Aikatsu! Encore: Iconic Unit "Soleil" and New PV Set Social Media Ablaze Ahead of October Launch

On May 21st, the official social media accounts for "Aikatsu! Encore," the latest installment in the popular Data Carddass (DCD) rhythm game series, began revealing a steady stream of information about the featured idols, sparking a massive reaction online. The announcements highlighted members of the legendary unit "Soleil," a trio that remains a symbol of the entire franchise. Fans also took note of a lineup that seems to champion next-generation idols like "Eliaunt," drawing significant attention from long-time followers.

Alongside the character reveals, the second official promotional video (PV) was released. Seeing the idols perform with significantly evolved visuals led to a flood of enthusiastic comments, with fans posting, "I got goosebumps," and "I can live for this." Beyond the aesthetics, the game's mechanics are also a major point of discussion. The inclusion of a "My Character" feature—which allows players to create and produce their own original idol—is virtually confirmed, much to the delight of the community.

On the hardware side, fans are hoping the new cabinets will utilize flat-panel technology to better replicate the high-quality performances seen in the PVs. There is also a strong desire to see the return of classic "Rare" outfits from the series' early days. Before the official launch in October, location tests are scheduled to take place via a lottery system. Interestingly, many adult fans—who originally grew up with the series as children—are proactively calling on one another to maintain excellent manners at these events. After celebrating its 10th anniversary, the "Aikatsu!" franchise is moving toward a new stage, and the hype continues to build.

The context

"Aikatsu!" (short for Aidoru Katsudo, or "Idol Activities") is a landmark Japanese multimedia franchise that began in 2012. It centers on a collectible card game where players use physical cards to dress up their idols for rhythm-based performances on arcade machines known as Data Carddass (DCD). While originally targeted at young girls, it gained a massive following among all ages. The term "ojyo-senpai" (little girl seniors) was even coined by adult fans to show respect to the primary young audience. "Aikatsu! Encore" serves as a revival project, bringing back beloved characters like the "Soleil" trio while modernizing the graphics and hardware for a fanbase that has now largely grown into adulthood.