The official YouTube channel for the anime adaptation of Sony Music’s “multi-dimensional” idol project UniteUp! started streaming the second trailer. The new trailer showcases a preview of the opening song with a focus on Akira, the show’s protagonist. The series is scheduled to premiere on January 7, 2023.
UniteUp! is an idol project that has gained a lot of attention since its official YouTube channel opened in December 2021, with songs by several new-generation singers being released. Sony Music originally launched this project in order to feature various artists and “hidden talents”.
The anime’s story centers on Akira Kiyose, who sings on a video streaming site under the singer name “KIKUNOYU.” One day, the talent agency sMiLea Production scouts him. sMiLea is an agency founded by the retired legendary idol pair AneLa to train new budding idols. Akira then forms an idol group with Banri Naoe and Chihiro Isuzugawa, who were also scouted. Their new group, Protostar, will have its debut alongside other new idol groups Legit and Jaxx Jaxx.
▍UniteUp! Anime Staff & Production
Director: Shinichiro Ushijima
Series Composition: Rino Yamazaki
Character Design:
Chief Animation Director: Majiro, Asami Komatsu, Yurie Hama
Action Director: Hiromi Ishigami
Design Works: Yurie Hama, Megumi Takagi, Iori Nonoshita, Yōko Kubara, Shiori Mizutani, Hiromi Ishigami
Art Setting: Yuri Sanan
Art Director: Masakazu Miyake
Color Design: Kazuko Nakashima
Director of Photography: Yukiko Nagase
3D CG: 5-inc
3D Director: Makoto Honda
Editing: Akinori Mishima
Music: Yuki Hayashi
Animation Production: CloverWorks
▍UniteUp! Anime Cast and Characters
Protostar
■ Akira Kiyose – CV: Kikunosuke Toya
■ Banri Naoe – CV: Ryōtarō Yamaguchi
■ Chihiro Isuzugawa – CV: Amon Hirai
Legit
■ Daiki Takao – CV: Magura Sukegawa
■ Eishiro Nijo – CV: Shinnosuke Morikage
■ Fuga Togo – CV: Ryūichirō Sakata
Jaxx Jaxx
■ Gakuto Haruka – CV: masa
■ Homare Katsura – CV: Yūki Shimomae
■ Izumi Kashii – CV: Takumi Magoshi
■ Jun Wakasa – CV: Kōsei Tsubokura
■ Kanata Morinomiya – CV: Gaku Takumoto
AneLa
■ Lin Otsuki – CV: Sōma Saitō
■ Maoto Tsujido – CV: Yoshiki Nakajima