Shirome Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Shirome (2010). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Director Koji Shiraishi steers a plan to film an episode for a Japanese television program that centers on the idol group Momoiro Clover Z, who are referred to in the film by their former name, Momoiro Clover. The core cast of performers includes the group’s members — Akari Hayami, Shiori Tamai, Momoka Ariyasu, Ayaka Sasaki, and Kanako Momota — alongside other participants who contribute to the televised venture. The team travels to an abandoned school that houses a shrine to a minor kami known as Shirome, manifested as a painting that resembles a butterfly and may, in fact, bear the entity’s face.
According to local lore, Shirome can grant a wish, but only if the requester is utterly sincere in both the plea and their belief in the deity’s existence and power. If a wish is frivolous or if the believer wavers, Shirome is said to respond with severe punishment, ranging from a fatal accident or suicide to driving the person into madness. With this caution in mind, the girls request a chance to appear on a nationwide television broadcast, hoping to turn their entertainment careers into a larger platform.
Soon after the wish is voiced, a cascade of unsettling disturbances unfolds, and a hulking, pale, white-eyed figure is glimpsed standing beside the group, sometimes described as hovering. This ominous presence punctuates a turning point in their lives, one that promises dazzling public attention and commercial success but also hints at a hidden, increasingly dark cost.
As the episodes and appearances accumulate, the group’s rise in fame becomes unmistakable, accompanied by glossy media coverage and a surge in fan fervor. Yet a troubling video clip captured in the wake of a major concert casts a shadow over their ascent, suggesting that their newfound prominence may have been secured through methods that skirt ethical boundaries or supernatural peril. The film carefully threads the tension between fame and fear, implying that the more their souls are tied to the spectacle of stardom, the more they may stand to lose in the end.
Throughout, the narration underscores the blurred line between entertainment magic and real danger, with Chavetaro Ishizaki providing the voice that guides audiences through the escalating mystery. The dynamic of a high-profile idol group navigating an unsettling supernatural force, the allure of broad exposure, and the looming threat of consequence all intertwine to present a story that is as reflective as it is eerie, inviting viewers to weigh the price of fame against the price of belief.
Shirome Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Shirome (2010) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Concept and plan for a haunted-idol episode
Director Kōji Shiraishi proposes a TV episode that follows the idol group Momoiro Clover Z as they investigate mysterious locales. The project blends documentary-style filmmaking with a paranormal investigation to test the legends. The team positions the group as both participants and witnesses to potential supernatural events.
Crew travels to the abandoned school
The crew travels to an abandoned school where rumors center on a shrine to Shirome. They hope to document any signs of paranormal activity and learn the shrine’s history. The oppressive quiet and decaying corridors heighten the sense of danger.
Discovery of Shirome shrine
Inside, they locate a shrine that manifests as a painting resembling a butterfly, tied to the kami Shirome. Local legends say Shirome will grant a wish only to those who are completely sincere in belief. The team debates the reliability of folklore while the girls remain hopeful.
The girls decide what to ask Shirome
The members decide to ask Shirome for a chance to appear on nationwide television. They articulate a sincere wish for greater exposure and success, believing the deity can sense belief. This moment marks a turning point as intention meets the supernatural stake.
Wish uttered; the disturbance begins
As soon as the wish is pronounced, chaotic disturbances erupt around them. A hulking white-eyed figure is briefly seen standing or floating beside the group, confirming the shrine's power has been activated. The sight is captured on camera, foreshadowing a dangerous bargain.
Sudden rise in popularity
After the wish, Momoiro Clover Z experiences a rapid rise in popularity and commercial success. Appearances and endorsements multiply, and the group becomes a household name. The accomplishment feels thrilling but uneasy, as the haunting omen lingers in the background.
Concerts and media attention intensify
The group's schedule becomes dominated by concerts and televised appearances. Fans' adoration grows, and media attention intensifies the pressure to perform. The aura of luck seems inescapable, even as behind-the-scenes tensions creep in.
