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Pretty Rhythm
Official logo for the series
Created by
Original workPretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt
Print publications
ComicsSee below
Films and television
Film(s)See below
Television seriesSee below
Games
Video game(s)See below
Miscellaneous
Toy(s)Takara Tomy Arts
Spin-offs
Clothing

Pretty Rhythm (プリティーリズム, Puritī Rizumu) is a Japanese arcade game series and multimedia franchise produced by Syn Sophia and Takara Tomy Arts aimed at girls in elementary school.[1] The Pretty Rhythm franchise was first launched in July 2010 with the rhythm and dress-up arcade video game Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt. After the original Pretty Rhythm games ended service in July 2014, Takara Tomy began publishing the PriPara spin-off series from 2014 to 2018. It was then followed up by Kiratto Pri☆Chan in 2018 to 2021, with all series grouped under the collective name Pretty Series (プリティーシリーズ, Puritī Shirīzu).[2] A spin-off media franchise, King of Prism, was launched in 2016 focusing on the male characters featured in the 2013 anime Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, which was aimed at an older female audience.

The popularity of the games has led to several anime and manga adaptations. In addition, the Pretty Rhythm franchise has also inspired a junior apparel brand, Prism Stone. In 2012, one of their fashion events previously held the Guinness World Records for having the most models modeling on the catwalk.

Development

[edit]

The Pretty Rhythm arcade games were created out of demand for the lack of arcade games targeted towards young girls in supermarkets. As Syn Sophia had produced the Style Savvy series, Takara Tomy Arts asked them to collaborate on another game for the same demographic.[3] The development team gave the game a fashion focus, particularly on the idea that players could receive a "Prism Stone" to accessorize their outfits with every ¥100 they spend.[3] The development team also intended for the game's presentation to be like the Cirque du Soleil, where they finally came up with the concepts of "dance", "skating" and "jumps."[3] To create the Prism Jumps, they referenced videos from figure skating competitions and added special effects to make them more visually attractive, with names for the Prism Jumps that were easy to remember.[4] A costume designer designed the clothing in the game, and programmer Daisuke Kato attempted to balance the varieties of clothing in order to encourage the player to try different outfits.[4] Pretty Rhythm went into development in 2009 before releasing in July 2010 with Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt.[3]

Video games

[edit]
Release timeline
2010Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt (season 1-3)
2011Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (season 4-8)
2012Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future (season 9-11)
2013Pretty Rhythm: My Deco Rainbow Wedding (3DS)
Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (session 1-2)
Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live Duo (session 3-5)
Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live: Kirakira My Design (3DS)
2014Pretty Rhythm: All Star Legend Coord Edition
2015PriPara & Pretty Rhythm: PriPara de Tsukaeru Oshare Item 1450! (3DS)
Pretty Rhythm Shake (Android & iOS)

The Pretty Rhythm series focuses on Prism Stars, idols performing figure skating routines through song and dance with special moves known as Prism Jumps.[5][6][7][8] The characters participate in Prism Shows, live performances that are scored based on how charmed the audience is.[9] The game is a rhythm game where players must match the beat of the song by pressing buttons corresponding to the pink and blue hearts on the screen.[10][11] The game costs ¥100 to play for solo mode,[1][12] and beginning with Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live Duo, costs ¥200 to play duo mode.[10] Each machine is compatible with Prism Stones, collectible heart-shaped gems containing custom clothing for the player character, and Memory Passes, which allow players to save their game's progress.[13] Five different types of Prism Stones, each representing a clothing category, can be used at the same time during game playthrough to customize the player character's appearance, with certain clothing and stage combinations providing bonus points.[12][14] Players are awarded Prism Stones, which are deposited from the machine, before the game begins.[5][15]

Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt

[edit]

Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, the first version of the game, was launched in arcades on July 15, 2010.[5][16] At the time of the game's launch, a total of 84 variations of Prism Stones were produced, featuring approximately 200,000 possible outfit combinations.[12] The game also included the song "Mini Skirt no Yosei" as a playable stage, which was performed by then-trainee members from AKB48, Miyu Takeuchi, Anna Mori, and Haruka Shimada under the group name Mini Skirt.[17][15] The season 2 update of the game, the "Fall Collection", launched on October 14, 2010.[16] For a limited time, the members of Mini Skirt were featured in a playable stage that awarded players a Prism Stone with their uniforms,[18][15] and they were featured in promotional material regarding the expansion.[19] Season 3, "Collection Season 3", launched on January 20, 2011.[16]

Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream

[edit]

Beginning with season 4, the game was relaunched under the name Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream on April 28, 2011 to coincide with the anime adaptation tie-in, with Aira Harune added as a playable character.[20][21] The game also featured a new system called a "Surprise Jump."[20] Season 5, "Bato Pon Edition", launched on July 21, 2011.[20] Season 6, "Idol Debut Edition", launched on September 29, 2011.[20] Season 7, "Pretty Remake Edition", launched on December 15, 2011 and added Mion Takamine as a playable character.[20] Season 8, "Prism Queen Edition", launched on February 12, 2012.[20]

Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future

[edit]

Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future was launched on April 26, 2012 with its season 9 update, "Prizmmy Debut Edition", as a tie-in to the animated adaptation of the same name, which included new characters Mia Ageha, Reina Miyama, Karin Shijimi, and Ayami Oruri, fictional versions of the girl group Prizmmy.[22] The game featured a new system that focuses on "Prism Acts."[22] Season 10, "Pretty Debut Edition", was launched on July 19, 2012, adding Hye-in, So-min, Shi-yoon, Chae-kyung, and Jae-eun, the fictionalized versions of the girl group of Puretty, as playable characters.[22] Season 11, "Dear My Future Team Shuffle Edition", was launched on September 27, 2012.[22]

Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live / Rainbow Live Duo

[edit]

Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live was launched on April 18, 2013 as a new series and tie-in to the animated adaptation of the same name, which introduced a new mode called "Prism Live", where the player character can enter a bonus round to score more points with Prism Jump combinations.[23] Pair Friends were also introduced in the game.[23] The session 1 update was titled the "Prism Live Debut Edition" and added Naru Ayase, Ann Fukuhara, and Ito Suzuno as playable characters, along with Rinne, who had previously appeared in the Nintendo 3DS game Pretty Rhythm: My Deco Rainbow Wedding.[23][24] The session 2 update, "All Rare! Ki-ra-me-ki Days Edition", was launched on July 11, 2013, and added Bell Renjoji, Otoha Takanashi, and Wakana Morizono as playable characters.

The session 3 update, "Chara Stone! Heartbeat Edition", was launched on October 3, 2013, and the game was rebranded under the title Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live Duo.[25] The session 3 update added June Amou as a playable character and a two-player co-op mode called "Duo Mode" to perform Prism Lives together.[25] The session 4 update, "Surprise! Winter White Edition", was launched on January 25, 2014 with Starn available as a Pair Friend.[26] It also included a special mode that was only accessible with the Prism Memory Pass.[26]

Pretty Rhythm: All Star Legend Coord Edition

[edit]

Beginning April 17, 2014, the arcade game was retitled Pretty Rhythm: All Star Legend Coord Edition with 84 new Prism Stone designs produced.[27][28] Pretty Rhythm ended services in July 2014 and was pulled from arcades afterwards, with a few machines remaining in the Prism Stone shops located in Harajuku, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.[13] While the Memory Passes and Prism Stones are still functional, Prism Stones are no longer being produced.[13] On March 24, 2024, the official Twitter account announced that they were retiring the Pretty Rhythm arcade machines beginning on April 3, 2024.[29]

Other games

[edit]

A Nintendo 3DS port of Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, titled Pretty Rhythm: My Deco Rainbow Wedding, was released on March 20, 2013.[30] A new character, Rinne, was added as a playable character in the game,[24] as well as the female cast from Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream and Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future.[31] Progressing through the game allowed players to unlock QR codes for new outfits that were compatible with the arcade game.[31] The limited edition version of the game came with the Rainbow Wedding Prism Stone that could be used in the arcade game.[31] The game sold 33,466 copies in its first week of sales[30] and 61,366 copies by June 2013.[32]

Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live: Kirakira My Design was released for the Nintendo 3DS on November 28, 2013.[33][34] The game features the main female cast of Rainbow Live as playable characters along with a new character, Cosmo Hojo, as well as the female cast from Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream and Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future.[34] The game sold 35,511 copies by the end of 2013.[35]

An expanded version of Kirakira My Design was released for the Nintendo 3DS on January 5, 2015, under the title PriPara & Pretty Rhythm: PriPara de Tsukaeru Oshare Item 1450!, adding Hiro Hayami and PriPara character Laala Manaka as playable characters.[36][37] The game also included QR codes for unlockable secret outfits in the PriPara arcade game.[36]

On March 7, 2015, a smartphone app mobile game titled Pretty Rhythm Shake was released for the Android and iOS, with pre-registrations opening on February 10, 2015 for a limited edition in-game card of Rinne.[38] The game was part of the Shake rhythm game series produced by Dooub.[39][38] In the game, the player must match the falling hearts to three corresponding hearts to the beat of the song and use virtual Prism Stones accumulated from each play to level up their characters.[40] The game primarily focused on the main cast of Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, but proceeding through the game will provide Aurora Dream and Dear My Future characters and songs as unlockable content, as well as the male supporting cast of Rainbow Live.[38] Avex Pictures ended services for the game on May 31, 2017 due to "various reasons."[41]

Playable characters

[edit]

Rizumu Amamiya is the main player character, whereas Kanon Todo and Serena Jonouchi were unlockable characters once the player reaches Bronze and Gold rank respectively. The series' guide is named Mega-nee Akai (赤井 めが姉ぇ, Akai Mega-nee; Voiced by: Kanae Itō), who is in charge of helping the player dress up and provide information about clothing.[13] Hibiki and Wataru, members of the group Callings, appear as non-playable characters during the story mode in Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt.

Character Mini Skirt[a] (2010-2011) Aurora Dream[a][1] (2011-2012) Dear My Future[a] (2012-2013) My Deco Rainbow Wedding (2013) Rainbow Live[b] (2013-2014) Rainbow Live Duo[b] (2013-2014) Rainbow Live: Kirakira My Design[34] (2013) All Star Legend Coord Edition (2014) PriPara de Tsukaeru Oshare Item 1450![36] (2015)
Rizumu Amamiya Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kanon Tōdō Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Serena Jōnouchi Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Haruu[c] Season 2 No No No No No No No No
Miyumiyu[c] Season 2 No No No No No No No No
Nan-chan[c] Season 2 No No No No No No No No
Aira Harune No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mion Takamine No Season 7-8[d] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kaname Chris No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mia Ageha No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Reina Miyama No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Karin Shijimi No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ayami Oruri No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hye-in No No Season 10-11[e] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
So-min No No Season 10-11[e] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Shi-yoon No No Season 10-11[e] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chae-kyung No No Season 10-11[e] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Jae-eun No No Season 10-11[e] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rinne No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Naru Ayase No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ann Fukuhara No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ito Suzuno No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bell Renjoji No No No No Session 2[f] Yes Yes Yes Yes
Otoha Takanashi No No No No Session 2[f] Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wakana Morizono No No No No Session 2[f] Yes Yes Yes Yes
June Amou No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cosmo Hojo No No No No No No Yes No Yes
Laala Maanaka No No No No No No No No Yes
Hiro Hayami No No No No No No No No Yes

Playable songs

[edit]
Song Artist Notes
"One Way Crush My Heart" (かたおもいマイハート) Kanae Ito
"Dance (Mahō no Groove)" (D@nce 〜まほうのグルーヴ〜) Kanae Ito
"Whoppin' Poppin' Summer!" (とびっきり! ポップン☆サマー!) Kanae Ito
"Can't Wait for After School Rock!" (まちきれない! アフタースクールRock!) Kanae Ito
"Chōchō" (ちょうちょう) (Prism Mix) Kanae Ito
"Mini Skirt no Yōsei" (ミニスカートのようせい) Mini Skirt Available on the season 2-6 updates only
"Step! Step! Step!" Kanae Ito Available beginning the season 2 update
"Cozy Heart in Powderly Snow" (フワフワスノーであったかハート♥) Kanae Ito Available beginning December 17, 2010
"Dreamin' Boys & Girls" Kanae Ito Available beginning the season 2 update
"You May Dream" Lisp Available beginning the season 4 update
"Original (My Only Shiny Fashion)" (Original 〜私だけのキラキラファッション〜) Kanae Ito Available beginning the season 4 update
"Summer Night Evolution!" (サマーナイトEvolution!) Kanae Ito Available beginning July 16, 2011 (season 4)
"My Heart's Fiery!" (めらめらハートがあつくなる) Lisp Available beginning the season 4 update
"Catch My Heart 1000%" (1000%キュンキュンさせてよ♥) Lisp Available beginning the season 7 update
"Switch On My Heart" Mion Takamine (CV: Azusa Kataoka) Available beginning the season 7 update
"Hop! Step! Jump!" Lisp Available beginning January 19, 2012 (season 7)
"Dear My Future" (Dear My Future 〜未来の自分へ〜) Prizmmy Available beginning the season 9 update
"Are You Ready?" Satomi Akesaka Available beginning the season 9 update
"Check it Love" (チェキ☆ラブ) Puretty Available beginning the season 10 update
"My Heart-Puzzle (Love Everyday)" (オトメパズル 〜恋するEVERYDAY〜) Satomi Akesaka Available beginning the season 11 update
"Boy Meets Girl" Prizmmy Available beginning the session 1 update
"Shooting Star" Satomi Akesaka Available beginning the session 1 update
"EZ Do Dance" Prizmmy Available beginning the session 2 update
"Free Dreamin'" Satomi Akesaka Available beginning the session 2 update
"Crazy Gonna Crazy" Prizmmy Available beginning the session 3 update
"Rainy Day Happy!" (どしゃぶりHAPPY!) Happy RAIN (CV: Emiri Kato, Yu Serizawa, Mikako Komatsu) Available beginning the session 3 update
"Pump it Up!" (パンピナッ!) Prizmmy Available beginning the session 3 update; temporarily removed during the session 4 update and reinstated during the session 5 update
"Exciting Days" (と・き・め・きDays) Satomi Akesaka Available beginning the session 3 update
"Little Wing & Beautiful Pride" Naru Ayase and Bell Renjoji (CV: Emiri Kato and Haruka Tomatsu) Available beginning the session 4 update
"StarLight HeartBeat" Satomi Akesaka Available beginning the session 4 update
"Butterfly Effect" (バタフライ・エフェクト) Prizmmy Available beginning the session 5 update
"Gift" Rinne (CV: Ayane Sakura) Available beginning the session 5 update

Spin-offs

[edit]

PriPara

[edit]

After Pretty Rhythm ended support in July 2014, it was replaced by the series' successor, PriPara.[13][42] PriPara was first launched in arcades on July 10, 2014.[43] The franchise introduced PriPara character Laala Manaka through Pretty Rhythm: All Star Selection. A second arcade game, Idol Time PriPara, was launched on April 1, 2017 to coincide with the animated adaptation of the same name.[44] Three years after the conclusion of Idol Time PriPara, a third series titled Idol Land PriPara was announced for a Q2 2021 release, released as a mobile app with an accompanying anime series. Idol Land PriPara was delayed until Q3 2021.[45]

King of Prism

[edit]

King of Prism is a film series focusing on the male characters of Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, targeting an older female demographic.[46] The 2016 film King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm grossed ¥250 million in two months at the Japanese box office,[47] where it eventually grossed ¥800 million ($7,353,421) by the end of its run.[48] The 2017 film King of Prism: Pride the Hero grossed over ¥600 million ($5.35 million) at the Japanese box office.[49] In 2019, King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars was released as a 4-part film series from March 2 to May 4 and was also broadcast for the Spring 2019 anime season; the theatrical release of all four films had a consecutive box office gross of ¥320 million.[50]

Pretty All Friends

[edit]

In December 2017, to prepare for the franchise's 10th anniversary, a project titled Pretty All Friends was launched.[51] In 2018, a merchandise line was launched.[52]

In August 2018, Icrea attempted to launch a line of body pillow covers featuring the lead female characters in swimsuits and posing suggestively for sale at Comic Market, as a collaboration with the Pretty All Friends merchandise line. They were met with criticism from Japanese and Korean fans for sexualizing characters from a children's show.[53] Tatsunoko Productions responded by making the products for purchase on Internet only before cancelling it altogether.

