Must Watch! Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup 2025

Popular idol franchise Aikatsu! is back with its highly anticipated new project, Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup. The compilation film will feature selected memorable episodes from the Aikatsu! anime TV series, with a special focus on the thrilling “Unit Cup Arc” storyline from the third season.

Fans in Japan can get ready to relive these iconic moments on the big screen, as the film is scheduled to hit 43 theaters across Japan starting June 20, 2025. However, it should be noted that the film will be limited to a three-week run. The project is being produced by renowned animation studio BN Pictures, who has also worked on various previous Aikatsu! projects, and will be distributed by Bandai Namco Pictures.

Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup Story Summary

Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup will bring back nostalgia for loyal fans of the franchise, taking them back to the excitement and challenges of the “Unit Cup Arc” from the third season of the Aikatsu! anime TV series. The storyline features an interesting dynamic as the idols of Starlight Academy are faced with a situation where they must find new duet partners outside of their original units in order to compete in the prestigious Unit Cup.

The main focus of the film will be on the journey of the protagonist, Akari Ozora, who was previously part of the unit “Luminous” along with Sumire Hikami and Hinaki Shinjo. In order to face the Unit Cup, Akari will form a unique new unit called “Skips♪” together with her talented junior, Madoka Amahane. The film will explore how these two different personalities can complement each other and create a synergy that results in a new and stunning stage appeal.

In addition to bringing back key episodes from the “Unit Cup Arc,” which covers episodes 35 to 37 of the third season, Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup will also include an equally exciting special episode, “Aikatsu Restaurant” (season 3, episode 39). This episode will showcase a different side of the Starlight Academy idols as they attempt to revive a struggling restaurant. The combination of fierce competition on the Unit Cup stage and challenges outside the idol world is expected to provide a rich and entertaining viewing experience for fans.

Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup Main Character Voice Actors

One of the most anticipated aspects of the Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup project for fans is the return of the talented voice actors who have given life and character to the franchise's iconic idols. The presence of these familiar voices will further strengthen the emotional bond that fans have with the characters they love. For this film, some of the main voice actors who will be returning include Shino Shimoji, who will be voicing the main protagonist, Akari Ozora. Akari is known as an idol who is full of passion and has a strong determination to achieve her dreams in the entertainment world.

Additionally, Yuna Onishi will reprise her role as Madoka Amahane, who is Akari’s partner in the “Skips♪” unit for the Unit Cup competition. Madoka is known for her gentle and graceful personality, as well as her incredible talent in dance. Fans will also hear Yū Wakui’s voice again as Sumire Hikami, Akari’s former “Luminas” unitmate. Sumire is an idol with a mysterious aura and impressive acting skills.

Lastly, Juri Nagatsuma will return as the voice of Hinaki Shinjo, another member of “Luminas” known for her cheerful personality and unique fashion style. While the casting and voice cast details for the other supporting characters may not be fully revealed, fans can look forward to the return of voices that have become an integral part of the Aikatsu! viewing experience.

Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup Exclusive Trailer and Extra Features

As an added value for moviegoers, Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup will not only feature reruns of popular episodes. The film will also include exclusive bonus footage that can only be seen on the big screen. The special footage will feature brand-new interview segments with the idols, where they will share interesting behind-the-scenes insights into the production and provide commentary on various moments from the “Unit Cup Arc.”

This opportunity will provide a more intimate and personal look at the dynamics between the characters, allowing fans to see a side of their favorite idols that may have never been revealed before. This exclusive feature is sure to be a major draw for loyal fans looking for a more immersive Aikatsu! experience.

Production and Team of Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup

The Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup project is being produced by BN Pictures, a studio with extensive experience in bringing the world of Aikatsu! to life. The studio has been responsible for the production of the Aikatsu! anime TV series since its inception, as well as other Aikatsu! projects that have successfully captivated fans. For the distribution of the film, Bandai Namco Pictures will play a key role in ensuring that the film reaches fans across Japan.

With a production team that has a deep understanding of the Aikatsu! franchise, fans can have high expectations for the quality of animation, storytelling, and overall viewing experience that will be presented in this compilation film. The collaboration between BN Pictures and Bandai Namco Pictures is expected to produce a work that will not only satisfy fans' longing for the “Unit Cup Arc,” but also provide a refreshing new touch.

History of the Aikatsu Franchise!

The Aikatsu! franchise was first introduced to the public in October 2012 through its original anime TV series, which successfully aired for several years, from October 2012 to March 2016. The success of this first series then gave birth to several equally popular successors, including Aikatsu Stars! which aired from April 2016 to March 2018, followed by Aikatsu Friends! (April 2018 – September 2019), Aikatsu on Parade! (October 2019 – March 2020), and Aikatsu Planet! (January – June 2021).

Most recently, the franchise launched the Aikatsu Academy! project in July 2024, which focuses on the virtual activities of Aikatsu! idols and is presented primarily through the YouTube platform. In addition to the anime TV series, the Aikatsu! franchise has also spawned a number of successful feature films, such as Aikatsu! The Movie (2014), Aikatsu! Music Awards – The Show Where Everyone Gets an Award! (2015), Aikatsu! The Targeted Magical Aikatsu Card (2016), and Aikatsu! 10th Story: Starway to the Future (2022). Furthermore, fans can also look forward to the highly anticipated crossover film with the PriPara franchise, titled Aikatsu! × PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki!-, which is scheduled for release in fall 2025, further fueling the excitement for the Aikatsu! franchise as a whole.

Conclusion

With the Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup approaching, the excitement among fans across Japan is palpable. They can’t wait to see the adventures and fierce rivalries of their favorite idols on the big screen again. The combination of classic episodes that have become close to the hearts of fans, exclusive footage that provides new insights, and high-quality production is expected to create an unforgettable viewing experience for the entire Aikatsu! community. The return of the original voice actors who have become icons of the franchise is also a special attraction, ensuring the continuity and authenticity of the much-loved characters.

The decision to screen the film for a limited time over three weeks also adds to the exclusive value of the event, encouraging fans to plan their trips to the cinema soon so they don’t miss out on this special opportunity. With all the elements on offer, the Aikatsu Memorial Stage Shining Unit Cup is set to be a celebration for loyal fans and an exciting introduction for those new to the Aikatsu! franchise.