I hear Takahashi got suspended
for fare dodging.
A cab driver saw him jumping
the fence and reported him.
Seriously? That's hilarious!
So what, he's stuck at home now?
Star of the South
Wanna go to his place, then?
Good idea.
Star of the West
Star of the North
Let's go.
Yeah.
St. Tene (Saint Teneritas Southern Girls' Academy)
The prefecture's top school for rich girls
Probably... a treasure trove! Student count: 424
Pure gold! After school is club activities time Sports or
Yikes, East High?
That uniform is so ick.
Teneritas
"Tenderness," my foot!
Teneritas, that is tenderness
A sanctuary of compassion
and warmth
Glory be our academy
To the stars...
Let's hurry.
Yeah!
Found you...
My pure gold ingot!
My pure gold ingot...
Hey.
That uniform...
You're from East High?
Scouting us, are we?
Wha?!
What...
Let's see what you've got.
You'll be against up her.
Come at me, like it's
the last thing you do!
Madame Butterfly?
Spy
Katori
Game, set, and match.
Katori wins.
Hmph! We don't have time to waste on
a scrub who'd lose to Katori, of all people.
Get lost.
What am I even doing?
Hey...
I wanted to thank you.
For what?
You called me "Madame Butterfly"
before our match, remember?
Yeah.
That made me happy.
You see, I joined the tennis team
because I love Aim for the Ace!
I'm a fan, too.
I read the manga in
my grandparents' home...
You don't play tennis, do you?
I wouldn't have beaten you otherwise.
I can't beat anyone.
Sorry about that.
You have nothing to apologize for.
I'm just ashamed of myself.
I modeled myself after the ultimate tennis
player, but I can't play to save my life.
I'm not really sure what brought
you here, but thank you nonetheless.
If you want to know why,
I came to this school
to make a friend.
A friend, you say?
Yeah.
It's silly, right?
It is silly, yes.
But I'm serious about it.
I suppose we both look
very silly at the moment.
As thanks for calling
me Madame Butterfly,
I'll be your friend,
if you don't mind.
I'm Ranko Katori.
And I'm Yuu Azuma!
Thank you, Miss South!
"Miss South"?
Uh, well... Call it a nickname.
I'm from East High and
my surname means "east,"
so I figured you could be Miss South
from Saint Teneritas Southern.
My!
Sure, I like it very much!
You're the first to ever
give me a nickname!
Our first song tonight,
a request from
"Lost Lamb Bunny."
Check it out.
Yuu! Come eat your dinner!
Coming.
West Techno Vocational High School
West Techno
Vocational
High School
Boys.
Boys.
And boys.
Boys, boys everywhere.
Hey.
Yes?
Can I ask you something?
Who, me?
Who else?
I'd like to know where
the robot research club works.
Oh.
Uh...
I'll take you there.
What? Really?
It's kind of hard to find.
Days: Mon - Fri after school
3F Art Room
Boys' Basketball Newcomers welcome!!
Film Club & Animation Club
Why were you staring at me earlier?
Well, your uniform...
Uniform?
Oh, were you trying to remember
which school has such a stupid uniform?
Nah. I just... really like
high school girls' uniforms.
Huh? Yo, Kudo,
what's going on here?
Give us the deets tomorrow.
Kudo? With a girl?!
So, is it true that not many girls
go to vocational schools?
Yeah.
I haven't seen a single one so far.
Say, is that...
You recognize her?
She made a name for herself
in last year's robotics competition.
She's our princess.
The first month after she appeared
on TV was absolutely crazy.
Her fans showed
up at school, too.
She's cute.
So, what brings you
to our robot research club?
I wanted to see her.
Oh, so you're a fan of hers?
Something like that,
I guess.
I see. Things have calmed down now,
so she might be willing to talk to you.
Kurumi.
H-Hi.
You're Kurumi Taiga,
right? I'm...
Oops. Guess it's still a no-go.
What now?
After I got to see her and all...
Um...
I'll try convincing Kurumi,
so can you add me?
Operation failed, huh?
What am I even doing?
Thanks for today.
What did Kurumi
say after that?
Hey there
She ran because
she thought you
were another
annoying fan
Don't worry,
I put in a good
word for you
She says she'd like
you to come again
She'll show you
her robots this time
Thank you!
I'll be there tomorrow!
So you like robots, huh?
Uh, yeah? Yeah.
Shin told me all about your love
and passion for robotics.
What the heck did he tell her?
I've been wanting to meet you because
there aren't too many girls into robots.
You're famous for being one of us.
Sorry. I know it's not fair that I know
about you, but not the other way round.
I'm Yuu Azuma, a first-year
at Joshu East High.
I love idols, and I've been taking
classic ballet lessons since I was little.
I lived in Canada until eighth grade,
so I'm good at English.
I'm having trouble putting together
that robot I bought from Tamiya.
Wow. You really are good.
Did you just say you bought
a robot from Tamiya?
Yeah.
How nice.
I want one, too.
Do you always test by the pool?
We're in the middle of a fight.
A fight?
Our school won the best design
award at last year's Nationals.
So everyone wants to go back-to-back
on that award this year.
But I want us to
try using C++ or Java.
Wow, you know C++?
At our age? Respect.
Yeah? That makes
me happy to hear.
Good design isn't enough to win
the grand prize at Nationals.
I want us to aim higher
and put in that extra effort.
But this year's contest is water-based.
It's a first for me, and it's not going well.
This muddy pool can't be helping.
Yep. Not the ideal environment.
Do you want me to try getting you
permission to use my school's pool?
