The Idolmaster - Figures
The Idolmaster (stylized Idolm@ster) series created the immensely popular idol genre of games. As a social simulation game, players raise aspiring idols to stardom by training and developing bonds. A major success, the series grew to include numerous anime adaptations, game sequels, and spinoffs, as well as merchandise featuring an ever-growing army of idols. As of 2020, there are 82 unique idols players can interact with across the franchise and over 250 figures to represent them. However, it all started with the original 10 in the arcade, plus 3 in the Xbox port. These original 13 are the classic representatives of the Idolmaster franchise and these are some of their best figures: “figma Chihaya Kisaragi,” “The Idolm@aster Azusa Miura 1/8 Scale Figure,” and “Nendoroid Co-de Idolm@ster Miki Hoshii Twinkle Star Co-de.”
figma Chihaya Kisaragi Figure
Max Factory’s figma series features a fully articulated Chihaya Kisaragi wearing her outfit from The Idolm@ster Million Live app game. Her midriff-baring top features a double-breasted button style and high collar accented with gold hummingbirds. The main fabric consists of a light lilac with a pearlescent finish on the side panels and a pale pink in the center. The piping and fringe at the bottom are a medium pink. Her skirt mirrors the style of her top with a large medium pink braided belt. She also wears wrist cuffs and tall boots in the same color scheme and a gold cross necklace. The figure comes with three expressions: smiling, singing, and blushing. There are also additional hands for holding accessories and poses. Optional accessories include a microphone, speaker, and light to stage performance scenes.
Product Name: figma Chihaya Kisaragi
Manufacturer: Max Factory
Sculptor: Max Factory, Masaki Apsy
Specifications: Painted ABS & PVC non-scale articulated figure with stand included
Height (Approx): 145mm
The Idolm@aster Azusa Miura 1/8 Scale Figure
The “gentle older sister” idol, Azusa Miura, poses in casual clothing in this 1/8 scale figure. The figure is posed in a cutesy style. Azusa pops her right foot up behind her and rests her cheek in her right hand, looking upward. Her tilted head shifts the position of her iconic ahoge. She wears an oversized, chunky pink turtleneck with a carved cable knit pattern. The bright green watch on her left wrist contrasts wonderfully with the light pink color. A brown leather crossover purse cuts across her torso, accentuating her curves. A wide white belt snatches at her waist. Her skinny jeans are sculpted with realistic folds at her joints and feature two small silver studs above the pocket. Her brown riding boots pull slightly away from her calves and still feature the middle crease running up the front.
Product Name: The Idolm@ster Azusa Miura 1/8 Scale Figure
Manufacturer: Phat!
Sculptor: Yusuke Masaki
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, 1/8 scale ABS & PVC figure with stand included
Height (Approx.): 220mm | 8.7"
Nendoroid Co-de Idolm@ster Miki Hoshii Twinkle Star Co-de
Miki Hoshii, “The Visual Queen,” comes in a must-have Nendoroid Co-de figure for fans. Her appearance is based on the “Twinkle Star” outfit. A white sailor-style beret with a bold blue trim and ribbon sits askew on top of her head, next to her ahoge. Miki’s expression is a sweet smile. Her long, wavy blonde hair falls past her shoulders, obscuring her white collar and blue tie. Her pale blue suit-vest style top stops right above her shorts. The top features a bold blue piping. Her gloved hand rests on top of her belly and her non-gloved hand throws her signature peace sign. The bustle and skirting around her hips features white panel pleats trimmed in blue. The star details are the key to this figure, featured as 3D charms on the hem of her skirt, accents on her tie and gloves, and the emblem on her chest.
Product Name: Nendoroid Co-de Idolm@ster Miki Hoshii: Twinkle Star Co-de
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Kazuyoshi Udono
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"
The Idolmaster Series Story
The main premise of The Idolmaster story follows the struggles of 13 prospective idols at 765 Production Studios. The path to stardom requires a lot of hard work, sacrifices, and setbacks that bring the girls together like a family. However, as they start to gain fame the bonds between them weaken. With less time together due to demanding schedules, their rising popularity threatens the agency’s found family. Through events in the story and interactions from rivals at 961 Pro, the idols learn sticking together is their key to success. Over time, sequels, alternate universe settings, and spin-offs continue to handle the stories of idols in a similar road to success scenarios. They handle themes like dealing with issues of inadequacy and rivalry.
The Idolmaster Series Development
The concept for the Idolmaster franchise developed out of the growing video arcade culture of the early 2000s. By that point, games with card strip technology could allow players to swipe in and resume their progress over time. Akihiro Ishihara, a game designer for Namco, wanted to create a game using this technology. He developed a concept for a raising based game centered on idols to foster emotional connections that would keep players coming back day after day. The first Idolmaster arcade game came out in 2005 and was a surprising success. Namco started developing a port for the Xbox 360 that came out in 2007. Console and app-based games would continue to be the heart of the franchise. Idolmaster inspired the rise of the idol genre in gaming and anime, and a new season of the anime was announced summer 2020.
Links
figma Chihaya Kisaragi
The Idolm@aster Azusa Miura 1/8 Scale Figure
Nendoroid Co-de Idolm@ster Miki Hoshii Twinkle Star Co-de
Idolmaster Series Label
Chihaya Kisaragi Label
Miki Hoshii Label