Ainana Musings

💙💚🧡🩵💜💛❤️

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 8

Chapter 8 Side Story II - TRIGGER

While finding Anesagi, Gaku also finds his father. He wanted to ask Anesagi for some concert tickets privately, but his father forces him to say it in front of both of them.

His father further forces Gaku to say exactly who he wants to invite to the concert. Gaku says that he wants to invite his mom, grandmother, and grandfather.

His father tells Anesagi to take care of the tickets. Gaku prepares to leave, but his father makes him stay longer. He doesn't want Gaku to be too involved in his mother's family business because Gaku has to maintain his idol image.

Gaku understandably gets angry and insists that it should be fine as long as no one finds out. He leaves before his father has a chance of saying anything else.

On the way out, he finds Ryuu and asks Ryuu to accompany him for some drinks. Ryuu asks if something happened.

Gaku is angry because his father belittled his mother. He promises that he will never say anything to tarnish the reputation of the woman he fell in love with, nor will he let her cry.

Ryuu agrees to get some drinks with Gaku. He tells Gaku to be careful about frowning too much because you never know when you'll meet "the one". xD

Then, we cut to Tenn who is worrying about Riku. Tenn doesn't think that Riku will be able to handle all the stress that comes with the entertainment world. He doesn't understand why Riku would leave the comfort and safety of his home to do this.

If only Riku could remain Tenn's younger brother, Tenn could treat him with the same kindness he always has. But as professionals, Tenn must judge Riku as critically as he would anyone else. After thinking about what their new relationship might look like, Tenn says, "Please don't become an idol."

On the day of Music Festa, TRIGGER starts preparing for their stage and greeting others performers, such as their senior Re:vale.

They walk in to Yuki and Momo rping an inventor professor and his robot, Yuki as the professor and Momo as the robot.

Tenn is just confused. Gaku thinks that this is some kind of surprise camera. Momo pretends to attack Ryuu, and Ryuu plays along.

We get more of Re:vale's married couple shenanigans. Yuki says that he'd give TRIGGER Antarctica if he conquered the world. Tenn politely declines, while Momo unapologetically asks for the moon. Yuki gladly agrees and promises Saturn's rings as a bonus.

As they were happily chatting, Yaotome CEO storms in the room. He is angry that Gaku recommended an artist that's not from Yaotome Productions to join Music Festa (Gaku reccomended i7).

Momo steps in and says that he asked Gaku to reccomend i7 because there were some kids that interested him from that group. He asks Yaotome CEO to calm down because TRIGGER is also about to perform.

Yaotome accuses Momo of using manipulative and dirty methods by making other people owe him by doing them favors. He also calls Momo shameless for using another agency's talent to do his "dirty work".

Yuki steps in and says, "Funny… who's calling who's methods dirty?" Momo stops Yuki from saying more. Things started to get even more heated with Yuki, Yaotome CEO, and Gaku, so Momo cuts everyone and tells everyone to stop because both TRIGGER and Re:vale have a stage to prepare for.

Yaotome CEO storms off. TRIGGER apologizes and leaves.

Yuki and Momo argue a little over what they should've done. Yuki believes that it's right for him to speak up, both for Re:vale, Momo, and also Gaku who wouldn't like it if Re:vale just took all the berating. Momo wanted it to end in a silly way with him being the bad guy because he feels bad for Gaku.

Yuki says that Momo must be a TRIGGER fan, but Momo says that he's working hard to maintain a good relationship with TRIGGER because he knows they will become even more popular. He thinks it'll be good to have people like TRIGGER supporting Yuki in the future.

Outside, we have Tenn, Anesagi, and Ryuu. Ryuu worries that the tension between Gaku and his father might explode some day. Anesagi encourages them saying that even if the worst kind of situation occurs, it is up to them to decide how they're going to respond.

Pre-live Preparations

After making Riku stay in the green room and almost having Riku and Tenn meet, we also get the other member's reactions in the game. Sogo is relieved that they managed to separate Riku and Tenn. Mitsuki is taken aback by Tenn's strong presence. Nagi says that Tenn looks like a doll.

Nagi asks if anyone saw the manager. Tamaki says that she got swept away by the crowd. The other three scold Tamaki for not helping the manager.

The anime and game also differ a bit here. Tsumugi was called by another staff in the anime, so she was rushing to go back to the boys when she bumps into Yaotome. But in the game, she got lost. Then, while she was trying to find the boys, she bumps into Yaotome.

Gaku and Tsumugi's First Meeting

Tsumugi actually fangirls quite a bit in the game, though she keeps it all in her mind. She was really happy when she was able to see Gaku smile!

Riku and the Song Thief

In the anime, Riku's encounter with TRIGGER's almost-song-stealing composer is very brief. Riku panics because he finds his inhaler broken on the ground and starts worrying.

In the game, the dude actually harasses Riku, probably grabbing Riku by the collar or something else that made Riku go out of breath. He tries to force Riku to give him i7's unreleased songs and accuses i7 of plagiarizing because their songs sound familiar to him.

He hears footsteps coming in, so he decides to let Riku go and leaves.

Tsumugi enters the room and tells Riku that they have to leave immediately because of a change in schedule. Other members also arrive to tell Tsumugi about the changes they heard. Only Iori notices that Riku seems to be having an attack.

In the anime, Riku doesn't seem to know that Iori noticed, since Iori notices it as he sees Riku passing by. But in the game, Riku knows that Iori realized his condition and tells Iori not to worry. But Iori couldn't stop worrying because he finds out that Riku's inhaler is broken.

The Performance

The anime always delivers during performances!!

I also love how they made us sit through the painfully awkward rest of the performance.

Look at that cold stare.

Also, I love how we get to see Iori leaving. The game had to make the characters talk about it because they solely rely on dialogue to tell the story.

Nagi's Pick-Me-Up

I love how the anime shows how Iori gradually gets convinced by Nagi to try again.

Chapter 9 Side Story I - Consolation Party

The side story starts with a heartwarming scene of all the members comforting Iori. 🥹

Riku feels a bit bad that he doesn't know what to say to comfort Iori. He wishes to grow into a more mature person that can support his teammates like Nagi did.

After sending the boys home, Banri and Takanashi CEO discuss the boys' future. Banri asks if they can debut i7 as seven, as previously planned, but Takanashi CEO firmly says rejects the suggestion. He acknowledges i7's hard work, but if they debut them now, he fears that they will not gain enough popularity to survive. He says, "Everyone is giving their all. If giving your all is enough, then everyone can become stars tomorrow."

Banri understands. He just wants the best for the boys. He likes them a lot because they’re honest, hardworking kids.

Banri and Takanashi CEO plan to take the boys for some barbecue to cheer them up. They plan to do some performances. Banri said he can do some voice impressions and play the guitar. Takanashi CEO said he can dance hula. They plan to go in matching attires. Takanashi CEO says that he hasn’t worn matching clothes with anyone since his wife passed away. 😂

Back in the dorms, life is mostly normal with some members giving a bit more care to Iori. Tamaki tries to give him pudding lookalike objects. Mitsuki smiles at Iori more often. Sogo checks on Iori more often. Nagi is making sure everyone is happy. Yamato acts like usual, while Riku is observing everyone.

Riku is still bothered that he doesn’t have anything better to say. Like everyone, he wants Iori to not blame himself too much and to surround Iori with all the things Iori likes.

Riku keeps on repeating in his mind, “We’re okay. We’re okay.” He also says in his mind, “Even if you crawl into your bed to cry again, remember that you have friends around you, Iori.” (I know Riku thought this with the sweetest intentions, but I don’t think it would have the intended affect if Iori actually heard it. 🤣 I think Iori would get super embarrassed)

Riku adds in his mind: “We’ll make you laugh so much, you won’t have time to cry.” 🥺

The barbecue is animated in the next episode!

[usamifriends]

Yotsuba / Kujou Aya

It's interesting how Aya's name is 理. The character means "reason" and is part of the word 理由, which means reason / cause. The chapter her name appears in is called "My Reason" (俺の理由).

i7 is pretty literal with their names 😆

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 7

i7 Popularity Discussion

The episode starts with Banri and Takanshi CEO talking about how the members popularity changed because of their last live. Tamaki and Sogo shot up in popularity with Riku and Iori right behind them. Everyone seems to be increasing in popularity, except for Mitsuki. Most people who like him, like him as their second choice.

This scene in the game is actually Banri and Tsumugi talking. Also, Tsumugi adds that i7 is able to shine because Mitsuki is there to hype up the group. Banri says that while that is true, fans and maybe Mitsuki himself doesn't realize that. :(

Yaotome's Offer

Yaotome provokes Tamaki with statements about his sister. He knows that Tamaki wants to be on TV so that he can find his sister. He talks about how Aya's adoptive family went bankrupt and disappeared with Aya. He adds how without money, it would be hard for Aya to find another school and suggests that Aya is probably going to be forced to work. He says, "I wonder what work she's being made to do... Poor girl. She's only fifteen, and she doesn't have anyone to rely on."

They changed Tamaki's response in the anime a bit. He says, "I'll definitely find her. Then, we'll live together."

In the game, he says, "I'll find her before that happens. I'll find her and make her go to school!" 😭

Sogo keeps his cool better in the game. In the anime, Sogo bursts out saying, "No, don't listen to him!", but in the game, he very calmly says, "No, thank you. Tamaki-kun, let's go. Let's calmly think this through."

Negotiating Debut

Tamaki is really bad at explaining. He announces to the members that he and Sogo will leave the group, resulting in a big fight. Iori takes a cold stance and tell Tamaki to leave if he wants to.

Riku says, "That's going too far, Iori!" I think the way he says this in the anime is softer than in game. He sounds like he's scolding Iori in the game.

Finally, Tamaki explains his situation. The members are frustrated that he's so bad at explaining, but they're glad that they understand where he's coming from. They agree to bring up debuting to Takanashi CEO.

Some of the reactions to Takanashi CEO announcing that Tamaki and Sogo are debuting together are a bit different.

Mitsuki very obviously seems to have lost hope in the anime. In the game, he sounds shocked but not exactly disheartened.

Nagi's reaction is more or less the same.

Anime Iori panics, but game Iori sounds betrayed. (I can hear him plotting Takanashi's downfall in his brain)

We don't get Riku's reaction in the anime, but he sounds heartbroken in the game.

Everyone's Worries

First, we see Mitsuki practicing the dance on his own. Yamato approaches him and confronts him, saying, "You were worried, weren't you?"

In the anime, Mitsuki opens up about his insecurities, how he doesn't have anything special like the others (singing like Riku, dancing like Tamaki, etc).

But in the game, he, in my opinion, avoids the question and says, ".... Nah, not really.... I'm used to failing and coming in last!" The extra pause in the game and his feigned cheerfulness while saying the line make me think that he doesn't want to admit that he's insecure about his lack of ability.

Then, we see Nagi near the Zero Arena talking to himself but directing it as a sort of prayer to Haruki. He didn't expect that he'd get so attached to the i7 members. He asks that Haruki would cast his magic once more (In the game, he was second, but in the anime he ends the episode).

Then, we have Riku and Iori. We have Iori's "I'll make you a superstar" comment! In the anime, the scene with Iori re-enacting Riku and Tenn's possible reunion is in the next episode and in front of the other members, but it happened with only the two of them right after that comment in the game. Then, Iori warns Yamato about Riku possibly wanting to find his brother, so Yamato stops Riku later on. Just a little rearrangement.

Chapter 7 Side Story I: Promoting an Idol

Yaotome and Anesagi talk about TRIGGER's appeal. They want to be different from Re:vale, who appeals to normal people. They want TRIGGER to feel unreachable like a luxury good, so they deliberately erased sense of familiarity from TRIGGER's image. Yaotome even says that he refuses to sell TRIGGER cheaply.

Anesagi brings up how Ryuu still feels uncomfortable acting out his image because it's really different from his personality. She worries that Ryuu's hesitation might end up affecting Ryuu's performance. Yaotome just says that it's Anesagi's job to manage that. Yaotome says that he plans on overthrowing Re:vale in a year through dramas and crushing the promising IDOLiSH7 before they get a chance to make it big.