You'd do that? Thank you!
Welcome.
I'm Ranko Katori.
I'm Kurumi Taiga.
We got denied permission
to use the pool at my school,
leaving us with the one
in Miss South's place.
I wasn't expecting to introduce West
and South so early, but I'll take it.
And so, we started meeting
once a week by the pool here.
Thank you, robot championships.
Thanks to you, East, West, and South
are now stuck together like glue.
35th Annual National
High School Robotics Contest
To Team B, who competed with me,
35th Annual National
High School Robotics Contest
Runner Up
and to the club members,
who welcomed me back warmly
even after I took off and did
my own thing for two months,
thank you so
West Techno Voc B
35th Annual
National High
School
Robotics
Contest
Long time no see.
I hear things went
well with Kurumi.
Yeah, thanks to you.
What are you doing?
I like photography.
I may be a member in name only, but they
ask me to take pics at events like this.
Say, can I ask you for a favor?
Let's get right to it. Show me the goods.
Ah, you mean this, right?
Aren't the pics cute?
Perfect.
Give me all of these.
Why?
Because.
I can't do that unless
you give me a reason.
Wait, Azuma...
Are you into girls?
Wha?
N-Not that I have a problem
with that, of course.
I mean, Kurumi is really cute.
No, no. It's not that.
Do you promise not to laugh?
I won't. I promise.
I'm trying to form an idol group by gathering
one member from each part of Joshu.
What's with the look?
Nothing. Everything
just clicked for me.
Is Kurumi your West member?
Yep. Honestly, I want to
make use of her popularity.
That's why I want her photos.
With a miracle, one photo
is all it takes to become an idol.
Huh... I don't know if Kurumi
has any interest in being any idol.
Every time I see a beautiful girl,
I always wish they'd try to be idols.
Kurumi and Miss South
are both super pretty.
But they'll never be idols
if they don't try to be one.
And I think that's a crying shame.
I want to make them all idols.
And I'll create that
opportunity for them.
Idols shine incredibly
bright, you know.
Like stars in the night sky.
I'd like to shine like
that one day too.
So that's your dream.
It's not.
I'm going to make it real so it
doesn't end up being just a dream.
Take a look.
What is it?
A photo from when
I went to Lake Tekapo.
Wait, you took this yourself?
Yeah. When I was in middle school.
That is beautiful.
I've always been fascinated
with the stars.
But it's really hard to capture
their beauty with a camera.
And the more I practiced,
the more it hooked me.
I love this photograph.
Thanks.
If you ever need any
photos taken, let me help.
Hmm...
You're a funny girl, Azuma.
Can't say I'm too happy to hear it.
Now, all that remains is North...
Hey, guys!
A computer?
Yes. Watching Kurumi made me
want to try using one myself.
I recommend this one here!
Tax Incl.
Exclusive Price
Customer Appreciation
cash back
Cash money...
Money is no concern.
My parents send
me whatever I ask for.
I wanna check out a bookstore.
Okay, follow me.
Up Your
Self-Esteem
9 Ways to Succeed
Become a Well-Liked Person
9 Ways to Succeed
Hey, Azuma!
Yeah?
Check her out.
She's really pretty.
That's rare.
You don't often take
an interest in other girls.
Yeah, she's pretty,
but she feels like a player.
Azuma?
Huh?
You really are Azuma, aren't you?
U-Uh...
Do you remember me?
Mika Kamei.
We were classmates in elementary.
Wait, Kamei?
It's been so long!
You look a lot different now.
I know. Sorry about
the nasty surprise.
Don't be.
Yuu! Dinner!
Gimme a minute!
Yeah, her face looks
completely different.
Mika Kamei
She's a lot prettier now.
Mika Kamei Same elementary school Rumors that
she tested for a different middle school
Plastic surgery? - Fine by me! Joshu North High
North High...
Hey, North!
Hm. Hmm...
Tuesday, July 14
Kurumi: Now
Azuma, are you free tomorrow?
Kurumi:Now
I met Kamei again after that
Kurumi: Now
Azuma, are you free tomorrow?
Kurumi:Now And we're meeting
up for coffee tomorrow
You sure love your sweets.
Like you're one to talk.
Something wrong?
No, just envious at
how close you two are.
We've been hanging out
all the time lately.
Not the best first
impressions, though.
Say, might you two be
interested in volunteer work?
So, you've got all four
NEWS members now?
Niko Kids Blog
Notice of Mountain Climbing
Activity Report:
Regular Recital
Notice of Member Recruitment
Yep. She's the final piece.
Huh.
Niko Kids?
Yep.
I'm planning to get us
all on this blog now.
They're going mountain climbing next month.
It'll be NEWS's first event together.
Time for me to shine?
Nah, they have a photographer.
What? I'm sure I could do
a better job taking cute pics.
By the way, Kurumi's pic
racked up 2,000 likes.
What, that's it?
You're not happy with that?
I mean, I know not everything's
going to go perfectly.
We don't need
"cute pics" this time.
All we need is to show that
we're doing volunteer work.
It'll give us a positive image.
Make us look like decent folk.
Phrasing.
The moment we become idols, people
will start digging into our past.
Now, a question:
In one scenario, they find pics
of us hanging out with boys.
In the other, they find pics of
us doing selfless volunteer work.
Which do you think is better
from a PR standpoint?
You're assuming you'll become idols
and thinking that far ahead?
Yeah. I'm nothing if not confident.
I like it.
I've been wanting to ask you...
Yeah?
