Description
"22/7" is an anime and manga series that revolves around a group of young women who are brought together to form an idol group under mysterious circumstances. The narrative begins with the protagonist, Miu Takigawa, a reserved and introverted high school student who receives a letter from a shadowy organization known as "The Wall." The letter instructs her to attend an audition, which she reluctantly does, only to discover that she has been selected as one of eight members of a new idol group named "22/7."
The group's formation is overseen by a cryptic figure referred to as "The Manager," who communicates with the girls through a digital interface and provides them with directives. The Manager's true identity and motives remain unclear throughout much of the story, adding an element of intrigue. Each member of the group is chosen based on their unique talents and personalities, and they are required to live together in a shared dormitory while undergoing rigorous training to prepare for their debut as idols.
The series explores the personal struggles and growth of each member as they navigate the challenges of the idol industry. Miu, initially hesitant and unsure of her place in the group, gradually opens up and forms bonds with her fellow members. Other key characters include Sakura Fujima, a cheerful and optimistic girl who serves as the group's emotional anchor; Nicole Saitou, a half-Japanese, half-American member who struggles with her identity and self-worth; and Ayaka Tachikawa, a former child actress who faces pressure to live up to her past success.
As the story progresses, the members of 22/7 confront various obstacles, both individually and as a group. These include internal conflicts, external criticism, and the demanding nature of their profession. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the importance of camaraderie. The girls' journey is marked by moments of triumph and hardship, as they strive to achieve their dreams while staying true to themselves.
The series also incorporates elements of mystery and science fiction, particularly through the enigmatic presence of The Wall and The Manager. The Wall, a massive, sentient structure that appears to have a will of its own, plays a significant role in the group's formation and development. Its origins and purpose are gradually revealed, adding depth to the overarching plot.
"22/7" balances its focus on character development with the broader narrative of the idol industry, offering a nuanced portrayal of the pressures and rewards of pursuing a career in entertainment. The series is notable for its blend of emotional storytelling, interpersonal dynamics, and speculative elements, making it a distinctive entry in the idol genre.
The group's formation is overseen by a cryptic figure referred to as "The Manager," who communicates with the girls through a digital interface and provides them with directives. The Manager's true identity and motives remain unclear throughout much of the story, adding an element of intrigue. Each member of the group is chosen based on their unique talents and personalities, and they are required to live together in a shared dormitory while undergoing rigorous training to prepare for their debut as idols.
The series explores the personal struggles and growth of each member as they navigate the challenges of the idol industry. Miu, initially hesitant and unsure of her place in the group, gradually opens up and forms bonds with her fellow members. Other key characters include Sakura Fujima, a cheerful and optimistic girl who serves as the group's emotional anchor; Nicole Saitou, a half-Japanese, half-American member who struggles with her identity and self-worth; and Ayaka Tachikawa, a former child actress who faces pressure to live up to her past success.
As the story progresses, the members of 22/7 confront various obstacles, both individually and as a group. These include internal conflicts, external criticism, and the demanding nature of their profession. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the importance of camaraderie. The girls' journey is marked by moments of triumph and hardship, as they strive to achieve their dreams while staying true to themselves.
The series also incorporates elements of mystery and science fiction, particularly through the enigmatic presence of The Wall and The Manager. The Wall, a massive, sentient structure that appears to have a will of its own, plays a significant role in the group's formation and development. Its origins and purpose are gradually revealed, adding depth to the overarching plot.
"22/7" balances its focus on character development with the broader narrative of the idol industry, offering a nuanced portrayal of the pressures and rewards of pursuing a career in entertainment. The series is notable for its blend of emotional storytelling, interpersonal dynamics, and speculative elements, making it a distinctive entry in the idol genre.