Kiratto Pri☆Chan

[edit]

After PriPara & Idol Time PriPara ended services in 2018, it was succeeded by Kiratto Pri☆Chan. The game was launched in arcades on April 19, 2018.[54]

Waccha PriMagi!

[edit]

After Kiratto Pri☆Chan ended services in 2021, it was succeeded by Waccha PriMagi!. The game was launched in arcades on October 1, 2021.

Himitsu no AiPri

[edit]

After Waccha PriMagi! ended services in 2024, it was succeeded by Himitsu no AiPri. The game was launched in arcades on April 4, 2024.

Manga

[edit]

A manga adaptation of Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, titled Pretty Rhythm, was written and illustrated by Mari Asabuki, focusing on playable characters Rizumu, Serena, and Kanon, members of the group Asterism.[55] It was serialized in Ribon from July 3, 2010 to 2012 and later compiled into tankoban volumes by Shueisha under the Ribon Mascot Comics imprint.[56][5] The titles were released on digital platforms on May 22, 2013.[57]

In addition to Asabuki's adaptation, Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream ran concurrently in Ciao from 2011 to 2012.[1] Dear My Future, Rainbow Live, and All Star Selection also received manga adaptations in Pucchigumi.[58]

  1. Pretty Rhythm (2010-2012)[55]
  2. Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (2011-2012)[1]
  3. Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future (2012-2013)[58]
  4. Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (2013-2014)[58]
  5. Pretty Rhythm: All Star Selection (2014)[58]

Anime

[edit]

Due to the popularity of Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, in 2011, Takara Tomy partnered with South Korean toy company Sonokong to produce up to five anime series, projecting for ¥5.5 billion by the end of March 2012.[5] Production costs estimated to about ¥7−8 billion.[5] The series is animated by Tatsunoko Productions and published by Avex Pictures, with all shows broadcasting on TV Tokyo.

A live-action variety show segment called "Pretty Rhythm Studio" appeared at the end of every episode and was centered on Prism Mates, a group of tween trainees from Avex Dance Master consisting of Mia Kusakabe, Reina Kubo, and Karin Takahashi, chronicling their journey to debut.[59] Near the end of Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream, the girls debuted in the group Prizmmy along with Ayami Sema, the winner of the Pretty Rhythm Award at the Kiratto Entertainment Challenge Contest 2011 Summer.[60][61] During Dear My Future, a new group of trainees appeared as the Prism Mates and participated in the segments along with Prizmmy. By Rainbow Live, the segment was retitled "Pretty Rhythm Club."

Television series

[edit]
  1. Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (2011-2012)[5]
  2. Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future (2012-2013)[62]
  3. Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (2013-2014)[63]
  4. PriPara (2014-2017)
  5. Idol Time PriPara (2017-2018)
  6. Kiratto Pri Chan (2018-2021)
  7. Waccha PriMagi! (2021-2022)
  8. Himitsu no AiPri (2024-2026)
  9. Onegai AiPri (2026–scheduled)

Films

[edit]
  1. Pretty Rhythm: All Star Selection: Prism Show Best Ten (2014)[64]
  2. PriPara: Minna Atsumare! Prism Tours (2015)
  3. Fly Out, PriPara: Aim for it with Everyone! Idol☆Grand Prix (2015)
  4. King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm (2016)
  5. PriPara Minna no Akogare Let's Go PriPari (2016)
  6. PriPara: Everyone Shine! Sparkling☆Star Live (2017)
  7. King of Prism: Pride the Hero (2017)
  8. PriPara & Kiratto Pri☆Chan: Kira Kira Memorial Live (2018)[65]
  9. King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars (2019)
  10. King of Prism All Stars Prism Show ☆ Best Ten (2020)
  11. King of Prism: Dramatic Prism.1 (2024)
  12. King of Prism: Your Endless Call Minna Kirameki! Prism☆Tours (2025)
  13. Aikatsu! × PriPara: The Movie Deai no Kiseki! (2025)
  14. Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live! (2026)

Extras

[edit]
  1. Pretty Rhythm: All Star Selection (2014)
  2. King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars (2019)
  3. Pretty All Friends Selection (2021)
  4. Idol Land PriPara (2021-2024)

Merchandise

[edit]

Prism Stone

[edit]

Prism Stone, a brand-name store featured in all series, was launched to coincide with Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream as a tie-in to the franchise. Its flagship store opened at the Yokohama Landmark Tower in April 2011, where Aurora Dream is set.[1][21] Since then, several stores have been opened up nationwide in Japan. Aside from selling character goods, Prism Stone also sells a junior apparel line in "lovely" and "pop" designs.[66][62] In 2014, Prism Stone released a collaboration clothing line with DreamV [ja].[67][68] The store also carried clothing from junior apparel brands Roni and EarthMagic,[69] who have released collaboration Prism Stones for the arcade games in the past.[70][71]

On March 30, 2012, the Pretty Rhythm franchise held an event titled Pretty Girls Dream Challenge 2012 in Yokohama, where 1,274 child models appeared on the catwalk. The event previously set the Guinness World Record for having the most models modeling on the catwalk at an event.[72][73]

As a tie-in to Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, a store was opened up in Harajuku in 2013, where Rainbow Live is set.[74] It became the Pretty Series' main store after their flagship store in Yokohama closed in 2016.

Dear Crown

[edit]

In 2012, along with a Prism Stone shop launched at Odaiba Venus Fort, Dear Crown, a second apparel shop, launched its flagship store at the same location as a tie-in to Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future.[62][75][76] Dear Crown was described as a sister apparel brand and counterpart to Prism Stone, featuring junior clothing in "cool" and "sexy" designs.[66] In the anime series, the shop was represented by the main characters' rivals, such as Puretty,[76] Bell Rose,[52] and June. Dear Crown closed down in 2014 following the end of Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, but it reopened in 2015 when the brand was introduced in PriPara. In 2016, Dear Crown closed again, with all products being now distributed through Prism Stone.

In February 2013, plans for both Prism Stone and Dear Crown shops to open in South Korea were announced as a tie-in to Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future airing in the country,[77][78] but they were ultimately dropped.

Reception

[edit]

Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt was popular among girls between 8–10 years old, with over 2,000 units available in arcades in 2011.[1] By 2012, Prism Stone had earned ¥65 million in merchandise sales.[76]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pretty Rhythm (プリティーリズム, Puritī Rizumu) is a Japanese franchise produced by Takara Tomy Arts and developed by , primarily targeting young girls through -based s, series, and themed performances featuring aspiring idols called Prism Stars. The series debuted in July 2010 with the arcade game Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, a and dress-up title where players perform virtual shows by stepping on panels and selecting outfits. At its core are Prism Shows, elaborate live spectacles that integrate , dance, singing, and fashion modeling, with performers competing to achieve legendary jumps and become the Prism Queen. The franchise's anime adaptations form a key pillar, beginning with Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (April 2011–March 2012, 51 episodes), which follows tomboyish Rhythm and fashion enthusiast Aira as they train for Prism Shows at the Pretty Top agency. This was followed by Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future (April 2012–March 2013, 51 episodes), shifting focus to a new generation of skaters three years later, and Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (April 2013–March 2014, 51 episodes), introducing a princess-themed narrative centered on color-visualizing performer Naru Ayase. The lineup concluded with the spin-off Pretty Rhythm: All Star Selection (April–June 2014, 11 episodes) and its companion film Pretty Rhythm All Star Selection: Prism Show Best Ten (March 2014), which compile highlights from prior series and feature crossover elements with magic and comedy. Complementing the media, the arcade games evolved across installments—Aurora Dream (2011), Dear My Future (2012), and Rainbow Live (2013)—allowing players to replicate anime performances using motion-sensing platforms and customizable coordinates (outfits). The franchise also encompasses extensive merchandise, such as Prism Stone fashion lines, and live idol events featuring voice actors performing as characters. Pretty Rhythm laid the foundation for the broader Pretty Series, which expanded into sequels like PriPara (2014–2017) and inspired the male-oriented spin-off King of Prism film series starting in 2016, and continues with later entries such as Himitsu no AiPri (2024–present).

