UlasanAnime.com – The IDOLM@STER Million Live! franchise is entering a period of pause, not an end, but a significant break after its 10th anniversary events. This hiatus, particularly following the postponement of ML11th, has allowed other branches of the IDOLM@STER franchise to take center stage with numerous activities.
While Million Live! has had a radio event and two release events, these were relatively minor compared to the extensive concert tours and productions seen in other series. The Cinderella Girls, for instance, have had full unit tours and major productions. 765PRO All Stars, alongside 961Pro, have also staged multiple concerts. SideM has celebrated its 10th anniversary with concerts, fan meetings, and even reading plays. Shiny Colors has been particularly active, with a 2-cour anime series and several concerts.
The IDOLM@STER Expo, which featured cross-branch content, and a recent entrance exam-style event also highlighted the broader franchise’s activities. Million Live!’s pause is particularly noticeable given its core theme revolves around concerts, a theme that hasn’t been as actively pursued since around 2018.
The current pause is significantly influenced by the postponement of ML11th due to unforeseen circumstances, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Other cancellations have occurred due to cast member illnesses and other issues that have temporarily placed them on leave. The situation is concerning, especially regarding the voice actor for Ume Hanami’s character, who has been on hiatus since last autumn with no clear signs of recovery. With the first major concert for Gakuen Idolm@ster scheduled for the end of May, time is a critical factor.
The longevity of mixed media and live-performing content inevitably leads to health-related challenges for cast members. With hundreds of individuals across all IDOLM@STER branches, it’s common for members to take maternity leave, undergo surgery, or require rest for recovery. This is viewed positively, as the franchise prioritizes avoiding cast member replacements and supports their well-being. Such occurrences are bound to happen within such a large ensemble.
Interestingly, it appears the IDOLM@STER team is easing up on the pace for Million Live! as it enters its post-10th anniversary phase, especially after the anime and the delayed 9th/10th events. For fans, this period can feel like floating, akin to an anime production team between a TV series and a later OVA release.
While it might seem like a time for a break, the other branches are clearly being nurtured with available resources. The strain on the Million Live! production team was evident during the announcement stream for Gakuen Idolm@ster, suggesting significant effort was required to launch the new series, especially considering its high level of engagement. It’s challenging to keep track of all the collaborations for a series that hasn’t even reached its first year.
Therefore, while the team at Bannam might be working at full capacity, this could be an opportune moment for dedicated Million Live! producers (Ps) to take a breather. With HotchPotch 2 approaching and the 20th-anniversary stream (part 2) imminent, the hope is for everyone to rest and conclude 2025 safely and in good health.
PS. A recent tweet highlighted WakachikoP (Wakako Hazama) appearing frantic at one of the AEON mall events. These events, often held in smaller spaces within rural or suburban malls, feature a few cast members giving talks and giveaways. They can be somewhat disorganized by Japanese standards, and the image captured the sentiment perfectly. The hope is that the team members will prioritize their well-being, as running events can be demanding.
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