When a pregnant young starlet appears in Gorou Amemiya’s countryside medical clinic, the doctor takes
it upon himself to safely (and secretly) deliver Ai Hoshino’s child so she can make a scandal-free
return to the stage. But no good deed goes unpunished, and on the eve of her delivery, he finds
himself slain at the hands of Ai’s deluded stalker — and subsequently reborn as Ai’s child, Aquamarine
Hoshino! The glitz and glamor of showbiz hide the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry,
threatening to dull the shine of his favorite star. Can he help his new mother rise to the top of the
charts? And what will he do when unthinkable disaster strikes?
(Source: HIDIVE)
Note: Episode 1【推しの子】Mother and Children was pre-screened in advance in Japanese theaters on
March 17, 2023. The regular TV broadcast began on April 12, 2023. The first episode has an extended
runtime of ~82 minutes.
Many people depicted that Anime are the shows fondly about unique drawing and many amounts of fan-service that has hypes all around to their favorite series. And I do get to see many amounts of boorish shows that it suppresses you of not liking the anime because of how common to the other titles are; in that many people says, “This has better than that anime, or that is better than this anime”. We do have ourselves struck esteem on opinions of the shows. But one of which in this Spring Season have brought shining stars and glimmer of hope to the new age of anime. To begin with, we have to start the good part of [Oshi no Ko]. Where the entertainment industry centers around Show-biz & Idols that lies around the people who you love watching on your big screen. Ai Hoshino, the stardom’s biggest Idol that beloved by many fans that caught their attention with her cheerful act, vibrant personality, and a maiden voice. And one last of them all that many fans do not know that she’s an endearing mother. With all the actors/actress that we’ve known and love, its good that us fan have to keep supporting their back since that’s what pushes them to be better at their job and many more fans will accompany them for their success. Ai pushes to be one of the greats in her generation since she has the vigor in her charm and with an outstanding innovation as she ranks up to the leaderboard of followers. [_"Stories are lies meant to entertain and idols lie to fans eager to believe._](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27033613/?ref_rt_li_tt#:~:text=Stories%20are%20lies%20meant%20to%20entertain%20and%20idols%20lie%20to%20fans%20eager%20to%20believe.%20This%20is%20Ai%20Hoshino%27s%20story.%20It%20is%20a%20lie%2C%20but%20it%20is%20also%20true.) [_This is Ai Hoshino's story. It is a lie, but it is also true."_](https://www.hidive.com/stream/oshi-no-ko/s01e001#:~:text=MOTHER%20AND%20CHILDREN-,Stories%20are%20lies%20meant%20to%20entertain%2C%20and%20idols%20lie%20to%20fans%20eager%20to%20believe.%20This%20is%20Ai%E2%80%99s%20story.%20It%20is%20a%20lie%2C%20but%20it%20is%20also%20true.,-SHARE%20ON%20FACEBOOK) With so many possibilities to become the very best in the film/idol industry, but there is also the bad part to not to be into. In speaking of followers, it is suspected to see that there's these so called "Social Media" and it has many fatal flaws. Which it comes the people in the internet. Internet is an amazing tool to use of however you like it, and knowing that there are also people who loves to abolish things that would end up shaming everyone. [Oshi no Ko] also centered around the Internet's fanbase of how they love Ai so much and they would continuously supporting her. And another hand is to discriminate, calling her that she has a bad personality and a selfish girl who wants to stand out for herself. You can never withdrawn the fact that there are people like that loves destroying the images of the people just to seek enough attention for themselves and not even showing who they are. That's the only bad part. And the worse part is the Ugly truth. There are numerous news about young Celebrities have left their lives in the face of the Earth. On April 19, 2023. In Korea, a Korean pop Idol, Moon Bin have died. Cause of Death? Suicide. What made him Suicide? ["His decision are still not known at the moment."](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/culture/article/2023/04/21/death-of-tormented-k-pop-star-shakes-south-korea_6023772_30.html#:~:text=his%20decision%20are%20not%20known) Here hoping that is not another cyberbullying. But you can see the pattern here that we live in a modern day that countless of Celebrities have died due to Media. And the most common site that many people does not take it slightly is Twitter. And to keep it extra, there are more people have died because of Internet in the past. Setting outside than Japan. Here are 3 great examples: 1.~!Hana Kimura was a pro wrestler. On her debut on a "Staged" show called Terrace House, there was a part of her that the producers wanted Hana to act violently towards her co-star(Kobayashi), and told her to slap him. She refused and settled on knocking off the hat instead. Producers wanted her to be obnoxious and play uphill character to help the ratings and later confirmed by Kobayashi that the moment was staged. And when the episode aired, people were ranting and started calling things to her that she should kill herself. 