D4DJ
| D4DJ | |
 Franchise logo | |
| Genre | Music |
|---|---|
| Created by | Bushiroad |
| Manga | |
| D4DJ: The story of Happy Around! | |
| Illustrated by | Moroko Kurasaki |
| Published by | Bushiroad |
| Magazine | Monthly Bushiroad |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| Original run | October 8, 2020 – present |
| Volumes | 1 |
| Game | |
| D4DJ Groovy Mix | |
| Developer | Donuts |
| Publisher | Bushiroad |
| Platform | iOS, Android |
| Released |
|
| Anime television series | |
| D4DJ First Mix | |
| Directed by | Seiji Mizushima |
| Produced by | Bushiroad |
| Written by | Gō Zappa Yuniko Ayana |
| Music by | Ryōhei Sataka |
| Studio | Sanzigen |
| Licensed by | |
| Original network | Tokyo MX, BS NTV, KBS, SUN, TVK, CTC, TUY, AT-X |
| English network | |
| Original run | October 30, 2020 – January 29, 2021 |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Manga | |
| D4DJ -The Starting of Photon Maiden- | |
| Illustrated by | Benino Atsu |
| Published by | Bushiroad |
| Magazine | Monthly Bushiroad |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| Original run | November 6, 2020 – present |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Anime television series | |
| D4DJ Petit Mix | |
| Directed by | Seiya Miyajima |
| Written by | Seiya Miyajima |
| Music by | Ryōhei Sataka |
| Studio | DMM.futureworks W-Toon Studio |
| Original network | Tokyo MX, BS NTV, KBS, SUN, TVK, CTC |
| Original run | February 5, 2021 – July 30, 2021 |
| Episodes | 26 |
D4DJ (Dig Delight Direct Drive DJ) is a Japanese music media franchise created by Bushiroad, with original story by Kō Nakamura. Takaaki Kidani is credited as executive producer. It consists primarily of live disc jockey performances, a rhythm game for smartphones titled D4DJ Groovy Mix and a 13-episode anime television series titled D4DJ First Mix, which aired from October 2020 to January 2021. A spin-off anime series titled D4DJ Petit Mix aired from February to July 2021.
Plot[]
Upon returning to Japan, first-year high school student Rinku Aimoto enrolls at Yoba Girls' Academy and meets Maho Akashi, the school's broadcaster and DJ. Rinku soon develops an interest in DJing after watching a performance by Yoba's famous DJ unit "Peaky P-key", and she and Maho form a group of their own called "Happy Around!". They are later joined by Muni Ohnaruto, a talented illustrator, and Rei Togetsu, a pianist.
Characters[]
Happy Around![]
The latest idol-themed DJ unit from Yoba Academy. The name comes from Rinku's catchphrase, which she habitually says whenever she is joyfully spinning around. Their primary music genre style is a combination of J-pop and dubstep. They also use happy hardcore and gabba.
- Rinku Aimoto (愛本 りんく, Aimoto Rinku)
- Voiced by: Yūka Nishio[1] (Japanese); Emi Lo[2] (English)
- Having lived in Africa since her childhood due to her parents' work, Rinku finally returned to Japan prior to high school and currently lives with her grandparents. On her first day of school, Maho introduced her to DJ activities by inviting her to a performance by Peaky P-key. She was then inspired to create her own DJ unit alongside Maho. An optimist who is sometimes seen as an oddball, she can sense how certain musical pieces can connect by moving her body, so she serves as Happy Around!'s lead singer and dancer. Her name is a play on the word "link".
- Maho Akashi (明石 真秀, Akashi Maho)
- Voiced by: Karin Kagami[1][3] (Japanese and English)
- A school DJ broadcaster under the name "Mash". Maho started her DJ activity after watching an outdoor concert when she was little. She initially attempted to reject Rinku's DJ unit invitation until she realized how serious Rinku is about it.
- Muni Ohnaruto (大鳴門 むに, Ōnaruto Muni)
- Voiced by: Haruka Mimura[1] (Japanese); Lily Ki[4] (English)
- An illustrator and VJ under the name "VJ Only", Muni has been attracting attention on the internet thanks to her drawings. She takes her art seriously, though she does not accept criticism kindly. She is Rinku's childhood friend, and reluctantly decides to join her unit upon being invited, but almost pulls out from her maiden appearance due to stage fright. Muni wears a rabbit ear headband and carries a cat plush called Nyochio during performances and in school.
- Rei Togetsu (渡月 麗, Togetsu Rei)
- Voiced by: Kanon Shizaki[1] (Japanese); Anairis Quiñones[5] (English)
- Being born to a wealthy family, Rei had lessons in all sorts of activities and is gifted at the piano. However, her parents set strict expectations that she wishes to be freed from. She serves as the group's composer and arranger.
Peaky P-key[]
A popular hip hop-themed DJ unit in Yoba Academy. It was formed during their middle school years. Also known as Peaky, their music style is a combination of techno, hip hop, and rave music.
- Kyoko Yamate (山手 響子, Yamate Kyōko)
- Voiced by: Aimi[1] (Japanese); Christie Cate[6] (English)
- The charismatic leader of Peaky P-key. Born in a musical family, she has a natural talent for music. She later develops an admiration for Happy Around! after she watched their first show.
- Shinobu Inuyose (犬寄 しのぶ, Inuyose Shinobu)
- Voiced by: Miyu Takagi[1] (Japanese); Divi Muse[7] (English)
- A DJ who is the brains of Peaky P-key. She and Kyoko have known each other since childhood, though Shinobu constantly rejects Kyoko's requests to form a unit until middle school; since then, they have maintained a close bond together. Besides being a skilled DJ, she also excels in remixing and track-making. Outside her DJ activity, she enjoys online gaming.
