Hubbry Logo
Kirarin RevolutionKirarin RevolutionMain
Open search
Kirarin Revolution
Community hub
Kirarin Revolution
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Kirarin Revolution
Kirarin Revolution
Kirarin Revolution
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
"MilkyWay" redirects here. For other uses, see Milky Way (disambiguation).
Kirarin Revolution
Cover of the first volume of Kirarin Revolution featuring Na-san (left) and Kirari (right)
きらりん☆レボリューション
(Kirarin Reboryūshion)
GenreRomantic comedy[1]
Manga
Written byAn Nakahara
Published byShogakukan
ImprintCiao Comics
MagazineCiao
Pucchigumi[2]
Original runMarch 2004 – June 2009
Volumes14
Anime television series
Directed byMasaharu Okuwaki
Produced by
  • Susumu Matsuyama
  • Shinsaku Hatta (1–31)
  • Kensuke Sarai (32–68)
  • Takahiro Suzuki (69–102)
Written byMichihiro Tsuchiya
Music bybice
Studio
Original networkTV Tokyo, AT-X
Original run April 7, 2006 (2006-04-07) – March 28, 2008 (2008-03-28)
Episodes102 (List of episodes)
Anime television series
Kirarin Revolution Stage 3
Directed byYoshitaka Fujimoto
Produced by
  • Susumu Matsuyama
  • Takahiro Suzuki
  • Mayumi Sato
Written byHiroko Fukuda
Music byYoichi Sakai
Studio
  • Synergy SP
  • SimImage
Original networkTV Tokyo, AT-X
Original run April 8, 2008 (2008-04-08) – March 27, 2009 (2009-03-27)
Episodes51 (List of episodes)
Games

List of Kirarin Revolution games

Kirarin Revolution (Japanese: きらりん☆レボリューション, Hepburn: Kirarin Reboryūshon) is a Japanese manga series by An Nakahara. The series ran in the shōjo manga magazine Ciao from March 2004 to June 2009, with side stories running in Pucchigumi in 2006. The manga has sold a cumulative total of over 10 million copies. It was awarded Best Children's Manga at the 2006 Shogakukan Manga Awards.

An anime adaptation premiered on April 7, 2006, in Japan on TV Tokyo and ran for 102 episodes until March 28, 2008.[3] A second season with the subtitle Kirarin Revolution Stage 3 (きらりん☆レボリューションSTAGE3, Kirarin Reboryūshon Stage 3) aired from April 8, 2008, to March 27, 2009, in high-definition and 3D animation. The anime series stars Morning Musume member Koharu Kusumi, and during the show's run, she released music and made appearances at concerts and crossover television shows as the character.[4] Starting with Kirarin Revolution Stage 3, additional cast members joined her in music activities, such as MilkyWay and Ships.

Plot

[edit]

Kirari Tsukishima, a 14-year-old beauty, does not care about idols and the entertainment world because her mind is occupied by food. One day, after saving a turtle stranded in a tree, Kirari meets a boy named Seiji, who gives her a ticket to a concert to show his gratitude for her saving his pet. However, when Kirari shows up at the concert, another boy named Hiroto, tears up her ticket and warns her to stay away from Seiji, because they both live in different worlds. Kirari learns that Seiji and Hiroto are members of the idol group Ships. Finally understanding the meaning of "different worlds", Kirari refuses to give up pursuing Seiji and declares that she will also become an idol. However, being an idol requires tons of training and talent. Faced with rivals and scandals, Kirari is determined to come out as a top idol.

Characters

[edit]

Main characters

[edit]
Kirari Tsukishima (月島 きらり, Tsukishima Kirari)
Voiced by: Miyu Matsuki (drama CD), Koharu Kusumi (anime)
Kirari is a beautiful 14-year-old girl who strives to be an idol to become closer to Seiji. She has a huge appetite for food. Despite her shortcomings and lack of talents, she manages to persevere as a result of the help she receives from her friends and her unwavering resilience. As time passes and she spends time with Hiroto, she begins to fall in love with him instead.
Na-san (なーさん, Nā-san)
Voiced by: Kumiko Higa (drama CD), Chigusa Ikeda (anime)
Na-san is Kirari's cat who acts competent and intelligent. He provides a lot of help to Kirari and protects her from danger.
Hiroto Kazama (風真 宙人, Kazama Hiroto)
Voiced by: Masaki Mimoto (drama CD), Akio Suyama (episodes 1-102), Takuya Ide (episodes 103-153)
Hiroto is a member of boy band Ships. Hiroto acts honest and strict towards Kirari. Despite how he treats her, he falls in love with her. Although he supports Kirari's feelings for Seiji throughout the series, he often worries about her when she faces difficult situations and is usually the one who helps her out.
Seiji Hiwatari (日渡 星司, Hiwatari Seiji)
Voiced by: Wataru Hatano (drama CD), Souichiro Hoshi (episodes 1-102), Shikou Kanai (episodes 103-153)
Seiji is a member of boy band Ships. He is gentle and air-headed, and Kirari compares him to a prince. He has a pet turtle named Kame-san (カメさん).

Stage 3 characters

[edit]

Noel Yukino (雪野 のえる, Yukino Noeru)
Voiced by: Sayaka Kitahara
Noel is an original character created for the anime and part of the idol unit MilkyWay. She is an athletic girl who loves playing sports. She is in love with her childhood friend, Cloudy. She owns a pet cat named Ni-kun (にーくん, Nī-kun; Voiced by: Tetsuya Kakihara), who used to be the leader of a gang in his cat town and joins Mi-chan and Na-san in their own idol unit, Triangle.
Kobeni Hanasaki (花咲 こべに, Hanasaki Kobeni)
Voiced by: You Kikkawa
Kobeni is an original character created for the anime and part of the idol unit MilkyWay. Kobeni is usually seen with a crystal ball. She owns a pet cat named Mi-chan (みーちゃん, Mī-chan; Voiced by: Noriko Shitaya), who used to live in luxury and joins Ni-kun and Na-san in their own idol unit, Triangle.

