Gakuen Idolmaster Story of Re;IRIS Gets a New Year’s 6-Hour TV Special!
Mark your calendars, Producers! It’s been announced that Gakuen Idolmaster Story of Re;IRIS Shinshun 6-jikan Supesharu (which can be translated as *Gakuen Idolmaster Story of Re;IRIS New Year’s 6-Hour Special*) will air on TOKYO MX starting at 6:00 PM on January 1st, 2026. This special will feature a specially re-edited version of the game’s story. To kick things off, there will also be a special introductory program for Gakumas featuring the voice actors in beautiful furisode kimono.
What is Gakuen Idolmaster?
Gakuen Idolmaster (often shortened to Gakumas) is the latest title in the long-running The Idolmaster series, an idol training simulation game that launched in 2024. As a new Producer, you enroll at the idol training school “Hatsuboshi Gakuen” and work to guide a diverse cast of aspiring idols, each with their own charms and challenges. Since its initial release as a mobile game on May 16, 2024, the franchise has expanded with CDs, goods, and live events, allowing fans to dive deeper into the school life of these new idols.
About the New Year’s Special
This New Year’s Special presents a specially re-edited version of the in-game story “Hatsuboshi Comm.” Set at the Hatsuboshi Gakuen, the story follows the three-member unit “Re;IRIS”—consisting of Hanami Saki, Tsukimura Temari, and Fujida Kotone—and their Producer. The special delivers their journey, from their initial meeting onwards, in one continuous approximately 5-hour broadcast.
The narrative captures not just their dreams and excitement, but also their struggles and conflicts as they strive to move forward. Their earnest, shining spirit feels perfectly aligned with the fresh start of a new year. This program is based on the game’s scenario but has been specially re-edited, with additions like the Producer’s voice. It’s designed to be easy to follow both for veteran players and those experiencing Gakuen Idolmaster for the first time.
Special Studio Program Preview
Before the main event, a special studio program will air. The voice actors behind Re;IRIS—Nagatsuki Aoi (Hanami Saki), Oshika Nao (Tsukimura Temari), and Iida Hikaru (Fujida Kotone)—will appear in gorgeous New Year-appropriate furisode to greet viewers and introduce highlights of the upcoming 6-hour special.
This segment will also offer an easy-to-understand introduction to the world of Gakuen Idolmaster, Hatsuboshi Gakuen, the members of Re;IRIS, rival units like Begrazia, and key characters such as the school director, Juou Kunio, and teacher Nego Asari. Along with behind-the-scenes recording anecdotes and talk about memorable scenes, the program will feature fun segments like “Re;IRIS Should Know This!? Gakumas Quiz,” promising enjoyment for newcomers and dedicated fans alike.
Broadcast Information & Cast
Gakuen Idolmaster Story of Re;IRIS Shinshun 6-jikan Supesharu airs on TOKYO MX from 6:00 PM to midnight on Thursday, January 1st, 2026 (a national holiday in Japan). It will also be available for a limited time on the free catch-up service TVer. Get ready to ring in 2026 with a very special “Gakumas” time!
Cast for “Gakuen Idolmaster Story of Re;IRIS”:
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Hanami Saki | Nagatsuki Aoi |
| Tsukimura Temari | Oshika Nao |
| Fujida Kotone | Iida Hikaru |
| Hanami Yume | Matsuda Ayane |
| Hataya Misuzu | Harusaki Dan |
| Juou Seina | Youdaka Mahiro |
| Producer | Shin Yuuki |
THE IDOLM@STER TM & © Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
《Nakase Koutarou》
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