Idol Incidents

Idol Incidents, or Idol Jihen as it’s called in Japanese, is an eccentric and stimulating take on the pop idol and political genre. This Tokyo MX production first aired in January of 2016, and it further extends the continuous love for idol-themed anime while providing a refreshing and unique twist to it. Idol Incidents is a tale of empathy, unity, determination, and the struggle of the most unlikely heroes - pop idols.

Set in a parallel Japan, the anime centers around a world where idol culture has seeped into the political landscape. These policy-makers and representatives chose to become idols because they realized the power these pop figures have over the hearts and minds of the general public. The series features an era where pop princesses than legislators steer the country's policy-making, and idol groups representing 47 prefectures compete to win the nation's favour.

The story centers on protagonist Natsuki Hoshina, an ordinary high school girl spontaneously chosen to join the idol group Party, which represents the underrepresented region of Niigata. She enters the intense and cutthroat world of idol politics, armed with nothing more than her determination, courage and her self-belief that she can bring about change. Natsuki unites with a diverse cast of fellow idols, each with their unique voice but with a shared common cause - to bring forth change in a system plagued by stagnency. It’s their performances and charisma against the old-guard politicians who have held control for years.

Idol Incidents is a delightful mesh of music, politics, and idol personalities. It's a dazzling, amusing, yet meaningful narrative that delves into the corruption, cynicism, and power plays of politics but from an unexpectedly musical angle. The show is filled with lively musical performances that are sure to get audiences tapping along, each one carefully crafted and stylised, reflecting the theme of the moment or the character’s unique attributes.

One of the show's strengths lies in its wide range of fascinating characters. Each idol forms part of a different political party, carrying their personal ideals and motivations. From the charismatic Shizuka Onimaru of the Sunlight Party to the energetic Mizuki Fudou of the Starlight Party, every character brings their distinct flavour to this thrilling political battle arena. They’re all designed impressively, reflecting their personalities, making them immediately appealing and easy to remember.

The animation work done by MAPPA runs in line with the show's tone — colourful, energetic and flamboyant. It masterfully captures the electric performances and dynamic choreography, fully utilising the visual medium to amplify the performances. Moreover, it doesn't shy away from taking imaginative leaps, incorporating elements of magical girl transformations to raise the stakes of the performances.

Sound plays an equally pivotal role in this anime. The voices of the idol characters are harmoniously synchronised with their vibrant personalities, glowing brightly throughout the series. The songs ranging from pop ditties to more mainstream J-pop hits, seemingly elevate the series. They’re not just casual insert songs; they serve as key story devices, pushing the narrative forward and showcasing the emotions, ideals and determination of the idols.

Despite the light-hearted exterior, Idol Incidents is not just another trivial idol show. It asks an important question; can sparkling idols who thrive on their fans' love, who sing and dance their hearts away on stage, possibly overhaul an entrenched system and rebuild a new one free of corruption? However, the anime consciously maintains a balance between serious political matters and carefree idol activities to make it enjoyable for a wide range of audience.

Idol Incidents is a flamboyant, high-energy invitation to witness a political battleground like never before. Its vivid colours, engaging music, an interesting roster of characters and a unique premise make it a standout within the idol genre. Whether you are a fan of idol-based anime, a political enthusiast, or merely someone who appreciates a good narrative with charismatic characters, Idol Incidents is a show that might just strike a chord!

Are you ready for a battle where pop stars don't just top the musical charts but dictate the political arena too?