- Yuka Jennifer Sasago (笹子・ジェニファー・由香, Sasago Jenifā Yuka)
- Voiced by: Moeka Koizumi[1] (Japanese); Brianna Knickerbocker[8] (English)
- Yuka is the moodmaker of Peaky P-key. She met Kyoko as she was searching for the "greatest moment" to capture with her camera and decided to join the unit as a VJ. Raised by parents, who work as gym trainers, she is very cheerful and kind to everyone, and loves cheering up her fellow group members whom she regards as her best friends.
- Esora Shimizu (清水 絵空, Shimizu Esora)
- Voiced by: Reo Kurachi[1] (Japanese); Kayli Mills[9] (English)
- The self-proclaimed "lovely" member of Peaky P-key. As a natural-born entertainer, she joined the unit to bring entertainment to everyone, and is even willing to expend her own fortune to achieve this goal. She is skilled at getting people to let their guards down and speak their minds. Esora is also a childhood friend of Lyrical Lily member Kurumi.
Photon Maiden[]
A sci-fi-themed DJ unit working under an entertainment agency and consisting of students at Yoba. Their music style is a combination of trance, techno, and dance music.
- Saki Izumo (出雲 咲姫, Izumo Saki)
- Voiced by: Risa Tsumugi[1] (Japanese); Deneen Melody[10] (English)
- Saki is a talented girl who excels in both study and sports. Having "synesthesia", she can see color in music. Despite her outstanding skills, Saki's personality is like a doll, rarely showing emotion unless she is on the stage.
- Ibuki Nijima (新島 衣舞紀, Nijima Ibuki)
- Voiced by: Ami Maeshima[1] (Japanese); Heather Gonzalez[11] (English)
- The athletic member of Photon Maiden, Ibuki has participated in many sports since childhood. In junior high, she became hooked on the joy of dancing and singing and started to attend a show production school.
- Towa Hanamaki (花巻 乙和, Hanamaki Towa)
- Voiced by: Haruki Iwata[1] (Japanese); Brittany Lauda[12] (English)
- Towa actively attends the local festivals due to her family's participation in the local youth organization. As a huge idol enthusiast, she still goes to idol concerts and tries to learn from their performances. She loves sweet foods but is often scolded by Ibuki for wanting to eat high-calorie foods before performances.
- Noa Fukushima (福島 ノア, Fukushima Noa)
- Voiced by: Hinata Satō[1] (Japanese); Michelle Marie[13] (English)
- Noa became interested in theater thanks to her love of literature, and decided to become a performer when she was praised at a theater workshop. Very curious and full of knowledge, she becomes talkative when it comes to things she is interested in.
Merm4id[]
A glamorous tropical-themed DJ unit form by first-year students at Seiho University who aspire to become famous like Photon Maiden. While their music style is similar to the group in question, it is primarily a combination of trance and rave music.
- Rika Seto (瀬戸 リカ, Seto Rika)
- Voiced by: Natsumi Hirajima[1] (Japanese); Kira Buckland[14] (English)
- Holding "Life is to enjoy!" as her motto, Rika leads a positive university life. She loves to dance and sing with her friends at parties. She started her DJ activities with her best friend Marika along with Saori and Dalia whom she met by chance.
- Marika Mizushima (水島 茉莉花, Mizushima Marika)
- Voiced by: Mei Okada[1] (Japanese); Kelly BaskinEp. 11 credits (English)
- Marika is an easygoing girl with a comforting atmosphere. Besides being a university student, she also works as a model. She was the center of attention upon entering university, but she became friends with Rika, who was able to talk to her despite all the attention.
- Saori Hidaka (日高 さおり, Hidaka Saori)
- Voiced by: Himari Hazuki[1] (Japanese); Jackie LastraEp. 11 credits (English)
- Saori started her DJ career in high school, and due to her hard-working nature, she has built up a certain level of technique. Her pessimistic thinking held her back from DJing actively, even as a university student. Rika forced her to join the unit, but has made up her mind to change her mentality and achieve her goals.
- Dalia Matsuyama (松山 ダリア, Matsuyama Daria)
- Voiced by: Ai Negishi[1] (Japanese); Lauren LandaEp. 11 credits (English)
- Dalia devotes herself to practicing ballet, traditional Japanese dance, contemporary dance, and any other dance form in order to become a genre-exceeding dancer. She also acts as the bodyguard of the unit.
Rondo[]
Stylized as RONDO, the unit is a gothic rock-themed group consisting of first-year Seiho University students who work at a famous club. Their music style is mainly a combination of trance and rock with touch of drum and bass.
- Tsubaki Aoyagi (青柳 椿, Aoyagi Tsubaki)
- Voiced by: Rihona Kato[1] (Japanese); Madeline Dorroh[15] (English)
- A born vocalist who has been humming melodies for as long as she can remember. Tsubaki was asked to join the DJ unit, which was lacking a vocalist, by Aoi, and quickly attracted attention as soon as she joined.
- Nagisa Tsukimiyama (月見山 渚, Tsukimiyama Nagisa)
- Voiced by: Sae Ōtsuka[1] (Japanese); Lizzie FreemanEp. 4 credits (English)
- Nagisa is Shinobu's cousin who grew up in a rock music-loving family. She came across the club where Aoi performed as a DJ when she was searching for a place to practice, and often visits Hiiro's house as well.
