Trying out different types of anime is always fun for me, and idol anime was a ‘genre’ I never gave too much attention. Since Zombieland Saga, I’ve become more interested in idol anime, and I’m glad I did because picking up this anime was a great decision.

Lapis Relights in my opinion is one of the best anime of 2020 and is super underrated, if only because it’s an idol anime based off a mobile game. But it’s origin lends a lot to the anime as the production value is through the roof.

The animation and art style bring so much life to the scenes and the amount of care and detail put into this show is hard to find elsewhere in this medium. For example, during scenes where the characters are in libraries, cafeterias, or common rooms, you will see other named side-characters in the background doing their own thing, sometimes even interacting with their own friends. It might not seem like a lot, but it makes the world of this anime feel lived in, like it operates outside of just the story we’re seeing. Even the random background characters look distinct, adding to this feeling even more.
The characters were all very strong, even if they leant a little hard on established tropes, which while tired, isn’t a bad thing and actually worked for this series. What’s worked before will usually work again, and this show proves that.
The only thing that didn’t work was the rivalry between the main girl and another girl which I feel could have been expanded more, especially since their whole relationship gets resolved by the end of this season.
But the MC’s relationship with her older sister made up for that and became one of the most compelling parts of the series in the final few episodes. While that too maybe could have been fleshed out even more, it was only a twelve episode anime and didn’t really need to anyway.

The main quintet are all very entertaining to watch and play off each other naturally. They feel like a real group of friends and are always fun to watch. The rest of the supporting cast is strong as well, and you get to see a lot of them throughout the series.

No one, including the main quintet (minus the main girl) isn’t really developed all that much, but they didn’t need to be. A second season might happen anyway so to complain about it now would be pointless.

The songs, a highlight for any idol anime, are also very strong. None of them stick out after one listen but the sequences are produced very well with some excellent CGI and choreography.
Lapis Relights might now blow you away, but it is a very wholesome and fun show to watch that will put a smile on your face no matter your mood. It’s brimming with life, colour, creativity, personality and is actually very funny at times. It’s a perfect gateway idol anime that would actually get you interested in watching more, as it did for me.

Give this anime a chance. It shined above many others from this year and made me invested in a story I wasn't sure I was going to like. Take a chance, because you might just find a whole new world of possibilities waiting for you.