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Mar 29, 2014 11:11 AM

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Sep 2010
1308
Meh ending..... But still enjoyable series I guess....

finale - 3/5
series - 6/10
Mar 29, 2014 2:27 PM

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Jul 2013
1760
That was an impressive performance that WUG did. Despite Mayu's ankle getting injured, they manage to pull it off really well. Damn, I thought they are going to win, but, hey they did their best.

7/10, there are some episodes I dislike, and it could use a bit humor to enjoy the show. Well, it was a good show to watch throughout the run.

Mar 29, 2014 6:54 PM

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Nov 2011
1464
It was kinda expected that they weren't going to win against the I-1 club.
I do wonder if they'll be another season.
7.5/10 rounding down to a 7.
Mar 29, 2014 7:14 PM

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Sep 2013
277
The WUG did win! The creepy guy said so at the end.

But they gave the prize to the other group.

Was it jealousy? Respect?



A solid 8/10 for me. Some technical aspects could have been better, but overall it was terrific!
Mar 29, 2014 7:32 PM

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Feb 2013
6196
Yay! A (mostly) full performance! A nice end to the show. Best anime of the season for me. I was scared for a while when Mayu suggested that they withdraw from the competition...

... I feel like the voting was rigged...

Idol anime scores:
9/10 AKB0048
7/10 Wake Up, Girls!
5/10 Love Live!
3/10 Idolmaster
Mar 29, 2014 10:39 PM

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Oct 2010
464
I'm glad they chose not to give the win to WUG. That would have instilled the notion that you can be the "best" just by trying hard for a short period of time, which is a flawed assumption. It would be unrealistic, and incredibly disconcerting if all it took for a no-name idol group to match the country's top idol group was a year of lazy practicing and some crazy luck.

There were parts that were done nicely and parts that were done questionably. They made all the effort to focus in on 1-1 Club's Leader's antagonism towards Mayu and determination to win, but failed to adequately address or resolve that point. But overall I found it constructed very well on a limited budget with first-time seiyuus.
Mar 29, 2014 10:56 PM
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Nov 2010
635
Coming from only watching Love Live, the last episode definitely reinforced my view that non-3d models are still better even when it comes to heavy animation like dancing. There's just so much extra detail you can add without distracting you from the fact that it's the same character but a 3d model.

I really enjoyed what they did with the plot. Though I do agree that there was a lot of elements they brought in or introduced but never used such as the contrasting training styles as well as the Demon Girls in the regional finals. I get that they didn't really wanna focus on the backstories which was fine- I kind of liked the introduction to the darker side of showbiz. I definitely felt uncomfortable watching those first couple of episodes and movie but I think it adds more impact in the end, especially seeing where they came from, struggled from, and had to put up with, and finally culminating in their performance on stage. Was the same framework they used for the movie. It makes the performance mean so much more to the girls and viewers.

I thought the introduction of the tension in the crowd and then the gradual transformation to the crazy chanting at the end was really gratifying to see. Seeing the fan group struggle to support WUG despite their minority especially in that last episode was really a great dynamic to bounce off of during the performance. Their planning meetings added both a under-dog element to WUG as a whole, with comedy as the natural outcome and respect and admiration for their determination and courage as an unexpected outcome .

I was waiting for the GM to show some change on his face but he didn't budge at all. xD I'm sure he's gotta be thinking about his roots and those times before he made it big. I hate him as a person but thought it was a great character. Poker face till the end that man. I was totally surprised about the mention of 9/11 and entertainers....it sounded like a really sincere view of entertainment. =o I'm a bit curious as to how they even came up with that approach for the script. Maybe this article was their source of inspiration? http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/22/theater/how-broadway-bounced-back-after-9-11-but-downtown-theater-lacked-the-right-ties.html?src=pm&pagewanted=2

I also really liked that they discovered Yoppi's injury versus her trying to perform and her trying to hide it. Just considering pulling out of the competition and seeing her cry added so much more to the episode and finale as a whole.

Overall I really loved what they did with the idol theme. About my only complaint was the difference in animation work put in to the last episode and concert, especially when compared to the first movie. But with all the other elements, drama, tension, energy, and comedy thrown in it's easier for me to overlook.

