Idol Manager Achievement Guide! 100% Achievements

Hello there and welcome! This is an achievement guide for Idol Manager. I tried to make it as organized and detailed as possible. Hopefully it is an easy guide to follow and you'll be able to finish your achievements asap.
I was able to complete my achievements 100% in about 50 hours and hope this guide will help someone.

Also credit to Ruudi for helping me with this guide.

Introduction and tips

Amount of time to 100%: about 45-55+ hours assuming you have a stable finance and don't go bankrupt all the time.
- This can be done much faster if you decide to cheat or edit your files.
Amount of playthroughs?: All the achievements CAN'T be achieved in a single playthrough as you need achievements that are only available through different routes in the story mode. Expect at least 3 playthroughs.


Tips on creating an early game stable finance: Don't immediately upgrade your building by buying dance, recording studios, staff etc. your character alone can create and release a song as long as you have unlocked at least one genre, marketing, lyrics and choreography with research points, which you can buy with money alone (note: you only need one unlocked from each so don't spend too much money on research points). You will need a production manager to keep on finding deals for you regarding photoshoots (put them on auto proposals), and if you want to you can get another manager which can farm research points for you. Use the research points of the manager to upgrade 'photoshoot' whenever you can. I don't recommend using shows early game as it takes a lot of stamina from your idols and you're better off using that stamina on photoshoots and performances. Do make sure you buy a 'Break Room' for the idols to rest asap. If you do this early game you should be able to somewhat have a stable finance.

ATTENTION: Be aware that there might be spoilers in this guide.

Missable Achievements

Where do I know that name from?
You learned something from an old associate.
- To get this achievement you need to make sure you've enabled the tutorial at the beginning of your game (story mode). Once you've finished the tutorial it should trigger an event about the tutorial. After you've performed at the Olympics another event should be triggered post game where you will get some information about who wrote the binders, and you should unlock the achievement after that.

NOTE: I'm not sure if this works for all of the routes, but I was able to get this through Fujimoto's route as it is the one I completed first.


There's no crying in showbiz
You found the ideal solution to an onion-related problem
- This achievement is only unlockable through a random social media event. You need to get the onion incident random event.

Step 1: Ignore the trolls and wait for the next chain event.










Step 2: Let this play out










You should unlock the achievement after that.
- Credit to Ruudi for helping me with this.

Random Event Achievements

Don't clip that!
That livestream could have gone better...
- You should get this achievement after a stream-related event. The event picture should look similar to the one in the achievement picture.

Scot-free
You managed to avoid the consequences of scandal
- Avoid the consequences of a scandal. Don't get any scandal points or lose fans etc. from a scandal. Event is the same as the one in the achievement picture.

Reap what you seiso
The purer they are, the harder they fall
- You need to have an 'orthodox' image and a 'strict' dating policy. The achievement should unlock once one of your idols get involved in a dating scandal.

Audition Achievements

Picky
Not every audition has to result in a hire
- Hold an audition but don't hire anyone.

We'll take anyone
Are you really that desperate to acquire talent?
- Hold an audition and hire 3-5 idols.

NASDANQ
You kept a meme queen on the company payroll after her graduation
- Hire an idol with the 'Meme Queen' talent and when she's graduating hire her as a staff.
NOTE: To be on the safe side make sure your friendship is on a decent lvl with her before firing and letting her graduate. I'd also recommend to wait a few months before firing her.

Building Achievements

A place to blow off steam
Built a break room
- Build a break room

Light up the stage
Built a theater
- Build a theater

Single Achievements

Marketing

...and see what sticks
You've tried every possible marketing strategy
- You need to release songs/singles with different marketing strategies having used them all at least once.
Note: I had some trouble with this one, and wasn't able to unlock it post-game. I created a new file and unlocked it around chapter 1. I released another single after having used all 9 marketing strategies and was able to achieve it (I also did use all of the genres, lyrics and choreographies but i'm not sure if that's necessary).
- Credit to Ruudi from the unofficial Idol Manager discord server for helping me.

Well, that didn't go well...
A risky marketing strategy backfired
- Have a marketing strategy backfire on you such as 'Fake Scandal', 'Lewd PV', 'Edgy PV', 'Viral Campaign' etc.

Genres

Never stop never stopping
Released 5 pop songs
- Release 5 pop singles.

