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E3.1 - Let's Start to Unite Up! The Story's Journey

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[00:00] ---
    Let's Start to "UniteUp!"
    The Story's Journey
[00:01] ---
    Multidimensional Idol Project "UniteUp!"
[00:05] ---
    The year is 2021.
[00:05] ---
    TALENT X TALENT // UniteUp!
[00:07] ---
    A YouTube channel suddenly went public
[00:09] ---
    to serve as music contents for characters
    who will unite up talent with more talent.

[00:14] ---
    A diverse array of songs
    were showcased from various artists.

[00:20] ---
    And this January, the anime series
    produced by CloverWorks started its broadcast.

[00:22] ---
    "My Dress-Up Darling" "The Promised Neverland"
    CloverWorks
[00:27] ---
    THIRTEEN COLORFUL CHARACTERS
[00:27] ---
    Thirteen characters. The colorful members
    performing those roles.

[00:32] ---
    ANIME AND REALITY LINK TOGETHER
[00:32] ---
    "UniteUp!" is a television anime
    that takes a new approach

[00:36] ---
    and links together the anime's story
    with the artists’ work in real life.

[00:41] ---
    Narration: Toshihiro Arisawa
[00:41] ---
    Those of you who’re already watching,
    and those who’ll start watching from now,

[00:44] ---
    can look back on the journey thus far
    to unravel the allure of the series.

[00:48] ---
    UNRAVEL THE ALLURE OF UNITEUP!
[00:52] ---
    Let's Start to "UniteUp!"
    The Story's Journey
[00:52] ---
    Let's start to "UniteUp!"
[00:57] ---
    "UniteUp!" is a television anime
    that started broadcasting this January.

[00:57] ---
    BROADCAST BEGAN JANUARY 2023
[01:01] ---
    Three episodes have been aired thus far.
[01:04] ---
    In order to talk about its allure, we must
    first introduce all the unique characters.

[01:06] ---
    UNITEUP! CHARACTER ALLURE
[01:10] ---
    First, we have PROTOSTAR.
[01:13] ---
    Three online singers, who uploaded their work
    to video websites, formed this group.

[01:17] ---
    Their group name implies "newborn stars"
    with infinite possibilities.

[01:24] ---
    AKIRA KIYOSE
[01:24] ---
    A high school student
    who loves to sing, Akira Kiyose.

[01:28] ---
    An idol. I’ll be one!
[01:29] ---
    I think?
[01:31] ---
    BANRI NAOE
[01:31] ---
    A fan of idols with a bright,
    friendly personality, Banri Naoe.

[01:36] ---
    Perhaps we really were destined to be?
[01:39] ---
    Though the youngest member, he's cool-headed
    and reliable, Chihiro Isuzugawa.

[01:39] ---
    CHIHIRO ISUZUGAWA
[01:43] ---
    We're not going out for play.
[01:47] ---
    Next up is LEGIT.
[01:49] ---
    Three individuals, who worked
    as backup dancers and solo acts,

[01:52] ---
    formed a skillful group that aspires
    to reach the top with authentic performances.

[01:57] ---
    DAIKI TAKAO
[01:57] ---
    He may have a foul mouth, but his passion
    for dancing is stronger than anyone.

[02:00] ---
    The lead member of LEGIT, Daiki Takao.
[02:03] ---
    Colluding like that is totally useless.
[02:06] ---
    EISHIRO NIJO
[02:06] ---
    A logical guy who attends
    a prestigious school,

[02:08] ---
    he dreams of becoming
    prime minister, Eishiro Nijo.

[02:12] ---
    I will become
    a man far more famous than I am now.
[02:16] ---
    FUGA TOGO
[02:16] ---
    Also working as a model,
    the sexy and wild guy, Fuga Togo.

[02:21] ---
    Nice to meet you.
[02:24] ---
    Next up is JAXX/JAXX.
[02:26] ---
    A band comprising of both
    singer-songwriters and idols.

[02:30] ---
    This band-idol group
    has strong bonds to one another

[02:33] ---
    with the desire to perform
    the music they want to deliver.

[02:37] ---
    GAKUTO HARUKA
[02:38] ---
    The youngest member and vocalist, with
    a charismatic singing voice, Gakuto Haruka.

[02:43] ---
    Ciao-ppi!
[02:45] ---
    HOMARE KATSURA
[02:45] ---
    A college student
    who takes good care of others,

[02:47] ---
    and cooks as well as
    plays the keyboard, Homare Katsura.

