Selection Project

The project was announced on December 6, 2019, under the catchphrase “Fight, to make your dreams come true.”

Originally titled “Project Selection,” it revealed the profiles of key characters Suzune Miyama and Rena Hananoi at its launch.

On December 4, 2020, the project was officially renamed Selection Project.

It was then announced that a TV anime adaptation would begin airing in 2021, and that the project would enter full-scale development.

Main cast members were revealed on March 9, 2021, showcasing the talented voices behind the nine central characters.

In Selection Project’s universe, an annual summer idol reality audition is considered the ultimate gateway for aspiring idols.

Now in its 7th year, the contest draws over 100,000 applicants competing through regional qualifiers.

The nine winners, each representing a different region, participate in the main event—a one-month audition camp where they live together and compete in various challenges.

Winners are determined solely by audience votes, called “yells.”

Only those who make it through all judgment rounds debut as idols, making this a true test of both talent and popularity.

Suzune Miyama, a lively but gentle girl from Saitama, dreams of becoming an idol after a life-saving heart transplant.

She idolizes Akari Amasawa—the first Selection Project winner—and wants to offer hope to those suffering like she once did.

Rena Hananoi is both Suzune’s biggest rival and her future closest ally.

Despite her determined and somewhat aloof demeanor, Rena hides vulnerability and a tragic connection: her late sister is Akari Amasawa, whose heart now beats inside Suzune.

The story unfolds as nine contestants—each with their own backgrounds, motivations, and secrets—compete in the Selection Project’s challenging main rounds.

Against the colorful backdrop of group auditions, dance battles, musical showdowns, and emotional showdowns, these girls form bonds that turn rivals into friends and transform lives forever.

Throughout the competition, themes of courage, loss, forgiveness, and self-acceptance unfold.

Personal rivalries turn into friendship, underlying traumas bubble to the surface, and each girl must confront her own motivation for chasing the idol dream.

• Selection Project: The massive nationwide idol audition/reality show at the heart of the series.
• Yell: Votes cast by viewers watching the show, which determine contestants’ fates.
• 9-tie: The idol group formed by the nine main characters who make it through to the final stage.
• Suzu☆Rena: A temporary vocal unit formed by Suzune and Rena during the competition.
• Splasoda°: A four-girl dance unit formed in the early rounds.
• GAPsCAPs: A band unit formed by three contestants focused on musical instruments.
• Dream Inn: The special living facility where finalists stay during the main audition period.
• Sumipanda: The mascot and host of the show, who is later revealed to be a former failed idol named Oshiruco Jun.

Anime

The Selection Project anime aired from October 1 to December 24, 2021.

It was produced by Doga Kobo and broadcast on networks such as AT-X, TV Aichi, and several others, with 13 episodes in total.

Streaming releases included major Japanese platforms like d Anime Store, Abema, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Blu-ray and DVD versions were released in four volumes between December 2021 and March 2022.

Manga

A manga adaptation by Koji Higashi ran on Manga UP! from July 2021 to March 2022.

It was collected in two volumes and provides a parallel retelling and expansion on the TV anime’s main plot points, highlighting each girl’s backstory.

Web Radio

The web radio show “Selepuro☆Radio – Please listen to me!” was hosted from October to December 2021 by the voice actresses for Suzune Miyama and Rena Hananoi.

It featured behind-the-scenes discussions, special guests from the main cast, and unique insights into the anime.

Live Events

Notable events include the main theme CD launch on October 30, 2021, and the group's first concert “Selection Project 1st LIVE ~Cheer for you!~” on January 30, 2022 at Zepp Haneda.

Selection Project was launched as a multimedia collaboration between KADOKAWA and Doga Kobo.

The anime was directed by Daisuke Hiramaki, with series composition and scripting by Yuya Takahashi, and character design by Kana Hirayama.

The entire project was supported by a strong production committee, ensuring high-quality music, animation, and voice acting.

The opening theme “Glorious Days” and ending theme “Only one yell” are both performed by 9-tie, the franchise’s central idol group.

There are also a number of insert songs for different units within the show:

• “SELECTION HEROINE” (Image song by 9-tie)
• “B.B.” (By Suzu☆Rena)
• “SPARKRASH” (By Splasoda°)
• “NOiSY MONSTER” (By GAPsCAPs)
• “Naked Blue,” “ENDROLL,” “Itsuka Kanau Yume” and various others

Each song is tailored to the spirit and growth of the group or character it represents.

Selection Project stood out for its deep focus on competition, teamwork, and the emotional hurdles behind idol culture.

Fans and critics praised its character-driven storytelling, strong performances, and heartfelt approach to exploring themes like loss, self-worth, and unity.

Live events, character goods collaborations (such as with WEGO fashion), and social media engagement helped the franchise cement an enthusiastic fanbase, both for the anime and its idol music.

• The series has held successful collaborations, such as a fashion partnership with WEGO.
• Its comprehensive approach embraced anime, manga, music, and live performance, typical of contemporary Japanese idol projects.
• The franchise continues to have lasting appeal thanks to its relatable cast and moving themes, remaining a bright spot in the idol anime genre.