Why are you so fixated
on becoming an idol?
When I first saw an idol perform,
I realized that people could actually shine.
And once I did, I tried all kinds
of things to see if I could shine.
I lied to people,
kept secrets from them.
But I'm nothing special.
There are tons more people just like me.
They've all got unspoken
dreams and aspirations,
and they spend their days planning
and working towards them.
Like those people who say they didn't
study and still get a perfect score.
Ironic how they tend to have
bags under their eyes that day.
But I think they're super cool.
Why are shiny things
so damn attractive?
That's my stargazing Shinji.
You get it.
I'm rooting for you.
- Niko Kids, wheelchair mountain climbing
- All four of us team up and climb a mountain
- We'll struggle together and draw closer as a group!
Unity! Alibis and Teamwork! Us four will become closer
through this activity (Sweat through a mountain climb
and then eat at the summit!) -And this is all
volunteer work, too k*lling two birds with one stone
Okay.
Someone's motivated.
Morning.
Sorry for dragging you into this.
You should be.
You're in trouble
if this isn't fun.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
What's with the getup?
I'm a mountain-climbing girl.
I got the whole set.
It doesn't go with your drills.
That contrast is what makes it good.
Huh?
We're in different groups?
Yeah.
But you and I are in the same group.
But why aren't all four of us together?
Huh?
Oh, Miss Baba. Um...
Oh, hey, you two. Thanks for coming.
About the groups...
Sorry, we can't change the groupings.
Why not?
We've planned it out so each kid in a
wheelchair has five people helping them.
And they'll all work together to climb.
Having four of the five be
young girls might be a problem.
It'd be a big mess if something went wrong.
But I thought we could all climb together...
It'll be okay! Everyone here is really nice.
Don't worry, okay?
Well, be seeing you.
There's no point to this if we're separated.
One, two!
Here. Great job.
There she is!
The traitor!
Are you tired?
Nah.
What did you think?
Well, it's my first time,
so I'm not really sure.
Did you have fun?
Hmm...
Oh.
Sorry you had to team up with me.
Nah, that wasn't the problem.
Must suck to drown.
Wow, what a savage.
I-It's not what you think! An ant...
I'm starving.
I'm not surprised, given
how much of a fuss you made.
Oh, shut up about that.
Let's eat.
Ah, the miso soup is so good!
It's a good thing I brought
a big picnic blanket.
You're the best!
What's with the sour look?
Well, I mean... I thought
you two would be mad at me.
I'm not mad.
Really?
Honestly? I couldn't believe it
when you split.
She started saying she
wanted to leave. It was hell.
I mean, Azuma was the one
who basically forced me into this.
And being left with Miss South
only made me worry even more.
Who do you think took care
of you all the way here?
Sorry about that.
Hey, you finally smiled.
Yeah.
Oh, right.
It's your first time meeting, right?
This is Mika Kamei from Joshu North High.
We spoke earlier when
she invited us to eat here.
Wait, you did what?
I thought you'd be happier
if we were all together.
Kamei, I am Ranko Katori.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
Huh? Then why do they call you Miss South?
They call me that because I go to
Saint Teneritas Southern Girls' Academy.
Then...
I go to North High, so you can
just call me North or something.
What? Am I gonna be West, then?
My!
We are NEWS, the four cardinal directions!
Wow!
What a coincidence!
All right. West it is for me.
Wow, you're amazing, Sacchan!
And then...
Sachi.
Oh, Mommy.
I'm happy for you, Sachi. Look at you,
surrounded by all these pretty ladies.
Yeah!
It's been a while, ma'am.
You were in a different group this year?
I was.
But I'm glad to see you again.
Oh, so Mika and Sacchan's family
already knew each other?
Yeah!
We should get going.
Okay.
See you, Sacchan.
Bye-bye!
A good day to you.
Time flies when you're having fun.
Right?
I feel like I've done some good today.
Same here.
I hope we can do this again.
Yeah.
NEWS didn't spend too much time together
today, but the results were good.
Unity!
Unity!
I almost want to mark
today's date on my calendar.
Unity!
Experience a Concert!
Kidomo Dragons
Live at the Outreach Festival
Voc Outreach Festival
Robot Battles
Robot
Show
Robot Keepy-Uppies
I don't know about boba at a school festival.
Oh, there's Kurumi!
You're Kurumi Taiga, right?
Boba
May we take a picture with you?
Oh, er...
Hey, guys!
There's quite a lot of buzz.
Say, what do you say we go check this out?
Kidomo Dragons
Live at the Outreach Festival
Date: 9/23 Time: Starts 11:10 AM
Venue: Gymnasium Stage
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Entry Fee
"Kidomo Dragons"?
It's a band name.
They're gonna do that thing where they
play on stage at their school festival.
If you've never seen a concert
or live performance before,
it might be a good experience.
Yeah, that sounds good.
Let's all go, the
Kurumi!
Hey, Sacchan!
It's been forever.
I didn't know you'd be here.
I invited her.
We only just got here ourselves.
Let's check out the festival together.
Yay!
Let's go.
Yeah!
Wait, the concert...
Kidomo Dragons
Live at the Outreach Festival
Date: 9/23 Time: Starts 11:10 AM
Venue: Gymnasium Stage
I hit it!
Way to go, Sacchan!
Bravo!
It won't move, right? Right?
It won't, don't worry.
Boo!
Eek!
Eek!
Sorry, I didn't expect it to go that hard.
Could we have two more?
S-Sure!
Careful. It's hot.
On the double.
Thanks.
You just said it's hot!