[02:50] ---
    Don't cause a riot.
[02:53] ---
    The oldest who is given the runaround by
    the other members, the drummer, Izumi Kashii.

[02:53] ---
    IZUMI KASHII
[02:58] ---
    Everyone is so full of energy.
[03:00] ---
    JUN WAKASA
[03:00] ---
    Lover of games and anime, the efficiency-loving
    bassist, Jun Wakasa.

[03:05] ---
    It was awesome.
[03:07] ---
    KANATA MORINOMIYA
[03:07] ---
    The cheerful and bright high school
    student from the Kansai region,

[03:10] ---
    guitarist, Kanata Morinomiya.
[03:13] ---
    Excuse us!
[03:16] ---
    Finally, we have Anela.
[03:19] ---
    The popular idol duo of legends,
    who retired due to an injury.

[03:23] ---
    They founded the talent agency
    sMiLea Production

[03:27] ---
    in pursuit of their new dream
    to take shape.

[03:30] ---
    LIN OTSUKI
[03:31] ---
    A child actor and hard worker
    with a high sense of professionalism.

[03:34] ---
    He does have a stern side,
[03:35] ---
    but is also friendly and deeply cares about
    the idols under his wing. Lin Otsuki.

[03:40] ---
    An idol. You'll go through with it, right?
[03:42] ---
    MAOTO TSUJIDO
[03:43] ---
    The head of sMiLea Production.
[03:45] ---
    As a composer, he also creates songs
    for the idols under his wing.

[03:49] ---
    Slightly aloof in personality,
    Maoto Tsujido.

[03:55] ---
    Your singing voice has the power
    to enchant other people.
[03:59] ---
    THE 13 CHARACTERS DASH OFF TOWARDS THEIR DREAMS
[04:00] ---
    Woven by these 13 characters, this is
    a journey dashing towards their dreams.

[04:06] ---
    3D (Reality) x 2D (Anime)
    MULTI-DIMENSIONAL PROJECT
[04:07] ---
    "UniteUp!" is a multidimensional project
    where reality and anime intertwine.

[04:14] ---
    The songs that were released
    on their YouTube channel

[04:17] ---
    will connect into the drama.
[04:21] ---
    The anime story and real life artist work
    linking together

[04:21] ---
    THE STORY AND REALITY LINK TOGETHER
[04:26] ---
    is one of the big alluring points
    of this show.

[04:30] ---
    The legendary idol duo,
    who guide Akira and the others,

[04:34] ---
    are the popular voice actors
    Soma Saito and Yoshiki Nakajima.

[04:34] ---
    LIN OTSUKI
    SOMA SAITO
[04:34] ---
    MAOTO TSUJIDO
    YOSHIKI NAKAMURA
[04:39] ---
    As for the voices behind the idols,
[04:41] ---
    the 11 actors were chosen via audition
    from varying branches of entertainment,

[04:41] ---
    Up-and-coming voice actors, stage actors, singer-songwriters, etc.
[04:45] ---
    A fresh cast of 11 members
[04:45] ---
    all the way from up-and-coming voice actors,
    stage actors, and singer-songwriters.

[04:51] ---
    UNITEUP! CAST ALLURE
[04:52] ---
    And now, let's introduce the cast
    who liven up the world of "UniteUp!"

[04:58] ---
    Akira Kiyose: Kikunosuke Toya
    Notable roles
    Denji in the TV anime "Chainsaw Man" (2022)
    Akira Shindo in the game "Sokubaku Kareshi" (2022)
    Osei Kiyoshima in the game "Wind Boys!" (2021)
[04:59] ---
    Kikunosuke Toya,
    who plays Akira Kiyose.

[05:02] ---
    Banri Naoe : Ryotaro Yamaguchi
    Notable roles
    Tsubaki Yukinaga
    in the TV anime/game "Futsal Boys!!!!!" (2022)
[05:03] ---
    Ryotaro Yamaguchi,
    who plays Banri Naoe.

[05:06] ---
    Chihiro Isuzugawa: Amon Hirai
    Notable roles
    ABEMA "Falling in Love Like a Romantic Drama season 3" (2019)
    Fujio Fujino in the movie "On the Edge of Their Seats" (2020)
    Nono Igarashi in the BS-TBS drama "Sawako" (2022)
[05:06] ---
    Amon Hirai,
    who plays Chihiro Isuzugawa.

[05:10] ---
    Magura Sukegawa,
    who plays Daiki Takao.

