Love Live! The School Idol Movie 2015

The film commences by flashing back to Honoka’s childhood, where she’s attempting to leap over a puddle left behind by a torrential downpour. Kotori enthusiastically cheers her on, while Umi watches from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement. Despite multiple failed attempts and Kotori’s gentle prodding for Honoka to give up and head home, our plucky protagonist perseveres, finally soaring over the puddle in triumph.

Fast-forward to the aftermath of the second season, where μ’s receives a notification that Love Live! is gearing up for a third competition, with the ambitious goal of hosting it within the iconic Tokyo Dome. To achieve this dream, they need a significant boost in publicity to make it a sold-out concert. As part of their strategy to spread the appeal of school idols to an even broader audience, μ’s decides to embark on a transatlantic journey to the United States, where a prominent TV agency has offered to feature them in a special program. Although they had initially planned to disband, the girls agree to perform, driven by their desire to support Love Live! and secure their legacy as school idols until the end of the month.

As μ’s prepares for their live performance and trains in the city that never sleeps – New York City – they take time out to indulge in some touristy fun. The montage ends with the insert song “Hello, Hoshi o Kazoete” (Hello,星を数えて), a nostalgic nod to their carefree adventures. However, Honoka’s moment of solitude takes an unexpected turn when she becomes separated from her friends and stumbles upon a lone Japanese female singer performing on the streets. Entranced by her enchanting voice singing “As Time Goes By” (Japanese) / “Stars, Come to me!” (International), Honoka is drawn to her captivating performance.

Intrigued, Honoka strikes up a conversation with the singer, only to discover that they share a poignant connection – both once performed music with close friends. The singer’s story is one of heartbreak and loss, as she found herself alone in New York after experiencing numerous partings. As Honoka makes her way back to the hotel, she’s left pondering the singer’s words: “What’s most important is, whose sake do you sing for?” The first portion of the film concludes with μ’s delivering a rousing performance of “Angelic Angel” in New York’s iconic Times Square and Central Park.

As μ’s’ meteoric rise to fame continues unabated across Japan, the group finds themselves beset by an onslaught of adoring fans, with Akihabara transformed into a sea of μ’s merchandise and advertisements. The girls, now international sensations, are forced to resort to subterfuge, donning disguises as they navigate their newfound celebrity status. The haunting strains of ”?← Heartbeat” (Hate na Heartbeat) provide the sonic backdrop for this surreal experience, as the members of μ’s confront the crushing weight of their own fame. Meanwhile, the fans’ fervent pleas for the group to continue forever begin to take their toll, eroding the girls’ resolve and leaving them grappling with the existential implications of their decision to disband.

As Honoka wrestles with her doubts, she receives an unexpected visit from Principal Minami, who offers a sympathetic ear and a words of encouragement, urging the girls to reconsider their plans. The principal’s words are echoed by Tsubasa, who initiates a midnight ride with A-Rise, using the opportunity to broach the subject of μ’s potentially extending its run as a professional music group.

As Honoka paces through the rain-soaked streets, grappling with the weight of her responsibilities, she is confronted by a mysterious voice, singing a haunting melody. Recognizing the singer from their earlier encounter, Honoka feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude and, compelled by her emotions, drags the stranger back to her home. However, just as all seems set for a heart-to-heart, the singer abruptly departs, leaving Honoka feeling bereft.

It is in this moment of introspection that the singer returns, posing a question that has been percolating in Honoka’s mind: what is the answer to her deepest desire? As the two stand before a picturesque lake, surrounded by a sea of flowers, the singer presents Honoka with an unexpected challenge: to leap across the water. With a sense of trepidation, Honoka takes the plunge, and as she soars through the air, she finds herself reaffirming her passion for the art of school idolhood.

Meanwhile, Eli delivers a message on behalf of the third years, informing Honoka that they have reached a unanimous decision to bring an end to their activities. As the weight of this revelation settles upon her, Honoka is left to ponder the future of μ’s, and the uncertain path that lies ahead.

As morning dawns, Honoka (Honoka) returns to the rooftop gathering spot, where the collective consensus has crystallized. With a resolute determination, she presents her magnum opus: a concert extravaganza designed to unite all school idol groups in their final tribute to the industry. Her proposal resonates deeply with Tsubasa (Tsubasa), who enthusiastically endorses the idea at UTX High School.

Undeterred by the lukewarm response from most school idols, Honoka and her cohorts embark on a nationwide journey, utilizing Maki’s financial backing for train fare. In groups of three, they travel across the country to persuade their counterparts to join forces. The monumental crowd converges in Akiba, setting the stage for an unforgettable school idol festival.

Behind the scenes, Kotori (Kotori) and Anju (Anju) collaborate on the costumes, while Maki (Maki) and Tsubasa (Tsubasa) work together to craft a captivating song. As the eve of the event approaches, Honoka delivers a bombshell announcement: μ’s disbandment is imminent, sending shockwaves throughout the group.

Finally, the day of reckoning arrives, and all of μ’s makes their way to Akiba. Amidst the chaos, Eli (Eli) decides to kick off the festivities with an impromptu race, as μ’s begins its ascent towards the stage. Honoka’s attention is diverted by a solitary drifting petal, reminiscent of the ethereal blooms on the hill in the fantastical realm. Seizing the moment, she lets her spirit soar, executing intricate pirouettes and spins along the way.

As she reaches the site, μ’s is greeted by the astonishing sight of every school idol group already present, clad in costumes mirroring their own distinctive style. The sea of fans parts to create a clear path to the stage, and the festival commences with the performance of “Sunny Day Song,” now a unifying anthem for all school idols.

As the new academic year dawns on Otonokizaka High School, two stalwarts from the esteemed Idol Research Club, Yukiho and Alisa (third-year students), assume the mantle of guardians for the cherished legacy of μ’s. The dynamic duo delivers a rousing welcome speech to the freshmen, regaling them with tales of the school’s salvation at the hands of μ’s and their thrilling final performance. This pivotal moment serves as a poignant reminder of the group’s triumphant journey.

The scene then seamlessly transitions into a nostalgic flashback, whisking viewers back in time to the backstage moments preceding μ’s last idol performance. The air is electric with anticipation as the group readies themselves for one final hurrah on stage.

As the curtain rises on their swan song at the iconic Akiba Dome, the movie concludes with an emotional rendition of “Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari” (), a poignant anthem that signals the beginning of μ’s farewell performance. This stirring conclusion leaves audiences eager to bear witness to the group’s final, unforgettable chapter.