A disturbing video clip appears
Following a major concert, a disturbing video clip surfaces, hinting that the ascent may have happened at an ill-advised cost. The footage raises questions about truth, morality, and what the group may have sacrificed. The team worries that the video reveals consequences that could ruin their careers and lives.
Video clip hints at dire consequences
The clip suggests the possibility of losing souls or facing dire fates due to the bargain. Dread settles in the group as they confront the spiritual stakes behind their fame. They worry that Shirome is watching and that the cost may be more than they bargained for.
Members confront the supernatural cost
Some members begin to question whether to continue the pursuit of fame at any cost. The hulking being and Shirome's warning echo in their minds as doubts grow. The fear of spiritual loss becomes a tangible threat rather than a distant myth.
Producer team weighs continuing the project
Production teams grapple with whether to proceed with the episode or pull the plug. Reality and performance blur as the haunting premise dominates the narrative. They weigh personal safety, the group's future, and the show's ethical implications.
Ambiguity and ongoing danger
The ending leaves Shirome’s power unresolved, maintaining an ominous atmosphere. The girls’ futures are left uncertain, with potential tragic consequences implied. Viewers are left to wonder whether fame was worth the price.
Shirome Characters
Explore all characters from Shirome (2010). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Self - Akari Hayami
Akari Hayami portrays a member of Momoiro Clover Z who joins the TV investigation into Shirome. As a rising idol, she seeks the chance to appear on a national broadcast, blurring personal ambition with group dynamics. The narrative suggests that her sincerity and aspirations are tested by the shrine’s legend and the created chaos that follows.
Self - Shiori Tamai
Shiori Tamai is a member of the idol group who participates in the investigation, bringing youthful energy and curiosity. She experiences the tension between entertainment pressure and genuine belief as strange events unfold. Her reactions help ground the group’s dynamics amid escalating strange occurrences.
Self - Momoka Ariyasu
Momoka Ariyasu brings charm and stage presence to the team, amplifying their visibility as the investigation progresses. The film tests how she handles sudden fame and the accompanying ominous hints about costs beyond the public eye. Her responses reveal vulnerabilities beneath a polished idol image.
Self - Ayaka Sasaki
Ayaka Sasaki participates as part of the idol cohort, contributing to the group’s collective identity during the haunted assignment. She navigates the pressure of performing for a national audience while facing the eerie realities of the Shirome shrine. Her perspective adds to the mix of ambition and skepticism.
Self - Kanako Momota
Kanako Momota acts as a senior within the group, offering leadership and a stabilizing presence as strange events unfold. The story tests her ability to balance discipline with the lure of fame. She weighs the ethical costs of their pursuit against the thrill of public adoration.
Self - Reni Takagi
Reni Takagi contributes as part of the ensemble, bringing energy to the investigation while remaining wary of the shrine’s legends. Her reactions provide a counterpoint to the more enthusiastic members, highlighting the group’s varying tolerances for fear and fame. She too confronts the possibility that success may come at a spiritual price.
Self - Yuki Yoshida
Yuki Yoshida appears as part of the idol group, adding to the shared dynamic during the haunted shoot. She experiences the pull between career advancement and the unsettling mysteries surrounding Shirome. Her stance helps illustrate how different members cope with potential danger and the pressure to perform.
Self - Eisuke Imani
Eisuke Imani participates as a member of the cast, contributing to the show's energy and interactions with the idols. He observes the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine and the effects of the rumored power on the group’s cohesion. His involvement anchors the performative aspect of the investigation.
Self - Yko S
Yûko Sô (Yko S) is part of the ensemble, adding her perspective to the collective experience. She navigates the blend of entertainment value and eerie phenomena, contributing to the tension between belief and doubt within the group. Her presence underscores the diverse reactions of the members to the shrine’s myth.
