A quick history of 20 years of THE IDOLM@STER

One of Bandai Namco's iconic video game franchises, THE IDOLM@STER, has celebrated its 20th anniversary. Started out as an arcade game launched on July 26, 2005, THE IDOLM@STER has grown into a mixed-media franchise spanning console and mobile games, TV anime, live performances, and more.

With that, it's time for a super-quick history lesson on all things IDOLM@STER.

THE IDOLM@STER Series 20th Anniversary

July 2005 - THE IDOLM@STER was launched as an arcade game. In this game, players can choose one of the ten available idols: Haruka Amami, Chihaya Kisaragi, Yukiho Hagiwara, Yayoi Takatsuki, Ritsuko Akizuki, Azusa Miura, Iori Minase, Makoto Kikuchi, Ami Futami, and Mami Futami. Their goal is to train their chosen idols and master various songs. Simple as that.

2007 - Two years after the iM@S arcade game was launched, the XBOX 360 version of THE IDOLM@STER was launched in January 2007. In addition to the ten idols, an additional idol, Miki Hoshii, was added.

Also, in April 2007, Namco collaborated with Sunrise for a TV anime inspired by the world of THE IDOLM@STER. Titled IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA, the series centers on Haruka Amami as she gets tangled in an intergalactic warfare, and she becomes humanity's last hope as the Xenoglossia pilot.

2008 - A definitive version of THE IDOLM@STER Xbox 360 game, titled THE IDOLM@STER: Live For You!, was launched in February 2008, featuring an original anime DVD and additional content.

2009 - THE IDOLM@STER hits PSP for the first time with THE IDOLM@STER SP. Launched in February 2009, it was offered in three different versions featuring different idols to choose from in each version. The Wandering Star version features Ami and Mami Futami, Yukiho Hagiwara, and Iori Minase. The Perfect Sun version features Makoto Kikuchi, Haruka Amami, and Yayoi Takatsuki. Finally, the Missing Moon version features Azusa Miura, Ritsuko Akizuki, and Chihaya Kisaragi. Each version has one member of the villainous 961PRO's Project Fairy to defeat. Perfect Sun has Hibiki Ganaha, Perfect Sun has Miki Hoshii, and Missing Moon has Takane Shijou.

A spin-off game of THE IDOLM@STER seriestitled THE IDOLM@STER Dearly Stars was launched for the Nintendo DS in September 2009. In this game, players assume the role of the producer of 876PRO with the task of raising three idols.

2010 - In December 2010, a mobile phone game called THE IDOLM@STER Mobile Area Game was launched. This location-based game uses the GPS function of a feature phone to travel around Japan and produce idols. Local voice calls and wallpaper images are also available.

2011 - PROJECT iM@S' 2nd Vision has commenced with the launch of THE IDOLM@STER 2. Initially launched on the Xbox 360 in February 2011, it became available for the first time on the PS3 in October 2011 with exclusive content.

In July 2011, fans' wishes for a proper IDOLM@STER anime came true with the TV anime adaptation of THE IDOLM@STER made in cooperation with Aniplex. This 26-episode anime centers on the life and times of 765PRO ALLSTARS at the hands of the producer who holds their fate.

In November 2011, THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls was launched as a mobile social game. In addition to the familiar 765PRO ALLSTARS, Cinderella Girls features a roster of over a hundred idols to choose from.

2012 - The year 2012 not only saw the launch of THE IDOLM@STER Mobile i for Apple iPhone, as well as the Pachislot game, but also another PSP game called THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors. Offered in three different versions, Funky Note, Honey Sound, and Groovy Tune, it's a rhythm-based game where players can master hit IDOLM@STER songs.

2013 - The year 2013 not only welcomed a net anime series titled Puchimas - Petit Idolm@ster - but also a third sub-brand of THE IDOLM@STER franchise titled THE IDOLM@STER Million Live! In addition to the familiar 765PRO ALLSTARS, Million Live features 765PRO's newest recruits to train and idolize.

