The Masterpiece Anime You (Probably) Never Watched

[@PhenomSage]

Probably not the long awaited video anyone not on the Discord was expecting but I’ve been obsessed with iDOLM@STER the past month and I needed to talk about it and share that passion for this wonderful series with the rest of you. I hope you enjoy. Also fun fact, -by complete coincidence- just like I planned, last week was the 10th anniversary of iDOLM@STER 2011! Thank you, 765 Pro!

[@kwizzeh]

For a lot of people, the anime just came at the right time. For a long time IM@S-P of nearly 17 years, I'm glad people are still giving the 2011 anime a shot even though as a franchise, it has gotten bloated beyond the original 13 765Pro girls, but there's an idol for everyone out there if they give the series a shot. Their VAs kill it on their image songs too.

[@livingfactor5682]

My man, you just GET it. You understand. This anime singlehandedly made me go from outright hating idols and idol media to feeling nothing short of ecstatic when seeing idols perform on a stage. Lovely video, I almost wish it was longer. Also, since you used Rabbit Fur as BGM, you're obligated to give the Million Live girls a chance when their anime drops in 2023. Everyone understandably writes them off quickly because of the legacy they have to live up to (calling them knock-offs, cheap copies, and so on) but I hope that - if the anime does them justice - you'll give them a chance too. Again, great video, really made my day. I'm aware the video is on the older side now and demand wouldn't exactly be high, but I would definitely watch anything more you put out, whether about the movie or otherwise. Cheers man.

[@EliasVodka]

I believe in Miki supremacy

[@ImJustStar]

This guy is the most underrated anime youtuber out there. I really love your content dude.

[@abderrahimlaribi8256]

Fax

[@cpu_cartel5648]

So true

[@yakusokus]

This series means a lot to me and it's amazing to see that there's still people out there making videos on it, giving it the love and appreciation it deserves.

[@tarolatte6803]

Same. Chhaya's episode made me cry.

[@GingerRin]

Seeing a youtuber I respect for their anime taste fell into the same rabbit hole that I've fallen into 10 years ago is quite a new experience for me Thanks for giving this franchise a chance and I'm glad you are able to enjoy so much out of the series, I'm looking forward for more of your thoughts on idolm@ster!

[@23Feanor]

I picked up Idolmaster after watching this video and loved it. I've never seen a full on idol show as didn't think I'd like it, even though i do like cgdct shows. I was so surprised at how much I cared about the girls and the story was really well written. Thanks for the suggestion. I think Ritsuko or Haruka are my best girl, but like Asuza and Takane also, but more for their aesthetics.

[@PhenomSage]

It's definitely a series that took me by surprise as well, which is why I really try to push people to give it a chance, there's a stigma against idol series because of other series that have kind of given people a warped generalization of what all of them are like, but man Idolmaster is special in so many ways. Super super happy that you ended up enjoying it like I did. Also Haruka best girl for sure but Ritsuko/Takane are also great picks, love the entire cast.

[@thebrightcube7817]

I'm glad you love Idolmaster! I hope you can play Idolmaster One for All one day! The English version of the base game has been done for 2 years and the dlc is gonna be finishing up by the end of this summer! So if you wanna fall in love with Idolmaster again please play it!

[@DelaGuy]

Once you started playing Nemuri Hime, I started tearing up

[@Mareganski]

yeah it gave me goosebumps lol plus wasn't expecting to see you here, to this day i'm waiting for a new vid

[@artytoons]

I'm a fan of the anime too. Large cast of idols and being not afraid to show the downside of idol fame (bad press, hard competitiors in Kuroi and Jupiter, trying to live up to expectations) as well as the fun side of performing and making friends even with the competition for fame within the group.

[@realmtl6829]

As a Love Live fan I've always had Idol Master on my to watch list. Glad to see it getting some attention. It's gonna be weird not seeing those clips in a Korosai vid though.

[@UpCardo]

It's always amazing to see love for a series as underwatched by the west like Idolm@ster, often mistaken as just some other idol show, but in reality it's a show with real passion and talent behind it. A story with great and amazing characters that you can relate to and love, a direction that sets itself well above most anime, and of course a production full of highs so high that leaves many people blown out of their mind, thanks to how alive everything is. That is The Idolm@ster 2011, not just some other idol show. Need this man Nishigori to do Shinymas asap.