I'm really happy we all got
to hang out like this.
I skipped the festival every year before.
I couldn't be bothered
planning and running a stall,
and I didn't have anyone
to walk around with.
Oh...
But I'm having lots of fun this year.
What's happening here?
Cosplay Photo Booth
You, 10 Years Later
Want to go in?
Yeah!
Tumbleweed.
Oh, my!
Welcome!
What? No way.
Oh, hey there.
Shin?
Aw, come on in!
We almost closed up thinking
nobody else was gonna come.
Hey!
Okay, ladies.
Pick out your outfits from here.
How-e-ver, not the ones
you want to wear now.
Picture yourselves ten years from now.
Why?
To make it more like
a time capsule. Fun, right?
I'll handle the photography.
I'll go with this one.
I want this!
What is it a cosplay of?
An idol!
You really do love your idols, huh?
Oh, but I think I'll take
a bridal dress instead.
But why? You should wear that idol outfit.
Nah.
I want Azuma to wear it instead.
I'll do that, then.
Great!
Hey!
Tell us before you take a picture!
Rest assured, I took a good one.
Kurumi, shouldn't you be heading back soon?
Oh, you're right.
We should change, too.
Azuma.
Hmm?
Thanks for wearing that outfit.
You look like a real idol!
Would you be happy
if I really became an idol?
Yeah!
I see.
I will, I promise.
Awesome! It's a promise.
Experience a Concert!
Dress the Part
Experience a Concert!
The next plan is...
Hear It First-Hand! Japan's Most Beloved Spots!
Store
I'm Azuma, and I applied to volunteer here.
Happy to be working with you all.
Main
Keep
Takeout Meals
Welcome, Ajima.
Thanks for coming.
I'm Itami.
I'm Azuma.
Have you checked out the museum nearby?
No, not yet.
I took this picture there recently.
Look, isn't it cool?
R-Right...
Stop it.
You're putting Ajima on the spot.
My next plan involves Oryujo Castle.
Due to a superhit video game being set here,
it's getting a huge influx
of foreign tourists.
Welcome to Oryujo Castle.
Wow! Nice!
I'll explain the history of the castle
before we enter the castle tower.
As it's become a hotspot,
it's sure to be featured on TV.
And I plan to get all four of us
on that show as volunteer guides.
A few weeks after I basically dragged
the others into becoming guides with me,
Notice of TV sh**t
Hear It First-Hand!
Japan's Most
Beloved Spots!
"Hear It First-Hand! Japan's Most Beloved Spots!"
will be filming here
on the following dates.
the day I was waiting for arrived.
Yes!
Dumplings
Nice to meet you all!
I'm Koga, and I'm an AD at Ermix Productions!
Pleased to be working with you all today!
I've never been on TV before.
This should be fun.
Where's Kurumi?
She's not here today.
What?
Kurumi
Yeah.
I see! Can I get that data later?
She's not answering...
Kurumi
Yeah.
Oh, for this, too!
And I have a few questions!
Ask me anything.
Thank you!
I hear you high schoolers
are providing a photo service?
I take the photos.
And she handles the English tours.
I'm Yuu Azuma.
Azumacchi, yeah?
You speak English?
Yeah. But I'm not much of a history buff,
so I had them help me out
with the information.
You're all real pretty.
Why're you all in different uniforms, though?
We're fellow volunteers.
We've come to Oryujo Castle
from all four directions.
I'm Katori, but they call me Miss South
because I come from the south.
The heck? That sounds funny,
so I wanna make room for it.
Please do!
Anything from Kurumi?
Still not answering.
Kurumi
Sure
Canceled
Where are you?
Canceled
I wish we could've all gone on TV together.
But hey.
We're just "fellow volunteers," right?
Huh?
That's what you said to Koga earlier.
You made it sound like we only knew
each other from volunteering here.
That's not what I meant.
I just figured it'd be simpler that way.
We were friends first.
I wish you could've said that instead.
Well, let it go.
It's not like Azuma
meant anything by it.
Hear It First-Hand!
Japan's Most
Beloved Spots!
Here's our next story!
Our next spot is Oryujo Castle!
It's currently in the spotlight due to
a being the stage of a hit video game.
The guides there are
also proving very popular.
We heard from them directly.
Hear It First-Hand!
Japan's Most
Beloved Spots!
You all provide guided tours here every day?
Yes.
We've gotten a lot of foreign tourists
lately, which is keeping us busy.
Uh, we have volunteer guides from local
high schools helping out on weekends.
They've been a huge help.
Thank you, silver foxes!
Hey, Yuu, you were on screen
for just a moment.
But where was the robot girl?
Aren't you always together?
She bailed.
#JapanSpots high school girls
The high school girls volunteering
were cute #JapanSpots
Yuuji
The high school girls volunteering
were giving it their all. #JapanSpots
Micchi
I think one of the volunteer girls
is from my high school!
#JapanSpots
Itami
Hello?
Oh, Ajima, you finally answered.
Have you been busy lately?
How about guide...
Studies have been taking up my time.
Oh, is that so?
I'll go when I have time.
Actually, the TV person from the other day
has been asking about how to contact you.
Oh, Azumacchi!
Sorry about all this!
Thank you all for comin'!
As an AD on the brink in her third year
in the workforce, I have a big favor to ask!
You see, aside from the show
we filmed here last time,
I'm also working on another show.
Confidential
New Show Proposal
Weekly General
Entertainment TV Show
Crazy Crazy Fridays (TBD)
It's a variety show that
airs late-night on Fridays.
