"AniSta!!" 10.5th Anniversary Live Stream Report: Behind-the-Scenes of the Thrilling Stage and Cast Reflections on the 10.5th Anniversary
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/440/G044054/20250918042/
Writer: Naito Hasami | 2025/10/06 08:00 (UTC)
On September 12, 2025, Happy Elements held the 10.5th anniversary live stream event for “Ensemble Stars!!”, titled “Today and Tomorrow, I Love You So Much!”
MC was Yuuki Ono (voicing Daikoku Shouga), with additional appearances by Yuki Kaji (voicing Igami Mio), Shuhei Toyoshima (voicing Es), Yuki Sakaki (voicing Kanna), and Sounosuke Habu (voicing Kanaka Chitose). This article presents a behind-the-scenes look at the recording session, along with cast comments following the live stream.
Official “Ensemble Stars!!” Website
A Cast in High Spirits Celebrating the 10.5th Anniversary
The 9th anniversary live stream event “LIMIT BREAK” in April 2024, followed by the half-anniversary special “LIMIT BREAK - Road to 10th –” in September of that year, and then the 10th anniversary live stream “Bright me up!!” in April 2025.
Each event consistently amazed us with its wealth of content and sheer volume of information—and this 10.5th anniversary live stream was no different. With an abundance of announcements, the broadcast exceeded two hours.
The event featured announcements for the 10.5th anniversary campaign, the new in-game feature “Megaphoto Battle,” and special content including a live experience of the “Studio” space by Takuya Takasaka (voicing Shion Sō), who actually touched it both indoors and outdoors; footage from Tomohiro Yamaguchi (voicing Shinya Niki) on his involvement in creating the “Bright me up!!” tea product. The day was packed with fresh information and exclusive video clips prepared especially for this event.
The “Studio” feature and “Megaphoto Battle” were experienced live by the cast members during the stream, allowing them to enjoy taking photos alongside their idols—and relishing the satisfaction of capturing stunning images of their favorite performers.
With dense information delivery and lively banter from the cast, the “Ensemble Stars!!” 10.5th anniversary live stream event “Today and Tomorrow, I Love You So Much!” was an exhilarating experience—don’t miss rewatching it through the archive.
Behind-the-Scenes Interview After the Live Stream
– What were your thoughts on today’s broadcast?
Yuki Kaji (hereafter: Kaji):
This was my first time participating in a live stream for “Ensemble Stars!!,” but I came here with one purpose—to celebrate the 10.5th anniversary!
With Ono-kun as MC, it feels like we’ve been partners for ages already. Working alongside other new cast members on this project made for an enjoyable two-hour-long event.
The most fun part was definitely the segments using the new features. I’d love if viewers at home tried them out too!
Yuuki Ono (hereafter: Ono):
I served as MC today! Usually, roles like this are handled by characters such as Kamine (Shin’ichirou), so I’m used to being on the cheering side—but this time, I got to do both, and it was super fun.
Time flew by in a flash. The great teamwork and atmosphere among everyone made me want to do another event with this same cast… though unfortunately, only those named “Yuuki” can join next time (laughs).
All:
(Laughter)
Ono:
It felt great that even my playful jokes were met with good-natured responses from such a fun group of people. The energy in the viewers’ comments was incredible—I could really feel their enthusiasm, and it made me so happy.
Shuhei Toyoshima (hereafter: Toyoshima):
The time just flew by—what an enjoyable experience! I felt supported from the sidelines by both “Yuuki” characters.
There were newcomers among us today, but there was absolutely no awkwardness. We all got along great. Next time, if possible, I’ll try to join again—but on that note… I’ll discuss it with my agency (laughs).
Ono:
You can’t just change things without permission, after all (laughs).
Toyoshima:
That was a joke, but really—this was such an enjoyable experience. If even a small part of this joy could reach viewers, that would make me happy.
Yuki Sakaki (hereafter: Sakaki):
I was super nervous before the broadcast started, thinking “This is such a big event… 10.5th anniversary!” But once it began, I found myself having fun following along with all the latest updates alongside our audience.
We even got to enjoy delicious food and drinks! It made me realize just how wonderful this “Ensemble Stars!!” truly is.
Even though we’ve already had many milestones at 10.5 years old, I can’t wait for what’s next—11th anniversary, 11.5th, maybe even 11.8th (a joke from the show)—there will surely be so much more to come. I’m really looking forward to it! Let’s keep celebrating together!
Sounosuke Habu (hereafter: Habu):
Honestly, I’ve been so nervous since about a week ago—I couldn’t even sleep well. I still consider myself a student of “Ensemble Stars!!,” unsure if I’d be able to keep up properly.
But thanks to the warm support from Ono-kun and Kaji-san, along with kindness and playful teasing from Toyoshima-san and Sakaki-kun, it was actually really fun.
Today’s broadcast helped me realize once again just how big “Ensemble Stars!!” truly is. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
– Do you have any memorable photos—personal or professional—that stand out to you?
Kaji:
I try to make time to go places with my daughter and preserve those memories. For our generation, smartphones didn’t exist in childhood, and capturing photos and videos wasn’t as easy. So I truly appreciate how convenient it is today.
I’d love to document as much of my daughter’s life as possible.
In response to your question—well, every place we go leaves an impression… Actually, even at home—the moment she crawls, the first time she stands or walks, her daily pretend-play sessions—all these moments are precious memories. So really, “every moment with my daughter” is the correct answer (laughs).
It made me realize again: “Photos are amazing!”
Habu:
There was a time when old photos of my late grandfather and grandmother surfaced—when they were young. Of course I never lived through that era, so I’d never seen them like this before. But one photo alone gave me the impression: “Wow, Grandpa was such a wild, handsome guy!”