Tsumugi asks Iori what he thinks would be the best promotional strategy. Iori says that it's important to know your target audience before doing any kind of promotion because if the audience demands something different from what the idol is giving, it will hard to advertise the idol's charms.

Iori hesitantly says that Mitsuki is an example of this kind of mismatch. He shows Tsumugi a picture of Mitsuki's profile and asks her what kind of impression he gives her. She says that he looks very young. He seems like a cute, cheerful, and kind person, someone who is friendly and warm.

Iori: That's right. In other words, my brother is.... a very, very, very cute stuffed animal.

Tsumugi: …You really gave quite a speech there.

Iori: Ah, sorry—I got a bit carried away. (🤣🤣🤣)

Iori says that if you promoted Mitsuki with a cute and lovely image, he would get a lot of fans that love that kind of idol. But Mitsuki will not put up a false image, so those people may be shocked by his energetic and bold way of speaking and leave.

On the other hand, if you promote Mitsuki with a manly image, which is the way Mitsuki wants, Mitsuki will end up losing to other idols that are visually more manly.

Only people who love Mitsuki's "gap" will stay with Mitsuki.

Tsumugi argues that people will fall in love with Mitsuki's straightforward personality. Iori doesn't doubt that, but to make people curious about Mitsuki's personality, they have to first make people pay attention to Mitsuki.

Iori explains that Sogo and Tamaki are very popular because their appearance align with their personalities. People who would like people like Sogo and Tamaki can easily identify them.

Tsumugi reiterates the idea in her own words to make sure she understands what Iori was saying. Then, Iori makes a sassy comment, "Correct, though I'm not including his extreme taste for certain foods or his drunk personality." 🤣

Iori then talks about the importance for idols and producers to be in sync with their goals and aspirations. He says that it's good for IDOLiSH7 to have Riku as center, even though there are some risks.

Also, TRIGGER gets some food from Re:vale.

Chapter 7 Side Story II: Team Building Activities

Tsumugi proposes a game that will help communication within the team where 6 people will "gossip" about the one member that was chosen for that round. They will literally "gossip behind the other's back" (The 6 are not facing the one that was left out). They're allowed to praise the member, ask questions, or complain a little. This way, everyone will know how the other members see them.

Small aside: Tsumugi said that she was doing sit-ups and push-ups, and Mitsuki asks if she was planning on stopping them with brute force if something happens next time 😂

Banri walks in the room, so the boys start complimenting Banri. Tamaki says that Banri is super nice. Nagi says that Banri is the world's best office worker. Riku says that Banri is super cool.

Banri playfully asks what they would like as a side dish. Mitsuki and Yamato immediately call out his favoritism, and he tells them he was just joking.

They will start a practice round with Banri as the target. Tsumugi asks Sogo to start first.

Sogo is worried about Banri being able to catch the train because he gets off work so late. Yamato says that he heard Banri has a car. He wonders where Banri lives.

Tamaki wonders why Banri has long hair. Mitsuki says that it's because Banri has a good sense of style. He says that Banri would suit being a celeb.

Iori wonders how Banri tames fluffy things because they seem to be quite attached to Banri. Nagi says that Banri watched Kokona for Nagi. He thinks that Banri is into music.

Riku said that Banri wants to go to a hot spring because his lower back hurts from sitting too much. Riku wonders who Banri will go with.

Next up is Iori!

Mitsuki asks Tamaki about what he and Iori are doing in school. Tamaki says that they study in school. Riku asks for more embarrassing stories. Tamaki said that Iori was asked out by a girl the other day.

Yamato asked about what kind of girl she was. Tamaki said she's cute. Nagi asks about Iori's reaction, and Tamaki says, "He was kinda... nervous and fidgety... uhh... oh, her breasts were big... kinda?"

Iori: Please don't say things carelessly!

Mitsuki: Iori, you like girls with big breasts?

Iori: That's not it!! Please believe me, nii-san. (😂😂😂😂)

Tsumugi says that Iori is not allowed to join the conversation. Iori said that they've said enough, so it's Yamato's turn next.

Apparently, Nagi recently heard Yamato sleeptalk. Yamato said, "Mama!!" Yamato angrily says, "Don't lie, you jerk." Mitsuki reminds Yamato that he's not allowed to join the conversation.

Riku: So Yamato-san is the type of person to call his mom "mommy"! I would have never guessed. I call my mom "mom".

Yamato insists that he doesn't say "mommy". He also forcefully ends his round and passes it on to Mitsuki.

Mitsuki: Come on, old man. If you hurry too much, mommy's gonna scold you!

Yamato: Shut up!

Mitsuki goes next. Yamato was about to tell an embarrassing story about Mitsuki, but Iori quickly covers Yamato's mouth. He says that he will protect Mitsuki's honor. 😂

Nagi is curious. He wants to know if it's more embarrassing than that one drunk night where Mitsuki cosplayed as Kokona.

Mitsuki: Stoooppp itt!!

Sogo: You actually did?

Iori: Do you like to see? I have pictures. (with a soft smile)

Mitsuki: Hey, Iori! What happened to onii-chan's honor!?

Iori: Sorry, I...

Mitsuki: Seriously, you're all hopeless. Next! Tamaki!

Tamaki: ...What is this game? How long can you wait before retorting?

Mitsuki asks Sogo for a Tamaki exposé. Sogo starts a story about a time in front of a Japanese sweets shop, but Tamaki quickly shouts, "Out!". Riku is amused that they now have an "out" and "safe", like in baseball. Tamaki immediately passes it to Sogo.

Riku said that he recently saw Sogo become very red, even though Sogo was not drunk. Riku explains, "It was in the bathroom..." (the one with showers / baths). Sogo immediately cuts Riku off with an "out". Riku is happy that he got one out.

Yamato and Iori are amazed at how the game changed so much.

Next is Nagi's turn!

Yamato thinks it'll be hard since Nagi has no shame. 😂 Yamato starts with how Nagi went to work with his Kokona t-shirt. Nagi stays quiet.

Mitsuki: He's immovable.

Tamaki: The Immovable King of Enlightenment (He's referring to the Japanese Buddhist figure Fudō Myōō).

Riku said that Nagi patted an old man's head the other day because Nagi thought you can pat smooth heads for good luck, just as you would pat a jizou statue head.

Nagi stays calm.

Sogo: He's an iron wall...

Iori: Hmmm, I want to break it down somehow....

Tamaki: Oh I know! The other time, the manager's...

Nagi finally says, "Out." Tamaki cheers. Riku also cheers.

Nagi said that he had to stop Tamaki for Tsumugi's sake. Tsumugi is curious, but Nagi doesn't answer. He tells Riku to go next.

Banri enters the room to a game that he doesn't understand anymore. 😂

Nagi says that they will attack Riku with a six-hit combo. The others shout "Yeah!" together. Tsumugi cheers them on.

Banri is still confused. The end 😂

Chapter 8 Side Story I: A Video Time Capsule

After seeing some Music Festa interviews, Riku suggests that they should make a video time capsule! They would record about their current feelings and watch it together the next year.

Riku interviews Sogo and Tamaki! He asks about how Tamaki asked Sogo to withdraw from the group. Sogo said that Tamaki was super polite and even called him "Sogo-san". Riku playfully asks if Tamaki will call him "Riku-san" too if Tamaki wants something.

Tamaki says, "Riku-san, please lend me the camera."

Riku replies, "Ahaha! Nope! It's still my turn!" Tamaki proceeds to try to grab the camera himself, while Riku tries to keep the camera away.

Tamaki repeats, "Riku-san, please lend it. Please, please, please."

Riku replies, "Tamaki! You're even more shameless when you use 'san'!"

Nagi has the camera next! He is tailing some members of IDOLiSH7 with his (forced) assistant Iori to find a scoop! Apparently, Nagi wanted to larp as a paparazzi.

Mitsuki and Yamato acts like they don't know they're being followed really badly as they head to a ramen shop. Suddenly, Nagi tells Iori to take this chance to interview them. GO! GO! GO!

Mitsuki and Yamato pretend that they just found out they were being tailed and start to run away. Iori is shocked and unable to react.

Next, we have Riku interviewing Riku! Turns out he was imitating one of Tenn's interviews! XD

He wonders about where i7 will be in a year and worries that he will be embarrassed about himself today when he looks back a year later.

He also reflects on what happened with Sogo and Tamaki. He understands that Tamaki's situation is complicated, but Riku still wishes that Tamaki would choose to stay with them despite that. Riku resolves to work hard and get closer, so Tamaki will be able to say that next time. 🥹

Nagi gets the camera again! He shows the camera around his room, not forgetting a wink for fan service. Then, he talks about his current feelings and hopes. Nagi is currently very happy and is grateful for all the encounters he's had. He hopes that in a year, he will continue to be happy and that he'll get a slightly larger bed! 🤣

Sogo goes next. He said that he prepared a script for the interview, but Yamato found and hid it. Now, Sogo has no choice but to speak candidly. Sogo wonders if they will really not watch this video until next year. He wonders if he'll have enough courage to tell the others about his home situation. He talks about how he knew a musician that inspired him to become one himself and about how he's afraid that he might cause trouble for the others in the future. But he is determined not to lose anyone or anything this time. He hopes that their new song "Miss You..." will be a hit.

During Tamaki's turn, he wonders if Aya will recognize him. He thinks she will because he didn't change much. Then, he apologizes to everyone for his behavior recently. He tries to express how he's happy that he is part of an "us" (he says it in a very Tamaki way). Then, he resolves to work hard.

Next, we have Mitsuki! He's happy that they can appear on TV together and wonders when he should tell other friends and family about this appearance and if the other members have done so. Mitsuki wants to tell his friends and family as a way to thank them for supporting him for so long. He thinks that this might be his last chance. He says that he was surprised to hear that Yaotome Productions tried to poach Tamaki and Sogo and was really worried that IDOLiSH7 might end. He thanks Tamaki and Sogo for choosing to stay with IDOLiSH7. Finally, he ends with a message for himself: "Izumi Mitsuki, please keep singing next year. Make our childhood dream come true. As for me right now, I'll work my hardest so that you can stand proud." 🥹

Yamato struggles with what he wants to say. He decides to say cryptic words: "Are you there, me-in-a-year? .... haha.... Sorry, I don't think I have anything to say after all."

Finally, we have Iori! He observes that the i7 members are pretty nervous about this opportunity, which makes sense because it's their first TV appearance and a crucial moment for their future. He tells the members not to worry and that everything is going to be okay. He encourages the members to be confident in their abilities and potential. He believes that they will make it big. The interview ends with Iori hoping that no one makes a mistake.

[usamifriends]

Yotsuba Tamaki: The Clover Amidst Chaos

The number four is often seen as a bad omen in East Asian cultures because it sounds like the word death. I don't think it's a coincidence that the character with a deceased parent, Tamaki, represents number four.

Tamaki didn't have an easy life growing up. His father is probably an abusive alcoholic. His mother passed away from an illness when Tamaki was still young. What's more, he was separated from his little sister Aya, the only family member he had left, when she got adopted. His past situation seems to fit the idea of number four being unlucky; however, his name provides an interesting contrast.

Tamaki's full name is 四葉環 (Yotsuba Tamaki). His family name, Yotsuba, comes from the four-leafed clover, a symbol of luck. It is also the part of Tamaki's name with his representative number. By doing this, the writers turn the number four from a bad omen to a symbol of good luck. The story beautifully reiterates this reversal during IDOLiSH7's first local TV broadcast. When the local TV broadcast LIVE X LIVE offered to broadcast 5 minutes of IDOLiSH7's outdoor concert, the weather unfortunately hindered them. If bad weather isn't enough, lightning strikes down their sound equipment. The studio almost cancel their live broadcast because of the situation, but Tamaki steps up and starts dancing on his own. The other members support him by clapping, and the audience joins in. Because of Tamaki, IDOLiSH7 could keep its live broadcast and smoothly transition back to the song after losing sound. He and Sogo garner a lot of attention because of this specific moment, even the attention of President Yaotome. Tamaki, the group's number four, became IDOLiSH7's lucky four-leafed clover.