I still need to check out AKB0048 and Idolm@ster. For myself, I scored Wake Up Girls! as an 8 maybe 8.5. The themes for me were not quite 9's but were really close if they had capitalized on the themes they were introducing into the anime but never fully developed.
Mar 29, 2014 10:57 PM

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Mar 2008
1122
I really felt like there was still some backroom dealings going on with those judges. The fact that I-1's manager even said "they won" (he could have been implying the actual winners won, or that WUG should have won in response to Hayasaki's tsk).

Overall I liked it a lot. 9/10.
Mar 29, 2014 11:34 PM

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Feb 2014
11
It was interesting to note how the GM of I-1 Club started his speech about September 11. So season 2 WUG battles it out with Muse and 765 OG 13?
Mar 30, 2014 1:39 AM

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Aug 2013
5419
babymilo91 said:
Too bad WUG didn't win.

Why? I like it in this way.

BTW, it is only me, or really the art was much better in previous episodes?
Dub = fake crap. Always.
Mar 30, 2014 3:35 AM

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Dec 2011
8944
I'm not quite sure what to make of this episode. It's somewhat refreshing to see that they didn't win - a victory would have been completely out of place. Even the huge turn around in audience opinion seemed a little OTT. On the other hand, there's something kind of thrilling about that clench of success which didn't come from this. Although of course, WUG perfectly matched the I-1 manager's view of entertainment.

In essence it's a reflection of the entire series. They tried to show both sides of the industry realistically, but still inserted lots of little unrealistic and unbelievable things that mean that it didn't really manage this, but yet the attempts to be realistic and expose the negative side of things still prevented the series from reaching maximum entertainment value.

It's like the series was attempting to be two things at once, and as a result did a reasonable job of both but a good job of neither.

I'm still not sure what to make of it.
There is no such thing as shit taste. Only idiots who think everyone should have the same taste as they do.
Mar 30, 2014 5:18 AM

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Sep 2013
352
Tbh, I think love live got more famous because of the characters being pretty and etc but they had crappy songs
Wake Up Girls! had maybe a less good looking characters but had quite good songs. Especially i liked I-1 clubs songs.

Mar 30, 2014 6:09 AM
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Jul 2018
564084
Meh, Im just not feeling it...

7/10
Mar 30, 2014 6:53 AM
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Mar 2013
14
really liked this show, 8/10 from me
Mar 30, 2014 11:50 AM
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Oct 2008
546
Random 9/11 Speech is Random.
Mar 30, 2014 1:20 PM

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Jan 2013
11047
Nice to see a fully animated performance, and strangely neither won. We didn't get to see the winning performance. They caught a record deal in the end. Alright.
6.5/10
Mar 30, 2014 1:26 PM

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Jun 2011
624
Pretty good episode. Like that the fans finally decided to cheer them on and they had a great performance.

Still the series was pretty average and the fanservice in some part werent needed at all. songs were alright as well. 8/10 bumped it up from 7/10 because of the final episode.

I cant really see a 2nd season for this series but if its lucky then they definitely have material for it base on that ending.
Mar 30, 2014 1:26 PM

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Jan 2011
1662
I guess we can possibly expect more from WUG.

Kind of a realistic end. They aren't all that good (by comparison) and they lost at the big comp because of that lack of experience. This wasn't a show about their rise to glory but rather the journey of banding together. If another season is started, maybe then it will be about really getting serious about aiming for the top.

Not the best idol show and the music really wasn't that stand out. 6/10
Mar 30, 2014 5:24 PM

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Oct 2007
3471
WUG is not one of those shows that all about amazing people doing amazing thing with amazing plot. If you can get passed that you will be able to appreciate this show than you should.


"A Legend is but a tale of a beautiful lie."
Mar 30, 2014 6:18 PM

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Jun 2012
517
"make yourself happy before making other happy", that's a great lesson mayu learned there. Glad for WUG, they deserved that contract.

This unexpectedly grew on me after a few episode. Bear in mind I never watch any other idol show, this is a first, so I don't really have anything to compare it with. To see those girls grow together as a team, I really liked that. I'm not sure if I'll give it a 8 or a 7, especially because of those constant derp faces in every episode. It's really a shame animation quality wasn't higher. Liked some the songs too, especially "7 Girls war".

