Aya Maruyama BanG Dream! - Nendoroid

The BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! franchise widened the possibilities of a multimedia universe. Following a similar formula from idol games, the basic premise relies on a gacha and social simulation model. However, the franchise differentiates itself with a focus on bands and live-house music rather than polished idols. The in-universe group PastelPalettes symbolizes the concept behind the franchise. PastelPalettes lead vocalist, Aya Maruyama, feels most like a traditional idol game character. However, her familiar struggles to become a high school idol go well with her unique struggles to lead and perform with instruments. Aya's fans can celebrate her Good Smile Company figure debut with the "Nendoroid BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Aya Maruyama: Stage Outfit Ver".

Nendoroid BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! Aya Maruyama: Stage Outfit Ver.

This chibi figure from Good Smile Company shows off all of idol Aya Maruyama's selfie-approved angles. Aya wears her stage outfit featured in the anime key visuals. Her image color, pink, appears in bright and appropriately pastel layers. Each ruffle on her dress has been sculpted with a weightless appearance, allowing for lively performance poses. The figure comes with three faceplates: Aya's beaming smile, her idol wink, and her adorable crying face. Several interchangeable arm and leg parts all contain her carefully crafted pink bows to complete her trademark idol poses.

Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Shichibee
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"

About Aya Maruyama

Aya Maruyama is a recurring supporting character in the BanG Dream! anime. She is the leader and vocalist of the idol band Pastel*Palettes. She is a student at Hanasakigawa Girls' High School and has a mentor-student relationship with Kasumi Toyama.

About Aya Maruyama: Background

Aya is a lifelong admirer of idols. She dreamed of becoming an idol, but struggled with her stage fright. Outwardly, she embodies the personality of an idol. She is bubbly, energetic, and loves to encourage and inspire others. However, she is also easily overwhelmed and cries easily. Aya works part time at a fast food shop with Kanon Matsubara. She rarely disguises herself in public out of her desperate desire to get noticed. Overall, her actions are pure and unselfish, especially in relation to her bandmates.

Aya studied as an idol trainee for three years before making her debut. She was chosen as the leader and vocalist for an agency created idol band, Pastel*Palettes. Her stage fright and poor MC skills ruined their debut. However, Aya worked hard to make up for her mistakes, selling tickets for their next show on her own.

About Aya Maruyama: Abilities

Aya's main musical skills are singing and dancing, which she studied as an idol trainee. However, she struggles with improvising and conversation between songs, stilting her group's performances. Her general unreliability leads her bandmates to shy her away from too much responsibility. Aya worked on her stage fright and hopes she can conquer her improvisation issue the same way.

Her greatest strength is her drive and determination. Aya acknowledges her failures and resolves to become an idol she can be proud of. She also possesses a lot of knowledge about various beauty and social media topics. Aya is very proficient in taking selfies and often practices and teaches others this skill.

Other Important BanG Dream! Characters

Aya's strongest relationships are with the members of Pastel*Palettes. However, given the interconnected nature of the franchise, she also developed strong friendships outside of the band.

Kanon Matsubara

Kanon Matsubara is the drummer for the BanG Dream! band Hello, Happy World! She is shy, clumsy, and prone to crying. Kanon has a comically bad sense of direction that became a recurring gag throughout the franchise. Her inability to turn people down led to her reluctant recruitment into Hello, Happy World! She loves all things cute and sweet and has started to work on her confidence.

Kanon works with Aya at a fast food shop. Her shy, nervous personality contrasts with Aya's idol nature. Aya's poses and flashy phrases embarrass Kanon, but they become unlikely friends outside of their respective bands.

Kasumi Toyama

Kasumi Toyama is the BanG Dream! franchise central protagonist and the leader of Poppin'Party. She is an enthusiastic and cheerful high school student who looks for the best in any situation. Her primary goal is to rediscover the dream-like "star beat" from her childhood. She believes she can achieve this dream with her band.

Aya and Kasumi have a mentor-student-like relationship. Despite her shortcomings, Aya tries her best to appear competent in front of Kasumi. Her focus on appearing like a responsible, reliable teacher has helped Aya become slightly more responsible.

Pastel*Palettes

Pastel*Paletters is one of the five original bands in the BanG Dream franchise. In universe, they formed as a gimmick within their idol agency as an "idol band." Initially, the members weren't expecting to play their own instruments. However, after a technical difficulty during their debut, the members learned to actually play music. This novel, authentic approach endeared them to fans, sparking their popularity. The band plays pop music typical of the idol genre.

In universe, the band's music is popular enough to appear in karaoke. In real life, the band has released 19 songs and 7 singles as of January 2022. In May 2021, they released their debut full-length album, Title Idol.