Aikatsu Friends! (season 1)

The following is a list of episodes for the first season of BN Pictures' Aikatsu Friends! television series, which will air on TV Tokyo between April 4, 2018 and March 3, 2019.[1] In season 1 the first 25 episodes, the opening theme is "Thank You⇄Alright" (ありがと⇄大丈夫, Arigato⇄Daijōbu) by Aine and Mio from BEST FRIENDS!, while the ending theme is "Believe it" by Karen and Mirai from BEST FRIENDS!. From episode 26 until episode 50 the opening theme is "What is Only There" (そこにしかないもの Soko ni Shikanai Mono) by Aine and Mio. The ending theme from episode 26 until episode 50 is "Pride" (プライド Puraido) by Karen and Mirai.

Aikatsu Friends!
Season 1
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	50
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo
Original release	April 12, 2018 – March 28, 2019
Season chronology

Episode list

No.	Title	Original air date
1	"Hello Friends!" Transcription: "Harō Furenzu!" (Japanese: ハローフレンズ！)	April 5, 2018
Aine Yūki is a regular division student who's attending Star Harmony Academy. During the spring break preceding her second year in junior high school, she encounters the top idol: Mio Minato. With her great talent to make friends, Aine easily befriends Mio, having just one request to her: How about performing together on the Aikatsu! stage.
2	"The Invincible Love Me Tear☆" Transcription: "Muteki no Rabu Mī Tia ☆" (Japanese: 無敵のラブミーティア☆)	April 12, 2018
Aine's real Aikatsu! has just started. After transferring to the academy's idol division, she happens to belong to the same 'Production' as Mio. She's excited to get her very first job from her manager, Tamaki. On her workplace, the top idol unit that is ruling the Aikatsu! world, Love Me Tear's Karen Kamishiro and Mirai Asuka, appear!
3	"Vivid Inspiration" Transcription: "Bibitto Insupirēshon" (Japanese: ビビっとインスピレーション)	April 19, 2018
Taking dress design up as well, Mio announces the reveal of her Premium Rare Dress in a week. However, she gets the feeling that 'there's something missing' and is unsure about approving the dress' design; meanwhile, Aine becomes Mio's 'one-day apprentice'. Will Mio be able to finish a Premium Rare Dress which will earn her approval?
4	"The Aspiring My Brand" Transcription: "Akogare no Mai Burando" (Japanese: 憧れのマイブランド)	April 26, 2018
When an idol obtains a brand of their own, they become idols on their own. With the advice given to her by her production company's stylist, Chiharu, the still idol-egg Aine begins her search for a brand that fits her. Although so many brands are around, it seems neither works. But then, Aine has a fateful encounter!
5	"Maika, Like a Butterfly!" Transcription: "Chō no yō ni Maika!" (Japanese: 蝶のように　舞花！)	May 3, 2018
Wanting people to discover the brand only for her, Sugar Melody, Aine thoughtlessly enters an audition to be the MC in Love Me Tear's event. On the venue, she meets the festival-loving idol, Maika Chōno! Can Aine and Maika become friends...!?
6	"Hinata EMAgency!?" Transcription: "Hinata Emājenshī!?" (Japanese: 日向エマージェンシー！？)	May 10, 2018
Ema Hinata is a senior student in the idol division under the same production. She showed off her leadership skills even at a camp that she went to. Mio looks like she isn't fitting in well with this environment, and this causes a chain on confusions. What's so interesting that's happening now around her..?
7	"The Ongoing Road towards Mirai" Transcription: "Mirai e Tsudzuku Michi" (Japanese: ミライへ続く道★)	May 17, 2018
After being selected by Love MeTear's Mirai for a guest role in the drama "That Idol's a Witch!", Aine is supposed to memorize her lines and practice well. But Aine keeps making mistakes, and seeing Aine in such a situation, Mirai decides to take her out for some time. But how exactly is Mirai planning to encourage Aine?
8	"Mio's Grand CM Operation!" Transcription: "Mio no CM Daisakusen!" (Japanese: みおのCM大作戦！)	May 24, 2018
Mio is a top idol, and she always gathers the eye of the public. Word is heard that a famous world-class creator is to be chosen as a director for a commercial for macarons. Mio is to be filming the commercial when they are faced with a surprise: The background music is an Ondo, and is not fit for a macaron commercial!? Now Mio is up to a challenge: Can she make an impactful "Big Bang" CM when nothing goes as Mio had predicted?