[05:10] ---
    Daiki Takao: Magura Sukegawa
    Notable roles
    Toya Honoki in the play "I-chu The Stage" (2020)
    Also a part of the dance&vocal unit "Hi!Superb"
[05:14] ---
    Eishiro Nijo: Shinnosuke Morikage
    Notable roles
    Main character of the movie
    "How to Become One with the Person You Love" (2021)
    Main cast of the movie
    "A Man's Kindness Always Has Ulterior Motives" (2021)
    Appeared in the music video
    for Milky Way's "Osaka Rojiura" Shounen" (2020)
[05:14] ---
    Shinnosuke Morikage,
    who plays Eishiro Nijo.

[05:18] ---
    Fuga Togo: Ryuichiro Sakata
    Notable roles
    Yasu in the live musical "SHOW BY ROCK!!" -DOKonjo North Academy Saga-Night and Black Reflection (2021)
    Gentaro Yumeno in "Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-"
    Rule the Stage -Rep LIVE- (2022)
    Released 1st single "Mawaru Yoru (feat.Megane)"
    as a solo act on June 10, 2022
[05:19] ---
    Ryuichiro Sakata, who plays Fuga Togo.
[05:22] ---
    Gakuto Haruka: masa
    Notable roles
    As a singer-songwriter, released 1st EP "000" on August 3, 2022
    Also active as a member of the acoustic session unit
    "PLUSONICA" as well as a solo artist
[05:23] ---
    Masa, who plays Gakuto Haruka.
[05:26] ---
    Homare Katsura: Yuuki Shimomae
    Notable roles
    Tajima in NTV's "anone" (2018)
    Main role in the theatrical play "Note" (2019)
    Haruto Ono in MX Television's
    "Blue Lie Confession After School" (2021)
[05:26] ---
    Yuki Shimomae,
    who plays Homare Katsura.

[05:29] ---
    Izumi Kashii: Takumi Magoshi
    Notable roles
    Ayumu in the theatrical play "Look Back with a Pivot Turn" (2018)
    Tokio Tatsukawa in the theatrical play "Crows ZERO revisited" (2019)
    Hanamaruki in the theatrical play "TEAM-ODAC Production's 37th main performance [Super Radical Gag FamilyKid War]" (2021)
[05:30] ---
    Takumi Magoshi,
    who plays Izumi Kashii.

[05:33] ---
    Jun Wakasa: Kosei Tsubokura
    Notable roles
    Ryo Hoshino in the theatrical play
    "Millionaire Detective Balance: UNLIMITED The STAGE" (2020)
    Yu Shibuya in the musical series "DREAM!ing" (2020~)
    Nero in the theatrical play series "The Wizard's Promise" (2021~)
[05:34] ---
    Kosei Tsubokura,
    who plays Jun Wakasa.

[05:37] ---
    Kanata Morinomiya: Gaku Takamoto
    Notable roles
    Prussia in the musical series "Hetalia" (2017~)
    Warren in Shining production from Utano☆Prince-sama♪
    "BLOODY SHADOWS" (2020)
    Koji Juzumaru in the theatrical play "Touken Ranbu the Stage - Muden: Yuukure no Samurai -Osaka Natsu no Jin-" (2021)
[05:38] ---
    Gaku Takamoto,
    who plays Kanata Morinomiya.

[05:42] ---
    For many of the cast members,
    this is their first foray into voice acting.

[05:44] ---
    MOST OF THEM ARE FIRST-TIME VOICE ACTORS
[05:45] ---
    Ever since the cast was set in 2021,
[05:49] ---
    they have had voice acting lessons,
    song recordings,

[05:49] ---
    VOICE ACTING LESSONS, SONG RECORDINGS
[05:51] ---
    artist photo shoots, as well as
    anime voiceover sessions.

[05:52] ---
    ARTIST PHOTO SHOOTS, ANIME VOICEOVER SESSIONS
[05:55] ---
    All 11 cast members have raced through
    to the broadcast in one big swoop.

[06:01] ---
    The journey was not mundane,
    to say the least.

[06:07] ---
    First time voice acting
    Eishiro Nijo
    Shinnosuke Morikage
[06:07] ---
    This is one of the actual voiceover sessions.
[06:10] ---
    I'm Eishiro Nijo. In time, I will become
    a man far more famous than I am now.
[06:15] ---
    It wouldn't hurt for you to remember me.
[06:19] ---
    All right, we'll keep that take
    but go for one more.
[06:22] ---
    Yeah, it's getting a lot better now.
[06:23] ---
    Don't make wrinkles up here.
[06:26] ---
    I'm Eishiro Nijo. In time, I will become
    a man far more famous than I am now.
[06:32] ---
    It wouldn't hurt for you to remember me.
[06:34] ---
    Well... rules, or rather limitations to say...
[06:37] ---
    It took a really long time to get
    accustomed to it in my own way
[06:42] ---
    And there were so many muscles
    I don’t really use
[06:45] ---
    I really felt that this was a job
    with many subtleties.
[06:48] ---
    It’s your fault.
[06:48] ---
    First time voice acting
    Fuga Togo
    Ryuichiro Sakata
[06:50] ---
    It's not my fault. It's yours!
[06:52] ---
    Shall we get started now?
[06:53] ---
    Give me a clear explanation
    of why it's not you.

