Data Carddass 'Aikatsu! Encore' Key Visual Released for October 2026 Launch; Kanna Hashimoto Appointed as Legend Collaboration Partner!

## Key Visual ①

＜Kanna Hashimoto Appointed as Legend Collaboration Partner!＞

Bandai's Card Division has announced that actress Kanna Hashimoto will serve as the Legend Collaboration Partner for the upcoming Data Carddass game 'Aikatsu! Encore.' Alongside this announcement, a new key visual featuring Kanna Hashimoto has been released.

Kanna Hashimoto previously served as a Special Collaboration Partner for the original 'Aikatsu!' Data Carddass in 2014, making this her second collaboration with the franchise. In the newly unveiled visual, she appears elegantly dressed in a vibrant red gown and a brilliantly shining gold tiara, holding an 'Aikatsu!' card—be sure to check out her stunning appearance. Further details about the collaboration with Kanna Hashimoto will be revealed at a later date. Stay tuned for updates.

## Key Visual ②

■ Performer Profile

Kanna Hashimoto (Kanna Hashimoto)

Born in 1999. Made her film debut in 2011 in 'Miracle,' directed and written by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

In March 2016, she made her film debut as the lead actress in Kadokawa's 40th-anniversary film 'Sailor Suit and Machine Gun -Graduation-,' for which she won the 'Newcomer Actor Award' at the 40th Japan Academy Prize. She also made her solo music debut with the film's theme song, 'Sailor Suit and Machine Gun.' Since then, she has starred in numerous films and TV dramas. She also appears in commercials for major corporations and is active across TV and variety programs.

She has played the lead role of Chihiro in the stage production 'Spirited Away' since its premiere at Tokyo's Imperial Theatre in 2022, and will reprise the role in the 2024 London Coliseum performances and the 2025 Shanghai Culture Square performances, drawing significant attention. Additionally, she hosted the 2024 'NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen' for the third consecutive year.

She stars as the heroine Yonezawa Yui in the second half of the 2024 NHK morning drama 'Omusubi.'

She will star in Fuji TV's new Monday 9 PM drama 'Yandoku!' in 2026.

## ＜New Characters and Songs to Be Revealed＞

Since the project's announcement on May 1st, PVs and songs featuring the idols set to appear in the game have been steadily released. At the 'ALL AIKATSU! BAND LIVE ~LEGGENDA VOCE~' event held on June 7th at Pacifico Yokohama's National Hall, a new PV was unveiled, confirming the appearance of 'Hikaru Oozora' from the original 'Aikatsu!' series. It was also announced that the opening theme 'MY STARWAY' from the movie 'Aikatsu! 10th STORY ~Future STARWAY~' will be included in the game. For more information about 'Aikatsu! Encore,' please visit the official website or YouTube channel.

- Excerpt from PV released on June 7

- Excerpt from PV released on June 7

■ Official 'Aikatsu! Encore' Website: https://dcd.aikatsu.com/encore

■ Official X Account: https://x.com/aikatsu_dcd

■ Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aikatsu

■ Official Hashtag: #AikatsuEncore

## ＜About the Data Carddass 'Aikatsu! Series'＞

The 'Aikatsu! Series' is a digital kids' card game where players scan fashion-themed cards to play rhythm-based auditions. Launched in October 2012, the series surpassed 110 million cumulative card shipments by March 2014. Players can create their own original character, 'My Character,' and record game results on their 'Aikatsu Pass.' Following the 2012 launch of the Data Carddass and TV anime series, related merchandise such as Nintendo 3DS software and smartphone toys saw strong sales, contributing to ¥15.9 billion in total Bandai Namco Group sales for the 'Aikatsu! Series' in 2014. Sales have rebounded again in 2025, and the franchise continues to be a top performer in the girls' entertainment market.

■ Game Features

The game is themed around 'Coordination Expands Through Cards,' allowing players to mix and match tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories to create countless outfit combinations. It successfully blends the joy of 'choosing' with the joy of 'collecting.'

In the rhythm game, the idol you've coordinated performs dances and stage acts, allowing you to experience life as an idol. Successful rhythm gameplay triggers dazzling live performances, creating an immersive concert-like atmosphere where the idol's success boosts audience excitement. By combining outfit selection with rhythm gameplay, players experience self-production and expand their self-expression through the game.

With 'Aikatsu! Encore,' both longtime fans and new players can enjoy the fun of 'idol activities = Aikatsu!' The game will introduce new interactive elements using flat panels, along with intuitive features and stage productions to make the 'Aikatsu!' experience more accessible.

Choose your cards and take the stage! As a self-production × idol experience game, 'Aikatsu! Encore' will deliver a one-of-a-kind experience with new songs and original stage productions launched alongside the project. Detailed specifications of the game unit will be revealed gradually. Stay tuned for updates.

## ＜What is 'Aikatsu!'?＞

The 'Aikatsu! Series' began in 2012 with the launch of the Data Carddass and TV anime, following girls striving to become top idols through 'idol activities' (Aikatsu!). The franchise has expanded with titles like 'Aikatsu!,' 'Aikatsu Stars!,' 'Aikatsu Friends!,' 'Aikatsu On Parade!,' and 'Aikatsu Planet!' In 2023, the 10th anniversary year, the theatrical film 'Aikatsu! 10th STORY ~Future STARWAY~' was released, followed by the streaming of 'Aikatsu Academy!' in 2024. Through cross-media content including TV programs, films, live concerts, streaming, Data Carddass, toys, apparel, and goods, the series has gained widespread popularity. In October 2026, the Data Carddass will reboot as 'Aikatsu! Encore.' Alongside this, the TV anime 'Aikatsu!' will be re-aired, and diverse 'All Aikatsu!' initiatives will continue across multiple media platforms.

## 【Data Carddass Basic Information】

■ Title: Aikatsu! Encore

■ Launch Date: October 2026 (planned)

■ Card Size: 86mm (H) × 59mm (W)

■ Sales Locations: Toy departments in toy stores, department stores, and retail chains nationwide, as well as amusement facilities

■ Official Website: https://dcd.aikatsu.com/encore

■ Official X Account: https://x.com/aikatsu_dcd

■ Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aikatsu

■ Official Hashtag