The 'BEGINNING' Trend: Unpacking Fan Hopes for UtaPri and Beyond

The trending keyword “BEGINNING” has become a major topic of discussion on X (formerly Twitter). It is frequently mentioned as the title for upcoming performances of popular content, with fans buzzing with various expectations and speculations about the word “beginning.”

In particular, there's a heated debate surrounding the title “ASS Beginning” for the next event related to “Uta no Prince-sama♪” (UtaPri) following “ASSHC.” Many fans interpret “BEGINNING” as a hint that the idols' debut songs might be included in the setlist. Comments expressing anticipation for the re-performance of early signature songs like “Maji LOVE 1000%” and “HE★VENS GATE -Beginning of The Legend-” are prominent.

Fans are deeply contemplating the meaning of “beginning” implied by “BEGINNING,” with discussions intensifying over whether it signifies a return to past origins or the start of something entirely new. Some speculate about the possibility of shuffle duets or multiple performance patterns. There's also anticipation for nostalgic songs such as “Poison KISS,” “Roulette,” and “Independence.”

Beyond just the setlist, fans are also voicing specific requests for improvements in event management. Calls for a more comfortable participation experience include suggestions like “stop holding events at Makuhari” and “eliminate random sales of trading merchandise and silver tapes.” While some express slight apprehension that “BEGINNING” might paradoxically lead to an “ENDING,” the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive and filled with anticipation.

The “BEGINNING” trend isn't limited to UtaPri fans; it's also observed in other communities. For instance, there are posts mentioning “Bullet Train THE END FOR BEGINNING Blu-ray” and linking J.League Shimizu S-Pulse's slogan “NEW BEGINNING” with players' goal celebrations. Furthermore, some users recall ONE OK ROCK's song “The Beginning” or CHA-CHA's “BEGINNING,” indicating the widespread resonance of the term.

“BEGINNING” appears to be more than just a start; for fans, it's a keyword that prompts reflection on their journey so far and fuels excitement for the future. All eyes are now on what will unfold in next year's performances and events.

The context

Uta no Prince-sama♪ (UtaPri): A popular Japanese multimedia franchise that revolves around male idols. It began as a series of visual novel games and has since expanded into anime, manga, music CDs, concerts, and various merchandise. Fans are highly dedicated to their favorite “idols.”

ASSHC / ASS Beginning: These refer to concert events within the UtaPri franchise, where the voice actors of the idol characters perform songs live. “ASSHC” likely stands for “Uta no Prince-sama♪ All Star Stage - Condition,” and “ASS Beginning” would be the subsequent event, hence the speculation around its title.

Maji LOVE 1000% / HE★VENS GATE -Beginning of The Legend- / Poison KISS / Roulette / Independence: These are well-known songs from the UtaPri franchise, often performed by the idol groups or individual idols. “Maji LOVE 1000%” is particularly iconic as it was the opening theme for the first season of the anime.

Makuhari: Refers to Makuhari Messe, a large convention center in Chiba, Japan, often used for major concerts and events. Fan requests to “stop holding events at Makuhari” likely stem from issues related to access, capacity, or event experience specific to that venue.

Trading merchandise / Silver tapes (銀テ): Common items at Japanese concerts. Trading merchandise often refers to blind-boxed items where fans buy random goods and then trade with others to get their preferred character. Silver tapes (or colored tapes) are streamers shot into the audience during concerts, often bearing messages or signatures, highly valued by fans as souvenirs. “Random sales” and issues with “silver tapes” relate to fan frustrations over limited availability or fairness in obtaining these items.

Bullet Train (超特急): A popular Japanese boy band. “THE END FOR BEGINNING” is a concert Blu-ray title.

Shimizu S-Pulse (清水エスパルス): A professional football (soccer) club based in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Japan, playing in the J.League. Their slogan “NEW BEGINNING” connects to the trending word.

ONE OK ROCK: A globally popular Japanese rock band. “The Beginning” is one of their well-known songs.

CHA-CHA: A Japanese idol group active in the late 1980s and early 1990s.