Hello.
I'm translating one of the newest articles about im@s DS at the moment. For now I managed to deal with 2 pages and the article is basically 5 pages long. So I'll need one or 2 more days to finish translating it.
It is worth mentioning that it is not explicitly said in the article that Ryou is a guy. Rather, it was said that he was 'a boyish girl'. She also happens to be Ritsuko's cousin. The word 'itoko' (cousin) is written in katakana, so like in English, you can't know whether it's a boy or a girl by the writing alone.
From G’s magazine, #8, 2009






(page 84)
“New installment in im@s series”
We’re serious this time.
A completely new work in a highly popular im@s series.
G’s magazine does support im@s world. Newcomers and veteran players, welcome to the new stage!
常連(じょうれん)- regular customer
(page 85)
Become an idol yourself! You'll personally turn into a new idol!
im@s playback. What are the im@s games?
Those are simulation games where as a producer you turn the newcoming idols into top stars. It first started as an arcade game but also appeared with new titles on Xbox 360 and PSP.
Produce idols!
(picture) Now you give instructions to the 3 greatest idols. This is an awfully popular series where you raise your pupils.
- A list of all the titles from im@s series –
7.26.2005
Arcade game is in operation.
稼動(かどう)- operation
1.25.2007
iDOLM@STER released on Xbox 360 (with platinum edition appearing on 1.11.2007)
2.28.2008
Xbox 360 receives iDOLM@STER Live for You (with platinum edition appearing on 3.12.2009)
2.19.2009
PSP witnesses a release of iDOLM@STER SP (Perfect Sun/Wondering Star/Missing Moon – 5040 yen each)
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In “im@s DS” the producer himself will become an idol. In the previous works the story was told from the producer’s point of view where he promoted his idols. This time we have new idols and we can enjoy their story in the form of an adventure game (AVG). You get help from various people while aiming at your dream (common to the series), that it to become a top idol!
共通(きょうつう)- commonness
(in large font) Let’s “master” everything you need to become an idol.
Believe in your talents and plunge into this unknown business. Once there, learn everything an idol needs to know. As the titles says, let’s “master” the job of an “idol.”
(in large font) Choose one idol out of 3.
(in large font) This girl is YOU!
(picture comment) The girl on the lower screen is a newbie idol and you take her role. You can enjoy the coming-of-age tale about the girls portrayed and doing your duties as an idol in between.
(in large font) Check detailed profiles on the next page!
A word of encouragement to the newbie idols.
(title) THE iDOM@STER Dearly Stars
Nintendo DS
Data: Bandai Namco Games
AVG (aka visual novel)
Price to be determined
Staff: character design Kubooka Toshiyuki, Tamiya Kiyotaka (TL Note: worked on Lunar and Tales of series)
Producer: Tanaka Fumihiro
Cast: Tomatsu Haruka as Hidaka Ai, Hanazawa Kana as Mizutani Eri, and Sampei Yuuko as Akidzuki Ryou
(page 86)
Associated company is 876 Pro!
Three new faces who dream to become top idols in future!
(vertical text) It’s just that I want to see myself like that, like it’s a dream.
受け継ぐ(うけつぐ)― to inherit, to succees
Very energeric girls who inherit the DNA of former leaders!
No.1 – Hidaka Ai
Profile
Age: 15 years old
Height: 162 cm
Weight: 54 kg
Birthdate: September 15
Blood type: O
BWH: 78-55-79
Hobby: Bargain sweeps (instant-win promotions). Goldfish scooping.
思考(しこう)- thought, consideration
突き進む(つきすすむ)- to push on, make way.
(text in the pink box) A new idol who pushes straight ahead using positive thinking. Her mother was once a very famous idol, her name is Hidaka Mai. The daughter got a huge complex because of that but she’s aiming at the top with her own efforts.
感情表現(かんじょうひょうげん)- expressing emotion
豊か(ゆたか)- abundant
(picture comment) The facial expressions are prone to change. This is a girl who has lots of ways to express her emotions.
(picture comment 2) This is not “Mai, 2nd generation” but is Ai. She relies only on her own skills.
(picture comment 3) Ai takes advice from a popular idol, Amami Haruka. Meeting with Haruka reinforced her wish to become an idol.
(large font, green) A complex because her mom was so great
(large font, green 2) Excitement over being able to meet an idol who she looks up to
偉大(いだい)- greatness
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im@s Playback!
個性(こせい)- individuality
個性豊かだ - have a very distinctive personality
A group of 12 idols appear on the stage, each with their very distinctive personalities.
This time you’ll meet all of the 12 idols who have ever appeared in im@s series, with their individual style.
Arcade version featured only 9 girls from 765 Pro but the Xbox 360 version added Hoshii Miki. And then im@s SP added 2 more idols, they are Ganaha Hibiki and Shijou Takane.
Amami Haruka
A bit clumsy girl who gives all she’s got right away just for anything.
Kisaragi Chihara
A calm and reserved girl who is passionate about singing
情熱(じょうねつ)- passion
Hagiwara Yukiho
A girl who became an idol to get rid of her shyness
気弱(きよわ)- timid
Takatsuki Yayoi
She’s a hard worker and she never lets go of her smile. Her cheerfulness is a very powerful weapon.