Series & First Appearance
Chihaya Kisaragi is a character from the multimedia project The Idolmaster, which encompasses anime, video games, and various visual novels. Her first appearance was in the original The Idolmaster video game released in 2005, and she later became part of the The Idolmaster: Cinderella Girls anime series, produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara in 2015.
Profile at a Glance
Chihaya Kisaragi is a 16-year-old protagonist who serves as a member of the idol group 765 Production. Known for her exceptional vocal talent, she stands at 162 cm and weighs 41 kg. Chihaya identifies primarily as a vocalist rather than an idol, indicating her deep devotion to singing and music.
Personality & Motivations
Chihaya embodies a cool, serious demeanor, radiating an aura of maturity despite her age. Her profound love for music appreciation, especially classical, greatly shapes her worldview; she equates her ability to sing with her very will to live. Though Chihaya is driven and passionate about her craft, she struggles with social interactions and tends to be awkward around others. This combination of earnest focus on her music and difficulty in connecting with people makes her a relatable, if complex, character.
Abilities / Powers
Chihaya is lauded for her natural singing talent, which sets her apart from other characters within The Idolmaster franchise. Her vocal skills can evoke powerful emotions in audiences, and she frequently performs with precision and skill. While her singing is her primary talent, her overall performance abilities include stage presence and emotional conveyance, although she finds the non-singing aspects of being an idol less appealing. Over the series, her vocal abilities evolve, showcasing her growth as both a musician and an emotional performer.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout The Idolmaster narrative, Chihaya experiences various turning points that lead to significant character growth. One pivotal arc involves her relationship with the other idols, where teamwork becomes essential. Initially aloof, Chihaya learns the value of friendship and collaboration, particularly through her interactions with fellow idols like Haruka Amami and Miki Hoshii. Her journey also explores her struggle to find balance between her passion for music and the idol lifestyle, leading to moments of self-reflection and deeper emotional connections.
Notable Relationships
Chihaya shares significant dynamics with several characters, including:
- Haruka Amami: Often serves as a contrasting personality to Chihaya, embodying cheerfulness and approachability. Their friendship highlights Chihaya’s growth toward open communication.
- Miki Hoshii: Their interactions contribute to Chihaya’s development as Miki, unlike her, is more open and approachable.
- Producer (Player Character): As a vital part of her journey, the Producer helps Chihaya navigate her idol career, fostering trust and guidance that allow for considerable maturation.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs during a performance of “Blue Moon” in the The Idolmaster: Cinderella Girls anime, where Chihaya confidently showcases her exceptional vocals, impacting audiences and fellow idols alike. Her declaration, “If I can’t sing, I’d rather die,” encapsulates her intense devotion to music (appearing in Episode 10). This line resonates strongly within the fandom, highlighting her singular focus on her craft.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Chihaya’s character design was created by The Idolmaster‘s design team, featuring designs by artist Yui Kuroda, who aims to depict her unique personality. Chihaya is voiced by Japanese actress Asami Imai in her original language, who has received acclaim for bringing depth to the character’s emotional range. In English releases, she is voiced by Bryn Apprill. Chihaya has consistently ranked as one of the top favorites in popularity polls within the The Idolmaster community, reflecting her enduring appeal among fans. Notably, her character serves as a cultural reference point in discussions around passion and dedication in both the idol and music anime genres.
In conclusion, Chihaya Kisaragi stands out in The Idolmaster franchise as an emblem of passion, resilience, and the struggles of communication, resonating with audiences who understand the balance between ambition and personal connection.