Tamaki (環) means a ring or loop to surround or encircle. These words remind me of connections and harmony. Perhaps his mother gave him this name in the hopes that he would grow up to be someone who could get along with anyone and form lots of connections. The meaning of his given name goes very well with the two side stories in Part 1 Chapter 3 where Tamaki struggles with conforming to rules that don't make sense to him. Iori tells him that if he wants to be with people, he has to learn to compromise. Agreeing with Iori, Tamaki thinks being completely free means being alone. Later on, Tamaki asks Sogo and Yamato if they think true freedom requires solitude. While it is true that living with other people requires us to compromise at times, Sogo and Yamato assure Tamaki that he does not have to be alone to feel free. From the way he cares for the members and the way he broke the dancing ban because other people wanted to see him dance, we know that while Tamaki is a free-spirit who feels suffocated by rules, he also wants to be around people and loves people deeply. The tension between freedom and the need to compromise in human relations is a central theme of Tamaki's growth; it is a question Tamaki continues to face even until Part 6.

Treat him to some King's Pudding if you see him this week!

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 6

Their First Fully-booked Concert

A detail that didn't make it in: Riku is does routine checks and consultations with his doctor about the concert.

Another little detail that's different: In the anime, it seems both Tamaki and Tsumugi were planning on showing some dancing, since they couldn't get sound (lightning took the sound out). In the game, Tsumugi put the spotlight on Tamaki. Tamaki realizes that she wants him to dance and dances. (I like the anime one better because it shows Tamaki's desperation to be on TV better.)

Dancing Beat didn't exist at this time, so the BGM that played was Joker Flag, hahaha. Dancing Beat was a perfect addition.

Sogo & Tamaki's Duo TV Appearance

The other members congratulate Sogo and Tamaki's boom in popularity. Yamato asks Tamaki how he feels about appearing on TV for the first time. Tamaki said that he wasn't noticeable enough, so he's not satisfied. The others seem to view Tamaki's reaction as childish, but Iori seems to notice that there's something more to this. He doesn't say anything, though.

Not much difference!

Side Story I - Member's Reactions to Riku's Illness

We start on an early morning with Riku crushing over Tsumugi because she kind and cute.

Riku gets surprised by Tamaki who greets him with a "Good morning". Turns out Tamaki has been there this whole time because he's worried Riku might get sick again.

Riku pats him on the head, which annoys Tamaki a bit. Tamaki asks how Riku is doing, and Riku replies, saying that he's doing good. Tamaki offers Riku some King's Pudding.... the half that he didn't finish eating 😂

Tamaki said that he ate half while waiting for Riku to wake up. He suggests that they should share. Riku agrees and thanks Tamaki. Then, Tamaki feeds him some pudding.

Tamaki is super worried because Riku had to be taken in an ambulance. He thought that Riku's heart had stopped. He starts asking about more details on Riku's condition. But Riku suddenly asks Tamaki to do a handstand because it'll give him energy.

Tamaki does a handstand! He can even maintain in with only one hand! Riku is happy; Tamaki is happy. And the world is colorful! ^o^

Next, we have Sogo visiting Riku in his room to check up on him. Turns out Riku was waiting for Sogo to visit~

Sogo apologizes to Riku for not realizing sooner. Riku tells Sogo that it's not his fault because Riku was deliberately trying to hide it. Riku also apologizes for not being open about it. Sogo also tells him not to apologize for that.

Riku thanks Sogo for always noticing when he's out of breath and telling him that he can rest, even before Sogo knew about his condition.

Sogo brought some hot tea and offers it to Riku. Riku gladly accepts it.

Sogo tells Riku that Tamaki was practicing handstands because it gives Riku energy. He asks if Riku wants to see him doing a handstand too. Riku is surprised but is excited to see Sogo do it. And he does! Though Sogo can't do it with only one hand like Tamaki.

At this moment, Mitsuki knocks on the door. Riku tells him to come in, and Mitsuki comes in walking in a handstand! Riku laughs gleefully. Then, Mitsuki and Sogo go back to standing normally.

Riku asks if handstands are popular these days. Mitsuki lightly whacks him and says, "Riku, everyone seems to be spoiling you, so I'll be a little harsher, okay?"

Riku sits up to seriously listen to Mitsuki, but Mitsuki makes him lie down again. He says that Riku can seiza in his head. Mitsuki starts scolding Riku for not being honest about his illness and makes Riku promise to be more honest about his condition in the future. Then, he empathizes with Riku's passion for his dream and praises Riku for being able to hold on for so long despite his condition.

Riku gets teary over this, so Mitsuki teases Riku a bit. Then, they talk about working hard together, so they can succeed and show people that it's not uncool to be working so hard for your dreams.

The next visitor is Nagi! It's around sunset by now. Nagi tries to do a backflip, but his feet hit the ceiling.

Riku says, "Nagi, you like to stand out don't you. It's boring to do the same old handstand everybody is doing?" Nagi replies, "Yes, as a celebrity, I want people to talk about me..."

Nagi brought a months worth of anime recommendations and edits for Riku to enjoy while resting. Riku tells Nagi that he doesn't need to rest for that long.

Nagi says that he felt lonely not being able to see Riku's smile. Riku replies by telling Nagi that he should've come earlier. The sun is already setting! Then, the two of them watch the sunset together.

Nagi tells Riku that Riku shouldn't feel like he's a burden to the team. He asks Riku not to suddenly disappear because he needs Riku. He also says, "Stay with me..." in English and also in Japanese.

Riku is amazed and says that he feels like he was in a movie! 😂 (Riku would be the ultimate friendzoner)

Nagi: ....Oh..... but I was being serious....

Riku asks if Nagi says these kinds of things to girls too. Nagi says that he says even more passionate things like, "My girl, I found out your secret. I can see your charming angel wings peeking out. Oh, it's just an illusion? Then, you must be my very own angel. How about a cup of coffee in exchange for this miracle?"

Our next guest is Iori! The fun background music actually cuts out as soon as he comes in! 😂

Iori says, "I don't want to be the 'closing act', so I came early. Also, I will not do a handstand." (Booo party pooper)

Riku asks, "Why? Everyone else did it. Nagi tried, even though he failed. Oh, is it because you can't do a handstand?"

Iori says that he can. Riku tries to get Iori to do it for him so that he can cheer up. Iori replies, "You look cheerful enough to me."

Iori says that he just stopped by to check on Riku on his way back to his room. He talked about how the performance they had in the rain went viral and praised Riku's performance.

Riku thanks Iori for stopping at the right time. Because of that Riku didn't collapse on stage, and the audience were able to remember it as a fun show.

Iori says that he's going to leave, but Riku asks him to do a handstand again. Not being able to say no to Riku, Iori agrees to do it once.

Riku tells Iori where to do the handstand because he wants to take a picture.

For the closing act, we have Yamato! Riku hypes Yamato for being the final person, making Yamato embarrassed.

Yamato brought TRIGGER's newest DVD for Riku. Apparently Yamato thought for a long time about what he should give to Riku. He thought that seeing Tenn's face would make Riku feel happier. Riku said that anything Yamato gave him would make him happy.

Riku calls Yamato kind for being the last to visit. Yamato is confused because he thinks a kind person would visit first.

Riku says that he's seen a few people like Yamato when he was younger. People like Yamato overthink about other's feelings because they are afraid of hurting others, even unintentionally. And that is a mark of a kind person. Riku ends by saying, "Good evening, Yamato-san. I've been waiting for you."

Yamato tries to put himself down, but Riku reads right through him. The conversation makes Yamato embarassed. He says that he's not used to serious relationships. Riku asks, "Aren't most relationships serious?" Yamato replies with, "Most of mine have been a farce." But he quickly changes the subject.

Riku asks Yamato to visit as soon as possible next time. Even if Yamato doesn't have anything to say, Riku will be happy just seeing Yamato's face. Riku says, "I won’t be hurt as much as you think, Yamato-san. And, you're actually a really kind person, more than you might realize. I can guarantee this. Since I grew up sickly, I've had lots of people treat me nicely, so I can tell those who are truly kind." Riku thanks Yamato for being so mindful of Riku and for visiting him.

Yamato promises that next time he'd come earlier and that he'd bring some R-18 magazines for the youngster Riku. Riku is shocked. Yamato teases him, "Oh, excited?" Riku denies saying, "Am not!" Yamato continues teasing Riku, and Riku continues to deny it.

Yamato also does a handstand!

Side Story II - After Party!

i7 holds a party after the Tamaki-Sogo standout concert! They have alcohol for the adults, oolong tea and juice for the kids, and yakisoba for all. Tsumugi went home because her dad told her to come back home.

Sogo introduces the names of alcohol to Riku. Riku finds it cool and wishes that he can drink with Sogo soon. He praises Sogo for not getting drunk at all. Yamato, sensing that Sogo might be getting drunk, tells Sogo to sit next to him.

Tamaki asks Sogo if he could mix drinks with the shaker. Sogo allows Tamaki but reminds him not to drink any alcohol.

Tamaki and the other underaged kids start messing with the shaker. Because they're making it for Sogo, they put tabasco in. Iori says that they should put some alcohol in, so Tamaki mixes in beer and vodka. Tamaki messes up and spills the drink everywhere.

Riku suddenly remember the bartender in his parent's show club. Tamaki asks Riku what a show club is. (!!)

Riku says that it's like a cabaret club.

Tamaki is shocked and asks if it's the explicit kind. Riku says that it's not, but before he could explain, Mitsuki whacks him on the head. He says, "Kids should talk about kid topics!"

Mitsuki asks for the class rep to step up. Nagi asks if Mitsuki is drunk, but Mitsuki ignores him and makes the kids count down to see who's the oldest. Nagi is the oldest, so Mitsuki says that he should be the class rep and make sure that the conversations are appropriate.

Tamaki observes that Mitsuki's face is super red.

Iori: When nii-san drinks, it immediately shows in his face. He's so good at communicating that he always makes it clear to everyone just how drunk he is. (This damn brocon)

Riku: Hey, I have something on my mind, can I say it?

Iori: What is it?

Riku: Iori, you're quite the brocon, aren't you?

Iori: Excuse me? I am analyzing this from an objective point of view. Don't lump me in with you.

Riku: Huh!? I'm also objectively observing that Tenn-nii is cool...!!

Tamaki tries to bring the conversation back to Riku's family business, but Nagi stops him out of fear for Mitsuki. He suggests that they use a code word to refer to risqué subjects. The code word Tamaki suggests is FSC. 😂

Riku explains that his parents' business isn't "FSC". They do live band performances and other shows. Tamaki asks if there were some "FSC" women there. Riku says that there were some people wearing sort of "FSC" clothing. Because he was a kid, he would hide in their skirts with Tenn.

Tamaki: That's sooo "FSC"!!

Riku: I was a kid!

Iori: If the question is about whether it's "FSC" or not, then it was "FSC", Nanase-san.

Nagi: Now, now, don't we all have endearing "FSC" stories? Even Sogo might have some "FSC" memories.

Sogo: ....!?

Riku and Tamaki say that Sogo doesn't look "FSC", but Nagi insists that while he doesn't look like "FSC", Sogo is actually "FSC". Iori seems to side with Nagi.

Sogo's face becomes pale. He drinks some more, but Yamato tells him to slow down. Yamato says that Sogo doesn't get red until "the switch" and that Sogo should tell him when Sogo is starting to feel tipsy. But before Yamato can finish, Sogo had already switched.

Iori notices something wrong with Yamato and Sogo. Riku says it feels like when you’re on a train, and the person next to you falls asleep and suddenly folds forward, so you can see the crown of their head right in front of you. Iori doubts that things like that would happen, but Riku said that Iori did that just the other day. (iirc Iori does fall asleep a lot. I mean hs + management stuff is a lot of work)

Sogo starts making his way to the kids. The kids try to figure out what he wants. Iori says that Sogo might want more drinks. Sogo says, "Iorin! Correct!", which shocks everyone. Yamato stops Sogo, saying that he'd definitely regret it in the morning if he continues exposing himself to the kids like this. Yamato tries to take Sogo back to his room but is stopped by Mitsuki. Mitsuki says that they're here to have fun together, so Yamato is not allowed to leave alone.

