The Legend of the Stardust Brothers

Rival musicians Kan Takagi of London Boots and Shingo Kubota of Super Cars are spotted by Atomic music producer Minami, who believes they could be bigger as a duo. He offers them a large signing bonus and promises they can become stars within a week, but insists they perform as a duo. Reluctant at first, they ditch their original bands and are transformed into the synth-pop act called Stardust Brothers.

The Stardust Brothers ride a meteoric rise to fame, quickly climbing the charts and securing a number one song. Their slick image and catchy synth-pop sound propel them to commercial success, making them the new face of Atomic's stable. Fans pour in, and media hype surrounds the duo.

When Shingo fails to appear for a performance, Marimo—the president of their fan club—steps in to entertain the crowd with a song. Her performance resonates with the audience, catapulting her into public attention despite not being contracted as an artist. The moment blurs the line between fan and rising star.

Minami is approached with a tempting offer to promote another artist, Kaoru, the son of a powerful politician. The offer comes with a large sum of money, signaling Atomic's expansion beyond the Stardust Brothers. The move foreshadows competition and new rivalries looming on the horizon.

Kaoru sets his sights on Marimo and hatches a plan to create a scandal to boost his own fame. The scheme is designed to capture public attention through controversy rather than talent. His manipulations signal a turning point in the industry power dynamics.

The Stardust Brothers' glory fades as their popularity wanes and they are fired from Atomic. The fall from grace marks a decisive end to their clean-cut image and credible career momentum. With their safety net gone, they must navigate a harsher industry on their own.

Kan and Shingo decide to keep performing as an independent act, determined to gain fame without the label's influence. Marimo chooses to join them, stepping into a more public role despite not having contract protections. The trio redefines Stardust Brothers' identity while the industry watches.

Kaoru and his goons close in, pursuing the trio as they try to stay ahead in the press and streets. In the ensuing chase, Minami is shot by Kaoru, a brutal culmination of the rival's scheme. The death marks a fatal escalation in the industry power struggle.

Back to the present, Kan and Shingo still perform as Stardust Brothers but are far from their earlier fame, playing to an uninterested crowd. The once-dazzling duo now faces a grim stagnation that contrasts with their former myth.

Their final act unfolds on stage as they are shot and die under the lights. The crowd's reaction turns from silence to applause as they realize the tragedy, giving the fallen duo a cruel form of closure. The ending leaves the audience with a haunting blend of spectacle and mortality.