Recurring characters

[edit]
Arashi Amamiya (雨宮 嵐, Amamiya Arashi)
Voiced by: Takafumi Kawakami
Arashi is Kirari's childhood friend and an illusionist who moved to Osaka when they were six. He tries to get Kirari to quit the entertainment world so that she will fulfill their childhood promise of being his wife. He owns a pet cat named Na-yan (なーやん, Nā-yan; Voiced by: Miwa Kouzuki), who is Na-san's brother.
Erina Ogura (小倉 エリナ, Ogura Erina)
Voiced by: Masako Jo
Erina is an idol who belongs to the same company as Kirari, yet views her Kirari as a rival and manipulates others in order to interfere with Kirari's progress. She attends the same school as Kirari, and formerly held the position of princess in her class' popularity ranks before Kirari transferred. She has a pet dog named TanTan (たんたん, Tantan; Voiced by: Koichi Sakaguchi).
Fubuki Todo (藤堂 ふぶき, Tōdō Fubuki)
Voiced by: Noriko Shitaya
Fubuki is a former model who transitioned into being an idol. She first dismisses Kirari, but she later regards her as a worthy friend and rival. Because Fubuki comes from a wealthy family and has experienced fame since childhood, she is viewed as spoiled and confidant. She owns a pet cat named Mya-san (みゃ～さん, Myā-san; Voiced by: Hisayo Mochizuki), who is Na-san and Na-yan's brother, and a pet chick named ToriDoshi (とりどし, Toridoshi), who has great physical strength.
Izumi Amakawa (天川 いずみ, Amakawa Izumi) / Hyotaro Izumi (和泉氷太郎, Izumi Hyōtarō)
Voiced by: Ryoka Yuzuki
Izumi is an idol working in the same company as Fubuki and views Kirari a rival for Hiroto's feelings, manipulating staff members and the media in order to keep Kirari away from him. Izumi's identity is revealed as Hiroto's childhood friend, Hyotaro, who had become an idol disguised as a girl after they had both promised each other to become idols as children. He owns a pet cat named Yoka-san (よかっさん, Yokassan; Voiced by: Chiemi Miyata), who wears glasses and has a crush on Na-san.
Cloudy (クラウディ, Kuraudi)
Voiced by: Toru Baba
Cloudy is a new idol working for the Higashiyama Company. He flirts with Kirari as part of the company's orders to sabotage Kirari's career, but he soon falls in love with her for real and eventually quits his company. He apologizes Kirari for sabotaging her so much to the point where she couldn't take it. He also says that he will return to someone's fan and support Kirari as an idol. His real name is Kiriya Hayami (流水霧也, Hayami Kiriya).
Aoi Kirisawa (霧沢 あおい, Kirisawa Aoi)
Voiced by: Chiwa Saito
Aoi is an original character created for the anime. Dubbed the "idol queen", she is a popular idol. She acts very kind and helpful, and is Nojo's 15th top idol winner. Aoi graduates from being an idol and travels around the world pursuing a new career in music, but she and Kirari remain good friends.
Hikaru Mizuki (観月 ひかる, Mizuki Hikaru)
Voiced by: Mai Hagiwara
Hikaru is an original character created for the anime. She is an idol trainee who Kirari mentors and forms the idol unit Kira Pika with her. At first, she acts rude towards Kirari, considering her as some sort of fool. However, she starts to respect her as she teaches her important lessons and helps her out whenever she struggles. The two eventually become close friends and Hikaru thanks Kirari for all her help at last. Afterwards, Hikaru continues her career as a solo singer after their last concert as Kira Pika ends.

Family members

[edit]
Takashi Tsukishima (月島 天, Tsukishima Takashi)
Voiced by: Chomenori Yamawaki
Takashi is Kirari's doting father who brought up Kirari by himself. Although he is an easygoing person, he initially opposes the idea of Kirari becoming an idol, but he begins to support her after seeing how serious she is about her career.
Subaru Tsukishima (月島 すばる, Tsukishima Subaru)
Voiced by: Shintaro Asanuma
Subaru is Kirari's brother who resides in America with the hope of having his own idol debut and currently studies acting in New York. He owns a pet cat named Mr. Na (Mr.なー, Mr. Nā; Voiced by: Megumi Shinkawa), who he found at Fifth Avenue.
Grandmother (おばあちゃん, Obaa-chan)
Voiced by: Masako Nozawa
Kirari's grandmother is an original character created for the anime. She encourages Kirari to be an idol since she is a secret fan of Ships, particularly Hiroto.
Luna (ルナ, Runa) / Urara Tsukishima (月島うらら, Tsukishima Urara)
Luna is an original character created for the anime. She is Kirari's mother and a famous actress under the stage name Luna (ルナ, Runa). She asks Kirari to go to Hollywood with her but Kirari refuses and decides to remain in Japan, continuing to be an idol.

Managers and producers

[edit]
Chairman Muranishi (村西 社長, Muranishi-shachō)
Voiced by: Susumu Chiba
Muranishi is the chairman of the company that Kirari and Ships belong to. He recognizes the potential that Kirari possesses and makes a lot of arrangements before and after she becomes an idol. He owns a pet mouse named Director Nezumi (ネズミ 会長, Nezumi-kanchō), who is the director of the company and chooses the idols' jobs.
Kasumi Kumoi (雲井 かすみ, Kumoi Kasumi)
Voiced by: Michiko Neya
Kumoi is an original character created for the anime, but she appeared in the manga beginning in volume 9. She is Kirari's manager and was previously an idol under the name Kasumi Hoshino (星野かすみ, Hoshino Kasumi). Although externally a serious and humorless person, she is actually pleased by Kirari's willingness to do her best in every situation.
Shakujii (石神井, Shakujii)
Voiced by: Hisayoshi Izaki
Shakujii is Erina's subservient manager, who tries to fulfill Erina's every request.
Tomo Kamata (鎌田 友雄, Kamata Tomō)
Voiced by: Tetsuharu Ōta
Mr. Kama is an original character created for the anime. He is Kirari and Ships' songwriter.
Kaoruko Higashiyama (東山 薫子, Higashiyama Kaoruko)
Voiced by: Naoko Matsui
Higashiyama is the chairman of the Higanshiyama Company with a crush on Muranishi. Originally, she attempts to sabotage Kirari's career, but after her best stars quit and Muranishi gets upset, she concentrates on making top quality stars instead. She owns a pet alligator named Catherine (キャサリン, Kyasarin).

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Kirarin Revolution was serialized in the monthly magazine Ciao from the March 2004 issue to the June 2009 issue.[1] The chapters were later released in bound volumes by Shogakukan under the "Ciao Comics" imprint. A total of 14 volumes have been released. Originally, Nakahara planned Kirari's name to be "Konomi Hazuki" and Hiroto's last name to be "Tsukishima."[5]

No. Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
01 August 28, 2004[6]978-4-09-135616-1
02 February 1, 2005[7]978-4-09-135617-8
03 April 27, 2005[8]978-4-09-135618-5
04 August 27, 2005[9]978-4-09-135619-2
05 December 26, 2005[10]978-4-09-130296-0
06 March 31, 2006[11]978-4-09-130399-8
07 July 29, 2006[12]978-4-09-130525-1
08 November 29, 2006[5]978-4-09-130665-4
09 March 30, 2007[13]978-4-09-131090-3
10 August 31, 2007[14]978-4-09-131230-3
11 January 31, 2008[15]978-4-09-131497-0
12 July 1, 2008[16]978-4-09-131760-5
13 November 28, 2008[17]978-4-09-132086-5
14 July 24, 2009[18]978-4-09-132685-0

Anime

[edit]
Main articles: List of Kirarin Revolution episodes, List of Kirarin Revolution Stage 3 episodes, and Kirarin Revolution discography

Kirarin Revolution was adapted into an anime series by SynergySP and G&G Entertainment in 2006.[19] It aired on TV Tokyo from April 7, 2006, to March 27, 2008, for a total of 102 episodes. Koharu Kusumi from Morning Musume was cast as Kirari. Kusumi also performed the opening and ending theme songs, as well as releasing music under Kirari Tsukishima's name.[20] Kusumi noted in her autobiography, 17-sai no Tenshoku, that the anime was originally supposed to last for one year, but due to the success of the show, it was renewed for two more broadcast years.[21]

