Show by Rock!!

SHOW BY ROCK!!

Company type	Video game franchise
Industry	Video games, Anime, Manga
Founded	July 30, 2013 (2013-07-30)
Founder	Geechs (later Edia)
Defunct	December 26, 2019 (2019-12-26) (original game service)
Fate	Original game service ended; follow-up title launched and later ended
Successor	SHOW BY ROCK!! Fes A Live (follow-up title)
Headquarters	Japan
Area served	Worldwide (mobile game platforms)
Products	Mobile rhythm games, anime series, manga
Owner	Sanrio (franchise owner)

SHOW BY ROCK!! (presented in all caps and also known as SHOW BY ROCK!! GONNA BE A MUSIC MILLIONAIRE!) is a Japanese mobile rhythm game created and released by Geechs (later Edia) in collaboration with Sanrio. As Sanrio's inaugural franchise aimed at an older audience and its first music-centered venture, the game was initially launched on July 30, 2013, for iOS, followed by an Android release on June 27, 2014. Development responsibilities transitioned from Geechs to Edia in January 2018, with the original service concluding on December 26, 2019. Subsequently, a follow-up title developed by Now Production and published by Square Enix premiered on March 12, 2020, but ceased operations on November 30, 2022.

The franchise further expanded through four anime adaptations. The first three seasons were produced by Bones, marking the debut of a late-night anime based on a Sanrio property. The initial season aired from April to June 2015 on Tokyo MX, followed by a short series broadcast between July and September 2016, and a second season from October to December 2016. The third season, animated by Kinema Citrus, aired from January to March 2020, with a fourth season running from January to March 2021. Additionally, a manga version was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace magazine between July 2020 and May 2022.

Show by Rock!!

Show by Rock!! combined rhythm gameplay with elements of a raising simulation. Players could choose from 27 bands, each offering distinct musical genres and unique special cards. Teams were composed of up to five cards plus one support member, with "soul" points linked to the elemental attributes of the cards. Users selected songs and difficulty settings appropriate for their team’s composition. Occasionally, a band’s Melodisian Stones would become corrupted, initiating a boss battle where only that band’s songs could be played to survive. Players also had the ability to create custom characters and personalize their rooms.

Fes A Live

The Fes A Live installment preserved the fundamental gameplay mechanics but adapted a landscape orientation similar to titles like The Idolmaster and BanG Dream!. It featured fewer bands grouped by musical categories—Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm—instead of elemental types. The live mode introduced swipe-based note input, adjustable note scroll speed, and a five-note interface.

A notable addition was the town of GURF, which served as the player’s central hub. Customizing buildings within GURF generated sound dollars—the free in-game currency—also earned by selling band-specific items obtained after performances. Progression unlocked additional building slots and upgrades purchasable through sound dollars. Boss encounters returned via corrupted myummons appearing in town, rewarding currency upon defeat. The bromide card system allowed players to acquire and enhance cards through gacha mechanics using Melodisian Stones, featuring various rarity levels. The game included both a story mode and a 69 Memorial Mode that retold the original anime’s narrative for new players.

Show by Rock!!

Cyan Hijirikawa is an introverted high school student with a deep love for music who becomes transported into the rhythm game universe after receiving an artifact known as the "Strawberry Heart." Within Midi City—a world governed by music—she transforms into a white kemono cat girl adorned in Gothic Lolita attire. When dark creatures assault a concert performed by Trichronika and taint their Melodisian Stones, Strawberry Heart grants Cyan the power to combat them. After rescuing the band, she retains her feline ears and tail upon returning to her human form.

Maple Arisugawa, head of Banded Rocking Records, invites Cyan to join his agency. There she meets members of Plasmagica—ChuChu, Retoree, and Moa—and becomes part of their group. United in their goal to become Midi City’s premier band, they also seek to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Dark Monsters while searching for a way for Cyan to return home.

Show by Rock!!#

Taking place after the initial season, the nefarious Queen of Darkness, Victorious, commands a cosmic armada that ravages Sound Planet, leading to the destruction of Midi City. In the aftermath, the ominous group Bud Virgin Logic performs a sinister melody while Dagger Morse siphons sound energy from the inhabitants, causing widespread turmoil. Ninjinriot remains the sole survivor, fearing the impending collapse of the Sound Universe. To alter this bleak destiny, the band journeys back through time. In present-day Midi City, Maple briefs Plasmagica, ShinganCrimsonZ, and Criticrista about a special concert hosted by their label, met with guarded enthusiasm. Despite Cyan's absence, Plasmagica is eager to take the stage until Bud Virgin Logic and Dagger Morse emerge, threatening devastation. Ninjinriot intervenes to save them, but Arashi cautions that failing to halt Dagger and Bud Virgin Logic will result in catastrophe. Meanwhile, in the Human World, Cyan Hijirikawa battles writer’s block while preparing a song for her school festival. Kamui transports her back to Sound World to aid in averting the dark future. With the Sound Universe’s survival hanging in the balance, Cyan and her allies must once again face Dagger and Victorious.

