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THE iDOLM@STER
The Idolmaster series is in its 20th anniversary year, marked by the first cross-brand 3DCG live event, IWSF2026, and ongoing merchandise and game updates across its sub-franchises. Voice actor Ayumu Murase is leaving the role of Kanon Himeno in SideM, with a new cast member to be announced later.
Synthesized from 18
Yomimono stories · updated
5d ago
The Idolmaster series is deep into its 20th anniversary year, which began in July 2025. The centerpiece is IDOL WORLD SUPER FESTIVAL 2026 (IWSF2026), the first cross-brand 3DCG live concert, held July 24 to 26 at Keio Arena TOKYO. The event brought 43 idols from all brands across three themed days: YAKUDOU (dance), ZESSYOU (live band), and KYOUMEI (call and response). Day 2 featured 14 vocalists backed by a live band and string quartet, while Day 3 had 15 idols leading audience participation with on-screen lyric prompts.
Alongside the live, the franchise pushed new content and merchandise. The arcade game THE IDOLM@STER TOURS launched its Second Stage update on August 6, adding Tour Mode, the game's first original song, a new UR card rarity, and over 90 new cards. A free public event at Ikebukuro on July 27 previewed the update with four voice actors. The 20th anniversary also brought a wave of physical goods: a SideM costume exhibition at Shibuya BEAM Gallery, a SideM summer pop-up shop at Tower Records Shinjuku, a Shiny Colors plush series, a Lucrea figure of Hinana Higuchi, a 30MS model kit of Kaho Komiya, and a collaboration with Admiral on sneakers.
On the production side, CEDEC 2026 featured Mirishita producer Takahiro Kakizawa detailing the game's customer-oriented concept development, including the "box oshi" strategy to convert single-idol fans into fans of all 52 members. The most significant cast change came on August 18, when Ayumu Murase announced he is leaving the role of Kanon Himeno in SideM after over 10 years. Murase will still voice the character in the MONTHLY THEME SONG 10 Mofumofuen release and some performances in the 11th STAGE event, but a new cast member will be added to support the unit Mofumofuen, with details to come.
Key facts
- IWSF2026 dates and venue
- July 24 to 26 at Keio Arena TOKYO ↗
- IWSF2026 idol count
- 43 idols from all brands ↗
- IWSF2026 Day 3 theme
- ALL call and response, featuring 15 idols ↗
- IWSF2026 Day 2 theme
- ALL Live Band, titled -ZESSYOU-, featuring 14 idols ↗
- THE IDOLM@STER TOURS Second Stage update date
- August 6, 2026 ↗
- THE IDOLM@STER TOURS Second Stage additions
- Tour Mode, first original song, new UR card rarity, over 90 new cards ↗
- Ayumu Murase role departure
- Leaving the role of Kanon Himeno in SideM after over 10 years ↗
- Murase's remaining roles
- Will voice Kanon Himeno in MONTHLY THEME SONG 10 Mofumofuen and some performances in 11th STAGE ↗
- Mirishita producer
- Takahiro Kakizawa, producer at Bandai Namco Studios ↗
- SideM costume exhibition
- First SideM costume exhibition, THE IDOLM@STER SideM STAGE COSTUME MUSEUM, at Shibuya BEAM Gallery, July 10 to 27, 2026 ↗
Timeline
- Aug 18, 2026 Ayumu Murase Graduates From Kanon Himeno Role in THE IDOLM@STER SideM
- Aug 12, 2026 IWSF2026 Day 3 Report: Call and Response Brings Idols and Fans Together
- Aug 6, 2026 THE IDOLM@STER TOURS Launches Second Stage Series With Tour Mode on August 6
- Aug 5, 2026 IWSF2026 Day 2 Pits Vocalists Against Live Band and Strings
- Aug 5, 2026 Mirishita Producer Details 10 Years of Customer-Oriented Concept Development at CEDEC 2026
- Jul 19, 2026 Idolmaster's First Cross-Brand 3DCG Live IWSF to Close 20th Anniversary Year
- Jul 14, 2026 The Idolmaster SideM Summer Pop-Up Shop Opens July 17 at Tower Records Shinjuku
- Jul 13, 2026 The Idolmaster: Starlit Season Discounted 60% on Steam for Prime Day
- Jul 9, 2026 The Idolmaster Million Live! Personal Pub Mirror Adds Roco Design
- Jul 7, 2026 The Idolmaster Shiny Colors Chibi Gurumi Plush Series Launches at Namco in November
- Jul 3, 2026 First SideM Costume Exhibition Opens at Shibuya BEAM Gallery in July
- Jul 3, 2026 The Idolmaster Tours Second Stage Event Set for July 27 at Ikebukuro
- Jul 1, 2026 MegaHouse Lucrea Figure of Hinana Higuchi Opens Pre-Orders July 3
- Jun 28, 2026 The Idolmaster SideM's DRAMATIC STARS Named Nagoya Tourism Ambassadors for Deramasu
- Jun 27, 2026 Megahouse Reveals Colored Prototype of Higuchi Enka Figure From Shiny Colors
- Jun 10, 2026 The Idolmaster Shiny Colors and Admiral Launch Collaboration Sneakers
- May 30, 2026 Bandai Spirits Debuts Kaho Komiya 30MS Model for May 2026
- May 16, 2026 Anime Studios Shift Toward Full-Time Jobs, Survey Shows
Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself
sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every
fact links the story it came from.
