22/7
Synopsis
Miu Takigawa views the world from behind the safety of her bangs, content with peacefully passing unnoticed through life. Reserved and timid, Miu struggles to converse with or even smile at customers when at her part time job, but she works tirelessly to support her mother and precious little sister, Haru. It is a shock when a letter arrives from the entertainment company GIP, announcing that she has been chosen as a candidate for their new project. Miu decides to accept the invitation and heads to the meeting spot where the eccentric ensemble of other candidates filter in, all summoned by their own letters. Not long after, the girls are escorted by a manager to a luxurious secret facility, where it is explained that they must follow the mysterious directions of "The Wall," whose orders are absolute. The 24th of December, 2016, will see the birth of idols like no other; on that day, the group 22/7 will debut, whether or not Miu and the other members are ready to take the stage. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with many finding the premise absurd and the emotional arcs artificial, while others appreciate the character-driven stories and the exploration of idol life's challenges. The production quality is generally praised, but the writing and overall execution are criticized for lacking depth and genuine emotional resonance. Ultimately, the show is seen as a decent but forgettable entry in the idol anime genre.
Strengths
- Strong production values, especially character design.
- Exploration of individual character backstories adds depth.
- Music is enjoyable and enhances emotional impact.
Weaknesses
- Ridiculous premise with a nonsensical "Wall" dictating actions.
- Artificial emotional backstories that feel dishonest.
- Inconsistent character development and lack of stakes.
- Poor writing, generic melodies, and pretentious lyrics.