Episode 54 - Secret of Smiles

Secret of Smiles (笑顔のヒミツ) is the 54th episode of the Aikatsu! TV Anime series and the 4th episode of it's "Second Season" (２年目), this episode was aired on October 24, 2013.

Yuka Yamada wrote the scenario and Atsuo Tobe wrote the storyboard. Keiko Oyamada directed the episode and the animation directed by Hiroaki Noguchi, Harunae Komatsu, and Mayuko Nishi.

Story
''With the motto "For idols, smiles are their life", Ichigo and the others learn to make cute photos. Then Dream Academy's Seira Otoshiro joins the photo session.''

Summary
In class, Johnny is going over the importance of taking promotional photographs for idols. He has decided that he will take brand new pictures of everyone and shows off the brand new camera he bought by taking pictures of them in class.

Ran is in the middle of posing for her pictures as Ichigo watches from the hallway. Otome and Aoi mention that while she was away in America, Ran was busy becoming Spicy Ageha's muse. Aoi also points out that while everyone has gotten used to having their pictures taken, promotional photographs are a big deal and they need to give them all they can. With the time they have left, Aoi decides they should take the time to consider the 101 for taking promotional photographs and she points out three important things: For practice you can practice in front of a mirror and take your own photos- but remember to never look tense, but at ease instead. Number two is always remember to smile; it helps to recite A-I-U-e-o to soften up the cheeks. Then finally, never let your eyes zone out so think about things you really like, such as food, animals, songs, those you admire, and so on.

As the lesson finishes, Ran comes out to inform Ichigo it is her turn. She runs inside and steps to the spot of the photography, watching as Orihime gets a call and leaves. At Dream Academy, Tiara has also received the same call. She thinks it sounds like fun, but hears that it will be with Starlight Academy as well.

That night, Aoi is writing an entry on Kirakiratter when she sees Seira's new commercial for the Swing Rock brand. They comment on her expression and Ichigo begins to wonder if Seira also practices like they do. Aoi is sure of it, and believes that Ki also helps her out too. But they can't lose to her and suddenly Aoi feels very energetic, which makes them laugh.

The next day, Johnny has the girls say his name and takes a picture of them. They don't know why, but he announces that it is for a photo session. Someone wants the trio to help promote their brand new camera by having fans take their pictures with it. There will also be a contest held for the best photo. Aoi asks if they will be the only one doing it, but Orihime mentions that Seira will also be in this too, which means that no matter what the two schools will be competing. She tells the girls however that it's up to them if they want to do it or not and Ichigo is very quick to agree. She thinks that if the five of them Aikatsu together they will come much more brilliant idols, and Orihime takes this time to hand them their brand new uniform coords.

As they walk through the hallway, Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran express joy that they will get to be on stage together again after so long.

While this is going on, Orihime and Johnny discuss how many people Ichigo has met during her time here- as well as how much she has learned. It makes them excited to see where her growth as an Idol will take her in the future.

Meanwhile Ki is busy working in her room as Seira joins her with her favored drink and asks for information about this event. Ki explains that people chosen by a fair, balanced, and un-rigged lottery will use the camera to take pictures of the idols. Once everyone gets their hands on it they will learn how fun and easy it is, and there will be an idol-shooting photo contest too. She has faith that even as a new Idol, Seira will do really good. Although she isn't sure if they have done enough to prepare her for this.

Meanwhile, Aoi is taking a picture of Ichigo and Ran. She points out that they need to aim for candidness in this session and explains what candid means to them. Saying that they must be caught in their most natural forms, showing a groggy picture of Ichigo she took sometime prior, as well as one of a flustered Ran. They demand she gets rid of these pictures, but she claims they are too meaningful to even consider. Candidness occurs when something happens unintentionally or outside of one's expectations and she thinks fans will like pictures like that, but Ran points out that they can't be done intentionally since it ruins the gimmick. Ichigo seems to have a plan though, dragging her friends to another location: a photo booth.

However, the girls are less-than-amazed by the effects on the pictures as they view them. As they comment, they recognize someone nearby complaining and find Ki, who is rejoined by Seira while the two sets explains why they are there. Seira asks if a disguise is really necessary, followed by wondering why they are all together like this.

As it turns out, Aoi and Ki had the same ideas involving candid photography, and Ichigo suggests they work together to think up some fun new plans. While Ki hesitates at first due to the rivalry the schools have, Seira is fine with the idea and she decides to use the experience for info gathering. With that the girls hang out at the mall for a while, trying to get some picture ideas until they wind up at the park. They decide to take a break and find Ichigo hiding in the nearby tube, suggesting they pay the Otoshiro's Cafe a visit.

Noel is surprised to find the girls together, but she happily asks Seira about the trip she paid to the Hoshimiya's house a few days back. Ki comments that it is her first time there and she compliments their home as after Seira's father brings them some parfaits and two Brain Thunder drinks. Noel takes off and in this time, Aoi questions the strangely named drink. Ki explains that it is her favorite drink and how it gives a lot of energy.

As Ichigo comments on how yummy the parfait is they use this moment to capture a candid photo. Ki also takes this moment to reveal one she took of Seira and they compliment it. Inspired, Seira asks to see their earlier pictures and the girls come to a realization of what candid actually is. They believe that the fans will definitely enjoy this side to them and Ichigo suddenly suggests that they have parfaits during the photo session, though Ran claims this is probably just an excuse to eat more so she makes a teasing threat, causing them to share a laugh. In this time, Seira observes the trio and comments on how the three of them work so well together in perfect harmony, and this causes Ichigo to express excitement in Aikatsu and working with them as Noel observes from nearby.

Eventually the photo session comes up and the girls express their joy again. Feeling excited and full of energy, they grab their new school uniform coords and quickly run to the stage, where the perform "Original Star☆彡".

After their performance comes to an end, the trio walk down the hallway and discuss how happy everyone in the audience seemed. They find Seira and Ki, who compliment them on their great job and they wish the duo luck as well. They take off, and Seira remarks on how nice it would be to perform on stage with someone- only to be interrupted when Ki calls for her. She runs off to the stage as Ki wishes her luck.

Character Appearances

 * Ichigo Hoshimiya
 * Aoi Kiriya
 * Ran Shibuki
 * Otome Arisugawa
 * Seira Otoshiro
 * Kī Saegusa
 * Orihime Mitsuishi
 * Johnny Bepp
 * Tiara Yumesaki
 * Noeru Otoshiro
 * Sōta Otoshiro
 * Takako Otoshiro

Trivia

 * The Pink Torte Coord, Blue Torte Coord and Purple Torte Coord debut in this episode
 * The song Original Star☆彡 appears for the first time as an insert song.