So season 2? I'd definitely watch it.
Mar 31, 2014 10:06 PM

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Feb 2012
618
Pretty solid idol slice of life series. I enjoyed it! Great last episode, glad to see they managed with an injured member. Season 2 when?
Apr 2, 2014 2:44 AM

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Aug 2011
93
Well I finished watching it.First time I look at an idol anime. It was okay, I didn't have a crush but it wasn't bad either.
My favourite was the captain! The musics were fine.
I'd give a 7 out of 10 :3
But dunno if I feel watching a second season or other anime idols.. This is not my favourite kind of slice of life animes!
Apr 3, 2014 5:20 AM

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May 2010
8099
The 2nd part of the song is really good. I really, really liked the part where Yoppi decided to jump and replayed it for like 5 times, it was so great!

That emotionless face annoyed me...

Okay, this anime was extremely rushed near the end. Way too many things happened in the last few episodes which should have happened on a span of 24-39 episodes at least, considering they were a new group. Sadly, this anime couldn't be as fun as it could be... but still, it grew on me and had some good charming points. It had the healing effect in the second half, so there's that too. I might (I said MIGHT) be overrating it but, hey, I do it all the time xD Besides, I think it kinda deserves it in its own way.

8/10

And please, a 2nd season!
TragicRomanceApr 3, 2014 5:26 AM
Apr 7, 2014 5:28 AM

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Jan 2013
529
Needs a season two. Flesh the characters out a bit more. A refreshing idol anime that was different then idolmaster, AKB0048 and love live.
Apr 8, 2014 2:03 AM

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Oct 2013
92
good watch, thoroughly enjoyed the journey, hopefully a season 2 in the works

7/10
Apr 10, 2014 3:47 AM

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Mar 2012
1853
Uhuuuu... so the 7 Girls War choreography was the same as the real one.
When I mean the real one, I mean this -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wpj3vaQKt4

Even thought I don't really like idols that much, this anime seems good enough to be watched while you enjoy it.

I'd like a second season, but I don't think it is going to happen though.

I have one question, and if anyone knows it tell me in my profile comments please. Is this story real? Everything that happened on this anime happened in true life?

If so, that's an incredible thing to be animated.
b1GZZApr 10, 2014 3:52 AM
Apr 13, 2014 3:19 PM

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Aug 2012
105
Wake Up, Girls! is amazing. Excellent characters progressing through demanding drama, great music, some nice animation and art, all complemented by pure and inspiring idols.

Wake Up, Girls! is bliss, life itself.
Apr 17, 2014 4:41 PM
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Jan 2014
28
Didn't expect much from this show, but I turned out to be pleasantly wrong. Sure the plot is relatively generic, but the characters are believable and the plot progression makes for a pleasant watch. I steamrolled through this heavily underrated show and (unlike IDOLM@STER and a host of terrible idol anime's) it can join AKB0048, Love Live! and K-on! in the list of idol/music anime's worth recommending.

The ending was satisfying enough for it to be a 1-season anime, but I feel like there's plenty of room for a second season. Here's hoping.
Apr 23, 2014 11:58 PM

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Jun 2011
821
I actually really enjoyed this anime, to be honest I enjoyed it even more than IdolM@ster I hope they make a season 2, and I really hope that if they do make a Season 2 that they have a much higher budget to improve the animation, I seriously wouldn't mind if they added a bit of CG in it as well.
Apr 29, 2014 8:37 PM

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Dec 2008
370
It had its rough patches but overall I liked it, though admittingly I hate how they ended up with that open ending with no continuation anywhere in sight. Someday, I wouldn't mind an OVA or a movie covering the future of Wake Up Girls, preferably a movie as I feel like there's a lot more story they could tell us.

So here's hoping. I'd definitely look forward to it.

I also kind of wish they performed Tachiagare as I feel that song encompasses the feeling of Wake Up Girls more effectively than 7 Girls War; granted 7 Girls War did make them bring their A-game, I would've loved to hear Tachiagare once more, partially because again it's more of Wake Up Girls' elements and partially because it's my favorite song by them by far.

Also:

DingoEnderZOE2 said:
Here's an interesting video for you to look at involving the 7 Seiyuu of Wake up Girls:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0zzW-YUHms


Holy. Mad respect for the effort put in.
KirikaYuikoApr 29, 2014 8:42 PM
Will I fall in love someday? I wonder?


