In the town of Numazu, Chika Takami, a high school student, is inspired by the legendary school idol group, μ's, and dreams of forming her own idol group to save her school, Uranohoshi Girls' High School, from closing down due to a lack of students. Chika is determined to create a new group of school idols and begins by recruiting her childhood friend, You Watanabe, who is enthusiastic about the idea. They decide to hold a meeting to gather more members.

During the first meeting, Chika and You are joined by Riko Sakurauchi, a transfer student who is shy and hesitant about joining. However, after some encouragement, Riko agrees to join the group, bringing her musical talent as a pianist. The trio decides to name their group "Aqours." They begin practicing and brainstorming ideas for their first performance, but they face challenges in finding more members.

Chika and You visit the local shrine to seek inspiration, where they meet the energetic and confident Yoshiko Tsushima, who introduces herself as "Yohane," a self-proclaimed fallen angel. Chika and You are intrigued by her unique personality and invite her to join Aqours. Yoshiko initially declines but later decides to join after seeing their determination.

As Aqours continues to grow, they recruit more members: the cheerful and supportive Hanamaru Kunikida, who loves books and has a strong connection to the local temple, and the shy but talented Ruby Kurosawa, who is Hanamaru's best friend. The group now has five members, but they still need more to compete in the Love Live! competition.

The girls hold auditions to find additional members, leading to the recruitment of the cool and composed Dia Kurosawa, Ruby's older sister, and the spirited and athletic Kanan Matsuura. With seven members, Aqours is finally complete, but they face the challenge of creating a unique identity to stand out in the competitive world of school idols.

As they prepare for their first performance, Aqours struggles with self-doubt and the pressure of expectations. They decide to perform at the school festival, but their initial performance does not go as planned, leading to disappointment. However, they learn from their mistakes and work hard to improve their skills and stage presence.

The group participates in the Love Live! competition, where they face off against other idol groups. They experience both triumphs and setbacks, including a rivalry with the established group, A-RISE. Throughout the competition, Aqours grows closer as friends and learns to support each other through their struggles.

In a pivotal moment, Chika faces a crisis of confidence and considers giving up on her dream. However, with the encouragement of her friends and the memories of μ's, she finds the strength to continue. The group performs a powerful song that resonates with the audience, showcasing their growth and determination.

As the competition progresses, Aqours faces various challenges, including personal conflicts and external pressures. They learn to overcome their differences and work together as a cohesive unit. The climax of the story occurs during the final round of the Love Live! competition, where Aqours delivers a breathtaking performance that captivates the audience and judges alike.

In the end, Aqours does not win the Love Live! competition, but they gain recognition and respect for their hard work and passion. They realize that their journey as school idols has brought them closer together and helped them grow as individuals. The series concludes with the girls reflecting on their experiences and looking forward to the future, united in their friendship and love for music.

In the ending of Love Live! Sunshine!!, the members of Aqours perform at the Love Live! competition in Tokyo. Despite not winning, they receive a heartfelt response from the audience, affirming their growth and the bonds they have formed. The series concludes with the girls reflecting on their journey, cherishing their memories together, and looking forward to the future.

As the final episode unfolds, the scene opens with the sun rising over the bustling city of Tokyo, where the Love Live! competition is set to take place. The atmosphere is electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. The members of Aqours--Chika, Riko, You, Yoshiko, Hanamaru, Dia, and Kanan--gather backstage, their hearts racing with a mix of nerves and determination. Each girl reflects on the journey that brought them to this moment, recalling the struggles they faced and the friendships they forged along the way.

Chika, the spirited leader, stands at the forefront, her eyes shining with resolve. She encourages her friends, reminding them of the passion that ignited their dream of becoming school idols. The girls share a moment of camaraderie, exchanging smiles and words of encouragement, solidifying their bond as they prepare to take the stage.

As they step into the spotlight, the audience erupts in cheers. The stage is adorned with vibrant lights and colorful decorations, creating a dazzling backdrop for their performance. The music begins, and Aqours launches into their song, pouring their hearts into every note. The choreography is synchronized, showcasing their growth as performers. The energy radiates from the stage, captivating the audience, who are visibly moved by the girls' passion and dedication.

Throughout the performance, flashbacks intersperse the scenes, highlighting key moments from their journey--practicing in the schoolyard, overcoming personal challenges, and supporting one another through thick and thin. These memories serve as a poignant reminder of how far they have come, reinforcing the theme of friendship and perseverance.

As the final notes of their song echo through the venue, the audience erupts into applause, a wave of appreciation washing over Aqours. The girls stand together, breathless and exhilarated, soaking in the moment. However, as the results are announced, it becomes clear that they did not win the competition. The announcement hangs in the air, a moment of silence enveloping them as they process the news.