Facts
- Noted
- The finale resolved the three-city narrative arc of the twin stars, with the sisters choosing to shed their wings and become a single new star, a choice that differs from the Osaka and Nagoya endings. · 2026-08-28
- Release
- live_action · 2026-07-25 · Japan · 2026-08-05
Connections
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Claim activity
When a claim about THE iDOLM@STER was confirmed, debunked, or disputed against
open-web sources. The record stays even after a claim drops off the facts list.
- Confirmed THE iDOLM@STER produces IDOL WORLD SUPER FESTIVAL 2026 3d ago · source
All coverage
12h ago
The Idolmaster SideM special livestream aired September 1 and introduced Ino Yukiteru as the new voice of Himeno Kanon, the former child actor idol in the kids unit Mofumofuen. Cast members Nakamura Shugo, Kano Sho, Yano Shogo, and Furuhata Keisuke posted welcomes on X after the stream. Kano gave Ino the nickname "Yukiteru," which Ino accepted in his own post. Fans praised the new voice and said they look forward to Mofumofuen's next moves.
3d ago
THE IDOLM@STER SideM and Tokyo Joypolis are holding their third collaboration event, THE IDOLM@STER SideM in JOYPOLIS 3, from September 12 to December 6, 2026. High×Joker and Shinsoku Ikkon serve as the Tokyo Joypolis 30th anniversary ambassadors. The event includes a renewed 3D live show, an updated rhythm game coaster with new voices, a mini rally, and event-exclusive goods and menus.
4d ago
The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls xR concept live Pop'n ToyBox!! ran August 13-16 at Shibuya LOVEZ and on ASOBI STAGE, with 19 idols aged 9 to 31 split into daytime and evening themed performances. The report details how the dolls-like costumes and distinct choreography made familiar idols feel present, supported by a serialized novel building anticipation.
4d ago
Dengeki Hobby Web reports that Mikoto Hida from THE IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS, Rin Tohsaka from Fate/stay night, and Aoko Aozaki from Witch on the Holy Night are joining the 30 MINUTES SISTERS bishoujo plastic model series. Mikoto Hida ships in January 2027, while Rin Tohsaka and Aoko Aozaki ship in March 2027.
5d ago
The Idolmaster's dual twin live tour wrapped its Tokyo leg on August 27 at Zepp Haneda (TOKYO), with twin idols Ami Futami and Mami Futami performing the final show of "Futagoboshi no Tsubasa" [KIRAKIRA FUTARIBOSHI]. The event was streamed via ASOBI STAGE alongside the in-person audience. The performance featured a special fusion of the sisters' solo songs, "On Stage Player!" and "Unique Star Player!", combined into "Unique Stars On Stage!!", a number the report notes was performed on stage for the first time in this merged dance form. Technical troubles hit the show, including a lighting failure early on and a microphone issue during the song "Tsubasa", which left Ami's voice inaudible. The pair returned after the credits to perform two encores, "Start Star" and "Tsubasa", with the crowd joining in. The show closed with the pair declaring that love lets them fly without wings, a theme echoed in the picture-book story that framed the concert's narrative.
5d ago
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 28, 2026 that voice actor Koki Ino will succeed Ayumu Murase as the voice of Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM. Murase's graduation from the role was announced on August 18, following amicable discussions between both parties about the character's future. Ino expressed his intention to cherish what has been built so far while giving his best in the role. A special live stream to welcome Ino is scheduled for September 1 at 19:00 JST on YouTube and Niconico Live. The stream will feature Shugo Nakamura as Teru Tendo, Sho Kano as Yukihiro Kamiya, Shogo Yano as Nao Okamura, Keisuke Furuhata as Shiro Tachibana, and Ino as Kanon Himeno. During the program, staff will announce Kanon Himeno's future voice schedule and share details about the event 315 Production presents FANTASIC BATTLE FES ~Wanna step in~. The announcement notes that existing audio in 315 Production episodes will not be replaced for now, though some audio may be replaced in future operations. Ino will appear in the upcoming FES performances and related content announced after August 28.