After the show's third renewal, Kirarin Revolution broadcast its second season with the subtitle Kirarin Revolution Stage 3. The show aired on TV Tokyo from April 8, 2008, to March 27, 2009, for a total of 51 episodes.[22] It was animated by SynergySP and SimImage in 3D animation and HD format. Noel Yukino and Kobeni Hanasaki, new original characters played by Sayaka Kitahara and You Kikkawa from Hello Pro Egg, were added to the main cast.[23] Takuya Ide and Shikou Kanai were cast as the new actors for Ships members Hiroto and Seiji.[24]

In addition to providing the voice to Kirari, Kusumi made crossover appearances at concerts and television shows as her character, including being a recurring guest on Haromoni and Oha Suta,[25] which made her one of the pioneers of the "idol voice actor" crossover beginning in the late 2000s.[26] For the summer of 2007, Mai Hagiwara from Cute was cast as an anime-original character, Hikaru Mizuki, and became part of an anime-original idol subunit Kira Pika with Kusumi for a short story arc, releasing music and making in-character appearances on other television shows on TV Tokyo.[27] During Kirarin Revolution Stage 3's run, the show's new format launched a singing career for new cast and allowed crossover appearances on other television shows as their characters.[23][24] On April 4, 2008, Ide and Kanai appeared on Oha Suta as their characters for the first time and also had their own in-character segment on the show on Thursdays from April 10, 2008 to May 4, 2009.[25][28]

In 2007, Viz Media Europe licensed the anime for European release under the title Kilari![29][30]

Live-action TV series

[edit]

Short live-action drama episodes were aired on Oha Suta, with small segments aired over several days. The cast from the anime series reprised their roles.

No. Title Original air date Original end date
1"The Secret Behind the New Song "Happy""
Transliteration: "Shin Kyoku "Happy" Tanjō no Himitsu" (Japanese: 新曲「ハッピー☆彡」誕生の秘密[31])		April 23, 2007 (2007-04-23)May 2, 2007 (2007-05-02)
Kirari records her newest song, "Happy", with Jake Shimamura, an eccentric music director.
2"Can Kirari Perform at the WHF Stage?"
Transliteration: "Kirari wa WHF Suteiji ni Deban Dekiru no Ka?" (Japanese: きらりはWHFステージに出演できるのか?)		June 8, 2007 (2007-06-08)June 21, 2007 (2007-06-21)
3"Kira Pika Story"
Transliteration: "Kira Pika Sutōrī" (Japanese: きら☆ぴか ストーリー)		July 4, 2007 (2007-07-04)July 18, 2007 (2007-07-18)
Kirari and Hikaru prepare to debut as an idol sub-group named Kira Pika, but they must resolve their differences to be successful.
4"Chase After the Mystery Behind the Strange Ring!!"
Transliteration: "Fushigi na Yubiwa no Nazo wo Oe!!" (Japanese: ふしぎなゆびわのなぞをおえ!!)		October 24, 2007 (2007-10-24)November 6, 2007 (2007-11-06)
5"The Second Kirari?! Noel Yukino version"
Transliteration: "Dai Ni no Kirari!? Yukino Noeru hen" (Japanese: 第2のきらり!? 雪野のえる編)		April 14, 2008 (2008-04-14)April 18, 2008 (2008-04-18)
Kirari wants Noel to become an idol, but Noel is not interested and wants to play sports.
6"The Second Kirari?! Kobeni Hanasaki version"
Transliteration: "Dai Ni no Kirari!? Hanasaki Kobeni hen" (Japanese: 第2のきらり!? 花咲こべに編)		April 21, 2008 (2008-04-21)April 25, 2008 (2008-04-25)
Kirari wants Kobeni to become an idol, but Kobeni feels too unconfident.
7"Kira Revo Plus: The Secret Behind Pa-Pancake"
Transliteration: "Kira Rebo Purasu: Papankēki Tanjo Hiwa" (Japanese: きら☆レボ+ パパンケーキ誕生秘話)		July 7, 2008 (2008-07-07)July 15, 2008 (2008-07-15)
8"Kira Revo Plus: The Journey to the Special Live Show"
Transliteration: "Kira Rebo Purasu: Supesharu Raibu e no Michi" (Japanese: きら☆レボ+ スペシャルライブへの道)		September 26, 2008 (2008-09-26)October 1, 2008 (2008-10-01)
MilkyWay and Ships prepare for their first concert event.
9"Kira Revo Plus: Rute-Rute version"
Transliteration: "Kira Rebo Purasu: Ruterute hen" (Japanese: きら☆レボ+ るてるて編)		October 20, 2008 (2008-10-20)October 28, 2008 (2008-10-28)
A cursed teru teru bōzu, known as a rute rute, starts pursuing MilkyWay and Ships, causing rain to fall wherever they go.
10"You're Here"
Transliteration: "Kimi ga Iru" (Japanese: きみがいる)		November 25, 2008 (2008-11-25)December 1, 2008 (2008-12-01)

  • "The Mysterious Girl" (謎の女の子, Nazo no Onnanoko): While filming the music video for "Kimi ga Iru", Hiroto and Seiji find a snow fairy princess named Lareine and help her run away from two men in black chasing her.[24]
  • "Run!" (にげろ！, Nigero!): After Lareine helps Hiroto and Seiji escape, they spend time together in the city.
  • "Magic?!" (魔法！？, Mahō!?): Hiroto and Seiji are confronted by the men in the park, who try to freeze them with magic. After escaping, they bring Lareine to a ferris wheel.
  • "You're Here" (きみがいる, Kimi ga Iru): Hiroto and Seiji finish filming their music video. Lareine saves them from the men's attacks, causing crystals to rain on them during the shoot. Satisfied, she returns to her kingdom.
11"Kira Revo Plus: Happy Happy Sunday! version"
Transliteration: "Kira Rebo Purasu: Hapi Hapi Sandē! hen" (Japanese: きら☆レボ+ はぴ☆はぴサンデー!編)		January 26, 2009 (2009-01-26)January 30, 2009 (2009-01-30)
Hiroto and Kirari switch bodies and must go on with each other's lives without anyone noticing before they can change back.