2014 - 765PRO ALLSTARS has hit the big screen with THE IDOLM@STER MOVIE, set after the events of the TV series. In addition to 765PRO's movie escapade, the journey continues with the newest PS3 game titled THE IDOLM@STER One For All. As the 765PRO ALLSTARS continue to elevate, a fourth entry to the franchise, titled THE IDOLM@STER Side M, was launched. Side M features a roster of male idols from the all-familiar Jupiter trio, who used to work for the villainous 961PRO, to some new additions.

2015 - The year 2015 marked 10 years of THE IDOLM@STER. To kick off the anniversary year, THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls has finally hit TV screens with the TV anime, which was split into two seasons. The first season aired in January 2015, and the second in July 2015. The lives and times of 346 Production idols, along with the producer behind them, are showcased. Not only did the Cinderella Girls get their own TV show, but also a smartphone app game titled THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage. Oh yeah, did you know that THE IDOLM@STER series team up with Taiko no Tatsujin to create THE IDOLM@STER Must Songs for the PSVita? This two-version game features some of the franchise's greatest hits.

2016 - A new era for THE IDOLM@STER franchise kicked off with THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars, launched for the PS4 in July 2016. Not only did this game feature a brand new logo for the franchise, but it also featured refreshed looks of 765PRO ALLSTARS thanks to the PS4's capabilities. Come October 2016, PSVR users can get to experience their favorite Cinderella Girls' performances with THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Viewing Revolution.

2017 - That year saw more new IDOLM@STER-related anime on the TV screen, such as Cinderella Girls Gekijo and THE IDOLM@STER Side M. Not only that, a K-drama inspired by THE IDOLM@STER franchise was aired in April 2017. Titled THE IDOLM@STER.KR, this K-drama centers on a scandal-ridden producer whose life changed when he encountered a young girl who happened to be the twin sister of the celebrity who died in a car accident. This sparked the clash between rookies and newcomers, who would later form themselves as the Real Girls Project. On the gaming side, two new IDOLM@STER-related smartphone apps were launched, such as THE IDOLM@STER Million Live! Theater Days and THE IDOLM@STER Side M LIVE ON ST@GE! Wrapping up the year is another IDOLM@STER PS4 game titled THE IDOLM@STER Stella Stage, where the 765PRO ALLSTARS are facing a new threat: Shiika.

2018 - The fifth entry of THE IDOLM@STER franchise was launched in the first half of 2018. Titled THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors, it started out in life as a browser game by enza, pitting players into the role of a 283 Production producer, holding the fate of the agency's idols. On the anime side, a 3rd season of Cinderella Girls Gekijo shorts and a new anime shorts series featuring Side M idols were aired.

2019 - In addition to the final season of Cinderella Girls Gekijo aired on TV, a smartphone app titled THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Spot was launched.

2020 - The pandemic didn't stop the franchise from celebrating its 15th anniversary.

2021 - Three new IDOLM@STER games were launched, such as the POP LINKS puzzle game, THE IDOLM@STER Side M GROWING STARS app game (which served as the replacement for the LIVE ON ST@GE app game), and the crossover game on the PS4 and PC via Steam, titled THE IDOLM@STER Starlit Season. This game saw the 765PRO ALLSTARS teaming up with some of the best idols from Cinderella Girls, Million Live, and Shiny Colors to form Project Luminas. Together with a mysterious new idol, Kohaku, they're battling against 961PRO's triple threat consisting of One For All's Leon, Stella Stage's Shiika, and new rival idol Aya.

2022 - With three years left before the franchise's 20th anniversary, THE IDOLM@STER franchise outlined its "3.0 VISION" under the tagline "CRE@TE POWER WITH YOU!" A sign of future expansions for the franchise to come.

