Is Aikatsu! Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can jump into the world of Aikatsu! and find a definitive ending, the answer is a bit complex. While individual series arcs conclude, the Aikatsu! franchise is very much ongoing and expansive.
Since its debut in 2012, the series has grown into a massive universe with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and crossover events. For instance, even as late as 2025 and 2026, we are seeing new releases like the Aikatsu! x PriPara crossover movie and the Aikatsu! Memorial Stage. Furthermore, fans have a reason to stay tuned for the future: Aikatsu Stars! is slated for a 10th Anniversary Film in Spring 2027 (Hoshiboshi no Progress).
If you only watch the initial anime runs, you will see significant character growth, but the franchise continues to evolve through new generations of idols and special events. To get the full experience, you’ll want to follow the series through its various iterations.
What is Aikatsu! All About?#
Aikatsu! (short for Idol Katsudō!) follows the journey of Ichigo Hoshimiya, an ordinary middle school girl whose life changes when her best friend Aoi convinces her to join Starlight Academy, a prestigious idol training school.
Themes and Appeal#
The series centers on the hard work and dedication required to become a top idol. It blends several engaging themes:
- Music and Performance: The heart of the show is the idol dream.
- Card Games: Characters use “Aikatsu Cards” to challenge auditions and enhance their performances.
- School Life: Much of the drama and growth happen within the halls of Starlight Academy.
It is a perfect match for viewers who enjoy inspiring stories about friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of a dream. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the idol aesthetic, you can buy Aikatsu! merchandise here to bring some of that sparkle home.
Recommended Watch Orders#
Because of the sheer volume of content, the order in which you consume Aikatsu! depends on your goals. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a detailed visual breakdown of how these series connect.
The Release Order#
For those who want to experience the franchise as it was aired, follow the chronological release dates:
- Aikatsu! (Starting 2012 through its sequels in 2013, 2014, and 2015)
- Aikatsu Stars! (2016)
- Aikatsu Friends! (2018) and its sequel
Kagayaki no Jewel(2019) - Aikatsu on Parade! (2019-2020)
- Aikatsu! Planet (2021)
Watch the anime on Prime Video to start your journey with Ichigo!
The Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of content, including the “extras,” you will need to weave in special episodes and films:
- Start with the main series and include the Aikatsu! Music Award: Minna de Shō o Moraima SHOW! (2015) and
Nerawareta Mahō no Aikatsu! Card(2016). - Follow the Stars!, Friends!, and on Parade! arcs as listed above.
- Dive into the Planet era, including the movie Gekijō-ban Aikatsu Planet! (2022) and the two-part Aikatsu! 10th Story
Mirai e no Starway(2022-2023). - Catch up with recent specials like the Aikatsu! Memorial Stage (2025) and the crossover Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki!- (2025).
- Mark your calendar for the Aikatsu Stars! 10th Anniversary Film arriving in Spring 2027.
The Source Material Path#
For those who don’t mind reading alongside watching, you can supplement the anime with the manga. The original Aikatsu! manga began serialization in Ciao in 2013, and you can also explore the Aikatsu! Secret Story manga (2014) for additional perspectives.
Buy the Aikatsu! manga here to dive deeper into the lore.
Final Thoughts#
Whether you are in it for the music, the cards, or the heartwarming stories of friendship, Aikatsu! offers a massive amount of content to explore. Since the franchise is still producing new films and specials, there is always something new to look forward to.
If you found this guide helpful and want to keep our research going, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi!
Aikatsu! • anime • 2012-10-08
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu! • anime • 2013-10-03
└─(related)→ Aikatsu! • anime • 2014-11-30
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu! • anime • 2014-10-02
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu! • anime • 2015-10-01
└─(related)→ Aikatsu Stars! • anime • 2016-04-07
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu Stars! • anime • 2016-08-13
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu Stars! Hoshiboshi no Progress • anime • 2027 (early spring)
└─(spinoff)→ Aikatsu Friends! • anime • 2018-04-05
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu Friends! ~Kagayaki no Jewel~ • anime • 2019-04-04
└─(related)→ Aikatsu on Parade! • anime • 2019-10-05 to 2020-03-28
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu on Parade! • anime • 2020-03-28
└─(amalgam)→ Aikatsu! Music Award: Minna de Shō o Moraima SHOW! • anime • 2015-08-22
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu! ~Nerawareta Mahō no Aikatsu! Card~ • anime • 2016-08-13
└─(related)→ Aikatsu! • manga • 2013-05-01 to 2013-12-27 (serialized in <i>Ciao</i>)
└─(side story)→ Aikatsu! Secret Story • manga • 2014-02-03 to 2014-07-03 (serialized in <i>Ciao</i>)
└─(spinoff)→ Aikatsu! Planet • anime • 2021-01-10
└─(related)→ Gekijō-ban Aikatsu Planet! • anime • 2022-07-15
└─(related)→ Aikatsu! 10th Story ~Mirai e no Starway~ • anime • 2022-07-15
└─(sequel)→ Aikatsu! 10th Story ~Mirai e no Starway~ • anime • 2023-01-20
└─(compilation)→ Aikatsu! Memorial Stage • anime • 2025-06-20
└─(related)→ Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE -Deai no Kiseki!- • anime • 2025-10-10
