Aikatsu! is a Japanese multimedia project that began as an arcade collectible card game by Bandai, which launched in October 2012. The franchise follows a group of aspiring idols at Starlight Academy who use special cards to perform on stage. The series has been adapted into multiple anime television series, manga, and music CDs, captivating audiences with its colorful characters, catchy music, and vibrant animation, inspiring young fans to pursue their dreams of becoming idols.