TSUKIUTA. The Animation (Original Japanese Version)

TSUKIUTA. The Animation is a Japanese anime television series that brings to life a unique blend of music, idol culture, and the fantastical concept of anthropomorphized months of the year. This series is an adaptation of the music and original drama CD series titled "TSUKIUTA," which was first released in 2013. The anime debuted in July 2016 and was developed by the collaborative efforts of the music label Movic, animation studio Pierrot, and several other companies that specialize in character merchandise. The show centers around two idol groups representing the twelve months of the year, creating a vibrant and competitive world of idol performances.

The story of TSUKIUTA. The Animation unfolds in a modern-day setting where two male idol groups—Six Gravity (Gravi for short) and Procellarum (Procella for short)—captivate their fans with their music and performances. Gravi represents the months from January to June, while Procella embodies July to December, each member associated with a specific month and having characteristics that reflect the traits and feelings of that time of the year.

The idol groups reside in the same dormitory, allowing viewers to explore the dynamics between the characters, their distinct personalities, and the bonds they share as fellow artists and rivals. The show delves into each member's backstory and explores their dreams, struggles, and the hard work that goes into being a part of the competitive and demanding idol industry. While the show offers insights into the characters' multifaceted lives, it remains a light-hearted series that emphasizes friendship and perseverance.

Six Gravity is comprised of the gentle and caring leader who represents January, while the remaining members include a quirky, energetic idol for February, a serious and determined figure for March, a naturally talented but laid-back personality for April, a kind-hearted and sensitive soul for May, and an intelligent and mature young man for June. Each of these characters brings a distinct flavor to the group's music and performances.

On the other side, Procellarum has its own range of characters, starting with the vibrant and sociable leader for July, a cool and aloof artist for August, a friendly and approachable member for September, a warm and nurturing figure for October, a cheerful and positive spirit for November, and rounding out the year, a December idol who is mysterious and reflective. Together, these six individuals present a counterbalance to Six Gravity, offering a different style and perspective on idol life.

The animation series is rich with song performances that display a mix of various music genres to suit the diverse characters of both groups. This not only entertains viewers with catchy tunes and spectacle but also showcases the idols' efforts to best express their assigned months' sentiment through song and dance. The choreography and concert sequences presented in the show are a celebration of idol culture, delivering visually engaging and memorable performances that are sure to resonate with fans of the genre.

While the series is heavily focused on the music and idol aspect, it is also not short on drama and comedy. The interactions between the characters from the two groups often lead to hilarious situations, tender moments, and the occasional mishap. However, aside from the entertainment value, TSUKIUTA. The Animation also spotlights the importance of teamwork, healthy competition, and mutual respect among the idols. The narrative underscores the idea that while they may be rivals on stage, off-stage, they are more like a family that supports one another through thick and thin.

TSUKIUTA. The Animation is suited for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories infused with music and a touch of fantasy. The concept of humanizing months and seasons is woven seamlessly into the plot, allowing each episode to focus on individual characters while gradually building a comprehensive world where all the idols and their intertwined relationships coexist.

The anime's visuals are appealing, with character designs crafted to match their assigned months, ranging from hairstyles and colors to their themed stage costumes. The background art and stage settings are rendered with vibrant colors and detail, creating an atmosphere that enhances the overall viewing experience.

A noteworthy feature of the series is how it incorporates fan interaction from the original TSUKIUTA project, where fans could participate in events and vote on aspects of the story and character developments. This level of engagement between the franchise and its audience is reflected in how each idol seems to carry a bit of the fans' influence in their personalities and stories.

TSUKIUTA. The Animation offers a slice of the idol life that is enriched by the enthusiasm and spirit of its characters. With a mixture of laughter, heartfelt moments, and foot-tapping music numbers, the show is a spirited portrayal of what it means to shine on the stage as an idol representing the colorful months of the year.