The brass want to give it a promotion push.
I want you to appear on it.
You want us?
When I mentioned finding some amusing gals
at Oryujo in the planning meeting,
they asked me if I wanted to run the show.
It's my first big break!
I'll work around your schedules, and
I'll also talk to your parents, of course.
The show needs a catchy concept like NEWS.
So would you all work with me?
I'm beggin' you!
We'll think about it
and hopefully make it work.
For real?! Then, uh, let me
give you a little rundown...
What'd you think?
About the offer?
Yeah.
I'm really interested.
But we have entrance exams coming up.
Yes. I'm sure everyone
around us will bring that up.
What did you think?
I'm thinking about it
and about what's really important.
Nobody knows the answer
to that, myself included.
But I've been trying to
experience everything once,
and I don't regret any of it.
Including computers,
which you taught me about.
Let's give it a shot, okay?
Okay.
Hello, Koga? Everyone's agreed to it.
Yeah. Looking forward to working with you.
NEWS TV Debut Confirmed!!
Crazy x 2
Fridays
Filming
Okay, let's begin!
(Everyone) Welcome to the NEWS segment!
Three, two...
Welcome to the NEWS segment!
And so began our days
of sh**ting up in popularity.
Everything was so new to us,
and we were constantly nervous.
Crazy x 2
Fridays
Blog update!
NEWS (TBD) are
in Asakusa now.
But the four of us had lots of fun
trying out all sorts of things.
Ranko Katori's intense personality,
Crazy x 2
Fridays
First time trying an
eating challenge
with yummy rice!
So full!!
Kurumi Taiga's powerful smile,
Crazy x 2
Fridays
We're at Tokyo Tower today.
We climbed the open-air
external staircase!!
and Mika Kamei's universal good looks...
My handpicked members proved
that I made the right choices.
NEWS slowly but surely became
more and more mainstream.
Crazy x 2
Fridays
NEWS (TBD) go wild at
Hatogawa Sea Land!!
I don't care what kind of expensive
birthday surprises I get
or how passionately I get proposed to.
Nothing could make me
happier than I am now.
Huh? To the studio next week?
Okay.
Huh?
Right!
Green Room 212
Crazy x 2
Fridays
NEWS (TBD)
Green Room 212
Crazy x 2
Fridays
NEWS (TBD)
It's like we're in showbiz!
Right?
Say your greetings as loud as you can!
It's a pleasure to be working with you!
Likewise!
Let's do this!
What was that announcement you had?
Well, we have some big news.
Check it out!
Major Announcement
Major Announcement!
New Project
NEWS (TBD)
Idol Debut Project
Show Ending
Theme Production
NEWS (TBD) Idol Debut Project Launched!
Hey, congratulations!
Our popular newbie high-schooler
segment underwent a transformation,
becoming a closeup documentary
of how NEWS would become idols.
Things progressed
at a blinding pace after that.
Everything was all laid out for us.
This is how adult professionals work.
We got busier and busier
as we worked toward our debut.
We took lessons to train for our new song,
went to school, had our regular work,
and practiced solo. Each day just flew by.
I'd always dreamed of this life.
I'd lost sight of the dream once,
but now it was within my grasp.
This is where it gets real.
In order to turn us, NEWS, into real idols,
I'll make the others shine
more than ever before.
Can't wait for the live debut!
Yeah! I'll do my best
I am so nervous already.
Same...
First Performance
Don't forget these, no matter how
tired or nervous you may be:
Smile - Remember, you're an idol!
Sing with confidence
Just have fun - I want all of us to enjoy this
Do a huddle
It's our first real step!!
Lay it all out there
First Performance
Don't forget these, no matter how
tired or nervous you may be:
Smile - Remember, you're an idol!
Sing with confidence
Just have fun - I want all of us to enjoy this
Do a huddle
It's our first real step!!
Lay it all out there
You're up soon!
It'll be fine.
Yeah.
Shall we form a huddle?
Let's do this
like it's the last thing we do!
Yeah.
And let's enjoy this.
Let's go!
Yeah!
Uh, Koga?
I wanted to talk to you about something.
Sure, what is it?
Isn't it time we joined
a talent agency or something?
Yeah...
I can hook you up with
a few connections I have.
President and CEO
I'm Endo from Maluxact.
Koga has told me about you...
Miss Azuma, was it?
Yes. I'm Yuu Azuma.
It's a pleasure to meet you!
Azuma, I saw you on TV.
Thanks.
It was amazing. Like, you're in showbiz now.
Aw...
Let me know if you need help
with anything school-related.
Thanks. I'd really appreciate your help
because I've had so many shoots lately.
To BoN
Yuu Azuma
It's crazy.
To BoN
Yuu Azuma
You're on TV like it's nothing these days.
Oryujo was
a good stepping stone, huh?
Don't say that.
The geezers miss having you around.
Oh, but they're praying for your success.
Are you not gonna quit volunteering?
I offered to do it, so I'll see it through.
It makes people happy, and I get
to improve my photography skills.
It's an environment that helps me thrive.
"Helps you thrive," huh? I'm envious.
How do you feel now?
Hmm, I dunno...
I'm realizing how far I've come.
I'm starting to believe
that my dreams will come true.
Yeah?
I'm glad we got to do
this date one last time.
Wha? "Date"?
I mean, you don't need
strategy meetings anymore.
We're just hanging out.
True. I came to express my gratitude today.
Thank you.
So I won't get to see you anymore, huh?
I'm going to miss you.
Sorry about that.
See you.
Yeah, see you someday.
