HIGHSPEED Étoile is an original Japanese TV anime series that aired from April to June 2024, produced in collaboration by King Records, Good Smile Company, and Yostar.
It is set in a near future where new clean energy has revolutionized the world of motorsports, introducing races at over 500km/h.
The story follows the journey of Rin Rindou, a former aspiring ballet dancer, as she dives into the exhilarating world of high-speed racing alongside other colorful, skillful drivers.
The series features dynamic racing action, striking character designs by Takuya Fujima, and plenty of industry tie-ins, including real company logos on cars.
It spawned manga and game adaptations and has established itself as a fresh entry in the racing anime genre.
The anime is an original work featuring character designs by Takuya Fujima and produced by Hiroji Sasaki.
Super Formula-promoter Japan Race Promotion (JRP) serves as a creation partner, with M-TEC (Mugen) acting as a technical advisor.
The series uniquely includes real companies' sponsor logos on racing machines and suits, expanding sponsorship into the story's aesthetic.
In the world of HIGHSPEED Étoile, a new energy source called "Hybrid Performance Exceed Reactor" (commonly, "Hyper") has solved global environmental issues.
Powered by Hyper, racing cars now reach astonishing speeds over 500km/h.
These futuristic races, called "NEX Race," attract talented drivers and passionate fans worldwide.
The setting fuses advanced eco-technology with adrenaline-fueled motorsports.
Rin Rindou, the main heroine, once aimed to become a ballet dancer but was forced to abandon her dreams due to an injury.
She finds new inspiration in the NEX Race world, where she meets Kanata Asakawa, Towa Komachi, and other driven racers.
Each character brings their own background—a prodigy, a passionate hothead, or a cool veteran—into the intense competitive circuit.
As Rin overcomes her personal struggles and faces spectacular rivals, she embraces a new stage: the fast lane of futuristic racing.
- NEX Race: The world's premier racing event, featuring high-speed battles with cars powered by the Hyper energy source.
- Hyper: Short for "Hybrid Performance Exceed Reactor," the next-gen eco-friendly energy behind race cars and the technological leap in society.
Anime
- Title: HIGHSPEED Étoile
- Aired: April 6, 2024 – June 22, 2024
- Episodes: 12
- Directed by Keitaro Motonaga, produced by Studio A-CAT.
- Broadcast on MBS, TBS, BS-TBS, and other regional stations.
- Streaming available through platforms like dAnime Store, ABEMA, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube.
Manga
- Title: HIGHSPEED Étoile: L'Entrée de Towa et Kanata
- Serialized in Manga Cross (Akita Shoten) from October 2023.
- Written by the HIGHSPEED Étoile Project and drawn by Chiaki Misono with support from Suzuka Circuit.
- 1 volume published as of April 2024.
Games
- HIGHSPEED Étoile Puzzle Racing!: Mobile puzzle game for iOS/Android, developed by BlazeCircuit Studio, releasing in 2024.
- HIGHSPEED Étoile Paddock Stories: Visual novel for Nintendo Switch, published by Entergram, scheduled for release November 21, 2024.
The anime brings together major sponsors from the racing and tech world, featuring their logos directly on vehicles and character suits.
The creative team includes series composer Takamitsu Kouno and music by EFFY.
Studio A-CAT focuses on vivid 3D CG car animation blended with character-driven storytelling.
Voice narration by veteran actor Toru Furuya adds gravitas to the races.
- Opening: "ADRENALIZED" by Nana Mizuki (who voices Alice Summerwood), with lyrics by Nana Mizuki and composition/arrangement by Hajime Mitsumasu.
- Ending: "Fanfare" by SCANDAL, lyrics by TOMOMI, composed and arranged by MAMI.
- Insert Songs: "Stargazing," "Beautiful Days," "Night Pride," and "HIGHER-HYPER!" performed by Prima Stella (Akari and Hikari), as well as "Re:Étoile" for the Switch game Paddock Stories.
HIGHSPEED Étoile introduced a new fusion of real-world sponsors and anime racing, drawing eyes from both motorsports fans and anime enthusiasts.
It received attention for authentic race depictions and collaboration with Super Formula and Suzuka Circuit.
The anime also inspired the creation of a real "HIGHSPEED Étoile Racing" team, participating in KYOJO CUP, Fuji Champion Race VITA, and EV-GP with notable female drivers.
Related events include team entries into the All-Japan Kart Championship EV division.
- Narration by Toru Furuya.
- Official virtual idols Prima Stella (twin singers Akari Kuzuryū and Hikari Hinata) cheer on the races.
- Physical Blu-ray release began in June 2024.
- Its innovative sponsor approach and focus on female talent in racing both in animation and real life set a milestone in the genre.
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