“Ainana Gekijou Soushuuhen” Ono Kensho-san: “The Visuals Are Great!” [Part 1] Stage Greeting Report

A special stage greeting event was held on October 5, 2025, at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo to commemorate the release of the first part of IDOLiSH7 First BEAT! Gekijou Soushuuhen (which can be translated as “Theatrical Compilation”). This eagerly anticipated film delves into the “origin story” of the beloved idol group IDOLiSH7. Six talented cast members graced the stage for the event: Masuda Toshiki, the voice of Izumi Iori; Shirai Yuusuke, who plays Nikaidou Yamato; Yonaga Tsubasa, the voice of Izumi Mitsuki; KENN, who voices Yotsuba Tamaki; Abe Atsushi, the voice of Ousaka Sougo; and Ono Kensho, who brings Nanase Riku to life. They delighted the audience with an engaging talk, offering their thoughts on the film’s premiere and highlighting recommended aspects for those yet to discover the charm of IDOLiSH7, all while showcasing their undeniable camaraderie.

Laughter and Revelations from the Cast

The six cast members made their grand entrance after the film screening, accompanied by IDOLiSH7’s hit song “MONSTER GENERATiON.” KENN kicked off the discussion with his customary lunch report, playfully exclaiming, “Today’s lunch was a steak bento! I’m completely full and feeling incredibly energetic!” Abe Atsushi-san, his companion in the popular unit MEZZO”, then humorously revealed a behind-the-scenes detail: “KENN-kun actually ate an onigiri before his steak bento.” This friendly banter between the two brought waves of laughter from the audience, setting a lighthearted tone for the event.

The atmosphere grew even warmer when it was announced that the stage greeting coincided with Ono Kensho-san’s birthday. Ono Kensho-san responded with a heartfelt “Thank you!” as a special moment was created for the audience, both present at the venue and watching via live viewing, to share their well wishes. A unified chorus of “Kensho-san, happy birthday!” resonated through the hall, filling the space with warm, celebratory vibes.

Reflecting on Seven Years of IDOLiSH7

With seven years having passed since the first season of the TV anime, the cast was asked to share their feelings and impressions on this momentous theatrical release. Yonaga Tsubasa-san commented, “I’m genuinely happy to have been given this opportunity to be reminded once again of the brilliant radiance these characters possess.”

As Yonaga Tsubasa-san spoke, he playfully turned to the side, remarking, “Yamato is like this in the first part of the theatrical compilation, but…” This prompted a rapid-fire series of playful jabs from his fellow cast members. Shirai Yuusuke-san interjected, “He’s really complicated, isn’t he?” and Abe Atsushi-san added, “He acts so superior to others, doesn’t he?” as they good-naturedly teased the character. Amidst the laughter, Yonaga Tsubasa-san appealed to the audience, expressing his hope that they would watch the film many times, emphasizing, “I also feel that in the future, he will overcome a great many challenges.”

When questioned about memorable scenes and lines, Shirai Yuusuke-san humorously began, “My ‘Yattera Point’ is…” which immediately drew a barrage of “What do you mean by that?” from his companions. Unfazed, he continued, “Yamato’s line, ‘It’s like revenge,’ really left an impression on me,” a sentiment echoed by the other members. KENN-kun then offered a lighthearted defense, “But he’s a good guy because he treated everyone to juice when they were playing basketball!” Shirai Yuusuke-san, ever observant, calmly analyzed Yamato’s personality, noting, “In that basketball scene, Yamato is serving as the referee. It makes perfect sense when you realize he absolutely wouldn’t want to exert himself,” expressing his admiration for the meticulous and well-crafted direction.

Why You Should Dive into the World of IDOLiSH7

Next, when asked to pinpoint “recommended aspects for those who haven’t yet experienced IDOLiSH7,” the cast members responded with delighted exclamations like “Eh?” and “Can’t we just say everything?” clearly indicating they had an abundance of praise and found it hard to choose just one highlight.