Oh, right.
Can I ask you something before I go?
Yeah?
Why didn't you ever try to take
auditions to become an idol?
I think that would've been
much more straightforward.
Who can say? Not me.
Oh, yeah? Okay, bye.
Bye.
How was I supposed to tell him
I failed them all? That'd sound so lame.
Once we signed on to a talent agency,
we started getting a lot of other work besides
just singing our show's ending theme.
Police Chief for a Day
No tolerance for crime
Before long, our agency told us to start
promoting ourselves on social media.
It's getting colder and colder lately.
Following\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hFollowers\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hLikes
Following
Kurumi from NEWS
How are you all spending your time?
Oh, I'm at the studio,
where it's nice and warm.
604 comments
Akira
OMG you're so cute, marry me
Hachi
Kurumi cute. God-given good looks.
Yunochi
Love u sooo much! I wanna see you!
Seriously? Wow.
Following\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hFollowers\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hLikes
Following
I'm Ranko Katori from NEWS.
Thank you for checking out my page.
That's a lot.
597 comments
Higashiya
Thanks for the cosmetics recs! Love you, Mika!
Yume
Whoa, so pretty!
KINUMY
Could you be any more pretty?
paprika
Could watch this forever
ria05053
Goals
Nattsu
Mika, your makeup recs go hard
Ruka
Which contacts do you always use?
I'd love to know
Tangerine
I can't believe your volunteering
alongside your idol work! I'm proud of ya!
They know.
Good thing we got ahead of them.
We've got a whole lot of fan mail.
Things to do after making our idol debuts
Lyrics - New song
Concert (at a big venue), like at a dome
Radio
Magazine-Aim for the cover
TV Series Appearance
New show
Improve the social media strategy!
All right.
Thank you.
Oh, Azuma. You've got fan mail.
Thank you!
To NEWS (TBD),
Yuu Azuma
Studio
Rehearsal
Room
Now, our next question.
NEWS (TBD)
So, this Da Vinci robot
is making waves all across the globe.
What exactly is it used for?
Oh? NEWS!
Here's your chance to shine, Kurumi.
NEWS (TBD)
I thought you were supposed to
be a robot-loving idol!
We've grown capable of going
quite far from where we began.
I wonder if we'll be taken somewhere
completely unknown someday.
Well, I wanna run away.
It'll be fine. Things have worked out so far.
And I'm sure they'll keep working out
as long as we keep going with the flow.
Are you okay with not being able
to have a normal school life?
I am. I don't dislike being in the spotlight.
Besides, I'm having fun with all of you.
Oh...
Are you crying?
Nah.
Okay, next.
Kamei, may I have a moment?
Oh, sure.
Wonder what happened?
3rd anniversary!
Wait a second. Are you kidding me?
Was this last week? Damn it.
They found a pic... of me
with my boyfriend...
He's a fellow volunteer at Niko Kids.
I'm sorry.
It's lovely that you're dating someone.
Lucky you.
Tch.
She's agreed to break up with him,
so there won't be any punishment this time.
It wouldn't be NEWS without all of you here.
But make sure this never happens again.
Why go that far?
Why wasn't I told of this?
If I'd known you had a boyfriend,
I would've never been friends with you.
I'm... so sorry...
Screw you.
Welcome home.
You're back early today.
Mika.
Sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said.
I apologize.
Oh, it's okay.
Good morning!
Good morning...
What's wrong with y'all? You seem down.
Your song "Who I Want to Be"
is getting positive reviews.
You'll be performing it
at a music festival soon.
Really?!
Oh, and your show's also sent in
a request to record a new song with you.
Here's what the demo sounds like.
U-Um, do they already have a lyricist?
No. They said they were looking for someone.
Can we give it a shot?
Huh?
I believe writing our own lyrics will
bring out our personalities even more.
I see your point.
Go ahead and write up a draft, then.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you for today.
Understood re: the interview.
Good news!
We're getting a new song!
Here's the demo
Lyrics Assignment List.xlsx
Here's the splits data
We'll all be writing the
lyrics for this song
Homework for the next time we meet
New Song Lyrics Ideas
NEWS - Group Name
Way back home
Sky
Positivity
I apologize. I did want to give it a try.
How to Write
a Hit Song
But just reading this took up all my time.
I had my hands full with work
and volunteering...
I'm really sorry, Azuma.
I was studying for exams, too.
It's fine. You can have an extension.
For now, let's focus
on our upcoming concert.
TV stations will be there,
and we're sure to be in the spotlight.
Right.
Let's do our best, okay?
Winter Idol
Festival
Huh? Dummy mics?
Do we not have to sing?
No. You three will lip sync.
Azuma will be singing live, though.
But why?
Aren't idols supposed to touch people
with song and charm them with dance?
B-But... I'm not a very good
singer, so I appreciate it.
Listen, if you know you're bad at it,
why don't you practice more?
Everyone's a good singer except Yuu
#NEWS(TBD) #Winterfest
One of them was off-sync #winterfest #news
I think only one of them was live, and the
others were lip syncing, but the one who was
live was so mediocre I wish they'd had them all lip sync instead.
#WinterIdolFestival
winterfest
NEWS(TBD)
Why?
I'm giving it my all because
I'm the only one not lip syncing.
It's not fair that I get all the hate.
I'm giving it my all because
I'm the only one not lip syncing.
It's not fair that I get all the hate.
Hey, are you having fun right now?
I was, until recent
Remember what you said back then?
About going with the flow or whatever?
I don't think I can.
I'm going crazy.