Yamato explains that he's just trying to take the drunk Sogo back to his room. Mitsuki asks if Sogo is drunk, and Sogo says that he's not drunk. Yamato says, "You're also drunk!! Go eat some lemons!!" and stuffs a lemon in Mitsuki's mouth.

Iori: What are you doing to nii-san!?

Nagi: Oh! Mitsuki! I'll save you. Lie down! ....AED!!

Nagi inflicts more pain to Mitsuki to Iori's dismay.

Tamaki yells at Sogo to get a hold of himself. He calls out the rest of the adults for being slobs, especially Sogo.

Sogo calls Riku to come closer. He whispers, "Tamaki-kun yells a lot, doesn't he..."

Tamaki is annoyed that Sogo is sneakily talking about him and whacks Sogo. Riku is happy because Sogo is fun. Sogo is happy because Riku thinks he's fun. Sogo asks Riku to sing, so Riku does.

Nagi finally gets the lemon out of Mitsuki's mouth and adds a wink as an extra service.

Iori is still mad at Yamato for stuffing Mitsuki with a lemon. Yamato defends himself, but Iori doesn't listen to him. Yamato ends up also stuffing Iori's mouth with a lemon. He says, "How about you have a lemon too!! From now on, I’ll call you the Lemon Brothers!" (WOW-)

Sogo: What? Did a new band come out?

Riku: Should I sing a song from the lemon brothers?

Iori: .....It's sour.... It's so sour....

Tamaki can't take it anymore. He stands on the table and starts yelling at the drunkards. Mitsuki scolds Tamaki for standing on the table. Tamaki pours his tabasco-beer concoction on everyone.

Sogo: ....ugh.... it hurts, but it tastes good...

Tamaki accidentally spills some on himself too. He can't open his eyes because it hurts.

Yamato: Whoot! That's a win for glasses!

Mitsuki: Shut up! Get some towels!!

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 5

Getting a New Song! (+ Apologizing to Yaotome Productions)

Small detail, but Tsumugi actually called and was yelled at over the phone first before going to the office for round 2. In the anime, we just see leaving to go to Yaotome Productions.

Tsumugi discusses with Banri about how the overall team morale of IDOLiSH7 has increased significantly after TRIGGER's concert. Takanashi papa overhears this and tells Tsumugi to call the boys for an announcement.

They are getting a new song!!

It's funny because game Takanashi papa was much more serious and toned down. He also speaks in a lower voice. They say the exact same lines: "I've been waiting for you to be ready to sing this song." But in sooo different ways.

Game Takanashi papa was like this:

Anime Takanashi papa was like this:

Anime Takanashi papa seems genuinely excited, like a fan. It's very interesting to see the differences in direction. I think they had a better picture of how they want each character to come off as when they were producing the anime. The small changes to Takanashi papa really sets the atmosphere of Takanashi Productions: warm, supportive, and free-spirited aka the best home for our IDOLiSH7 boys.

The game has an added scene where Iori asks about the writer of IDOLiSH7 songs. Takanashi papa chuckles and says, "That's a trade secret."

The other boys start discussing the writer of the songs in the practice room because Takanashi papa's response caught their attention.

Mitsuki observes that Takanashi papa seems to be quite proud about this writer. Riku wonders, "What if it's the president? It seems like a lot of feelings were put into writing them."

Tsumugi doubts that because she's never seen her dad write songs. Then, she says that she has to go out for something.

Nagi offers to accompany her, but Yamato volunteers instead. Yamato insists saying, "I spent the whole night thinking about the schedule for this date. Let me go this time, okay?" Then, he tells Tsumugi that he will meet her on the way.

Tsumugi waits as she tries to figure out Yamato's intentions. Yamato arrives in a suit, saying he knows that she's going to Yaotome Productions to apologize and wants to accompany her. The anime just skips the whole date thing and starts with Tsumugi and Yamato outside.

We suddenly cut to the practice room with the others. In the anime, Riku immediately brings Iori outside to talk, but in the game, he just shuts Iori’s mouth. Then, they continue practicing. (The anime version is so much funnier. I love it so much.)

Then, we jump back to Tsumugi and Yamato who meet Tenn on the way back. In the game, Tsumugi actually FANGIRLS right in front of Tenn (lmao but I get her): “…Wow…. It’s the real Kujou Tenn… You have such a small face! And you’re so cute! So cool!! You’re really like an angel.”

There’s an added Tenn line when discussing about Gaku: “He[Gaku] is scary, like a werewolf who transforms under a full moon. Roar!”

It was so surprising, I had to add it.

Tenn surprises Yamato who asks Tenn to go easy on Yamato and the rest because they’re all non-aggressive people. Tenn continues to tease Yamato, and Yamato plays along.

We go back to the practicing boys with Banri bringing them lunch. Tamaki reacts negatively to Sogo’s comment like in the anime, so Mitsuki asks for the real reason. Tamaki was actually about to share his reason, but Iori started talking at the same time. He didn’t cut Tamaki on purpose. He was walking from another side to talk about Riku’s sickness to the rest of the members and Banri (as shown in the anime). Riku muffles Iori’s mouth before he could speak and brings him out.

After trying to bribe Iori with ice cream or taiyaki, game Riku actually increased budget in the game to 1000 Yen (around 6.5 USD). But Iori will NOT be bribed! In his response, he actually calls Riku "Riku-san", which does not happen in the anime.

The flow of the scene is very different. In the anime, it starts as a funny squabble with Riku's cheap bribes. Then, they abruptly shift the atmosphere into one that is much more intense with Riku's: "I'll keep dancing even if it kills me."

In the game, it starts out as an outright fight. Even Iori's "Hey. Let go of me." sounds much more angry than the anime's. Right after this, he is hit by Riku's cheap bribes. Iori tends to speak less formally when he is emotional, so I think his "Riku-san" in the game scene was because he was bewildered. He just found out that his center probably has a serious chronic illness. As he was trying to tell the others, he gets forcibly dragged out and suddenly bribed with cheap food, which kind of makes light of the situation (even though Riku does not mean that at all). After this, Riku muffles Iori's mouth a second time, which annoys Iori. The tension is resolved when Riku proves to Iori that he is taking the situation as seriously as Iori is by saying, "I'll keep dancing even if it kills me."

Side note: When Iori gets emotional, he often addresses people less formally. We'll see that in a future scene in the game.

Iori calms down and returns to calling Riku “Nanase-san”.

During the performance in a typhoon, there were some details that changed. Tenn was worried because he heard there was a typhoon, not because he noticed Riku going out of breath. Also, Riku was about to go for another song, but Iori announces the end of the performance.

Riku's Dream Scene

Game Tenn asks Riku what kind of performance he wants to see. He offers The Wizzard of Oz and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Based on this, it seems like Riku and Tenn's parents had some kind of troupe or theater that does musicals and other plays. I like this because it explains Tenn's connection to musicals. In part 1, Banri said Tenn caught the attention of Broadway people + if you know you know ;-)

Also, Riku wakes up in his room instead of a hospital bed in the game.

Teasing Riku

After Iori calls Tsumugi to talk, which happens in the anime, we get an extra scene with the rest of i7 left in the other room.

Riku observes that Iori and Tsumugi would often go somewhere together and wonders what they are talking about.

Sogo asks if Riku is curious. Yamato teases Riku for wanting to know. Mitsuki jumps in saying, "Should I teach you how to say, 'Stop right there!'" (stopping Iori and Tsumugi lmao)

Riku says, "It's not like that!"

They also shuffled some scenes. For example, the scene where Tamaki talks about being followed by HS girls and the Iori & Riku fansite comes after Iori talks with Tsumugi in the game but before in the anime.

Side Story I: Nanase "Tenn's little brother" Riku

We start with Riku worrying that i7 will treat him differently, knowing that he is Tenn's younger twin brother. He didn't plan to tell them, but because he was overwhelmed at that time (having to face the reality of his brother leaving him and not being able to sing to process those feelings), he impulsively told everyone.

He's stressing quite a lot over this that it's starting to affect his health.

He wonders if he should tell the others about his sickness too, but he's scared that they'll make him leave IDOLiSH7. In the end, he decided not to think too much about it because it won't get him anywhere. He leaves to see the other boys.

He swings the door open and greets everyone with the sunniest, "Good morning!" (There is no sound for side stories, but I can hear his voice🥹)

Yamato and Iori greet him back. Mitsuki asks him if he wants to eat breakfast. Their response makes Riku happy because they're treating him as usual. (Happy Riku, happy life ^o^)

Well... that's what they say out loud, but in their minds, they are thinking wayy differently, haha.

Yamato: "That's Kujou Tenn's younger brother..."

Iori: "That's the younger brother of TRIGGER's Kujou-san..."

Mitsuki: "That's the twin younger brother of a super idol...."

Sogo: "I'm living with the younger brother of the person whose concert I went to yesterday...."

Tamaki: "Rikkun, I heard your older brother is in TRIGGER. You know, I gave him a piggyback ride yesterday."

Riku responds saying that he heard about that and asked if the bomb thing was a joke... 😭 Tamaki frustratedly shouts that everything he said is true!

Riku asks Tamaki about what was Tenn like. Tamaki says that Tenn gives him good vibes. Riku probes for more information, asking if Tenn talked about family or more about his health condition.

Iori asks why Riku is suddenly so fidgety about the topic. Iori observes that Riku spoke with more resentment that day before the live (yesterday). Iori asks, "Didn't you want to prove yourself to the heartless person who abandoned you?"

Riku is surprised that he came off like that. Tamaki says that he won't talk about Tenn again if Tenn makes Riku uncomfortable. Iori continues, assuring Riku that he will definitely be able to prove himself. Someone with a voice like Riku will not only prove himself but also surpass that "heartless person".

Riku gets mad at Iori for calling Tenn a heartless person. He says that he's going too far! Iori defends himself, saying that Riku said that himself. Riku replies, "Well... but Tenn-nii might have had his own reasons..."

Iori asks if Riku wants to reconcile with Tenn, but Riku quickly denies it. He adds that even if Tenn apologizes, Riku will never forgive him. Iori is confused.

Sogo understands Riku's feelings and says, "I am grateful for my family and love them dearly, but that’s also why I feel such deep resentment." Listening to Sogo, Riku thinks that just might be it.

Riku thinks, "I wonder if Sogo-san understands that feeling because he also abandoned his family..." Sogo reads Riku like a book and seems a bit sad.

Iori breaks the heavy atmosphere, saying, "That sounds complicated." Mitsuki comments, "Iori is sensitive, but his motives and goals are aligned. So these kinds of conflicting feelings might be hard to understand?"

Iori responds saying, "...No, I can understand them." Tamaki jumps in saying, "Don't force yourself to understand." Iori angrily replies, "I don't want to hear that from you!"

Iori explains that he wants Riku to be clear about his goals because indecisiveness may lead to less than desirable results. Riku retorts with "It's not that easy."

Iori says that it might not be easy, but if Riku doesn't sort his feelings out properly, he will end up regretting it later. Yamato takes Riku's side.

Nagi wonders why Tenn didn't try to enter the entertainment world with Riku when Riku is so good at singing. Mitsuki adds that Riku does not have good stamina, but he can work on that. Riku smiles and promises to work hard.

Iori:

Yamato speculates that it's out of rivalry because he can't think of any other reason.

Yamato leaves to go to Yaotome Productions with Tsumugi.

After meeting Anesagi, Yamato and Tsumugi introduce themselves and immediately apologizes.

Anesagi is furious and says, "Do you think that an apology is enough?" Anesagi can't believe that IDOLiSH7 started dancing just because they were "feeling pumped". If IDOLiSH7 could dance anywhere if they felt excited, then Yamato should dance right here, right now.

Yamato says that right now he's not exactly "feeling pumped" right now. Anesagi replies, "Then, I'll make you 'feel pumped up'. GO! GO! GO! GO! Well!? How about now!?"