Show by Rock!! Mashumairesh!!

Set after the events of season two, this narrative centers on Howan, a Fox Myummon from Sound Planet’s rural areas who aspires to achieve musical fame. After successfully auditioning for a music contest in Midi City, she encounters difficulties when she misplaces her audition pass. Guitarist Mashima Himeko shares Howan’s enthusiasm but harbors reservations about collaborating with bassist Delmin and drummer Ruhuyu. Beneath Midi City’s dazzling lights, Howan connects with Himeko, Delmin, and Ruhuyu; together they unlock creative possibilities beyond their individual capabilities.

Show by Rock!! Stars!!

Following the conclusion of season three, returning bands from earlier seasons—including Plasmagica, Criticrista, Mashumairesh!!, and Dokonjofinger—assemble in Midi City for an all-star band competition featuring their most formidable opponents yet.

Main bands

The introductory band featured in the game’s story mode consists of four members brought together by Maple Arisugawa of Banded Rocking Records. Their goal is to ascend to the pinnacle of the music industry and they are prominently showcased in the Show By Rock!! anime.

• () – guitar and vocals – The protagonist; a reserved high school student transformed into a white cat Myumon adorned in Gothic Lolita attire. She plays the Strawberry Heart guitar which links her to musician Grateful King.
• () – guitar and vocals – A purple rabbit Myumon who excels academically and aspires toward a solo career. She wields the Antique Batman guitar.
• () – bass and vocals – A golden retriever dog Myumon characterized by intelligence and shyness; uses the Blue Station Electric Bass.
• () – drums and vocals – A pink-and-black sheep alien originating from Planet Pyuru; performs on Super Cosmo drums.

A visual kei band under contract with Banded Rocking Records determined to become Midi City's premier act.

• () – guitar and vocals – The impulsive hedgehog Myumon leader who plays an axe-shaped Red Tomahawk guitar.
• () – guitar – A composed lion Myumon who handles the Holy Arc guitar.
• () – bass – A timid fox Myumon devoted to Bushido philosophy; uses "Ryūkenden" guitar.
• () – drums – The level-headed leopard Myumon leader playing Skull Jacker drums.

An Enka ensemble blending rock with traditional Japanese music styles to promote Far Eastern melodies within Midi City. Their songs are performed by Salia and subsequently Saori Hayami/Dawn M. Bennett.

• () – shamisen guitar and vocals – A tan Shiba Inu Myumon wearing a bamboo hat.
• () – shamisen bass and vocals – A grey mouse Myumon.
• () – drums and vocals – A cat Myumon leader accompanied by a red daruma doll.

An all-male idol group signed with major label Judas; they are the first band Cyan encounters in the anime series.

• () – guitar and vocals – The galactic prince Myumon leader known for his angelic voice; shares a dark history with Rom from Amatelast.
• () – bass – The soft-spoken twin who supports Shu☆Zo.
• () – drums – The eccentric older twin brother with a passion for dancing.

Four-member band representing St. Midi Middle School's Student Council; they work for Unicorn Virtual Music after being defeated and purified. They have their sights set on Cyan within the anime storyline.

• () – guitar and vocals
• () – keyboards and vocals
• () – bass and vocals
• () – drums and vocals

An all-male group signed with major label Judas composed of affluent members named after chemical elements; officially abbreviated as .

• Voiced by Yūsuke Kobayashi/Jason Liebrecht - keyboard and vocals - Blue unicorn Myumon from a renowned musical family who secretly supports his less fortunate siblings.
• Voiced by Taku Yashiro/J. Michael Tatum - violin - G bison Myumon leader hailing from a wealthy background who leverages money to solve problems.
• Voiced by Eishin Fudemura/Brandon McInnis - bass - Lamb Myumon son of a major label chairman well-versed in music industry affairs.
• Voiced by Chiharu Sawashiro/Marcus D. Stimac - drums - Sonic gazelle Myumon billionaire entrepreneur balancing business ventures with musical pursuits.
• Voiced by Tomohisa Asō/Kent Williams - Orion's butler
• Voiced by Ayane Sakura/Alison Viktorin - Titan's younger brother
• Voiced by Manami Numakura/Lara Woodhull - Titan's younger brother

A mysterious band allied with antagonist Dagger Morse during season two; Melodisian Stones corrupted them into servitude.

