Episode 05 - Cinderella Girl

Cinderella Girl (シンデレラガール) is the fifth episode of the Aikatsu Planet! TV series. It aired on February 7th, 2021.

Summary
Mao diligently trains with Kyōko and the others in the face of an audition for the movie "Cinderella". What if candy starts falling from the sky? What would Cinderella say then? It is said that imagination and expressiveness are vital in acting. What does it mean to be 'a Cinderella only I can do'? Will Mao really be able to take the leading role...?!

Plot
At the agency, the girls see an audition notice for a Cinderella movie being filmed in Aikatsu Planet. Hollywood name Natalie Katagiri is directing and will be present at the auditions to cast the leading role firsthand. Ruli and Kyōko are excited, as it is a big opportunity for them. Mao is under the impression that she is taking the audition as well, but Izumi reveals that she hasn't actually been entered.

Mao muses about her lack of acting experience as the girls leave the agency together. Ruli notes that acting is much different than dancing, with Kyōko adding that it would be difficult for a complete amateur to enter the audition with Natalie directing. Despite this, Mao is firm in wanting to try out. The others urge Mao to train her acting skills to a level where she can enter the audition.

The next day at school, the girls are rehearsing a scene from the script in an empty classroom. Mao delivers a stiff performance, and Kyōko tells her that there's more to acting than just reading the lines. As Mao goes through her second attempt, she is interrupted by an inquisitive Keito, Shō and Ryōka.

Ruli suggests having one of the guys play the part of the prince as they rehearse. Both boys are eager to play opposite to Kyōko, though Ryōka also volunteers herself. As Kyōko impresses everyone with her acting, the school bell suddenly rings and she, Mao, Ruli and Shiori rush to change back into their school uniforms.

The girls then have lunch together in Kyōko's secret room. Kyōko asks Mao how she would act if her food wasn't tasty but she had to pretend it was. Mao struggles with her intonation and Ruli then decides to help by having Mao watch her take. Ruli shows her how to use movements and expressions to convey emotion, leading Mao to come to the realization that acting is similar to ballet.

They resume practicing, having Shiori give them various prompts that they must act out while she films them on her phone. Mao watches as Ruli and Kyōko have their own unique renditions based on their personal imagination. While walking by herself, Mao reflects on what she's learned and imagines herself in the rain. Her performance is met with applause by Kyōko, who says that she's asked Izumi to allow Mao to enter the audition.

Mao and Kyōko head out to a pier and marvel at the sky. When Kyōko wonders how Cinderella would react to it, Mao gets lost in her own acting and starts dancing. Kyōko says that's part of Mao's individuality, encouraging her to be a Cinderella only she can play.

The day of the audition, Mao, Ruli, and Kyōko enter Aikatsu Planet, changing into Hana, Ruli and Beat. The girls see Q-pit being given macarons by another idol. Q-pit's companion wishes her luck on the audition, having forgotten that she's participating herself. Beat identifies her as Ann, Q-pit's agency junior.

Shiori arrives and meets up with the others, expressing nervousness as she's been watching their hard work up until now. Natalie then arrives on set, beginning the audition. One by one, the girls run through their interpretation of the scene. Hana expresses herself through ballet during her turn, and ends up changing the lines to reflect her love of dancing.

The last one to audition is Q-pit. Everyone becomes absorbed by Q-pit's Cinderella despite her not saying a word of the lines, her actions speaking for her. She is ultimately chosen for the leading role by Natalie. At a press conference for the movie, Q-pit performs a solo of "HAPPY∞Aikatsu!" to celebrate her casting. Afterwards, Hana is approached by Natalie, praising her audition for its uniqueness and offering her a special role in the movie.

Later, Mao and Shiori see a movie poster for Cinderella, with Hana being featured as Cinderella's mouse companion. A passerby kid points out Hana, wanting to go see the film with her mom. A proud Mao declares her love for acting and her desire to play more roles.

Characters

 * Mao Otoha/Hana
 * Ruli Tamaki/Ruli
 * Kyōko Umekōji/Beat
 * Shiori Motoya
 * Q-pit
 * Ann
 * Izumi Watanuki
 * Keito Kirihata
 * Shō Kurosaki
 * Ryōka Dōba
 * Natalie Katagiri

Trivia

 * Episode Title Reference: "Cinderella Girl" (シンデレラガール) by King & Prince
 * This episode premiered on the birthday of Nina Dōjima from the original Aikatsu! series.
 * The ending sequence mistakenly credits Shiori despite not appearing.