Video games

[edit]

Several video games produced by Konami were released for the Nintendo DS during the show's run. All six games sold a cumulative total of 650,000 copies.[32]

Title Console(s) Release Date Publisher
Kirarin Revolution: Kira Kira Idol Audition (きらりん☆レボリューション きらきらアイドルオーディション) Nintendo DS
  • JP: August 10, 2006
 Konami
Kirarin Revolution: Na-san to Issho (きらりん☆レボリューション なーさんといっしょ) Nintendo DS
  • JP: December 7, 2006
  • FRA: April 29, 2010
 Konami
Kilari: Become a Star[a] Nintendo DS
  • JP: July 12, 2007
  • EU: November 4, 2010
 Konami
Kirarin Revolution: Tsukutte Misechao! Kime Kira Stage (きらりん☆レボリューション つくってみせちゃお! キメ☆きらステージ) Nintendo DS
  • JP: December 13, 2007
 Konami
Kirarin Revolution: Minna de Odorou Furi Furi Debut! (きらりん☆レボリューション みんなでおどろうフリフリデビュー!) Nintendo DS
  • JP: July 24, 2008
 Konami
Kirarin Revolution: Atsumete Change! Kurikira Coord (きらりん☆レボリューション あつめてチェンジ!クルキラ★コーデ) Nintendo DS
  • JP: December 20, 2008
 Konami

Trading card game

[edit]

Atlus released a set of trading cards for the series that were compatible with the Kirarin Revolution arcade games available from November 28, 2006, to July 2009. The first set was titled Kirarin Revolution: Happy Idol Life (きらりん☆レボリューション ハッピー★アイドルライフ). The second, released in 2008, was titled Kirarin Revolution: Kuru Kira Idol Days (きらりん☆レボリューション クルキラ★アイドルDays). Along with Takara Tomy's paper doll Millefeui Cards, the Kuru Kira Idol Days cards sold a combined total of 50 million pieces.[32]

Reception

[edit]

Kirarin Revolution has sold a cumulative total of over 10 million physical copies.[35] It won the 2006 Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga.[36]

Oricon notes that while actors releasing music as their characters have been notable,[20] Kusumi portraying Kirari Tsukishima in voice and in a real-world context pioneered the "idol voice actor" crossover beginning in the late 2000s, along with Aya Hirano from the Haruhi Suzumiya series.[26] Parallels have been drawn between Kusumi and Kirari, citing their similarities in age, career, and process of becoming an idol, which led Kusumi to be closely associated with the character.[20] In the week of December 24–30, 2007, the Kirarin Revolution anime series had an average viewership rating of 2.6%.[37] Kusumi was named #17 in Daitan Map's "Top 50 Voice Actors of Popular Characters" in 2007 for her role as Kirari.[38]

On his review of the first volume, Carlo Santos from Anime News Network highlighted the focus on friendship, the story's light-hearted tone, and clean artwork as attractive to young readers; at the same time, Santos mentions the story presents a wish fulfillment fantasy and advises critics of the idol industry to "avoid the series entirely."[39] Kirarin Revolution was ranked #6 on Anime News Network's list of "6 Idols that Fandom Forgot", with Lynzee Loveridge stating that despite the series' long run, it failed to attract an audience outside of its target demographic and was quickly forgotten after its end.[40]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kirarin Revolution

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kirarin Revolution (きらりん☆レボリューション, Kirarin☆Reboryūshon, lit. "Sparkling☆Revolution") is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by An Nakahara, which was serialized in Shogakukan's monthly Ciao magazine from March 2004 to June 2009 and collected into 14 volumes. The series follows the adventures of 14-year-old Kirari Tsukishima, a cheerful but gluttonous girl who discovers her passion for the entertainment industry after developing a crush on Seiji Hiwatari, a member of the popular idol duo SHIPS, and decides to become an idol herself to bridge their worlds. It was adapted into a 153-episode television series co-produced by and , which aired on from April 7, 2006, to March 27, 2009. The manga's narrative centers on Kirari's journey from an ordinary student obsessed with to a rising star in the idol world, supported by her magical cat Naa-chan, rival idols, and industry figures like fellow idol Hiroto Kazama. Blending elements of comedy, drama, and romance, the story explores themes of ambition, friendship, and first love within the glamorous yet competitive realm of Japanese pop idols. Kirarin Revolution received acclaim for its engaging portrayal of life, earning the 52nd in the Children's category in 2007. The adaptation, produced by and G&G Entertainment as a Japan-South Korea co-production, faithfully expands on the manga's lighthearted tone while incorporating musical performances and original story arcs across its three seasons. Voiced by talents including of as Kirari, the series became a hit among young audiences, inspiring merchandise like trading cards and guidebooks that captured its cute, fashion-forward aesthetic.

Synopsis

Plot

Kirari is introduced as a 14-year-old junior high school student with a voracious appetite for food, showing little interest in the world of idols or entertainment until a fateful encounter changes her trajectory. While walking home one day, she rescues a from a tree, leading her to meet Seiji Hiwatari, a member of the popular idol duo SHIPS, who rewards her with a concert ticket. At the concert, Kirari discovers Seiji's identity and, inspired by her budding feelings for him, decides to pursue a career as an idol to stay close to him, unexpectedly igniting her genuine passion for performing. Determined to enter the industry, Kirari joins a talent agency and makes her debut as a solo idol, facing immediate hurdles such as intense training, balancing school life, and rivalries with the SHIPS members—particularly the teasing antagonism from Seiji's partner, Hiroto Kazama. Her journey is supported by the magical talking cat Na-san, a quirky companion who provides guidance, comic relief through humorous antics, and occasional magical interventions that help Kirari navigate tough decisions and mishaps in her budding career. The story unfolds across three distinct stages, marking Kirari's evolution from novice to seasoned performer. In Stage 1, Kirari hones her skills as a solo artist, overcoming personal insecurities and professional setbacks before forming the unit Kira☆Pika with ally Hikaru, which solidifies her place in the idol scene through collaborative performances and growing fanbase. Stage 2 escalates with international tours that test her endurance, deepening rivalries with emerging competitors and forcing Kirari to confront the pressures of global stardom while strengthening her bonds within SHIPS. Stage 3 introduces heightened threats, including intensified rivalries with idols like Aoi Kirisawa, pushing Kirari to refine her artistry and leadership as she forms the unit with Mizuki Hikaru and Jo Yukino and ascends to top idol status amid fierce competitions and personal growth. The narrative builds to a climax where Kirari confesses her long-held feelings to Seiji, resolving the underlying romantic tensions that have simmered throughout her career, ultimately allowing her to achieve success in the idol world while harmonizing her professional ambitions with her personal relationships. Na-san's ongoing role as a witty advisor and source of levity underscores these arcs, often lightening pivotal moments with his supernatural insights and playful interference. The expands on the with additional arcs and musical elements, dividing the story into three stages.

Themes

Kirarin Revolution centers on the theme of personal transformation, depicting the protagonist's evolution from an ordinary, food-obsessed girl into a dedicated idol pursuing her ambitions in the entertainment industry. This journey underscores self-discovery as the character confronts her initial lack of interest in idols and uncovers her hidden talents and determination. The narrative highlights how ambition drives her to enter a world far removed from her , marked by her gluttonous habits that symbolize a grounding in normalcy. Friendship and form key motifs, illustrating the competitive dynamics of the idol world while emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships amid professional challenges. Characters form bonds through shared struggles, balancing personal connections with the demands of , where rivalries spur growth rather than mere conflict. These elements explore how alliances, such as guidance from mentors and peers, help navigate the landscape. The series offers a of the idol industry's pressures, portraying the maintenance of a perfect image, adherence to fan expectations, and the blurring between authentic selves and performed personas as significant hurdles. It conveys that idol life involves overcoming substantial challenges beyond glamour, revealing the less enjoyable aspects of fame. Perseverance and hard work are recurrent messages, with the of performance emerging as a rewarding to difficulties, reinforced by the food motif that represents comfort and a return to simplicity during chaotic times. Subtle romantic elements weave through the story, highlighting personal growth via unrequited affections and evolving mutual respect that motivate ambition without overshadowing the central focus on self-improvement. These threads underscore themes of emotional maturity in the high-stakes environment of .