[06:56] ---
    Like when I’m standing
    in the recording booth,
[06:59] ---
    there are times when I just can't perform
    like how I always practice.
[07:03] ---
    I had quite a tough time.
[07:06] ---
    Akira Kiyose
    Kikunosuke Toya
[07:07] ---
    An idol.
[07:10] ---
    I’ll be one!
[07:12] ---
    I think?
[07:14] ---
    We really want to steer it towards
    the triple question marks.
[07:17] ---
    Okay.
[07:17] ---
    I’ll be one!
[07:20] ---
    I think?
[07:21] ---
    I think?
[07:23] ---
    I think?
[07:25] ---
    I think?
[07:28] ---
    I think?
[07:29] ---
    Going along with the others' acting,
    and how I should be changing my own acting...
[07:35] ---
    I thought a whole lot about things like that.
[07:37] ---
    But it was a fun process, so...
[07:41] ---
    An idol.
[07:45] ---
    I’ll be one!
[07:46] ---
    I think?
[07:51] ---
    By overcoming hardships, they have grown
    together with the series.

[07:55] ---
    It seems that their solidarity in their groups
    were forming as well.
[08:01] ---
    Each unit has its own atmosphere.
[08:01] ---
    Daiki Takao
    Magura Sukegawa
[08:04] ---
    PROTOSTAR ultimately has that
    "let's do this together" radiance to them.
[08:07] ---
    In contrast, us LEGIT is like,
    "Let's do this. Let's get it done."
[08:10] ---
    It's something closer to an artisan group.
[08:12] ---
    And JAXX/JAXX is really like
    a family, and they’re pretty rowdy.
[08:17] ---
    Because of that, I feel like everyone
    meshes together really well.
[08:20] ---
    Gakuto Haruka
    masa
[08:20] ---
    My character is the youngest one,
    but I'm also the youngest member of the cast.
[08:24] ---
    I’m surrounded by big brothers
    all the time,
[08:26] ---
    so I feel like
    I'm perpetually being spoiled.
[08:29] ---
    I don't have to stress out
    when I'm with them.
[08:33] ---
    Our ages are all different,
[08:35] ---
    Fuga Togo
    Ryuichiro Sakata
[08:35] ---
    but everyone is doing their best
    for this project.
[08:39] ---
    Plus, I think everyone feels that they don't
    want to lose out against the others.
[08:44] ---
    So that in turn
    drives everyone to do better.
[08:48] ---
    Everyone gets passionate in their own ways.
[08:50] ---
    And I think that's what
    makes things more fun.
[08:55] ---
    TV Anime "UniteUp!" Episodes 1-2 Advanced Screening
[08:56] ---
    And at last, on January 4th of this year,
    there was an advanced screening.

[09:00] ---
    All of their voices came alive in the series,
    and was now being unveiled.

[09:07] ---
    Before the advanced screening,
    there was a special showing for the people involved.
[09:26] ---
    June 2021 - Cast finalized
[09:31] ---
    September 2021 - Voice acting lessons began
[09:38] ---
    October 2021 - Song recordings began
[09:43] ---
    December 2021 - YouTube channel created
[09:45] ---
    The kitchen and fridge
    are at your disposal as well.

[09:48] ---
    July 2022 - Main anime recording sessions began
[09:49] ---
    Oh, but never, ever
    open the shelf next to the oven!

[09:55] ---
    Akira!
[10:04] ---
    Amazing.
[10:07] ---
    They arrived at a starting point,
    but also at a goal.

[10:11] ---
    What were they thinking about
    after watching the episode?

