If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die (Season 01) Multi Audio [480p 720p 1080p]

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die: An Ode to the Beautiful, Terrifying, and Pure Heart of Obsession

In a landscape of anime often focused on the idols themselves—their glamour, struggles, and performances—a 2020 series dared to turn the camera 180 degrees, to the one holding it, trembling with devotion. If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die (Oshi ga Budōkan Itte Kuretara Shinu), often shortened to Oshibudo, is a title that is not hyperbole but a literal, heartfelt statement of purpose from its protagonist.

This is not a story of becoming an idol, but of the all-consuming, life-defining experience of supporting one. It is a raw, intimate, and surprisingly profound exploration of fandom, not as a cute hobby, but as a central pillar of identity, a source of both profound joy and existential terror. The series follows Eripiyo, a 20-something office worker whose entire emotional world orbits around Maina, the least popular member of the tiny, struggling indie idol group “ChamJam.” 

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die is a love letter and a psychological deep-dive into the heart of the “oshi” culture—where your supported idol (oshimen) becomes a project, a passion, and a reflection of your own hopes and fears.

This guide will navigate the intense, wonderful world of Eripiyo and ChamJam. We will dissect the anatomy of modern fandom, analyze the poignant dynamics of an underdog idol group, explore the series’ unique blend of cringe comedy and heartfelt drama, and uncover why this niche series resonates as one of the most authentic portrayals of fan culture ever animated.

Prologue: The Declaration – A Life Lived for a Smile

The series opens with a thesis statement, delivered not as a joke, but as a solemn vow. “If my favorite pop idol made it to the Budokan, I would die.” For Eripiyo, this is a simple equation. The Nippon Budokan is the hallowed hall of Japanese music, the pinnacle of success for any artist. For Maina to reach it would mean the ultimate fulfillment of Eripiyo’s support. Having witnessed that dream realized, her life would have reached its emotional apex; there would be nothing left to strive for, and she could die happy.

This extreme sentiment establishes the series’ tone immediately. It is not mocking Eripiyo; it is taking her devotion absolutely seriously. Her love for Maina is not a side interest; it is the axis around which her world spins. She works her office job to fund merchandise and concert tickets. Her social life is primarily with other ChamJam fans.

Her emotional highs and lows are dictated by Maina’s setlist position, screen time in a music video, or a fleeting moment of eye contact during a handshake event. If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die invites us into this mindset not to judge, but to understand the profound meaning and community that can be found in dedicating oneself to another’s dream.

Chapter 1: The Protagonist – Eripiyo, The Archetype of the “Wota”

Eripiyo (a nickname derived from her online handle) is a masterpiece of character writing, embodying the dedicated female fan (“wota” or “oshi”) with unflinching honesty.

• Obsession as a Full-Time Job: Eripiyo’s support is methodical, strategic, and all-encompassing. She buys multiple copies of singles to boost sales numbers for Maina, meticulously plans her call-and-response cheers, studies every photo and video for glimpses of her oshi, and budgets her life around idol events. The series shows fandom as a skilled practice requiring knowledge, timing, and significant financial investment.
• The Pain of the “Under-Oshi”: Eripiyo’s specific fixation is crucial. She doesn’t support the center or the most popular member; she supports Maina, who is chronically shy, often placed in the back row, and has the fewest solo fans. This “underdog” choice is a core part of her identity. Her struggle is vicarious; every small victory for Maina (a solo line, a center position in a B-side) feels like a personal triumph. Conversely, every setback is a personal wound.
• Social Awkwardness and Pure Heart: Eripiyo is often awkward, intense, and single-minded in conversations that aren’t about ChamJam. But her devotion is never portrayed as creepy or possessive. It is pure, selfless, and focused entirely on Maina’s success, not her own possession. She wants Maina to shine, even if it’s from the back of the stage.

Chapter 2: The Object of Devotion – Maina and the World of ChamJam

ChamJam is not a glamorous, top-tier group. They are a struggling indie unit, which makes the fandom portrayed feel even more authentic and grounded.

• Maina: The “Unpolished Gem”: Maina is the antithesis of the perfect idol. She is not the best singer or dancer, she lacks confidence, and she often seems overwhelmed. Yet, it is precisely these “flaws” that Eripiyo and fans like her cherish. They see her hard work, her slight improvements, and her genuine, unpolished personality. Supporting Maina is about nurturing potential and believing in someone others overlook.
• The Group Dynamics – A Microcosm of Idoldom: The other members of ChamJam are brilliantly characterized:
  • Yumeri: The talented, driven center who carries the group’s hopes but feels the crushing weight of expectation.
  • Reo: The veteran who has seen dreams fade and provides a weary, pragmatic perspective.
  • Maki: The genki (energetic) member trying to keep spirits high.
  • Sarina: The aloof, mysterious member with a small but dedicated fanbase.
    The interactions within the group—the jealousy, camaraderie, shared anxiety, and quiet competitions—are portrayed with a documentary-like realism that avoids melodrama.
• The Grind of the Indie Scene: The series doesn’t shy away from the bleak economics: performing in tiny, half-empty live houses, selling CDs on the street, worrying about being cut from their agency, and the constant pressure to sell more to prove their worth. This stakes are real and tangible.

Chapter 3: The Fandom Ecosystem – The “Nakama” of the Pit

A huge portion of the series takes place not on stage, but in the crowd and in the fan community.

