hasn’t been seeing any air because of RK) and the fact that she is quite kind hearted especially towards Yayoi.
I like to think of this as the “Miki arc” if you don’t mind Divine.
Yuri googles ahoy! Mostly Haruka and Chiahaym with a bit of Takane and Yukiho. Didn’t expect Miki’s innocent misunderstanding to bite 765 in the ass so hard. I just hope the drama doesn’t become too overwrought.
Slight correction for Divine, Miki first appeared in the XBox 360 and only defected from 765 in iDOLM@STER SP. The antagonists there were Miki, Hibiki and Takane. This was the first time the latter two appeared as well. Then iDOLM@STER 2(which the anime is based on) completely retcons all this making Miki, Hibiki and Takane like they were always part of 765. Generally the iM@S continuity is all over the place so I don’t know what direction they are going with the anime story.
My speculations with Miki
1) Defects to 961 like the SP games- don’t think so
2) “Awakened” Miki storyline- Would be great but I think its unlikely
3) Producer explains himself and they make up- this is probably the safest direction for the story
Whatever happens I doubt she will be put under the bus. Just have to wait for next episode. We could have all been trolled.
Fixed thanks. I think the worst case scenario would be that she becomes a rival again. I don’t see it happening either.
some clarification, the continuity isn’t that all over.
there’s 2 continuities for the franchise =
1) the original arcade/360 game, Live 4 You, and then that branched into the three SP games (the SP games aren’t sequential. they are 3 parallel alternate paths).
2) the “2nd Vision” series which is Dearly Stars and Idolmaster 2. the anime is based on IM@S2, which is why we met the 876 girls (who are the main characters of Dearly Stars, to be clear).
Though I agree that option 3 is probly where the show will head, because it’s safest, I’d kill to see them do the “awakened” Miki arc.
What a great episode and I’m saying this even when Azusa wasn’t featured heavily ;D
IdolM@ster is turning out to be a real gem. It’s probably one of the best slice-of-life I’ve seen over the years and I’m very surprised at how much I’ve grown to like every single one of the idols. It’s very easy to relate to the characters and A-1’s top-notch production quality which makes everyone looks so good is definitely the cherry on top.
A Miki centric episode next week, can’t wait!!!
nyan nyan dance from macross frontier pic :3
The cat-like pose is actually from their SMOKY THRILL dance seen in episode six.
Its part of the whole Smoky Thrill dance sequence (at 1:34) in general. So far all the dance sequences shown are pulled from the game.
Takane just skyrocketed to one of my favourite IM@S girls. She’s so reliable. The seemingly lack of appreciation for her character is quite sad.
If Miki leaves 765 Pro for 961, I’m gonna feel really, really depressed. COME ON BRODUCER, GET IT TOGETHER!
Anyways, I’m hoping that the extended preview sheds some light on the next episode 😛
My homegirl Haruka getting some spotlight. Also, Haruka + Chihaya…….OMG YES
From what I hear, this anime version follows the IM@S2 game more than the IM@S SP one, with all the girls starting with 765 to begin with, rather than have Miki jump ship to 961.
Though if Miki does go and bring Hibiki and Takane along with her to form Project Fairy, the good side is that Producer will have a more manageable task, 6 girls is always easier than 9, let alone 12. lol
Even game players only get to manage 3 at most.
Though I’d still like to see Producer try and resolve this misunderstanding and bring Miki back.
Watching Chihaya opening up to Haruka is fun, plus there’s this foreboding on a future Chihaya “episode/arc”.
https://randomc.net/image/THE%20IDOLM@STER/THE%20IDOLM@STER%20-%2011%20-%20Large%2023.jpg
imas SP and imas 2 are separate universes, they have no relations to each other. On top of that the anime is itself a separate universe (but based mostly on the settings of 2, but NOT the stories), so it’s pretty pointless to try to predict where the story would go using any of the games to be honest. The simple fact that Ryuugyuu Komachi wasn’t formed before the Producer joined 765Pro in the first episode and the 876 idols made an appearance last episode had already threw a wrench connecting imas anime to imas2.
Also even if you do make that connect I’m certain Miki won’t defect here, because Show Spoiler ▼
It looks like they relaxed the budget on this one.
Miki took the broducer’s words too seriously, but she is not the brightest bulb after all. I thought Mr. Divine Comedy here was going to excuse her :notjustasplanned.jpg:
When it comes down to it, it looks like Takane is the best idol. Miki may be a genius but is hard to control; Chihaya is for me the best singer but lacks teamwork and will to act.
Points to Haruka for blocking any of Chihaya’s gloomy advances in her own room!
Liking Takane alot too now. Probably one of my favs, besides Azusa and Miki. 🙂
Finally!!! A Haruka episode XD!!! Yay!!!!
Okay, that’s enough celebration :p. I like where this is going with Miki. It brings out what she really wants to be (and that she still doesn’t know to handle disappointments), while also highlighting the producer’s need to pay even more attention to the idols (he is getting there, but having so many of them is probably draining his attention). He better shape up or he will lose Miki forever :(. Takane was exactly what Yukiho needed, Haruka was what the group needed when they felt down. Next episode seems like it would focus on Miki, I think there’s going to be some huge drama and things won’t go well.
maybe producer will make a Project Fairy out of miki, takane & hibiki.
then another group from the remainding girls.
Producer’s gonna give Miki more attention.
Miki’s gonna Miki and start calling Producer honey.
I’ll facepalm for the rest of the anime duration if that happens.
it is weird how each episode makes me liking chihaya, makoto, miki and takane even more. tbh i didn’t think i would enjoy it this much, but so far it is one of the better shows this season.
Really? Ever since I first saw IM@S images, Takane, Chihaya, Azusa, Miki, Hibiki, and Makoto were the ones that immediately stood out for me, lol.
Kind of surprised that there was no School Days jokes yet…”Liar”…. (I only saw 1 reference on animesuki) <> XD Just waiting for there to be fan arts of Producer’s received text mimicking Sekai’s XD
One of my favorites this season. Each episode is such a joy to watch and it really brightens up the week and makes you want to work hard. Miki’s a big part though, since she’s my favorite also. Her childlike hopes of being part of the group was really hard to watch. The way her face fell made my heart sink.
However, I do have a soft spot for Chihaya, Makoto, Takane, and Hibiki. Iori’s grown on me quite a bit since the start of the show as well, and I’ve come to like her character a lot. They’re doing an excellent job so far selling the individual charm points of the girls. Though I’m still not a fan of Yukiho, it’s not as though I cringe every time she comes on the screen.
Otherwise I’m definitely hoping the producer does use Takane, Miki, and Hibiki to create Project Fairy or something. Their voices sound fantastic together!
“I can definitely see where they’re coming from, especially when she has hips like that.”
LOL.
I love this episode because there’s more screen time for Chihaya (and Asami-san’s voice ah~). I still don’t like Yukiho. I did not feel sorry for her.
If they follow the games, then byebye Miki to the other group. =(
Miki may be the most beautiful, but if we judged people by their personality, she’d have the beauty of a troll. I’m sorry, but I don’t care HOW old she is or how many teenage hormones she can’t control- you DO NOT storm away and ignore your employer WHEN YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL! Plus, did she ONCE realize that the Producer WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A PHONE CONVERSATION BEFORE SHE JUMPED TO CONCLUSIONS?! DON’T make THE PRODUCER apologize! SHE’S the one who should apologize!
just no………………….thats it