Yamato shocked, says, "I.... I'm at about 70%"

Anesagi furiously retorts, "70%!? Then make up the rest on your own!! Do you rely on others to get things done?"

Yamato apologizes.

Anesagi criticizes Tsumugi for just blankly observing the situation even though she's the manager.

Tsumugi also apologizes. She also starts cheering, "GO! GO! GO! GO!"

Yamato is shoookk.

Both managers are cheering now....

Yamato decides that he'll just dance. He says, "I'm sorry! I'm pumped up now! 100% pumped! I'll dance. Manager, can you hold my suit jacket?"

Just as he was about to dance, Anesagi shouts in disbelief, "What!? You're dancing!? I thought you came here to apologize, but you're dancing!?"

Yamato angrily replies, "Then, what do you want me to do!!" Yamato quickly catches himself.

Anesagi continues to express disbelief.

We cut to TRIGGER who could hear Anesagi screaming from another room. This part is in the anime!

TRIGGER catches Tenn up on their beef with i7 because game Tenn was delirious. They show Tenn some pictures, and this is when Tenn learnt that Riku is in i7 in the game.

We get a funny scene about Gaku's impression of the i7 members. At first, he thought they were talented, but because of the audience stealing incident, he started seeing them as shameless people, especially the center. Tenn chokes at Gaku's assessment of the center. Gaku adds, "Wasn't he [the center] smirking with a sinister smile?"

Ryuu doesn't think that the center was smirking. He thinks they seem like good boys. Tenn says that Gaku is not a good judge of character and shares his experience with i7.

He talks about Tamaki's cheap taxi fares, Nagi's love for role-playing, and Yamato's passiveness. He adds that if anyone has a dark side, it would be Yamato. He also says that he doesn't mind i7 dancing because it means TRIGGER's stage was that infectious.

He says but does not explain that i7 will not be able to continue if they do not change their center.

Side Story II: Confronting Yamato

Mitsuki asks about Yamato's "date" with the manager. Yamato said that it was great. Mitsuki whacks him.

Yamato teasingly asks if Mitsuki is jealous. Mitsuki says, "Why didn't you tell us? I didn't appoint you leader to wipe my ass." (to make him do all the hard stuff).

Sogo joins in and also asks Yamato to be more open with the members because they want to share the burden with him.

Yamato tries to play it off as no big deal, so Mitsuki whacks him again. 😂 He tells Yamato not to take on these kinds of things by himself more forcefully.

Then, Mitsuki cues Sogo who says, "Thank you for doing that for us. You've worked hard, Yamato-san." Mitsuki chimes in with another "You've worked hard!"

Yamato calls them idiots and then thanks them. Mitsuki says, "That's our line." Then, he invites all three of them to go drinking. (It would be their first time drinking together)

Mitsuki says that he knows Yamato often drinks in his room and asks Sogo how much Sogo could drink. Sogo said this would technically be his first time. Yamato tells Sogo that he can count on Yamato to teach him. Mitsuki is happy that they get to introduce Sogo to alcohol.

Nagi and Tamaki are watching anime together in Nagi's room. They were crying over a touching scene when Tamaki brings up how Riku and Iori has been kind of weird lately. Nagi agrees. He feels like they're hiding something.

Tamaki thinks that they're fighting, but Nagi said that he saw Riku treating Iori to some nice food recently. Tamaki suggests that they should try out what Iori did to Riku. Nagi agrees.

Tamaki puts his ear on Nagi's back. Nagi says that it feels like someone is wiping their runny nose with his shirt and that it is very unpleasant. 😂

Tamaki: Oh, you found out. (L.M.A.O)

Nagi: SHIT.

Tamaki immediately apologizes, and Nagi tells Tamaki that he should be glad that Nagi is not wearing his Kokona t-shirt.

Next, Nagi muffles Tamaki's mouth and asks him how he feels. Tamaki, obviously, can't speak properly. Finally, Nagi releases Tamaki and Tamaki says, "That was on purpose, wasn't it." Nagi admits yes. Tamaki says that this is making his nose runny, and he wipes it on Nagi's shirt... again 😭

We see Iori in Riku's room. He is still trying to convince Riku to tell the others about his sickness. Riku refuses and insists that it's not that bad of a problem. He asks Iori to leave because he wants to sleep early.

Iori refuses because he can tell that Riku is about to have an attack. Riku lies, saying that it's just a cold. And tells Iori to leave because he doesn't want Iori to catch it.

Iori gets angry and says that he is worried about Riku. He threatens to tell the others, and Riku finally admits that he is about to have an attack. But it's not a bad one. Iori asks Riku to be honest and tell him everything because he wants to help.

Iori starts asking some questions, but it seems like Riku was answering more about his resolve rather than his true physical condition. Iori restarts and asks another question.

Iori: Am I... Are my expectations for your singing putting pressure on you?

Riku says, "No." He is happy that people are happy to see him dance and sing. He dreams of being for others what Tenn was for him. He wants to stay with i7 and says, "Instead of giving up on my dream and living to a hundred, I'd rather die singing a hundred year's worth of songs."

Iori is surprised that Riku used the word "death". Riku assures him that it's just a figure of speech. He assures Iori that he won't die because Riku has become stronger and the disease is not life-threatening.

Riku says that he's really happy to be chosen as the center because he feels needed. He says, "....For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm truly living for myself."

Iori calls Riku an idiot and says, "Even if there is someone with your level of singing but with a healthier body and more stamina than you, I chose you to be the center. Because you are truly valuable, IDOLiSH7's center, Nanase Riku-san."

Riku says that he's touched but adds a question, "Did you even have a choice? Shouldn't it be either our manager or the president?"

Iori also says that it's just a figure of speech. Riku teases him a bit. Then, repeats a "Thank you."

Riku asks for details on what his value is because he likes being praised. Iori says that it's a secret for now. Through Iori's thoughts we learn that Riku's value is in Riku's ability to make people love him. Iori says that while not everyone might wish for Riku's happiness, no one is rooting for Riku's misfortune.

Then, Iori talks about his own dream, which is to be of use to another person. He is glad that he finally found someone who he can support without hurting. He says, "Even if Nanase-san has to walk down a thorny path, if that is what he wishes, I can play the role of a demon king."

[usamifriends]

SECRET NIGHT

I love the song "SECRET NIGHT" because it perfectly captures the essence of TRIGGER as a group. Moreover, its placement in 1.4 was beautifully poetic.

"SECRET NIGHT" depicts a fleeting romantic relationship that exists in a line between reality and fantasy, filled with passion and deception. It is an interesting description of TRIGGER's relationship with their fans. Many parts of the song refer to the lights, particularly flashing lights. Both the lights and the brevity of a flash refer to a live concert, suggesting that this is about TRIGGER. The song's pre-chorus hints at the relationship's deceptive nature and describes a demand, or almost a threat, to unmask the deceiver.

キミの「本当」教えて? Show me the "real" you 隠された心は Your liesならば If your hidden heart is your lies そのななめ上から奪おうか I'll steal it from above

President Yaotome assigned marketable personalities to each member of TRIGGER to ensure their success. While I wouldn't call this a "lie" or a "deception" because I believe you can find parts of these personas in their real personalities. Yaotome saw those parts and exaggerated them into a new persona. The pre-chorus parallels Riku's relationship with Tenn, especially since Riku is Tenn's most long-standing and #1 fan. In Riku's dream, he chastizes Tenn for abandoning his family and only forgives Tenn after Tenn calls him on stage and explains that all he did was so that they can one day sing together on stage. Riku likely wanted to determine Tenn's true self through TRIGGER's concert: Is he a self-centered, fame-hungry person, or is he the deeply loving, angelic brother he once knew?

The chorus introduces another perspective to what might initially be perceived as deception, suggesting that it's not a lie but an existence between fantasy and reality.

行こうWake me up！〈醒めない〉 Let's go! Wake me up! (Can't wake up) 夢を一緒に 〈どこまでも〉 Let's dream together (wherever we go) 二人にTwilight 〈揺らめいて〉 as the two of us (sway) in Twilight I just fall in you I just fall in you

The singer suggests they are between dreams and reality, a liminal space encapsulated by the word "Twilight"ーa space between daylight and darkness, dreams and reality. The singer wants to wake up, perhaps because he wishes to bring this relationship to reality or because he does not want to be trapped in a lie.

The chord progression adds another layer of meaning to the singer's desire. The lyrics in the verses portray a whirlwind romance, but the B minor key (from what I can tell) in the chords hints at darker undertones. Then comes the pre-chorus, which connects the verses and chorus. The abrupt introduction of the C major chord, not part of B minor, matches the singer's sudden suspicion in the pre-chorus lyrics.

Surprisingly, despite suspecting deception, the chorus transitions into a G major key, suggesting that the singer does not perceive this discovery negatively. While his desire to "wake up" symbolizes a longing for honesty, the singer remains captivated by this liminal existence. Ultimately, realizing he cannot wake up, he "just fall[s] [into] you".

The chorus has an interesting connection to Tenn and Riku's dreams from the side stories, but mainly Riku's. Obviously, the chorus talks about dreams and waking up from dreams, which happens to both Tenn and Riku. However, the sentiment of the chorus matches Riku's feelings more than Tenn's since Tenn is mostly worried about Riku's health, topped with a dash of guilt.

Unlike all the other IDOLiSH7 members enjoying the performance, Riku observes Tenn intently. He never once smiles during the performance and has been anxious since the morning.

After learning about Tenn's condition from Yamato and Nagi, his expression changes to confusion and yearning (the feeling of missing someone).

Riku likely came to the concert thinking that he would be able to find some closure. Tenn's departure was so abrupt that he couldn't convince himself if he hated or loved Tenn. Riku wants to be woken up from his dreamーhis secret wish of singing with Tenn againーby finding solid evidence of Tenn's awful personality. However, watching TRIGGER's performance only deepens Riku's confusion. Learning about Tenn's determination, Riku realizes that Tenn is as admirable as he knew him. Tenn is earnest and responsible, performing for his current audience with the same passion he brought when singing for Riku in their childhood. At the same time, he struggles to reconcile Tenn's admirable traits with what Riku sees as a betrayal. Riku is stuck between love and lies and between his dreams of a reunion with Tenn and the reality of Tenn's departure. After the performance, Riku wants to sing so bad that he tears up.

In a 1.3 side story, we learn that Riku sings to release his emotions and express things he struggles to explain through words. In that sense, TRIGGER’s SECRET NIGHT might be the perfect song to convey his conflicting feelings.

[usamifriends]

About Riku & Tenn's Parents Club

So... Riku and Tenn's parents apparently had a "show club", which is often associated with more... mature or adults performances like a cabaret or nightclub. I thought that maybe it was more like a live house, but I think live houses are for bands. It's implied that the people in their parents' club danced because Riku said Tenn would sing and dance like the performers in the club.

So Tenn and Riku would watch these shows. And then Tenn would perform them for Riku when he's taking care of Riku.....

I just hope these boys were watching age-appropriate shows. 😅

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 4

Days Before TRIGGER's Concert

Turns out the 1st and 2nd side story got mashed into the beginning of the 4th episode! I completely forgot since it's been a few years since I watched the anime.

There are still some differences. For example, Tamaki did not try to skipping school. And the discussion with Riku, Mitsuki, and Sogo was with the whole i7 crew instead. They used this so everyone can say their feelings about the ban together.

The discussion about being freedom and being alone vs. compromise and being with others was completely skipped. (Personally, I think this is a bit of a shame because I think it's pretty important to Tamaki's character). Instead, they focused on Sogo not being able to be honest about his feelings and the contrast between Sogo and Tamaki's personalities.

Iori's observation on Riku's reaction to TRIGGER is different. In the game, he catches on Riku's feelings of rivalry towards Tenn and is happy about it. In the anime, he says, "When you stimulate pent up emotions, they explode at many times the intensity. I hope the stimulation you (TRIGGER) provide is of the strongest variety." It seems like he's picking up on Riku's frustration / stress because he is not allowed to sing. The statement is also an observation of the whole i7 as a group. It is a good way to summarize and wrap up the situation. He also feels so much like a manager because of this line.