9	"The Melody of Courage" Transcription: "Yūki no Merodi" (Japanese: 勇気のメロディ)	May 31, 2018
Aine has been admiring the Premium Rare Dresses. After asking Aikatsu Navi's Coco and learning that if she is an "amazing idol", then obtaining a premium rare dress wouldn't just be a dream. In order to let herself be more well known among the fans, Aine begins to plot a fan meeting of her own. But despite Aine's enthusiasm―!?
10	"Pretty☆Sexy★Honey Cat!" Transcription: "Puritī ☆ Sekushī ★ Hanī Kyatto!" (Japanese: プリティー☆セクシー★ハニーキャット！)	June 7, 2018
Ema and Maika are searching for a Friends partner. From an outside perspective, the two fit each other perfectly, going against their expectations. Although their personalities and preferences are polar opposites, no matter how you look at it, they have the best compatibility... Who exactly are the partners that these two have chosen!?
11	"The Dramatic Confession!" Transcription: "Kokuhaku wa Doramachikku!" (Japanese: 告白はドラマチック！)	June 14, 2018
Finally, Mio begins to take action in order to form a Friends unit with Aine. She aspires for a dramatic situation like with Love Me Tear's legendary formation story. While seeking the perfect timing to speak with Aine, for some reason, Aine seems to be intimate with Nako Ebihara, an idol from Nagoya.
12	"Tomatoes, Bring It On☆" Transcription: "Tomato, Dōnto koi ☆" (Japanese: トマト、どーんとコイ☆)	June 21, 2018
Mio wants to go to school with Aine everyday, but is unable to say it. At this time, a large amount of tomatoes is delivered to the Penguin Cafe. Mio, having been present, is roped into helping out with a cafe event. As the Yūki family's event comes to a close, will Mio be able to convey her feelings to Aine?
13	"How to Karen" Transcription: "How to Karensan" (Japanese: How to カレンさん)	June 28, 2018
In order to get Pure Palette's name more well-known, Aine and Mio are to appear on the TV program "Genius Battle Selection". However, Karen Kamishiro reigns as the absolute queen of geniuses on the show. Admiring and aiming to surpass them, Mio comes to face Love Me Tear, and learns the essentials of Aikatsu! from Karen.
14	"Go Go Friends!" Transcription: "Gōgō Furenzu!" (Japanese: ゴーゴーフレンズ！)	July 5, 2018
Ema is to design Honey Cat's Best Friends Rare Dresses. When attempting to bring together both their dress designs, as Ema and Maika's tastes are polar opposites in the first place, they can't come up with a design that makes use of each other's personalities. What is the answer that these two will arrive to?
15	"AiTube☆Cinderella" Transcription: "Aichūbu ☆ Shinderera" (Japanese: アイチューブ☆シンデレラ)	July 19, 2018
Four months have passed since Aine has begun her Aikatsu! However, in comparison to Mio, her reputation and skills aren't quite there yet. Under Mio's instruction, she even uploads "'tried to do' videos" onto AiTube, but the number of views don't increase much. Mio, assessing the situation, seems to have become aware of Aine's greatest talent?
16	"Mio, Becoming the Hero" Transcription: "Mio, Yūsha ni Naru" (Japanese: みお、勇者になる)	July 26, 2018
Mio starts getting pumped up for she is trying to design a Best Friends Rare dress for Pure Palette. When Mio reaches a wall in designing, Aine invites Mio on a mystery tour planned by Aine herself. Walking along the lands of the forest, they reach the place known as "Hero's Bridge". And to Aine, this bridge that was a part of her childhood memories means?
17	"The Encounter of Fate is of the Moon's Guidance" Transcription: "Unmei no Deai wa Tsuki no Michibiki" (Japanese: 運命の出会いは月の導き)	August 2, 2018
The young fortune teller, Sakuya Shirayuri pays a visit to Penguin Café. Sakuya, who is known for her accurate predictions, gives Aine and Mio a reading in regards to their upcoming audition. Understanding the meaning behind the reading, will the two be able to create a big bang?
18	"Even a Slight Chance" Transcription: "Wazu ka na Chansu Sae Mo" (Japanese: わずかなチャンスさえも)	August 9, 2018
The school's biggest event of the summer, the Star Harmony Cup, is about to begin. The favorites to win the event, Honey Cat, are having a training camp in the gym so that they can pull off a Friends Appeal worthy of their dresses. The two undergo lessons while also busy with work. Can they show off the results of their training at the Star Harmony Cup?
