Building the future with fans through community vitalization, resource recycling, and other initiatives
THE IDOLM@STER series marked its 20th anniversary in 2025. What can THE IDOLM@STER do for the local community and society? Below, we will take a closer look at some of the activities launched to “Connect with our fans and create together.”
On its 20th anniversary, what are some of the sustainability activities THE IDOLM@STER can carry out together with fans?
THE IDOLM@STER is a game where players take on the role of a producer at an entertainment production company and train idols. Starting with arcade games for amusement facilities in July 2005, the franchise has expanded into a wide range of areas, including smartphone game apps, home video games, live events, music CDs, television anime productions, theatrical releases, radio shows, and merchandise.
We asked ourselves what kind of sustainable activities could be undertaken by THE IDOLM@STER, a series beloved by so many people? With this in mind, we began working on activities that focus on revitalizing the local economy and promoting a recycling-oriented society.
Contributing to local economies with the manhole project, while another project collects glow sticks
One of the initiatives is the THE IDOLM@STER MANHOLE PROJECT: FUTAM@S!!!!!!. Under this project, manhole covers featuring designs of idols that are closely related to the local community are being installed across Japan. This is part of THE IDOLM@STER 20th anniversary project, “THE IDOLM@STER series connects and expands IDOLM@STER! GO ON the VOY@GE.” By having fans visit manholes around the country, we hope to help revitalize these local economies.
The other project is recyclable glow sticks. Glow sticks are an essential item for supporting idols, but one issue is that they are for the most part disposable. Therefore, with the cooperation of LUMICA CORPORATION, reusable glow sticks developed by the company are now sold at THE IDOLM@STER event venues. Used glow sticks are collected at venues, with many people participating.
Committed to more enjoyable experiences with fans
The FUTAM@S!!!!!! project has installed manholes in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, and other locations. We plan to install these in a number of other locations in the future. In addition to installing manholes, idols with close ties to each community will continue to promote the location’s appeal.
We are also continuing to collect glow sticks. At the event held on September 14th and 15th, 2024, approximately 7,780 recyclable glow sticks were collected. Combined with regular non-recyclable glow sticks, we were able to collect around 102,220 in total. Moving forward, we will further increase the percentage of recyclable glow sticks sold and collected at event venues.
THE IDOLM@STER initiatives are characterized by the fact that they are enjoyable activities that can be undertaken together with fans, and that enjoying THE IDOLM@STER naturally leads to sustainability. We will continue to think about what THE IDOLM@STER can do and contribute to the local community and society.
