What is this?
A notice from upstairs.
We have a tie-up with a makeup company, so we're going "high-class adult."
But I've always worn gal-style fashion...
I know. But I'm afraid of what'll happen to our division if we don't comply.
Rumor is there'll be a major shake-up for underperforming departments.
Don't tell me Nao and Karen's CD debut has been canceled...
No. For the moment, new plans have just been put on hold.
But we don't know what will happen from here on...
EPISODE 17
It seems Mika Jougasaki's tie-up is getting good results.
Yes. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The real reforms are about to begin.
Reforms, huh?
I've already said it many times, but I think this reorganization is too sudden.
Our idol division has only been up a few years.
Each department has their own method and is just starting to produce results...
Their own method.
That isn't necessary. I've stated this many times as well.
Planning and implementing projects to match the idols' personalities
takes too long to succeed.
Most importantly, doing it like that doesn't suit the name "Mishiro."
You say 346 Production's a few years old,
but it's part of the Mishiro Group, a full entertainment firm with history.
The idea to develop idols' individuality is fine in the main.
However, it has to be in step with this company.
It's comparable to a princess in a beautiful castle.
That's how I see it.
To make "Cinderella's Ball" a success,
you must all step up your game while increasing your name recognition.
Therefore...
"Totokira Academy"?
A variety show set in a school classroom.
Then we get to be on TV?
Yes. It'll be a regular weekly show.
A regular show is amazing!
Having to tape a show every week seems like it'd be a pain...
Of course Anzu-chan would say that.
But wasn't it hard to get a variety show approved with the company climate now?
I thought a variety show
featuring personalities, not just singing and dancing, was vital.
Right, nya! Having a character is vital after all, nya!
Moroboshi-san and Airi Totoki-san will play the teachers and act as MCs.
Right.
Akagi-san and Jougasaki-san will play students.
Okay!
There are lots of cute girls!
So they'll play students too, right?
Yes.
I talked to other departments about this project and gathered all the kid idols.
We're not the only ones who disagree with the current direction.
I believe it's necessary to stick with those departments that feel as we do.
Joining forces as the resistance is rockin'!
If this project succeeds, it'll become a big step towards "Cinderella's Ball."
Hearing that gets me fired up!
Although it's not like you'll be on the show.
Yeah, I know, but still...
D-DuD>>DdegNZ NfD'DdegN++D,. Good luck.
- Leave it to us! - Yeah!
My sexy charm will knock everyone out in their living rooms!
DEKORATION ON TOTOKIRA ACADEMY!! Now's the time to flap pitch-black wings and aim for the glistening heavens!
Yeah!
Sis, listen to this! I'm gonna be on TV!
And it's a regular weekly show! Great, right?
Yeah. Yeah! Miria-chan and Kirari-chan will be on it too! And also...
Yes!
- I'm back! - Oh, welcome home, Miria.
Guess what? Today I got the news...
All right! It's okay... I'm on my way.
- Mom, I'm gonna be on TV... - Sorry. Tell me later.
- Rika, you're gonna be on TV? - Wow! You really are an idol now!
I bet it's a show for little kids!
'Cause Jougasaki is still a little kid!
- You're the kids here. - That's right! That's right!
What makes us kids?
When we had that field trip, you didn't catch more beetles than me.
B-Bringing that up makes you a brat!
Y-Yeah! If you're not a little kid, show us some proof!
Fine! I will then!
Get ready, because I'm gonna show you that I'm a sexy, charismatic girl on TV!
T-This is...
They said matching uniforms would be better, so we're supposed to wear this.
Huh...
It's been a while since I've worn one. Now that I've grown, will it fit me?
You're silly. These are costumes, so they've made them to our sizes.
They gave me this job, so I'll do my best!
Putting this on makes me feel like a kindergartener again.
TOTOKIRA ACADEMY
Looking good! Looking good!
Get a feel for things in today's rehearsal.
- All right, let's start a camera test! - Right!
- Totoki... - ...and Kirari's...
...Totokira Academy!
This program's a helpful variety show that solves
problems you viewers send in with the help of our classroom friends!
No matter what the problem is, we'll lend a helping hand!
And cut! Okay!
Why don't we go on to self-intros?
Okay! I'm Kaoru Ryuzaki! I'll do my best with the teachers!
I'm Nina Ichihara! Nice to meet you!
Um, I, uh, I'll work hard to make everyone happy.
I'm Chie Sasaki.
I hope everyone's well. Nothing is impossible for me, Momoka Sakurai.
I'm Miria Akagi, and I love to talk!
I'm Rika Jougasaki.
Okay, cut.
Rika-chan, is it? That wasn't energetic.
One more time!
- I'm Rika Jougasaki! - One more time! With a bigger smile!
I had business. Sorry I couldn't stop by.
It seems there was a slight change. Was it okay?
It was perfect! I'm positive this is going to be a happy-happy show!