19	"Let it Reach! Friends' Power" Transcription: "Todoke! Tomodachi kara" (Japanese: 届け！トモダチカラ)	August 16, 2018
In order for Pure Palette to win the Star Harmony Cup, Aine aims to raise her abilities. Unusually separating herself from her friends and family, Aine trains extra hard by herself. As a result, though her dancing and singing have improved, she is told by Mio that she's missing something important?
20	"Lacrosse or Friends!" Transcription: "Rakurosu or Furenzu!" (Japanese: ラクロスorフレンズ!)	August 23, 2018
Ema and Maika regret having lost to Pure Palette. Feeling that their defeat was a result of being unable to face their fans, they plan out a fan meeting tour. However, the day of the event overlaps with Ema's lacrosse club's training camp. Will Ema take up her club activities? Or will she take up Honey Cat?
21	"Spreading Harmony♪" Transcription: "Hirogaru Hāmonī♪" (Japanese: 広がるハーモニー♪)	August 30, 2018
Aine and the others are to be visitor guides at the academy's open day. Joined by powerful visitors from all over the country (some of whom are boys!?), they are to observe the ongoings of the school. With there being participants who say that there's no need for Friends, Aine enters a situation where her friendship power is ineffective!?
22	"Premonition of the Full Moon" Transcription: "Mangetsu no Yokan" (Japanese: 満月の予感)	September 6, 2018
In order to protect Sakuya's reputation as a fortune teller, her sister Kaguya fills in for her while she does her Aikatsu! But when Sakuya is overcome with exhaustion, can Kaguya fill in for her as an idol?
23	"Shout It, at the Moment" Transcription: "Sakebu, Shunkan" (Japanese: 叫ぶ、瞬間)	September 13, 2018
Maika is still upset over losing to Pure Palette, so much so she has yet to tell her parents she won't be competing in the Brilliant Friends Cup. As Maika struggles to hide the truth, it begins to affect her work. The designer of Dancing Mirage, Maika's favourite brand, tells her she isn't ready to become the brand's muse. Feeling lost about what to do, Ema steps in to help.
24	"Rivals are Friends!" Transcription: "Raibaru wa Furenzu!" (Japanese: ライバルはフレンズ！)	September 20, 2018
Pure Palette and Reflect Moon are to appear on a variety show with Love Me Tear. Though Sakuya is nervous about her first variety show appearance and Kaguya is unable to understand what's so amazing about Love Me Tear, the two notice something important during the recording.
25	"Surpass Love Me Tear!" Transcription: "Rabu Mī Tia o Koero!" (Japanese: ラブミーティアをこえろ！)	September 27, 2018
Mio is asked to cover for Love Me Tear on a variety show when the Friends get stuck abroad. Mio is initially reluctant to accept the offer as she still feels she is far from surpassing Love Me Tear. Mio prepares thoroughly for the show and things go well, but when a surprise guest appears, Mio is needs to pull all her skills and resources to make the show a success.
26	"Friends Gathered - Autumn of Aikatsu" Transcription: "Furenzu Shūgō - Aikatsu no Aki" (Japanese: フレンズ集合-アイカツの秋)	October 4, 2018
The Brilliant Friends Cup begins! Pure Palette are in high spirits as they stand before rivals from all over Japan. However, in stark contrast to these feelings, Aine and Mio are starting to develop a slight disconnect between each other.
27	"Full Moon's Radiance" Transcription: "Furu Mūn no Kagayaki" (Japanese: フルムーンの輝き)	October 11, 2018
Afraid of her own divination, Sakuya withdraws to her dressing room and refuses to come out. Though another divination says if tonight is a full moon, that disaster will go away, the moon up in the sky is a half moon... Will Reflect Moon be able to participate!?
28	"Friends Even When We're Alone" Transcription: "Hitori demo Furenzu" (Japanese: ひとりでもフレンズ)	October 18, 2018
Mio gains a fever, which is a rare event for her. Despite feeling impatient, she takes a rest at home under the care of her mother Reiko. Looking at how Reiko works, Mio has started to realise her own faults. She is about to make a large decision for the future of Pure Palette.
29	"Aine's Halloween Panic!" Transcription: "Aine no Harowin Panikku!" (Japanese: あいねのハロウィンパニック！)	October 25, 2018
Aine is set to appear again as a guest in the drama "Maiden Idol is a Witch" starring Mirai. Aine is determined to get things right first time, but Mirai begins asking her to repeat her scenes saying Aine isn't playing the part correctly. With the climax of the show a stage battle with Mirai, Aine wonders if she has what it takes to beat her senior.