[@Kiinako]

Great video! After having watched Love Live in 2017 I thought "oh, well, idol shows are cool, aren't they" and then I just didn't pick any up until 2019 where I finally decided to give im@s a try. And man oh man it just did so many rings around my expectations. This is massively cliche, but that show turned my whole life around and helped me get over many a things of the past. Their stories moved me in ways I never thought would be possible, and never in a million years they'd come from an idol anime. I don't think there has been, is, or ever will be an idol anime better made than this one. It's just that good, and in current times, massively underwatched.

[@lukejohnston4666]

Enjoy Bamco universe

[@Ryuseishun]

"that has a sense of direction that rivals Roronoa Zoro's" Zoro somewhere in Wano Country: *sneezes* What the hell was that??

[@Thaddyyy]

and you're next line is... *Catch a cold?*

[@iisanulquiorrahara8]

I checked this series out due to a project I'm working on, and firstly, damn do I wish it was more accessible. And secondly, I absolutely adore this series. As my first official impression of The Idolm@ster, I really love the characters, the casual feel overall is very comfort food, and I was amazed by how good most of the comedic bits got me. My two favorites of the group that I really can't pick between for a definite is Makoto for her want to be more feminine, despite her tomboyish demeanor, and Chihaya for how close to home she can be at times, alongside having one of the most impactful episodes in the entire series.

[@d4c_reznor470]

I watched this show coming off of Love Live, the show that transformed my music tastes from typical rock and pop to Japanese Idols. Already Imas became a standout experience only fueling my decent into idol hell.

[@snoopyodig1137]

I absolutely agree, my friends always laugh at me when i say i enjoy this show and is one of my favourite well i think some of the episode is lacking in supposed to be their character story but chihaya story really hit me hard and how she overcome it make me feel something else that make me really enjoy the show.

[@KingBobBobBob]

You have convinced me to try the idol master

[@noname-lb3sg]

I know I'm late but how the series was for you

[@pyonpyon5302]

Idolmaster is like the morning musume of anime while love live is the AKB48

[@neopolitan6999]

Idolm@ster 2011 is something special indeed, it encapsulates the the perfect charm idol anime has to offer

[@marcross52-95]

Watched this in 2017. but knew the franchise since 2010. Its 2023 and am still a fan of the franchise (Million Live P here since 2020)

[@sciencethygod]

Man slowly watching your reactions while you where watching this was quite enjoyable, and glad you enjoyed it so much. Ps ranko best girl.

[@sheepishtoad7302]

I’ll give it a shot! Now I’ll finally be able to tell the characters apart when reading doujin

[@Disuga]

All you've said here are all things that have been stuck in my heart and can't put to words, watching thing brings me to tears, thank you

[@majutsushisliceoflife]

I watched the whole series a few years back, and loved it! I also discovered one of my favorite waifus in Makoto Kikuchi, quite possibly the perfect tomboy.

[@yuu-kun3461]

You know, I watched Zombie Land Saga and thought "Huh, that was good. Wait... have I held a bad opinion on idol anime without ever watching any?" Now you came along with this video. Damn you!

[@gimmic2386]

watching you discovering the new favorite was a journey. great video.

[@qizeaqfile]

Thank you, finally I found someone who has the same feelings as Idolmaster 2011 as me. I have watch hundreds of anime and I still rank Idolmaster 2011 as one of the best. But because of it I no longer can watch other idols anime, all of them is soo inferior... I'm falling a sleep watching Love Live and felt infuriated watching Cinderela Girls. By the way the only idol anime I can watch is mecha anime like Macross Frontier and probably akb0048(even though the final arc is very bad) Your video make me want to rewatch Idolmaster 2011 for tenth time. Also it's likely Idolmaster make me fall in love with Hololive because I felt the same feelings of comradery as in Idolmaster when I watch them.

[@KanisterPotasu]

"I'm looking at you Cinderella Girls" I'm looking at you, Love Live. Yeah, I've seen the opening, I know Eli will join them. I'm sold, will give it a go after finishing Clannad.