Despite the disappointment, Chika and her friends quickly shift their focus. They realize that their journey was never solely about winning; it was about the experiences they shared and the connections they made. The girls embrace one another, tears of joy and sadness mingling as they celebrate their achievements and the memories they created together.

In the closing scenes, the girls are seen walking through the streets of Tokyo, reflecting on their time as Aqours. They share laughter and stories, their bond stronger than ever. Each character's fate is revealed: Chika continues to lead with her unwavering spirit, Riko finds her passion in music, You embraces her role as a supportive friend, Yoshiko remains true to her unique persona, Hanamaru cherishes her love for literature, Dia takes pride in her leadership, and Kanan pursues her dreams with newfound confidence.

The series concludes with a montage of their journey, showcasing their growth and the impact they had on each other and their community. As the screen fades to black, the message is clear: while they may not have won the competition, the true victory lies in the friendships they forged and the memories they created together. The final shot lingers on the girls, united and hopeful, looking toward the future with bright smiles, embodying the spirit of Aqours and the essence of their journey.

Yes, "Love Live! Sunshine!!" features a post-credit scene in its final episode, which is Episode 13, titled "A New Start!"

As the episode concludes, the main characters of Aqours gather at the beach, reflecting on their journey and the memories they've created together. The scene is filled with a sense of nostalgia and warmth, as they reminisce about their experiences as school idols and the bonds they've formed.

In this post-credit moment, the girls are seen enjoying their time together, laughing and playing in the sand. The sun sets beautifully in the background, casting a golden hue over the scene, symbolizing both the end of their current chapter and the promise of new beginnings.

As they play, Chika Takami, the determined and optimistic leader, expresses her desire to continue pursuing their dreams, hinting at the possibility of future endeavors. The scene captures the essence of friendship, hope, and the spirit of never giving up, leaving viewers with a heartwarming sense of closure while also igniting excitement for what lies ahead for Aqours.

This moment encapsulates the emotional journey of the characters, showcasing their growth and the lasting impact of their experiences as they look forward to new adventures together.

Chika Takami, a first-year student at Uranohoshi Girls' High School, is motivated to start the school idol group, Aqours, after being inspired by the legendary school idol group, μ's. She feels a deep connection to the idea of school idols and wants to bring joy and excitement to her school, which is facing the threat of closure. Chika's determination is fueled by her desire to create unforgettable memories with her friends and to prove that they can achieve their dreams together.

Riko Sakurauchi, a transfer student and skilled pianist, initially struggles with her identity and the pressure of her family's expectations. Her backstory reveals that she was once part of a school idol group in her previous school but left due to her insecurities. This past experience shapes her character development as she learns to embrace her love for music and her desire to be part of Aqours. Riko's journey involves overcoming her fears and finding confidence in her abilities, ultimately leading her to become a vital member of the group.

You Watanabe, a second-year student and a member of Aqours, faces significant challenges in balancing her responsibilities as a school idol with her family's fishing business. She feels a strong sense of duty to help her family, which often conflicts with her passion for being an idol. This internal struggle creates emotional tension for You, as she grapples with the fear of disappointing her family while also wanting to pursue her dreams. Her character arc involves finding a way to harmonize her commitments, leading to moments of growth and self-discovery.

Dia Kurosawa, the student council president and a third-year student, initially presents herself as strict and serious, often acting as a voice of reason within Aqours. Her role is crucial in maintaining order and discipline among the group. However, as the series progresses, Dia's character evolves as she learns to embrace the fun and spontaneity of being an idol. Her interactions with the other members reveal her softer side, and she becomes more supportive and encouraging, ultimately finding joy in their shared experiences and the bonds they create.

The rivalry between Aqours and other school idol groups, particularly the group called A-RISE, serves as a significant plot element that drives the narrative forward. This competition pushes the members of Aqours to improve their skills and performances, fostering personal growth and teamwork. The rivalry also introduces themes of perseverance and determination, as Aqours faces setbacks and challenges that test their resolve. The interactions with rival groups highlight the importance of friendship and collaboration, ultimately leading to mutual respect and admiration among the characters.

"Love Live! Sunshine!!" is generally considered family-friendly, focusing on themes of friendship, teamwork, and pursuing one's dreams. However, there are a few aspects that might be sensitive for some viewers:

1. Character Struggles: Some characters face personal challenges, such as self-doubt and the pressure to succeed, which may resonate with viewers who have experienced similar feelings.

2. Emotional Moments: There are scenes that depict characters feeling sad or discouraged, particularly when they face setbacks in their goals, which could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

3. Competition: The competitive nature of the school idol scene can lead to moments of tension and rivalry, which might be intense for younger audiences.

4. Friendship Conflicts: There are instances where misunderstandings or conflicts arise between characters, leading to emotional confrontations that may be difficult for some children to watch.

Overall, while the show promotes positive messages, these elements may require parental guidance for younger viewers or those who are particularly sensitive.