• Voiced by Ruriko Noguchi/Leah Clark - vocals and guitar - Proud lion Myumon possessing strong charisma; younger sister of Aion.
• Voiced by Aimi Tanaka/Amanda Lee - bass - Mythical Kirin Myumon serving as Ailane’s maid equipped with concealed weapons.
• Voiced by Ibuki Kido/Jeannie Tirado - drums - White tiger Myumon childhood friend skilled in using knife-drumsticks.

Countryside-origin band signed initially with Ogasawara then Unicorn Virtual Music; their songs are performed in-game by Luna of Nippon Columbia.

• Voiced by Marika Kouno/Whitney Rodgers/Anne Yacto - guitar and vocals
• Voiced by Nozomi Furuki/Tia Ballard - drums
• Voiced by Tomoya Kōsaka/Kyle Phillips - bass
• Voiced by Marumi Koike/Ashleigh Domangue/Jill Harris - keyboard

Band hailing from Venicillin’s aquatic capital performing live in Midi City; songs performed by artist Chihiro.

• Voiced by Kiyono Yasuno/Michelle Rojas - vocals
• Voiced by Saki Ogasawara/Megan Shipman - guitar
• Voiced by Nozomi Furuki/Sarah Wiedenheft - drums
• - bass

Family-based yokai-themed group from Midi City's Yokai Street; their songs are performed by J-pop singer Marie Ueda.

• Voiced by China Kitahara/Brittney Karbowski - vocals and guitar
• Voiced by Natsuki Kawasaki/Josh Grelle - keyboard
• Voiced by Ryūichi Kijima - guitar
• Voiced by Jun Kasama - bass
• Voiced by Kentaro Kumagai - drums

Lolita rock group themed around sweets introduced in season two; fans of other dessert-themed bands skilled in confectionery artistry.

• Voiced by Mikoi Sasaki/Alex Moore - vocals and leader; Holland Lop rabbit Myumon
• Voiced by Izumi Chiba/Terri Doty - drums; pig Myumon
• - guitar; squirrel Myumon
• Cream Teddy - bass; bear Myumon

Four-member ninja band originating from the future dedicated to preventing Queen of Darkness' invasion of Sound World; no official record label affiliation; perform exclusively on streets.

• Oboro - leader; Oni Myumon guitarist

• Arashi - tan Shiba Inu Myumon vocalist/guitarist aware of invasion plans
• Rin - light brown fox Myumon bassist
• Kamui - Ninmachine Myumon drummer who traveled back through time seeking Cyan

Superhero-themed ensemble employed at Revolution Music Store conducting weekly rooftop live performances.

• Bai Red - red panda Myumon vocalist/guitarist dressed as Red Ranger
• Bai Yellow - bass player
• Bai Blue - guitarist
• Bai Pink - keyboardist
• Bai Green - drummer

Indie trio based in Shibu Valley tasked with protecting Melodisian stone gates; now expanded to four members including Uchuura. Inspired by real-world band KFK.

• Kintaurus - werewolf-like vocalist/guitarist known for his awkward demeanor
• Deyan - devil-like bassist recognized for fashion sense and aggressive style
• Uchura - newest member from a distant galaxy attracted to Kintaurus’ shirts
• Daishizen - large, reserved drummer overseeing members and fans

Four-member Electronica rock band from Fourthvalley delivering atmospheric performances at Yokaze Bar; later featured in Stars anime series.

• Rikao - vocals and bass
• Jyaroppu - guitarist
• Kusuka - keyboardist
• Uraragi - drummer

Four-piece rock group introduced in Mashumairesh!! anime then appearing in Fes A Live, known for emotionally resonant sounds that captivate audiences.

• Howan – Arctic fox Myumon vocalist/guitarist
• Mashima Himeko – striped cat Myumon vocalist/guitarist
• Delmin – Devil Mint Kiryu Myumon vocalist/bassist
• Ruhuyu – wolf Myumon vocalist/drummer

Heavy metal high school band formed at Dokonjo Kita Academy as part of community service or face expulsion penalties.