Characters

Main characters

Kirari Tsukishima is the 14-year-old protagonist of Kirarin Revolution, a cheerful and gluttonous junior high student whose primary obsession is , often leading her to overlook romantic cues. She begins as a novice in the idol industry, motivated initially by her infatuation with Seiji Hiwatari after rescuing his pet turtle, and evolves into a confident performer through rigorous training and challenges. Her centers on balancing the demands of idol life with responsibilities and navigating her budding romance, highlighting themes of perseverance and self-discovery. Seiji Hiwatari serves as a key member of the popular idol duo SHIPS, acting as Kirari's love interest and mentor figure who inspires her entry into the entertainment world. Portrayed as gentle, encouraging, and somewhat air-headed with a calm demeanor, he is also a talented whose works contribute significantly to the series' music, often providing emotional support to Kirari during her growth. His serious dedication to his craft influences Kirari's development, though his obliviousness to her feelings adds comedic tension early on. Hiroto Kazama, the other member of SHIPS, starts as Kirari's initial rival with a personality—brutally honest and strict, often criticizing her bluntly while secretly assisting her efforts. Over time, his acerbic demeanor softens, transforming him into a supportive friend who helps Kirari navigate the competitive idol scene, reflecting his underlying care despite his tough exterior. This evolution underscores his role in providing tough-love guidance that complements Seiji's gentler approach. Na-san is Kirari's intelligent and talking pet , offering through his witty commentary and practical guidance in her idol pursuits. Far more capable than his owner, he excels in skills like cooking, , and academics, often stepping in to manage household tasks or advise on performances. As a super-intelligent feline from a prestigious cat background, Na-san provides humor and support, tying into the series' whimsical elements by enabling Kirari's wish for idol success through his resourceful interventions.

Stage 3 characters

In Stage 3 of Kirarin Revolution, new characters are introduced to heighten the stakes of Kirari Tsukishima's idol career, emphasizing themes of , personal growth, and competition on a broader scale. These additions, primarily through the formation of the idol unit MilkyWay, bring fresh dynamics to the narrative, with characters who start as potential rivals or outsiders before aligning with Kirari's circle at the UP-FRONT agency. Their backstories highlight diverse talents and dilemmas, such as balancing personal passions with idol demands, contributing to intensified rivalries and collaborative efforts not seen in prior stages. Yukino Noel emerges as an ambitious newcomer and initial rival to Kirari, challenging her position with raw athleticism and competitive drive. A 14-year-old tomboy born on December 24, Noel possesses striking blue hair and green eyes, reflecting her energetic personality. Voiced by Sayaka Kitahara, she debuts after saving Kirari from a near-accident with a truck, sparking their rivalry; Noel, a sports enthusiast and former leader of a neighborhood gang, initially rejects idol life to focus on soccer and other activities. However, after losing a high-stakes soccer match to Kirari and being scouted by Producer Muranishi for her innate "idol aura," she joins the industry, forming a key alliance in the unit MilkyWay alongside Kirari and another newcomer. Noel's specialized talents in physical performance and charisma add vigor to group activities, while her personal dilemmas—juggling her love for sports with rising fame and her unspoken affection for childhood friend Cloudy—create unique conflicts, including tensions during global-scale idol competitions where endurance is tested. She also owns a pet cat named Ni-kun, who participates in a comedic side unit called Triangle with other animal companions. Hanasaki Kobeni complements Noel's intensity as a more supporting idol, bringing mystical flair and emotional depth to the later . This 14-year-old, born on March 3 with blood type O, features long dark brown hair and golden eyes, often accessorized with a that underscores her enigmatic, persona. Voiced by You Kikkawa, Kobeni enters as Kirari's friend, inspired to pursue idolhood after witnessing a heartfelt that showcases the power of companionship amid challenges. Her backstory involves a privileged upbringing that contrasts with the rigors of agency life, leading to alliances with Kirari through shared vulnerabilities, such as overcoming by removing her glasses during performances to reveal a confident stage presence. In MilkyWay, Kobeni's talents in expressive dance and thematic performances shine, evolving existing rivalries by introducing collaborative strategies against top units like SHIPS; her personal struggles, including adapting her luxurious habits to the demanding idol schedule, fuel dilemmas unique to Stage 3, like navigating international tours where cultural adjustments test group bonds. She owns a pet named Mi-chan, further tying into the whimsical unit. The integration of Noel and Kobeni into MilkyWay represents a pivotal expansion for core characters like Kirari, shifting solo endeavors toward unit-based rivalries and formations that amplify conflicts, such as high-pressure global events and internal debates over career priorities. This evolution intensifies interactions with established figures, like the duo SHIPS (comprising Hiroto Kazama and Seiji Hiwatari), whose charismatic and synchronized performances pose greater threats, prompting Kirari's team to innovate in response.

Recurring characters

In Kirarin Revolution, recurring characters play crucial supportive roles, appearing across multiple episodes to highlight Kirari Tsukishima's challenges in balancing her idol aspirations with everyday life. These figures include school friends who ground her in normalcy, minor rivals who add competitive tension, and peripheral agency personnel who facilitate her professional growth without dominating the narrative. Their consistent presence underscores subplots involving school-life balance, industry gossip, and lighthearted rivalries, often providing or emotional support during key events. Kirari's school friends, such as Sayaka and Miku, frequently appear in episodes set at her junior high school, offering through their reactions to her secretive idol career and helping her maintain a facade of normalcy. Sayaka, voiced by Kaya Miyake, is depicted as a reliable classmate who covers for Kirari's frequent absences due to training and performances, contributing to subplots about and the pressures of dual lives. Similarly, Miku provides humorous commentary on Kirari's food obsessions and occasional mishaps, reinforcing themes of camaraderie outside the spotlight. These interactions briefly intersect with main characters during school festivals or chance encounters, emphasizing Kirari's grounded personality. Among minor rivals, Erina Ogura stands out as a recurring antagonist from a competing agency, known for her egotistical demeanor and big hair ornaments that symbolize her flamboyant style. Voiced by Masako Joh, Erina appears in various audition and event episodes, where she gossips about industry trends and challenges Kirari indirectly, fueling subplots of jealousy and growth through competition. Her repeated interactions, such as sabotaging minor events or boasting about her popularity, add levity and tension without overshadowing the protagonists. Another example is Arashi Amamiya, Kirari's childhood friend from Osaka who returns and pursues his own entertainment path as an illusionist-turned-idol; he provides supportive banter and occasional aid in navigating fame, appearing consistently to offer perspective on life beyond UP-FRONT. Peripheral UP-FRONT agency figures, like the mascot-like TanTan, recur in training and audition scenes to facilitate proceedings and inject humor. TanTan, Erina's pet dog voiced by Koichi Sakaguchi, often participates in agency events such as pet competitions or group activities, symbolizing the quirky side of idol preparation and contributing to gossip-filled subplots among trainees. Additionally, unnamed paparazzi and fans appear sporadically but consistently in crowd scenes, heightening the stakes of public appearances and underscoring the invasive aspects of celebrity life through brief chases or adoring interruptions. These elements collectively enrich the series' portrayal of the idol industry's supportive undercurrents.

