Bandai Namco has announced Gakuen The Idolmaster for smartphones, and it’s launching sometime soon in Japan.

Gakuen The Idolmaster is launching sometime this spring in Japan for iOS (via the App Store) and Android (via Google Play). Preregistration is now available over on its official site.

Here’s a rundown on the game, plus a reveal trailer:

A completely new school idol training simulation in the “Idolmaster” series is now available! Let’s make idol candidates with various charms and problems shine with your production!

Introduction

The setting is Hatsei Academy, an idol training school. You are a new student entering the producer department. We scout unique idol candidates who belong to the idol department and aim for their dreams. Let’s bloom their charm and grow them into idols through production!

Get better at singing and dancing!? Next generation idol training simulation

At the time of the production, the girls had not yet learned how to sing or dance. Let’s grow your ability as an idol through your production and aim to pass the exam! At the live stage after the exam, their performance on stage changes as they grow. We will continue to produce repeatedly, and our goal is to perform at packed arenas!

Growing as an “idol” leads to growing as a “person”

By proceeding with their production, a one-on-one story between you and the idol will unfold. Their weaknesses as idols and their hidden worries… As a producer, work closely with the girls, deepen your bond, and aim to become a top idol together!

This is Niche Imports. In this column, we regularly cover games that haven’t been announced for western audiences yet.