[@neiinc6094]

Man your videos just keep on increasing my watch list Gotta give this a watch if its standing along with hunter hunter

[@codernakul]

nice pfp

[@Akani]

I really loved the serie and movie back when I watched it. Now I want to rewatch it again.

[@mentorassassin0282]

I heard one of the new idolm@aster series: U149 even has the Mushoku Tensei director, that's why the animation looks so good

[@PhenomSage]

Yeah the Mushoku Tensei director directed U149. He actually has a history with the series, he directed episodes for Cinderella Girls as well, tons of incredibly talented people have worked on Im@s.

[@overkill1340]

I'm always biased towards cute girl shows and I really liked Idolm@ster, but I'm not sure I liked it as much as you though. These characters were just fun to watch develop and grow. Sadly they are so fixated on their millions of idols that the franchise can't put togeather another series with characters that feel real and fleshed out. Everything after OG IM is just full of tropes and one note characters. I don't remember one girl from Cinderella Girls but I remember everyone from the original.

[@noname-lb3sg]

I'm still wondering to tha day t why Cinderella girls was more famous than the original idol master when everything is the original was much better

[@harajukubarbiedoll]

Game wise of course mainly because of the mvs and models and graphics plus the cards look more improved and modern compared to how old million live is but it has a nice nostalgic feel but story wise it wins

[@GervasiusMC]

i think it helps that CG starlight stage was backed by Cygames and they were also one of the pioneers of the many mobile rhythm games we have now. a lot of people got into im@s from it and because its basically detached from 765 a lot of people just didnt look back

[@RuriGokouMadoMura]

Glad to see content on IM@s, I love it with all my heart and not enough people make content about it!

[@gnome5676]

YESSSS YES WHY I FIND IT NOW?? finally someone understands. first im@s is so god damn goooood. I love it because it is condensed yet tackles many topics well. Also what i noticed about imas animes in general is that their directing is top notch when it comes to the characters and showcasing their personalities. You can see a characters 2 times for 10 minutes and you already feel like you know so much about them and can even relate or fall in love with them in that short amount of time. Brilliant and not enough praised.. especially how they animated idol scenes by hand !!! wtf so goooood

[@TheMickellPickell]

That was...the best Character breakdown sequence I think I have ever seen in anything EVER. Never seen an idol anime before because personally Moe never really did anything for me. However seeing your passion for this series and how beautifully presented it is, I'll make it my next watch!

[@oro88]

While I definitely watched it way prior to this movie (damn, it's been almost 9 years now lol), it's still great to see some people talking about series, that is what, 12 years old, and still is holding candle to current best series. And yes, live shows are knocking it out of the park. Megumi Kouno is the best. BTW Yukiho>Takane>Miki all the way.

[@cpu_cartel5648]

I can hear the genuine passion from the video. NOW I NEED TO CHECK THE SERIES OUT FUCKING HELL AAAAA

[@salmonidae3667]

Well made video. I can tell you really put effort into the research. Hopefully this gets more people into the series!

[@hlebushek6300]

Im@s 2011 is truly amazing. Currently watching Million Live to get some dopamine from the girls returned for a minute or so

[@PhenomSage]

Too real, I wish they had more of a presence in the series lol but I understand why they want to shift focus to the new girls

[@XellosNi]

I'm surprised how well they nailed this after Xenoglossia, but at the same time dissapointed they haven't quite captured the same magic in the later anime for the "Future generations".

[@val1942]

Another fell into the iDOLM@STER hole...Welcome! If you like the character writing in this series, please consider seeking out translations of the Shiny Colors stories! They're also quite character driven and many of the units (noctchill in particular) have some very interesting and layered dynamics. Each girl even has a dedicated writer; it's really neat! There's a similar passion present that I think you will appreciate. It also accompanies a genuinely challenging and fun strategy/simulation game with beautiful art.

[@Khanxay]

I saw you briefly praise idolmaster in your other channel on a Mushoku Tensei vid. So after going through your Mushoku playlist, I -just- found this channel and to my surprise, you -do- have a video on idolmaster. :O Hell yeah! Respect.

[@yqisq6966]

This is on my backlog for a long time. I gotta watch it.

