The episode begins with the bright and bustling morning at Saku Academy. Posters advertising a special "Pop Culture Lesson" are plastered all over the walls, and the students are buzzing with excitement. The idols have been informed that today’s lesson will focus on the impact of pop culture on their careers and performances. It's a hands-on, interactive day filled with fun activities and a chance to explore different cultural trends.
Miho: (grinning as she rushes into the classroom) I can’t believe we’re doing a Pop Culture lesson today! It’s going to be so fun! I bet we’ll talk about fashion, music, and all the cool trends online! Maybe even about idols like us!
Flora: (smiling) I’m interested to see what they include. Pop culture is so broad, and I’m hoping they talk about how fashion has evolved too. Maybe I’ll get some new design ideas!
Rotasu: (chuckling) You’re always looking for inspiration, Flora. But I’m excited too. There’s so much happening in the world that influences what we do as idols.
The camera pans to the front of the classroom, where Miss Mihara is standing, smiling warmly at the students. She’s dressed casually today, clearly prepared for a more relaxed and creative lesson. Behind her, there’s a large projector screen displaying various images from music videos to viral trends.
Miss Mihara: (enthusiastically) Good morning, everyone! Today’s lesson is going to be a little different than our usual idol training. We’ll be diving into the world of pop culture—how it shapes the music industry, fashion, and even the way idols present themselves to the world. From social media to viral trends, everything plays a role in how you connect with your fans.
The class murmurs in excitement, but Miho’s hand shoots up almost immediately.
Miho: (eagerly) Miss Mihara! Are we going to talk about singers? They’re super popular now, and I think they’re kind of like idols too, right?
Miss Mihara: (smiling nervously) Ahem, Miho. Idols ARE singers...
Miho: Oh, s-sorry... I forgot!
Seiko: Well, she's only 10! Don't go hard on her!
The lesson begins, and the students are introduced to various aspects of pop culture. They watch clips from viral music videos, iconic fashion moments, and trending topics on social media platforms.
Miss Mihara: (narrating as images flash on the screen) As you can see, pop culture is constantly changing. Trends come and go quickly, and as idols, you need to stay connected to what’s current, but also stay true to your unique style. That’s how you stand out.
Aika: (nodding thoughtfully) That makes sense. It’s about balancing what’s popular with who we are as individuals. I’ve always found that the hardest part of being an idol.
Rizela: (murmuring) It’s interesting how some trends from different cultures mix together. Being half-Norwegian, I’ve always seen pop culture from different sides.
Miss Mihara: Exactly! Cultural influences are a big part of what makes pop culture so fascinating. And today, you’ll all get a chance to explore that by participating in your own mini pop culture projects!
The class is divided into groups, each tasked with creating a short performance that reflects a different aspect of pop culture. Miho, Rotasu, and Rizela are grouped together, while Aika works with a few other students on a fashion-themed project.
Miho: (bouncing with excitement) Let’s do something fun and colorful! How about we mix dance trends from different countries? Like some viral dances and some idol choreography?
Rizela: (nodding) That sounds interesting. We could incorporate something from Norway’s traditional dances and combine it with J-Pop moves. It would be a great fusion of our cultures.
Rotasu: (thoughtfully) I like that idea. We could even create our own version of a viral dance to make it unique. Something that really represents us as a unit.
As the girls work on their project, they discuss various pop culture phenomena they’ve encountered. Miho gushes about VTubers and how she’s obsessed with watching their live streams.
Miho: (excitedly) Did you know some VTubers have millions of fans? They’re so creative! I’ve been practicing my own virtual idol persona in my free time. It’s so fun pretending to be a character!
Rizela: (laughing softly) I think you’d make a great VTuber, Miho. You already have so much energy and personality.
Rotasu: (smiling) Maybe that’s something we can explore more. Being an idol doesn’t have to be limited to just one medium. You can be anything if you’re creative enough.
Meanwhile, Aika is hard at work on her fashion project, sketching designs inspired by iconic pop culture outfits from different eras. She talks with her group about how fashion has evolved through the decades.
Aika: (explaining her designs) I wanted to create something that blends retro fashion from the 90s with modern streetwear trends. Pop culture is all about taking old ideas and making them new again. It’s like a constant cycle of inspiration.
As the projects come together, the students prepare for their presentations. Each group will show off their performances and designs, with the teachers and classmates acting as the audience.
Miss Mihara: (clapping her hands) Alright, everyone! It’s time to show us what you’ve been working on. Remember, this is all about expressing yourselves through pop culture. There’s no right or wrong—just have fun with it!
Miho, Rotasu, and Rizela take the stage first. Their performance is a mix of traditional Norwegian dance, J-Pop choreography, and a fun twist of viral dance moves. The crowd cheers as Miho leads with her infectious energy, while Rizela brings grace and precision to the traditional elements. Rotasu ties it all together with her fluid and elegant movements.
Audience: (cheering) That was amazing!
Miho: (grinning) I knew we could pull it off! That was so fun!
Rizela: (smiling proudly) It was a great fusion of our styles. I’m glad we incorporated my culture into it.
Rotasu: (nodding) And we created something new together. That’s what pop culture is all about—taking different ideas and blending them into something fresh.
Aika’s group presents next, showcasing her fashion designs. Each outfit is a bold, colorful blend of 90s nostalgia with modern streetwear, making the audience feel like they’ve stepped into a pop culture time warp.
Aika: (explaining the designs) I wanted to show how fashion evolves but always takes inspiration from the past. Pop culture is a cycle, and it’s all about finding what works for you.
Audience: (applauding) The designs are amazing!
The episode wraps up with the students feeling inspired and connected to the vast world of pop culture. Miss Mihara gathers them one last time to close the lesson.
Miss Mihara: (smiling) You all did wonderfully today. Pop culture is something that influences us every day, even in ways we don’t always notice. As idols, you’re part of that world now, shaping trends and inspiring others. Keep that in mind as you continue your journey.
Miho: (pumping her fist) Wow! I participated in the Pop Culture lesson, and it was so much fun! I can’t wait to try out more ideas!
Rizela: (smiling) Me too. It’s opened my eyes to how much culture plays a role in everything we do.
Aika: (thoughtfully) And it’s given me even more ideas for my next designs. Pop culture is endless inspiration.
The episode ends with the girls walking out of the classroom, chatting excitedly about everything they learned and how they plan to apply it to their idol work moving forward.
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