Our respective roles

Makimoto: I was primarily responsible for managing the in-house music team for the Love Live! series and working as the contact person for liaising with various affiliated divisions, including the live event team. I also served as the representative of the production committee that was organized for this event.

Ariyoshi: I was in charge of the live event production. Working with Mr. Makimoto, I handled staff allocation and made various adjustments between cast and staff members.

Umeki: I was responsible for all matters pertaining to appearances of THE IDOLM@STER series. I also helped lead discussions at the production committee meetings and facilitate communication between the event staff and committee members.

Wakabayashi:As the head coordinator for the Love Live! series, I was involved in all aspects of the Love Live! series. On the production committee, I was primarily involved Entertainment in planning and production.

Creation of the collaboration live event “IJIGEN FES” UTAGASSEN

Wakabayashi: IJIGEN FES was created based on our desire to hold a brand-new style of live music event that captures the interest of fans. In holding IJIGEN FES for the first time, we pursued a format that was uniquely Bandai Namco and unlike the conventional music festivals that fans are already familiar with. Accordingly, our efforts started with planning a live music event that focused on collaboration between IPs, based on the recognition of IPs as our core.

Umeki:Through past events and other collaborations between THE IDOLM@STER series and the Love Live! series, there had been regular communication between the personnel responsible for each series. We had been wanting to organize a collaborative live event together for many years.

Wakabayashi:There were concerns that a collaboration between two different IPs might cause conflicts between fans. However, we referenced a broad range of data and concluded that there was significant overlap between fans of these two IPs. We therefore believed that these two IPs did not conflict with each other and instead had a high level of affinity. Based on this conclusion, we thought about how these IPs could mutually please both fan bases.

Umeki:We planned the event based on trust in both fan bases and respect for both IPs. Given that IJIGEN FES was an unprecedented initiative, we all agreed we had to think outside the box if we were to realize an event that captured the interest of fans and offered them a new and exciting experience.

Impact of IJIGEN FES and fan reaction

Makimoto:When managing the music and the cast for the event, one concern I had with the significant challenges presented by IJIGEN FES was how much pressure there would be on the cast, which comprised over 100 members. However, the cast members were excited to be involved in such an unprecedented initiative and were extremely positive in their preparations for the event. I believe that the hard work and positive attitude of the cast is what made IJIGEN FES an event that exceeded fans’ imaginations. I was also relieved to hear many of the cast members say that they enjoyed the event.

Ariyoshi:Having been involved in the production of various live events, I had some concerns about the fans of each IP seeing each other as rivals. In reality, however, these fan bases created tremendous synergies with each other that made the event far more exciting. I even felt that the fans cheered far more loudly than they would have at an event featuring just one of these IPs. Out of all the live events I have been involved with, IJIGEN FES was the first time I saw fans so excited.

Makimoto:To tackle the challenge of holding IJIGEN FES at the massive venue that is Tokyo Dome, everyone involved had to mobilize in ways that went beyond their positions and scope of responsibilities. As a result of this effort, we were able to make the event a tremendous success. The pursuit of an event that truly embodies the ALL BANDAI NAMCO concept led to deeper, more natural communication between all frontline personnel, and this was another positive aspect of the project.

Ariyoshi:Management-level personnel from both IPs, including the head coordinators, were fully active on the frontline, and this helped us swiftly and boldly turn ideas into action. In addition, I felt that we were able to make decisions smoothly thanks to the high level of mutual respect we have for each IP.

Wakabayashi:An issue for us to address for the next IJIGEN FES is how to further expand the fan base. Through the success of the first IJIGEN FES, I think that we have fostered a lot of anticipation about the possibilities of various collaborations, including between IPs for which collaboration would not be expected, IPs from completely different genres, and IPs for which many think collaboration would not be possible. I also believe that when more fans interact with each other and fan bases widen, this leads to greater potential for collaborations.

Umeki:By fully leveraging Group know-how and resources in everything from the production of the live event to video streaming and the planning and sale of merchandise, we were able to generate extremely positive synergies. I am truly glad we were able to make IJIGEN FES happen. Not only did the event let us see the delighted faces of fans and receive messages of gratitude from them but it was also a tremendous success from a business standpoint.

Pursuits for the future

Wakabayashi: In 2025, the Love Live! series celebrates its 15-year anniversary. In addition to existing works, we will continue to strive as a team to realize new developments for the series, together with the fans.

Umeki:In 2025, THE IDOLM@STER series celebrates its 20-year anniversary. We will continue to place emphasis on deepening our connections with fans by creating content and organizing events with fans and other relevant parties. At the same time, we will tackle new pursuits that both we and the fans can enjoy. To ensure that THE IDOLM@STER series is loved by fans for many years to come, I would like to see our young personnel continue to gain a wide range of experience. Moving ahead, we will strive to deliver fans with exciting new experiences that exceed their imaginations.

Ariyoshi:With the aim of creating a never-before-seen stage design, we incorporated features such as a massive LED curved display screen into the stage. For future live events, we will continue to introduce new technologies and ideas, thereby creating stages that can hold totally new kinds of performances that fans will deeply enjoy.

Makimoto:The effort that went into IJIGEN FES served as a valuable experience for all team members and staff involved in the project. Drawing on this experience and know-how in upcoming initiatives, it is my hope that our team and staff continue to create new works that appeal to all generations. Personally, I still very much have the desire to be involved in new IPs, and as such I will continue to tackle new pursuits with an adventurous spirit.