THE iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls

At 346 Production, a major player in the idol world, a new program called the Cinderella Project opens its doors. Ordinary girls are recruited to train as aspiring idols and are dropped into a glittering world they have only glimpsed on screen or stage. This modern fairy tale centers on talent, hard work, and the pressure to shine under bright lights, cameras, and schedules that demand precision. New friendships form as rivals emerge, and every audition tests their resolve. The story follows a group of hopefuls led by Uzuki Shimamura and companions as they discover whether they belong in a palace of performances. The magic begins now, but the road to stardom is never simple.

Created by Tatsuya Takahashi and Noriko Takao this 2015 TV series expands the Cinderella Girls universe under the 346 Production banner and continues the franchise's focus on aspiring idols for fans around the world.

As part of the larger Idolm@ster phenomenon, Cinderella Girls has built a dedicated fan community and sparked conversations around friendship, work ethic, and what it takes to perform. The voice cast includes Ayaka Ohashi as Uzuki Shimamura, Naomi Ohzora as Chieri Ogata, Maaya Uchida as Ranko Kanzaki, Nozomi Yamamoto as Rika Jougasaki, and Aya Suzaki as Minami Nitta.

Viewers give the show a mixed reception. Some praise the ensemble energy and the light humor that comes with idol life, while others find the pacing uneven and the focus on training routines repetitive. Core themes include teamwork, persistence, and finding one's own voice under pressure. The series also weighs the balance between a private life and public performance, showing how ambition can clash with friendships. Overall it stands as a reasonable entry within the franchise and reflects a modest but steady interest, evidenced by a 5.1 out of 10 rating from 17 votes.