As the first to offer his recommendation, Masuda Toshiki-san shared, “When I watch IDOLiSH7, I often think that when you decide to support an idol, they are typically already well-known. However, with this work, you get to follow them right from the very moment of their birth, and even now, you can enjoy their shining figures and their thrilling performances on stage. The unique appeal lies in being able to experience them from a completely different, more intimate distance than I’ve ever felt with other idols.” His heartfelt words drew exclamations of admiration and enthusiastic applause from both the audience and his fellow cast members. It’s undeniable that many feel that beyond the undeniable charm of the music and captivating performances, the special relationship cultivated between idols and fans in IDOLiSH7 is truly one-of-a-kind.

Subsequently, as the discussion circulated among all members, Ono Kensho-san, tasked with delivering the final comment, took a dramatic deep breath before succinctly declaring, “The visuals are great!” As the venue erupted in laughter, he elaborated, “For those who haven’t seen it yet, I truly believe the visuals are the main entry point.” He then added with a touch of playful regret, “I said ‘visuals’ taking into account everyone else’s wonderful comments, but if I had been the first to speak, I could have said so much more!”

A Special Guest Appearance and Heartfelt Farewell

Adding to the excitement, Ousama Purin made a special guest appearance! Witnessing the charming character mascot earnestly attempting to climb onto the stage, Abe Atsushi-san called out to the audience, “There’s a step, everyone! Please cheer them on, ‘Ganbare’!” This prompted an outpouring of loud cheers and encouragement from the crowd. Thanks to their fervent support, Ousama Purin successfully reached the stage.

Following this adorable moment, a photo session began with Yonaga Tsubasa-san holding a Kinako plushie and a Nagi acrylic stand, joined by the other cast members. Throughout the session, an enthusiastic mix of cheers like “Great visuals!”, “So cool!”, and “So cute!” filled the air, eliciting genuine smiles from all six cast members.

The stage greeting culminated in a heartfelt message from Ono Kensho-san. As he surveyed the audience, he began, with a twinkle in his eye, “Thank you for participating in Ono Kensho-san’s 36th birthday event today…” which brought another wave of laughter from the audience.

With a mischievous smile, he continued, “It feels as though seven years haven’t passed at all; this story remains remarkably fresh and timeless. After experiencing so many events, I’m truly overjoyed to have returned to this ‘beginning’ once again. There’s still the second part to come, and IDOLiSH7 has countless more stories waiting to be told. I would be absolutely delighted if you continue to support us from now on.”

The first part of IDOLiSH7 First BEAT! Gekijou Soushuuhen is currently enjoying a successful theatrical run. The second part is scheduled to be released in cinemas nationwide starting December 5th. Whether you’re a long-time fan who has already enjoyed the TV anime or someone entirely new to the series, why not invite a companion and immerse yourselves once more in this captivating “origin story”?

Event Overview: IDOLiSH7 First BEAT! Gekijou Soushuuhen [Part 1] Release Commemoration Stage Greeting

Date and Time: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Post-screening stage greeting for the 10:30 show

Attendees:

Masuda Toshiki (Izumi Iori), Shirai Yuusuke (Nikaidou Yamato), Yonaga Tsubasa (Izumi Mitsuki), KENN (Yotsuba Tamaki), Abe Atsushi (Ousaka Sougo), Ono Kensho (Nanase Riku)

Film Overview: IDOLiSH7 First BEAT! Gekijou Soushuuhen

[Part 1] Currently a big hit in theaters!

[Part 2] Releasing nationwide in theaters from Friday, December 5!

Titles:

IDOLiSH7 First BEAT! Gekijou Soushuuhen Part 1

IDOLiSH7 First BEAT! Gekijou Soushuuhen Part 2

Release Dates:

Part 1: Friday, October 3, 2025

Part 2: Friday, December 5, 2025

Main Staff:

Main Cast:

(C)BNEI/AINANA Production Committee

Written by Nakase Koutarou

_

Source