2023 - PROJECT IM@S 3.0 VISION has begun. Not only did this year welcome an armada of new animes such as THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls U149, THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!, and THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors, but the franchise entered the Vtuber business with PROJECT IM@S vα-liv, featuring vtubers named Manaka Tomori, Cosmo Kamizuru, and Letora. The year 2023 will be forever remembered by fans of both THE IDOLM@STER and the Love Live series with the crossover concert held at Tokyo Dome from the 9th to the 10th of December, 2023. Titled IJIGEN FES - THE IDOLM@STER & Love Live Uta Gassen, the crossover concert event features most but not all idols from both THE IDOLM@STER and Love Live! franchises.

2024 - The sixth entry to THE IDOLM@STER franchise, titled Gakuen IDOLM@STER, was launched. This game, made in collaboration with QualiArts, pits players in the role of the producer of Hatsuboshi Gakuen with the task of raising school idols of the said campus. On the anime side, The IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors TV anime aired on TV Tokyo with the first season in April 2024 and the second season in October 2024.

2025 - THE IDOLM@STER Series' 20th anniversary

The IDOLM@STER series has celebrated 20 years of success and continues to reach new heights. With six distinct brands and over 345 idols, the franchise exemplifies excellence in idol management. Bandai Namco has proven that for two decades, the IDOLM@STER series will forever be recognized as the M@STERS OF IDOL WORLD.

Happy 20th Anniversary!

My GT7 Log: Eunos VS Eunos

What do the Eunos Roadster and the Citroen BX have in common? They were both sold at Eunos dealers a long time ago, as Gran Turismo fans from Japan would tell you. Here in Gran Turismo 7, it's time for the showdown between the two Eunos cars.

The tale of two Eunos machines. One is purely an Eunos, and the other is a French hatchback paying a visit to the Eunos stable. How do these two Eunos machines differ? Let's begin with the one everybody knew and loved from the start, the Eunos Roadster.

The first Roadster, designated as NA, debuted in 1989 under the name Eunos Roadster. Eunos was one of the brands from Mazda, alongside Efini and Autozam at the time. Sold worldwide as the MX-5 Miata, the Eunos Roadster gained immense popularity among enthusiasts due to its lightweight chassis. 

The Eunos Roadster is equipped with either a B6-ZE 1,597cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine, producing 120 PS at 6,500 RPM, or a BP-ZE 1,839cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine, producing 130 PS at 6,500 RPM. There are many special editions of the NA Roadster, including the S-Special, V-Special, and J Limited.

Now, let's focus on the Citroen BX, one of the Citroen models that got its way through the Eunos dealership a long time ago. Unveiled at the 1982 Paris Auto Salon, the BX features styling by Marcello Gandini, who worked for Bertone at that time. Despite using bits and bobs from Peugeot, it retained Citroen's signature hydropneumatic suspension that delivered extraordinary comfort even on rough roads. The BX is offered with a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines and, depending on the variant, can be mated with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

The Citroen BX took part in the 1985 World Rally Championship with poor results. The best result it has achieved is a sixth-place finish in Sweden with Jean-Claude Andruet behind the wheel.

In the Japanese market, the Citroen BX was initially offered by its original distributor, Seibu Motor Sales, until Mazda stepped in and the BX was sold in the Eunos dealership in 1989. It drew a similar situation with Nissan for their Volkswagen Santana for the Japanese market and Kia for their Mercury Sable for the Korean market.

To channel my Best MOTORING vibes, I've picked Tsukuba Circuit for a duel between the two Eunos cars, the Roadster and the Citroen BX. Yes, they were both sold at Eunos dealerships a long time ago, and now, I have the chance to decide which one is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Eunos Roadster - 1m16.007s

Citroen BX - 1m17.591s

A close result, but it's PROJECT EUNOS 1 that defeated PROJECT EUNOS 2.

The Eunos Roadster and the Citroen BX may be entirely different vehicles, but they both embody the essence of Eunos. It's about connecting the East and the West through the world of automobiles. Cultural exchanges are beautiful, and a game like Gran Turismo truly showcases the richness of car culture.

Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps

After years of waiting, the Fantastic Four finally made their entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, what's this latest MCU installment all about that takes us back to the 1950s' vision of the future?

