Anime Central (ACen) will host members from the popular series “THE IDOLM@STER” at its 2026 convention. THE IDOLM@STER (Pronounced “Idol Master”) began as an idol production arcade game in July 2005, featuring 10 idols. While resembling similar “bishoujo” genre games, THE IDOLM@STER features the unique characteristic where you play as the “Producer”, and players work towards the success of the characters’ careers until they become “Top Idol”.
The series has since developed to span over 300 idol characters across 6 unique brands, several console, handheld, and mobile games, multiple anime series, and a massive music catalog with music produced by many renowned creators and collaborators. Recently in 2025, the series celebrated its 20th anniversary, and various projects continue to be launched in celebration of the franchise.
THE IDOLM@STER also hosts live concert performances featuring the voice cast from the series, as well as 3DCG Character Concerts (utilizing new “xR” technology). They have held concerts across Japan at venues such as Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo Dome, Kyocera Dome, and more. In January 2026, THE IDOLM@STER character Chihaya Kisaragi made history by holding a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan, a landmark achievement for a game-origin character.
Anime Central is proud to announce a concert featuring 3 voice actors from THE IDOLM@STER, and 3 voice actors from THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS. This will be the first standalone concert for the series in North America, the first US performance by members of the original group 765PRO (pronounced Na-mu-co Pro) ALLSTARS, and the first appearance of each member of the group CINDERELLA GIRLS, whose brand last attended a US event in 2018 with a different lineup.
The live concert will take place on Friday, May 15th (Further Details TBA) and will be free to attend with a valid Anime Central 2026 badge.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to see THE IDOLM@STER live!
Guest appearances and programming, including but not limited to concerts, panels, and cast members in attendance may be subject to change or cancellation in the event of unforeseen circumstances, including extraordinary circumstances that may impact international travel or live performance arrangements. Thank you for your understanding.
About THE IDOLM@STER Guests of Honor
About Asami Imai
Voice of Chihaya Kisaragi from THE IDOLM@STER.
Her other roles include Kurisu Makise from Steins;Gate, Noire / Black Heart in Hyperdimension Neptunia, Vira Lillie from Granblue Fantasy, Tsubaki=Yayoi / Izayoi from Blazblue, Ikaruga from Senran Kagura, Ayumi Shinozaki from Corpse Party, Drake from Azur Lane and more.
About Akiko Hasegawa
About Yumi Hara
Voice of Takane Shijou from THE IDOLM@STER.
Some of her other prominent anime roles include Albedo from Overlord, Yuuko Kanoe from Dusk Maiden of Amnesia, Lilith Asami from Trinity Seven, Marie from Girls und Panzer, and others. In games, she has voiced Yumi from Senran Kagura, Kazumi Mishima from Tekken 7, and others.
About THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS Guests of Honor
About Ayaka Fukuhara
Voice of Rin Shibuya from THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
Some of her other roles include Ai Kamiya in Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie, Grea from Rage of Bahamut and Granblue Fantasy, Bismarck in Azur Lane, Anastasia Palma in Sakura Wars, Dehya in Genshin Impact, Seeking the Pearl in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, and more.
About Ayaka Ohashi
Voice of Uzuki Shimamura from THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
Some of her other roles include Aki Adagaki in Masamune-kun’s Revenge, Saaya Yamabuki in BanG Dream! (also a member of the band Poppin’Party as its drummer), Momoka Sonokawa in Sabage-bu!, Kurome in Akame ga Kill!, Ran Shibuki in Aikatsu!, Mirai Asuka in Aikatsu Friends!, Vodka in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Kuromi Serika in Blue Archive, and more. She is also voicing Ageseine in the currently airing Star Detective Precure!
About Minami Tsuda
Follow THE IDOLM@STER and THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
About Anime Central
Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest. Anime Central 2026 will take place from May 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
