Episode 131 - The Brilliant Dancing Diva

The Brilliant Dancing Diva (輝きのダンシングディーヴァ) is the 131th episode of Aikatsu! TV anime series and the 30th episode of its "3rd Season". The episode aired on April 30, 2015.

Story
''The debut of Dancing Diva has given them multiple jobs like: CM tie-ups, sign events and many more other big jobs and things to do, and now their debut live is the only job left. On this day that will be remembered, can the girls succeed?''

Summary
Akari, Juri, and Hinaki eagerly discuss the announcement about Rin and Sumire's duo unit. A true performance for their debut will be held soon, and they will reveal their name. The girls wonder if they have one yet.

As this is going on Sumire greets some passing fans, reuniting with Rin as she returns to school. They reveal their name to Orihime and Johnny, recalling that they were inspired not only by Rin's love of dance, but Sumire's talent in singing. They thought really hard but wanted a simple name. Orihime compliments their decision and believes their fans will like it too, going on to reveal they have gotten a job from the shampoo brand that offered Sumire a modeling job a while back. Sumire recalls that she turned it down after realizing she didn't want to go down a modeling path as an idol; and hearing that the same woman is the one who offered the job, they decide to check it out. Rin is surprised by how packed their schedule will be and Orihime brings up that firstly, they will record their debut song.

The girls head out while discussing the recording, and Rin grows anxious as they arrive, with Sumire taking notice. Upon arrival she introduces Rin to everyone who joins them in the office, and she hands Rin a paper explaining that this meeting will give them a chance to meet the team and talk about the specifics regarding their commercial. The meeting begins and the supervisor reintroduces herself as Mizutani to Sumire and they take a momet to catch up. Mizutani goes on to bring up that as soon as she heard their song, she knew it would be perfect for their brand new product, which has the theme of "cool beauty". She wishes them luck and they take off to allow the girls to begin.

By the time they finish Rin has become worn out and Sumire has her listen to the song. She reveals that she was recording their last voice lesson and explains how a voice can sound pretty different when recorded; for one to lower the surprise factor and avoid becoming subconcious, it's important for them to listen to their voice.

Eventually the day of recording arrives. Sumire has awoken Rin around six am and they go out for their morning run, pointing out that it takes ones voice at least five hours to fully warm up in the morning, so since their recording is at eleven they will be cutting it really close. They do some stretches to loosen their bodies, then they head over to the recording studio.

While testing the microphone to make sure it works, Rin informs Sumire that she was practicing a lot and she begins to sing while Sumire has a sip of the quince honey tea she prepared earlier. She gives Rin some once she finishes and explains its health properties, and after Rin takes notice of the lyrics and cough drops Sumire left out, she brings up how much she likes to sing. Sumire takes her turn singing but the man outside of the booth remarks that she seems tense. Rin suggests that Sumire loosen her shoulders, and Sumire takes her advice, with everyone expressing approval.

Afterwards the girls head back to Starlight Academy, where Johnny gives them an evening dance lesson. He compliments the girls, along with Rin's ability to dance since her ankle healed. He wishes them luck with their debut and brings up the magic of units. However, as he recalls what Orihime said, Sumire finds herself suddenly curious about some things.

In this time, word begins to spread regarding the girls brand new unit, debut performance, and name.

Akari happens to spot Madoka in the Cafeteria and questions what she is up to. Madoka explains to her that because Rin has been so busy, she hasn't had much class time and was copying her notes to give to Rin later on, so that she can study on her own time. She spots the book Akari is holding and as it turns out, she does the same for Sumire. Madoka is happy by this connection and they hang out for a while before taking off to discuss the debut concert. They were lucky enough to score tickets from Sumire and Rin, due to how quickly they sold out, and Akari reminds her that while their friends may be soaring quickly, they can't stay far behind them. Madoka comments on how she would like to experience the power of an idol unit one day, something Akari agrees with.

At a shop Rin happily observes Sumire's debut CD and listens as she recalls how excited she felt when she did her solo debut back then. But now she feels more excitement, and she thanks Rin for sharing this wonderful experience with her. Rin is too flustered to respond and the girls finish preparing for their autograph session.

It's then a man nearby informs the girls of a possible problem; too many fans have shown up and with so little staff, it wouldn't be wise to fit so many people inside. The girls observe the massive crowd of people outside waiting to see them and they start to fret over what to do, but Sumire professionally handles it by greeting their fans. She explains that the session may take a long time, but she promises nobody will be forgotten, so she would like for them to be patient until then. Everyone cheers in agreement and the girls return inside, with Rin expressing amazement by the display. She thanks Sumire and explains how she has been anxious as this is all so new to her, and she feels like she can hardly keep her bearings. But with Sumire there she feels like its easier.

That evening the girls return to the school and they promise to put on the best concert the following day. As Rin prepares to leave, Sumire stops her and invites her back to her room for some tea. She feels bad for keeping her, but she is sure their bonding will pay off. They discuss what Orihime said the other day and wonder how they may fill the second half of the magic for a unit. Sumire voices that the first half probably involves finding a partner, so the second half would involve the actual ability to shine with her. She mentions how they barely knew each other until just recently, and because they can understand and enjoy each other, their feelings are in synch and it will allow them to brightly shine; more than they ever imagined. They listen to their song together and by the time Akari and Hinaki happen to reach the dorm room they find Sumire and Rin asleep on her bed. Akari covers them when she sees the sheet to Tutu Ballerina nearby. She observes it and compares the moment to a specific lyric that caught her eye.

The next day everyone has shown up to watch the girls perform. They step into the machine and change into their brand new unit coords, then appear on stage to sing.

Afterwards, Orihime speaks with Johnny regarding how the girls did. He voices confidence in their performance and Orihime wonders who may be the next idol to reveal such a brilliance to them.

Suddenly, Juri is struck by inspiration to find her own partner.

Characters

 * Sumire Hikami
 * Rin Kurosawa
 * Akari Ōzora
 * Hinaki Shinjō
 * Madoka Amahane
 * Juri Kurebayashi
 * Ichigo Hoshimiya
 * Johnny Bepp
 * Orihime Mitsuishi

Trivia

 * The unit Dancing Diva debuts in this episode.