5 days later, after receiving many comments. Hana Kimura has passed.!~ 2.~! Haruma Miura was a singer/actor. He was a great singer and actor, knowing his live-action works like as Eren Yeager in Shigeki no Kyojin(AoT) and Shouta Kazehaya in Kimi ni Todoke(2010). Knowing that he has passed away because of censurer people. His agency even has the audacity to spread misinformation that he was targeted by CIA. So not only there are piece of sh*t people that caused himself to death, but his agency had the balls to tell a false rumors to his loving fans. !~ _Last but not least. (Warning: i dont want to say this much, but you may find this disturbing to read. you've been warned)_ 3.~!Back in May 2016, a 20 y/o singer and actress Mayu Tomita was stabbed in the neck and chest multiple times by an online stalker after rejecting his gifts to her for months. Before anything that happened, Mayu already feared for her safety then she contacted the authorities that an online stalker could potentially approach her, but the police dismissed the case since his motives are not big of a deal. Sooner than later, 12 days after contacting the police. The stalker found Mayu and stabbed her 61 times with a pocket knife. Luckily, there were no signs of hitting the vital organs, but received 34 stab wounds, partially blind on her left eye and having PTSD. She is still in fact alive today, but she will never forget that day.!~ Being in the Entertainment Industry or even being an Online Personality is a 50/50 in my opinion. The half of it is just straight down to the rabbit hole. As an enthusiast of myself watching films from time to time. There are many movies and tv shows that centered around the show business and they are quite intriguing to watch. But it never surpasses the beyond beliefs knowing [Oshi no Ko]’s story.
# ~~~ ___spoilers ahead___~~~ --------------- ~~~_"In the world of showbiz, lies are weapons."_~~~ If you’re reading this essay, chances are you watch anime. Like countless others, we are part of an audience whose role is simply to enjoy what is produced by the entertainment industry, without having to worry too much about what happens beyond the screen. We and the people who make the shows we watch are in two separate spheres, and that’s fine. That’s how most go about it. That’s how it’s meant to be. But perhaps, it’s not as simple as just enjoying what’s given to us. Perhaps there is more that we, as an audience, should be more aware of about the industry we rely on so much. Because in the world of showbiz built upon lies, we don’t know what it is that we don’t know. _Oshi no Ko_ is a show that puts it all in perspective: everything you might not be aware of, and everything you might have turned away from. _Oshi no Ko_ itself is a show that, just like Aqua and Ruby, was birthed from within a well-established position in its industry. It comes from the pens of two of the biggest names in manga: Akasaka Aka (_Kaguya-sama: Love is War_) and Yokoyari Mengo (_Scum’s Wish_) and lives up to the prestige held by those two names, stringing together a strikingly emotional and insightful narrative matched perfectly by the passionate team at studio Doga Kobo. By exploring the ugly side of show business, _Oshi no Ko_ is a show that will change the way you view entertainment, and in turn, a show that all who enjoy entertainment should watch. If at this point you haven’t yet completed the _Oshi no Ko_ anime, I implore you to close this review and finish the show, as we will be delving into heavy spoilers. Now, let us begin. [ img(https://files.catbox.moe/oozgsv.png) ](https://files.catbox.moe/oozgsv.png) What makes _Oshi no Ko_ such a compelling story is the fact that it’s told from the perspective of entertainers; the people across the lake from us, the audience. It’s set in a world that’s detached enough from the general public to spark curiosity, yet relevant enough in peoples’ lives to feel grounded. That is show business: a lucrative industry that is everywhere yet remains elusive. We see entertainers as superstar personalities, forever out of reach for mere fans like us. As they take on role after role with unwavering professionalism, they seem untouchable and unshakable, almost godlike. Yet when _Oshi no Ko_ discusses these celebrities, they feel so real, so _human_. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what they are. With how brightly they shine, it can be easy to forget that they are also people. The brilliance in _Oshi no Ko_’s writing is that it doesn’t need to explicitly draw attention to this fact; by simply telling its story through the lens of these superstars, we are able to connect with them because, fundamentally, we’re all the same. We all struggle, and we all dream. Though our ordeals may look different due to the difference in our circumstances, the truth is that we all can feel the same way. Take, for example, Hoshino Ai. The series’s poster girl was a rising idol who seemed to have everything going for her: good looks, a devoted fanbase, and an incredible work ethic. What most people overlooked, however, was that all of it was a