Oshi no Ko has completed its first season, establishing itself as a standout anime of 2023 in its 11 episodes. This series, which is a collaborative effort between Aka Akasaka of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War and Mengo Yokoyari, the creator behind Scum’s Wish, has been well-received, whether it be the anime or the manga published by Yen Press. With Season 2 already announced as part of the 2024 anime season, we have much to look forward to from the series, but what exactly is it that makes Oshi no Ko Season 1 such a shining star?
First I want to talk about Oshi no Ko‘s premise and the themes it explores and then I’ll get into all of the elements, including its characters, music, animation, and more, that make it one of the most successful anime adaptations I’ve seen so far.
Oshi no Ko Premise and Themes
Oshi no Ko gives us a unique glimpse into the entertainment industry, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at fame and idolhood. This series explores the many pressures that come with the spotlight, from the fear of fading into obscurity to the dangers posed by overzealous fans and cyberbullying. The story follows Goro, an OB-GYN in a rural area, far from the allure of stardom, who unexpectedly meets his beloved idol, Ai Hoshino, under surprising circumstances.
Ai, at the dawn of her fame, is pregnant with twins. Looking to evade the media’s prying eyes, she chooses his clinic for her delivery. This encounter leads their destinies to intertwine in intriguing and startling ways. From the beginning, Oshi no Ko sets itself apart as a truly original and unique series. With Goro’s unexpected demise leading to his reincarnation as Ai’s son, the show not only explores intriguing themes but also ventures into the supernatural realm with its take on reincarnation.
Oshi no Ko explores the darker sides of the entertainment industry, experienced by actors and idols alike. As Ai’s twins grow and follow in her footsteps, we get a closer look at her life, seeing both the triumphs and challenges of being in the spotlight. It’s not all serious, though, thanks to the interactions between the characters and the series’ perfect comedic timing, but it does have a lot to say in terms of its story. It daringly confronts the hurdles and traumas its characters face, making it an impactful watch, but the mystery and the characters make it entertaining as well.
Character Development and Characters in Oshi no Ko
Oshi no Ko has amazing character development. From the get-go, we are introduced to characters like Aqua, Ruby, and Kana as kids and watch them navigate the tricky waters of the entertainment industry from such a young age. Seeing how this world shapes them into their later years is fascinating. There’s a whole spectrum of characters in different stages of their careers, from the seasoned pros to the bright-eyed newbies. This mix gives us a front-row seat to the highs and lows of making it big and the unique challenges that come with fame. The way these experienced characters support and guide the newcomers adds a real depth to their relationships, making the story all the more compelling.
Beyond everything else, there’s the intriguing complexity of Gorou’s situation. Originally an adult man, now reincarnated as a boy, he’s thrust into an entirely new and different life. His journey shifts towards unraveling the mysteries of his reincarnation and understanding the intricacies of his new existence. As the story progresses, his story becomes increasingly more complex and confounding, and his journey, in particular, is one of the most captivating.
In his previous life, Gorou aka Aqua was a compassionate rural doctor, caring deeply for his patients, including Sarina, who was terminally ill. Sarina’s admiration for Ai Hoshino, a pop idol, drew Gorou into the fandom as well. They shared moments watching Ai perform on TV, with Gorou ostensibly cheering for Ai, but in reality, his support was for Sarina. However, his experiences leading up to and following his reincarnation, including some events that occur in his new life, subtly reshape his views on humanity.
While we catch glimpses of the Gorou we initially met, Aqua is a transformed version of his former self, improved in many aspects yet different and slightly jaded and distrusting because of his new experiences. As he evolves, the complexity of his character deepens as the essence of who he once was merges with the lessons and challenges of his current life.
Watching a character who has already navigated one lifetime now embarking on another brings a unique perspective to his story. We’re given a window into the choices he makes differently, the lessons he applies, and the paths he chooses to explore or avoid in his new life, but also how the knowledge he has from his previous one, shapes the choices and perspectives he has in this new one.
Ruby, Aqua’s sister, is captivating also. Her vibrant and spirited personality contrasts sharply with Aqua’s more measured and reserved demeanor, making their interactions together as hilarious as they are heartwarming. Ruby’s backstory and circumstances add depth to her character, but it’s the interweaving of her story with Aqua’s that captured my attention most. While Aqua is drawn to acting, Ruby aspires to be an idol, forming an up-and-coming idol group to achieve her dreams.
