Gakuen Idolm@ster Game's Lead Producer Hidefumi Komino Resigns Amid Farewell
Discover how assistant producers Daichi Satō and Ryō Yamamoto are now jointly leading as main producers, shaping the game's future.
Major Changes in Gakuen Idolm@ster Production Team
Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced significant updates for its popular game, Gakuen Idolm@ster, during a recent livestream event.
Leadership Transition
In a surprise move, Hidefumi Komino, the game's main producer, revealed he has stepped down from his role as of this week. While he will continue to be involved with the game, he clarified that he no longer has influence over its development.
Key Points:
- Komino's departure as main producer
- He will stay involved but with limited decision-making authority
- Daichi Satō and Ryō Yamamoto, who previously served as assistant producers, will now jointly serve as the main producers.
"Producers, thank you for your hard work! Please continue to support Gakuen Idolm@ster," Komino shared via Twitter.
Image credit: Gakuen Idolm@ster official Twitter
Staff Changes
Before the announcement, Komino also shared that Takafumi Satō, the game's music producer, left Bandai Namco Entertainment at the end of March after 15 years. He has since founded his own music production company, 2nd Star Production, but remains involved as the music producer for Gakuen Idolm@ster.
Komino's Industry Background
- Komino has been with Bandai Namco Entertainment since 2008.
- He has worked on various Idolm@ster titles and other Bandai Namco projects.
- Notably, he served as the acting main producer for The IDOLM@STER Million Live! Theater Days from 2019 to 2021, during Wakako Hazama's maternity leave.
About Gakuen Idolm@ster
Launched in May 2024 for smartphones in Japan, the game was later released on PC in March 2025. Players take on the role of a producer at Hatsuboshi Gakuen, training and managing idol talents.
- Initial roster: 9 idols, with more added over time
- The game emphasizes highly competitive idols who are friends and rivals
- Features catchy songs and music videos inspired by modern Japanese YouTube hits and the utaites subculture
Related Media:
- Manga adaptation: Gakuen Idolm@ster Gold Rush by Kotoba Inoya and Yuu Okino, launched in October 2024 in Shōnen Champion magazine. The manga centers around character Kotone Fujita.
- Visuals:
Official Twitter: Gakuen Idolm@ster
Sources
- Livestream episode (timestamp 1:24:12)
- Denfamico Gamer article
- Otakomu coverage
Disclosure: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., a subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., holds a minority stake in Anime News Network Inc.