30	"Dubbing Challenge★Mio" Transcription: "Afureko Charenji ★ Mio" (Japanese: アフレコチャレンジ★みお)	November 1, 2018
Mio and Kaguya try their first voice acting job in an animated film. Mio struggles with ad-lib but is surprised how well Kaguya handles things. Mio wonders what she need to overcome her barrier and talks to Kaguya about her motivation.
31	"The Legendary 101st Match!" Transcription: "Densetsu no 101-ban shōbu!" (Japanese: 伝説の101番勝負！)	November 8, 2018
With one day remaining until the deadline to enter the Best Friends Cup expires, Aine and Mio decide to redebut after taking a break from their activities as Friends. However they don't want to restart with half-hearted feelings, so they take a chapter from Love Me Tear’s story and attempt to complete a Legendary 100 Match battle!
32	"Heart-Pounding☆Adventure on Karen Island!" Transcription: "Dokidoki ☆ Bōken Karen-jima!" (Japanese: ドキドキ☆冒険カレン島！)	November 15, 2018
The last opportunity to participate in the Diamond Friends Cup, the Best Friends Cup begins. Karen Island owned by the Kamishiro family will be the stage. This year's theme is "survival", and first up is Honey Cat.
33	"Ka~boom Adventure on the Volcano Island" Transcription: "Dokka~n Bōken Kazan-shima" (Japanese: ドッカ～ン冒険カザン島)	November 22, 2018
The second part of the Best Friends Cup starts, with Pure Palette taking their turn to face the challenges before them.
34	"Happiness to Everyone" Transcription: "Min'na ni Hapinesu" (Japanese: みんなにハピネス)	November 29, 2018
Aine is given the opportunity to debut a new premium rare dress for Sugar Melody. However with only three days to complete the dress before the debut concert, Aine struggles to find ideas.
35	"Treasure Hunter Warning!" Transcription: "Torejā Hantā Chūihō!" (Japanese: トレジャーハンター注意報！)	December 6, 2018
Sakuya and Kaguya appear on TV with Aine and her friends and afterwards are given the task of producing a video tour of their home. Aine and the others offer to help and end up discovering a treasure map that leads to some treasure the twins buried when they were younger. The girls feel that going on a treasure hunt and filming it would make a much better video, but Sakuya and Kaguya are reluctant to go and find what they buried.
36	"Runway of Trouble!" Transcription: "Haran no Ranwei!" (Japanese: 波乱のランウェイ！)	December 13, 2018
Mio is hosting a fashion show that will debut her new premium rare dress for her brand. However not all things go to plan when Aine's little sister Momone shows up and wants to be in the show and one of her guests appears to be late. But luckily Mio has an idea to turn things around.
37	"Merry Friends Christmas" Transcription: "Merī Furenzu Kurisumasu" (Japanese: メリーフレンズクリスマス)	December 20, 2018
The line-up for the Diamond Friends Cup is decided with Pure Palette facing Honey Cat on the first day. Also with Christmas around the corner, the Friends decide to exchange gifts, but Aine has trouble finding the right gift for Mio.
38	"I'm Coco! Aikatsu Song Battle" Transcription: "Koko da yo! Aikatsu Utagassen" (Japanese: ココだよ！ アイカツ歌合戦)	December 27, 2018
Love Me Tear is hosting the annual Aikatsu Song Battle with Karen captain of the White team and Mirai captain of the Red team. Members of Pure Palette, Honey Cat and Reflect Moon divide between the two teams and perform songs for the audience. However back stage there's a mystery to solve, when Coco suddenly disappears from the Aikatsu Mobile the idols decide to investigate.
39	"Opening! Diamond Friends Cup" Transcription: "Kaimaku! Daiyamondo Furenzu Kappu" (Japanese: 開幕！ダイヤモンドフレンズカップ)	January 10, 2019
The Diamond Friends Cup is about to start with Honey Cat verses Pure Palette. But Pure Palette is worried they won't be able to pull off a Miracle Appeal despite practicing. Honey Cat reveal that they too have been unable to replicate their Appeal in training so both teams work together to unlock the secret of the Miracle Appeal.
40	"Believe it" Transcription: "Believe it" (Japanese: Believe it)	January 17, 2019
The next round of the Diamond Friends Cup sees Reflect Moon go up against Love Me Tear. But despite Sakuya's divination they'll be victorious, Kakuya is still worried she'll never be able to match her sister's skill as an idol. But it's not only Kakuya that's worried, Mirai notices Karen is having her own doubts.
