History Franchise / LoveLive

*** Hasunosora: Red ribbons for first years, green ribbons for second years, yellow ribbons for third years.

** The first and original continuity is commonly referred to as "''Dengeki''" canon, which refers to the short stories and biographies provided in the Dengeki G's magazine and mostly consists of characterization and little actual story. Almost all aspects of each character in the anime, games, and manga stem from their depictions in the magazines, although minor details are subject to change to fit the story or for comedic effect.

* ''VideoGame/LoveLiveSchoolIdolFestival'' (April 2013 - March 2023): A RhythmGame developed by [=KLab=] and released on UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} and UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in Japan in 2013 and overseas with an English localization in 2014. The game focuses on assembling a team of 9 members of varying stats to create an optimal high-scoring team.

* ''Love Live! School Idol Paradise'' (August 2014): A series of {{Rhythm Game}}s developed by Dingo and released on the UsefulNotes/PlaystationVita in Japan. Starring µ's, ''School idol paradise'' was the series' first 3D rhythm game and primarily features songs from the anime and animated singles. The game was produced in three versions representing each subunit, with [[VersionExclusiveContent each version featuring unique songs]], and the game also debuted the original song "Shangri-la Shower".

** ''Love Live! School idol festival ~after school ACTIVITY~ Wai Wai! Home Meeting!!'' (March 2021): A console port of ''Next Stage'' releasing on the UsefulNotes/Playstation4. This is the first iteration of SIFAC to release outside Japan, with an English localization launching alongside the Japanese version. This game uses a [[AllegedlyFreeGame "free to start"]] system not unlike ''[[VideoGame/HatsuneMikuProjectDIVA Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone]]'' where players can download the base game with a small amount of songs for free and buy the remainder of the game's tracklist through DownloadableContent.

* ''VideoGame/PuchiguruLoveLive''[[/index]] (April 2018 - May 2019): Developed by Pokelabo and released on UsefulNotes/{{Android|Games}} and UsefulNotes/{{iOS|Games}} in Japan in 2018, ''Puchiguru!'' is a puzzle game starring the adorable ''nesoberi'' plushies in digital form, tapping and matching them for the highest score possible.

* LicensedGame: ''School idol festival'', a mobile RhythmGame, ''School idol paradise'', a UsefulNotes/PlayStationVita RhythmGame, ''Puchiguru'', a mobile puzzle game, and ''ALL STARS'', a mobile RhythmGame and {{RPG}} hybrid. While ''Puchiguru'' eventually closed, ''SIF'' was popular enough to spawn an arcade spin-off.

* AerithAndBob: Of the predominantly Japanese main cast, the most blatantly foreign names are Emma Verde, Mia Taylor, and Wien Margarete, whose names are wholly Western in nature, and Keke Tang, whose name is explicitly spelled in its Chinese format despite having a Japanese equivalent. Dia and Ruby Kurosawa also have English given names despite being fully Japanese, which was apparently their father's decision.

*** However, Superstar!! Season 2 would play this straight with Wien Margarete, who displays the most antagonistic attitude out of all the rivals in the series, and only [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts somewhat]] at the very end of the season.

** As far as ''Link! Like!'' is concerned, [[Sachi Oogami is a full inversion of the series tradition of having the student council president as an initial antagonist. Like Setsuna, she was once a club member who retired out of strained relationships, but even then, she's instead trying to do her best to protect the club from closing. Though also unlike her predecessors, her position and rules at Hasunosora also mean she can't re-join the club, less so with her graduation]].

* StudentCouncilPresident: Eli Ayase [[spoiler:and later Honoka]] in Otonokizaka, Dia Kurosawa in Uranohoshi, Nana Nakagawa ([[spoiler:Setsuna Yuki's true identity]]) [[spoiler:and later Shioriko Mifune]] in Nijigasaki, and Ren Hazuki in Yuigaoka. Despite typically having the final say in most school-related decisions, they aren't an AbsurdlyPowerfulStudentCouncil and are at the mercy of their school's directors (Principal Minami for Otonokizaka, Mari Ohara for Uranohoshi, the Director for Yuigaoka).

* "[[https://youtu.be/FV36aGHP6WE?si=_qQq_GLCspckH-Ll WaaiWaiWai WaiWaiWai!]]" (March 2024): [=WaiWaiWai=] (You Watanabe, Yoshiko Tsushima, Ruby Kurosawa) unit song

