Whether it's game turned anime or anime turned game, there have always been risks with adapting either medium. Viewers haven't had a fairly positive experience with game-turned-anime series, however, Uta no Prince Sama stands out as an exception. Shows in the idol anime genre don't have a strong history of long successful runs, of course, with a few exceptions. A few classics like The Idolmaster, Skip Beat!, and Love Live! have mangaed to build devoted fandoms. But, if it came down to choosing one show in terms of longevity and consistency, it's definitely going to be Uta no Prince-sama.
Uta no Prince-sama is an anime adaptation of an otome game of the same name released in 2010. The series has not only done justice to the idol genre but is also one of the better reverse-harem anime out there. The first season, Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 1000%, was released back in 2011 and since then, the show has produced three sequels and two animated films.
The Series Isn't Just a Reverse Harem
Uta no Prince-sama has the makings of a perfect reverse-harem show, with its loaded cast of well-written bishounen, but that isn't the only area in which the series excels. Maybe that's one thing that has kept the show going for so long. It doesn't wholly indulge in the romance between the protagonists. It's hard to choose which boy to root for, since there are over a dozen by the end of the third installment. Still, the core element of Uta no Prince Sama -- the music -- is explored to every extent.
The story initially follows the journey of six male idols and an aspiring composer, Haruka Nanami, who all go to the prestigious Saotome Academy for performing arts. As usual, the males eventually pull Haruka towards each other, but thankfully it's at a bearable pace. Many viewers may find this a bit too clichéd, but Uta no Prince Sama has done a great job at exploring the boys' arcs in detail. There's no other anime with so much focus on the journey before attaining success.
Uta no Prince Sama Expertly Explores Male Idols
One of the best things about Uta no Prince-sama is that it doesn't completely revolve around Haruka. While there's always an episode where one of the boys has to come to Haruka's rescue, their characters aren't just a typical stand-in for that "princely" role. Each idol has their own struggles in order to get noticed by the respective agencies.
Some character arcs, like that of Otoya Ittoki, or the slow building of the friendships between the main characters in STARISH are genuinely refreshing. No character gets lost in translation, and each of their stories continues throughout the seasons. So, there's no disconnect between their journey from school to the stage. Moreover, the handsome boys can easily attract viewers on their own, so Uta no Prince Sama truly has something for everyone.
Infectious Music and Choreography
Suffice it to say, Uta no Prince-sama would be nothing without its music. A lot of effort is put into every group's performance, making it look as if one is watching a real concert. The catchy tunes complimented by glittery performances always succeed in keeping fans glued to their screens. Each male character has an individual take on music and has different interests.
Their focus is on different musical instruments, while some are more focused on singing, or even acting. The coordination and events leading up to that "big" song in every season are truly enjoyable and give off serious boy idol group vibes.
All in all, the future looks bright for the singing princes, and for their composer princess as a one-hour special titled Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love STARISH Tours will release on July 31, 2022. The special will commemorate the franchise's 10th birthday and promote the upcoming movie, which will be released on September 2, 2022.