• The Live House Experience: Oshibudo excels at depicting the intensity of a small live show. The sweat, the deafening music, the synchronized fan chants (“wotagei”), and the precise, almost ritualistic use of glow sticks (“penlights”) are animated with visceral energy. For Eripiyo, these live shows are a sacred space where she can pour all her energy into supporting Maina.
• The Handshake Event: These are portrayed as nerve-wracking, high-stakes encounters. Eripiyo rehearses what to say to Maina for weeks, with the goal of delivering a perfect, supportive message in the 10-second window she’s allotted. These scenes are peak cringe comedy but also deeply empathetic, highlighting the desperate desire for a genuine, fleeting connection.
• The Online & Offline Community: Eripiyo is part of a network of ChamJam fans. They share information, pool resources for group purchases, and offer emotional support. This community provides a sense of belonging and shared purpose that is often lacking in her conventional life.

Chapter 4: The Comedy of Anxiety – “Cringe” as a Love Language

The series is frequently, painfully hilarious, but its humor is born from recognition, not ridicule.

• The Internal Monologue of Despair: Much of the comedy comes from Eripiyo’s catastrophic internal reactions to minor events. Maina stumbling on stage sends her into a spiral of worry. Seeing another fan get a longer glance from Maina during a handshake feels like a personal defeat. The show validates that for a dedicated fan, these are major emotional events.
• The Gap Between Intent and Execution: Eripiyo’s plans to be the “perfect fan” often go awry. She freezes up, says the wrong thing, or spends too much money in a panic. These failures are relatable to anyone who has ever been deeply invested in something.
• The Absurdity of Fandom Logistics: The show finds humor in the practical absurdities: the complicated rules for lottery ticket applications for concerts, the strategic planning of merchandise tables, and the physical exhaustion of participating fully in a high-energy live show.

Chapter 5: Themes – Beyond the Merch Table

Beneath the surface of obsession, Oshibudo explores universal human needs.

• The Search for Meaning and Agency: Eripiyo’s office job is unfulfilling. Through supporting Maina, she finds a project where her efforts (buying CDs, cheering loudly) have a tangible, if small, impact. She is an active participant in a story, not a passive observer of her own life.
• The Beauty of Asymmetric Relationships: The idol-fan relationship is inherently one-sided, and the show acknowledges this. Yet, it argues that a pure, supportive love that asks for nothing in return (except the idol’s continued effort) can be a powerful and beautiful force in both lives.
• Coping with Failure and Mediocrity: Both Eripiyo and Maina are, by conventional standards, not “winners.” The series is about finding value, joy, and community outside of traditional metrics of success. It’s about cheering for the journey, not just the victory podium at the Budokan.
• The Power of Shared Devotion: The fan community provides a social fabric and an emotional safety net. In a world that can feel isolating, having a shared, passionate interest with others is shown as a vital form of connection.

Chapter 6: Artistic Direction & The “Indie” Aesthetic

The anime’s production perfectly complements its subject matter.

• Visual Style: The animation, by Studio Doga Kobo, is not overly polished. It has a slightly rough, energetic quality that suits the indie live house setting. The character designs are expressive, especially in capturing Eripiyo’s wide-eyed intensity and Maina’s timid anxiety.
• Soundtrack and Performance: The ChamJam songs are catchy J-pop tunes that feel authentic to a mid-tier idol group. The sound design during live scenes immerses you in the chaotic, exhilarating atmosphere of the crowd.
• Pacing and Focus: The series is largely episodic, focusing on specific events—a new single release, a handshake event, a fan meetup. This structure mirrors the cyclical, event-driven nature of idol fandom itself.

Chapter 7: Cultural Impact & Niche Resonance

While not a mainstream blockbuster, Oshibudo has achieved cult classic status.

• Unprecedented Authenticity: For those within idol or intense fan cultures, the series felt seen in a way no other anime had managed. It was praised for getting the tiny, specific details right.
• A Compassionate Portrait: It avoided the easy tropes of portraying fans as pathetic or delusional. Instead, it presented fandom as a complex, meaningful, and valid way of engaging with art and community.
• The “I Would Die” Philosophy: The title phrase entered the lexicon of fans as a way to express the ultimate level of supportive devotion, capturing the feeling that witnessing your oshi’s greatest success would represent a life goal fulfilled.

Conclusion: The Budokan is a Feeling, Not Just a Venue

If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die is a triumph of specific, empathetic storytelling. It is a show that understands that the grandest dreams are often built from the smallest moments: a shared glance, a perfectly executed fan chant, seeing your favorite member get one step closer to the front row.

It argues that fandom, at its best, is an act of creative, collaborative love. Eripiyo is not just a consumer; she is a co-author of ChamJam’s story, willing them forward with every purchased CD and shouted cheer. The series finds profound humanity in what others might dismiss as mere obsession. It asks us to consider what we dedicate ourselves to and finds beauty in the answer, no matter how niche it may seem.

In the end, the Budokan is less a physical location and more a symbol of a dream shared between an idol and the fan whose life she fills with light. And as Eripiyo shows us, a life illuminated by such a devoted passion is a life truly, intensely lived. For its raw honesty, its cringe-worthy comedy, and its breathtaking heart, this anime stands as the definitive love letter to the fan in all of us.