[10:15] ---
    So much nostalgia.
[10:18] ---
    I feel nostalgic.
[10:21] ---
    It's a strange sensation.
[10:23] ---
    No, it really is.
[10:24] ---
    The art is beautiful.
[10:25] ---
    Yeah, seriously amazing.
[10:27] ---
    Anela's live show was lit.
[10:28] ---
    That was simply the best.
[10:29] ---
    Don't let him record anything!
[10:35] ---
    Akira was no longer a shadow puppet.
[10:39] ---
    Just the face?
[10:40] ---
    I really liked the atmosphere
    between Kacchan and Akira in the first episode.
[10:43] ---
    Akira Kiyose
    Kikunosuke Toya
[10:45] ---
    But the best part was that ending sequence.
[10:50] ---
    I cried.
[10:51] ---
    Really, it was like
    "What? Am I watching a movie?"
[10:51] ---
    Banri Naoe
    Ryotaro Yamaguchi
[10:55] ---
    While we were recording,
    they were all line drawings.
[10:58] ---
    So when I see the actual art,
    it so beautiful.
[11:01] ---
    When you see the anime,
    it's so much more moving.
[11:04] ---
    That's what I thought.
[11:06] ---
    The art was tremendously beautiful.
[11:06] ---
    Chihiro Isuzugawa
    Amon Hirai
[11:08] ---
    I really could immerse myself and enjoy it
    a lot more than I had initially thought.
[11:12] ---
    Though, this was a show I had a role in.
[11:15] ---
    The visuals were beautiful, first and foremost.
[11:15] ---
    Daiki Takao
    Magura Sukegawa
[11:18] ---
    The characters' movements were so delicate.
[11:20] ---
    I really felt truly grateful that they could
    create something like this.
[11:25] ---
    I was able to watch the anime
    with a fresh feeling.
[11:25] ---
    Eishiro Nijo
    Shinnosuke Morikage
[11:28] ---
    That was my mindset
    going into this showing.
[11:29] ---
    To sum up, it moved me a whole lot.
[11:31] ---
    Fuga Togo
    Ryuichiro Sakata
[11:32] ---
    My character, Fuga, was moving around,
    but it was still my voice.
[11:37] ---
    It felt like life was breathed into the art
    and animation, and it really moved me.
[11:42] ---
    I got goosebumps, to be honest.
[11:42] ---
    Gakuto Haruka
    masa
[11:44] ---
    It really felt like UniteUp! has finally started.
[11:49] ---
    The music for this show
    is done by Mr. Yuki Hayashi.
[11:49] ---
    Homare Katsura
    Yuuki Shimomae
[11:53] ---
    I really love Mr. Hayashi's work.
[11:54] ---
    I was sure that his style
    would match this anime.
[11:57] ---
    But he went way beyond my expectations.
[11:59] ---
    The music and art was all really great.
[12:03] ---
    The strength of JAXX/JAXX
    is the fact that they're a band.
[12:03] ---
    Izumi Kashii
    Takumi Magoshi
[12:06] ---
    That music and that atmosphere of
    a live concert venue, when they combine...
[12:12] ---
    I feel like it would give Anela
    a good run for the money.
[12:16] ---
    I'm looking forward to it. I want to see it soon.
[12:18] ---
    At first, there was a part of me
    who was anxious, of course.
[12:18] ---
    Jun Wakasa
    Kosei Tsubokura
[12:22] ---
    But it was really, how to put it,
    put together well.
[12:25] ---
    That's how I felt, at least a little bit.
[12:28] ---
    I’m looking forward to everything now.
[12:30] ---
    I hope to be more and more active
    from now on as JAXX/JAXX.
[12:30] ---
    Kanata Morinomiya
    Gaku Takamoto
[12:33] ---
    Such an expectation grew as well.
[12:35] ---
    I really felt that this was really fun,
[12:37] ---
    and I felt happy that I can take part
    in a series like this.
[12:43] ---
    The second half of this program will
    look back upon the first three episodes,

[12:46] ---
    and include messages
    from the cast members.

[12:51] ---
    THE STORY SO FAR
[12:51] ---
    My heart is shouting
[12:54] ---
    Go and overcome yesterday
[12:55] ---
    Akira Kiyose is a high school student
    who used to love playing baseball,

[12:56] ---
    Howl! Crossfire!
[12:57] ---
    but he quit after a certain incident.
[12:58] ---
    To tomorrow!
[12:59] ---
    He spends an ordinary life
    with no goals in sight.

[13:02] ---
    High school student spending
    an ordinary life with no goals in sight
    Akira Kiyose
[13:05] ---
    During this time, he receives
    a certain text message.

[13:09] ---
    Look at this!
[13:11] ---
    YOU HAVE RECEIVED A DIRECT MESSAGE
    FROM sMiLea PRODUCTION
[13:12] ---
    S-Smil-ea?
[13:15] ---
    What is this?
[13:16] ---
    Greeting the worried Akira
    and his friend were...