Due to its heavy focus on the multimedia aspect, the franchise carries some multiple unique traits distinguishing it from standard idol anime. Most notably, many portions of the franchise involve heavy AudienceParticipation through reader voting games held in ''Dengeki G's'' magazine, such as the names of schools and groups, subunit members, centers for upcoming singles, and more. The voice actresses for the characters are also a visible and prominent part of the franchise, being marketed as somewhat real life versions of their respective characters. They function the same way other idol groups do, by participating in traditional idol activities such informational livestreams, meet and greet events and performing at concerts. The groups have become immensely popular both in Japan and overseas, performing for sold out crowds all across the world. Despite being primarily aimed at [[{{Seinen}} an adult male audience]], the franchise is also known for appealing to multiple demographics unlike similar anime in the genre, including children. The series aired on syndication in Japan, and there are [[https://www.amazon.co.jp/%3C!--E3--%3E83%86%3C!--E3--%3E83%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%93%3C!--E3--%3E82%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%8B%3C!--E3--%3E83%3C!--E3--%3EE7%3C!--E3--%3EB5%3C!--E3--%3E9C%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%96%3C!--E3--%3E83%3C!--E3--%3EE3%82%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%96-%3C!--E3--%3E82%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%3C!--E3--%3EE3%82%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%3C!--E3--%3EE3%82%3C!--E3--%3EE3%83%3C!--E3--%3EE4%3C!--E3--%3E8A-%3C!--E3--%3E9F%3C!--E3--%3EE7%3C!--E3--%3E8B/dp/4049124467 children's books]] featuring the characters. Several voice actresses from later incarnations of the series have been [[PromotedFanboy fans of the earlier incarnations in the series.]] Some have been fans since their childhood, no doubt due to the family friendly nature of the series reaching audiences far beyond the adult male target demographic.

A second series called ''Love Live! Sunshine!! (ラブライブ! サンシャイン!!)'' started in 2015. It focuses on "Aqours" (pronounced "aqua"), a new school idol group from the remote seaside town of Uchiura, as they try to find their own radiance. In 2023, the cast will reprise their roles in an alternate universe animated television series of a SpinOff manga, ''Yohane the Parhelion -SUNSHINE in the MIRROR-'', with ''Sunshine's'' BreakoutCharacter Yohane (otherwise known as Yoshiko Tsushima in the original) front and center as the main character.

In 2020, a fourth series was announced called ''Love Live! Superstar!! (ラブライブ！スーパースター!!)''. Set in the areas of Omotesando, Harajuku and Aoyama, it features "Liella!", a school idol group composed of first year students, as they attend a newly reopened school. This spin-off is notable for having an open audition to voice its lead heroine, Kanon Shibuya.

In 2022, a fifth unit, the Hasunosora Girl's High School Idol Club, based in Ishikawa Prefecture in Kanazawa, was introduced. Unlike previous units, this branch is predominantly focused on digital formats via blending the ''Love Live!'' concept with stylistic and presentation elements based on the VirtualYoutuber trend, under the title "Virtual School Idols". The group primarily revolves around the smartphone app ''Link! Like! Love Live!'', a communication app with video game elements released on April 15, 2023 (via Early Access) that allows players to follow the unit's activities in real time and watch streams, virtual concerts, and animated story episodes featuring the unit.

* AerithAndBob: Of the predominantly Japanese main cast, the most blatantly foreign names are Emma Verde and Mia Taylor, whose names are wholly Western in nature, and Keke Tang, whose name is explicitly spelled in its Chinese format despite having a Japanese equivalent. Dia and Ruby Kurosawa also have English given names despite being fully Japanese, which was apparently their father's decision.

* DoItYourselfThemeTune: As expected of being an idol show, the main groups (µ's, Aqours, Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, Liella!) perform most of the songs in their respective anime. Nijigasaki High School Idol Club also performs the opening theme for VideoGame/LoveLiveSchoolIdolFestivalAllStars.

** The "Love Live! Series Presents COUNTDOWN Love Live! 2021→2022 ～LIVE with a smile!～" concert features Aqours, Nijigasaki, and Liella! at the same concert. In addition, it also features a theme song, "LIVE with a smile!", that has the unique distinction of being performed by all 26 girls.
** The "Ijigen Fes iDOLM@STER x Love Live! Uta Gassen" concert will feature 8 groups from across the two major idol franchises (even including the Love Live Musical cast as guests) for a total of 118 named performers over two days.
** A second "Love Live! Series Presents" concert, "Unit Koshien 2024", will feature the sub-units of all four active groups, plus rival groups Saint Snow and Sunny Passion. Going by the name, this could be in a tournament format.

*** [=CatChu!=] is street red, KALEIDOSCORE is ephemeral blue, and 5yncri5e! is dancing yellow.

* ''Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: Guren no Kenka ~Flame Sword Princess~'' (August 2023): A spin-off light novel made in collaboration with Dengeki Bunko and written by Yuusaku Igarashi, originally announced on AprilFoolsDay 2023. The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club decides to make a short film based on Setsuna's favorite light novel, "Guren no Kenka ~Flame Sword Princess~". The novel follows the activities of the Club as they shoot the film while also following the story of "Guren no Kenka ~Flame Sword Princess~".