- Hiiro Yano (矢野 緋彩, Yano Hīro)
- Voiced by: Haruna Momono[1] (Japanese); Natalie Hoover[16] (English)
- The most mature Rondo's unit member. As a VJ, her knowledge in art allows her to build the unique worldview of the unit.
- Aoi Miyake (三宅 葵依, Miyake Aoi)
- Voiced by: Tsunko[1] (Japanese); Justine HuxleyEp. 4 credits (English)
- Aoi is a DJ that performs exclusively for a members-only club with a long history. She took interest in Tsubaki's singing skill and asked her to form a DJ unit.
Lyrical Lily[]
A lolita-themed DJ unit from Arisugawa Academy, a prestigious Catholic school. Their music style is a combination of trance, house, and classical music.
- Miyu Sakurada (桜田 美夢, Sakurada Miyu)
- Voiced by: Hazuki Tanda[1]
- Miyu is a kind-hearted high school student with good conduct. She started her DJ activities when she came across some analog equipment with her friends. She loves singing, and is well-versed in popular songs from the Showa era as well as nostalgic music due to her family's influence.
- Haruna Kasuga (春日 春奈, Kasuga Haruna)
- Voiced by: Amane Shindō[1]
- Haruna is an earnest girl who belongs to her high school's disciplinary committee. Her softhearted nature always gets her involved in all sorts of trouble.
- Kurumi Shiratori (白鳥 胡桃, Shiratori Kurumi)
- Voiced by: Ruka Fukagawa[1]
- Kurumi is Esora's childhood friend. A cheerful girl who loves fun things and is bored of attending a strict school for children of rich and prestigious families, Kurumi is always looking for ways to create some kind of mischief.
- Miiko Takeshita (竹下 みいこ, Takeshita Miiko)
- Voiced by: Yuzuki Watase[1]
- Miiko is a cheerful girl who loves to play and she also loves her fellow members of Lyrical Lily. She can be friends with anyone. She has a dream about traveling all over the world and making friends in many difference countries.
Other characters[]
- Ryujin Kofune (小舟 柳人, Kofune Ryujin)
- Voiced by: Tōru Furuya[17]
- Ryujin is the bartender and owner of Cafe Vinyl. Eight years prior to the start of the series, he was part of a DJ group consisting of himself and four other members.
- Airi Amano (天野 愛莉, Amano Airi)
- Voiced by: Nana Mizuki[17]
- Airi is a waitress working at the Cafe Vinyl. Eight years prior to the start of the series, she was part of a DJ unit group consisting of herself and three other members.
- Mana Kase (嘉瀬 茉奈, Kase Mana)
- Voiced by: Arisa Komiya[17]
- Mana is a former member of a DJ unit consisting of herself and three other members.
- Shano Himegami (姫神 紗乃, Himegami Shano)
- Voiced by: Raychell[17]
- Shano is a former member of a DJ group consisting of herself and three other members. She is now working as a music producer and is the person who founded Photon Maiden.
- Tōka Takao (高尾 灯佳, Takao Tōka)
- Voiced by: Hinako Umemura[17]
- Tōka is a former member of a DJ group consisting of herself and three others. She later joins Shano.
Media[]
Anime[]
An anime television series titled D4DJ First Mix was first announced in 2019.[18] The series was animated by Sanzigen and directed by Seiji Mizushima.[19] While the first episode had an early debut on October 22, 2020,[20] the series officially aired from October 30, 2020 to January 29, 2021 on Tokyo MX, BS NTV, and other channels. Happy Around! performed the opening theme "Guru Guru DJ TURN!!" (ぐるぐるDJ TURN!!), while Nana Mizuki and Raychell performed the ending theme, which is a cover of "WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Toki niwa Okose yo Movement~" (WOW WAR TONIGHT～時には起こせよムーヴメント～) by H Jungle with T.[3][21][22]
Bushiroad announced worldwide streaming,[23] including in North America, Funimation,[24] Crunchyroll, and Sentai Filmworks, the latter also releasing the series on Blu-ray in the future, plus HIDIVE streaming on more parts of the world.[25][26] Medialink has also licensed the series and streamed it on its Ani-One YouTube channel in South Asia and Southeast Asia.[27] Aniplus Asia simulcasted the series in Southeast Asia.[28]
An English dub produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment began streaming on January 16, 2021.[3]
D4DJ Petit Mix, a spin-off chibi anime short series, aired from February 5 to July 30, 2021.[29] Seiya Miyajima directed and oversaw the series' scripts at DMM.futureworks and W-Toon Studio.[30] The series' theme is "Petit Mix Party Night!".[31]
Episode list[]
D4DJ First Mix[]
| No. | Title [32] | Directed by [a] | Written by [a] | Original air date [33] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "First Mix" | Shinpei Ishikawa | Gō Zappa | October 30, 2020[b] | |
| It is the first day of school for Rinku Aimoto, who had recently moved back to Japan after living abroad in Africa. During lunch, she overhears a familiar song over the intercom that she traces to DJ and broadcaster Maho Akashi. Rinku expresses interest in how DJing works, prompting Maho to take her to a performance by Peaky P-key that inspires her to start her own unit. While Maho is initially put off by Rinku's repeated offers to join her, she eventually agrees to help and teach Rinku the basics. | |||||
| 2 | "Next Step" | Daichi Ōmori | Gō Zappa | November 6, 2020 | |
| Maho teaches Rinku about song transitions, but Rinku's enthusiasm prompts Maho to suggest that Rinku should be the group's dancer. The two then put up a promotional poster that fails to generate interest until Maho learns about a remix contest. Despite not placing in the top five, Maho receives an honorable mention which helps draw attention to her unit's upcoming live show. The performance, with Maho as the DJ and Rinku as the singer, is ultimately a success. | |||||
| 3 | "Only Me" | Naoya Okugawa | Gō Zappa | November 13, 2020 | |