[13:19] ---
    Welcome.
[13:22] ---
    Wow! Maoto Tsujido!
[13:22] ---
    ANELA
    MAOTO TSUJIDO
[13:25] ---
    Sorry, I'll be right over.
[13:26] ---
    ANELA
    LIN OTSUKI
[13:26] ---
    Lin Otsuki.
[13:28] ---
    They're really Anela.
[13:30] ---
    It was none other than
    the talent agency

[13:33] ---
    created by the now retired
    legendary idols Anela.

[13:36] ---
    Welcome to sMiLea Production!
[13:41] ---
    You've been uploading my singing
    on the internet!?
[13:44] ---
    Kacchan, his childhood friend, had been
    uploading Akira's singing online,

[13:45] ---
    Akira's childhood friend,
    Yoshikazu Ogawa (Kacchan)
[13:48] ---
    and Lin realized his talent from that voice.
[13:52] ---
    I'm slightly surprised that Akira
    wasn’t aware of all of this.
[13:55] ---
    Would you like to try it out?
[14:00] ---
    An idol!
[14:05] ---
    An idol?
[14:06] ---
    Yup!
[14:08] ---
    This agency was created for training
    young idols who have potential.
[14:12] ---
    So we'd like to dig up the next
    new idol group, and nurture them.
[14:15] ---
    That's what I was thinking
    when I sent you an invitation.
[14:18] ---
    Isn't this something amazing? An idol!
    You can become a professional singer!
[14:26] ---
    Such a drastic turn of events
    bewilders Akira,

[14:28] ---
    but Kacchan explains the reason
    why he uploaded the videos.

[14:33] ---
    Besides, you really lost your spirit
    after you quit baseball.
[14:38] ---
    But I wanted you to be happy.
[14:41] ---
    You may think that
    you have no real personal trait.

[14:47] ---
    But when I watch you singing it,
    I don't know why but I get cheered up.

[14:52] ---
    Even when I'm depressed, or having
    a tough time, when I watch you happily singing,
[14:58] ---
    I feel like you're giving me
    some of that good energy.

[15:01] ---
    That's why I thought I wanted
    even more people to listen to you.
[15:09] ---
    A lot more, a ton of people.
[15:15] ---
    Yeah.
[15:17] ---
    Yup, thanks.
[15:21] ---
    Thank you.
[15:25] ---
    An idol.
[15:28] ---
    I'll be one!
[15:30] ---
    I think?
[15:34] ---
    Akira decides to try becoming an idol,
[15:37] ---
    and along with two others
    who were online singers like him,

[15:40] ---
    he aspires to debut as a group.
[15:43] ---
    Online Singer "Suzu"
    Chihiro Isuzugawa
[15:44] ---
    I'm Suzu.
[15:45] ---
    My real name is Chihiro Isuzugawa.
    I'm a first year in high school.
[15:49] ---
    - Suzu?
    - Wait, you're that Suzu?
[15:52] ---
    That Suzu?
[15:54] ---
    Which Suzu?
[15:56] ---
    Online Singer "EVAN"
    Banri Naoe
[15:56] ---
    I'm EVAN!
[15:58] ---
    My real name is Banri Naoe,
    and I'm a third year in high school!
[16:01] ---
    Oh, that guy who portrays
    a princely character.
[16:04] ---
    You know about me?
    Thank you!
[16:07] ---
    That means you've watched my videos.
[16:07] ---
    That princely character?
[16:09] ---
    Those prince illustrations
    that I had asked to be drawn
[16:11] ---
    A prince?
[16:11] ---
    are all so wonderful, so I was worried
    my singing dragged it down.
[16:14] ---
    Um, I'm Akira Kiyose.
[16:19] ---
    I am... KIKUNOYU?
[16:22] ---
    Nice to meet you guys.
[16:25] ---
    Oh! KIKUNOYU!
[16:28] ---
    I thought I recognized
    your face and voice from somewhere.
[16:31] ---
    See, this illustration!
[16:33] ---
    Oh, now I remember. You've been
    active from about last year, right?
[16:38] ---
    I've been checking you out
    from back then.
[16:41] ---
    I commented my impressions, too.
[16:45] ---
    Th-Thank you.
[16:48] ---
    Banri always admired idols, and Chihiro wants
    to test his skills on an expressive stage.

[16:56] ---
    Akira, why did you decide
    to become an idol?
[16:59] ---
    Huh? Me?
[17:03] ---
    Akira, with no clear answer,
    felt small compared to the two of them.

