On September 20th, 2025, the long-anticipated Gakuen Idolmaster: Class Competition Hatsuboshi Daiundokai took place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo—and yes, it was both a full-scale sports festival and an idol concert.
The event brought together the entire Hatsuboshi Gakuen idol cast in a way that went far beyond your average live. From competitive tug-of-war matches to jaw-dropping performances, this was the kind of unforgettable experience that only Idolmaster can deliver.
Here’s a full breakdown of the day’s energy, performances, surprises, and why this unique event might just be the new blueprint for idol lives.
🏷 Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Title | Gakuen Idolmaster: Class Competition Hatsuboshi Daiundokai |
| Date | September 20, 2025 |
| Venue | Yoyogi National Gymnasium |
| Performers | All Hatsuboshi Gakuen idol characters, Mashiro Yuu, and special guest Kenji Akabane |
| Seating | Stage-side seat (great view!) |
| Official Site | Gakuen Idolmaster Official |
🎁 Pre-Show Vibes
Despite the cloudy skies, the venue was packed from early in the day. Fans gathered hours before the event, lining up for merch and taking photos of the decorations.
Unfortunately, limited-edition goods were already sold out by the time we arrived—even with a ticketed merch system. That didn’t stop the crowd from getting hyped, though. Flags for each class waved proudly in front of the venue, and an energetic festival atmosphere spread everywhere.
From standees to costume displays and pre-release info for the event CD, it was clear: this wasn’t just a live—it was a school festival-themed dream for Idolmaster fans.
🎽 Sports Festival Segment
The first half of the show was literally a live sports festival. No joke.
The three competitive events were:
- Tug-of-War
- Obstacle Relay Race + Bread-Eating Contest
- Ball Toss
Each match was held between the in-universe school classes, and the voice actors physically competed on stage in character. The relay included an actual bread-eating segment where competitors had to grab bread from hanging strings and munch mid-race—utter chaos and comedy in the best way possible.
What made it even more special? The cast used their character voices to trash talk and hype each other, fully in-role. That immersion made it feel like the characters themselves were competing right before your eyes.
And no spoilers—but the winning class wasn’t revealed until the end, adding a real sense of suspense and engagement for everyone in the arena.
🎤 Live Performance Segment
After the sports frenzy came the live concert segment—and what a show it was.
Rather than sticking to fixed units, performers mixed and matched across class and group lines, delivering a fresh and surprising set of performances.
🎵 Setlist (partial):
- Shirube
- Hatsuboshi Taiso Daiichi
- SUPREMACY
- Let’s Go! ICHI-NO-NI!!
- Naiwa
- Tsuyotsuyo Saikyou Exercise
- Happy Millefeuille
- Kasou Kyousoukyoku
- Gamushara ni Ikou
- Yellow Big Bang
- ENDLESS DANCE
- Howling Over the World
- Miracle Nanau
- Campus Mode!!
The transitions were seamless, the choreography was tight, and the audience was fully synchronized with the show, waving penlights and chanting in perfect harmony.
🎯 Special Guest Appearance
To top it all off, Kenji Akabane, the voice of the Producer from the original Idolmaster anime, appeared on stage as a commentator.
His role as Mashiro Yuu, a character from the “normal” (non-idol) class, acted as a meta bridge between the old and new generations of Idolmaster.
It was a powerful and emotional moment, especially for long-time fans—it really made the 20-year legacy of Idolmaster feel alive and connected.
💬 Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a concert.
It was a fully immersive experience where character, performance, and competition blended into a single unforgettable narrative.
Why it worked:
- Full commitment to the sports day theme (with real physical effort!)
- Seamless integration of character play and live performance
- Unpredictable outcomes that kept the audience engaged
- Nostalgic connections that honored the franchise’s long history
If there’s ever another “Idol Sports Festival Live,” I’m in. No hesitation.
And yes—I’ll definitely be applying for tickets to the newly announced Hatsuboshi Music Festival in February 2026!
🎒 Tips for Future Attendees
- Arrive early—merch sells out FAST even with ticket systems
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be moving around a lot
- Binoculars help for stage-side seats
- Bring a multi-color penlight to follow all the units
- Check for pre-show exhibits and displays—they’re part of the full experience!
🧾 TL;DR:
The Idolmaster franchise just redefined what a live can be.
The Gakuen Idolmaster: Class Competition Hatsuboshi Daiundokai proved that combining storytelling, character interaction, and live performance isn’t just possible—it’s the future.
See you at the next event!
