Anime Hajime Review: Love Live Sunshine Season Two

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Love Live Sunshine Season Two. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Failing to reach the finals of the prestigious Love Live competition is not an easy thing to get over. But this is not the time to quit. No this is when one needs to try even harder. A sentiment felt by the up and coming school idol group, Aquors.

The group's leader, Chika Takami (voiced by Anju Inami) has never felt more determined. And with her beloved Uranohoshi Academy still on the line, the only direction is forward. Such spirit fuels the drive of Aquors’ remaining eight members.

These are the first-years, Yoshiko Tsushima, Hanamaru Kunikida, and Ruby Kurosawa (voiced by Aika Kobayashi, Kanako Takatsuki, and Ai Furihata). As well as Chika’s fellow second-years, Riko Sakurauchi and You Watanabe (voiced by Rikako Aida and Shuka Saitou). And rounding off the team are the third-years, Kanan Matsuura, Dia Kurosawa, and Mari Ohara (voiced by Nanaka Suwa, Arisa Komiya, and Aina Suzuki).

Though they are nine, they move as one. Together, they know they can both save their school and win Love Live.

But in their final push, they must discover that one thing that makes them shine.

Anime Hajime Review: Love Live Sunshine

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Love Live: School Idol Project and Love Live Sunshine. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Chika Takami (voiced by Anju Inami) makes a life-changing discovery. While visiting Tokyo, she is awed by the recent winners of the popular Love Live competition; the school idol group µ (muse). Their humble origins inspire Chika to head down the school idol path herself.

She soon learns, that’s much easier said than done.

Yet if there’s one thing Chika's known for, it’s persistence. Starting small, she turns to her best friend You Watanabe (voiced by Shuka Saito). The two run into roadblock after roadblock. But they make a major breakthrough after recruiting the recent transfer student Riko Sakurauchi (voiced by Rikao Aida).

The trio inspires more to join. Next are longtime friends, Hanamaru Kunikida (voiced by Kanako Takatsuki) and Ruby Kurosawa (voiced by Ai Furihata). Then they pick up the eccentric Yoshiko Tsushima (voiced by Aika Kobayashi).

The group gets their final push when they, at last, convince their school’s former idol group to come out of retirement. Third years Dia Kurosawa (voiced by Arisa Komiya), Kanan Matsuura (voiced by Nanaka Suwa), and Mari Ohara (voiced by Aina Suzuki).

Anime Eiga Review: Love Live the School Idol Movie

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for both Love Live and Love Live the School Idol Project Movie. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

The national school idol competition known as Love Live is now over. Its current reigning champs are the girls of Otonokizaka Academy, µ (muse).

After months and months of hard work, these nine high schoolers achieved their dream. There is no way they could be any happier. Their love for one another is as strong as it’s ever been. And it only seems to be getting stronger.

That is why it hurts all the more when facing the inevitable. The older girls will be graduating. This means µ can no longer continue. With heavy hearts, they have all come to accept it. If only there was just a little more time.

Such an opportunity presents itself. Love Live is looking to grow bigger than it's ever been. Who better to promote the venue than the current champions?

For one last unforgettable show, µ appears poised to take on the world. These girls have been through so much. And they have stood shoulder to shoulder for every step of the way. Together, there is nothing that can stop them.

Anime Hajime Review: Love Live the School Idol Project

Series Synopsis

Otonokizaka Academy, a long established high school, is on the verge of shutting its doors for good. The news is devastating for second year Honoka Kosaka (voiced by Emi Nitta). Hoping to garner more students and overturn the decision, she desperately tires everything to save her beloved school.

While visiting a neighbouring academy, Honoka is struck with awe when she hears the school idol group A-Rise. Inspired, she decides to form her own idol group with the help of her two closes friends, Kotori Minami (voiced by Aya Uchida) and Umi Sonoda (voiced by Suzuko Mimori).

Honoka's determination is inspiring and slowly the group starts to gain more members.

First to tag along are first years Maki Nishikino (voiced by Pile), Hanayo Koizumi (voiced by Yurika Kubo), and Rin Hoshizora (voiced by Riho Iida). Next is third year Nico Yazawa (voiced by Sora Tokui). Finally, the group is rounded off by third years Eli Ayase (voiced by Yoshino Nanjo) and Nozomi Tojo (voiced by Aina Kusuda).

Together, these nine form the Otonokizaka Academy school idol group μ's (pronounced muse).