[@PhenomSage]

Hope you enjoy it whenever you check it out!

[@LordTakkun86]

Nishigori influence is already seen when Makoto is fighting in the chinese streets to what look like jorgan and barimbo from Gurren Laggan.

[@PhenomSage]

Yep, there's so much Gainax influence over the entire series, I honestly wish I delved more into the production side of things because it's honestly really cool when you look into all of the legends who were involved with making this series

[@TBoneTony]

Sora no Woto (Sound of the Sky) is perhaps my choice for a Masterpiece Anime that nobody has probably watched. Beautiful opening song and a really funny filler episode in episode 8.5 I think it was. The one where the girls play a mock war but they act it out so exaggeratedly because they were completely wasted when they accidently drank the forbidden drinks.

[@ikhwanuddindallas8644]

I love Idolmaster so much after watching it the first time, I've try to consume every idolmaster manga, song, and meme. Heck, I found nico nico douga because I've been searching for any idolmaster video I can find. I've even watch the translated game cutscene on youtube. Of course I also saved the music video from the game too. idolmaster songs are also the most idol songs I have on my playlist The point is I just love this series man and the movie is the perfect send off to the girls

[@PhenomSage]

I'm with you 100% man, I've fallen so far down the rabbit hole and I only love it more and more with time, I just wish the games were translated (especially Million Live and Shiny Colors) but it is what it is. Love everything about this franchise and I can't wait for the anime for Million Live/Shiny Colors. Also yeah the movie is just like the perfect send-off for the 765 all stars and a great transition into Million Live.

[@nanamifan0220]

Im a year late to this but i totally agree. Ive been a fan of im@s for almost 5 years now, but this anime is what got me into the 765pro allstar girls which led me to start playing the games and so on. Its really quite amazing how they make every single girl stand out and they each have their own struggles and hardships, while also each having a glowing moment where they really become an idol. i also like the fact that its like an industry idol show where theyre in an entertainment company. makes it so much more real to show the ups and downs of the industry and how many will be shoved aside if they dont have the right influence. Great video and really really well done. I really hope more give this anime a shot because it is so criminally underrated with international anime fans!! also unrelated but i love the fact they do not use cgi in the dance scenes! just great! animation is truly top tier with some of the best va’s and songs in a japanese idol franchise.

[@TacticalBaconPatches]

You aren't kidding on the roster being intimidating. It took me 3 separate attempts across several months to get past the first two episodes but damn, I've watched the entire series at least twice a year since 2017. If I can say anything to someone thinking about watching this show, I want you to stick with it. You can do it and you will appreciate yourself for putting in the effort.

[@milky1234123]

I watched this way back on whim when i was getting back into anime as an adult. This series is what got me into liking idols and more so anime with singing in which leads me more into the macross series and such. The characters for this show are all super good an fleshed out more then one would think about a show about idols hell even the one with rin was super good. it just hit the right buttons and mann those short action sections the anime had like the idol battle thing made it way more interesting since we know it could go another way and be just as good. I would love if they remade this series now and updated the songs and such but even with it being over a decade old the music and the anime still hold up to other shows that have come out since then dare i say its a masterpiece of a show. I always suggest people watch this anime if they want to get something else besides shounen great video even though i found it two years later nonethelesss

[@PhenomSage]

I'm right there with you, I already felt like I was open to trying different genres and kinds of anime but this one really opened my eyes to how you can find amazing stuff in places you least expect it.

[@milky1234123]

@@PhenomSage Yup 100% this what got me into giving most anime at least 4 episodes before giving up on it. More often then not ive have stuck around for some really great shows like Hanayamata, Flip flappers, and rolling girls.

[@wansper9297]

Wulp.... guess I am watching this over the next week, god forbid I actually try to clear out my plan to watch list

[@RetroNekoArt]

This Anime made me lose so much tears it was insane i love it so much!

[@TATAR4ik72]

Oh, brother, Yakusoku is something from Ace of music (Keiki Kobayashi)

[@PhenomSage]

Yakusoku has emotionally damaging powers that few songs rarely achieve. I really need to get into the Ace Combat series.