Family members

Kirari Tsukishima's provides a grounding influence in her , offering emotional support and a sense of normalcy that contrasts with the demands of her idol career. They are depicted as close-knit, with interactions often centered around home life and shared meals, highlighting themes of amid professional pressures. Her father, Takashi Tsukishima, works as a and initially remains unaware of Kirari's entry into the entertainment industry, discovering her secret career gradually through family circumstances. Once informed, he becomes supportive yet protective, expressing concern over the potential impacts of fame on her well-being and encouraging balance between her ambitions and family responsibilities. Kirari's mother, Luna Tsukishima (known as Urara in certain localizations), is a retired actress who manages the household and serves as the primary source of emotional stability for the family. Drawing from her own past in , she offers practical advice and nurturing encouragement to Kirari, helping her navigate the challenges of idol life while maintaining a warm, domestic routine that includes preparing comforting home-cooked meals. Luna's role emphasizes the mother's influence in fostering resilience and self-confidence in Kirari. The family also includes Kirari's older brother, Subaru Tsukishima, who resides in New York studying acting with dreams of launching his own idol career. He makes occasional appearances via video calls or visits, playing minor roles in home scenes that underscore sibling camaraderie and mutual encouragement; his experiences abroad provide Kirari with a relatable perspective on pursuing dreams, strengthening their bond as a to the loneliness of stardom. Kirari's maternal grandmother, affectionately called Obaa-chan, contributes to the household dynamics through her cheerful presence in everyday scenes, often indulging Kirari's well-known appetite with traditional family cooking sessions. These interactions highlight protective family instincts, as the grandmother voices worries about Kirari's hectic schedule while celebrating her successes, reinforcing traditions like communal meals that symbolize enduring support and normalcy.

Managers and producers

Producer Muranishi is the president and key visionary at the talent agency responsible for scouting and launching the careers of idols like Kirari Tsukishima and the group SHIPS. With a keen eye for potential, he identifies promising talent and orchestrates their debuts, drawing from his extensive background in the entertainment industry. His leadership shapes major milestones, such as negotiating contracts and planning high-profile performances that propel idols toward stardom. Kasumi Kumoi serves as Kirari Tsukishima's personal manager, overseeing her demanding schedule, rigorous training sessions, and handling crises that arise during her rise in the idol world. Portrayed as a strict disciplinarian with a no-nonsense exterior, Kumoi is instrumental in Kirari's development, pushing her to improve while secretly appreciating her determination and enthusiasm for every challenge. Her strategic guidance proves crucial in navigating contract negotiations and preparing for pivotal performances, helping Kirari transition from novice to established idol. Manager Shakujii acts as the dedicated handler for rival idol Erina Ogura, functioning as a subservient figure who meticulously fulfills her every demand to ensure smooth operations. As a creative strategist within the agency, he manages Erina's units by coordinating appearances and resolving conflicts, contributing to her competitive edge in the industry. His role highlights the behind-the-scenes efforts in maintaining idol personas, influencing key events like inter-agency rivalries and performance lineups.

Adaptations

Manga

Kirarin Revolution is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by An Nakahara. It was serialized in Shogakukan's monthly magazine from the March 2004 issue to the June 2009 issue. The chapters were collected into 14 volumes published under the Ciao Comics imprint by , with the first volume released on August 28, 2004, and the final volume on July 1, 2009. An Nakahara, who specializes in , is recognized for her distinctive cute art style characterized by expressive characters with large eyes and dynamic poses, often incorporating detailed and appetizing illustrations of food to highlight the protagonist's gluttonous personality. This series marked a significant work in her career, blending idol romance with everyday humor. The manga's narrative structure is organized into three distinct stages that parallel the protagonist's idol career progression: Stage 1 focuses on her entry into the industry, Stage 2 explores rivalries and growth, and Stage 3 culminates in major challenges and resolutions. These stages allow for in-depth exploration of character development through extended subplots and detailed internal monologues, providing deeper psychological insights than the faster-paced anime adaptation.

Anime

The anime adaptation of Kirarin Revolution is a co-production between Japanese studio and South Korean studio G&G Entertainment. It premiered on on , 2006, and ran until March 27, 2009, for a total of 153 episodes across three stages: the first two stages comprising 102 episodes in traditional 2D animation, followed by Stage 3 with 51 episodes. A key feature of the production was its integration of real-life idols into the voice cast, particularly member as the protagonist Kirari Tsukishima, which helped pioneer the "idol voice actress" trend in by blending promotional tie-ins with character portrayal. The main Japanese voice cast includes:
  • as Kirari Tsukishima
  • Akio Suyama (episodes 1–102) and Takuya Ide (episodes 103–153) as Hiroto Kazama
  • (episodes 1–102) and Shikō Kanai (episodes 103–153) as Seiji Hiwatari
  • Chigusa Ikeda as Naa-san
  • Sayaka Kitahara as Noel Yukino
  • Mai Hagiwara as Hikaru Mizuki.
The series began in standard definition 4:3 format with 2D before evolving in Stage 3 to high-definition 16:9 format with full 3D CGI produced in with SimImage. Episodes typically follow a formulaic structure centered on Kirari's daily challenges and growth as an idol, featuring musical performances of insert and concluding with cliffhangers to build for the next installment. It aired evenings at 6:00 p.m. JST, achieving an average viewership rating of around 2.6%, and received international broadcasts across various Asian markets.

Live-action TV series

The live-action adaptation of Kirarin Revolution took the form of short segments, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, that aired within TV Tokyo's morning children's program Oha Suta from 2007 to 2009. These shorts adapted selected episodes from the original , emphasizing humorous skits and live performances to engage young audiences during the program's family-oriented format. The production adopted a low-budget, comedic style, integrating directly with Oha Suta's daily lineup to promote the broader franchise through quick, entertaining vignettes rather than a standalone series. Casting featured select reprises from the voice cast, such as Koharu Kusumi as Kirari Tsukishima, alongside up-and-coming idols and other performers, highlighting real-life to align with the series' themes of aspiring . Approximately 100 shorts were produced across the three years, corresponding to the anime's seasons and tied to promotional events like music single releases and stage shows. No full series compilation was released for home viewing, keeping the content exclusive to broadcast and event tie-ins.