| Muni Ohnaruto attends Maho and Rinku's concert, which evokes memories of being childhood friends with the latter. Although her initial attempts to talk to Rinku fail, she encounters her and Maho at a café and intervenes when she disapproves of Maho's proposed promotional poster. A new poster by Muni receives positive reviews and Rinku invites her to join the group as a VJ. On the day of their show, Muni runs away after having a nightmare of developing stage fright before a play as a child. Rinku finds her at the playground where they used to spend time together and, as she had done when they were younger, motivates her to return in time for the performance. | |||||
| 4 | "Make My Song" | Motomu Endō, Kengo Hayashi | Gō Zappa | November 20, 2020 | |
| Looking for more ways to gain popularity ahead of the school festival's Sunset Stage competition, the group enters a songwriting contest organized by Photon Maiden. Rinku volunteers to learn the piano to create a melody for the song, and she catches the attention of Rei Togetsu, a pianist who regularly practices in the school's music room. Rei agrees to teach Rinku how to play, but Maho points out that it would be more efficient to have Rei compose the melody herself. Although the song fails to win the contest, the four decide to use it for themselves. | |||||
| 5 | "One and Only" | Kentarō Shiga | Gō Zappa | November 27, 2020 | |
| Although the group continues to grow in popularity, Muni is peeved about receiving no attention beyond her VJ title and wants to increase her presence by singing an image song. Unsure of how to compose the ideal song, Rei visits Muni's house for a sleepover, where they bond but Rei continues to struggle with writing. Although the song is disorganized, the group decides to proceed and invites Rei to join them onstage as a keyboardist. After their concert, the four formally change the unit name to "Happy Around!" as a reference to Rinku's catchphrase. To Muni's chagrin, her peers focus their praise on Rei instead. | |||||
| 6 | "Fall Camp" | Shinpei Ishikawa | Gō Zappa | December 4, 2020 | |
| With finals on the horizon yet much of Happy Around! struggling in their classes, they plan a study session at Rei's house. Despite her wealthy background, she proposes making curry similar to the instant meal she had during her sleepover with Muni. When Rei purchases the wrong meat and curry roux, Maho suggests cooking beef stew instead. After dinner, the girls relax until Maho recalls their reason for organizing the meeting, leading to late-night studying. Nevertheless, the others pass their exams and they hold a celebratory concert. | |||||
| Special | "Happy Around! 1ST LIVE Commemorative Special" Transcription: "Happī Araundo! Fāsuto Raibu Kaisai Kinen Tokubetsu-hen" (Japanese: Happy Around! 1st LIVE開催記念 特別編) | N/A | N/A | December 11, 2020 | |
| A recap episode that summarizes the first six episodes and the real-life concerts. | |||||
| 7 | "Holy Gifts" | Yūya Yano | Gō Zappa | December 18, 2020 | |
| Happy Around! wants to perform on Christmas Day, but Maho is unable to schedule a concert on the day. While Rinku mopes by eating, she meets Kyoko Yamate, the leader of Peaky P-key. Kyoko, who had been watching Happy Around!, invites her to attend Peaky P-key's upcoming Christmas live and explains such shows are held to spread the festive spirit as the unit was formed on the holiday. During the concert, Kyoko asks Rinku to perform with Peaky P-key. Afterwards, while Muni and Rei praise Rinku, Maho is visibly distraught. | |||||
| 8 | "Dear Friend" | Motomu Endō | Gō Zappa | December 25, 2020 | |
| Maho fears Rinku is being recruited to join Peaky P-key, and her worries are exacerbated by misunderstandings of conversations between the group and Rinku, particularly the latter maintaining a secret with Kyoko. She meets Shinobu Inuyose, Peaky P-key's DJ, and asks if Rinku is indeed switching units; although Shinobu is also unaware of such plans, she encourages Maho to make music better than hers to entice Rinku into staying. Shinobu reminisces about how Peaky P-key was formed, recalling that Kyoko had been a longtime fan who struggled to compose tracks that would consistently build excitement (hence the term "Peaky") before agreeing to start a unit together. After Happy Around! performs their new song, Kyoko gives the group seashell accessories, which she and Rinku reveal they had commissioned as reciprocation for the latter's guest appearance at Peaky P-key's show. | |||||
| 9 | "Encounter With Light" | Kentarō Shiga | Gō Zappa | January 1, 2021 | |
| Happy Around! reaches eighth place in the Sunset Stage rankings to qualify for the competition, but their position is jeopardized by the rise of Photon Maiden. After Photon Maiden's latest performance, the two groups are tied for the rank and are subject to a one-on-one "Battle Mix Party" to break the tie. Needing an especially impressive song to give them a boost, Rei composes a series of melodies, though her preferred piece is shelved as the others feel it does not fit their image. While they proceed with a song that Rinku is comfortable with singing, Rei continues to mull over her favored melody before figuring that she could sing it herself. | |||||
| 10 | "Brand New World" | Daichi Ōmori | Gō Zappa | January 8, 2021 | |
| Rinku walks in on Rei singing her song and encourages her to perform it at the Battle Mix Party. While Rei is initially hesitant as she fears the song does not match the unit's image, she agrees upon receiving the others' blessings. As Happy Around! and Photon Maiden prepare their new songs, Rinku encounters and befriends Photon Maiden's Towa Hanamaki. After the groups play their songs, Happy Around! is voted as the winner. | |||||
| 11 | "Voice of Evolution" | Yūya Yano | Gō Zappa | January 15, 2021 | |