*** Smile: Focuses on mainly upbeat, happy and energetic music. Oftentimes engages in LyricalDissonance on occasion, where their cheery atmosphere can mask dark or somber themes in their lyrics. May get one or two songs that deviate from their standard genre, typically a slower, more downbeat song. Featured in Printemps, [=CYaRon!=], A•ZU•NA, and Mira-Cra Park!.
*** Pure: Focuses on mid-range, gentle and soft tones and lyrics. There's some flexibility within this department as to how this nature can be expressed, such as variations of techno or traditional style. The subunit name typically adheres to FloralThemeNaming. Featured in lilywhite, AZALEA, [=QU4RTZ=], and Cerise Bouquet.
*** Cool: Focuses on hard, powerful styles of music. The wide range of available genres enables a ton of musical variety, between hard rock, symphonic rock, metal, electronic, and more, meaning every subunit utilizes a unique take on the "Cool" theme. Featured in [=BiBi=], Guilty Kiss, [=DiverDiva=], and DOLLCHESTRA. Saint Snow (if considered a subunit) and [=R3BIRTH=] can also be classified under this genre.
*** Liella's subunits break the above pattern, though. While KALEIDOSCORE could be argued to lean towards Pure, all three groups could be considered Cool types in their own ways: KALEIDOSCORE self-styles as "cool beauties", [=CatChu!=] has really powerful vocals (especially in Alternate), and 5yncri5e! has the innate coolness of being a dance-focused unit.

* NoAntagonist: Most canons play this straight, as the girls are generally working for a cause than against another person, and even when another is involved it's out of their control and they don't usually mean harm. ''ALL STARS'' averts this, since it has girls who are antagonistic to the School Idol Club (Shioriko in Season 1, Lanzhu in Season 2), and overcoming them takes up a big portion of the story.

* TheBusCameBack: μ's, with the announcement of their 9th Anniversary single in 2019 which marks the end of their hiatus since 2016.

** When groups are revealed, one of the main cast members being an ObstructiveBureaucrat StudentCouncilPresident means that they will have to join the group at some point regardless of their initial opposition to school idols. The only exception is Nijigasaki, where [[spoiler:one of the main cast members is the student council president in disguise]].

** All three [[TheLeader leader]] characters feature the kanji "高" somewhere in their family names: Honoka ''Kou''saka, Chika ''Taka''mi, and Yu ''Taka''saki.
** Kanon Shibuya shares the same "ka" sound as Hono''ka'' and Chi''ka''.

** ''Superstar!!'' has ''two'' minorities: Kanon Shibuya (part Spanish from her grandmother) and Keke Tang (Chinese, but part Japanese from her mother).

* ''Kyou no Aqours (Today's Aqours)'' (October 2021 - present): A short WebAnimation featuring the daily life of Aqours.

** [[index]]''VideoGame/LoveLiveSchoolIdolFestival2MiracleLive''[[/index]]: A direct sequel to ''School idol festival''. Nijigasaki and Liella! will be introduced as part of the game's main cast.

* ''Theatre/SchoolIdolMusical'' (December 2022 - January 2023): The first theatre production for the franchise. The story is set in Kansai and features two girls from two schools - Takizakura Girls' Academy in Osaka and Tsubakisakuhana Girls' High School in Hyogo - who met through school idol activities.

** µ's is pink, Aqours is ocean blue, Nijigasaki is yellow, and Liella! is purple.

** ''Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club'' Movie 1 (September 2024): The first installment of the Nijigasaki movie trilogy.

** Untitled Movie Trilogy (2024 -): An upcoming series of movies that will continue the saga of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club.

** ''Nijiyon Animation'' (January 2023): An anime adaptation of the Nijigasaki webcomic, ''Nijiyon''. Unlike the original comics, which were based on ''ALL STARS'', Yu Takasaki will appear.

* ''[[https://youtu.be/Ksf_gq6fZZM Cotton Candy Ei-Ei-Oh!]]'' (September 2020): Ruby Kurosawa's second solo. Illustrated and animated by [[https://twitter.com/onkun_suko Onkun Suko]].

* ''[[https://youtu.be/3p7__uAHhdQ?si=-ff7508z9dt850yd Ijigen☆♥BIGBANG]]'' (November 2023): The theme song for the [[MassiveMultiplayerCrossover Ijigen Fes IDOLM@STER★♥Love Live! Uta Gassen concert]] featuring Chika Takami, Ayumu Uehara, Kanon Shibuya and Kaho Hinoshita as the franchise representatives, and Uzuki Shimamura, Shizuka Mogami and Kogane Tsukioka as Franchise/TheIdolmaster representatives.

* CreatorProvincialism: School idols appear to explicitly only exist as a Japanese concept in the ''Love Live!'' universe. Any foreign character who has expressed interest in becoming a school idol did so by abandoning their previous lifestyles to move to Japan, and little to no evidence exists that school idols exist in other countries despite gaining some level of popularity overseas, be it through overseas performance or through the School Idol Festival. The idea of foreign school idols was never addressed by any plotline until ''Nijigasaki High School Idol Club NEXT SKY'', in which it is partially elaborated that ValuesDissonance has prevented the school idol movement from really taking off elsewhere.

* CreatorProvincialism: School idols appear to explicitly only exist as a Japanese concept in the ''Love Live!'' universe. Any foreign character who has expressed interest in becoming a school idol did so by abandoning their previous lifestyles to move to Japan, and little to no evidence exists that school idols exist in other countries despite gaining some level of popularity overseas, be it through overseas performance or through the School Idol Festival. The idea of foreign school idols is also never addressed by any plotline.