I have my doubts about
where this is going, too.
And we're at the stage where
we need to make our career choices.
Did you notice that Mika's stopped smiling?
Yes.
People keep running their mouths
even though they know nothing about her.
I liked her most out
of all the members. Too bad.
She's probably not improving
because she's goofing off with guys all the time.
Who becomes an idol when they have a boyfriend?
And here I was rooting for her
I wish people who weren't fans
would just stfu with their hate
Is this normal in showbiz?
I hope she can get through this
Why would anyone even want to be famous?
I suppose they want the approval
of a large group of people.
I don't get it.
I couldn't care less what people think.
Kurumi...
We're here today because
fate brought us together.
This is something we may never get
the chance to experience ever again.
Go See the World
Solo overseas trips
A dream departure to the Philippines
Going with the flow is a huge gamble.
But it's a gamble that may
make our dreams come true.
And what is your dream?
Will it really come true by living like this?
I don't know, but...
Forget it. Don't say any more.
Please. Set me free before I go insane.
No!
Wait, Taiga!
Kurumi!
I'm done! I am so done!
I don't wanna be on TV!
Why is this happening?
I hate this!
I'm losing myself!
I don't care about this!
I don't care about being an idol!
Just let me go! Leave me alone!
Please!
What are you planning to do?
I need to talk to Kurumi.
We've got a sh**t tomorrow, y'know?
You really don't understand a thing.
Kurumi can't take any more.
What do you mean?
You know she never enjoyed
being in the spotlight.
So what now?
Let her go back to a normal life.
But we've made it this far.
And you want to quit?
That's right. I've come
to realize something myself.
Being an idol is no fun at all.
That makes no sense!
We can wear pretty clothes,
have cute hairstyles,
and bask in the spotlight in the studio...
Do you have any idea how lucky we are?!
You find that fun because you've
always been a fan of idols.
That can't be true!
I'm sure you'll find it fun
once you get used to it, too!
I mean...
Idols can put smiles
on so many people's faces!
Could there be a more
wonderful line of work?!
B-But you...
But you can't even put
a smile on your friend's face.
Wha?
Something's not right with you now.
You're scary.
Mika!
A few days later,
the agency called and told me
the three of them were released
from their contracts.
Things to do after making our idol debuts
Lyrics - New song
Concert
(at a big venue), like at a dome
Radio
Magazine-Aim for the cover
TV Series Appearance New show
Improve the social media strategy!
Put in the work
NEWS (TBD)
Yuu Azuma x Mika Kamei x Kurumi Taiga x Ranko Katori
A different segment replaced
the NEWS segment on our TV show.
And I stopped getting any work at all.
Yuu, how are you feeling?
A teacher from your school called.
Said the staff's worried about you.
Please eat lunch. Even a little will do.
Yuu! You can't sleep forever.
Come on.
Hello. This is Azuma.
Oh, hello, Azuma.
I'm calling regarding work.
We've finished the paperwork
for the other three.
What will you do?
I'd like to quit, too.
I'd finally attained the status
of idol, or so I thought.
But it slipped through
my hands all too quickly.
I know how you feel,
but you should really go to school.
Go on, get going. Have a nice day.
Oh, it's rare to see you in school.
Do you have more free time now?
Let me know if you need any help at school.
Thank you.
I know you've been bitching about me, okay?
Why did I do that?
Oh, hey, Ajima!
Long time, no see.
How have you been?
Are the other NEWS members well?
We quit. Everything.
Oh, is that so?
What will you do moving forward?
Moving forward?
Moving forward...
Here's the splits data
We'll all be writing the lyrics for this song
Homework for the next time we meet
Going NEWS with a Free Pass
I wrote the chorus, check it out!
I wonder what everyone's up to.
Here on...
Again, I haven't decided yet.
Hurry up. We're third-years starting next month.
I don't know what I'd go to college for.
Then what are your career plans?
Secret.
So you do have plans. Good.
What about you, huh?
The coolest job, which
requires tons of studying.
Huh? The heck's that?
Uh... like... astronaut?
Oh, nice.
Moving forward...
Koga
Hello.
Oh, Azumacchi, long time no talk!
You doin' all right?
Y-Yeah.
Must've been rough.
I had to deal with a whole mess
after NEWS left.
Sorry about that.
Oh, don't be.
Wait, that's not why I called.
I just wanted to let you know.
What?
We're releasing an album with all
the songs featured on the show soon.
Train arriving
NEWS's song will also be part of it.
A bit late for all that, huh?
But I figured I should let you know.
I got to experience a ton of
fun times thanks to you girls.
Thank you so much, really.
No... thank you for everything.
Who told you that?
Crazy x 2
Fridays
My bro.
Ah, your older brother.
So, get this. It was my mom,
my mom's mom's only daughter,
and my mom's mom's husband's only
daughter. Three of them in total.
That's just your mom!
What are the other girls up to?
Huh?
From NEWS.
You haven't been in touch?
No.
I see.
Tell me...
I'm a nasty girl, aren't I?
You can be at times.
But you can also be the exact opposite.
That's my Yuu.
My exit. I am...
Azuma?
Been a while.
Sorry to show up randomly.
It's fine.
Hey, there's something I want to ask you.
What is it?
Could you tell me about how I used to be?
You don't remember, do you?
When I was ostracized by both our
classmates and our teachers,
you were the only one who would talk to me.
I was so worried that it'd cause you
to be bullied with me.
But you know what you said?
"I'm talking to her because I need
something. I don't get why you'd stop me.