Drop it
Released 5 EDM songs
- Release 5 EDM singles.

Chosen by the kitsune
Released 5 metal songs
- Release 5 metal singles.

Save rock and roll
Released 5 rock songs
- Release 5 rock singles.

Beats to dance to
Released 5 hiphop songs
- Release 5 hiphop singles.

Funk you up
Released 5 funk songs
- Release 5 funk singles.

Put your soul into it
Released 5 R&B songs
- Release 5 R&B singles.

The kids don't like it
Released 5 avant-garde songs
- Release 5 avant-garde singles.

Where tradition meets tomorrow
Released 5 enka songs
- Release 5 enka singles.

Everything except country
You've got a broad musical palate
- Release in total 9 singles where you've used all 9 genres at least once (meaning 1 pop song, 1 rock, 1 metal etc.)

Lyrics

Non-stop love song
Released 5 songs about love
- Release 5 singles about love.

Not gonna write you a love song
You're unusually hard to hold onto
- Release 10 singles that are NOT about love.

Rebel without a pause
Released 5 songs about rebelling
- Release 5 singles about rebelling.

Party 'til the party don't stop
Released 5 songs about partying
- Release 5 singles about partying.

Think we're alone now
Released 5 songs about loneliness
- Release 5 singles about loneliness.

Thank you for being a friend
Released 5 songs about friends
- Release 5 singles about friends.

A trace of pleasure or regret
Released 5 songs about regret
- Release 5 singles about regret.

Like a room without a roof
Released 5 songs about happiness
- Release 5 singles about happiness.

Talkin' bout a revolution
Released 5 songs about politics
- Release 5 singles about politics.

Beating like a hammer
Released 5 songs about anxiety
- Release 5 singles about anxiety.

Other

Supplies are limited
Your CD sold out!
- Sell all of your CDs when releasing a single.

Fine, I'll do it myself
Released a single without hiring any staffers
- Release a single without other staff members. You can do this as long as you have unlocked at least 1 genre, choreography, marketing etc.

Fan Achievements

A thousand true fans
Kelly would be proud
- Get a total of 1000 fans.

A million fans
You probably made some enemies along the way
- Get a total of 1 million fans.

So good they can't ignore you
Reached level 10 promotion
- Reach lvl 10 in activies, promotion. You can see in-game what is needed for you to rank up.

Concert Achievements

Cultural cross-pollination
You brought your performance to an international audience
- Hold a Special Event, World Tour.

Globetrotter
You've confirmed that life is beautiful around the world
- Hold a Special Event, World Tour visiting all countries.

Selling votes
One CD, one ballot
- Hold a Special Event, Election.

World-class performer
Reached level 10 performance
- Reach lvl 10 in activies, performance. You can see in-game what is needed for you to rank up.

Media Achievements

Cross-media empire
Internet, radio, TV...what's left?
- Launch a 'New Show' using the Internet, Radio and TV.

Idol Achievements

Pennies on the dollar
Don't they deserve more than this?
- Give your idol/s a low salary.

Cream of the crop
She's trained as much as she can train
- Get all stats of an idol to 100.
NOTE: Smart and Funny raises through age and can be improved through theater and doing manzais. You can also save file edit your stats if you don't want to bother with this.

Socializing Achievements

The villain of their story
It seems someone really doesn't like you...
- Get an idol to dislike you. You should unlock this once your friendship with an idol goes into minus/red.

Indebted
You owe someone a favor
- Get minus/negative influence with an idol.

Can you do me a favor?
You made someone's wish come true
- Complete the task to an idols wish. You need to ask her in your office while socializing about her wishes first.

Don't call it extortion
You compromised your morals by finding compromising information
- Get an idol to find blackmail material on a member.

Bully Achievements

If you notice an idol has been bullied I'd recommend you save the file asap to easily get these achievements, as you can quickly load the file and complete the achievements.

Important Info: To find out who the bully is, you need an idol who is willing to gossip with you and tell you. I'd recommend having high friendship with multiple idols to expose the bully faster.

Confronting the problem
You persuaded a bully to change her ways
- Influence a bully to change her ways. To do this drag her into your office and click on influence > stop bullying.
NOTE: The cost of influence point to influence your idol to stop bullying is random but expect about 1-2 points. You can get influence points by talking about her wishes and completing the task.

