Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen [Season 2]

Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen Season 2 – Episode 15 Review

Summer vibes are in full swing in the latest episode of Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen, but don’t let the beachy montages fool you—this season’s second installment is serving up more chaos than a broken vending machine at Paradise Private Academy. Airing on April 6, 2025, the Ring Arc continues to blend its signature sparkly idol performances with a heaping dose of interdimensional drama, and fans are split on whether it’s a glittering success or a glitter bomb gone wrong.

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the AiPri-Verse: that random ghost subplot. Yes, you read that right—ghosts. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “There’s a ghost in the AiPri Verse? Yikes!” The episode kicks off with everyone hyped for summer break, but the AiPri-Verse (their go-to virtual world for all things idol) is under maintenance. Cue the spooky glitches and a spectral figure floating around like it’s lost its way to a Pokémon haunted house. It’s a weird twist, but honestly? Kinda iconic. Where else are you gonna see a ghost judge a singing competition?

But not everyone’s here for the supernatural side quest. Another fan called out the show’s writing, asking, “When the AiPri Verse keeps getting hijacked by people like the dark AiPri and then Princess Ring, why not use maintenance to flush the system and fix everything?” Fair point. Princess Ring, this season’s new villain, is basically a glitter-covered Karen with a grudge against fun. Her plan to “reboot” the AiPri-Verse into her own sparkly dictatorship feels recycled—like the writers raided a craft store for plot points. Still, you can’t deny her entrance is dramatic. She floats down from the sky in a dress that looks like a disco ball threw up on it, and her catchphrase (“Let the Ring of Judgment begin!”) is so over-the-top, it’s almost endearing.

Now, let’s gush about the music—because that’s why we’re all here, right? Subaru’s new song has fans buzzing, with one user noting, “Why does Subaru’s song kinda remind me of Makenai Sailor Stars even tho theyr not similar like at all lolz.” The track, titled “Eternal Sparkle,” is a bop with a chorus that’ll stick in your head longer than gum in your hair. The animation during his performance? Chef’s kiss. Think neon lights, floating platforms, and enough glitter to blind a unicorn. It’s pure eye candy, and honestly, worth sitting through the ghost subplot for.

But let’s get real—this episode isn’t perfect. The pacing is all over the place. One minute, we’re watching Himari and Mitsuki plan a beach trip; the next, we’re deep in a virtual ghost hunt. It’s like the writers tried to cram three episodes into one, and the result is a bit of a mess. Also, Princess Ring’s motives are as thin as a sheet of notebook paper. She’s mad because… wait, why is she mad? The show never really explains, which is a bummer. We love a good villain origin story—give us drama, give us trauma, give us something!

That said, Himitsu no AiPri has always been about fun over logic, and Episode 15 delivers on that front. The summer vacation montage is adorable—think group selfies, watermelon-eating contests, and Mitsuki accidentally turning her swimsuit into a giant bubble (classic Mitsuki). The AiPri-Verse maintenance subplot also gives us some much-needed character moments. Himari, ever the optimist, tries to turn the ghost scare into a “friendship challenge,” while Mitsuki just wants to fix the system and get back to practicing her dance moves. It’s these small, relatable interactions that make the show feel like a hug from your favorite idol.

And let’s not forget the ending. Just when you think the ghost is gone for good, it pops up again during Subaru’s performance, causing the AiPri-Verse to glitch out. The screen cuts to black with a cryptic message: “The Ring’s judgment is just beginning.” Cue the cliffhanger panic! Fans are already speculating whether the ghost is a new ally, a secret villain, or just a lost AI with a penchant for pranks. Whatever it is, we’re hooked.

In conclusion, Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen Episode 15 is a mixed bag of glitter, ghosts, and glitter-covered ghosts. It’s not the most cohesive episode, but it’s definitely the most extra. If you’re here for catchy songs, over-the-top villains, and enough sparkles to power a small city, this one’s for you. Just don’t think too hard about the plot holes—your brain might short-circuit.

As for the ghost? Let’s hope it sticks around. A spectral idol judge? Now that’s a spin-off we’d watch.

Final Verdict: 3.5/5 sparkles. It’s messy, it’s weird, but it’s fun. And in a world full of dark, edgy anime, sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

P.S. Subaru’s song is now on repeat in my head. Send help. 🎤✨