[@noname-lb3sg]

Finally finally i find someone who appreciates this master piece like me I'm tired of everyone who takes only about love live or idol master Cinderella and iqnore the original idol master great animation story characters songs it had everything but yet no one take about it

[@kageakiminato8536]

Idols filter dumb gaijin who want to see only """"deep"""" anime. Only by accepting idols, by accepting moe ,can one achieve true balance. I have attained true balance, 2 of my favorite anime are Kaiji and Kiniro Mosaic, can you say the same? 9:02pm best Idolmaster song

[@GervasiusMC]

this but unironically

[@kageakiminato8536]

@@GervasiusMC i was unironic

[@lukejohnston4666]

I just finished watched it this year, now continuing with Million Live.

[@PhenomSage]

Same here! Definitely not capturing the same magic for me as 2011 but just glad to see more Idolmaster coming out

[@lukejohnston4666]

@@PhenomSage The seniormost idols (og 13 765 all stars)

[@yqisq6966]

I'm just glad they opt for 2D style rather than 3D (even though 3D models in the game are absolutely gorgeous).

[@PhenomSage]

True, although the recent Million Live anime actually has really nice 3D models.

[@yqisq6966]

Actually you are right. It's 3D style done right.@@PhenomSage

[@MeiStraylight]

If you listen to asami imais solo discography you will find a lot of go shinas works, i think her voice is really suitable for his works

[@Poipletoitle331]

I first watched this video around 6 or so months ago and it made me pick the series and I've seen all of the Idolm@ster animes and all of the Love Lives twice now so upon rewatching this video I must thank you for causing me to gain 2 franchises tied for my top franchise in the world

[@FLa-vh1og]

Where you have watched idolm@ster please?

[@Poipletoitle331]

​@@FLa-vh1ogSorry for a late reply but I had to pirate the show on aniwave.to which I really hated doing but I don't have the money to get the DVDs and you can't watch the 2011 anime on Crunchyroll however after pirating 2011 you can watch the rest of the franchise on Crunchyroll

[@OnevArbasee]

This was pretty cool video.not one I would have watched. but now I will check it out

[@korakys]

Well you've at least convinced me that it has great animation throughout.

[@emikotagahushi941]

First few seconds in and I’m already convinced. XD Gotta go check this out.

[@mercurialblonde]

I had thought about watching this, because of who had worked on it. It was always this weird anime that kept coming up in the list of animators I liked a lot. Wondered if it was good. need to check it out

[@PhenomSage]

Something similar to me happened due to a bunch of friends I have being fans of it. Hope you enjoy!

[@kinganondorf]

IdolM@ster 2011 is probably one the best or the best video game to anime adaptation out there I'd like to hear thoughts on Xenoglossia cause hooboy that'll be a trip Makoto Best girl btw

[@doltishly4025]

Nooooooo... that NemuriHime scene... now i need to watch this again!

[@akarial2713]

miki is love, miki is life

[@vcalebs]

I think you would REALLY like the anime 22/7 if you enjoy iDOLM@STER 2011. I personally LOVE that as an idol anime and I think it's worth a shot for people.

[@fallengarden]

Honestly i never knew what's the point of music based anime, especially if its trying to be character focused as well. Music feels very unnecessary and meh to me and it plays main role on losing my interest. Probably cause JP Pop is pretty far from my style, especially this tipical idol stuff and i bet i do not gonna find Hollywood Undead, Nightwish, Amaranth, Eminem, NF, Fort Minor, Starset type music anime anytime soon which would sync with me in terms of music. Miyavi's performance at ID: Invaded was truly refreshing to hear from japan tho. A really, i mean REALLY good try from the genre was Revue Starlight if you ask me, but sadly it wasn't written well enought and so didn't got the attention it deserved anyway. By far the best Idol / Sport inspired, character based anime what i can rate as a true 11/10 and take it to my fav list alongside titles like Houseki no Kuni, Hanasaku Iroha and Mo Dao Zu Shi is the second season of Uma Musume.

[@jamesgodfrey8972]

I have Haruka tattooed on me 3 times, big 1 is on my side, have a chibi Haruka and have Harukasan from Puchimas aswell 🥰❤️ she is my no1 idol God bless Eriko Nakamura for voicing her so much.