Self - Kodai Uzawa
Kodai Uzawa participates as a member of the cast, helping to drive the narrative forward through interactions with the idols. His portrayal contributes to the dynamic of a televised investigation into the paranormal. He embodies the modern production side of a haunted program seeking sensational footage.
Narrator - Chavetaro Ishizaki
Chavetaro Ishizaki provides narration, framing the events with a documentary tone. His voice guides viewers through the shrine’s legend and the chaotic consequences that follow the idols’ wish. He grounds the story in a sense of observation and forewarns about the potential peril of the supernatural pact.
Self - Kenjir Kamishima
Kenjir Kamishima participates as part of the cast, contributing to the group’s dynamic and the show's production. His presence adds another layer to the idol-driven investigation, illustrating how different personalities respond to fear and fame. He reflects the ensemble nature of the project and its risks.
Self - Koji Shiraishi
Koji Shiraishi appears as himself, the director intent on filming the episode. His role frames the project as a crafted spectacle, while the shrine’s danger lurks beneath the surface. His perspective highlights the tension between documentary ambition and the unpredictable consequences of meddling with the paranormal.
Shirome Settings
Learn where and when Shirome (2010) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Abandoned school, Shirome shrine
The action centers around an abandoned school that houses a shrine to the minor kami Shirome. The shrine manifests as a butterfly-shaped painting that may conceal Shirome's face. Local legends warn that asking Shirome for a sincere wish can bring both fame and ruin, shaping the eerie atmosphere of the investigation.
Shirome Themes
Discover the main themes in Shirome (2010). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Fame
Gaining nationwide attention is presented as a tempting shortcut for the idol group, but success arrives with ominous strings attached. The story shows the glamour of TV exposure while hinting at a deeper price paid in fear and moral compromise. It asks whether fame justifies risking one’s soul or authenticity for public adoration.
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Belief
Shirome’s power works only for sincere belief and a truthful wish. The idols’ request to appear on national television tests their conviction and honesty. The film cautions that frivolous or insincere belief can unleash dangerous consequences.
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Paranormal Entertainment
The investigation is framed as a television experiment, turning a haunting into entertainment and spectacle. This framing blurs the line between truth and performance, questioning the ethics of reality TV. The movie critiques the commodification of fear in modern media.
Shirome Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Shirome (2010). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a quiet corner of Japan’s bustling pop scene, the freshly formed idol troupe Momoiro Clover decides to chase a legend that promises anything they truly desire. Their plan takes them to a long‑abandoned school, where a forgotten shrine houses the enigmatic figure known as Shirome. Believing they are participating in a televised exploration of haunted locations, the girls set up cameras and begin a ritual that blends youthful optimism with a whisper of ancient folklore.
The film embraces a faux‑documentary aesthetic, letting handheld lenses capture the uneasy mix of bright choreography and dim, echoing hallways. By echoing the intimate dread of early found‑footage horror, the atmosphere feels simultaneously playful and unsettling, as the ordinary world of rehearsals and fan meetings collides with the silent weight of a shrine that may answer a wish—if the request is pure enough. The tone hovers between the glossy sheen of idol culture and an ever‑present, low‑key tension that suggests something unseen is watching.
The core of the story revolves around five vibrant performers: Akari Hayami, Shiori Tamai, Momoka Ariyasu, Ayaka Sasaki, and Kanako Momota. Each brings a distinct personality to the group’s dynamic, from the earnest dreamer to the confident front‑woman, creating a lively interplay that fuels both their collective ambition and the quiet anxiety of the unknown. Guiding the audience through these moments is the calm narration of Chavetaro Ishizaki, whose voice offers a steady counterpoint to the jittery footage and the girls’ eager chatter.
Together, the idols, the crumbling school, and the myth of Shirome form a portrait of ambition teetering on the edge of the supernatural. The film invites viewers to wonder whether the promise of fame can truly be granted by a spirit that demands absolute belief, all while keeping the audience perched in a space where reality and eerie possibility blur with each recorded step.
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