Development

Origins and launch

The Pretty Rhythm franchise originated as a collaborative project between video game developer and toy manufacturer , designed specifically to appeal to elementary school girls through an innovative that integrated rhythm gameplay with dance performances and customization. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of and the vibrant world of idols, the concept aimed to empower young players by blending competitive rhythm challenges with creative dress-up elements, fostering themes of friendship, dreams, and self-expression. This approach was intended to capture the imagination of its target demographic by combining physical arcade interaction with aspirational idol culture. The inaugural title, Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, debuted in Japanese arcades on July 15, 2010, marking the franchise's official launch. The game introduced fundamental mechanics, such as collecting and assembling "Prism Stones"—virtual gem-like items representing clothing and accessories—to craft outfits for on-screen performances that simulated skating routines synced to tracks. At launch, the arcade cabinets featured an initial lineup of 84 coordinate variations, encouraging repeat play through gacha-style acquisitions and performance scoring based on timing and style choices. From its inception, Pretty Rhythm was positioned as a initiative, with forming a production that included partners like Avex for music and for animation to facilitate cross-media expansions, including planned tie-ins and merchandise lines. This strategic planning supported the franchise's goal of generating comprehensive engagement, from arcade visits to related toys and apparel, while promoting "girl power" narratives centered on , .

Production and expansion

The Pretty Rhythm franchise was jointly developed by Takara Tomy, which handled publishing, merchandise integration through toys, apparel, and branded Prism Stone boutiques, and , responsible for game development and content renewals across arcade iterations. also collaborated on production elements, including storyline ties to game updates, while Takara Tomy aimed for integrated sales exceeding ¥8.5 billion annually by linking arcade play with physical collectibles like fashion accessories. In 2011, the franchise expanded to include a television anime adaptation, announced as a tie-in to the arcade game and produced by Tatsunoko Production with direction by Masakazu Hishida, leading to the Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream series premiering on TV Tokyo in April. This decision synchronized game renewals with the anime, introducing new heroine Aira Harune and updating arcade content to feature TV-inspired fashion and theme songs produced by Avex. The series saw annual arcade game updates from 2011 to 2014, each introducing themed content such as the Aurora Dream version in April 2011, followed by iterations like Dear My Future in 2012 and Rainbow Live in 2013, aligning with evolving story arcs and character ensembles to sustain player engagement. Original arcade services concluded in July 2014 after four years, with machines replaced by Syn Sophia's PriPara spin-off, allowing continued use of Pretty Rhythm cards for a seamless transition to the new format.

Video games

Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt

Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt, released on July 15, 2010, served as the foundational in the Pretty Rhythm series, developed by and published by Takara Tomy. Targeted primarily at elementary school girls, it combined rhythm-based gameplay with elements, allowing players to engage in virtual performances inspired by and . The game debuted with approximately 2,000 cabinets installed across Japanese arcades, operating on a 100-yen per play basis. The game was later released in in 2013. At its core, the gameplay revolves around rhythm mechanics where players tap large buttons in synchronization with on-screen beats to execute virtual skating routines and dance sequences, earning points based on timing accuracy. Successful plays trigger special "Prism Shows," animated performances that showcase coordinated outfits and jumps, with early versions featuring straightforward 2D visuals to depict the routines. This basic structure emphasized accessibility, focusing on fun, repetitive tapping patterns set to upbeat music rather than complex inputs. A key innovation was the introduction of Prism Stones, virtual fashion accessories represented as heart-shaped gems containing outfit pieces from various brands and collections. Players collected these by scanning physical arcade cards—known as Prism Stone cards—into the machine, enabling customization of character avatars with up to five items per set to influence performance outcomes and unlock enhanced Prism Jumps. These cards not only facilitated in-game progression but also tied into merchandise lines, encouraging real-world collecting to expand virtual wardrobes. Data persistence, including saved progress and unlocked items, relied on compatible IC cards inserted during play sessions. The launch version included an initial lineup of playable songs, predominantly covers of popular tracks, which provided the rhythmic foundation for and introduced themes of aspiration through idol-like skating shows. Examples encompassed energetic tunes suited to the game's youthful audience, with simple 2D animations syncing jumps and spins to the beat during high-score segments. Cabinets were initially placed in major arcade chains, contributing to the game's rapid popularity among its target demographic. Later iterations would build upon these mechanics, but Mini Skirt established the franchise's blend of rhythm action and fashion simulation.

Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream

Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream represents the second iteration of the Pretty Rhythm series, launched as an update on April 28, 2011. This version integrates story elements from the simultaneous adaptation, featuring playable idols such as Rizumu Amamiya and Mia Ageha, who perform in virtual Prism Shows to pursue stardom. The update expanded the game's scope to align with the 's narrative, allowing players to control these characters in rhythm-based performances. Building on the foundational rhythm mechanics from the prior Mini Skirt edition, Aurora Dream introduced enhanced features like dynamic 3D skating animations that depict fluid on-ice movements. Gameplay revolves around pressing red and blue buttons to match on-screen notes, with combo systems enabling higher scores through consecutive hits; successful chains trigger special Prism Jumps, which demand precise timing to complete multi-step aerial maneuvers and earn bonus points. These upgrades emphasized skill-based execution, rewarding players for maintaining rhythm to unlock advanced performance sequences. The game boasts a of songs, including original compositions like "Dream Goes On" tailored for the idols' performances. Players use collectible arcade cards to upgrade and equip coord sets—outfit combinations that influence jump styles and during shows. Seasonal event tie-ins further enhanced player engagement, with updates releasing holiday-themed content such as and Halloween coord sets available for limited times, encouraging repeat visits to arcades for exclusive items and challenges.

Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future

Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future represents the third major version of the Pretty Rhythm series, debuting as Season 9 with the "Prizmmy☆ Debut Edition" on April 26, 2012, and expanding through Season 10's "PRETTY Debut Edition" on July 19, 2012. This update serves as a set three years after the events of Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream, introducing a new generation of protagonists centered on the Prizmmy☆ idol unit—Mia Ageha, Reina Miyama, Karin Shijimori, and Ito Suzuno—who aspire to become Prism Stars by blending fashion, dance, and elements in performances. The storyline emphasizes character growth, particularly Mia's development as a leader, while tying into the broader Prism world through returning elements like Prism Stones for coord customization. Gameplay refinements in this version focus on enhanced rhythm action and coordination mechanics, with the introduction of the Acts system allowing players to trigger special finishing sequences during performances. These acts feature branching outcomes based on score thresholds achieved through precise timing and combo execution, adding depth to solo and collaborative plays. Multiplayer modes support duo performances, where two players can link their Prism Memory Passes to synchronize jumps and poses on adjacent cabinets, fostering competitive and cooperative experiences aimed at higher rankings on fan-voted leaderboards. The song library saw significant expansion, incorporating anime tie-in themes such as "My Favorite Stars" by Prizmmy☆ to align with the series' musical narrative, alongside original tracks that emphasize pop and upbeat rhythms for the dance sequences. Cabinet hardware received touchscreen upgrades for improved interactivity, enabling smoother coord mixing via gesture-based inputs and real-time performance visualization on a larger display, which better simulates the on-screen Prism Shows.

Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live / Rainbow Live Duo

Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live represents the fourth major iteration in the Pretty Rhythm arcade game series, developed by and published by Takara , with a nationwide release in on April 18, 2013. The game introduces a "live concert" theme, emphasizing musical performances alongside , and centers on new protagonists including Naru Ayase, an imaginative middle school student, and Bell Renjoji, a talented Prism Star. This shift highlights and in Prism Shows, where players coordinate rhythms to execute synchronized jumps and appeals on the arcade cabinet's screen. A key innovation in Rainbow Live is the Duo Sync system, which enables cooperative play between two players by linking their inputs to create combined performances, such as paired Jumps that generate visual effects like instrument transformations for enhanced scoring. The Rainbow Prism Shows build on this by requiring precise timing harmony to unlock spectacular group effects, moving away from solo-focused skating toward ensemble routines that reward collaboration. The arcade features a selection of songs, prioritizing upbeat, energetic tracks for live-style concerts, with examples like "BOY MEETS GIRL" by Prizmmy☆ underscoring the emphasis on team-based group performances rather than individual solos. In October 2013, the game received an update rebranded as Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live Duo, introducing a dedicated two-player mode that costs ¥200 per session and supports partner matching through arcade cards for shared progression. This edition extends playtime by allowing cooperative unlocking of coordinates and accessories, fostering replayability through duo-specific challenges and cameo appearances from legacy characters across prior series.

Pretty Rhythm: All Star Legend Coord Edition

Pretty Rhythm: All Star Legend Coord Edition is the final mainline in the Pretty Rhythm series, released on April 17, 2014, as an update to the previous Rainbow Live Duo version. This title serves as a celebratory crossover, compiling characters from all prior games—including protagonists and Prism Stars from Aurora Dream, Dear My Future, and Rainbow Live—for a "" mode that pits players against iconic figures in special Prism Show battles spanning the franchise's history. The game was developed by and published by , emphasizing the series' legacy as it transitioned toward new projects. Gameplay in All Star Legend Coord Edition retains the core rhythm mechanics of button-timed skating and dance routines but places greater emphasis on coordinate (outfit) collection, introducing over 100 variants of Prism Stones for customization. Players can mix and match elements from different eras to create unique looks, with special Prism Shows enabling crossover performances that blend styles and animations from earlier titles, such as combining Aurora Dream's elegant jumps with Rainbow Live's dynamic team jumps. The song selection features tracks drawn from the entire Pretty Rhythm franchise, allowing for crossover performances where characters from various games duet or group up on stage. New arrangements were created for select songs to highlight the all-star theme, enhancing the tournament mode's narrative of legendary rivalries and collaborations. The game's arcade service ended on July 31, 2014, after just a few months, marking the conclusion of the main Pretty Rhythm arcade era and paving the way for spin-off series like . To commemorate the shutdown, organized farewell at select arcades, including special Prism Stone distributions and live performances by the voice actors.

Other games

Beyond the main arcade titles, the Pretty Rhythm franchise expanded to home consoles and mobile platforms with adaptations that simplified the core and mechanics for portable play. These releases allowed fans to experience Prism Shows outside of arcades, often incorporating touch controls and character customization from the tie-ins. The saw several ports that brought arcade elements to home play. Pretty Rhythm: My Deco Rainbow Wedding, released on March 20, 2013, featured songs from the Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream and Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future series, along with original tracks performed by voice actresses, emphasizing touch-based and coord assembly. A sequel, Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live: Kira Kira My Design, launched on November 28, 2013, focused on the Rainbow Live storyline with similar touch controls for simulating performances. In , a crossover title, & Pretty Rhythm: PriPara de Tsukaeru Oshare Item 1450!, integrated elements from both franchises, offering over 1,450 customizable items for and challenges. On mobile devices, Pretty Rhythm Shake was released for and Android on March 7, 2015, providing simplified rhythm mini-games, virtual coord , and social features tied to the franchise's idol theme. The app's service concluded on May 31, 2017. These supplementary titles were exclusive to , with no official Western releases, though the franchise's adaptations received distribution across via channels like .

Playable songs

The Pretty Rhythm arcade games feature a music library comprising unique songs across their various iterations, primarily originals composed for the series alongside select covers and licensed tracks. These songs blend upbeat idol pop with rhythmic elements suited to the game's Prism Show performances, drawing from collaborations with artists and labels to create a diverse catalog that evolves with each game version. Key originals include tracks by groups like , such as "You May Dream," which serves as an emblematic opener tying into character development and performance themes. Songs are categorized by game eras, reflecting thematic shifts in style and narrative focus. The Aurora Dream era introduces idol-focused tracks, emphasizing aspirational and dreamy melodies, as compiled in the Prism☆Music Collection with contributions from virtual units like MARs. In contrast, the Rainbow Live era expands to upbeat tracks, incorporating energetic duo performances and vibrant pop arrangements to match the series' colorful, live-stage motif, detailed in its dedicated Prism☆Music Collection. Unlocks for these songs occur through accumulating performance scores in Prism Shows, where players achieve milestones to access new tracks and variations. The series' soundtracks result from licensing collaborations with , which handles production and distribution of insert songs closely tied to character arcs, such as solo themes for protagonists like Aira Harune. These partnerships ensure high-production-value audio integrated into both arcade and tie-ins, with examples like the Aurora Dream collection featuring vocal tracks performed by voice actresses. Arcade networks facilitate seasonal updates, adding DLC songs that refresh the library, often exclusive to promotional events or limited-time challenges to maintain player engagement. These additions, such as new character-themed inserts, occasionally overlap with OSTs for cross-media synergy, enhancing the immersive Prism Star experience without altering core mechanics.
EraStyle FocusExample Tracks (Originals)
Aurora DreamIdol aspirational pop"You May Dream" (LISP), "Dream Goes On"
Rainbow LiveUpbeat duo energy"Happy♥Happy♥Naru," "BT37.5"
Overall Series blends with themes"Life is Just a Miracle" (Prizmmy☆)

Anime

Television series

The Pretty Rhythm franchise features four television series produced by , each serving as a promotional to the corresponding arcade games by Takara Tomy and , with episodes incorporating new in-game costumes, jumps, and performances to drive arcade engagement. All four series aired on in , with the first three consisting of 51 episodes each, and were directed by Masakazu Hishida, emphasizing themes of friendship, dreams, and idol competition through the unique Prism Shows that blend , , and . Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (2011) follows the journey of Rizumu Amamiya, a passionate aspiring skater, and her new friend Aira Harune, a clumsy but determined girl, as they navigate rivalries and challenges to become Prism Stars in the dazzling world of Prism Shows, where performers combine , modeling, and singing to compete for the title of Prism Queen. The series introduces key concepts like Prism Jumps—special aerial maneuvers triggered by emotional bonds—and features the formation of the idol group MARs, highlighting growth through competition and collaboration. It premiered on April 9, 2011, and concluded on March 31, 2012, with scripts by Deko Akao and character designs by Hisashi Kawashima. Serving as a direct sequel, Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future () shifts focus to Mia Ageha (known affectionately as Pippi in some contexts), a girl with prophetic visions who trains a new generation of idols at Pretty Top while grappling with her own aspirations and rivalries from returning characters like those from MARs. Set three years after Aurora Dream, the narrative explores themes of future dreams and perseverance, as Mia forms the group Prizmmy☆ with Reina, Karin, and Ayami, facing off against established stars in evolved Shows that test their unity and individual growth. The series aired from April 7, , to March 30, 2013, maintaining the promotional integration of game elements like new Jump techniques. Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (2013) introduces a fresh cast led by Naru Ayase and her friend Wander Bell, who pursue Stardom in a transformed Show landscape that emphasizes live concert performances over traditional skating, fostering bonds of friendship amid academy rivalries between teams like and Bell Rose. The story centers on the girls' efforts to realize personal dreams through musical and emotional Acts, introducing innovations like Jumps that symbolize harmony and spectacle. It broadcast from April 6, 2013, to March 29, 2014, with series composition by Shūji Iuchi and character designs by Mai Matsuura, continuing the franchise's tie-ins by showcasing arcade-exclusive content. The concluding TV series, Pretty Rhythm: All Star Selection (2014), is a crossover featuring characters from the previous three series in an original story centered on Laala Manaka, a young Prism Show student aspiring to become an idol. Laala learns from legendary Prism Stars like Aira, Mia, and Naru, participating in special performances and comedic scenarios that highlight the franchise's history and themes of shining through dreams and friendship. Directed by Masakazu Hishida, it aired from April 5, 2014, to June 14, 2014, with 11 episodes, serving as a bridge to the spin-off film and incorporating elements of magic and comedy.