Marvel's The Fantastic Four:
First Steps

The Fantastic Four have finally made their way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with this movie set in the 1950s vision of the future. The movie centers on the life and times of renowned scientist Reed Richards, along with his wife, Sue Storm-Richards, her brother Johnny, and Ben Grimm. Survivors of a space incident that exposed them to cosmic radiation, giving them fantastic superpowers and saving the world as Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing, known to themselves as The Fantastic Four, the world's greatest heroes. When the Silver Surfer, the metallic harbinger serving for Galactus, the destroyer of worlds, issued Earth with an ultimatum: surrender or be annihilated, and with Sue's newborn child became the bargaining chip,  the Fantastic Four were in an all-or-nothing gambit to save humanity from the wrath of Galactus.

Putting aside the retrofuturistic nostalgia, the setting of this movie does not detract from showcasing The Fantastic Four's fighting abilities in their first outing in the MCU. Some believe this film will have significant connections to future MCU storylines, including the upcoming Avengers movie. While this may just be a hunch, let's take a moment to appreciate the nostalgia, drama, tension, and fantastic themes that this movie presents.

It's exciting to see the Fantastic Four stepping into the MCU spotlight, showcasing the power of science. With their debut in the MCU, it seems Marvel Studios took a moment to prepare for future endeavors. Whatever the reason, let's be thankful for MCU's 2025 offerings from the new Captain America movie, the do-not-call-them-Thunderbolts-anymore, and this. For now, let's have a fantastic time with F4.

San Miguel Beermen claimed 2025 PBA PH Cup title

The San Miguel Beermen's dominance in the PBA Philippine Cup continues as they defeated the TNT Tropang 5G with a score of 107 to 96 in Game 6 of the best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup Finals. The match took place at the PhilSports Arena, despite heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Emong.

Before SMB's recent PBA title win, the previous five games saw both sides exchange fire even in the latter games amid inclement weather triggered by consecutive storms from Crising to Emong. The Beermen are leading 3-2.

Come Game 6 at the PhilSports Arena, the match between them is a close one until the endgame comes, where the San Miguel Beermen earned their right to snag their latest PBA Philippine Cup title after beating TNT Tropang 5G at the score of 107-96. June Mar Fajardo is named ArenaPlus BPG, while Jericho Cruz is named MVP.

Image: PBA

Congratulations to the San Miguel Beermen for becoming the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup champions!

My GT7 Log: NISSAN e-POWER Ride Along

Back in 2016, Nissan reinvented the hybrid powertrain with e-POWER, a completely unique powertrain that allows drivers to experience EV drivability without the need for plugging in. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I get to experience how Nissan's e-Power works.

What is e-Power? It is an innovative hybrid technology that combines the efficiency of the electric motor with the convenience of the gasoline engine. Unlike regular hybrids, the electric motor powers the wheels while the petrol engine serves as the generator, creating the electricity to power the motor or recharge the batteries.

The Nissan e-Power vehicle featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the third-generation Nissan Qashqai. I know, it’s just another crossover SUV on the roster, which can be disappointing. To make matters worse, this Nissan SUV isn’t even available in Japan.

The third-generation Nissan Qashqai, manufactured in the United Kingdom for global markets except for Japan, is available with two engine options: a 1.3L DIG-T engine featuring mild hybrid technology and a 1.5L VC-TURBO with ePower. The version highlighted in the game is the latter. The 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, combined with an electric motor that powers the front wheels, delivers 190 PS of power and 330 Nm of torque. It is paired with a CVT and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 170 km/h. As said, the 1.5L VC-TURBO engine serves as a generator powering the electric motor as well as recharging the batteries.

To demonstrate the capabilities of Nissan's e-Power, I went to Australia's Bathurst. It's a fair choice because Australia is one of the world markets where today's Qashqai is sold. It was one of the dullest drives of my time, but in the interest of science, I went with it. Roll the tape.