Aug 21
At the 15th 30 MINUTES LABEL New Product Presentation, BANDAI SPIRITS revealed new 30 MINUTES SISTERS kits. SHHis members Hikari Hida, Nichika Nanakusa, and Hazuki Nanakusa appear, alongside Rin Tohsaka from Fate/stay night and Aoko Aozaki from Witch on the Holy Night. Releases run from January to March 2027.
Aug 20
BANDAI SPIRITS Hobby Division has released silhouettes and some runners for upcoming 30MS, 30MM, and 30MF products, including a THE iDOLM@STER SHINE COLORS kit. Full details will be revealed at the 15th 30 MINUTES LABEL New Product Presentation, streaming August 21 at 18:00 on YouTube.
Aug 18
Voice actor Ayumu Murase is leaving the role of Kanon Himeno in THE IDOLM@STER SideM, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 18. Murase's agency, Aster Nine, said the decision came from discussions between both parties with the future of the character and the work in mind, and that the parting is amicable. Murase has voiced the character for over 10 years. Kanon Himeno is a former child model idol and a member of the kids idol unit Mofumofuen, alongside Shiro Tachibana (voiced by Keisuke Furuhata) and Nao Okamura (voiced by Shogo Yano). A new cast member will be added to support Mofumofuen, with details to be announced later. Audio already released in 315 Production episodes and other content will not be replaced for now, though some parts may be replaced in future operations. Murase will continue to provide the voice for Kanon Himeno in the MONTHLY THEME SONG 10 Mofumofuen release and in some performances within THE IDOLM@STER SideM 11th STAGE ~EVER EVER@FTER~. The replacement schedule and the new cast member will be announced at a later date.
Aug 12
The Idolmaster series' first cross-franchise xR live event, IDOL WORLD SUPER FESTIVAL 2026, held its final day on July 26 at Keio Arena TOKYO and ASOBI STAGE. The day three performance, themed ALL call and response, featured 15 idols across agencies performing songs designed for audience participation.
Aug 6
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced a major update to the arcade game THE IDOLM@STER TOURS, launching the new series Second Stage on August 6, 2026. The update adds Tour Mode, a new gameplay mode focused on touring with an idol, plus the game's first original song, a new UR card rarity, and over 90 newly drawn cards.
Aug 5
The second day of the Idolmaster series' first cross-franchise xR live event, "THE IDOLM@STER 20th Anniversary MORE RE@LITY LIVE IDOL WORLD SUPER FESTIVAL 2026" (IWSF2026), took place on July 25, 2026, at Keio Arena TOKYO. The day's theme was "ALL Live Band," titled "-ZESSYOU-", featuring 14 idols known for their singing ability. The performers included Chihaya Kisaragi, Azusa Miura, Nao Kamiya, and others from various franchises like Cinderella Girls, Million Live, SideM, Shiny Colors, and Gakuen Idolmaster. The live band IWSF BAND, led by keyboardist and bandmaster Shunsuke Takizawa, and the string quartet IWSF STRINGS provided live accompaniment. The setlist included ballads like Azusa's "Tonari ni..." and Chihaya's "Saihyo," as well as rock numbers. A notable moment was the performance of "1/3" by Ikaruga Luka, with Tsukasa Tsukimura and Retra joining in, which the report highlighted as a powerful display of the live music approach. The event concluded with all 14 idols performing "Alive Factor" together with the 8 musicians.
Aug 5
At CEDEC 2026, held July 22 to 24 at Pacifico Yokohama North, Bandai Namco Studios producer Takahiro Kakizawa presented a session on the concept development behind THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE! THEATER DAYS, known as Mirishita. Kakizawa, who joined the project in March 2016 as the developer-side planning and production producer, said he had never played the iM@S series and had no mobile game experience, which pushed him toward a customer-oriented approach. He defined the target audience by narrowing from broad categories like 2D beautiful girl content fans and smartphone users in their 20s to 40s, to a specific group: people who left games due to lack of skill, lack of time, or mismatched smartphone usage situations. This led to adding the condition of wanting to enjoy games casually. Kakizawa identified core iM@S needs, including adoring idol cuteness, feeling a sense of raising them, and experiencing the joy of being thanked as a producer. He stressed that meeting needs means implementing ideas without excess or deficiency, using two evaluation axes: trial, whether players pick it up, and performance, whether they play repeatedly. Post-release, the team tracked SNS trends, implementing a gentle gyaru trend with events in December 2023, August 2024, and April 2025.
Jul 19
The Idolmaster series will hold its first cross-brand 3DCG live concert, the IDOL WORLD SUPER FESTIVAL 2026 (IWSF), from July 24 to 26 at Keio Arena TOKYO. The event features 43 idols from all brands across three themed days: YAKUDOU (dance), ZESSYOU, and KYOUMEI. It caps the 20th anniversary year that began in July 2025.