41	"Unleash the Love Me Zone!" Transcription: "Rabu Mī Zōn o Tokihanate!" (Japanese: ラブミーゾーンを解き放て！)	January 24, 2019
Aine and Mio think about what more they can do before the final round of the Diamond Friends Cup against Love Me Tear. To their surprise Mirai shows up at Aine's home and tells the girl about Karen. Karen has been holding back her abilities as an idol ever since she and Mirai became Diamond Friends because the Friends unit they competed against dropped out, fearing they'd never be able to match Love Me tear. Mirai wants to go all out against Pure Palette and unleash the Love Me Zone, Love Me Tear's own version of the Aikatsu Zone, but fears that Karen's feelings will prevent it. However, Aine comes up with an idea to hold a sleepover at her house so both Friends groups can get to know each other better, and hopefully convince Karen to open up about her feelings.
42	"The Miracle of Friends' Power" Transcription: "Tomodachikara no Kiseki" (Japanese: トモダチカラのキセキ)	January 31, 2019
With Love Me Tear's full power performance over, it's time for Pure Palette to take to the stage. However, both Aine and Mio realise the power of the Love Me Zone and are afraid they'll never be able to match it. As they promised Karen and Mirai, both girls make a plea to their fans for support before taking a breather. However things take a surprising turn when the girls see their fans' reactions.
43	"The Scenery of Gratitude" Transcription: "Arigatō no Keshiki" (Japanese: ありがとうの景色)	February 7, 2019
Aine and Mio are to hold a concert for the reveal of their Diamond Dresses. But as part of that concert the Friends want to say thank you to all their fans for their support. Mio gets a surprise when her father shows up to attend the concert, and a secret about the Diamond Dresses is revealed.
44	"The Chocolate and Mint Confession" Transcription: "Chokotto Minto na Kokuhaku" (Japanese: チョコっとミントな告白)	February 14, 2019
Mio is asked to do a commercial for the chocolate and mint Macarons she has been promoting. The commercial is to air on Valentine's Day, a day where girls traditionally confess their love to boys. Mio decides to mix it up a bit and have the commercial about boys confessing their love to girls using the Macarons. All Mio needs to do is find the right boys to star in the commercial.
45	"The Friends are Paparazzi!?" Transcription: "Tomodachi wa Paparatchi! ?" (Japanese: 友達はパパラッチ！？)	February 21, 2019
Tamaki warns Aine and Mio that now they are Diamonds Friends, people will be looking to get news stories on them, so they must be on their guard. Tamaki's warnings soon come to fruition when a rookie Paparazzi reporter named Habara shows up trying to get a scoop on the Friends. But Aine finds it an opportunity to get to know Habara and provide insight into Pure Palette.
46	"The Princess from the Moon" Transcription: "Tsuki kara kita Purinsesu" (Japanese: 月から来たプリンセス)	February 28, 2019
Sakuya and Kaguya are getting a lot of work now they are popular idols. However, Kaguya believes that in order to maintain their popularity, they must keep up their 'idols from the moon' roleplay. Unfortunately things seem to backfire when it looks like the twins have taken it too far.
47	"An Idol's Coco-mprehension★" Transcription: "Aidoru no Kokoroe★" (Japanese: アイドルのココろえ★)	March 7, 2019
Coco develops an interest to Aine and Mio, and begins to wonder what it's like to be an idol. Aine and her friends are surprised when Coco asked them if they would Aikatsu with her and takes them into her digital world.
48	"The Cats' Honey Work" Transcription: "Kyatto-tachi no Hanī na oshigoto" (Japanese: キャットたちのハニーなお仕事)	March 14, 2019
Maika and Ema want to visit their fans around the world so begin planning a world tour for Honey Cat, but they don't have the funds to go on the tour yet. Maika and Ema start a funding page to raise money and continue doing their Aikatsu. But things take an interesting turn when the two girls find a lost cat and vow to find its owner.
49	"The Last Chapter of the Legend" Transcription: "Densetsu no Saishūshō" (Japanese: 伝説の最終章)	March 21, 2019
Karen and Mirai make a shocking announcement that they will be going their separate ways, in order of each of them to pursue their own individual Aikatsu! Does this mean it is the end of Love Me Tear?
50	"The Future That's Only There" Transcription: "Soko ni Shikanai Mirai" (Japanese: そこにしかない未来)	March 28, 2019
Aine and Mio get into their first big fight as Friends. Mirai orchestrates a 'Making Up Ceremony' for the pair, to show them that fighting is part of being Friends, as well as for her own amusement.

References

1. "Aikatsu Friends! Debuts in April as 3rd Aikatsu Idol TV Anime". Anime News Network. January 25, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.