Skip Beat! (Sukippu Bīto!) is a Japanese shōjo manga by Yoshiki Nakamura.
The series revolves around 16-year-old Kyoko Mogami and the complex relationship between her childhood friend and crush Sho Fuwa. Through Kyoko, we see the lengths a heartbroken girl will go to seek revenge.
The anime adaptation was directed by Kiyoko Sayama and animated by Hal Film Maker, it began airing in Japan on October 5, 2008, and ended on March 29, 2009.
1. Quick Review
Bright-minded and yet innocent Kyouko Mogami cares a lot about her childhood friend and crush, Shoutarou Fuwa. She works hard so that she can support his career and dreams of becoming a rising pop icon.
Working herself to the bone at fast-food restaurants and tea ceremonies, Kyoko remains unaware that her selfless efforts are all in vain because Shoutarou is simply using her for his benefit and takes her for granted.
When she finds out that her beloved childhood friend sees her as nothing but free maid service, she is furious and heartbroken.
As a means to take revenge, she promises to enter the cut-throat world of entertainment herself and crush his dream of being the best. As she steps into this new life, Kyouko will face new challenges as well as people who will push her out of her comfort zone.
Skip Beat! shows how a heartbroken girl breaks out of the shell she’s been living in and finally grows a backbone. Through the series, we also learn a lot about the behind-the-scenes of the showbiz.
It isn’t always fame and glory, but there’s a lot of twisted and dark situations one can easily find themselves in if they’re not careful.
2. Info Card
Skip Beat!
Air Date: October 26, 2008 Status: Finished Studio: Hal Film Maker No. of Seasons: 1 No. of Episodes: 25
3. Is it worth watching?
Skip Beat! is perfect for those who love watching comedy, constantly evolving characters and a story that portrays the realistic dog-eat-dog world of show biz. There is an interesting storyline and overall, a very satisfying anime awaiting you if you’re interested in watching this show. The animation, voice actors, and simple character design are a few more reasons to give this series a shot.
I. Plot
The series follows the story of 16-year-old Kyoko Mogami and her romantic interest in childhood friend Sho Fuwa. Unfortunately, Kyoko learns that Sho only gives her the time of day to use her as a maid and to earn his living expenses, while his ulterior motive is to climb the ladder to becoming the top pop idol in Japan.
Furious and heartbroken, Kyoko swears to beat him in show business as revenge for how he treated her. The most memorable component of this series is the characters who are unique in their aspirations and brought a sense of purpose to the show.
Skip Beat! took what is a serious and superficial setting of the entertainment industry and put their welcome whacky spin on it.
II. Characters
Kyoko Mogami
Kyoko Mogami is the main protagonist of Skip Beat!.
Kyoko is a kind and hardworking girl who always puts others before her as we can see with the way she cares about her childhood friend, Shoutarou Fuwa. Kyoko moves to Tokyo because Sho asks her and ends up working multiple jobs to support him and his dreams of becoming a pop sensation.
A switch flips within sweet and innocent Kyoko’s mind when she learns that Sho is using her for his selfish gain. This changes her into a girl hellbent on getting revenge as she enters the show business to him where it hurts the most.
Shoutarou Fuwa
Shoutarou Fuwa is one of the deuteragonists of the series and Kyoko’s childhood friend.
His character is described as being selfish and thankless. He asks Kyoko to move to Tokyo with him so that he could manipulate her innocent nature to financially support him and use her a servant.
Ren Tsuruga
Ren Tsuruga is an actor working for the entertainment company, LME.
His character comes into the protagonist Kyoko’s life as she steps foot into show business. Ren’s character has a typical show business personality at first but more is revealed gradually as he gets closer to Kyoko, much to Shoutaro’s dismay.
III. Setting
The story primarily takes place in Tokyo where Kyoko and stay so that ungrateful Sho can achieve his dreams of becoming a pop icon while Kyoko slaves away all day to support him.
After Kyoko finds out the true nature of the relationship that Sho and her share, she decides to seek revenge by succeeding at his dream. The story then progresses with the audience witnessing what goes on behind the shiny curtains that of show business.
IV. Theme Songs
The first and second opening themes are “Dream Star” and “Renaissance” by the generous.
The first ending theme is “Namida” by 2BACKKA and the second ending theme is “Eien” by Yūsaku Kiyama.
The opening and ending theme songs for Skip Beat! compliments the show nicely and brings out the emotions of the protagonist, Kyoka Mogami.
4. Grade
Story: A+
Cinematography/Animation: A+
Art: A+
Music: A
5. Final Thoughts
Skip Beat! eveals all of the unfair and ugly truths that actually go on behind the glitz and glam of the entertainment industry. At the same time, the show succeeds at maintaining its humor and upbeat mood throughout the series.
There’s no unnecessary drama or ridiculous tabloid scandals like the ones so many similar shows throw into the mix. The characters have been written in such a way that we empathize with them in their struggles and triumphs.
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