AKB0048: Next Stage

Synopsis

Continues the story of AKB0048

In the early 21st century, an interplanetary war ravaged Earth's environment, forcing humanity to relocate to habitable planets across the galaxy. The authoritarian Deep Galactic Trade Organization, which governs these new settlements, has outlawed music, labeling it a source of evil. In rebellion, the idol group AKB0048 emerges, inspired by the original AKB48 from Earth. Despite the prohibition on their performances, the group is determined to restore music to the galaxy by holding as many concerts as possible among the stars. To evade the threat of arrest and refine their abilities, they undergo rigorous new training regimens. Join the interstellar popstars of AKB0048 as they risk everything to revive music and save the universe.

In this installment

The journey toward conflict has already worn down the 77th generation of AKB0048 understudies—the unit that doubles as an idol singing group and a combat squad on a mission to bring peace and entertainment back to the universe. But the rivalry among the individual candidates, plus the remaining understudies from the 75th and 76th generations, is about to become even fiercer. With the chance to succeed one of the legendary singing squad's original members hanging in the balance, both stage battles and real warfare turn more ruthless, and the situation only worsens when it becomes clear that someone has been passing vital secrets to the opposing DES forces. Could the unveiling of the Kiraras' true source prove to be a fatal misstep in the careful choreography that has kept the team dancing clear of danger? And as the squad endures a series of brutal public trials, will popularity matter more than actual talent and courage?