[17:08] ---
    I accepted the offer for an idol only because
    Mom replied to them without telling me.
[17:15] ---
    And I didn't know my friend uploaded
    all those MyTube videos, either.
[17:20] ---
    But Akira,
    you like singing too, don't you?
[17:23] ---
    Well, yeah.
[17:26] ---
    Then, wouldn't that be enough reason
    for you to become an idol?
[17:30] ---
    I can tell because
    I've watched your videos.
[17:33] ---
    I can really feel that you're truly
    having fun when you're singing.
[17:37] ---
    I can understand that.
[17:39] ---
    Especially that opening theme
    for Crossfire.
[17:43] ---
    Overflowing to the max
[17:46] ---
    His love for singing.
[17:47] ---
    Like a burning sun
[17:48] ---
    That was the only thing he embraced
    in his heart as Akira decided to step forward.

[17:50] ---
    Our now...
[17:53] ---
    And then...
[18:02] ---
    Just as I thought.
    You're just an ordinary handsome guy.
[18:06] ---
    You're right.
    He's just like a real prince.
[18:11] ---
    R-Really?
[18:12] ---
    Akira!
[18:13] ---
    Banri was also taking a step towards
    overcoming his complex with his face.

[18:20] ---
    So from now on, we'll have you three
    take lessons with a debut as the goal.
[18:25] ---
    So let's start by watching and learning.
[18:30] ---
    Ta-dah!
[18:32] ---
    We’d like to have you go watch LEGIT's
    live performance this weekend!
[18:37] ---
    The three got an opportunity
[18:39] ---
    to watch the agency's senior group
    LEGIT perform at a concert.

[18:42] ---
    However...
[18:43] ---
    Are you goofing off!?
[18:45] ---
    That again?
    Why don't you knock it off already?
[18:48] ---
    If we repeat the same song
    over and over, we can't progress at all!
[18:52] ---
    I'm telling you,
    you're not picking up the backbeat!
[18:55] ---
    Fine! Do whatever you want!
[19:01] ---
    It seems really tough to become an idol.
[19:04] ---
    They witness the group members
    clashing against each other.

[19:09] ---
    Eishiro recognizes the talent of Daiki
    more than anyone else,

[19:12] ---
    since they’ve been friendly rivals
    ever since they were both very young.

[19:14] ---
    That’s why he could not budge
    on some things.

[19:18] ---
    No matter how much talent you have,
[19:20] ---
    if you simply force your ideals on others,
    you aren't fit for this job.
[19:24] ---
    "Right now, he can't see that."
[19:28] ---
    "Shut up! Shut up!!"
[19:29] ---
    "Real friends can trust each other
    with their eyes closed!"
[19:33] ---
    "Because..."
[19:35] ---
    "We're always looking
    in the same direction!"
[19:40] ---
    You know that scene?
[19:42] ---
    It's from Crossfire.
[19:43] ---
    You're bringing that up now?
[19:44] ---
    Oh, I see!
[19:46] ---
    Why do you dance?
[19:48] ---
    In order to become prime minister.
[19:51] ---
    That means you're just like me.
[19:54] ---
    You're also aiming for the top.
[19:58] ---
    With Akira's words as a catalyst, Eishiro
    remembered where his roots were.

[20:05] ---
    I'll leave anything
    concerning dancing to you.
[20:07] ---
    Leave everything else to me.
[20:13] ---
    After all,
    we're aiming for the top, right?
[20:18] ---
    And then on the day of the concert...
[20:22] ---
    Ciao-ppi!
[20:26] ---
    Excuse us!
[20:28] ---
    Kanata, you're heavy.
[20:29] ---
    Hey, Gakuto, Kanata, Jun.
    Don't cause a riot.
[20:33] ---
    Why're you scolding me, too?
[20:34] ---
    Sheesh. Everyone is so full of energy.
[20:37] ---
    JAXX/JAXX!?
[20:38] ---
    You guys are in the middle
    of a national tour, right?
[20:41] ---
    The other group in the agency,
    JAXX/JAXX, dropped by as well,

[20:45] ---
    and LEGIT's concert was about to begin.
[20:50] ---
    - On My Way
    - Woo hoo

[20:52] ---
    The same ol' things aren't enough,
    too much vibes

[20:54] ---
    - On My Way
    - Woo hoo

[20:57] ---
    From start to finish climax
[20:58] ---
    Huh? Akira!?
[21:00] ---
    Overtaking and just taking off
[21:02] ---
    Only accelerate, we never stop
[21:05] ---
    Woo hoo
[21:06] ---
    We are unstoppable, we gonna go high
[21:07] ---
    The very first professional performance
    he got to see live.

