Long before virtual idols were breaking YouTube records and VTubers were dominating livestream charts, there was THE iDOLM@STER—a humble arcade game with big dreams. Now a multimedia juggernaut with anime, concerts, rhythm games, and passionate fans who absolutely know the birthdays of all 13 original girls, iM@S (as fans affectionately call it) is one of Japan’s most enduring idol franchises. But how did it all start?
Birth of an Idol (Franchise)
THE iDOLM@STER debuted in 2005 as a Japanese arcade game developed by Namco (yep, the same folks behind Pac-Man). It let players assume the role of a producer managing the careers of aspiring idols at the fictional 765 Production agency.
The premise was simple but brilliant: pick your idol (or a unit), train her through rhythm-based mini-games, guide her through auditions, and build up her popularity. But the real hook wasn’t just gameplay—it was the emotional connection. You weren’t just pressing buttons; you were investing in digital dreams.
The original lineup of idols in the 2005 THE iDOLM@STER arcade game featured 10 idols, all part of 765 Production. These girls were the foundation of the franchise and have been beloved ever since. Here’s the full cast of the Arcade Era Queens:
Haruka Amami – Your all-around girl-next-door and the series poster child.
Chihaya Kisaragi – Serious, introverted, and vocally unmatched—idol for the music purists.
Yukiho Hagiwara – Shy, afraid of boys (and dogs), but determined to overcome her fears.
Yayoi Takatsuki – Energetic and poor, but always cheerful and hardworking.
Makoto Kikuchi – Tomboyish idol often mistaken for a guy. Big prince energy.
Iori Minase – Tsundere rich girl with a signature bunny plush and that forehead.
Ami Futami – One half of the mischievous Futami twins.
Mami Futami – The other half. Identical twins with slightly different personalities.
Ritsuko Akizuki – Glasses idol turned producer in later titles. Smart, mature, responsible.
Azusa Miura – Elegant and gentle onee-san type, with a terrible sense of direction.
These ten idols made up the initial playable cast when THE iDOLM@STER first hit Japanese arcades in 2005. Later entries (especially with the Xbox 360 port in 2007) added new characters like Hibiki, Takane, and the “876Pro” and “Cinderella Girls” waves, but the original 10 will always have that legendary first kiss with fans.
From Sleeper Hit to National Phenomenon
What made iDOLM@STER stand out was its surprisingly deep characterization. Each idol had unique personality traits, quirks, and story arcs. Fans weren’t just picking their favorites—they were defending them in heated internet debates. The idols felt real, and that emotional authenticity turned casual players into lifelong producers.
It wasn’t a megahit right away. In the mid-2000s, iM@S was niche—even among otaku. But the rise of the Xbox 360 version in 2007, along with downloadable content (early DLC trailblazing!), started growing its cult following. Then came the big break:
Enter the Anime: THE iDOLM@STER (2011)
The 2011 anime adaptation was a game-changer. It brought the characters to life in a way that even the most interactive game couldn’t. Suddenly, fans saw the girls perform on stage, cry backstage, and struggle with their insecurities—and audiences ate it up. The series balanced slice-of-life warmth with high-stakes idol drama, and the original 765Pro girls became household names in anime circles.
From here, the floodgates opened:
- Spinoffs like Cinderella Girls (2011) introduced new generations of idols and mobile gacha gameplay.
- Million Live!, SideM, and Shiny Colors diversified the brand with fresh aesthetics and target demographics.
- Live concerts, with voice actresses performing in-character, cemented iM@S’s place in Japan’s 2.5D idol culture.
Why Japan Fell in Love with iM@S
- Characters That Grow With You – Each idol has a genuine arc. Fans grow up with them.
- Cross-Media Consistency – Whether you’re watching the anime, playing the game, or going to a concert, it’s all one big, connected universe.
- Fan Investment – Producers (players) don’t just play the game—they identify with it. That “Producer-san” title isn’t ironic; it’s a lifestyle.
- A Sense of Belonging – Being a fan of iM@S means joining a community. There’s a culture, a language, even in-jokes that bind producers together.
The Legacy Today
While newer idol franchises like Love Live! and Project Sekai have risen to fame, THE iDOLM@STER remains a foundational pillar. It walked so others could dance. And with new games and anniversary events still rolling out, it’s clear: iM@S isn’t just a franchise—it’s a movement.
