An arcade collectible card game developed by Bandai company, launched in October 2012. It is adapted into an anime by Sunrise, began airing from October 8, 2012. A Nintendo 3DS game was released on November 15, 2012.
The series takes place at Starlight Academy (スターライト学園), a prestigious school with both middle school and high school divisions, where girls train to become idols and take part in various auditions. To participate in these auditions, players use Aikatsu cards, special cards which contain digitalised dresses and accessories from various manufacturers. How well they succeed is often dependent on choosing the right combination of cards. The video games cast players in the role of a new student, who must train to become an idol and reach the top.
The anime series follows Hoshimiya Ichigo, who idolizes the top star Kanzaki Mizuki and decides to enroll in Starlight Academy together with her best friend Kiriya Aoi. Not long after, Ichigo and Aoi become close with Shibuki Ran, one of their classmates. Together, the trio train for auditions and aim to become top idols.