Films

The Pretty Rhythm franchise produced one theatrical animated , Pretty Rhythm All Star Selection: Prism Show Best Ten, which premiered in theaters across on March 8, 2014. The film features a crossover of characters from the three main television series—Aurora Dream, Dear My Future, and Rainbow Live—presenting an original adventure framed by comedic interactions in the Prism World. In the story, Momo, a resident of the Prism World, and her companion Penguin-sensei select and showcase the top ten Prism Shows from the franchise's history, with rankings based on Momo's subjective preferences, blending highlights of past performances with new narrative elements. Directed by Masakazu Hishida, who helmed the television series, the film maintains stylistic continuity while emphasizing dynamic Prism Show sequences. The employs 3D CGI for the skating and performance scenes to capture the energetic, idol-like spectacles central to the franchise. The release aligned with broader promotional efforts, including merchandise tie-ins available in theater bundles to engage fans of the arcade games and ongoing series.

Other animations

The Pretty Rhythm franchise includes several short-form animated works beyond its television series and feature films, primarily consisting of unaired specials, performance compilations, and promotional clips produced by . These pieces, often under 30 minutes in total runtime, serve to expand on character dynamics, showcase Prism Shows, and promote merchandise or events, typically released as Blu-ray or DVD extras between 2011 and 2016. A key example is the Prism Comedy Theater series, a collection of unaired two-minute shorts exclusive to the home video releases of Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream. These comedic vignettes feature the main characters, such as Aira Harune and Rhythm Amamiya, in lighthearted, slice-of-life scenarios that humorously depict their training mishaps and friendships outside the main narrative. The first three volumes bundled episodes starting in July 2011, with the full set of approximately 50 shorts spanning the 51-episode run, providing fans with supplementary character development tied to the Prism Star idol theme. Prism Show specials form another category of short animations, focusing on stylized performance sequences from the arcade game adaptations visualized for the anime. These clips, typically 3-5 minutes each, highlight idol routines combining skating, , and , and were compiled in releases like the 2016 Pretty Rhythm Prism Show Fan Disc, which gathered additional in-game-derived shows from 2011-2013 as Blu-ray extras, emphasizing the franchise's core spectacle for event promotions and tie-ins. Animated music videos also appear as promotional content, often full versions of theme songs bundled with audio releases. For instance, clips for tracks like "You May Dream" from Aurora Dream extend beyond episode segments into standalone animations showcasing Prism Jumps and group performances, produced to align with live events and CD sales from onward. These shorts, usually 4-5 minutes, reinforce the integration of the series while maintaining the vibrant, idol-focused aesthetic.

Manga

Pretty Rhythm

Pretty Rhythm is a Japanese series written and illustrated by Mari Asabuki, serving as an adaptation of the arcade game Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt. Serialized in Shueisha's monthly magazine from the August 2010 issue to the June 2012 issue, it was compiled into five volumes under the Ribon Mascot Comics imprint. The manga launched alongside the initial release of the arcade game in July 2010, helping to expand the franchise's reach to young female audiences through its print medium. The plot follows Rizumu Amamiya, a cheerful second-year student passionate about "Prism Dance Skating," a performance sport blending , , jumps, and shows. Aspiring to become a professional Prism Star like her late mother—a famous ice skater—Rizumu forms the team Asterhythm with her friends Serena Jounouchi and Kanon Tōdō. The narrative emphasizes intense skating training sessions, team dynamics, and Rizumu's growth toward her idol dreams, incorporating original side stories and character backstories not featured in later adaptations. These elements highlight themes of perseverance, , and self-expression through performance. Rendered in a classic shōjo suited for 's demographic of young girls, the manga uses expressive character designs, sparkling effects for fashion and performances, and dynamic panel layouts to convey the energy of skating sequences. The illustrations capture the glamour of Prism Shows while grounding the story in relatable school life and emotional development, making it accessible and engaging for its target readers.

Aurora Dream

The manga adaptation of Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream, illustrated by Rio Fujimi, was serialized in Shogakukan's monthly shōjo magazine Ciao from April 2011 to March 2012 and collected in two volumes under the Ciao Comics imprint. This adaptation condenses the 51-episode anime's extensive storyline into a more streamlined narrative, emphasizing central rivalries among the protagonists and the climactic Prism Grand Prix competitions that drive their growth as Prism Stars. In addition to following the core events of the anime, the manga introduces exclusive elements such as new friendships that deepen character interactions beyond the televised format. The serialization featured monthly chapters timed to coincide with the anime's weekly airings, often including colorful spreads dedicated to showcasing the elaborate coord outfits central to the series' fashion and performance themes. A distinctive aspect of the lies in its expanded exploration of characters' inner thoughts, particularly through extended internal monologues for figures like Aira Harune, which provide richer insight into their personal struggles, aspirations, and emotional development compared to the anime's faster-paced dialogue and action sequences.

Dear My Future

The adaptation of Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future, a sequel to the Aurora Dream storyline, was serialized from 2012 to 2013 in Shōgaku Ichinensei, and compiled into 2 volumes by author Kanaki Shiori. Building on the character growth established in the Aurora Dream , the narrative centers on Pippi's personal challenges as an aspiring Prism Star, guided by the mentorship of Mia Ageha, while introducing innovative new Acts that advance the series' performance elements. In contrast to the version, the places greater emphasis on the protagonists' school life and interpersonal subplots, adopting a shorter format that omits certain filler episodes to maintain a tighter pace.

Rainbow Live

The manga adaptation of Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, illustrated by Michiyo Kikuta, was serialized in Shogakukan's monthly children's magazine Pucchigumi starting in 2013. The series ran from April 2013 to March 2014, aligning with the concurrent broadcast, and was compiled into two volumes. It adapts the themes and characters of the Rainbow Live installment, shifting the focus from to Prism Live performances that emphasize , dancing, and coordination on . The plot centers on protagonist Naru Ayase, an eighth-grader who perceives music as colors, and her pursuit of concert aspirations alongside characters like Bell Renjōji, involving the formation of the Rainbow Troupe and competitive live show battles against rival groups. Unique to the manga are original story arcs depicting intensive training sessions for performances and detailed scenes of the characters designing and customizing Prism Coords, which enhance the visual and creative elements of the adaptation. The serialization concludes with narrative hints foreshadowing expansions into future franchise spin-offs, reflecting the evolving multimedia scope of the Pretty Rhythm series.

Spin-offs

PriPara

PriPara is a Japanese arcade rhythm and dress-up game developed by and published by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S., launched on July 10, 2014, as the direct successor to the Pretty Rhythm arcade series following its closure in the same month. The game evolves the Prism Shows from Pretty Rhythm into , a virtual idol paradise where players customize avatars as idols and compete in auditions emphasizing singing, dancing, and fashion coordination, with Laala Manaka serving as the central lead character introduced through the franchise. Unlike Pretty Rhythm's focus on integrated with , PriPara shifts toward a more fashion-forward idol system, minimizing physical skating mechanics in favor of runway-style shows and coord-based styling, while introducing a goddess-mediated system where divine figures like Jewlie approve and enhance idol performances through challenges and interventions at the . This setup allows for unit-based lives and brand-specific outfits, fostering a competitive audition environment tied to real-world arcade card collection and scanning. The arcade cabinets operated until support ended in March 2022, with the final major update, PriPara: All Idol Perfect Stage, released in 2018. The franchise expanded into media adaptations, including an anime series produced by Tatsunoko Production and DongWoo A&E that aired from July 5, 2014, to March 28, 2017, comprising three seasons and 140 episodes, following Laala and her friends' journeys in PriPara. A sequel anime, Idol Time PriPara (51 episodes), aired from April 10, 2017, to March 31, 2018, introducing new protagonists while continuing the PriPara world. A manga adaptation, written and illustrated by Hitsuji Tsujinaga, was serialized in Shogakukan's Ciao magazine starting July 2014, and two theatrical films were released: PriPara the Movie: Everyone, Assemble! Prism Tours (2015), and Tobidasu PriPara: Minna de Mezase! Idol Grand Prix (2017). PriPara inherits design elements from Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, including shared coord inspirations and upbeat song styles that blend pop idol motifs with performance sequences.

