(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).
Because a job Kirari was scheduled for has been delayed, she now has a day off (which her manager would prefer she used to do her homework), and decides the perfect way to spend it is with her friends. But things are not meant to go smoothly for the tired idol who just wants a summer vacation. While she, Sayaka, and Miku are on the train to the beach, a crowd of excited people try to get close to her for photos/autographs. After making a break for it, the girls decide on a plan b: an amusement park, and this time Kirari thinks to put on a disguise. This works only until they got onto a roller coaster, and her wig and glasses fall off. Then it's the same thing over again.
Plan C is the movie theater. Naa-san gives the idea that Kirari should walk with her face covered in shopping bags. And it does work, until they reach the ticket counter and Kirari is declared the theater's 100th customer. When asked her name, she tries to give something like "the pitiful girl," but the man who gives out the prize recognized her, and they once again had to flee. What worry free place could the teens possibly go to now? Sayaka and Miku feel sorry for her - she can't have any fun. Kirari apologizes for all the trouble, but her friends say it can't be helped.
Where they currently are, Kirari's company is nearby, and she decides to take them there to meet SHIPS. Being big fans, who would say no. After sparkly glee from handshakes and autographs, Kirari tells them she can take them to see SHIPS anytime they ask. Sayaka and Miku comment that their world and the entertainment world are very different - they feel distant somehow. While resting from the day's exercise at a cafe, Kirari asks them how things are at school. While they prattle on about teachers, it's her turn to feel left out. Then they are once again harassed by fans, causing trouble for the cafe. Miku, fed up, tries to protect Kirari and demands that everyone leave them alone. Kirari, knowing she has to act like a cheerful idol at all times, takes over and sweet talks the crowd into letting them through. This doesn't bode well with Miku. Walking home, Miku says that Kirari has changed. She stopped her friends from helping, and she must care more about her fans than she does for them. If that's how it's going to be, they can't see each other anymore.
Kirari is now alone, and it starts to rain, hiding her heartbroken tears. Furthur away, Sayaka and Miku talk about the lovable food fiend, and how, despite the setbacks, running around was fun. The two girls discover that she has accidentally left behind a special book called "Soul of an Idol," notes written by her and her manager on proper behavior. Reading the notes brings about laughter, and they realize what Kirari means to them. After the storm has passed, and Kirari reaches home, she is surprised to see them waiting for her in the doorway. They make up, and Kirari's dad declares they have a party. Everything is OK again.
It was nice to see this show move beyond the goofy, and show some REAL human sadness. I nearly cried myself when Kirari did.
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