Today in Anime History: the idol-themed anime Dropout Idol Fruit Tart airs its first episode
On October 12th, 2020, the anime world welcomed Dropout Idol Fruit Tart (aka Ochikobore Fruit Tart), a lovely little gem that, while not making waves, carved a special place in the hearts of slice-of-life anime enthusiasts all over the world.
This series, adapted from the manga by Sou Hamayumiba, was brought to screen by animation studio Feel — a studio known for diving into the realms of unique and heartfelt stories with casts of adorable girls.
In October, 2020, Dropout Idol Fruit Tart joined other Feel properties like Hinamatsuri, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, and Listen to Me, Girls. I Am Your Father!, but this time to add a cast of idols who are all cuter than cute.
Behind the scenes of Dropout Idol Fruit Tart
Dropout Idol Fruit Tart was directed by Keiichirou Kawaguchi, who is also the director of anime like Spy Classroom and Shadowverse Flame.
The series’ scripts were penned by Tatsuya Takahashi (Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon).
The voice cast included:
- Hiyori Nitta (Sara in Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles) as Ino Sakura
- Risa Kubota (Iu Shindou in I’m Standing on a Million Lives) as Roko Sekino
- Hiruka Shiraishi (Touka in Loner Life in Another World) as Hayu Nukui
- Kyouka Moriya (Shiho in Cue!) as Hemo Midori
- Reina Kondou (Aru in Blue Archive the Animation) as Nina Maehara
The plot of Dropout Idol Fruit Tart
Dropout Idol Fruit Tart follows a group of aspiring idols who form a struggling idol group called “Fruit Tart.”
The story initially centers on four girls—each with unique personalities and backgrounds—who come together after facing setbacks in their entertainment-based careers. They move into a rundown dormitory managed by a former idol, and despite their challenges, strive to make their group successful.
As they navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, the girls face obstacles, including competition, personal insecurities, and the pressure to perform.
Through friendship, teamwork, and determination, they learn to support each other and grow both as individuals and as a group.
The series blends comedy, drama, and music, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the bonds formed in pursuit of their dreams.
Not a big hit, but still a gem
While Dropout Idol Fruit Tart might not have stormed the global anime charts, its gentle storytelling, character-driven narrative, genuinely funny humor, and honest portrayal of life’s ups and downs made it a cherished series for those who stumbled upon it.
Today in anime history, Dropout Idol Fruit Tart premiered, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound stories come from places not everyone appreciates.
But, when you do, it can be pretty great.
Especially when those stories come in the form of cute girls doing adorably cute things.
If you missed it the first time around, watch Dropout Idol Fruit Tart on Crunchyroll now. You’ll find an English dub there too.