| While listening to Happy Around!'s winning song, Photon Maiden's Saki Izumo senses a new, calmer color in their music rather than the usual bright hues. She enters the upcoming remix contest and fails to win, but her track catches Maho's attention; after Saki follows her and is caught, Maho explains although she enjoys the remix, it is too disorganized. Maho expresses surprise at Saki's inexperience with remixing, to which she reveals that Photon Maiden's songs are selected by their producer to align with their persona, though she wants to create her own music. The rest of her unit agree to play her remix at their next show, and despite concerns that the producer would reject it, it is ultimately accepted; further worries about the song's reception among fans are quelled when they garner positive reactions upon performing. | |||||
| 12 | "Childhood Friends" | Daichi Ōmori | Yuniko Ayana | January 22, 2021 | |
| Rinku suggests performing a rap battle with Muni at the Sunset Stage, to Muni's apprehension. When Rinku struggles to freestyle rap, she visits Muni's house to practice and work out on her exercise game as she had previously promised, which irks Muni. Rinku abruptly hands the game's controls to Muni ahead of a boss battle to answer a phone call from Towa; afterwards, an upset Muni prompts Rinku to leave. The next day, Rinku's difficulties continue and Muni walks out. Later, Muni confides in Rei that she feels guilty for breaking her own promise with Rinku to write each other letters after the latter moved to Africa. Hoping to help, Rei and Maho organize a rap battle for the childhood friends to voice their thoughts. Muni begins by expressing her frustration with Rinku prioritizing her popularity over her, to which Rinku answers she had always kept Muni and the group in mind; when Rinku mentions the broken promise, Muni admits she had stopped writing as the letters made them feel more distanced and was too afraid to apologize; as the song transitions into musical verse, the two confess their desires to reconnect and make amends. | |||||
| 13 | "Groovy Mix" | Daisuke Suzuki | Yuniko Ayana | January 29, 2021 | |
| Happy Around! is pitted against Peaky P-key in the Sunset Stage's first round, to the former's dismay before being motivated as it is their best opportunity to face the latter. The group continues practicing at Rinku's house, where they reminisce about their formation, and attends the Yoba Festival, where Maho openly challenges Shinobu ahead of their competition. The two units perform new songs and Peaky P-key advances, eventually going on to win the tournament. After the Sunset Stage, Happy Around! further recalls their journey before being invited—along with Peaky P-key—to an afterparty held by Photon Maiden. | |||||
D4DJ Petit Mix[]
| No. | Title [34] | Directed by [a] | Written by [a] | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "An Invitation From Beyond" Transcription: "Kanata Kara no Shōtaijō" (Japanese: 彼方からの招待状) | Motoki Nakanishi | Seiya Miyajima | February 5, 2021 | |
| The six units are introduced at the Unknown Underground Unbelievable Ultimate Fes. (U4 Fes.), a mysterious music festival that takes place once every 100 years. Happy Around! receives its invitation in the mail, and although the four agree to participate, Rei notices the lack of a return address. | |||||
| 2 | "Happy Dance Hustle!" Transcription: "Happī Dansu de Hu! Ha! Hu! Ha!" (Japanese: ハッピーダンスで ウッ！ハッ！ウッ！ハッ！) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | February 12, 2021 | |
| While Maho ponders what Happy Around! needs to improve on, Rinku suggests dancing. After the four attempt to follow popular dances and fail, Rinku proclaims dancing is about being passionate and creates an image of Africa with the unit dressed in animal costumes. Happy Around! emulates The Lion King with their dance, ending with Muni raising Nyochio. | |||||
| 3 | "Peaky P-key's Double Strategy" Transcription: "Pikipiki no Dokidoki! Kaedama Dai Sakusen" (Japanese: ピキピキのドキドキ！替え玉大作戦) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | February 19, 2021 | |
| Peaky P-key's popularity draws the media to them for interviews, which reaches the point where they interfere with the unit's practice and daily lives. With a concert approaching, Esora creates robot counterparts of the four that participate in the press functions while the actual girls practice. Shortly before the performance, the four notice the robots have been severely worn down and tearfully give their blessings as they go on stage. | |||||
| 4 | "Photon Maiden's Cosmic Color Analysis" Transcription: "Foton Meiden no Kozumikku-iro Shindan" (Japanese: Photon Maidenのコズミック色診断) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | February 26, 2021 | |
| As Saki's synesthesia enables her to see colors in music and other people, she analyzes her fellow Photon Maiden members. To their horror, they are represented by a bright red color due to unexpectedly fiery personality traits that override their typical, calmer characteristics, prompting them to experiment with ways to look cooler. The unit asks Saki about her own color, but she opts to remain quiet after noticing the "color" is outer space. | |||||
| 5 | "Hype! Merm4id Video Conference" Transcription: "Ten'age! Māmeido Rimōto Kaigi" (Japanese: テンアゲ！Merm4idリモート会議) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | March 5, 2021 | |
| Merm4id holds a video meeting to discuss ways to improve their shows. However, they are constantly distracted by matters such as Rika arriving late after connecting to a different conference, Dalia petting her cat, Marika ordering food, and Saori's feed experiencing connectivity issues. The meeting descends into further disarray when the four try to exercise to work off their food and notice they had each been wearing sweatpants. | |||||
