UlasanAnime.com – The 765PRO ALLSTARS+ delivered a performance in August 2025, marking a significant reunion with the full cast for the first time in a considerable period. For those interested, the set lists from the event are available for review.
I was approached to share my thoughts on “Never End Idol” for a video project, which will be linked here once completed. To properly articulate my experience, I need to organize and document my reflections.
Having attended with a mix of apprehension and excitement, I can attest that the considerable effort and energy invested culminated in an exceptionally enjoyable and memorable experience, a performance destined to be remembered as a benchmark. A portion of this enjoyment stemmed from what I brought to the event – numerous tickets enabling fellow P-journey acquaintances to share in the moment. Furthermore, much of the experience is a reflection of what one contributes; in fan-centric events like these, the return is often proportional to the investment. Some Producers dedicate their entire lives, or at least their life savings, to this series, and the emotional payoff can be immense. While I may not have been at that extreme in 2025, I likely fell within the intended demographic.
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Undeniably, the fear of missing out (FOMO) played a role in making NEI a worthwhile event. The common sentiment is that no experience can surpass one’s first “Yakusoku.” I am pleased that some individuals finally had their inaugural Yakusoku experience. However, reflecting on that memory after Chihaya Budokan, I find myself questioning the validity of that logic. Ultimately, these events are not governed by logic, but that is a topic for another discussion.
Personally, “Yakusoku” is a rather peculiar subject to discuss. Given that my introduction to IM@S was through the original TV anime and IM@S 2, one might assume it holds significant meaning for me. Yet, even as I write this in 2026, it remains primarily associated with “that Chihaya song.” The events that unfolded during the 9th tour were, for all who witnessed them, an emotional touchstone for the franchise, a moment where Chihaya Ps collectively dissolved into puddles of tears. However, my absence from that event means I lack the personal connection to fully process or articulate its impact.
Naturally, as someone who did not attend the 9th tour, the experience was tinged with a sense of FOMO. The true source of my concern wasn’t related to “Yakusoku” itself; rather, I had hoped to witness Hirorin’s peak performances in person during the Nagoya stop of the 9th tour. I had more pressing commitments that led to other missed opportunities, which prevented me from dwelling on “Yakusoku” or feeling the need to fixate on how Erimingosu had cemented their legend at that time.
Fast forward to 2025: I had the opportunity to meet Erimingosu at Acen. That weekend marked the moment when the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. During our brief interactions, I gained insight into why so many ChihayaPs are such earnest tryhards, and understood the decade of history recapped in the poignant ending of MOIW 2015. While I had casually followed both of them across various media platforms, from social media to their IM@S and non-IM@S works for decades, I had never truly grasped the “heart” of their connection until I observed their interactions and witnessed them embody their cast member personas for the overseas Producers.
In essence, at NEI, I not only witnessed the same joyous tears from fellow Producers that Erimingos observed, but I also gained a deeper understanding of the emotions and significance involved. I still believe the lead-up to “Yakusoku” on day one was slightly overhyped, and I genuinely enjoyed the set list on day two more, regardless of any personal bias. Across both days of NEI, the event offered a more fulfilling experience for those who were disappointed with Sunrich Colorful. This serves as a reminder that in the world of IDOLM@STER, disappointment is always a close possibility, precisely because the stakes are so high and the fans invest so much of themselves.
However, given everything I’ve experienced since embarking on this journey and every ounce of energy and money I’ve invested in this series, I can see the inherent magic and potential for legendary moments. While it is consistently fraught with risk and the possibility of disappointment, the entertainment industry offers few opportunities for truly legendary experiences, and the 765PRO ALLSTARS+ are among the select few capable of delivering them.
This sentiment isn’t solely due to the excellent seat I had on day 2, receiving fansa from Hirorin, or experiencing TEARS and VOY@GER. I recognized the deep cuts featured at NEI (the crown segment at the end of day 1 was particularly brilliant, I must say), although these largely eluded my notice. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to engage in some post-event discussions with overseas Ps after day 1. Thanks to the arrangements at the Hilton, I thoroughly enjoyed discussing the show and the fandom in general on day 2 with Ps who remained in the hotel and around the venue. I even had the chance to relax at the 7th-floor bar on day 0. The show seemed to continue indefinitely, and in a way, it never truly ended for me.
PS. Never End Idol marked the first time I decorated my hotel window. It was enjoyable, and I would certainly do it again. Next time, I’ll remember to bring some double-sided tape…