• Yasu – Yatagarasu Myumon vocalist/guitarist
• Hachin – bumblebee Myumon bassist
• Joe – phoenix Myumon guitarist
• Sojun – Komainu Myumon drummer

Three-piece electronic rock group recognized for advanced soundscapes without designated leadership, promoting collective growth among equals.

• Rararin – caracal Myumon vocalist/guitarist
• Sumomone – peach flying squirrel Myumon vocalist/guitarist
• Uiui – ice rabbit Myumon vocalist/bassist

Five-member punk rock band making their debut in Fes A Live, responsible for an increase in Dark Monster incidents following their disbandment; serve as main antagonists within game narrative.

• 919 (Nyke)* vocalist/guitarist who instigates Dark Monster attacks
• 661 (Roroy)* keyboardist twin engaged in espionage
• 659 (Rocoku)* drummer twin involved in spying
• 151 (Ecoy)* bassist
• 13 (E-me)* guitarist

Female rock ensemble from St. Midi Middle School featuring angelic vocal qualities alongside unique instruments debuting in Fes A Live.

• Gyaraco – vocals/bass
• Shimmakk – vocals/guitar
• Leppanyo – keyboard
• Gilili – drums

Supporting characters

Maple Arisugawa (有栖川 メイプル, Arisugawa Meipuru)

Japanese voice actor: Yūji Ueda; English voice actor: Sonny Strait

Previously affiliated with Unicorn Virtual Music, Maple now serves as the President and CEO of Banded Rocking Records. As an egg Myumon, he oversees the management of Plasmagica and Shingancrimsonz. Despite exhibiting a playful and occasionally quirky personality, he demonstrates profound dedication to his bands, treating them like family and prioritizing music beyond financial gain. He is also knowledgeable about Strawberry Heart and its link to Grateful King.

Angelica (アンゼリカ, Anzerika)

Japanese voice actor: Risa Shimizu; English voice actor: Rachel Robinson

Angelica is a mouse Myumon acting as the secretary at Banded Rocking Records. She manages the bands with a strict, dominatrix-inspired style, frequently keeping Maple’s more whimsical tendencies under control.

Grateful King (グレイトフルキング, Gureitofurukingu) / Strawberry Heart (ストロベリーハート, Sutoroberī Hāto)

Japanese voice actor: Hiroyuki Yoshino; English voice actor: Justin Cook

Known as a celebrated composer and vocalist within Sound World, Grateful King is contracted by Unicorn Virtual Music. He was manipulated by Dagger to create a powerful song intended for domination. To resist this influence, he wielded the legendary instrument Strawberry Heart to establish communication with Cyan and others upon her arrival in Sound World. Currently serving as Cyan’s mentor in Midi City, he provides guidance on how to defeat Dark Monsters. The members of Banded Rocking Records eventually become aware of his existence.

Master (マスター, Masutā)

Japanese voice actor: Shigeru Chiba; English voice actor: Ben Phillips

The proprietor of Studio UNZ, where Mashumairesh!! and Dokonjofinger rehearse, Master is a hedgehog cat Myumon who treats these bands like family and offers them musical mentorship.

Rocker (ロッカー, Rokkā)

The main character in Fes A Live and player’s avatar, Rocker is a customizable Myumon originating from GURF—a declining town near Midi City suffering from diminished music tourism. Upon discovering an old amplifier inhabited by the spirit of Jeepe Parisugawa in his family’s shop, Rocker embarks on a quest to revive GURF’s music scene and unravel the mystery surrounding Jeepe’s death. Together with his friend Rameca, they investigate Dark Monster occurrences throughout Midi City.

Rameca Pashalikowa (ラメカ・パシャリコワ, Rameka Pasharikowa)

Japanese voice actor: Karin Takahashi; English voice actor: Risa Mei

Rameca is a chinchilla Myumon aspiring to become a music journalist in Midi City. As an amateur photographer and writer focusing on local bands, she partners with Rocker in his efforts to rejuvenate music tourism in GURF with hopes of becoming the city’s leading reporter.

Jeepe Parisugawa (ジーペ・パリスガワ, Jīpe Parisugawa)

Japanese voice actor: Yasuhiro Takato

Jeepe is the spirit inhabiting the amplifier discovered by Rocker. Once a renowned guitarist from Midi City who died under mysterious circumstances 69 years ago following a live performance in GURF, Jeepe now seeks Rocker’s assistance to restore the town’s former musical glory.