May 3, 2014 9:47 AM

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May 2012
25828
While they didn't win it was still a pretty lovely ending for this series, I did quite enjoy the whole way up until now so with this open ending there's room for expansion but it's not needed in my opinion! All in all a pretty good series!
May 4, 2014 12:00 PM
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May 2012
417
If there is one thing I would describe WUG, it would be real because of how close the anime is to real life, which is something that I don't really see much from other idol series. The seven girls don't feel very stereotypical at the start, in fact, I felt like they are somewhat close to who real life people (or in this case, idols) are. Because of the characters, The story of them building up as a group while being able to set aside their differences and improving themselves throughout the episodes, was like a perfect portrayal of what "real" idols are in our society today, not too much jolly like the other idol series (just my 2 cents). I really saw the hardships they went throughout the series with each characters having their own story, and I gotta admit it was almost as real as it could get. They may had lost in the end was totally okay for me, I'm not gonna really expect a happy ending with the way things are, life just goes on, and I think that's how it should be given the atmosphere of the series.

The drama was really good, though I felt that some drama scenes were too forced. The art was good, none that really bothered me at all. The soundtracks were really good, might download both OPs soon.

Right now, I could say that I liked this better than Love Live and iDOLM@STER in terms of how close WUG is more close to being a slice of life kind of anime, plus the idols. This would no doubt be my fave anime for this season.

Second season would be mostly welcome.

9/10.
May 8, 2014 9:50 PM
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Oct 2012
45
hahailham1 said:
banpreiomaster said:
hahailham1 said:
ehm, did you guys notice that bivex is another parody created by WUG staff?


Bivex... Possibly parody of Avex?


yeah , first a parody of AKB, then this one. i wonder what will be their next..


Well, there was also "Queen Records" which parodies King Records (AKB's current label).

I think I-1 is more of a reference to Onyanko Club AND AKB.

I wonder if it's Bvex over Bivex, lol.
Jun 9, 2014 7:38 AM

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Dec 2012
16125
That performance more than made up for the last one, I had to rewatch it a couple of times. WUG was shining bright and I loved their outfits - modest and dazzling. I have to admit I was taken off guard when they lost. However, when I-1's manager said "they won", I think he was referring to WUG. They may have lost the contest in the eyes of the judges, but going from a group that was ostracized by I-1 fans to being cheered on by the entire stadium in mere minutes shows who the real victors were. Mainstream debut huh? I'd like to see that and welcome a sequel.

Overall this series has left me with mixed feelings. To start with the good, I like the change of pace from what I'm used to seeing in idol anime and how this wasn't hyper-cute or extremely fluffy and moe driven (similar to AKB0048). I like how the girls weren't just cookie cutter archetypes and felt more grounded in reality, especially with the real hardships that come with the idol world. It was also nice to see clear development between the girls. What started out as an extremely awkward ragtag group of strangers transformed into a really sweet and intimate group of friends. The transition really felt natural.

On the other hand, there were some shortcomings that I just can't overlook. Budget and quality issues aside, WUG sometimes felt a bit too real and made for some dull moments. The voice acting, although I can't really tell for sure since I don't speak Japanese, felt a bit bleak and untrained as well. I like how they didn't sound all "moe moe kyun Alvin and the Chipmunks", but it felt stale at times too.

But what bugs me the most are Tange and Matsuda. I absolutely could not stand them. Tange never once shows remorse or care for what she did and puts on this smug "get over it" attitude. I thought she was extremely vulgar and irritating for the most part. Then there's Matsuda. This guy was a complete doormat and I couldn't stand his constant whining and indecisive beta male midlife crisis bullshit. It never really seemed like they got closer to the girls nor did they have any real redeeming qualities.

With that said, I still enjoyed this and felt the pros outweighed the cons. 6.5/10
Jun 22, 2014 2:52 AM

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Nov 2011
7621
5/5

Anime that achieves its purpose, whether we talk about the plot, with its underlying message, and emotional impact as compared to the budget to make it happen.
Technically and visually the series shows a very low level, but there is a lot of substance digging deep.
Characters are just that bit of characterization to make them stand out and distinguish between them.
Soundtrack very good, as the opening and ending of the series.
I hope to soon have a second season and to see remade version in BD.
Final vote, for now, of 7.5/10!
Jul 8, 2014 5:43 PM

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Oct 2012
5844
In the end, they didn't win and I think it's better that way as road ahead of them is still long. But they performed well and their last song was great! They even get audience chant and recognition of I-1 club director and that's what counts.

