The official Twitter account of Symphonium's Chika Chika Idol CG anime project announced on Saturday that it has launched a campaign for anime on the Japanese crowdfunding service Makuake.

The English version of the project's official website additionally announced on Thursday that a Kickstarter campaign for the project that was scheduled to launch on Friday has been delayed. Symphonium will announce a new date for the campaign on the project's English website and Facebook page.

Additionally, the Japanese official website began streaming a promotional video for the crowdfunding project on Saturday.

Rewards for the Makuake campaign include the anime via digital download or Blu-ray Disc, as well as wallpapers, a visual book, soundtrack and solo CDs, T-shirts, autographed illustrations by character designer Mochiko Kagamino, autographs from cast and staff members, and a mention on the anime's official website or in its ending credits, among others. Rewards for donations above 240,000 yen (about US$2,044) include a shoutout video featuring one of the main characters, an appearance in the official manga, and dinner with staff. The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise 15 million yen (US$127,850), and as of press time it has raised 1,657,900 yen (US$14,131).

Rewards for the upcoming English Kickstarter campaign include a digital download of the anime for US$25 and a special edition Blu-ray Disc package for US$50, along with other currently unannounced items.

The story of Chika Chika Idol will follow the everyday lives of a group of "underground idols." The anime will use a "cell look" style of 3D CG animation that aims to replicate traditional cel animation.

In addition to the anime, the project's official website features a free four-panel manga in English.

The cast of the planned anime includes:

Marika Kono as Tenka Akasaki

Yuki Kuwahara as Sumi Yuki

Rika Tachibana as Abigail "Abbey" Williams

Ayane Sakura as Hisame Nagasawa

Yuri Yamaoka as Yataro

Yasutake Honjo created the concept for the anime and will also serve as producer. Hiroshi Nishikiori (A Certain Magical Index, Azumanga Daioh) will direct the anime, and Wataru Osakabe is in charge of design. Mochiko Kagamino created the character designs, and also draws the manga for the anime's official website. Studio Mouse is handling the anime's voice production management, and F-Sik is behind the 3D CG production.

Source: Anime! Anime!