[21:09] ---
    Unstoppable, Gonna go high
[21:11] ---
    Something was about to change
    within Akira.

[21:12] ---
    Unstoppable, Gonna go high
[21:14] ---
    Unstoppable, Gonna go high
[21:17] ---
    CHALLENGE BARRING THE WAY
[21:18] ---
    And in the next episode, a great challenge
    will fall on the three boys of PROTOSTAR.

[21:24] ---
    Keep an eye out for Episode 4.
[21:26] ---
    FUTURE HIGHLIGHTS FOR UNITEUP!
[21:26] ---
    Finally, we asked about the highlights
    for upcoming episodes of "UniteUp!"

[21:32] ---
    TO EVERYONE
[21:32] ---
    Kanata Morinomiya
    Gaku Takamoto
[21:32] ---
    Everyone continues to mature as actors,
[21:36] ---
    and the characters agonize
    and overcome their hardships.
[21:39] ---
    It really links reality and fiction well.
[21:42] ---
    Please look forward to future episodes.
[21:45] ---
    PROTOSTAR, JAXX/JAXX,
    LEGIT, and Anela have songs
[21:45] ---
    Jun Wakasa
    Kosei Tsubokura
[21:48] ---
    with their own colors,
    and their own musical genres.
[21:51] ---
    I really love them,
    so I hope you will enjoy them too.
[21:56] ---
    As the story progresses, I think JAXX/JAXX
    will have more screen time,
[21:56] ---
    Izumi Kashii
    Takumi Magoshi
[22:00] ---
    so I hope you will look forward
    to that, too.
[22:05] ---
    Please keep supporting UniteUp!
[22:08] ---
    We grow in various ways.
[22:08] ---
    Homare Katsura
    Yuuki Shimomae
[22:09] ---
    After seeing that today, I felt like
    it wasn't fiction but actually nonfiction.
[22:15] ---
    I hope that a marvelous series
    will be delivered to all of you.
[22:19] ---
    Gakuto Haruka
    masa
[22:19] ---
    The characters all grow up,
    and that’s one aspect of UniteUp!'s allure.
[22:23] ---
    Another aspect is that
    the characters and we, the cast, have some overlap.
[22:26] ---
    So if you could take a look at us as well,
    that would be great. Please keep supporting us!
[22:31] ---
    Fuga Togo
    Ryuichiro Sakata
[22:31] ---
    My character will be more active
    on screen in the future,
[22:35] ---
    so please be enchanted by the sexy
    and wild Fuga, and enjoy the show.
[22:41] ---
    Please keep supporting us!
[22:42] ---
    I really hope that the viewers
[22:42] ---
    Eishiro Nijo
    Shinnosuke Morikage
[22:44] ---
    will purely enjoy the songs along with
    beautiful art and everything else.
[22:53] ---
    Please keep supporting us.
[22:54] ---
    Daiki Takao
    Magura Sukegawa
[22:54] ---
    Live concerts, agonizing lessons...
[22:57] ---
    I'm sure those aspects
    will be portrayed as well.
[23:00] ---
    So I hope you watch a lot and enjoy it.
    That would make me delighted.
[23:05] ---
    This, how to put it, the groove?
[23:05] ---
    Chihiro Isuzugawa
    Amon Hirai
[23:07] ---
    I want to spread it more and more.
[23:11] ---
    I really want it to be big, so if you thought
    this was good, let's liven things up together!
[23:17] ---
    Please keep supporting us.
[23:19] ---
    That was terrible! I'm so terrible at this!
[23:22] ---
    Banri Naoe
    Ryotaro Yamaguchi
[23:22] ---
    Wasn't it amazing?
[23:24] ---
    Well, I think it was amazing!
[23:26] ---
    And I think many of you
    feel the same way I do.
[23:30] ---
    But UniteUp! is going to become
    even more interesting from hereon.
[23:34] ---
    So I hope you keep checking us out!
[23:37] ---
    Please, please keep supporting us.
[23:39] ---
    For those of you enjoying UniteUp!,
    from this point on,
[23:39] ---
    Akira Kiyose
    Kikunosuke Toya
[23:42] ---
    there will be more and more new songs.
[23:46] ---
    So please look forward to that
    and we can’t wait for you to listen to them.
[23:49] ---
    And please enjoy all the songs
    that are out already! Please keep supporting us!
[23:55] ---
    Next time: Let’s Start to "UniteUp!"
    The Music's Journey