Avoiding the problem
You separated a victim from her bully
- Separate the victim from her bully. You need a sister group to do this. To create a sister group you need at least 10 idols. To unlock the achievement you need to put the victim into a different group.

Removing the problem
You fired a bully
- You need to fire a bully.
NOTE: I was only able to get this achievement when I fired the idol without having her exposed. If you've done the other two achievements and you're aware who the bully is, you should fire her immediately without confronting her about the issue.

Romance Achievements

RELEVANT INFO: Make sure to check the CGs collection before moving on as there are 4 CGs available through dating.


If you want these achievements over with quickly here is what I'd recommend you do:

1. Whenever you're flirting with an idol and its successful save your data. Reason to this is because the reaction to your flirting is random and sometimes it'll fail, but if you've saved your game before flirting you can just load the file and try again asap.

2. Before you go on a major date save your game just in case something goes wrong.

- Do be aware that not every girl is into the same sex, the opposite sex or is interested in romance. Idols who are already dating will refuse your flirting so do make sure you force them to breakup with their partner before you try and flirt with them if you decide to do so.

IMPORTANT:
You can only date 3 girls max, meaning if you try to flirt with a 4th girl you will be rejected no matter what.
Once you've ♥♥♥♥♥♥ to level 1 with an idol you can no longer flirt with them as the flirt button will be replaced with a date button.

There is in total 3 dating routes
Date Route A
Date Route B
Date Route C

The route you get depends on the options you have available during your first major dating event when you go out on a date at lvl 1. Therefore it is recommended that you date 3 girls at the same time to have all options available to unlock the achievements quicker.


Saint Valentine died for this?
You spent a special day with a special someone
- NOTICE that this is an event that only occurs once a year. To unlock this achievement you'll need to go on a date with an idol on Valentine's Day (14th February)

Rules for thee, not for me
The worst part is the hypocrisy
- Flirt with an idol while having dating forbidden as a policy.

Casanova
You should really find someone to settle down with. Third time's the charm?
- Date 3 idols at the same time. You need to at least have lvl. 1 in love with each girl.

She got that ambition, baby
You got a proper tour of Shibuya's fashion district
- For this one you should pick Shibuya for your major date.


Wouldn't it be nice
You went to see the sharks
- For this one you should pick the Aquarium for your major date.


Girls just wanna have fun
You embezzled money from the company account to cover your losses
- For this one you have to pick the Arcade for your major date and keep aiming to win the big prize for your lover. The prize is RNG but you will be able to get it eventually as long as you keep on trying to get the big prize.

Hitched
You tied the knot
- Marry an idol.
NOTE: The game will END this is an ENDING achievement. I do recommend saving before you go on your date at lvl 5.

To unlock this achievement she will ask you if you're serious about your relationship with her at lvl 5, and you have to tell her you are. From there you'll tell her you will resign/quit and she will ask you if you're sure. Keep replying yes. After you resign your new life with her will start, and you'll be asked some questions by her. You need to give her the correct answers making her feel loved / happy. You'll know if you pick the right choice when you hear a background sound. She will ask you to marry her after this.

Staff Achievements

You ruined Christmas
Is there a worse time to fire someone?
- Fire someone in December. This should trigger a dialogue event and after that you should get the achievement.
NOTE: I fired a staff member and used scandal points, but i'm not sure if they have to be fired by scandal points or if it has to be a staff member.

Fully staffed
You're playing with a full team
- Hire each type of staff member.

Redundant employees
Hire more than one staffer of the same type
- Hire two or more of the same staff type. For example 2 sales managers.

Purely cosmetic
Change an idol's appearance
- You need to hire a stylist and build a dressing room to be able to change the appearance of an idol.

We only hire the best
Hire an expert staffer
- Hire a staff who is an expert.

Worst deal ever
Negotiations didn't go so well
- Fail negotiating during a deal such as a photoshoot, advertisement etc.

Firm handshake
You've done a wide variety of business deals
- Do all 4 business deals.

Business magnate
You've perfected the art of the deal
- Succeed on all negotiations before accepting a deal.

Starting something new
You created a sister group
- Create a sister group. You need at least 10 idols to create a sister group.

Hogging the glory
You deserve to take some of the credit
- During an award show get an idol to thank you when winning.

