THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls

Uzuki joins the Cinderella Project while the producer scouts Rin Shibuya

Uzuki Shimamura attends a special training school to pursue her dream of becoming an idol. A producer from 346 Production informs her that she has been selected for the Cinderella Project as one of three girls, despite failing her initial audition. Although Uzuki is excited, the project cannot begin until the remaining two members are chosen. The producer then focuses on scouting Rin Shibuya for the second opening position. However, Rin has no interest in becoming an idol and firmly rejects the offer, leaving the team incomplete.

Uzuki and Rin join 346 Production alongside Mio Honda and other eccentric members.

Uzuki and Rin arrive at 346 Production for the first time, meeting Mio Honda, the winner of the idol version of a second chance sweepstakes, along with twelve other eccentric members, allowing the project to finally begin. The trio’s first assignment is a publicity shoot, but their nervousness nearly ruins the event. They manage to complete the task successfully, impressing super idol Mika Jougasaki. As a result, she unexpectedly hires the three newcomers to serve as backup dancers for her upcoming concert.

Uzuki, Rin, and Mio face intense pressure during their final rehearsal for Mika's concert

Uzuki, Rin, and Mio begin rigorous training to serve as back dancers for Mika. Although the process is difficult, support from other project members helps them persevere. Despite their progress, the anxiety of performing on stage for the first time causes significant stress, leading to a flawed final rehearsal. The trio struggles to maintain composure as the performance date approaches. The narrative focuses on their internal challenges and the high stakes of the upcoming concert, questioning whether they can overcome their nerves to deliver a successful show.

Uzuki, Rin, and Mio film the Cinderella Project PR video with challenging subjects before P's announcement

Uzuki, Rin, and Mio are selected to produce a public relations video for the Cinderella Project. The trio travels to various locations to capture footage of their fellow members using a handheld camera. During the shoot, they encounter several individuals who prove to be difficult subjects for the production. After completing the filming process, the group gathers to watch the final result. Following the completion of the video, P delivers a significant announcement to the cast. This event marks a key moment in their activities as they conclude the recording session and prepare for the next phase of their project obligations.

Miku's Frustration Mounts as Two Units Prepare for Debut Concerts

Two distinct units are preparing for their debut performances. The first unit features Uzuki, Rin, and Mio, while the second unit consists of Minami and Anastasia. All members become occupied with lessons to prepare for their upcoming mini-concert debut. Meanwhile, Miku experiences escalating frustration because her own debut opportunity remains distant and unseen. Her emotional state deteriorates dangerously as she watches others advance while she waits. This narrative focuses on the contrasting experiences of preparation and anticipation among the different groups. The story highlights the tension between those actively training for their debut and those left waiting for their turn to perform on stage.

New Generations and Love Laika prepare for their debut mini-concerts with mixed emotions.

Uzuki, Rin, and Mio belong to New Generations, while Minami and Anastasia are part of Love Laika. Both units are preparing for mini-concerts to promote their debut CDs through interviews and fittings. Minami and Anastasia feel intense nervousness about their first stage performance but work hard together to train. In contrast, the New Generations members are eager to return to the stage following their previous experience with Mika. As the day of the concerts arrives, the groups face the reality of performing live. The narrative focuses on their preparation and anticipation, culminating in the moment they look out over the stage during their debut shows.

P Reflects on His Past While Trying to Reunite the Project Team

P fails to pursue Mio after she leaves the office, causing Rin and other project members to distrust his intentions. Consequently, Rin also departs, threatening the project's survival. P visits Uzuki, who is sick with a cold, but her enduring dream of becoming an idol strengthens his resolve to win back Mio and Rin. Simultaneously, other members learn about a past incident that made P cowardly in his interactions with the idols. This revelation adds tension to the group dynamic as P works to stabilize the situation and prevent the project from collapsing due to the loss of key members and growing internal skepticism regarding his leadership and personal history.

P and Ranko strive to bridge the gap between her public image and his perception.

As summer arrives, P and the idols grow closer while the project progresses smoothly. Ranko is particularly pleased because she is preparing for her upcoming CD debut. However, a significant disconnect exists between the persona Ranko has constructed and how P views her. P attempts to understand her true self, while Ranko tries her best to communicate effectively. The narrative focuses on their efforts to find common ground and resolve the misunderstanding between her crafted image and his perception.

Candy Island debuts but struggles with teamwork and fear during a high-stakes variety show appearance.

Kanako, Chieri, and Anzu officially debut as the unit Candy Island, though Anzu expresses reluctance to work. Kanako maintains a relaxed pace, while Chieri is too nervous to look at the audience. Despite these initial issues, the trio is invited to a variety show hosted by Mizuki Kawashima and Airi Totoki. Lacking teamwork due to anxiety over being watched, they compete against three other idol teams. The situation worsens when a frightening punishment is announced for the losing side, adding pressure to their already strained dynamic.

Dekoration debuts with Pika Pika Pop while P gets lost in Harajuku before the next event

Rika, Miria, and Kirari debut as Dekoration and collaborate with the fashion brand Pika Pika Pop. After a successful PR event, P believes the unit can engage the audience more effectively. While the trio rests in Harajuku to brainstorm ideas, P becomes separated from them. Both parties search for each other in the wrong locations, wasting valuable time. With the next event approaching rapidly, the group faces a critical deadline. Their failure to reunite in time threatens to cause Dekoration to miss the entire scheduled appearance, jeopardizing their ability to connect with fans as P had intended.

Miku and Riina strive for harmony despite conflicting idol styles as roommates.

Miku Maekawa and Riina Tada are preparing for their debut as the final unit of the Cinderella Project. Their goals are fundamentally opposed: Miku desires to be a cute idol with cat ears, whereas Riina aims to become a cool rock idol. This difference makes them as incompatible as oil and water, and both strongly resist the formation of the unit. However, the potential loss of their spot in the summer festival that features only units motivates them to bridge their differences. To achieve this, they begin by living together as roommates, attempting to synchronize their perspectives and work toward a common goal despite their initial reluctance and contrasting personalities.

Minami organizes an athletic meet to help the group sync their choreography.

After deciding to participate in the summer festival, the project members attend lessons at a camp. When P departs for another duty, Minami assumes the role of camp coordinator. The group faces difficulties synchronizing their choreography for a new song, despite performing their individual unit tracks. Observing their struggles, Minami abruptly cancels the scheduled group lesson. Instead, she initiates an athletic meet, presenting it as a special program to help the members improve their coordination. This unexpected shift in activities aims to resolve the synchronization issues through physical exercise rather than traditional dance practice.

Summer festival performances proceed smoothly until sudden rain cancels the event

The summer festival arrives, causing project members to feel nervous about their grand stage performance. Minami’s leadership ensures rehearsals go smoothly, but she eventually collapses due to accumulated stress. Ranko steps in as an emergency replacement alongside Love Laika. Consequently, the remaining Cinderella Project performances continue without issues. However, a sudden downpour forces the cancellation of the rest of the concert. This sequence of events highlights the challenges faced by the group during the live event, transitioning from successful rehearsals to an abrupt end caused by weather conditions.

Who is the lady in the castle?

When the spell is broken...

The light shines in my heart.

Where does this road lead to?

A little bit of courage shows your way.

If you're lost, let's sing aloud!

Which way should I go to get to the castle?

Crown for each.

The best place to see the stars.

Glass Slippers.

Barefoot Girl.