Encore! It's Starting! — That "National Idol Audition Game" is Back! Data Carddass 'Aikatsu! Encore' Scheduled to Launch in October 2026!

Bandai Card Business Co., Ltd. will sequentially launch Data Carddass 'Aikatsu! Encore,' a card entertainment machine that fuses digital data and card games, starting from October 2026. The target audience is 7-9 year olds, and it will be installed in toy stores, toy sections of department stores and mass retailers, and amusement facilities nationwide. Additionally, an encore broadcast of the TV anime 'Aikatsu!' has been decided. Detailed information will be released sequentially on various official X accounts and the official website. — 'Aikatsu! Encore' Logo/Card/Cabinet Image — Excerpt from the Teaser PV 'Aikatsu! Encore' Official Teaser HP: https://dcd.aikatsu.com/encore Official X Account: https://x.com/aikatsu_dcd Data Carddass 'Aikatsu! Series' is a digital kids' card game where players can enjoy auditions (rhythm games) by scanning cards depicting fashion items. The service started in October 2012, and by March 2014, the cumulative number of cards shipped exceeded 110 million. Players can create their own original character, 'My Character,' and record game results on an 'Aikatsu! Pass.' After the Data Carddass and TV anime series started in 2012, related goods, including Nintendo 3DS software and smartphone-type toys, also sold well, achieving 15.9 billion JPY in total sales for the 'Aikatsu! Series' across the Bandai Namco Group in 2014. In the recent year 2025, sales have re-expanded to the same level as 2014 due to strong peripheral products. It remains a highly successful content in the girls' market. ■ Game Features The game cabinet is themed around 'Coordination that expands with cards,' allowing players to combine tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories to create numerous coordination variations. It is a game that balances the 'fun of choosing' and the 'fun of collecting.' In the rhythm game, the idol coordinated by the player performs dances and performances, allowing players to enjoy a live idol experience. Furthermore, if the rhythm game is successful, spectacular live performances unfold, and the success of the idol's performance leads to an increase in the venue's excitement, allowing players to enjoy a feeling close to a real live experience. By successfully performing on stage through coordination selection and rhythm games, and experiencing self-production, this game cabinet expands the possibilities of self-expression. Data Carddass 'Aikatsu! Encore' will offer game content that allows both traditional fans and new fans to enjoy 'Idol Activities = Aikatsu!' We plan to implement new interactive elements utilizing a flat panel, as well as functions and productions that allow for a more intuitive 'Aikatsu!' experience. Choose your card, go to the stage! As a self-production x idol experience game where you can become your own idol, we will provide a unique experience with new songs and new productions prepared for the launch of this project. Detailed specifications of this game cabinet will be released sequentially. Please look forward to further announcements. The 'Aikatsu! Series' began in 2012 with Data Carddass and TV broadcasting, depicting girls striving to become top idols through idol activities (=Aikatsu!). The series has expanded with 'Aikatsu!', 'Aikatsu Stars!', 'Aikatsu Friends!', 'Aikatsu on Parade!', and 'Aikatsu Planet!'. In 2023, marking the 10th anniversary of the 'Aikatsu! Series,' the theatrical film 'Aikatsu! 10th STORY ~STARWAY to the Future~' was released, followed by the distribution of 'Aikatsu Academy!' the next year. It has gained popularity through cross-media dissemination including TV programs, movies, live performances, streaming, Data Carddass, toys, apparel, and miscellaneous goods. In October 2026, Data Carddass is decided to restart as 'Aikatsu! Encore.' In conjunction with this, an encore broadcast of the TV anime 'Aikatsu!' and other 'All Aikatsu!' developments will be delivered through various media in the future. The special video for this project has been unveiled for the first time. You can see the backs of three idols standing on a somewhat familiar stage. It shows an introductory scene that, together with the audience, anticipates the beginning of an exciting live performance. [Data Carddass Basic Information] ■ Title Name: Aikatsu! Encore ■ Scheduled Operation Date: October 2026 ■ Card Size: 86mm (vertical) x 59mm (horizontal) ■ Sales Locations: Toy stores, department store/mass retailer toy sections nationwide