In a world where the age of idols seems to be well and truly over, can you lead studio 777’s young talents to success?
This is your goal in Tokyo 7th Sisters (abbreviated as Nanasis), a smartphone game that combines the elements of idol raising, rhythm and adventure game. Available on iOS/Android from 2015, it was developed by Donut Games, Mighty Craft and iNiS. Since its launch, the game has gone through numerous updates, significantly for its rhythm game component.
In addition to its voiced story and large cast of attractive idols, Tokyo 7th Sisters also boasts original songs produced with the talents of Vocaloid musicians like kz(livetune), U-ji aka Reichourui-P, and Junky. This has led to the release of numerous singles, as well as real-life concerts and talk shows featuring the cast. Similar to many other popular idol-related games, the franchise also encompasses novels and manga in addition to its musical elements.
Tokyo-7th, 2032. Legendary idol group Seventh Sisters has just shocked the world with its sudden disbandment, signalling the end of the idol era. Two years later, studio 777 (pronounced “three seven”), or “Nanasta”, nevertheless struggles on in its quest to nurture up-and-coming idols. As its new manager, it’s now your job to lead the way and revive idol culture in a world that believes they’re already out of style.
In addition to energetic idol manager Rokusaki Coney (a main source of support), Tokyo 7th Sisters features not only 12 main idols but also dozens more who can be recruited to your cause. Like idols in real life, characters’ ages vary from elementary school to college, with all sorts of different lineups. The game also features a number of aspiring idols from overseas, including the lively Jedah Diamond and graceful Alessandra Susu.
While you have the freedom to create your own idol unit in the actual game, the official units and sub-units are credited as below.
777☆SISTERS consists of Nanasta’s 12 core members. Although each idol originally hailed from four different groups, each with its own separate theme, they’ve come together as the studio’s most promising prospect for the future.
Members: Kasukabe Haru, Tendouji Musubi, Tsunomori Rona, Nonohara Hime, Serizawa Momoka, Usuta Sumire, Kamishiro Sui, Kuonji Shizuka, Alessandra Susu, Harumi Sawara, Harumi Kajika, and Harumi Shinju
This technopop sub-unit takes on the theme of high school girl hackers or “digital witches”, fitting for a 2034 setting.
Members: Haru, Rona, Hime and Momoka (under the names of HAL, Rona, HI-ME and 100KA)
In sharp contrast to the glitz and glamor of the main unit, the natural vibe is what SiSH is all about.
Members: Sumire, Sui, and Shizuka
A rather edgy group that seems to be full of contradictions, keeping fans guessing what the duo’s true natures are: angels or demons, or something else?
The Harumi sisters are the stars of this girly pop sub-unit, which is themed around the concept “a little girl somewhere inside your heart”.
Members: Sawara, Kajika, and Shinju
A few more units separate from 777☆SISTERS add even more themes to Nanasta’s already impressive roster.
Relive being a teenager with Le☆S☆Ca, who embodies those refreshing yet bittersweet feelings in one’s youth.
Members: Uesugi U. Kyouko, Araki Rena, Nishizono Honoka
Breaking away from the idol units around them is rock band The QUEEN of PURPLE, whose members have united to create a unique harmony despite their differing interests.
Members: Echizen Murasaki (vocals), Seto Ferb (bass and song/lyrics composition), Sakaiya Yumeno (guitar), Mimori Matsuri (drums)
Pronounced “citrus”, this duo’s charm stems from its sense of innocence and daintiness.
Members: Tamasaka Makoto and Orisaka Ayumu
Other members of Nanasta who have not yet officially debuted in a unit include Kawasumi Sisala, Futagawa Mimi, Katsuragi Kazumi, Enami Madoka, Maezono Rishuri, Tasha Romanovsky, Jedah Diamond, Yamai Sawori, Kuromaki Monaka, Yukuhashi Ei, Shiratori Tomoe, Aihara Miu, Xiao Fei Hung, Manon Hoshigaki, Otori Chacha, Azami Miwako, Orikasa Ayumu, and Arisu Shirayuki.
Of course, Nanasta’s aspiring idols are not without their rivals, including the famous female rock band 4U (Saeki Hina, Wanibuchi Emoka, and Kujou Ume) and world-famous duo KARAKURI (Karakuri Hitoha and Futaba).
Finally, despite its disappearance from the industry, legendary unit Seventh Sisters (Nanasaki Nicole, Hanyuda Mito, Misono Mana, Kotobuki Kuruto, Wakaouji Rui, and Yusa Memoru) is still a name that lives on in idol history.
Before starting Tokyo 7th Sisters, it’s important to know about its three main elements: the storyline, idol raising and rhythm game.
With its abundance of fully-voiced episodes, Tokyo 7th Sisters has been praised for immersing players into the story and making use of its impressive roster of idols. To progress, though, you’ll need to engage in scouting up-and-coming talents – in other words, collecting cards of various types. Finding new recruits will require CP (charisma points), but it’s vital to keep exploring in order to open access to new storylines. Eventually, you’ll also encounter “legendary bosses”, familiar faces who must nevertheless be “defeated”.
Meanwhile, you can upgrade your existing idols’ stats through “group lessons” and “special lessons”, as well as using items. Experience can also be gained in the game’s “battle stage”, where your hand-picked unit performs to compete against another player’s.
The rhythm game element, titled “live stage”, also gives you the opportunity to increase the experience and intimacy of cards and is another chance to pit yourself against real life players. To play, simply pick the song, difficulty (easy, normal, hard, expert), and mode (what goes on in the background), and of course, the idol unit that will participate, making for a customized experience. During the game itself, you’ll need to tap, hold, and flick various icons while the song plays. A wide range of settings relating to the icons, guidelines and so on can also be modified to your taste.
For more rewards, be sure to take note of the various missions, ranging from sending a friend request to clearing a certain amount of stages. Idol cards can also be gained through the gatcha system, which requires use of the in-game currency, “7th coins”. While 7th coins can be gathered through normal activity in the game, they are also purchasable through microtransations As a result, Tokyo 7th Sisters enthusiasts may find themselves investing real-life money for rarer cards, plus bonuses like additional spaces for cards and idol units.
Other features include mini-games and frequent in-game events to take advantage of, with information available through the official Twitter account.
Tokyo 7th Sisters is currently available in Japanese and Thai, with no other languages confirmed yet. To learn more, visit the official website.