Aikatsu! 10th Story: Mirai e no Starway (2023)

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Aikatsu! 10th Story: Mirai e no Starway (2023) Review

Aikatsu! 10th Story: Mirai e no Starway (2023) — The Blu-ray release on May 26, 2023 split the theatrical version into three 24-minute episodes. This overview is intentionally spoiler-free and focuses on tone and intent rather than plot specifics.

Thematically, as a Movie work and has garnered attention (MAL score: 7.94). This work explores character dynamics, tonal shifts, and the interplay between narrative ambition and execution. The story's pacing and tonal choices are crafted to complement the central ideas, often emphasizing atmosphere and emotional truth over explicit exposition. The show's ability to evoke a consistent mood — whether melancholic, exuberant, or contemplative — is a recurring strength, and the scenes are constructed so viewers can infer stakes without needing explicit spoilers.

Characterization is a core pillar here. Protagonists and supporting figures are written with distinct motivations and narrative roles; even when archetypal, the series invests in small behavioral details that make choices feel earned. Character arcs are handled with an eye for gradualism: development often arrives through incremental beats rather than abrupt, expository shifts. The interactions between characters create texture, and relationships are used to illuminate both personal flaws and larger thematic concerns.

On the visual front, production values play a significant role. The animation quality varies by sequence but frequently showcases thoughtful direction and composition. Background art, framing, and color palettes are used deliberately to support tone — quieter scenes favor muted palettes while action or heightened emotional beats employ brighter, more kinetic visuals. Direction choices, such as camera movement and shot selection, often elevate scenes beyond their raw script, creating moments that linger in the viewer's mind.

The soundscape — score, incidental music, and sound design — complements the visual language. Music cues are placed to maximize emotional resonance without manipulating the audience with melodrama; this restraint often leads to more authentic emotional payoff. Sound design punctuates key moments, and when the series leans on silence, those quieter moments are given weight by measured audio choices.

Pacing and structure are handled with craft. Episodes are arranged to build tension and release methodically, and the narrative rarely rushes through important emotional beats. That said, the deliberate pacing may feel slow to viewers who prefer faster plot turnover; the reward is greater nuance and an accumulation of meaning across the series. Accessibility is generally good — one can appreciate surface-level pleasures, while repeat or attentive viewing reveals additional layers.

No title is without flaws. Occasional unevenness in subplots or variable animation across episodes can be distracting. Some tonal shifts might feel abrupt if you expect uniformity; others will argue that those shifts are purposeful. These are worth noting, but they seldom undercut the larger achievements of the work.

In sum, Aikatsu! 10th Story: Mirai e no Starway (2023) offers a rich experience for viewers who value character-driven storytelling, considered visual design, and a soundtrack that supports rather than overwhelms. For fans of thoughtful anime, this is an especially rewarding watch. It's recommended for those who appreciate layered narratives and artistry in animation, and best approached with patience and attention to nuance.

Characters & Voice Actors

Hoshimiya, Ichigo

Main

Morohoshi, Sumire

Japanese

Kiriya, Aoi

Main

Tadokoro, Azusa

Japanese

Oozora, Akari

Main

Shimoji, Shino

Japanese

Shibuki, Ran

Main

Ohashi, Ayaka

Japanese

Toudou, Yurika

Main

Numakura, Manami

Japanese

Amahane, Asuka

Supporting

Amahane, Madoka

Supporting

Arisugawa, Otome

Supporting

Kurosawa, Tomoyo

Japanese

Bepp, Johnny

Supporting

Yasumura, Makoto

Japanese

Daichi, Nono

Supporting

Dojima, Nina

Supporting

Hikami, Sumire

Supporting

Wakui, Yuu

Japanese

Hoshimiya, Ringo

Supporting

Noto, Mamiko

Japanese

Hoshimiya, Raichi

Supporting

Seto, Asami

Japanese

Ichinose, Kaede

Supporting

Mimura, Yuuna

Japanese

Kamiya, Shion

Supporting

Seto, Asami

Japanese

Kanzaki, Mizuki

Supporting

Kotobuki, Minako

Japanese

Kazesawa, Sora

Supporting

Kitaooji, Sakura

Supporting

Yasuno, Kiyono

Japanese

Kurebayashi, Juri

Supporting

Staff

Kimura, Ryuuichi

Director

Codama, Saori

Theme Song Lyrics

Ichikura, Yuna

Theme Song Performance

Ishihama, Kakeru

Theme Song Arrangement, Theme Song Composition

Kirishima, Waka

Theme Song Performance

Risuko

Theme Song Performance

Tadano, Natsumi

Theme Song Lyrics

Uebana, Fuuri

Theme Song Performance

Katou, Youichi

Screenplay

Yaguchi, Hiroko

Character Design