Antagonists

A Criticrista agent and Dagger employee who was dismissed after Criticrista's defeat by Plasmagica. Subsequently, he joined Uwasanopetals before season 1 concluded. Although he resigned from Dagger Morse, he was reinstated during the season 2 finale.

The primary antagonist of season 1 and president of Unicorn Music responsible for unleashing Dark Monsters. Though defeated by Cyan at season 1’s end, he survived and formed Bud Virgin Logic as his new band. Wrongly accused of collaborating with the Queen of Darkness Victorious, he ultimately allied with Maple to defeat her and reshape the future.

The true villain of season 2 known as the Queen of Darkness and sovereign of Ordinis—a planet driven by efficiency and results. Initially devoted to justice, her Melodisian stone was corrupted by betrayal, leaving her embittered and hostile toward music. She commanded a fleet tasked with extracting Sound Energy through widespread genocide, intending to dominate the Sound Universe through despair. Operating covertly within Arcareafact, she betrayed them by stealing their resources.

Video games

Sanrio initially released the original game on July 30, 2013, for the iOS platform, followed by an Android version on June 27, 2014. While primarily aimed at young male players, it also attracted a significant audience among older female users aged 15 to 19. This title showcased a unique artistic style that distinguished it from typical Sanrio products. Several promotional clips were made available through Sanrio’s official YouTube channel. The game’s service concluded on December 26, 2019.

The follow-up game, Show by Rock!! Fes A Live, was developed by Now Production and published by Square-Enix, launching on both iOS and Android devices on March 12, 2020. Unfortunately, its servers were scheduled to close on November 30, 2022.

Anime

A 12-episode anime series based on the game was produced by Bones and broadcast on Tokyo MX from April 5 to June 21, 2015. The series was directed by Takahiro Ikezoe with scripts penned by Touko Machida, while music composition was handled by Yasuharu Takanashi, Funta7, and Rega Sound. The opening song, "Seishun wa Non-Stop!", and ending theme, "Have a Nice Music!!", were performed by Plasmagica. Sanrio aimed to engage a new male audience through a cross-media approach combining gaming, animation, and social media platforms.

In North America, the show was licensed by Funimation, which simulcast the episodes and later issued Blu-ray and DVD editions in December 2016 (North America) and February 2017 (UK).

A shorter anime installment titled Show By Rock!! Short!! aired between July and September 2016. Also licensed by Funimation, this series featured the theme song "Do-Re-Mi-Fa Party" performed by Plasmagica. The second season, Show By Rock!!#, ran from October to December 2016 and included opening and ending themes sung by Plasmagica.

The third season named Show by Rock!! Mashumairesh!!, produced by Kinema Citrus, debuted on January 9, 2020, across various Japanese channels. Seung Hui Son directed this season with Daisuke Tazawa as scriptwriter and Nobuyuki Itō designing characters. It incorporated three-dimensional animation crafted by Polygon Pictures. Returning composers Yasuharu Takanashi and Funta7 contributed the soundtrack under the label Pony Canyon. Funimation licensed this installment for North American audiences; it consisted of twelve episodes.

The fourth season, Show By Rock!! Stars!!, aired from January through March 2021 on Tokyo MX and other networks. The production team featured returning director Takahiro Ikezoe and writer Touko Machida alongside new director Daigo Yamagishi. Music composition duties were shared among Yasuharu Takanashi, Funta7, and Akiya Suzuki; ENGI provided the 3D animation work. Plasmagica and Mashumairesh performed the opening and closing themes respectively. Funimation secured streaming rights for North America and the British Isles, while Wakanim and AnimeLab handled distribution in Europe and Oceania.

Manga

A manga adaptation of the initial anime series was created by Takemaru Yokoshima as both writer and illustrator. It was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine from July 4, 2020 until May 4, 2022. The first compiled tankōbon volume became available on December 28, 2020.

Reception

Nick Creamer from Anime News Network offered a favorable critique of the premiere episode, describing it as an entertaining "wild merry-go-round of delirious nonsense," though he expressed some reservations regarding its sustainability over time. Amy McNulty awarded the first two episodes a B+ grade, highlighting how Show By Rock!! effectively blends aspects reminiscent of Di Gi Charat, The Idolmaster, and Sanrio-inspired magical girl themes within a cyberpunk framework while managing multiple storylines adeptly.

The anime’s success is further evidenced in the rankings of Sanrio characters during their 30th annual poll: Plasmagica ranked sixth overall while Shingan Crimsonz secured second place.

External links

• Official website for the video game
• Official anime series website
• Official site for Show by Rock!! Fes A Live