This anime was surprisingly true insight into idol business and bitersweet reflection of life with all of its pains and challenges. Sure, it has its flaws. But as such, I grew to like it and I enjoyed it all the way with its high and lows. It was great watch and very emotional ride.

8/10
Jul 10, 2014 10:11 PM

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Aug 2013
4150
It might be only me but I liked their very first debut concert most.
Their other performances etc aren't that appealing to me.. but that's not its purpose in my opinion.
The last episode didn't give much of a impact to me with all the build up before.
It's a common end but not too shabby anyway.
The story.. emotions.. message conveyed are as clear as day. Simply beautiful.
I often find myself ready to slip a tear or two.. the hardship is presented truly.
It's a big gap compared to the other idol anime I've seen.. like candy for the eyes.
I enjoyed IDOLM@STER more.. but which is better I would probably side this piece of work here.
I would love to see a season 2 if it happens.. but hoping for more happy and fun for a change.
I really loved the characters.. ah-haa.....
Jul 15, 2014 10:00 PM

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Aug 2011
94
As my first idol anime, I had a lot of fun watching this.

WUG! WUG! WUG!

ToT
Aug 15, 2014 11:39 PM

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Jan 2012
1981
never thought I'd finish another idol/musical theme anime..

this one is definitely more realistic than other ones for sure.

the prequel movie was better than the series though

dem otaku dudes were awesome

7.3/10
Aug 22, 2014 3:01 AM

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Aug 2010
2112
I'm really glad that they didn't win, it's a breath of fresh air amongst all the other idol shows where they triumph, even though in all honesty they shouldn't. I enjoyed this show more than some others mostly because it was a relatively realistic take on the scene. Too bad it never got the spotlight it deserved. 7/10 good stuff.
Sep 11, 2014 7:51 PM

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Sep 2012
103
To be honest i much enjoy this show rather than love live because is more realistic. Hoping for season 2.


Sep 15, 2014 4:31 PM

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Aug 2011
1813
It was a nice and realistic series. It shows a different side of what "Idols" are.

I'm in for a second season.

» Escapism.


Sep 21, 2015 3:31 AM

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Jun 2015
1089
That was a fun ride. Really enjoyed it. Those otaku fans were something. Liked Mayu, Yoppi and Kaya. Other girls were not bad either.

Would (really) appreciate a second season.

9/10.
HijaziSep 21, 2015 10:24 PM
Dec 20, 2015 4:21 PM

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Apr 2012
1409
9/10. Really really enjoyable, definitely more realistic than the other idol shows I've watched. I just picked this up so that I can watch more Idol anime than Imas and LL, and this ended up being quite a good ride.

Also I was surprised but pleased that Shiho came with some medics to fix Yoshino's leg. Thumbs up, girl.
"Fortress Maximus has come himself. Okay! Then I shall get Fortress Maximus to fight me, huh huh huh!"

Jan 30, 2017 1:35 PM

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Jul 2014
4197
Good story but sloppy artwork/animation. Better than iM@S, but the prequel movie was better. Teetering between 6 or 7 of ten.

Surprised they didn't win but got something even better with the record deal, producer was somewhat pissed they didn't win either.
Sep 23, 2017 6:59 PM

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Dec 2014
819
I didn't expect to like this nearly as much as I did. Comparing it to the other big two IM@S and LL I actually think this one has the best first season. I'm glad I watched this now since there's more of coming next season.

7/10
Apr 28, 2019 6:31 PM

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Oct 2015
6916
Too bad they didn't win, but I guess it couldn't be helped since Yoppi was injured as a center. More importantly they have grown since then and have learned to become a unit. Hence, they've got more exposure now that came with new fans and a possible record deal.

overall I enjoyed this anime a lot because I got to witness their journey that was created on a whim, and they learned to endure that journey and became close for a single dream. Really interested to what's next for them.

8/10.
How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb --- Dr Strangelove

Apr 29, 2020 10:52 AM

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Feb 2018
27110
Wtf are you okay... Ma, this is a good Show 8/10
May 6, 2021 5:49 AM

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Mar 2019
1109
Just finished this idol show today. One more great on my list. I am simply too late...sadly the disbanded already quite long time ago. Really loved the setting and their songs. A little bit Ongaku Shoujo feeling when it comes to every aspect on general.
Definitely a must watch for every idol fan.
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