Video games

Konami developed and published six video games based on Kirarin Revolution exclusively for the in between 2006 and 2008. These titles blend adventure simulation and gameplay, allowing players to experience the franchise's idol theme through interactive narratives and performance challenges. The games adapt elements from the anime's storyline, where players typically control or assist Kirari Tsukishima in pursuing stardom, with mechanics emphasizing mini-games for singing, dancing, and daily management tasks. The series begins with Kirarin Revolution: Kira Kira Idol Audition (August 10, 2006), a rhythm-action game focused on audition challenges and performance mini-games using the DS touchscreen to simulate singing and dancing sequences. Subsequent entries expand on simulation elements: Kirarin Revolution: Na-san to Issho (December 7, 2006) shifts to an adventure format where players control Kirari's cat companion Na-san to explore urban environments, complete tasks, and manage her schedule to boost her career. Kirarin Revolution: Mezase! Idol Queen (July 12, 2007) introduces strategy layers with extensive customization options, including hairstyles, outfits, and accessories for Kirari and Na-san, alongside story-driven choices that influence relationships and rankings. Later titles incorporate more performance-oriented features: Kirarin Revolution: Tsukutte Misechao! Kime Kira Stage (December 20, 2007) emphasizes stage design and action-based mini-games for concerts. Kirarin Revolution: Minna de Odorou Furi Furi Debut! (July 24, 2008) is a dedicated supporting multiplayer battles via local , where touch controls replicate group . The final entry, Kirarin Revolution: Atsumete Change! Kurikira Coord (December 18, 2008), combines collection mechanics with simulation, focusing on gathering coordinates for outfit changes to progress through branching idol scenarios. Across the series, gameplay revolves around player agency in story progression, where decisions impact Kirari's popularity and endings, often tying into plot points like rivalries and debuts. DS-specific features, such as stylus-based inputs for rhythmic timing and customizable avatars, enhance the idol simulation, with some titles offering multiplayer for competitive performances. Collectively, the six games sold approximately 502,000 units in , based on aggregated chart data from their release periods.

Trading card game

Atlus released the Kirarin Revolution trading card game starting in late as a physical collectible extension of the franchise, primarily distributed through arcade machines and hobby shops in until 2009. The cards showcase character artwork from the series, including idol stats for attributes like vocal ability and , alongside cards representing outfits, skills, and stage effects. More than 100 card types were issued across expansion sets such as Happy Idol Life and Spring Tour 2007, enabling collectors to assemble customized idol ensembles. Gameplay consists of turn-based battles mimicking idol competitions, where players construct decks themed around franchise units such as SHIPS or KM&K to vie in simulated auditions and performances. Participants draw and play cards to execute actions like dances or songs, scoring points based on stat matches and combinations to defeat virtual rivals or progress through career stages. This mechanic emphasizes strategic deck assembly to balance offense, defense, and special abilities for optimal results. Booster packs were synchronized with anime episode releases, containing randomized cards sold exclusively at Japanese retail outlets and arcade venues for approximately 100 yen per play or pack. The limited production spanned from 2006 to 2009, after which distribution ceased alongside the series' conclusion. Collectibility is amplified by rare holographic variants featuring protagonist Kirari in exclusive designs, alongside promotional tie-ins distributed at anime conventions and collaborative events to boost fan engagement. Cards of recurring characters like those from SHIPS briefly appear to tie into broader ensemble dynamics.

Music and merchandise

Soundtracks and singles

The Kirarin Revolution franchise featured an array of musical releases tied to its idol-themed narrative, with songs composed specifically to accompany character performances and episodes. 11 singles were issued between 2006 and 2009, predominantly performed by . member under the pseudonym Tsukishima Kirari, reflecting her portrayal of the protagonist Kirari Tsukishima. These singles often served as opening or ending themes, enhancing the series' emphasis on aspiring idols, and were produced by Up-Front Works under the Zetima label. Key singles by Tsukishima Kirari included her debut "Koi☆Kana," released on July 12, 2006, which functioned as the first opening theme and introduced the upbeat central to the show's . Subsequent releases like "Balalaika" (October 25, 2006, peaking at #8 on weekly charts for 23 weeks) and "Happy☆彡" (May 2, 2007, reaching #2 for 15 weeks) continued this tradition, blending melodies with lyrics about dreams and romance to mirror Kirari's journey. Later entries such as "Chance!" (November 7, 2007) and "Papancake" (July 16, 2008) further diversified the sound, incorporating playful elements performed during Kusumi's live concerts that promoted the series. Insert songs expanded the musical scope through character-specific tracks by temporary idol groups formed within the story. For instance, SHIPS—a duo comprising characters voiced by Akio Suyama and Souichirou Hoshi—released "Love×Mega" and "Hikari no Naka e," which appeared in episodes to underscore dramatic rivalries and friendships; these were compiled in mini-albums like Kirarin Revolution Song Selection Vol. 2 (September 12, 2007). Similarly, the trio MilkyWay, featuring Kusumi alongside and Mai Hagiwara, debuted with "Anataboshi" (April 30, 2008, as the sixth opening theme) and followed with "Tan Tan Taan!" (October 29, 2008, seventh opening), both highlighting group harmony in idol auditions depicted on-screen. These tracks were written by composers like to align with the anime's plot, fostering fan engagement through synchronized live renditions. The franchise's soundtracks compiled these themes alongside incidental music and drama tracks. The Kirarin Revolution Original Soundtrack Vol. 1 was released on November 22, 2006, featuring the opening "Koi☆Kana" (TV size) and episode BGM like "Tomaranai yo~っ" performed by various artists. Additionally, five Song Selection mini-albums (2006-2009) gathered insert songs and endings, such as Vol. 3's inclusion of MilkyWay's tracks, providing comprehensive audio tie-ins without overlapping episode-specific usage. Tsukishima Kirari also released three studio albums: ☆☆☆ (September 5, 2007), Kirarin☆Land (March 26, 2008), and Kirari to Fuyu (December 17, 2008). Each release, produced by Zetima, emphasized orchestral and pop arrangements to evoke the magical idol world, often used in Kusumi's promotional concerts.

Other merchandise

During the peak airing period of the anime from 2006 to 2009, a variety of official merchandise was released, including dolls and action figures featuring main characters such as Kirari Tsukishima and her fairy companions Na-san and Hiwatari Seiji. produced capsule toys like Kirarin pendants and key chains, while offered mini sets approximately 14 cm in height. School supplies, such as limited-edition pencil cases, were also distributed as promotional items tied to the series' popularity among young audiences. Collaborations extended to apparel and accessories, with event-exclusive items like posters and character-themed available at conventions and stores during the original run. Food-themed products included lunch sets with backpacks, , forks, cups, and drawstring bags inspired by Kirari's idol lifestyle, often marketed as bento companions. These items emphasized the franchise's sparkling, girly aesthetic and were designed for everyday use by fans. Post-2009, merchandise saw limited re-releases and new fan-oriented goods, including 2025 mini plush dolls and gachapon accessories evoking nostalgic spring themes. A with Shimamura stores introduced lines, tote bags, hairbands, and card holders featuring updated artwork, available both in physical locations and online from April 2025. Pop-up shops at stores in June 2025 offered exclusive collectibles, highlighting ongoing interest in the series. Distribution primarily occurred through Japanese retailers like Animate, which specializes in anime memorabilia and idol-themed goods, alongside online platforms such as Goods Republic for official imports. This focus catered to Japan's collectible culture, where such items serve as tangible extensions of the idol fantasy narrative.

Reception and legacy

Commercial success

The Kirarin Revolution franchise demonstrated strong commercial performance during its original run from 2004 to 2009, driven by robust sales in manga, anime distribution, video games, and music tie-ins that supported publishers Shogakukan and Konami. The , serialized in Shogakukan's monthly Ciao magazine from March 2004 to June 2009, served as a flagship title that bolstered the publication's market position. The series has sold over 10 million copies in total. The adaptation, a co-production between and , aired 153 episodes on from April 2006 to March 2009, achieving viewership ratings around 2.6% in late 2007, comparable to other animations in the network's 6 p.m. timeslot. DVD releases in contributed to home media revenue, while international licensing expanded its reach, including distribution in by under the title Kilari starting in 2007 and broadcasts across several Asian markets facilitated by the Korean partnership.