Jul 14
The Idolmaster SideM will hold a "SUMMER SPLASH! POP UP SHOP" at Tower Records Shinjuku from July 17 to July 26, 2026. The event features newly drawn summer costume illustrations of High×Joker, plus mini character goods for W·Beit. A range of merchandise including acrylic stands, badges, and clear files will be available, with purchase bonuses.
Jul 13
The Steam version of The Idolmaster: Starlit Season is on sale for 3,608 yen, 60% off the regular 9,020 yen price, as part of Amazon Prime Day 2026. The game brings together idols from the 765 Pro, Cinderella Girls, Million Live!, and Shiny Colors brands, plus new idol Kokoro Okugami, in a training simulation spanning roughly 10 months. The discount is promoted as a recommended entry point for newcomers to the series on PC.
Jul 9
Bandai Namco Experience will release a new Personal Pub Mirror featuring Roco from The Idolmaster Million Live! on July 9, 2026. Limited-time pre-orders open at ASOBI STORE until July 27. The mirror, priced at 14,800 yen, depicts Roco as a mermaid princess based on the "Wishing in the Deep Sea" theme. It is part of a premium interior decor series for collectors.
Jul 7
Bandai Spirits will release a six-volume plush prize series, The Idolmaster Shiny Colors Chibi Gurumi ~PJ: REFRAC7IONS~, exclusively at Namco locations starting November 2026. The chibi gurumi dolls feature idols from the shuffle unit project PJ: REFRAC7IONS in their unit costumes. Volumes 1 through 4 arrive in November, volumes 5 and 6 in December.
Jul 3
HIKE announced the first costume exhibition for The Idolmaster SideM, titled THE IDOLM@STER SideM STAGE COSTUME MUSEUM, at Shibuya BEAM Gallery from July 10 to July 27, 2026. The event displays about 250 live performance costumes from 2015 to 2025, life-sized panels of 49 idols with new artwork, and a retrospective video. Tickets are on sale now.
Jul 3
Bandai Namco Experience will hold a free public event at Ikebukuro Sunshine City Fountain Plaza on July 27, 2026, to announce the major summer update for the arcade game The Idolmaster Tours. The new series, called Second Stage, adds a Tour Mode. Four voice actors from the franchise will appear as guests.
Jul 1
MegaHouse is releasing a Lucrea series figure of Hinana Higuchi from The Idolmaster Shiny Colors, in her Palmiere in View costume. The 230mm PVC and ABS figure is sculpted by CKB and painted by Emi Hoshina. Pre-orders open July 3, 2026 at multiple retailers, with a February 2027 release and a price of 29,700 yen.
Jun 28
Meitetsu Kanko Service and The Idolmaster SideM are launching the Deramasu tourism collaboration in Nagoya from August 3 to October 31, 2026. DRAMATIC STARS serve as official ambassadors. Thirteen local businesses each partner with a SideM idol, with accommodation and sightseeing plans offering exclusive goods.
Jun 27
Megahouse has unveiled the colored prototype of the 'Lucrea The Idolmaster Shiny Colors Higuchi Enka [Merry]' figure for the first time. The figure is based on the 'SSR Produce Idol [Merry] Higuchi Enka' illustration from the Twilights Collection and depicts her in the costume 'Palmieri In View' in a dynamic pose. Pre-orders begin in early July on Premium Bandai and other sites.
Jun 10
The Idolmaster Shiny Colors is collaborating with British brand Admiral on sneakers inspired by all eight in-game units. Each pair costs 13,500 yen and comes with embroidered shoelace accessories. Orders open June 26 to August 30. Pop-up and fitting events will be held at Shibuya MODI and Namba Marui.
May 30
Bandai Spirits announced a new plastic model kit for Kaho Komiya, a tokusatsu-loving idol from "THE iDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS," as part of its 30 MINUTES SISTERS (30MS) series. The kit is set for release on May 30, 2026, priced at 4,180 yen including tax. It includes all body parts in a single package, with pre-colored costume chest parts that reproduce the character's color coding and details. The model features small wings on the back, a skirt with a wavy printed sheet, and some parts made from smoke clear material with glitter. The skin parts have a matte finish. Three types of pad-printed face parts and hand parts, including three types that can hold a microphone, are included. The hair ornament parts replicate the design of the 20th anniversary costume and can be removed. The kit is compatible with separately sold 30MS series parts for customization. Bandai Spirits also announced a separate option parts set, the 30MS Option Parts Set 28 (Action Wear α), releasing on the same day for 2,420 yen, which adds new joint gimmicks for enhanced posing.
May 16
New survey data from the Japan Animation Creators Association shows a sharp rise in full-time salaried roles at anime production studios. In 2024, 47 percent of respondents held permanent positions, up from 17 percent in 2013. Non-permanent work fell from three in four to one in two over the same period. Average monthly working hours dropped to about 190, and median annual earnings rose to ¥4 million, though work stress remains high.