- Let me talk! - Miria-chan wants to talk.
I did a really good job! The director told me I had a lot of energy!
Yeah. I'll let Rika-chan talk.
Here.
O-Okay.
I-I was perfect too.
- But... - It's all right. Don't worry about it!
Yeah!
What are you talking about? Leave this to us and do what you have to.
Yeah... Yeah.
- I'm back! - Welcome home.
Mom, I...
Okay, okay! Sorry, Miria. Wait a minute.
Look, Mama's here.
Yeah, sure.
Mika-chan changed her image.
It's cool, but she's so not one of us anymore.
I know, right?
I can't help it. Being an idol isn't fun and games.
I can't just make demands.
But...
VARIETY SHOW PLAN
What would Sis do?
She's still not home.
I'm back.
Sis!
W-What's all this? You scared me.
Listen to this, Sis! I'm in kindergarten on TV!
What's that about?
My new job has me wearing a kindergarten outfit.
When I show up on TV like that, they'll all laugh at me. They'll call me a kid!
- Is that all? - It's a big deal! I wanna be like you!
I hate the costume! I wanna wear mature clothes like you're wearing now!
In that case...
In that case, why not quit being an idol?
If you just want to wear clothes you like, don't be one.
If you're fooling around, you'll bother girls who take it seriously!
Sis...
Maybe I was a little too hard on her last night.
I think I was taking my stress out on her.
Miria-chan!
Mika-chan!
Why are you so blue?
I'm not blue.
It's just... It feels like I've got a dark cloud here.
Right here?
How about you, Mika-chan?
I think I've got a dark cloud too.
Hey, Miria-chan. If you've got time, would you hang out with me?
We've been waiting!
Have a seat!
- I'm proud of what I made today! - I'll pour some tea!
Ta-da!
It looks delicious!
Could you be trying to make me feel better?
Um, you weren't your usual self yesterday, so we were a bit worried...
If something happened, tell us about it.
It's about Totokira Academy...
I see...
I know I have to give this show my all for the sake of "Cinderella's Ball."
But I don't know how to think about it and complained to Sis...
So she got mad at me for being selfish...
Why don't you talk to the producer about it?
No, something like this I have to figure out on my own.
What a pain...
Anzu-chan...
No matter what you wear, you're still you, so who cares about clothes?
But clothes are important!
If you wear clothes you like, you're happy-happy inside and out!
And if you gussy it up to suit your own style, you get even happy-happier!
But whatever outfit you wear, Kirari's Kirari in the end.
That's not it!
What's important is whether what you're wearing gets you excited or not!
But you're still Kirari...
No matter what you wear, you're still you...
If you gussy it up to suit your own style, you'll become happy-happy...
I'm telling you...
I've got it!
Kirari-chan, Anzu-chan!
I'll try it!
SHIBUYA CENTER GAI
MIKA MIRIA
That was fun!
Seems that dark cloud in your chest went away, huh?
Yeah!
I'm a big sister now.
Since my little sister was born, Mom's been so busy every time she cries...
I know how that is.
Right after Rika was born, whenever I had something to tell Mom,
it was always, "Later, Mika-chan. After Rika stops crying."
Yes! That's it exactly!
It's hard being a big sister!
Let's support each other as big sisters. If things are tough, I'll always listen.
And if things are ever tough on you, be sure to tell me about it.
It's never tough on me...
H-Huh?
Why am I... Must have dust in my eyes...
Sorry, Miria-chan.
That's okay. Even big sisters feel like crying once in a while.
Good morning, Mom.
Good morning, Miria. Wash your face. Breakfast is about ready...
I'll take over breakfast, Mom.
Sorry. I won't be long.
Thanks, Miria.
You know, you've got a dependable big sister.
I'm sorry, Sis.
"I'll do my best on this job, so come and see the taping today. Rika."
I'm sorry too.
I'm Nina Ichihara! Nice to meet you!
I'm Chie Sasaki. I'll work hard to make everyone happy.
Please give me your support!
I hope everyone's well. Nothing is impossible for me, Momoka Sakurai.
My little sister was born, so now I'm a big sister! Big sisters, fight!
I'm Miria Akagi.
I'm a sexy, charismatic gal, Rika Jougasaki!
You give the gal peace sign even though you're in kindergarten?
After all, I am who I am! And I haven't forgotten to secretly spruce it up!
Wow!
"After all, I am who I am..."
- It looks like this'll be a good show. - Yes. Their smiles are dazzling.
Yeah. Seeing this makes me think I can't do any less.
Strike a pose please.
Sure.
Sorry, that pose is a little...
- Not bad. I have no problem. - But, sensei...
I like it. Very nice.
This image shows her inner strength.
I guess this is what it means to be the big sister, huh?
Of course.
After all, I'm the charismatic middle schooler Rika Jougasaki's big sister!
Yeah!
EPISODE 18