Hours Before TRIGGER's Concert

The anime's explanation for Tenn's hospitalization is overwork. The game adds a bit more: it was raining rather heavily, but they weren't able to move the day of the shoot. So Tenn just pushed himself. The game makes it clear that Tenn did not get sick because he is reckless (in contrast to Riku). It was a situation he couldn't help.

Tamaki, Nagi, and Yamato find Tenn when he collapsed after getting off the taxi. Nagi immediately tries to do a mouth-to-mouth. Yamato tells him to stop because Tenn is still breathing.

Nagi: Oh...

Yamato: Stop with that "but I wanted to do that" look.

Tamaki approaches Tenn and asks him if he's okay.

The game makes it more obvious that Tenn's attitude completely changed after Tamaki says, "Oh, I'm not a fan. We're here to get some stimulation."

Nagi and Yamato pick up the change in attitude, but Yamato assumed that it's because Tamaki was being rude (saying TRIGGER's performance is just "some stimulation"). I think it's because Tamaki is not a fan.

We get to see the Nanase parent's reaction to Kujou taking Tenn away. Their father got mad and said, "Cut the crap!", while their mom started THROWING SALT. The woman was trying to purify the ground Kujou stepped on 😂😂 Riku was holding Tenn's hand, like in the anime.

The Concert

We get to see more reactions in the game!

Nagi and Yamato are amazed by Tenn's performance, even though he is performing with a fever. Riku is shocked. He seems astonished at Tenn's determination and dedication.

Iori notices that Gaku has a lot of fans. He is amazed at Gaku's skills and charm. Sogo comments that Gaku is currently the most popular rising idol in Japan.

Tamaki notices Ryuu because of Ryuu's dance. Mitsuki also likes Ryuu. He says, "He's got a good physique and does flashy moves that looks wild and sexy. That's nice..." It's the same line as the one in the anime, but the game delivery seems to emphasize more on Mitsuki's desire to be like Ryuu.

Iori asks if Mitsuki wants to be sexy like Ryuu. Mitsuki replies that he wants to be manly with a big body. They have the same interaction as the one in the anime, but it felt less like a joke.

After the Concert

They cut a bit from TRIGGER's backstage. Tenn collapses again, but Gaku and Ryuu are there to take care of him. Then, Tenn says, "I love you guys". This is also shown in the anime.

The game adds some scenes with Tenn. Tenn said that he feels so good that he can see the stars. Ryuu is understandably worried hahaha. I think the game was hinting that Tenn said, "I love you guys" because he was delirious. After all, it's not something Tenn would normally say.

Like in the anime, Anesagi comes in the room furious because of IDOLiSH7. Gaku also gets mad after Anesagi explains what was going on outside because Tenn performed at the expense of his own health.

However, game Gaku seems much more angry than anime Gaku. He was about to go out and settle things himself.

Ryuu tries to stop Gaku, saying that if Gaku goes outside, things will get out of control. Gaku says that, that's just what he wants. Ryuu tries to get Tenn to help calm Gaku down.

But Tenn is just GONE 😂 He was singing, "Twinkle~ Twinkle~". He seems actually conscious in the anime. Tenn's reaction to Anesagi in the anime:

Side Story I - Riku, Tenn, and Bombs

The story starts with TRIGGER's concert. Strangely, only Tenn-nii is on stage 😆

As people shouted for Tenn, Riku feels wronged. He feels Tenn abandoned his family to do this. However, suddenly, Tenn makes an announcement for a special guest!

That special guest is none other than his little brother Riku! Tenn calls Riku on stage. Riku pretends that he hasn't forgiven Tenn but goes on stage anyways.

Tenn apologizes to Riku on stage and says that everything he did that day (when he left Riku) was for this day (to call Riku on stage and perform together).

Riku asks him if he's telling the truth. Tenn assures him and tells him to wave to the audience. Riku suddenly changes into his MONSTER GENERATiON clothes and happily waves at the audience.

The audience goes wild~~

Riku is overjoyed. He said that this feels like their parents old club. Tenn agrees. He is happy that their dream finally came true. He, then, urges Riku to pick up the mic, so they can sing together.

Right before Riku could say the song title that he and Tenn were going to sing together, Iori interrupts his dream and brings him back to reality.

Iori asks Riku what he was dreaming about because Riku was smiling in his sleep. Riku says that it was a dream that he really didn't want to see. Iori doubts him because Riku looked so happy.

Riku repeats that the dream did not make him feel happy. And even though he did that in the dream (join Tenn on stage), he values IDOLiSH7 more now. Iori doesn't understand. He reminds Riku that he doesn't know what Riku dreamt about, so he doesn't understand what Riku is referring to.

Riku tells Iori that he's happy Iori didn't see his dream because Iori would surely be disappointed if he did. Riku continues, convincing the clueless Iori that his dream is definitely to be with IDOLiSH7.

Iori still doesn't understand, but says, "I believe in you" because Riku's eyes looked so earnest. Iori tells Riku to get ready because today is the day of TRIGGER's concert.

We see a shortened version of this in Vibrato Episode 3. Sadly, there was no scene of Iori saying, "I believe in you" to Riku, despite not understanding a thing :'(

The rest of the side story talks about the bomb incident, which was wonderfully adapted in Vibrato 3-4!

Side Story II - Sogo and Mitsuki's Music Talk

Mitsuki and Sogo talk about concerts while waiting for Yamato, Tamaki, and Nagi.

Sogo says that this is his first time going to an idol concert, but he goes to band concerts quite often. He continues talking about the joys of moshing and stage diving (My guy Sogo is a party lover at heart).

Mitsuki doesn't seem to understand anything Sogo was referring to, so Sogo reroutes the conversation to idol concerts. He asks if Mitsuki goes to them often (This really feels like when your friends can't follow your nerding 😂 I feel you Sogo!).

Mitsuki does! He goes to both male and female idol concerts. Mitsuki usually supports all the members of the group, but he also gets the feeling of excitement people get when they scream for their bias. Mitsuki expresses his excitement to get the silver tapes from tonight's concert, since they've been popular lately.

Silver tapes are tapes given during concerts. They will often include handwritten messages from the members of an idol group.

This time, it's Sogo's turn to not understand 😆

Mitsuki comments that concerts can look so different depending on the kind you're attending. Sogo agrees. He says that he's not used to having an assigned seat in concerts and asks Mitsuki to tell him if he's doing anything improper during the concert.

Mitsuki tells Sogo to be mindful of the people around you when waving your fans or light stick and that he should wave them around shoulder height.

Some great fans by fans: "I'll support you forever", "I love you, Gaku-sama", "Ryuunosuke love", "Tenn-kun is an angel"

Mitsuki actually brought a homemade fan! (I wish we could've seen it 🥺) Sogo wishes he made one himself too.

Mitsuki asks Sogo how he started liking TRIGGER.

Sogo first encountered TRIGGER in a music festival! He really liked their voices and got addicted after the festival. He was surprised to find out that they were idols. He's amazed at how they were able to sing such songs while dancing.

Mitsuki happily exclaims, "Aren't idols amazing?" Sogo smiles and says, "Yes!" They both renew their determination to debut.

Mitsuki suggests that they should buy commercial fans because idols may give you some fanservice if you have a solo fan (a fan about only one member).

Sogo can't seem to choose between the three, so he asks which one Mitsuki wants to buy. Mitsuki proudly declares that he'll get Yaotome Gaku's fan. Mitsuki likes Gaku because Gaku always gives his all and because Gaku's face is Mitsuki's type!

Sogo decides that he'll get Tenn's or Ryuu's.

The anime only includes the part where Mitsuki and Sogo decide on whose fans they're going to get (minus the Gaku's face is Mitsuki's type and why he likes Gaku!).

There's also a funny part where Mitsuki and Sogo are so sure that the trio won't be late. As the audience, we know they'd be late because of the bomb case.

Side Story III - The Concert from Tenn's Perspective

The story starts with TRIGGER's concert from Tenn's perspective. Tenn is taken aback, seeing Riku in the audience.

He hesitates naming the song TRIGGER was going to perform because Riku calls out to him.

Riku says, "Tenn-nii! Tenn-nii, are you happy now? After leaving your family behind and finding happiness for yourself and only yourself, are you happy?"

Tenn ignores Riku and a attempts to name the next song again. Riku shouts, "Don't pretend like you can't hear me!"

Tenn steels his resolve and calls out, "SECRET NIGHT!" This triggers Riku's attack, which Tenn notices. The audience goes wild.

Seeing that no one seems to notice Riku's condition, Tenn begins to call out, "Riku...! ...Someone please notice! He's having an attack! Someone please help him leave!"

Despite his calls, no one seems to notice. Instead, they seem to call out even louder for Tenn.

Tenn becomes more desperate and says, "Please save Riku! Don't crush him! Someone please...!"

Then, Tenn wakes up from his dream, delirious with a fever. He calms himself down and makes his way to the concert hall.

We cut back to Ryuu and Gaku discussing about how they will split up Tenn's part among the two of them. Anesagi gives them some suggestions about the performance and tells Gaku to message Tenn if he's that worried.

Ryuu suggests that they should wear Tenn's T-shirt and send Tenn a message. Gaku shuts the idea down, saying that this will be used to mock him until the day he dies. Anesagi worries that she won't fit in the T-shirt because she gained some weight.

Ryuu reassures her that she's always pretty. Anesagi thanks Ryuu and comments on how Gaku is like his dad: he's only nice to girls he actually likes. Gaku says he's not like his dad and flippantly tells Anesagi that she's beautiful. Anesagi doesn't believe him.

After more bomb scenes and Mitsuki + Sogo fan merch shopping scenes, we cut to Riku and Iori. Now, they've arrived at the concert hall.

Iori notices that Riku has been pretty quiet since they left the dorm and that Riku looks a bit pale. Riku tries to reassure Iori that nothing is wrong.

Iori realizing that Riku is still bothered about something says, "...As I have said this morning, I don't know what kind of dream you had last night since I cannot see it. But in reality, you and I are looking towards the same dream. And that is IDOLiSH7. I don't know what happened, but I hope you can feel better."

Riku: "Huh? What did you say? Sorry, I was spacing out...." (😂😂😂😂 Iori has been shooting love arrows all morning, but it seems like he missed all of them LOL)

Iori: "...Could you please make sure not to miss when someone is speaking from the heart?"

If you have some time, why not rewatch one of TRIGGER's classics: SECRET NIGHT!

[usamifriends]

On Iori's Attitude

As I mentioned, Iori's attitude and words seem to be affecting Riku more in the game. And it makes sense because Iori's words are quite harsh. He says things like "You’re unreliable" or "Please act more like your age". But, like Mitsuki says, he’s not actually annoyed with Riku and Tsumugi. In fact, he can't help but want to take care of people like them.

This misunderstanding-causing attitude of his can be traced back to his upbringing. We get to see a little bit of the Izumi family dynamics in Iori's 2017 Birthday Rabbit Chat (The card with the photobook). Iori's mother is quite the airhead—she once mistook a 1,000 yen bill for a 10,000 yen one—while his father seems to be more put together. He speaks formally like Iori. (The Izumi bakery relies on Izumi mama's exceptional tastebuds + Izumi papa's damage control organization skills). In the chat, we see that Iori also speaks rather harshly to his mother:

Iori's mom: Looking at a book filled with your pictures made me cry. You're all grown up now. Iori: Mom... Iori's mom: You're no longer the Iori who would sob because his Mitsuki nii-chan has to go to school. You were so cute back then, crying, "Make the school go awaaay~~~" Iori: Mom! Iori's dad: How nostalgic. We didn't know how to calm you down. In the end, we'd bring you to the shop, and you'd quietly stare at the cakes. Tsumugi: Just imagining it makes me feel bad for him...! I didn't expect the cool Iori-san would have such a cute moment. Iori: No, that’s just my airheaded mother's delusion. Please do not believe a word she said. Iori's dad: Now, Iori, that's no way to speak to your mother. Iori: B-but Iori's dad: Iori? Iori: I'm sorry...