| 6 | "RONDO Nightmares" Transcription: "Rin Bukyoku no Akumu" (Japanese: 燐舞曲の悪夢) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | March 12, 2021 | |
| Following Rondo's performance, Nagisa is perturbed about nightmares she has been having lately involving her fellow unit members: Aoi eats a giant flan Nagisa had been saving for herself, Hiiro scolds her for 24 hours, and Tsubaki enlarges and goes on a rampage during a concert. Hiiro concludes Nagisa is under extreme stress and points out her mistakes during the show. Hoping to alleviate her stress, the four agree to follow Hiiro's plan of using fortunes. A week later, Rondo performs in plaid costumes, to Tsubaki's embarrassment. | |||||
| 7 | "Lyrical Lily's Delightful Snack Time" Transcription: "Meshimase Riri Riri ♪ Go-kigen Oyatsu" (Japanese: 召しませリリリリ♪ご機嫌おやつ) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | March 19, 2021 | |
| Kurumi arrives at Lyrical Lily's afternoon tea party with a large bundle of snacks, many of which are unrecognizable to the rest of the unit. When Haruna questions their safety, Kurumi repeatedly pranks her with snapping gum and popping candy. The others enjoy the snacks and agree to eat them for the rest of the month, but are chided when multiple helicopter loads are delivered to the school. | |||||
| 8 | "Road to Legend" Transcription: "Maboroshi e no Michi" (Japanese: 幻への道) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | March 26, 2021 | |
| Rei reminds Happy Around! about signing up for U4 Fes., especially as they had reached the deadline, but the four are still unable to figure out how to do so. The other units recall finding a QR code watermarked in the invitation that leads to a registration website, though through varying methods: Peaky P-key simply noticed the code, Photon Maiden held the sheet by a stove and the heat exposed it, Rondo solved a puzzle, Rika spilled water on Merm4id's, while Lyrical Lily refuses to disclose how they found it. After Happy Around! attempts each strategy to no avail, Rinku notices the invitation has two sheets, the second of which contains the code. However, they are quickly annoyed when the website requires them to find an alien in a crowd of people before continuing. | |||||
| 9 | "Battles of Honor and Muscles: Deadly Fight in Nakano" Transcription: "Kinniku Shōjo no Jingi Naki Tatakai 〜Nakano Shitō-hen〜" (Japanese: 筋肉少女の仁義なき戦い〜中野私闘篇〜) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | April 2, 2021 | |
| At the gym, Maho spots Yuka, Ibuki, and Dalia in a standoff. With commentary by Nagisa and Shinobu, the three begin competing against one another to perform the most reps in various workout routines. When they prepare to engage in a final battle, Maho attempts to intervene before they pose in front of the crowd, to her confusion. | |||||
| 10 | "Singing Voice Conference" Transcription: "Utagoe♡Himitsu Kaigi" (Japanese: 歌声♡ひみつ会議) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | April 9, 2021 | |
| The leaders of the six units convene at Cafe Vinyl to discuss ways to improve their singing. Each girl presents a food that she believes will help their voices: Saki and Tsubaki, respectively, bring apples and honey that the group combine, Kyoko provides oolong tea, Miyu has ginseng (that is turned into a soup), and Rika shows off an assortment of sticky foodstuffs like nattō and nalta jute that Rinku suggests mixing with her rice. The six enjoy their meal and fall asleep, having forgotten why they agreed to meet. | |||||
| 11 | "Spa Party" Transcription: "Sentō Pātī" (Japanese: せんとうパーティー) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | April 16, 2021 | |
| Muni visits a public bathhouse after her tub at home breaks, where she encounters Shinobu. Unfamiliar with its layout, Muni allows Shinobu to give her a tour around the building. In a role-playing game style, the two meet Nagisa, Towa, and Marika at various baths, each of whom join their group. The five run into Aoi at the shower, but Muni, Shinobu, and Nagisa are stunned by her "watermelons" and receive a "game over". | |||||
| 12 | "Nyochio & Muni" Transcription: "Nyochio to Muni" (Japanese: にょちおとむに) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | April 23, 2021 | |
| After watching Esora be admired by their peers, Muni is peeved about not being the cutest student in school. Nyochio—which has suddenly gained sentience—offers to help her by selling her badges and sharing her videos online, but they increase Nyochio's popularity instead. At Happy Around!'s next performance, Muni forgets to wear her bunny ears but is still praised for being cute after Nyochio shows up on her head. Muni wakes up and realizes it is a dream before leaving. | |||||
| 13 | "Trials of Dreams" Transcription: "Yume e no Shiren" (Japanese: 夢への試練) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | April 30, 2021 | |
| To qualify for U4 Fes., units must pass a preliminary test in which they traverse a mountain cave. After witnessing a unit be eliminated upon being trapped in a cage, Happy Around! encounters obstacles of their own like a rolling boulder, a barrage of arrows, and having to parachute after being launched from the mountain. Peaky P-key explains the traps were intended to gauge units' DJing, to Rinku's understanding and Muni's bewilderment. | |||||
| 14 | "Rei's Challenge" Transcription: "Rei no Arata Naru Chōsen" (Japanese: 麗の新たなる挑戦) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | May 7, 2021 | |
| Hoping to expand Happy Around!'s musical style, Rei expresses interest in trying different instruments. She initially plays traditional Japanese instruments like the taishōgoto, shakuhachi, and ōtsuzumi to great success, but the others raise concerns like the difficulty in incorporating them into their songs. Rinku presents African instruments for her to play, which ultimately prove popular with fans. | |||||