Deal with it
Maxed out a staffer
- Max out a staff. You need ALL stars to unlock this achievement and must promote the staff.
NOTE: I'd recommend making your idols thank a specific staff at award shows to make this process faster.

Food Achievements

First of all you need to unlock the Cafe.

The food your idols produce depends on their stats. There are 2 available dishes for each skill.
You need to be aware that each food is connected to a skill which is the HIGHEST skill of your idol. This means that your cute skill for example has 2 available dishes and if 'Cute' is the highest skill of your idol she'll produce a food that is related to the 'cute' skill.

The outcome of the 2 dishes will depend on if your HIGHEST skill is BELOW or ABOVE 80.

You need 1.000 office research points to make a dish.

CUTE:
Currying favor
A culinary classic
- Cute is your highest stat but higher than 80.

Omlette that slide
The secret ingredient is love (and rice)
- Cute is your highest stat but below 80.

COOL:
Steamed hams
They're actually grilled
- Cool is your highest stat but below 80.

Borger
Ram would be proud
- Cool is your highest stat but higher than 80.

SEXY
Nice tea
Who could say no to such a refreshing beverage?
- Sexy is your highest stat but below 80.

You know what else has layers?
It's probably more appealing than an onion
- Sexy is your highest stat but higher than 80.

PRETTY
Bubbling over
Harajuku had a theme park dedicated to it
- Pretty is your highest stat but below 80.

Pretty in pink
This new ginger is really something
- Pretty is your highest stat but higher than 80.

DANCE
Let's tako bout it
It's tako time
- Dance is your highest stat but below 80.

You jelly?
Jello, is it me you're looking for?
- Dance is your highest stat but higher than 80.

VOCAL

Breakfast club
Pan-fried dough covered in sugary sauce is healthy, right?
- Vocal is your highest stat but below 80.

Giga-pancake
When does a pancake become a cake?
- Vocal is your highest stat but higher than 80.


FUNNY
Parfection!
I scream for some more
- Funny is your highest stat but higher than 80.

Sweeter than vanilla
I'll never dessert you...
- Funny is your highest stat but below 80.


SMART
Udon't even know
You'd probably fail a soba-riety test
- Smart is your highest stat but lower than 80.

Bravocado!
Now that's a hearty salad
- Smart is your highest stat but higher than 80.




Daily special
A unique dish for each day of the week
- Select 7 different dishes of the day. You can do this under 'Menu' at the cafe.

Master chef
I like big menus and I cannot lie
- Unlock all of the foods.

Story Mode Achievements

The prisoner's defector
It's a classic dilemma
- In Chapter 3 you have the choices to either appear or withdraw from Nation of Idols. To get this achievement you have to choose to APPEAR on Nation of Idols.

Won't get fooled again
No good deed goes unpunished...
- In Chapter 3 you have the choices to either appear or withdraw from Nation of Idols. To get this achievement you have to choose to WITHDRAW from Nation of Idols.

During Chapter 4 you'll have to pick a route depending on the task you decide to complete. The game will warn you about the route you're about to pick and be locked in. Out from the route you've picked follow the guides below to get their achievements.

Fujimoto Route Achievements

Redemption Arc
You helped someone find absolution
- Finish Fujimoto's route.

Rival Route Achievements

Save your game at Chapter 6 to quickly get these achievements.

Becoming the mask
You became part of of something great
- In Chapter 6, close to the date of the performance at the Olympic Summer Games, your rival will ask you to pull out of the competition. To get this achievement you have to choose to pull out. The achievement should unlock after that.

Career suicide
This will cause a stir...
- In Chapter 6 after pulling out of the competition your rival will ask you to record a video with them. Record the video and send it to Aya. The achievement should unlock after this.

Top of the world
It's lonely at the top
- In Chapter 6, close to the date of the performance at the Olympic Summer Games, your rival will ask you to pull out of the competition. To get this achievement you have to choose to NOT pull out. Refuse their offer. The achievement should unlock after that.

NOTE: If the achievements don't pop up do wait till after the credits of the Olympic Summer Games.

Aya Route Achievements

Making the news
You helped a fledgling freelancer
- In Chapter 6, close to the date of the performance at the Olympic Summer Games, watch the Summer Games on TV to study up on the event. Aya will be interviewing the athletes. Look out for the skateboarder interview specific. This should trigger an event with Aya who will ask you for an interview once the previous interviews with the athletes have been triggered. Agree to the interview. The achievement should unlock after the interview.