Iori tells his mom that she is "airheaded" and "delusional". While these words may come off as extremely disrespectful to outsiders, his mother and the rest of his family doesn’t seem to mind, as seen by the fact that neither his mother nor his father was very mad or offended by Iori's words. As seen, Iori's father scolds Iori rather calmly. Afterwards, his mother just comments on how Mitsuki lectures people like his dad. It didn’t seem like she cares either.

As Tamaki observed, Iori tends to spend his time at school alone. Iori says it’s because he’s not good at socializing. This means of his conversations take place within his home. This may explain why he hasn’t fully considered how his words can impact others, particularly those who don’t know him well. It’s only after meeting Riku that Iori starts to really think about his choice of words (instead of just choosing to disengage). Interestingly, this aspect of Iori mirrors Riku, who also expresses his thoughts and opinions without much concern.

tl;dr

Iori is used to speaking harshly way with his family. No one in his family ever gets hurt from the way he speaks because they all know he's just all bark no bite, haha!

That being said, Iori does need to learn how to phrase things more nicely or to just...

Spend more time with Riku 😆

[usamifriends]

Mitsuki's Admiration for Zero

Part of the Game's 3.2

Mitsuki: "Tamaki, you too!! It's not time to be eating takoyaki!"

Tamaki: "I couldn't take my eyes off of it while dancing."

Mitsuki: "Shut up!"

Tamaki: "Negimayo" (about the takoyaki)

Mitsuki: "That looks yummy... I mean, shut up!"

Iori: "Nii-san, your true feelings are showing..."

It's intereting how Mitsuki is the angriest in the group about the encore becoming a mess. Iori even chuckles a bit in that last line, but Mitsuki is very serious the whole time. It shows just how much Mitsuki respects and admires Zero and the idol profession.

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 3

The Dorm

It was hinted but not explicitly stated in the anime, but i7 worked for their dorm! After performing in school festivals and on the streets (like they did in the anime) and by selling CDs in malls, they finally got a dorm.

We also get details on the building. It was a renovated employee building. Because of that, the members will have to share the kitchen and bathroom, which we see in the anime.

I love that we are able to see more of the dorm. The BGM that plays during the house tour is also great.

Not sure why, but they scrambled some of the lines. For example, in the anime, Tamaki says he wants the corner room, but in the game, Yamato says he wants the corner room.

There's an added detail about Tamaki's upbringing. Riku and Sogo mention that Tamaki has a habit of collecting stickers from canned juices and bread. (Tamakiii... 🥺)

Trivia about the stickers: Some products will have a special sticker that you can collect to get certain rewards.

Above are stickers that you can use to exchange for plates from the Yamazaki Spring Bread Festival. There's even a Crayon Shin-chan episode (ep. 961) about collecting stickers to get a trip to Europe 😆

Riku's comment when Iori leaves with the manager to continue their talk from before (about joining the management team) is a bit more self-depracative:

"Iori often scolds me too. Since he does everything so well, I must seem unreliable to him, even though I'm older." (Game)

"Iori likes to lecture people. I seem to annoy him in particular." (Anime)

His tone is also much calmer in the game. It feels like Riku is quite bothered by this... ;-; C'mon Iori, we can do better. (He will do better!) In the anime, it sounds more light-hearted, like an "oopsie daisy" type of comment.

Mitsuki then explains that rather than seeing them (Riku and Tsumugi) as annoying / unreliable, they're the types of people he loves to take care of.

Iori and Tsumugi talk about the center

Iori has more of an attitude during this scene in the game. The anime used this scene to show his softer side. It's really nice because you hear Mitsuki talk about how Iori actually is and then you can see it right away.

Iori as he listens to Tsumugi explain her vision for i7.

Riku: the Center!

There are some extra scenes about the members reacting to Riku becoming the center.

Everyone is supportive, like shown in the anime. But Nagi also asks about when they can battle for the center position. Sogo confirms that no one really wants to challenge the decision. Nagi calls them "vegetarians" (in English). In Japanese, that word means someone who is passive. I find it funny because we don't have that meaning associated with vegetarian in English. The anime made the right choice to remove it 😂

Riku's reaction is also different! In the game, Riku went from disbelief -> nervous -> proud -> determined. After being congratulated by all the members, he said that he feels a hole is going to form in his stomach. In the anime, he was surprised -> happy -> moved to tears-> determined.

The game adds some details about how becoming the center affected Riku's performance.

Sogo comments that although Riku doesn't have stamina, he will give his all until the end.

Idol Self-Awareness Meeting

Hoo boy! The atmosphere is completely different here.

The scene where Tamaki and Nagi were fooling around when fans were asking for an encore is much more light-hearted in the anime; the scene ends comedically with Mitsuki shouting.

In the game, instead of drooling at a takoyaki stand, Tamaki was actually eating takoyaki. And because Tamaki and Nagi were fooling around, fans left saying, "Oh, it's fine if you can't do it. Excuse us." The situation was much more tense. It feels like a reality check. These people come from all sorts of backgrounds with all sorts of motives. It's weird that everything has been going so smoothly so far.

The anime and game meeting also differs greatly. The BGM and pacing of the anime scenes keep an upbeat and silly feeling.

In the anime meeting, Mitsuki says that Nagi and Tamaki aren't focused enough. They are often sleep in, come late, and are unsynchronized when they perform dances. The game goes further by adding that they frequently cancel unexpectedly, which is a serious problem.

Nagi and Tamaki does not seem to care about Mitsuki's criticisms. Mitsuki's frustration grows with their responses, along with the volume he uses to scold them.

Exasperated, Mitsuki tries to get the other members to help him. He turns to Yamato, but Yamato is a more hands-off person. Unlike in the anime where Riku pipes in on his own, Mitsuki asks Riku to give a comment in the game. Riku struggles to firmly scold them.

After this, we dive into classic Ainana chaos ✨

Sogo and Tamaki argue about how they should act as an idol group. Tamaki believes that he is doing enough, while Sogo believes that they should make sure not to cause trouble for anyone. And Tamaki is causing trouble, so he is not doing enough (This part is the same as the anime).

Sogo compares Tamaki to Iori, like in the anime. But then we get some extra comments. Iori says, "Oosaka-san... It's unfair to compare him to me." Riku responds with something like “Are you trying to boast or show empathy?”

Sogo continues his lecture. Tamaki cuts him off with an apology and decides to leave for a walk. Mitsuki tries to get Nagi to apologize to, but Nagi is completely glued to the TV, watching Magical Kokona.

Basically! It’s chaotic like in the anime, but the atmosphere is much more tense.

Before Tamaki actually leaves the room, Iori says, "Let's take a break from performing." Both use the same line but with different tones. Anime Iori sounds more relaxed, while game Iori sounds more stern and concerned.

Riku asks, "Huh... Why would you be able to decide something like that, Iori?" Iori adds, "...That's what our manager is saying". Then, we go to the scene with Iori and Tsumugi's discussion.

One-Month Suspension

During their one-month suspension, we get to hear about why each of them want to become idols. Game and anime conversations go mostly the same.

Iori and Tsumugi's conversation is slightly different. When Tsumugi asks Iori why he became an idol in the anime, he immediately opens up about how he became an idol so that Mitsuki can get scouted with him. However, in the game, Iori dodges the question at first, saying that he became an idol because Tsumugi's father scouted him. Only after Tsumugi probes further does he reveal the true reason. He also asks Tsumugi to keep this a secret from his brother. Game Iori is more sensitive about this topic.

Side Story I: How they spent their one-month suspension

Nagi does a complete 180 after being moved by Mitsuki's passion. He promises to be more focused.

We get an extra conversation with Mitsuki and Nagi. Since they are not allowed to sing or dance, Mitsuki and Nagi were alone together in the dance practice room just chatting. Mitsuki notices some flowers in the shade. He is impressed that they were able to grow without sunshine.

Nagi pities the flower and says that if it were him, he would have grown a pair of legs and moved to a place with sunshine. Mitsuki responds saying, "That's so you." Mitsuki thinks that Nagi feels like someone who grew up thriving under a cozy and warm sunlight.

Nagi asks if it's different for Mitsuki. He says that Mitsuki is like the sun. Mitsuki laughs and thanks him for the compliment but says that he's more of the type that would stay in the shade and admire the sun.

Mitsuki adds that it's not a bad thing to grow under the shade because once you get exposed to sunlight, you'll grow rapidly. He circles back to their current situation and encourages Nagi, saying they should both cherish these feelings of wanting to sing and dance.

Tamaki enters the room to Mitsuki's surprise. He was supposed to go to school (Iori left already). Tamaki slept in, so he thought he'd just skip.

Mitsuki scolds Tamaki and tells him that he should get a better schedule, so Tamaki points out that Yamato is still asleep. Mitsuki comments about how Yamato is being a bad example. Mitsuki tries to convince Tamaki to go to school and to also talk to Sogo afterwards, but Tamaki doesn't want to do it.

Sogo walks in the room and asks about Tamaki's school. Tamaki lies, saying that he has a substitute holiday. Mitsuki quickly points out his lie and smacks Tamaki. Sogo and Tamaki get into another fight. Tamaki leaves for school to get out of another round of Sogo's lecturing.

Sogo feels bad because they ended up fighting again. Mitsuki says that Tamaki does need a bit of scolding because he is a bit too laxed. Mitsuki asks if Sogo can wake Yamato up and suggests Sogo to shout in Yamato's ear.

It seems like Yamato woke up and fell asleep again in the living room. Sogo was about to shout in Yamato's ear (LOL) but Yamato sensed Sogo before Sogo could do it. Yamato told Sogo to stop emitting such a tense aura near his pillow.

Sogo asks if he talk to Yamato about something. Yamato asks him what's up. Turns out Sogo was unconsciouly humming while he was listening to music last night. He came to apologize to Yamato, who is i7's leader, and is ready to accept any punishment. (You can tell Sogo had a really strict upbringing.)

Yamato laughs because of how Sogo takes everything so seriously. He tells Sogo that he is the leader in name only. Yamato won’t punish or judge Sogo. He tells Sogo that Sogo should be his own judge and that Sogo should only come to Yamato if he wants Yamato to praise him. (Awwww)

Riku arrives! He wants to help out with something, maybe shopping or some cleaning. But Sogo did everything already. Riku looks sad that he can't help out. But he quickly regains composure and apologizes for reacting judgementally when he found out Sogo abandoned his family for music. Sogo also apologizes for letting Riku down, even though they were getting along so well.

Riku says it's not Sogo's fault and asks if they could make up. Sogo agrees. Riku asks if Sogo wants to do a lesson with him afterwards. Sogo reminds him that they are currently under a singing and dancing ban.

Riku is a bit disappointed. He says that after he makes up with a friend or after something good happens, he lines to sing loudly and dance with all his might. It's his way of releasing all the emotions from inside his body. All the things that he can't express well comes pouring out along with the rhythm. Sogo can understand this.

Riku says that Tamaki probably feels the same way too. Even though Tamaki is a bit sloppy in daily life, he is always full of energy while he is dancing. Tamaki uses dance to express things that he can't express through words, since he is not very good at expressing things through words. Riku feels that Tamaki is most affected by this ban.

We cut to a scene with Tamaki and Iori. Tamaki says, "Let me go, Iorin...! I just danced a bit after school because they asked me to!" Iori reminds him that dancing is prohibited. Tamaki thinks that the ban only applies to him as part of IDOLiSH7, so he should be a allowed to dance in his own time.

Iori says that since Tamaki joined IDOLiSH7, he carries the IDOLiSH name everywhere he goes. Tamaki is upset because he feels like he's being shackled. Iori asks if Tamaki plans to quit if Tamaki can't do what he wants. Tamaki angrily says that he never said that.

Iori tells Tamaki that if he wants to be free, he should be alone. If he wants to be with other people, then he needs to accept having to adjust and compromise for other people.

Tamaki: "Quit acting like you know it all. You're the one who's always sitting alone in class. Ah... I'm not calling you a loner, but aren't you also choosing to be free by being alone?"

