Gakumasu Holds First 3DCG Live Event With H.I.F Selection Exam Day One
Unlike most 3DCG character concerts that exist as standalone special events, this Gakumasu live was directly integrated into the game's narrative as a story-critical exam, blurring the line between gameplay progression and real-world performance.
Reporting from 2 sources: Game Spark, Inside.
On May 16, 2026, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, the "Gakuen Idolmaster" (Gakumasu) franchise held the first day of its large-scale live event "The 2nd Period H.I.F Selection Exam." This was the series' first live performance using 3DCG characters. Six performers took the stage: first-year students Hanasaki Saki, Kuramoto China, Shinozawa Hiro, and Hanasaki Ume, along with third-year students Arimura Mao and Himezaki Rina. The student council president Juo Seira, vice president Amaya Tsubame, and audit supervisor Hataneya Misuzu served as MCs. Each performer sang two solo songs, a format chosen to match the in-game selection exam narrative. The event coincided with the addition of a new "H.I.F" scenario to the game on the same day. The live was structured as an in-story exam to earn the right to compete in the Hatsuboshi Idol Festival, which determines the top idol. A surprise appearance during the "Let's GO!! ICHI-NO-NI!!" performance brought Hataneya on stage to join Shinozawa, Kuramoto, and Hanasaki Ume. After the show, an announcement stated that exam results would be delivered by email the next day.
The Inside report notes that the 3DCG xR live format has been spreading across the "Idolmaster" series since the March 2024 "Hangetsu de Aetara" show with Kikuchi Makoto and Hagiwara Yukiho. The article draws a contrast: most 3DCG character concerts in other franchises, such as "Project Sekai," "Ensemble Stars," "Hypnosis Mic," "Princess Connect! Re:Dive," and "Granblue Fantasy," are staged as special or extra events separate from the core narrative. This Gakumasu live is different because it functions as an in-story exam, not a standalone production.
The report describes the performance details. The first two acts were Hanasaki Ume, who sang with full passion, and Shinozawa Hiro, whose thin, transparent voice filled the hall. The article calls Hanasaki Saki the day's highlight. She performed "Boom Boom Pow" and "Fighting My Way," described as K-POP-like tracks with heavy electro sound and sharp beats. The 3D stage lighting on the large screen synced with the venue's live lighting, and after her final pose the hall fell into a brief silence.
The full 18-song setlist is listed in the report. The second half included an "Exhibition Live" segment where all six performers collaborated. Hanasaki Saki and Hanasaki Ume performed "SUPREMACY." The surprise appearance of Hataneya Misuzu during "Let's GO!! ICHI-NO-NI!!" brought the song to its original four-person lineup. After the show, the venue announcement that results would come by email the next day drew murmurs from the crowd.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.