NOTE: If the achievement doesn't pop up do wait till after the credits of the Olympic Summer Games.

Bankrupt "Route" Achievements

To get bankrupt fast I recommend starting a new game and putting the salary of your idols to max and just wait till you go bankrupt. It should take about a month for you to go bankrupt.

Getting credit
You took out a loan
- Take a loan from either Fujimoto or the bank to unlock this achievement.

Second chance
Someone bailed you out
- The first time you go bankrupt Fujimoto will give you a second chance and you'll be bailed out.

Nepotism
You let someone's family connections influence your hiring decisions
- Second time Fujimoto will inform you that he knows someone who is willing to bail you out as long as you hire the recommended idol. Hire her and you should get the achievement.

Bankrupt
You ran out of runway
- Get bankrupt for the third time. This will END your game so be aware of that.

Fall from grace Achievement

RELEVANT INFO: Be aware this achievement also unlocks 1 CG for your collection.

A fast way to get scandal points is by using the 'Fake Scandal' marketing under singles. For higher success make sure it is at lvl. 1.


Fall from grace
You were forced to retire
- You need to get 20 scandal points to trigger the first event. From here you'll need to keep gaining scandal points. Eventually, the parents of the idols below 18 will remove their idols from the group. Keep gaining scandal points and the idols above 18 should come to you one by one and let you know about their circumstances, and that they want to quit. This will continue till all of your idols leave you. Once you have no idols left you have to hold an audition. After the audition your game will end and you should have ♥♥♥♥♥♥ the achievement.

Forever young Achievement

Forever young
You celebrated an important anniversary
- Play through 150 years. An event should be triggered where Fujimoto will ask you if you know what special day it is. Tell him it is your anniversary.
NOTE: If you don't want to bother with this you can save file edit your game.

CGs Collection 24/24

Another one for the highlight reel
Your CG collection is half done
- Unlock 12/24 of the CGs.

No stone unturned
Your CG collection is complete
- Unlock all of the CGs.


CG 1: Aya on a plane.
- You'll unlock this by playing Aya's route.

CG 2: Interview with Aya.
- You'll unlock this once you've completed your interview with Aya. This is also related to Aya's route.

CG 3: Dinner with Fujimoto.
- You'll unlock this by playing Fujimoto's route.

CG 4: Food from your dinner with Fujimoto.
- You'll unlock this by playing Fujimoto's route.

CG 5: Idol feeding a penguin.
- This is related to a zoo event. An idol will ask you if you want to go to the local zoo who is in need of help. Agree and you should unlock this CG.

CG 6: 2nd Dinner with Fujimoto.
- You'll unlock this by playing Fujimoto's route.

CG 7: Food from your second dinner with Fujimoto
- You'll unlock this by playing Fujimoto's route.

CG 8: A close up Fujimoto picture from your dinner
- You'll unlock this by playing Fujimoto's route.

CG 9: A picture of your rival holding wine at the gala.
- You'll unlock this by playing the story mode.
NOTE: Not sure if you need to be locked in a specific route, as I do remember seeing it through both Fujimoto and Rival route (could be wrong), but if you've completed all routes you shouldn't have to worry about this.

CG 10: Your idol protesting against you.
- To unlock this you need to release multiple political songs with an idol who hates the idea of being the center for political songs. Keep ignoring their request to not center the song and release multiple political songs with her as center. Doing this will trigger a few events that'll eventually get you a CG of her protesting.

CG 11: Your rival requesting you to pull out of Nation of Idols.
- You'll unlock this by playing the story mode. Should be around chapter 3.

CG 12: Interview with judges from Nation of Idols.
- You'll unlock this by not pulling out from Nation of Idols. In chapter 3.

CG 13: Phantasm Facade
- You'll unlock this by playing the story mode.

CG 14: Eating ramen with your Rival
- You'll unlock this by playing the story mode.
NOTE: Not sure if you need to be locked in a specific route, as I do remember seeing it through both Fujimoto and Rival route (could be wrong), but if you've completed all routes you shouldn't have to worry about this.