Iori explains that he struggles with social interactions, but whenever he does connect with others, he makes it a point to take responsibility for those relationships. He believes that if he’s going to engage, he should be accountable for the impact he has on others. Tamaki says he won't take responsibility over someone who's not even his sibling.

Iori expresses his admiration for Tamaki's dancing technique and expressiveness, saying he's glad Tamaki is part of IDOLiSH7. He believes that with Tamaki on the team, their popularity is bound to grow, and he wants Tamaki to feel the weight of those expectations.

Tamaki, confused, asks, "I don’t really get it, but was that a compliment?" Iori replies, "No, it was not." "Then I don’t care," Tamaki retorts. Finally, Iori, feeling a bit embarrassed, admits, "I was praising you."

The side story ends with Iori telling Tamaki to not dance if he wants to stay with the group.

Side Story II - 3 Weeks After Their Suspension

Yamato goes to Nagi's room because Yamato got Nagi's laundry. Turns out Nagi was watching other groups' live performances, not anime. He wants to show Mitsuki his good side. Yamato hopes that Tamaki can feel similarly too.

Tamaki is really not handling it well. He has reached his limit at this point. He wants to talk to the manager about lifting the ban.

Tamaki: Isn't it weird? If you tell me to dance and sing as an idol, I can understand, but why would you tell me not to dance? The manager is weird. Riku: Don't say that! Our manager has put a lot of thought for us! Iori: That's right. If you're going to complain to her, just say it to me. Riku: ...Why? Iori: Huh? Oh... Ahem. She is probably busy, so I'll tell her in your stead. Riku: Iori, are you close to the manager? Iori: Nanase-san, let's focus on the topic here. Riku: Anyways, don't do it, Tamaki! Let's hang in there a little longer! Tamaki: You two are making it seem like I'm bullying the manager.

Sogo comes in the room. Riku explains that Tamaki wants to speak directly to the manager (Riku... you're making Tamaki sound like a Karen 😭 Let's find better ways to word things).

Sogo tries to calm Tamaki down and says that Tamaki might scare her if he acts like that. Tamaki is frustrated because he's being treated like a bad person. Tamaki angrily leaves the room. Riku feels bad. He thinks he might have gone too far. Sogo tells Riku and Iori to return to the dorm. He will talk to Tamaki.

Sogo tries to convince Tamaki to go home. Tamaki brushes Sogo off, saying Sogo doesn't understand how much Tamaki loves dancing. Sogo explains that it's not easy for him either. He's just used to putting up with things he doesn't like, but he understands that it may be hard for a free-spirited person like Tamaki.

Tamaki asks if being free implies being alone. Sogo doesn't think so because you can be not free and still alone. They discuss about how navigating through human relationships is hard.

Sogo asks if Tamaki still wants to talk to the manager and offers to accompany him. Tamaki decides he’ll try to hold on a bit longer. Then, Sogo talks to Tamaki about TRIGGER. He thinks Tamaki will like TRIGGER too because everyone in the group is cool like Tamaki.

We cut back to the dorms with Riku and Iori. Riku was looking at a TRIGGER DVD. Iori praises Tenn for being an outstanding performer and center and asks if Riku is watching TRIGGER as a reference. Riku says he’s not and that he won’t look at it anymore. Before Iori could say anything else, Riku leaves for a bath.

Iori notices that Riku seems to feel a sort of rivalry towards TRIGGER. He is happy that Riku is determined to do well.

Finally, it’s the day before TRIGGER’s concert. Nagi and Tamaki plan to wake up early to show off to the others. Yamato decides to join them as well.

[usamifriends]

Iori: Cute things? I hate them. They are disgusting!

Also Iori: wears cat-themed shirts

Sweetie, the only one you're fooling is yourself 🤭

[usamifriends]

Game vs. Anime First Impressions: Riku & Iori

I feel like Iori's first impression in the anime is more of an arrogant, precocious brat with a sharp tongue (I still love you Iori), while in the game he comes off as more awkward. You can tell that he's a 刀子嘴豆腐心 (someone with a sharp tongue but a soft heart).

Similarly, you can feel Riku's sadness about Tenn much earlier in the game. When he talks to Sogou about his brother, he sounds much more serious unlike the happy tone he has in the anime. The anime hides Riku's brooding side much more than the game.

In general, I think the anime does a good job of making the character's first impression match how most people would see them. In the game, we get a lot of hints to their true personality even from the beginning.

Personally, I like the anime’s way of presenting the characters better. But the game situations can be cute, and I love getting extra scenes of characters I love 🥹

[usamifriends]

Random Thought

Iori first says, "I like sleek and stylish things." Then, clarifies that he likes "sleek and stylish stationery". Maybe he thinks, "If I can't get something I like, then I should at least get something useful." If he gets popular, he won't need to worry about school supplies anymore xD

[usamifriends]

IDOLiSH7 Anime vs Game Comparisons

First Beat - Episode 2

Trigger TV Appearance

Both in the anime and game, our first introduction to Trigger is through a TV appearance that Tsumugi and Banri (and Takanashi papa in the anime) watched together. BUT! The anime didn't include the fact that Tsumugi is a trigger fan. :(

Tsumugi says their songs are cool, and all three have them has this aura to them.

In the anime, Takanashi papa is the one that says all three are good at dancing and that Tenn caught the attention of some Broadway directors. But in the game, Tsumugi says all of this.

i7 First Meeting with Kinako

This part was completely skipped in the anime, which is understandable.

In the game, when Tsumugi announces their first live, Kinako suddenly jumps in!

Mitsuki: “So you’re called Kinako, huh! How cute~” Mitsuki asks if he could hold Kinako and Tsumugi says yes.

Iori: “What’s so cute about this fluffy and disgusting thing…”

Riku: “You’re being all sarcastic? But Kinako is cute, right?”

Mitsuki asks if Riku wants to hold Kinako too, but Riku says no (because of fur)

Group Picture

The interactions are a bit different!

In the anime, Iori says, “Wow, Nanase-san, you’re so wonderful. So cool.” to tease Riku says he likes superheroes. In the game, Riku was worrying about his bed hair, and Iori says that line in response to Riku’s worries. He’s basically trying to just get things moving hahahah

In the game, when Nagi tells Mitsuki not to hide and Mitsuki says “I’m not hiding. I’m just short”, Nagi adds, “Oh! You need secret boots.” (In English) To which Mitsuki responds, “Shut up! You lanky beanpole!”

Yamato catches Sogou looking a bit worried that his face will be on a website and tries to ask him about it but Sogou just dodges.

When Tamaki says, “If only Mikki was taller…” and Mitsuki responds, “I’ve been praying for that since I was five!”, Tamaki apologizes immediately. In the anime, Iori tells Mitsuki to calm down. Yamato teases Mitsuki. And Tamaki only apologizes after Sogou tells him to.

Their Favorite Things

Discussion of their favorite things goes a bit differently too!

Mitsuki talks about how he likes Zero and wants to be like him. But in the game, he adds that it would be nice if he could meet Zero one more time after he becomes an idol.

Nagi is much more flirty! In the anime, Nagi says he likes beautiful women and that all women are beautiful. But in the game, he adds that beautiful women = someone like you (Tsumugi). He says the "All women are beautiful" line a bit after that. Also, instead of Nagi talking about Magical Kokona, Tsumugi brings it up after noticing his phone strap.

Iori's response is cuter in the game~ When Tsumugi asks him about the things he likes, he goes, "... Things that I like... ...This will be listed on the website, right? Then, I like sleek and stylish things. Sleek and stylish stationery."

Passing Out Pamphlets

The difference in direction is very interesting in this part. While passing out pamphlets, there were some girls who called Riku "cool". In the anime, he excitedly tells his other teammates that they called him cool, but in the game, he sounds relieved that they called him "cool". Then, when Sogou affirms Riku, saying that Riku is cool and should be more confident in himself, Riku says, "I grew up around someone so amazing, so I'm not used to getting this kind of attention." The whole conversation had a more serious tone than the one in the anime.

Side Story I - Trigger

Side story I starts with Trigger before they went on TV. We see Ryuu and Gaku joking about Ryuu's tan lines.

Then, Tenn comes in the room, and the atmosphere changes because Gaku and Tenn just fought. They fight again while talking about it. As usual, it's about how Tenn acts so differently on vs. off camera. Gaku accuses Tenn of pandering to the audience.

Suddenly, Tenn's tone completely changes. He says, "Gaku... I've danced and sang together with you. And those were the best times. That's why I trust you and am grateful to you. I am relying on you. Do you not understand my feelings?"

Gaku replies bashfully, "Tenn... It's not like that... I'm also... umm... very grateful to you..."

Tenn: "Now that's what you call 'pandering', Mr. Yaotome Jr."

Of course, Gaku explodes.

Tenn believes that being friendly with Gaku in front of the audience is his duty as an idol group member.

Ryuu forces them to apologize to each other and shake hands by threatening to send letters to their parents (Yaotome president and Kujou) LOL.

Side Story II - Iori

Side story II is about Iori's thoughts in becoming a manager along with Tsumugi.

Mitsuki gets back after failing another audition. Iori tries to comfort him and says, "Don't be discouraged, nii-san. Most people in this world just have no taste." (WHEEZE)

Iori tries to give some suggestions to Mitsuki. He knows that Mitsuki doesn't like being called "cute", but he thinks that Mitsuki can appeal more to his appearance next time. He looked into recent idol trends and found that attractive male idols are popular these days, so he made a profile that panders to that trend a little.

Mitsuki snaps, "Iori, I really appreciate your support and how you always try to help me out. But I don't want you to go so far as to make strategies for me. Why do you care so much? You're so great, you can do anything—use that amazing brain of yours for yourself! If you do that, I’ll be here to help you with everything I’ve got. Please, just leave me alone! I will make my own dreams come true. I want to take this challenge on with who I really am, no tricks involved. I appreciate your feelings, but I don't like being told what to do. "

Iori apologizes. He is in shock.

We get to hear Iori's thoughts later that day. Iori knows that he has a real talent for presenting. He knows how to organize things in a way that really grabs people's attention. In a world flooded by information, it's very difficult to get people to pay attention to "good things". Sometimes, you just need to use some tricks to get people to realize that something is good.

Iori's dream is to be able to help those people with "good things" to shine so that others can recognize their true talents.

The side story cuts back to their first live. Iori recognizes Tsumugi's skills as a producer and is blown away by Riku's singing. During this live, he becomes determined to make the world see IDOLiSH7.

The story ends with i7 eating a meal together. Takanashi papa treated them to sushi with his own money.

Nagi calls wasabi a "green demon". Mitsuki says that wasabi completes sushi and soba. But Riku and Tamaki (and me) agree with Nagi. They also doesn't like wasabi and think it's fine even if wasabi didn't exist.

Mitsuki teases them, calling them childish.

Tamaki comments that Iori was STARING at Riku the whole time during the live (as he should). Yamato also noticed it. Iori gets embarrassed.

Riku asked, "Really? Why? "Were my boxers showing?" Iori says, "If that were happening, I would pull you by your sleeve." Riku asks again for the reason, and Iori says that it's because he's worried Riku might mess up.

Yamato says listening to Riku moved him. Sogo agrees with Yamato. Riku is so happy he gets teary. As they talked more, he even has trouble speaking because he was crying. Mitsuki tries to calm him down, but Mitsuki is also crying. (Ahh I'm getting emotional too)

Tamaki assumed that people were done eating, so he was going to eat the rest by himself. Yamato wacks him away LOL

Iori thinks to himself that Riku is so good but Riku lacks confidence. Iori approaches Riku to talk to him. Riku asks, "Did I do something wrong again? You get angry easily, so I thought I did something wrong again. If it's nothing then fine..."

Iori got reminded about his brother's reaction and realizes that his way of speaking tends to put people on the spot. So even though he means well and he really wants to help people shine, people have a hard time receiving his words and advice. He notices that both Mitsuki and Riku react positively to the manager, so he decides that it would be best for him to work together with the manager.

[usamifriends]

Random Thought

In the side story, Riku told his mom that they’re going over to the agency to sign contracts. Imagine being called to sign a contract just to go through another interview… I understand Iori’s anger a bit more now.