King of Prism

King of Prism is a male-focused spin-off franchise from the series, centering on young boys competing in high-stakes Prism Shows to become Prism Kings. Launched in 2016 with the theatrical film by PrettyRhythm, the project shifts the emphasis from the original series' female protagonists to a group of aspiring male performers, including characters like the street-style Prism Star Taiga Kougami, who trains at Edel academy alongside rivals to master dazzling ice-skating performances infused with music and lights. This debut film introduced the Prism King Cup tournament, where teams vie for supremacy through synchronized routines that build on the Prism Show concept but highlight intense male rivalries and brotherhood. The franchise expanded rapidly beyond its cinematic origins, premiering a 12-episode TV anime series titled King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars on April 16, 2019, which follows the aftermath of the Prism King Cup and new student challenges at Edel Rose. Complementing these animations, stage plays began in 2017 with King of Prism: Over the Sunshine!, a musical adaptation summarizing the first two films, followed by King of Prism -Shiny Rose Stars- in 2020 and an upcoming production, Kinpri☆Tours-, scheduled for 2026. These live performances feature actors portraying key Prism Kings like Taiga, emphasizing theatrical interpretations of the competitive Prism Show battles. Unlike the arcade-based gameplay of Pretty Rhythm, forgoes physical machines in favor of digital formats, including the mobile KING OF PRISM Prism Rush! LIVE released for and Android in 2017, which simulates high-speed Prism Show performances through touch controls. The app incorporates event stories and multiplayer modes centered on rivalry tournaments, such as the "Road to Shiny Seven Stars" arc bridging films, prioritizing competitive scoring and team-building over extensive mechanics. In-person events, like live concerts and fan screenings, further extend this focus, fostering around the boys' tournament narratives. Building directly on Pretty Rhythm's lore of Prism Shows as a global entertainment spectacle, inverts the gender dynamics by positioning male idols as the central figures in these events, creating a parallel universe that occasionally intersects with spin-offs like . The series has cultivated a dedicated , particularly noted for its subtle BL undertones in character relationships, such as the intense bonds between rivals like and his peers. Multiple films have achieved commercial success, with the 2016 debut grossing over ¥800 million in after initial re-releases, Shiny Seven Stars earning ¥320 million, and the 2025 release KING OF PRISM -Your Endless Call- surpassing ¥1 billion.

Pretty All Friends

Pretty All Friends is a crossover project within the Pretty Series franchise, launched as a dance game spin-off for arcades in to commemorate the series' 10th anniversary. It compiles characters from Pretty Rhythm, , , and subsequent entries, allowing players to engage in dance battles and performances featuring these idols. The gameplay inherits mechanics from predecessor arcade titles like , emphasizing motion-sensing via camera detection for full-body movements, poses, and rhythm-based appeals during live shows. Players collect and customize coordinates inspired by past series, competing in virtual idol stages with over 100 songs drawn from the franchise's history, including classics from Pretty Rhythm and soundtracks. This setup enables crossover interactions, such as teaming up protagonists like Aira from Aurora Dream with Laala from for joint performances. As part of its media tie-ins, the project includes short specials under Pretty All Friends Selection, a 2021 television series narrated by Kiratto Pri☆Chan protagonist Mirai Momoyama, recapping iconic moments and bridging generational idols. Live events, such as the crossover film and Prism Stone collaborations, further promoted fan engagement. Arcade service concluded in February 2022, marking the end of active support for the crossover format. Designed as a celebratory initiative, Pretty All Friends aimed to unite the evolving eras of the Pretty Series, fostering continuity between original Pretty Rhythm skaters and newer streaming idols while highlighting shared themes of dream-chasing and performance.

Kiratto Pri☆Chan

Kiratto Pri☆Chan, short for Sparkling Prism☆Channel, is a Japanese franchise in the Pretty Series, serving as the direct successor to and . Launched as an on April 19, 2018, by Arts in collaboration with developer , it shifts the focus from traditional idol performances to a social media-inspired platform where players create and manage virtual channels to showcase talents. The tie-in anime, produced by and Dongwoo A&E, premiered on on April 8, 2018, and ran for three seasons totaling 153 episodes until its conclusion on May 30, 2021. Centering on first-year students Mirai Momoyama and Emo Moegi—childhood friends aspiring to idolhood—the story follows their efforts, supported by classmate and manager Rinka Aoba, to build popularity through the "Pri☆Chan System," a virtual network for . A key innovation in the is the "Making Drama" system, which enables players to craft personalized narrative sequences during performances, blending scripted stories with live interactions to simulate production. This mechanic, evolving from PriPara's illusion-based jumps, integrates elements like likes, shares, and viewer engagement metrics to drive progression, emphasizing themes of digital self-expression and online fame in a world where anyone can become an idol via smartphone-like devices. The adaptation amplifies these concepts, portraying Pri☆Chan as a competitive where idols upload challenges, coordinate outfits from diverse brands, and collaborate in teams to climb rankings, reflecting contemporary around and influencer dynamics. The franchise expanded beyond the arcade and anime with various media. A crossover film, PriPara & Kiratto Pri☆Chan: Kira Kira Memorial Live, released on December 22, 2018, celebrated the Pretty Series' history by featuring live performances from prior entries alongside new Pri☆Chan content. A manga adaptation by Hitsuji Tsujinaga serialized in Shueisha's magazine from April 2018 to March 2021, offering a parallel narrative focused on the protagonists' school life and idol challenges. Additional merchandise included "Appri" accessories—collectible buttons and data cards for the arcade that unlock coordinates and story elements—promoting replayability and customization. The series highlighted diversity in idol archetypes through brands like Sweet Honey (cute and floral) and Dolly Waltz (elegant and dramatic), alongside inclusive character designs representing varied personalities, from energetic beginners to virtual AI idols like Daia. As part of the post-Pretty Rhythm lineage, Kiratto Pri☆Chan refines PriPara's format by incorporating technological tools for channel management and video editing, fostering a more interactive and relatable idol experience that prioritizes creativity over pure performance spectacle.

Waccha PriMagi!

Waccha PriMagi! is a spin-off entry in the Pretty Series franchise, launched in 2021 as a project centered on magical performances known as PriMagi. The core series, produced by and , premiered on October 3, 2021, on and ran for 51 episodes until October 9, 2022. It follows middle-school student Matsuri Hibino, who aspires to participate in PriMagi—a form of stage entertainment that fuses song, dance, fashion, and genuine —after encountering Myamu, a girl from another world who recruits her as a partner. Key characters include Hina Yayoi, a skilled PriMagi performer who undergoes dramatic transformations to don special coordinates during shows, enabling magical effects on stage. The series blends elements of the franchise's idol heritage, inherited from predecessors like Kiratto Pri☆Chan, with supernatural tropes, creating hybrid performances that incorporate competitive duels resolved through synchronized and friendship-based pacts between partners. These PriMagi shows emphasize transformative sequences where participants, or "Magi girls," harness to execute elaborate routines, echoing the high-stakes spectacle of earlier Pretty Rhythm skating prism jumps but reimagined as enchanted duels on fantastical stages. The , developed by Tomy Arts and , launched on October 1, 2021, allowing players to customize characters with clear coord cards that "light up" for rhythm-based magical experiences, and it operated until service ended on April 24, 2024. Complementing the anime and game, a manga adaptation by Hitsuji Tsujinaga began serialization in Shogakukan's Ciao magazine in September 2021, adapting the core story of Matsuri's journey into magical stardom. Merchandise lines featured collectible coord cards, transformation accessories, and apparel tied to brands like VIVID STAR, supporting the game's card-scanning mechanics and extending the magical theme into real-world play. The narrative highlights themes of wonder, everyday school life, and budding friendships among young protagonists, targeting a slightly younger audience with its focus on accessible magic and collaborative growth over intense rivalry.