Cast
- Reina Miyase
Staff
- Director · Takao Abo
- Series Composition · Chiaki Nagai
- Series Composition · Reiji Miyajima
- Script · Chiaki Nagai
- Script · Takahito Ōnishi
- Script · Ami Satō
- Storyboard · Koji Masunari
- Storyboard · Shingo Kaneko
- Storyboard · Takao Abo
- Storyboard · Atsushi Ootsuki
- Storyboard · Takashi Sakuma
- Storyboard · Tomohiko Ito
- Storyboard · Tomomi Kamiya
- Storyboard · Masahiro Mukai
- Storyboard · Takashi Kawabata
- Storyboard · Mamoru Sasaki
- Storyboard · Takahiko Kyōgoku
- Storyboard · Satsuki Takahashi
- Storyboard · Daiki Mori
- Storyboard · Ikuo Morimoto
- Storyboard · Saori Tachibana
- Storyboard · Rina Mitsuzumi
- Storyboard · Joji Furuta
- Episode Director · Satoshi Saga
- Episode Director · Kazuo Nogami
- Episode Director · Yasushi Murayama
- Episode Director · Takashi Sakuma
- Episode Director · Tomoya Tanaka
- Episode Director · Yuji Oya
- Episode Director · Satsuki Takahashi
- Episode Director · Daiki Mori
- Episode Director · Saori Tachibana
- Episode Director · Kuniyasu Nishina
- Unit Director · Takao Abo
- Unit Director · Takashi Sakuma
- Unit Director · Tomomi Kamiya
- Unit Director · Takashi Kawabata
- Unit Director · Mamoru Sasaki
- Unit Director · Shinpei Wada
- Unit Director · Rina Mitsuzumi
- Music · Masato Nakayama
- Original Character Design · Akio Watanabe
- Original Character Design · Kouhaku Kuroboshi
- Original Character Design · Mieko Hosoi
- Original Character Design · Masayoshi Tanaka
- Original Character Design · Yukiko Horiguchi
- Original Character Design · Mel Kishida
- Original Character Design · Kurehito Misaki
- Original Character Design · Hirokazu Koyama
- Original Character Design · Kantoku
- Original Character Design · Tometa Ohara
- Original Character Design · Koharu Sakura
- Character Design · Majiro
- Art Director · Hotaka Okamoto
- Chief Animation Director · Akira Takata
- Chief Animation Director · Majiro
- Chief Animation Director · Satomi Tamura
- Animation Director · Kanetoshi Kamimoto
- Animation Director · Akira Takata
- Animation Director · Hiromi Okazaki
- Animation Director · Kazuhisa Kosuge
- Animation Director · Takeshi Matsuda
- Animation Director · Kaori Higuchi
- Animation Director · Yu Saito
- Animation Director · Rio
- Animation Director · Keita Hagio
- Animation Director · Raku Nishikimi
- Animation Director · Ken Mukaigawara
- Animation Director · Takashi Narikawa
- Animation Director · Kenji Terao
- Animation Director · Naoto Yoshida
- Animation Director · Sayaka Takase
- Animation Director · Chie Saito
- Animation Director · Takayuki Kidou
- Animation Director · Yūri Ichinose
- Animation Director · Tomoki Kōda
- Animation Director · Kōsuke Kawamura
- Animation Director · Gakushi Maeda
- Animation Director · Tatsuya Mizuno
- Animation Director · Hisae Ikezu
- Animation Director · Yūma Yokomatsu
- Animation Director · Majiro
- Animation Director · Midori Tanaka
- Animation Director · Yu Matsuno
- Animation Director · Takashi Habe
- Animation Director · Sana Komatsu
- Animation Director · Mayuko Yamamoto
- Animation Director · Mamoru Sasaki
- Animation Director · Kazuki Kōda
- Animation Director · Asami Mitsui
- Animation Director · Yuko Tagawa
- Animation Director · Sachiko Tsuji
- Animation Director · Maki Todaka
- Animation Director · Maasa Kimura
- Animation Director · Yūta Kevin Kenmotsu
- Animation Director · Rin Riku
- Animation Director · Takako Takahashi
- Animation Director · Hiroshi Saitō
- Animation Director · Kazutoshi Makino
- Animation Director · Takumi Onuki
- Animation Director · Rina Morita
- Animation Director · Yūdai Iino
- Animation Director · Yoshihiro Kasahara
- Sound Director · Akiko Fujita
- Cgi Director · Hiroyuki Yoshida
- Cgi Director · Daisuke Kusaka
- Cgi Director · Nao Kudō
- Director of Photography · Yuusaku Murakami
Production
- Animation Production · A-1 Pictures
- Production · ABC Animation
- Production · Shogakukan
- Production · Aniplex
- Production · BS11
- Production · Tokyo MX
- Production · Nagoya Broadcasting Network
- Production · BuzzWeb
Relations
Anime overview
Music
Ending
“Ikiru Koto ni Raku ni Naritai (生きることに楽になりたい)”
“Jinsei wa Waltz (人生はワルツ)”
“Kanjou Muyouron (感情無用論)”
“Kodoku wa Kirai Janai (孤独は嫌いじゃない)”
“Yume no Fune (夢の船)”
“Yuutosei ja Tsumaranai (優等生じゃつまらない)”
“Moonlight”
“One of them”