| 15 | "Solo Holiday" Transcription: "Ohitori-sama Horidē" (Japanese: おひとりさまホリデー) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | May 14, 2021 | |
| After a show, Peaky P-key agrees to take the next day off. However, Kyoko repeatedly runs across her fellow unit members, and later encounters them in increasingly bizarre situations that include Shinobu fighting with a bear for fish, skydiving with Yuka, and Esora appearing from a submarine. She visits Cafe Vinyl and meets the others again, where she resigns to her fate and sits with them. | |||||
| 16 | "Photon Maiden's Galactic Tokyo Exploration" Transcription: "Foton Meiden no Gyarakutika Tōkyō Tanbō" (Japanese: Photon Maidenのギャラクティカ東京探訪) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | May 21, 2021 | |
| Photon Maiden is granted a vacation day ahead of their promotional video shoot, during which Ibuki, Noa, and Towa show Saki around Tokyo. After completing their tour of the city, Saki expresses her wish to travel to outer space with the unit, only to be visited by an alien. The girls offer merchandise they bought in Tokyo to the alien but it continues to approach them until it is revealed to be their producer Shano. She discloses the day off was intended to be the PV shoot itself to show a casual side of the unit, to the disbelief of all but Saki. | |||||
| 17 | "Island Survival War" Transcription: "Mujintō Sabaibaru Wō" (Japanese: 無人島サバイバル・ウォー) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | May 28, 2021 | |
| Merm4id becomes stranded on a deserted island while on their way to a resort. In spite of their predicament, the four collect food with ease before assembling a raft. As they depart the island, they are swallowed by a whale before being shot out through its blowhole. | |||||
| 18 | "RONDO Love Song" Transcription: "Rin Bukyoku no Renka" (Japanese: 燐舞曲の恋歌) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | June 4, 2021 | |
| Rondo is celebrating a successful show with drinks at a rooftop restaurant when Hiiro asks the group if they have experienced something "sweet" recently, though they fail to provide good answers. After Aoi changes the restaurant's background music, the four picture performing the song and Hiiro realizes they were unable to find anything sweet as they already have the unit. Noticing Tsubaki's gaze and her ordering a drink called a Glad Eye, Hiiro points out the definition of a glad-eye, to her embarrassment. | |||||
| 19 | "Horror Girls: Final Destination ... Terror" Transcription: "Senritsu Reijō～Dō Agaite mo ... Zekkyō～" (Japanese: 戦慄令嬢～どうあがいても…絶叫～) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | June 11, 2021 | |
| Lyrical Lily is preparing to host a concert in a church when a blackout occurs. After lighting a candle lamp, Haruna attempts to console Miyu and investigate, both of which Miiko and Kurumi point out are common death tropes in horror films. Ghosts appear in the building, scaring Haruna and Miyu until Kurumi turns on the lights and reveals they are a product of her projection mapping as she feels an exorcism theme would fit their show. | |||||
| 20 | "Life or Death?! The Battlefield of D" Transcription: "Sei ka Shi ka!? Kōya no Hate wa Dī no Senjō" (Japanese: 生か死か!?荒野の果てはＤの戦場) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | June 18, 2021 | |
| In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Happy Around! is bragging about controlling the world's music when they are attacked by Peaky P-key and their robots. The two units' fight is interrupted by Rondo, who wishes to seize the music for themselves, but are in turn ambushed by Merm4id shooting water at them. Merm4id's own attack is halted when Photon Maiden appears with psychic powers and repeatedly slams the other units into the ground. Lyrical Lily, with powers of motherhood, stops the battle by turning everyone into babies. | |||||
| 21 | "Lyrical Dream♪ Noa Noa Land" Transcription: "Ririkaru Dori～mu♪Noa Noa Rando" (Japanese: りりかるどり～む♪ノアノアランド) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | June 25, 2021 | |
| Noa encounters Miiko and invites her to an amusement park, where she revels in Miiko's cute behavior before inviting her to her house. She visits Arisugawa Academy, where she is pranked multiple times by Kurumi but enjoys her reactions and also takes her home. The same offer is extended to Haruna, who accepts as she assumes Miiko and Kurumi are causing trouble, and Miyu, who agrees after receiving a straightforward request without reason. | |||||
| 22 | "She That Pranks Hiiro Pranks Herself" Transcription: "Hiiro Norowaba Ana Fanshī" (Japanese: 緋彩呪わば穴ファンシー) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | July 2, 2021 | |
| Kurumi and Miiko attempt to prank Hiiro with a five-phase plan: scare her with a toy tarantula, feed her gulab jamun when she opens her mouth to scream, which is followed by bitter espresso, placing a skull sticker on her back, and dropping her into a trapping pit. However, the gag backfires as Hiiro instead finds the tarantula cute and feeds the two the gulab jamun, and she accepts and enjoys the espresso. Although Kurumi applies the sticker, Hiiro reveals such graphics are the latest fashion trend and places them on the pair. When Hiiro starts to walk toward the pit, she transforms into her non-chibi, First Mix character design and easily hops over it. In disbelief, Kurumi and Miiko pursue her before falling into the trap themselves. | |||||
| 23 | "Sigh Over a Cup of Coffee" Transcription: "Kōhī Ippai-bun no Tameiki" (Japanese: 珈琲１杯分のため息) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | July 9, 2021 | |
