Locodol: Complete Collection

The Japanese phenomenon of teen “idols”—school kids who overnight become disposable adolescent singing sensations—propels this non-fantasy shojo comedy. During summer vacation, stammering schoolgirl Nanako feels lucky to become a cohort of older, statuesque Yukari, especially when a businessman uncle books them to sing at the otherwise botched opening of a new water park. Proving popular, the girls band with more young ladies to form a “locodol” act—entertainers who proudly hype the image of Nagerakawa, their humble hometown. The “Nagerakawa Girls” team competes against costumed weirdoes in a typically bizarre Nippon TV game show and, despite setbacks, go on to face friendly rival locodols from other communities in a singing contest. There are teasing references to lesbian attraction (“different tastes”), and circumstances occasionally put the characters in swimsuits. But the fan-service cheesecake quotient is relatively low in this harmless BFF bit of fluff (derived from manga comics). Unfortunately, the creativity level in the plotlines here is low as well. Compiling all 13 episodes from 2014 in separate DVD and Blu-ray editions, rated TV-PG, and presented in Japanese with English subtitles, this is an optional purchase. (C. Cassady)