I don't take orders from
people I don't respect."
So I was always combative.
No.
You were so cool.
Pretty and smart, and you never cried.
When you moved to Canada,
I stopped going to school.
I came here to study instead, applied to
a different middle school, altered my face,
and transformed myself.
But it didn't work.
Someone in North High talked
about how I was bullied.
We're out here in the sticks.
These things spread like wildfire.
I was so surprised.
When I ran into you at the bookstore.
It'd been years, but I still
recognized you immediately.
I realized that my hero
had come back to Japan.
I talked to you before
I had time to think.
Azuma.
I was your fan before anybody else was.
I get it.
I always ending up buying them too.
Those darn sausages.
Anyway, our next request is from
Sachi of Niko Kids. This is her message.
"Thank you for really becoming an idol."
Wait, Sachi?
"Dreams do come true, huh?"
Here's a song from Crazy Crazy Fridays'
theme song collection, releasing tomorrow.
This is NEWS (TBD) with "Who I Want to Be."
Penguin Shower / PopA
Linking Pinkies With You / Yuuko Kosame
Go Hawaii Road / Waihayama 55
Who I Want to Be / NEWS (TBD)
Clear Dreams / Nadeshoulder
kokoro Bubbles / Vice Venom Presidentz
You Are Eccentric / Seven VineGUYS
SNOW Wink / Tsukushi Natsuno
My Albums
Recent
NEWS
Food
What?
I'm sorry, guys.
I was only thinking about myself.
I had no problems hurting people
to make my dreams come true.
I assumed that anything was possible for us.
I really feel bad for
putting you through all that.
You know...
I knew how much you wanted it.
But I'm just not cut out to be an idol.
Having an influence on the lives
of total strangers scared me.
You can't debug idols, you know what I mean?
Sorry I couldn't be of use.
But thanks to you, I got to make friends
for the first time in my life.
I'm sorry, too.
I shouldn't have taken
that step half-heartedly.
I caused trouble for both my boyfriend and you.
But I'm still glad I met you all.
Will you still be my friends?
Obviously!
Right, Azuma?
Of course.
But there's one thing that I just don't get.
Is dating really that important?
You'll understand once you fall in love.
Azuma.
I've figured out what I want to do in life.
Have you really?
Yes.
I'm going to sign up to civilian
support groups all across the world.
Wait, seriously?!
But college entrances...
I'm skipping those.
Through our volunteering
and idol activities,
I realized that I can bring joy
to people's lives as well.
It's only because I tried becoming an idol
with you that my life's started to change.
You sure put things
into action quickly.
I believe you're really
not one to talk, Azuma.
True that.
So, all said and done,
we may have disbanded, but we're all glad
we gave the idol thing a shot, right?
Wanna try again, then?
Never.
I'm happy I got to talk
to all of you today.
I wish I could see you now I sit here
hoping Laughing at my wishful thinking
What is this emotion swirling deep down?
How beautiful is the flower blooming in the dark
Who is the one who whispered that?
I'll go see now, dragging you with me
The sunsets we spent fighting back the tears
Calling them memories, badges of honor
Trying to beautify, justify
But thank you, I wave goodbye to the past
Is this...
We finished our homework
from back then.
But we...
I take homework
very seriously, okay?
Likewise.
It's complete.
Bit late, but yeah.
I stop in place and embrace
the days passing me by
Wanting to know where I'm going
I look up at the sky to see
What is this emotion
swirling deep down?
How beautiful is the flower
blooming in the dark.
Who is the one
who whispered that?
I'll go see now,
dragging you with me
North, East, West, and South we go
with our free pass of youth
A reassuring tailwind
Flutters our skirts
Searching for answers
to our problems
The notebook we open seeks
a smile on our faces
We've changed a little again
More than yesterday,
the stars tonight...
Shine brighter on our lives
Azuma.
Thank you for finding me.
You were the first girl
to be friends with me.
I'll always be rooting for you.
You haven't given up, have you?
I pretended to be selfless while
being incredibly self-centered.
I pretended to be nice but
had no issues hurting people.
I know that I have
no right to be an idol.
But I'm as sore
a loser as I am nasty.
I can't give up,
even if I want to.
Yeah.
It was really a series
of incredibly good fortune.
A random audition
I passed changed everything.
Yeah, I volunteered for just
a little bit back in high school.
It made me happy when I helped
put a smile on somebody's face.
That's why I want to see lots of people
smile in my current work, too.
Yeah.
Thank you very much
for having me!
Good work!
You too.
That was a good interview!
Thanks.
Great stuff.
Thanks for the support.
Way to go, Azumacchi!
Great work today.
I'm about to go meet the girls.
For real? Say hi
to to them for me!
It's about this place
I went to recently.
What about it?
It was a cafe where you
made your own soft cream!
Wow.
But I messed up.
Sorry I'm late.
Azuma!
Long time no see.
Good evening, Azuma.
Wow, the baby's really grown.
Your second child, right?
Yeah. I'm seven months along.
And your first?
Six years old, about
to start elementary school.
Are you still traveling all
the time, Miss South?
Indeed. I was in
Laos until this morning.
How's it going with you, Kurumi?
All-nighters every night.
Hey!
Take a look.
Is this...
Welcome back.
Hello, 10 Years Later.
From me to you.
I wanted so desperately to be an idol.
Back then, I was so much
more childish, foolish,
uncool, and so damn cool.
Only people who have made their dreams
come true know the joy that it brings.
That is why I can say,
with my head held high...
Thank you, younger me.
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Trapezium (2024)
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