Kirarin Revolution, episode 7

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

Kirari's father is completely thrilled by his daughter's new makeup brand, and can't stop watching the commercial. At work, news of Kirari captivating several companies is actively discussed. Because of her great success, Kabata-san, a famous music producer, is brought in to compose something for her. Just one problem - Kirari can't sing! And she's not just bad - she's terrible! Kabata wants to drop the deal, but Kirari promises and insists that she will become a better singer in two weeks. If she can do it, Kabata will compose a hit CD.



Days pass. Kirari goes through all of the available voice instructors in the city, and still she is no better. Time is almost up, but she still won't quit! Admiring her persistance, Naa-san (her pet cat) offers to be her coach. It seems he was once a famous singer in the world of cats (um... OK). Even through his difficult training and special diet, there is still no noticable change in her glass shattering voice.

She runs into Seiji, sadly confessing that there hasn't been any improvement. He tells her that as long as she's trying for the people who support her, that is good enough. He takes her to a mysterious building, hands her a mic, and sticks her on a balcony, her face being broadcast on a large screen above. People see her and recognize her as the girl from the commercial. Seeing their excited faces, Kirari decides to try one more time. Success! Though she is no professional, she does decently enough. Everybody cheers! In the end, Kabata-san says he will indeed bring her to musical stardom. Another hurtle gone!



I can't help but think that Kirari's problems parallel with Koharu, her voice actor. Koharu has the kind of singing voice that HAS to grow on you - her tendency to go off-key is really hard on the ears. So, it either grows on you, or you'll continue to hate it.