Himitsu no AiPri

Himitsu no AiPri, the latest installment in Tomy's Pretty Series, launched in April 2024 as a multimedia project encompassing a TV , arcade rhythm games, and related merchandise. The TV premiered on April 7, 2024, on and its affiliates, following the story of aspiring idols at Paradise Private Academy who navigate friendships, secret identities, and performances in the virtual AiPri Verse world. The arcade games, developed by and published by T-ARTS Company, debuted on April 4, 2024, featuring dress-up mechanics where players customize idols using AiPri Cards and perform rhythm-based challenges. Central to the series are AI companions known as Imuu, which serve as mascot partners to the idols, enabling interactive elements in both the anime and games. These AI elements drive the narrative's exploration of hidden love stories and emotional bonds, as seen in the protagonists Himari Aozora and Mitsuki Hoshikawa's strained friendship and secret aspirations to become top AiPri idols. The storyline emphasizes themes of overcoming shyness and conveying emotions through performances, with AI avatars like Tsumugi Suzukaze adding layers of virtual companionship and identity concealment. Innovations in Himitsu no AiPri include AI-driven performances via the Buzzlume Change transformation system, which integrates technology for dynamic stage effects, and virtual reality tie-ins through the AiPri Verse, allowing players to experience coordinated outfits (coords) in immersive environments. This builds on the franchise's rhythm while introducing futuristic idol mechanics distinct from prior entries. In 2025, the series marked the Pretty Series' 15th anniversary with events such as the Pretty Series Crossing Live 2025, featuring cast performances from Himitsu no AiPri alongside other titles. A second anime season, titled Himitsu no AiPri: Ring Arc, premiered on April 6, 2025, expanding on the academy's new semester and ring-themed storylines. Additionally, a adaptation was serialized in Pucchigumi magazine starting in 2024, providing an alternate take on the idols' journeys. As the fifth main entry in the Pretty Series—following Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream in 2010—Himitsu no AiPri culminates the franchise's legacy by incorporating nods to original Prism Stars through cameo elements and thematic echoes of prism-based performances in its AI-enhanced spectacles.

Merchandise

Prism Stone

Prism Stone is the central merchandise line for the Pretty Rhythm franchise, featuring collectible accessories that bridge virtual outfits in the arcade games and with physical items for play. Launched alongside the Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt in July 2010, Prism Stones originated as virtual gems containing pieces of coordinate outfits (coords) used to customize characters during rhythm-based performances. These digital collectibles allowed players to mix and match clothing items to create unique looks, emphasizing themes of and idol performance central to the series. In January 2011, Takara Tomy announced the expansion of Prism Stone into physical products tied to the , with items like Prism Mille-Feuille Cards and Prism Stone Trunks released as doll accessories and playsets in April 2011. These real-world counterparts replicated the in-game coords, with sets sold through gashapon machines, specialty stores, and Prism Stone boutiques, including collaborations to inspire young fans in styling their own outfits. Representative lines included Aurora-themed coords from the first season and Rainbow motifs in later releases, focusing on vibrant, performance-ready designs without delving into exhaustive catalogs. Targeted at girls aged 6-12, the line encouraged creative play as collectible complements to the virtual arcade gameplay. Takara Tomy projected sales of 5.5 billion yen for the franchise in the fiscal year ending March 2012, highlighting Prism Stone's role in driving merchandise revenue through its blend of collectibility and interactivity.

Dear Crown

Dear Crown is a secondary apparel and merchandise brand within the Pretty Rhythm franchise, debuting in 2012 as a to the anime series Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future. Unlike the foundational Prism Stone line, which emphasizes cute and pop styles, Dear Crown adopts a "cool and sexy" aesthetic with black-and-gold color schemes and crown motifs, positioning it as a complementary counterpart for more mature designs. The brand's products include premium apparel and accessories for dolls, such as coordinate outfits, along with cosmetics like perfumes and toilette sets. These items, produced by Takara Tomy, feature high-quality details to support the franchise's mechanics, where players collect Prism Stones—heart-shaped pieces of outfits categorized by brand. Dear Crown emphasizes collectibility through rarity tiers for its Prism Stones, including normal, rare, and super rare variants, often incorporating jewelry elements like necklaces and stage-ready accessories to complete thematic ensembles. Wigs and prop-like outfit components further enhance doll customization, appealing to fans interested in detailed, displayable collections. The brand expanded internationally with limited releases in , particularly , through collaborations with local idol agencies like Dear and tie-ins to broadcasts and events featuring Korean performers. This market role bolstered the franchise's appeal to older demographics by introducing edgier, goddess-inspired fashion elements distinct from Stone's youthful vibe. Dear Crown ceased operations in 2014 following the conclusion of the Pretty Rhythm series.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

The Pretty Rhythm games were lauded for their novel integration of rhythm-based gameplay with customization and performance simulations, creating an engaging hybrid experience tailored to young female players. The title Pretty Rhythm: My Deco Rainbow Wedding, a key entry in the series, earned a 28/40 from reviewers, who highlighted the addictive combo of arcade-style rhythm challenges and virtual fashion shows while critiquing occasional repetition in track variety. The anime adaptations similarly received acclaim for their dynamic visuals, particularly the fluid 3D-animated Prism Shows that fuse skating, , and elaborate costume transformations into eye-catching spectacles. Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (2011), the franchise's flagship series, was praised for its creative premise and inspiring character arcs, though some reviews noted an uneven focus between protagonists leading to narrative inconsistencies. Formulaic competition-driven plots were a common point of , with episodes often adhering to predictable cycles of , , and triumph that prioritized spectacle over deeper storytelling. On aggregate review sites, the entries score around 7/10, reflecting strong appeal within Japan's target demographic of elementary school girls, where the series excels in promoting themes of self-expression and through its accessible idol format. A 2025 retrospective on the Pretty Series' 15th anniversary positioned Pretty Rhythm as a foundational influence in girls' media, crediting it with democratizing idol content for family audiences and inspiring through performance-based narratives, even as its early mechanics now appear somewhat outdated compared to contemporary .

Popularity and cultural impact

The Pretty Rhythm franchise achieved notable commercial success, particularly through its arcade games and related merchandise. Takara Tomy projected approximately 5.5 billion yen (about $66 million) in sales for the ending March 2012, driven by high arcade machine utilization and tie-in products like Prism Stones. The spin-off film by PrettyRhythm grossed around 800 million yen at the , attracting over 480,000 viewers and demonstrating sustained revenue potential even after the original arcade service ended in 2014. episodes, such as one from Pretty Rhythm: Live, recorded a 1.9% household viewership rating in key markets like , contributing to its appeal among elementary school audiences. The series cultivated a dedicated fanbase primarily in Japan and Asia, including Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where localized broadcasts on channels like SBS and boosted engagement. events featuring characters from Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, such as Ayase Naru, have appeared at conventions like , highlighting active community participation. In 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of the arcade launch, revival efforts included streaming events and live concerts like Pretty Series Crossing Live, fostering renewed interest through virtual and in-person formats. Pretty Rhythm pioneered a idol format blending , fashion, and rhythm gameplay targeted at girls, laying the foundation for spin-offs like and influencing broader idol simulation games such as Ensemble Stars!!. This evolution shifted the genre from hybrid performances to pure idol experiences, impacting Asian media mixes with exports and collaborations. While exposure in the West remains limited, growing availability via platforms like —streaming : Shiny Seven Stars—has introduced it to international audiences. Recent fan analyses on and blogs have explored subtexts, such as ambiguously gay character dynamics in Rainbow Live, adding layers to its cultural readings.

References

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