[@PhenomSage]

You are a legend dude, we share the same Haruka love but you're even more devoted than I am

[@jamesgodfrey8972]

@@PhenomSage sounds sad of me but if it wasn't for Idolm@ster I wouldn't be the person I am today, that anime taught me so much. Especially from Haruka aswell ya know. 😊 All I'm trying to do now is get my ass to Japan try and meet Eriko Nakamura nd hopefully she will sign my painting I have of her 🤗.

[@KuroiPK]

This looks seriously interesting, especially if the animation is that good. The only idol like show I watched was revue starlight.

[@darknessmechainvader4960]

You’re telling me IDOLM@STER isn’t just a hentai?!

[@klearre4355]

Im from future and will tell about my though on idolm@ster after 8 year know and love this series, Im@s is indeed a masterpiece their song, their story, their idol, everything is really m@sterpiece, you would never bored following this idol anime franchise no mather how long you like it and Imas is something should really try if you want to know about idol anime world. and almost my though on this vids, one more thing is "every idolm@ster branch is perfect" from of imas og to shiny colors is something worth to follow even their voice actress really love idolm@ster But i have one regret and that is i can't follow them from the beginning 18 year ago when imas release And nice putting nemuri hime there as example how good imas song Nice vids and i hope this video will reach more audience and bring them to idolm@ster world And greet to you all imasP out there

[@Umfyq]

Well well well... you convinced me to give it a try. The only part that that was putting me off was the Idol genere :>

[@char-1559]

You should really talk about ghost hunt , I have never seen anyone bring it up and its so so good

[@ZaiDrizzleDrop]

shit this actually looks pretty good, gonna check it out

[@yutakeda9979]

Seems like I have a weekend project!

[@ProsperousKingFlorent]

Hell yeah. iDOLM@ASTER is so fucking good and it's a crime that people don't know about it.

[@usamabinmuzaffar692]

Yo what happened to your second channel Sage?

[@SakuraKinomoto-bj3og]

Im Fan of idolmaster but haruka Amami is the best

[@PhenomSage]

This is so true

[@SakuraKinomoto-bj3og]

Yes Haruka is my 1 idol

[@angry_whale20]

6:42 Huh. Didn't know ProZD made Darling in the Franxx

[@enksw3189]

will be watching it sometime soon for sure

[@insertenombreoriginal5897]

It is questionable, P chan. But I understand. Theres quite a bit in this show that is full with love

[@NoMind_]

I don't wanna bother you, but Village arc in Made in Abyss was finished several weeks ago. Can you please return to MIA chapter reviews? I'm still here, waiting for it.

[@dave9302]

Adding it to the list 👍

[@atlashellfire6486]

well, i'll add it to my watch list

[@03dashk64]

Where is this available to watch? It is blocked on US Crunchyroll and Netflix :(

[@PulkitGautamisbest]

Wow finally the vid came up huh

[@MoonstruckDrop]

Thank you sage. I might pick up this series but not sure im gonna have right mind set to watch it because….. I read too much doujinshi of this series and i might look in the way i shouldnt. My god pls send help. Dorime

[@lonestar_iconoclast]

I just got done with Zombieland Saga: Revenge and now I needs some more Idol Grrls. Now if only Crunchyroll actually had this series listed. (It has everythign BUT the 2011 series. Unless I messed up the name of it.)

[@Wallie33.]

Where can I watch the anime? Is not available in any legal sites as far as I know and looking up the series online I only found one website that had it available, but it’s on a very low resolution.

[@boocchihitori4450]

I was thinking about watching this show

[@imrekalman9044]

Question: What would this show be like animated by KyoAni? (I'm 13 episodes in, it's nice.)

[@kageakiminato8536]

It'd be worse

[@SwitchXP8]

If you recommend it I’m watching it!

[@dimitrisdaskalakis3065]

HOSHII MIKI IS THE BEST IDOL AND GIRL

[@wolflink9000]

ya no I'll pass lol edit: nvm you convinced me

[@magnoknight1242]

i'll watch it

[@AdaraFukuchi]

yeah but is it k on tho?

[@icypotato3610]

How about make a review of SideM anime too 😊