Awards and critical reception

Kirarin Revolution earned the 52nd in the children's category in 2007, recognizing An Nakahara's contributions to . The series received generally positive critical reception for its engaging character designs, humorous storytelling, and appeal to young audiences, particularly in highlighting the empowering journey of its female protagonist pursuing idol . Reviewers praised the manga's light-hearted tone, focus on , and clean artwork, while the was noted for its vibrant humor and relatable themes of ambition and self-discovery. On , the anime holds an average score of 7.09 out of 10 from over 14,500 users, reflecting its enduring popularity among fans of idol genres. Critics offered mixed assessments, acknowledging the series' reliance on formulaic idol tropes and predictable plotlines common to the , but commended its distinctive food motifs—centered on the gluttonous yet determined Kirari—and innovative elements like the of voice actress , who not only voiced Kirari but also performed as her in real-world music releases and concerts under the group Kira☆Pika. Contemporary Japanese media from 2006 to 2009 lauded the 's role in the morning TV programming block on , where it entertained young viewers with its upbeat energy and integration of live idol performances, contributing to its status as a staple for children's entertainment.

Cultural impact and revivals

Kirarin Revolution played a significant role in popularizing the crossover between idols and in , exemplified by member voicing the protagonist Kirari and performing live as the character during the series' run from 2006 to 2009. This approach helped propel Kusumi's solo career and contributed to the broader trend of idols taking on voice roles in idol-themed , influencing the genre's development in the late . The series also advanced shōjo manga's exploration of entertainment industry careers, depicting the challenges and aspirations of aspiring idols through Kirari's journey from a food-obsessed teen to a top star. The franchise maintains an enduring fanbase, particularly among and who grew up with the series, fostering ongoing engagement through and appearances at conventions. For instance, Team Kirari Cosplay participated in Comic Con Revolution in 2025, highlighting the character's lasting appeal in global fan communities. Additionally, Kusumi's prominence via the boosted Morning Musume's visibility, as her dual role in the group and the series introduced the idol unit to a younger audience and enhanced its cultural footprint during the mid-2000s. In 2025, revival efforts marked the franchise's continued relevance, including a with Shimamura launched on April 25, featuring items such as tote bags and cushions adorned with artwork, available at select stores and online. Complementing this, a pop-up shop opened at stores starting June 28 in and expanding to on July 19, offering exclusive merchandise to celebrate the series' legacy. These initiatives reflect the 20th anniversary of the manga's debut in , reigniting interest among nostalgic fans and introducing the story to new generations.

References

  1. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-01/an-nakahara-ends-kirarin-revolution-manga-in-japan
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=6390
  3. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6178
  4. https://www.comipress.com/news/2007/01/22/1376
  5. https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/cool/08-10-06/003.html
  6. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Kirarin_Revolution
  7. https://myanimelist.net/character/4465/Kirari_Tsukishima
  8. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/KirarinRevolution
  9. https://myanimelist.net/character/5566/Seiji_Hiwatari
  10. https://anidb.net/character/9786
  11. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Na-san
  12. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Yukino_Noel
  13. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Hanasaki_Cobeni
  14. https://helloproject.fandom.com/wiki/SHIPS
  15. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Milky_Way
  16. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Kirarin_Revolution_%28anime%29
  17. https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/kirarin-revolution/characters
  18. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Amamiya_Arashi
  19. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/34753-kirarin-revolution/season/1
  20. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Tsukishima_Luna
  21. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Tsukishima_Subaru
  22. https://kirarinrevolution.fandom.com/wiki/Tsukishima_Kirari
  23. https://myanimelist.net/character/12742/Kasumi_Kumoi
  24. https://www.anime-planet.com/characters/kasumi-kumoi
  25. https://episodehive.com/tv-shows/kirarin-revolution/all
  26. https://myanimelist.net/anime/1516/Kirarin_Revolution/characters
  27. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ds/933406-kirarin-revolution-kira-kira-idol-audition
  28. https://www.play-asia.com/kirarin-revolution-kira-kira-idol-audition/13/701c6b
  29. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ds/935531-kirarin-revolution-naasan-to-issho
  30. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/935531-kirarin-revolution-naasan-to-issho/54352835
  31. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ds/939368-kirarin-revolution-mezase-idol-queen/faqs/69442
  32. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ds/943455-kirarin-revolution-tsukutte-misechao-kime-kira-stage
  33. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ds/946156-kirarin-revolution-minna-de-odorou-furi-furi-debut
  34. https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Famitsu_2006_video_game_sales
  35. https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Media_Create_Top_500_selling_games_2007
  36. https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Famitsu_2007_video_game_sales
  37. https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Media_Create_Top_500_selling_games_2008
  38. https://vgsales.fandom.com/wiki/Media_Create_Top_500_selling_games_2009
  39. https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%81%8D%E3%82%89%E3%82%8A%E3%82%93%E2%98%86%E3%83%AC%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8F%E3%83%83%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E2%98%85%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%95%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E3%82%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%89-%E3%81%A1%E3%82%83%E3%81%8A%E3%82%B3%E3%83%9F%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9A%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%83%AB-%E4%B8%AD%E5%8E%9F%E6%9D%8F/dp/4091312489
  40. https://tower.jp/item/7380971
  41. https://www.nbcuni.co.jp/rondorobe/anime/kirarin02/shoplist.html
  42. https://dp00013984.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=1910612&csid=187
  43. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/393070/rank/single/
  44. https://natalie.mu/music/news/9632
  45. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-05/3-anime-songs-place-in-weekly-top-10-singles-in-japan
  46. https://www.up-front-works.jp/release/detail/EPCE-5437/?pc=pc
  47. https://vgmdb.net/album/69816
  48. https://toysonejapan.com/products/sega-kirarin-revolution-mini-plush-doll-set-of-3-japan-official
  49. https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005008998130809.html
  50. https://www.ebay.com/itm/336207290576
  51. https://www.ebay.com/itm/406314932690
  52. https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Kirarin-Revolution-Backpack-Chopsticks-Drawstring/dp/B0CLJLQ7D9
  53. https://essential-japan.com/news/kirarin-revolution-x-shimamura-collaboration-announced/
  54. https://essential-japan.com/news/kirarin-revolution-pop-up-shop-to-open-this-june/
  55. https://www.animate.shop/
  56. https://goodsrepublic.com/product/tag_page.html?tags=6318
  57. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2006-12-12
  58. https://myanimelist.net/anime/1516/Kirarin%25E2%2598%2586Revolution
  59. https://myanimelist.net/anime/1516/Kirarin%25E2%2598%2586Revolution/reviews
  60. https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/cool/08-10-06/002.html
  61. https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/cool/08-10-06/index.html
  62. https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-voice-actors-from-japan/reference
  63. https://www.facebook.com/ComicConRevolution/posts/were-thrilled-to-be-welcoming-back-team-kirari-cosplay-to-the-revolution-in-2025/1087764486049442/
  64. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Manga/KirarinRevolution
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.