Shōnen Hollywood Explained

Shōnen Hollywood
Ja Kanji:少年ハリウッド
Ja Romaji:Shōnen Hariuddo
Genre:Music[1]
Type:novel
Author:Ikuyo Hashiguchi
Publisher:Shogakukan
Imprint:Shogakukan Bunko
Published:July 2012
Type:tv series
Shōnen Hollywood -Holly Stage for 49-
Director:Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
Music:Tetsuji Hayashi
Studio:Zexcs
Network:AT-X, Tokyo MX, TV Saitama, CTC, tvk, KBS, Sun TV, TV Aichi, BS11
First:July 5, 2014
Last:September 27, 2014
Episodes:13
Type:tv series
Shōnen Hollywood -Holly Stage for 50-
Director:Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
Music:Tetsuji Hayashi
Studio:Zexcs
Network:AT-X, Tokyo MX, TV Saitama, CTC, tvk, KBS, Sun TV, TV Aichi, BS11
First:January 10, 2015
Last:April 4, 2015
Episodes:13

is a Japanese media franchise created by Ikuyo Hashiguchi. It consists of an idol project, a novel by Hashiguchi that was published by Shogakukan in 2012 and an anime television series by Zexcs that aired between July 5, 2014 and September 27, 2014.[2] Funimation has licensed the series for streaming and home video release in North America.[3] Crunchyroll simulcast the series for territories outside of North America since July 5, 2014. A second season aired between January 10, 2015 and April 4, 2015.[4]

Plot

Novel

Thirty-two-year-old Kōji Sakuragi sees an ad that is scouting for young male singers to be a part of a new group named Shōnen Hollywood. Having once dreamed of being an idol himself, Kōji changes his name to Tsuyoshi Hiiragi and lies about being seventeen in order to get in and study at a well-known theatre in Shinjuku called Hollywood Tokyo, where the group will grow and develop their talents.

Shōnen Hollywood -Holly Stage for 49-

The anime takes place 15 years after the events of the novel.

Characters

Shōnen Hollywood members

Kakeru lived a "normal life" up until the director of Hollywood Tokyo came and scouted him. He is usually not assertive, accepting anything that comes before him. Later on, it is revealed that he cannot sing well; a problem which is eventually solved with the help of the other Shounen Hollywood members. His Hollywood color is red.
Makki is an ex-Yankee who didn't finish his high school. Due to this, he has problems in reading kanji. He is now the center of the idol group. Later on, it is revealed that the reason he left high school was because he got into a fight with his fellow Yankees. His Hollywood color is green.
Kira is a former child star actor with famous parents. Even though he is the youngest member of the group, he has the most professional experience. He is very serious about his work, saying that his dream is to find a job where he can perform in front of people, even when he's middle-aged. His Hollywood color is blue.
Tomii is a big fan of the previous Shounen Hollywood idol group and joined the idol industry because of that. The brightest member of the group, he serves as their good luck charm. Later on, it is revealed that he grew up in an orphanage. He has idolized the previous generation's Tomii after the latter visited his orphanage.
Shun is a musician who joined Shounen Hollywood aiming to be an international star. Even though he loves teasing and is very prideful, he is actually serious when it comes to music.

Others

The assistant of Tsuyoto Hiiragi and the manager of Shounen Hollywood, whom he helps with their practice.
A member of the old Shounen Hollywood and the current president of Hollywood Tokyo.
Member and leader of the old Shounen Hollywood. In the present, he got married, got a child, and started a cake shop.
Member of the old Shounen Hollywood. Before becoming an idol, he used to be a construction worker; after Shounen Hollywood disbanded, he decided to continue his previous work.
Member of the old Shounen Hollywood. He still works in the showbiz, mainly in the music industry.
Member of the old Shounen Hollywood. In the present, he still works in the showbiz.
Member of the old Shounen Hollywood, where he was called "Tomii, the Good Luck Charm". He is now still working in the showbiz as an actor.
Member of the old Shounen Hollywood. When he was still a member of Shounen Hollywood, he was really cheerful and laughed about the smallest things. In the present, he works at Castle Resort Land as the bear mascot.
Is a great horned owl that acts as guardian deity of the Hollywood Tokyo. He goes to the theater together with Tesshi and also goes home with him.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tiara. Hamilton. Shōnen Hollywood Franchise Gets New Manga Set in Hawaii. Anime News Network. 2014-08-31.
  2. Web site: ZEXCS Makes TV Anime of Idol Project Shōnen Hollywood. Anime News Network. March 14, 2014. March 14, 2014.
  3. Web site: Funimation Licenses Shonen Hollywood -Holly Stage for 49-. Anime News Network. 2014-07-02.
  4. Web site: Crunchyroll to Stream Shonen Hollywood Outside North America. Anime News Network. 2014-06-30. 2014-07-02.