CG 15: Your rival and yours legs under a table (literally)
- You'll unlock this through chapter 6 of the rival route. You need to agree to pulling out of the Olympic Summer Games and record a video.

CG 16: Breakup
- To unlock this CG you will need love lvl 5 with an idol. She will ask you if you're serious about your relationship with her at lvl 5, and you have to tell her you are. From there you'll tell her you will resign/quit and she will ask you if you're sure. Keep replying yes. After you resign your new life with her will start, and you'll be asked some questions by her. You need to give her the wrong answers making her feel unhappy. You'll know if you pick the right choice when you don't hear a background sound. She will ask you to breakup after this.

CG 17: No one came to your audition.[/b]
- Check 'Fall from grace achievement'

CG 18: Olympic Summer Games interview.
- You'll unlock this by playing the story mode.

CG 19: Olympic Summer Games Swimmer interview.
- You'll unlock this by watching the TV / events / interviews with the athletes before the performance at the Olympic Summer Games.
NOTE: I'm not sure if this is available through the rival route.

CG 20: Rival and Fujimoto hugs
- You'll unlock this by playing the rival or Fujimoto's routes.

CG 21: End of rival route performance.
- You'll unlock this through the rival route but you need to pull out from the Summer Olympic Games
NOTE: Not sure if you have to agree to recording the video as well, but you might as well do it for the sake of it.

CG 22: Idol feeding you.
- You'll unlock this by dating. I recommend dating 3 girls at the same time to unlock this easier. The event should trigger around major dating event 3 (lvl 3 in love).

CG 23: Watching a movie.
- You'll unlock this by dating. I recommend dating 3 girls at the same time to unlock this easier. The event should trigger around major dating event 3 (lvl 3 in love).

CG 24: Wedding
- Check Romance Achievements for this and follow the 'Hitched' achievement.

[BELOdindo]

Okay, you need to read all the tutorial on the first chapter to be able to get the "where do I know that name from" and just to make sure, do the tutorial as the game says first and read the rest of the tutorial only when the obligatory tutorial finishes

[Arkylite]

I don't understand how to have both successes : -Reap what you seiso and - Where do I know that name from?

for the first the event never falls and the second I finished the game several times with all the tutorials in green but nothing new after, an idea ?

[Rudean]

Just want to add - there are 3 steps in Onion achievent, not 2. Achievement will pop after third window. Also in Cream of the crop achievement you shouldn't train idol to have all stats at 100 as it is said in the guide. I think it is enough to have one stat at 100 for achievement to pop.

[The Baekin' Company]

Here's a tip: if you want the Bankrupt achievement just for the sake of the achievement, do it when you have very few employees... It's torture if you've managed to build an empire for yourself, so do it while you're small.

[ice*]

how to edit save files ?

[стружка]

just wanted to put my 2 cents in as I finally completed all the achievements!

1) for the "Deal with it" achievement and if you're completing the achievement via editing your save file: the max stat number is 400000

2) if you're editing your save file for maxing out your relationship or influence on your idol, the max stat number is 512 (ofc you can out a higher number and it would still work, but it kinda crashes the graphics of relationship tab)

[стружка]

3) for the "You ruined Christmas" achievement: you have to fire a staffer with scandal points ONLY.I tried firing them with severance pay and it didn't work. when firing them, a staffer will offer you to pay them, say no and blame a scandal on them. if you see a cutscene with your other staffers afterward, then the achievement is complete.

[стружка]

4) for the "Where do I know that name from?" achievement, not only the tutorial has to be enabled. you have to read all the tutorial logs (the lamp icon in menu) too! the normal tutorial doesn't cover everything, and I wasted an hour in vain. I, personally, read all the logs the second the tutorial started. also note that some days should pass after the last post-game event, the cutscene related to this achievement is the last you should see. I completed this achievement during Fujimoto's arc so sadly I can't confirm whether it's obtainable during the other arcs.

[стружка]

5) about the "Hitched" achievement and the break-up CG: I'm not really sure if it's necessary to answer correctly to get to the part when your partner asks to marry you. I think it depends on how you answer when some time passes, and you start a new job (there will be a dialogue concerning this situation). if you answer indifferently, your partner will leave you, and if you answer not indifferently, you'll get married.

hope this helps!

[Sea Fairy]

I will add a new perfect game on my account soon!