Aqua and Ruby are each chasing their dreams within the entertainment industry, yet their journeys couldn’t be more different, highlighting the various ways one can reach success and the different ways one achieves it. Some have natural talent, while others have to work extremely hard to get there. Some want to prove to themselves that they can do something and make their dreams a reality, while others do it because they are in search of something or as a means to an end, and Oshi no Ko explores all of this well through these two characters and more.
Most notably, Kana. Celebrated as a prodigy in acting during her childhood, public perception changed as she got older, with critics going as far to say that she had lost her edge. Despite facing such skepticism, Kana’s passion for acting remained. Kana’s journey in the acting world is marked by her unwavering determination.
Motivated not just by the wish to silence her critics but also by her deep-seated love for acting, her resilience and dedication to her dreams are deeply moving. It’s hard not to cheer for her. With characters as well-developed and written as Aqua, Ruby, and Kana, and an equally compelling adult cast, Oshi no Ko has great characters that are each relatable and interesting in their unique ways.
Of course, we also have to talk about Ai, Aqua and Ruby’s mother who is an idol in the group B-Komachi. She also acts as well, so we see the influence she has on both Ruby and Aqua and their respective goals in life. Aqua always says that Ai was a professional liar. She put on a smile even when she didn’t want to, but to her, this was her job and she didn’t want to let her fans down. To some extent, being in the entertainment industry means leaving all of your worries and life behind you, especially when you are to give an uplifting and inspiring performance on stage, like Ai.
There are a lot more characters that make this series enjoyable and there are so many amazing personalities in this one. New characters pop up throughout the series. They are all dealing with their own demons, but it’s their dynamic that makes this one hit all the right notes.
Oshi no Ko is one of the best adaptations to release
As a fan of the manga, the anime adaptation of Oshi no Ko blew me away with how it captured the characters’ deepest emotions and expressions—even the ones they try so hard to keep hidden. What got me the most were the eyes.
They say eyes are the window to the soul and that couldn’t be more true in this anime. It’s the little glances, those moments when a smile doesn’t quite reach the eyes, that reveal everything. This is especially true for the Hoshino family. Seeing all of these interactions and moments on screen for the first time was incredible.
Oshi no Ko’s adaptation stays remarkably true to the events in the manga and its style. The team didn’t shy away or cut corners; nothing was censored or left out. They delivered on the drama with scenes that pack a punch and the emotional moments leave a lasting impact. The voice cast did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life, perfectly capturing their personalities and the nuances of their characters. Everything about this anime was firing on all cylinders, including the animation and music, which I’ll talk about next.
For these reasons and more, it’s one of the best adaptations of a manga I’ve seen to date.
Animation and Music in Oshi no Ko
I’ve always loved the manga’s art and character designs, and seeing Doga Kobo’s animation team bring it all to life was a dream come true. They truly nailed it and they capture the essence of what makes Oshi no Ko so special. The animation is vibrant and crisp, and the character designs are spot-on.
On top of that, we have to talk about the music of the series. With one of the best opening and ending themes I’ve ever seen featuring YOASOBI’s “Idol” and Mephisto by QUEEN BEE, and one of the best soundtracks thanks to Takurou Iga, Oshi no Ko is an incredible viewing experience from start to finish.
There are few anime that feel as polished as Oshi no Ko and I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the love and care that the team put into the making of this series.
Final Thoughts
Oshi no Ko is so much more than just pretty animation and an amazing soundtrack. It’s a mix of everything I love—mystery, comedy, drama, and more. It dances between serious and light-hearted moments flawlessly, pulling you into the lives of those in the spotlight while keeping you on the edge of your seat with twist after twist.
Honestly, I can’t recommend Oshi no Ko Season 1 enough. It’s at the top of my must-watch anime list for 2023, and if you’re looking for something that will entertain but also emotionally connect with you, Oshi no Ko is it.
Where to Watch Oshi no Ko
Right now, you can stream Oshi no Ko on HIDIVE or you can shop the Blu-ray released by Sentai Filmworks. They are releasing a limited edition Steelbook of Season 1, but a standard release is going to be available as well.