On the other hand, I personally don’t take many photos. Even on trips, I rarely photograph myself—so when I try to recall something from that time, it’s often blurry in my mind. So now, I’ve decided I’ll start taking more pictures.
Toyoshima:
I’m not much of a photo-taker either. But whenever I rediscover old photos or albums after years, the memories come rushing back—not just the images themselves, but all the feelings tied to them.
“Ah yes, this was when we went there… and that happened then…” It’s beautiful.
Also, features like instant cameras—being able to turn digital moments into physical prints—is great too. With so many ways to preserve memories today, I want to go beyond just taking photos—I want to give them a tangible form.
Sakaki:
I’ve never been much of a photo-taker either. Since I don’t take pictures of myself, I can’t really empathize with the excitement someone feels when they say “Let’s take some photos!”
Recently, though, I often go out with four members from Esprit. Most recently, we played UNDEAD’s real-life escape game “Escape from the Undead Line: The Path of the Sleeping Treasure” (external link), and after practice, we’d head to a ramen shop when everyone had time.
When we take photos together during these fun moments, it feels just like hanging out with classmates after school. It’s made me realize how wonderful it is to build memories in tangible form.
Today was great—I’m glad we got to take photos as the “Yuuki-Z” trio!
Ono:
I truly hate taking photos… that word might be a bit strong, but “hate” is accurate. I rarely take them. My philosophy: “If you’ve got time to take pictures, just enjoy yourself!” When dinner arrives, I think it’s too precious a moment for photo-taking—so I’m like, “Let’s eat already!”
But recently, an old college friend told me, “I found your photo again after so long.” So I saw it—and the guy in that picture? He had an afro.
All:
Whaaat?!
Ono:
And it wasn’t even a perm—it was natural! I’d been so cheap with my haircuts that it just grew out into an afro. Since I never take photos of myself, seeing this “stolen” picture made me look back and say, “Ah… how nostalgic!”
I had completely forgotten about the time when “Ono-chan” meant “afro guy.” So now I’ve realized: It’s great that someone else preserves those moments for you.
If there are opportunities like today’s “Yuuki-Z” photo session—I’ll definitely take them.
And sometimes, I even snap a quick photo of my meal to post on X…
Sakaki:
Sounds like it’s for health app purposes!
Ono:
Exactly! But honestly… I’ve never actually posted that photo. It’s just sitting there unused…
– Finally, any message for our readers?
Ono:
As someone who has been involved with “Moon Stars” and others, the enthusiasm viewers show toward new announcements and free talk segments is truly heartwarming. Now that we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary, I can feel a level of passion that might be the hottest yet.
I’m deeply grateful to all the staff members who’ve prepared events like fireworks shows and other special programs.
I believe every piece of content from this 10th-anniversary project will bring joy to everyone—so please enjoy it as you race toward the 11th anniversary, and even further… maybe even aim for the 105th! Let’s keep enjoying it together!
Sakaki:
As a voice actor portraying Kanna-kun, I’ve been drawn deeper into “Ensemble Stars!!” with every new discovery. The more I learn about this world, the more I’m amazed by how many wonderful things exist—“This character has such amazing qualities!”
I react not just with one joy, but multiple joys—one happy, two happy, three happy—I feel incredibly fulfilled. And as an actor, I realize that’s exactly what idols are for: to give energy and inspiration to others who watch them.
So personally, I want to work hard so that through Kanna-kun, I can deliver something that helps fans think, “I can keep going tomorrow!”—that kind of daily motivation. Thank you all for your continued support!
Toyoshima:
When I appeared in the 9.5th anniversary live stream, there was still a lot of nervousness. But now, a year has passed. From the weight of ten years ago, “just one year” might seem short—but so much happened within that year.
It made me realize again how these accumulated moments eventually lead to big milestones like the 10th anniversary. It’s truly incredible.
Today, you all warmly welcomed us and created a relaxed atmosphere where we could enjoy ourselves freely—thank you, seniors who’ve been with us this long. Thank you, players who’ve supported us through fun times. And thank you, “Ensemble Stars!!” for being such an amazing content experience.
There’s so much exciting news today! I’ll do my best to bring smiles to everyone’s faces going forward—please continue supporting us!
Habu:
Congratulations on the 10.5th anniversary! Since I began portraying Kanaka Chitose, it’s been 0.5 years for me. It’s incredible how vibrant and energetic this idol franchise is—it truly feels unmatched in history. I’m always touched by it.
Currently, Chitose is meeting various members of different units in the story. So I hope to grow alongside her—learning more about the “Ensemble Stars!!” world myself.
I don’t know exactly where Chitose will go in the future—but one day, I’d love to be able to proudly say, “I’m a voice actor for ‘Ensemble Stars!!’!” That’s my dream. I’ll keep working hard toward that moment. Thank you!
Kaji:
Congratulations on your 10.5th anniversary—and thank you so much! It still shocks me that we’ve shared this journey with everyone for such a long time, and it’s only because of the love and support from fans that this project continues. I’m deeply moved.
I truly respect idol performers—they give their all to everything, even if they’re not perfect at every single thing. They transform those efforts into entertainment or documentaries that inspire people, bring courage, and create moments of emotion.
And in portraying these characters—this is exactly what Mio is, what Trickstar represents, and what the “Ensemble Stars!!” cast embodies. Every time I perform, I feel this more strongly than ever.
That’s why fans continue to support them with such passion—it makes me realize how wonderful that relationship truly is. Today’s live stream reminded me of that once again.
Going forward, I want to aim higher—together with Mio—and keep striving for greatness. With new members joining, the world will become even more vibrant. I’ll do my best so that people all over Earth can one day say they love “Ensemble Stars!!” too!
Official “Ensemble Stars!!” Website
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014-2019 Happy Elements K.K
(C) 2014 Happy Elements K.K