| At Cafe Vinyl, Saori and Haruna complain about their respective units' antics while Aoi expresses discontent with being late for Rondo's meetings due to her fans (which especially peeves Tsubaki). When Saori questions her place in Merm4id, Aoi consoles her by emphasizing her importance to the group before explaining Haruna's value to Lyrical Lily. In return, the two reassure Aoi about the bond between Rondo's members. The three eventually receive texts from their units and leave. | |||||
| 24 | "Photo Diary Memories" Transcription: "Omoide Foto Daiarī" (Japanese: 想い出フォトダイアリー) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | July 16, 2021 | |
| Yuka becomes interested in photography and is asked by Marika, who served as a model for Yuka with Towa, what prompted her to take up the hobby. She shares her photos of the other units before Marika and Towa notice a picture of a concert, which Yuka explains highlights her dream of photographing everyone performing together on the same stage. | |||||
| 25 | "For Whom the Disc Spins" Transcription: "Ta ga Tame ni...." (Japanese: 誰がために…) | Motoki Nakanishi | Haruka | July 23, 2021 | |
| Like the preliminaries, the six units are subject to an obstacle course to qualify for U4 Fes. The girls are gradually eliminated on various obstacles: Merm4id steps on trap tiles that drop them; Rondo falls off a ledge after Hiiro accidentally lets go of Nagisa's hand; Photon Maiden, Yuka, and Esora incorrectly answer a quiz and are sent into a swamp pit; Shinobu and Muni trip while the walls are closing on them and Rei and Maho are unable to stop them. Rinku and Kyoko escape, but the latter's shirt is caught between the walls and she is eliminated. | |||||
| 26 | "Digglers Forever" Transcription: "Eien Nare, Itoshiki Digurā-Tachi" (Japanese: 永遠なれ、愛しきディグラーたち) | Motoki Nakanishi | Gigaemon Ichikawa | July 30, 2021 | |
| Rinku reaches the end of the obstacle course, where she mourns the loss of her friends before their ghosts appear and motivate her to proceed. When she arrives at the U4 Fes. stage, she discovers the others are still alive and they reveal the objective of the qualifiers was to encourage teamwork, which everyone passed. The units perform before lying down together, hand in hand, in a circle akin to a phonograph record. | |||||
Manga[]
A manga adaptation titled D4DJ: The story of Happy Around! was launched in Bushiroad's Monthly Bushiroad magazine on October 8, 2020.[35]
Volume list[]
D4DJ: The story of Happy Around![]
| No. | Release date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 26, 2021[36] | 978-4-04-899480-4 |
D4DJ -The Starting of Photon Maiden-[]
| No. | Release date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 26, 2021[37] | 978-4-06-522695-7 |
| 2 | July 9, 2021[38] | 978-4-06-524037-3 |
| 3 | October 8, 2021[39] | 978-4-06-524845-4 |
Mobile game[]
D4DJ Groovy Mix is a free-to-play mobile rhythm game developed by Donuts and published by Bushiroad for the Android and iOS platforms. A demo version of the game, titled D4DJ Groovy Mix D4U Edition, was released on February 20, 2020.[40] The full version of the game was released in Japan on October 25, 2020.[41] An English version was released on May 27, 2021.[42]
Notes[]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x "Character". D4DJ. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
- ^ Lo, Emi [@KitsuneSqueak] (January 16, 2021). "HAPPY AROUND! I'm super excited to announce that you'll be able to hear me as Rinku Aimoto in #D4DJ First Mix! Thank you so much to @mummynyan, @BangZoom, @BushiroadGlobal, and @TonyOliverVA for trusting me w/her! It's also an honor to act alongside Maho's seiyuu @kagami_karin" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Sherman, Jennifer (January 15, 2021). "D4DJ First Mix Anime's English Dub Streams on Sunday". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
- ^ Ki, Lily [@LilyPichu] (January 16, 2021). "I'm the voice of Muni Ohnaruto in the #D4DJ English dub!! (´• ω •`)! Thank you for having me @bangzoom @mummynyan @tonyoliverva" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Quiñones, Anairis [@anairis_q] (January 16, 2021). "I am the voice of Rei Togetsu in #D4DJ First Mix! Piano is my favorite instrument, & I love this awkward sweetheart. Thank you so much @mummynyan @BangZoom & @D4DJ_pj_EN for having me, & @TonyOliverVA for his stellar direction!!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Cate, Christie [@ChristieCateVO] (January 16, 2021). "I'm excited to announce that I am the English voice of Kyoko (the cutie wearing black in this photo) in D4DJ. Thank you @mummynyan @TonyOliverVA and @KayliMills for casting, directing, adapting this show! Can't wait to watch it tonight!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "「D4DJ First Mix」English Dub #1-3 Now Available!". D4DJ. January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
- ^ Knickerbocker, Brianna [@briannanoellek] (January 16, 2021). "I voice Yuka in #D4DJ #FirstMix HeadphoneMicrophoneSparkles Thank you so much @mummynyan Sparkling heart So great working with @TonyOliverVA as always @D4DJ_pj_EN @BushiroadGlobal The first episode is out tonight!!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Mills, Kayli [@KayliMills] (January 16, 2021). "Lovely and Priceless~! I'm Esora in the English dub of D4DJ, premiering on YouTube TODAY! I am also honored to be the ADR writer for the series" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Melody, Deneen [@DeneenMelody] (February 26, 2021). ""I want to show everyone the world through my eyes." I'm absolutely thrilled to be Saki Izumo in the English version of @D4DJ_pj_EN! Photon Maiden is my favorite DJ group & I absolutely adore this sweet & soft spoken girl. Thank you @mummynyan & @BangZoom!!