AOP (Anime "Katte ni" Ouen Project, アニメ"勝手に"応援プロジェクト) is a Japanese idol group produced by Nikkei Entertainment! and introduced at Tokyo Game Show 2012. Also abbreviated as AOP (A応P), the group was created to recommend anime and discuss its appeal points through TV, radio, magazines, events, and the Internet. From the beginning, AOP positioned itself as an idol act closely tied to anime culture, using media appearances and public promotion to connect with fans of the medium.
The group’s debut single, "Never Say Never/Ari no Mama MY WAY (Never Say Never / アリノママMY WAY)," was released on April 5, 2013. That release marked the start of AOP’s recording career and helped define the project as more than a promotional unit, giving it a clear place in the anime and idol landscape. Its identity was built around presenting anime in an accessible way while maintaining the format and energy of an idol group.
Over time, the lineup changed several times. Members included Yuuki Hirose (広瀬 ゆうき) and Aoi Mizuki (水希 蒼). Earlier, Yuuna Asahi (旭 優奈), Hinaki Kudou (工藤ひなき), Rin Kojima (小嶋 凛), Yukina Tsutsumi (堤 雪菜), Non Harusaki (春咲 暖), and Seena Hoshiki (星希 成奏) officially joined after AOP ZERO. Former members included Marina Amane (天音 まりな), Yuriko Hizaki (樋崎 悠里子), Misae Komori (小森 未彩), Saori Ogino (荻野 沙織), Risa Sakurana (桜奈 里彩), Saki Shimizukawa (清水川 沙季), Yui Fukuo (福緒 唯), and Kei Tomoe (巴 奎依).
AOP ended its activity on March 31, 2021. Its career is remembered for blending idol performance with anime promotion across multiple media channels, making it a notable name for listeners interested in Japanese idol groups connected to anime and anison culture.