As I mentioned, it feels rather dull. It’s no surprise that Nissan USA doesn’t offer any cars with e-Power, as the sluggish performance and driving experience are not suitable for U.S. driving conditions. However, I did have the opportunity to explore how Nissan's e-Power system works.

The third-generation Nissan Qashqai, a Nissan crossover SUV not available in Japan, joins the growing list of crossovers in the Gran Turismo 7 car roster. Some are not happy with it, but because it features Nissan's game-changing e-Power hybrid powertrain, we got the chance to experience what it's like to drive one and how it works.

Nissan e-Power. The efficiency of the electric motor with the convenience of the gasoline engine. Just wait till you drive it.

Kamen Rider Gavv: Okashi no Ie no Shinryakusha / No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Fukkatsu no Tegasword

TOEI's summer of tokusatsu movie action returns for its 2025 outing with Kamen Rider Gavv and No.1 Sentai Gozyuger taking the spotlight.

Kamen Rider Gavv: Okashi no Ie no Shinryaku-sha /
No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Fukkatsu no Tegasword

Let's begin with the latest Kamen Rider movie, titled Kamen Rider Gavv: Okashi no Ie no Shinryaku-sha. Shoma (Gavv), along with his friends Hanto Karakida (Valen), Sachika Amane, and Rakia Amalga (Vram), came face-to-face with a mysterious young man named Taorin, who needed their help as the powerful villain Caries wreaked havoc. This movie not only features Gavv's new Hexenheim form, as well as new Gochizo creatures such as the Hexenheim Gochizo and the Uehouse Gochizo, but it also features a special appearance of the next Kamen Rider coming this September 2025, named Kamen Rider Zeztz.

Next up is No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Fukkatsu no Tegasword, and this movie is part of the Super Sentai Series' 50th anniversary celebrations. In this movie, Hoeru Tono (Gozyu Wolf), Rikuo Byakuya (Gozyu Leo), Ryugi Bakugami (Gozyu Tyranno), Kinjiro Takehara (Gozyu Eagle), Sumino Ichikawa (Gozyu Unicorn), and Mashiro Kumade (Gozyu Polar) are faced with the impossible question: Is Tegasword dead?! As the all-out war of the Super Sentais erupted, the Gozyuger team went all-or-nothing to save Tegasword. Lots of celebrity guest stars aplenty in their all-or-nothing gambit.

Another round of TOEI's summer tokusatsu movie action has arrived in cinemas. Enjoy spending your summer with Gavv and the Gozyuger team!

Let's Do The News! (July 25, 2025)

                          

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- La Union and Rizal are placed under a "state of calamity" following a series of typhoons from Crising to Emong. At least 25 people were reportedly killed by storms, according to NDRRMC.

- The Philippines has urged Thailand and Cambodia to de-escalate their renewed conflict following their fresh border clash, the worst violence between the two ASEAN countries in over a decade.

- An Argentinian man captured nude in his yard by a Google Street View camera has been awarded compensation by the court.

- General Motors showcased its California Corvette Concept.

- Genesis Magma Racing kicked off its shakedown for its GMR-001 race car.

- Red Bull driver Max Verstappen held a press conference commenting on the team following Christian Horner's departure.

- Sony buys 2.5% stake in Bandai Namco to grow its anime business.

- TV series Kamen Rider Zeztz casts Ryutaro Imai as the main character Baku Yorozu.

- Live-action Five Nights At Freddy's sequel hits cinemas this December 5, 2025.

- Netizens react to NJZ comparing themselves to domestic and school violence victims.  The third hearing of the civil suit to confirm the validity of NJZ's contract with ADOR took place yesterday.

- Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71. Hulk Hogan is the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s, who parlayed his wrestling career into acting. He's a huge Donald Trump supporter.

- Boxer Ryan Garcia wants to have a fight with Manny Pacquiao, whose last weekend's comeback fight against Mario Barrios ended in a draw.

- Jazz musician Chuck Mangione dies at the age of 84.

TTFN.