lie. Hoshino Ai never knew what it meant to love, though she dreamed she someday would. Growing up an orphan, she was inexperienced, unprofessional, and airheaded. Yet the industry demanded her to be a perfect idol; the type that loves her fans wholeheartedly, and continues to sing, dance, and bring hope to those around her no matter what. Hoshino Ai was none of these things, and so she lied. Every action is manufactured to the millimeter in order to be exactly what the fans want to see. [ img(https://files.catbox.moe/uhygus.png) ](https://files.catbox.moe/uhygus.png) [ img(https://files.catbox.moe/1t47te.png) ](https://files.catbox.moe/1t47te.png) All the fans see is Ai’s persona. To them, Ai is not a person, but rather a marketable product. They haven’t seen the countless hours that go into perfecting every detail, nor have they seen the struggle for her to make ends meet. All of that is hidden in order to provide them with the best possible entertainment. _And when a product doesn’t meet your expectations, isn’t it natural to complain? It’s only natural that an idol shouldn’t have kids, right? How dare they prioritize their own happiness over providing for their fans! Shouldn’t they be happy enough being an idol?_ This kind of rhetoric seems all too evil, but this is way more common than you’d think. Only because we _have_ seen the struggles and hard work of Hoshino Ai can we recognize just how selfish the fanbase is. Hoshino Ai’s murder is the culmination of all of this, as we finally see Hoshino Ai the person confront her audience. This scene is so powerful because, for the first time, Ai takes off her mask in front of a fan, admitting all her insecurity, her struggles, and her hopes. Ai knows that she isn’t completely faithful to her audience. So she pretends to be, and in this way, expresses her love for her fans. It’s an extremely personal moment; unbefitting for an idol, who is made up of lies; but extremely human, the side that the public does not see. Another example of _Oshi no Ko_ providing insight through a different perspective is in the story of Kurokawa Akane. Online criticism and cancel culture have become an all-too-familiar part of our lives, and spreading hate now, unfortunately, has become all too easy. When we make comments online, it's rare to consider the feelings of the person we’re directing our criticism to, especially when they’re a high-profile celebrity or someone of the sort. Actors have a layer of protection from this as hate is often directed at the character they play, not the actors themselves. But what happens if you are the character? I’ve never been a fan of reality TV for this very reason. Yet, the industry calls for it, and the effects can be crushing. Unlike some of the more fiery characters in _Oshi no Ko_, Kurokawa Akane is lacking in her self-confidence. However, personal feelings are a secondary concern in the entertainment industry, and Akane is expected to carry the burden of her agency’s success. It doesn’t matter that she’s struggling, it doesn’t matter that she’s inexperienced, she has to do something. And as every teenager does at some point, she happens to screw up. It’s a fact of life that kids will mess up. It’s part of growing up, and everyone accepts that. But Kurokawa Akane isn’t just a “kid,” she’s also an actress. And suddenly, because of that fact, it’s unacceptable. [ img(https://files.catbox.moe/ewvkd1.png) ](https://files.catbox.moe/ewvkd1.png) When we talk about celebrities, it’s easy to forget that they too are human beings with human feelings. After all, they seem almost superhuman with their immense star power and influence. It seems like to them, what someone like you says won’t affect them at all. Right? The truth is, when faced with a barrage of death threats and insults, _any_ person–celebrity or not–will suffer because of it. It’s easy to discredit these big names because of their immense success, but people too often forget that for most their success was earned through their own hard work. _Oshi no Ko_ does an exemplary job of highlighting the difference between public opinion and the truth behind a celebrity’s efforts by juxtaposing belittling comments made by the internet about Akane with a montage of Akane’s hard work and practice. Perhaps the most crushing feeling is when someone else discredits your hard work, but it’s something that celebrities must deal with all the time. Further adding insult to injury in the form of public slander is quite literally a lethal combination, especially for younger stars. After all this, the attempted suicide of Kurokawa Akane–an already slightly insecure teenager as she is–shouldn’t have been a surprise. But to the people making these comments, Akane _isn’t_ the insecure teenager we know her as. To them, she’s just a part of their own entertainment; a product that, if gone faulty, should be removed. We’re only able to see Akane as a human because we _can_ see all the things that are hidden from the public: the hours of work, the pressure of the industry, and her spiral into depression. _Oshi no Ko_ is reminding us that, even though we may be able to see the effects of our words, they are very real. _Oshi no Ko_ is once again reminding us that entertainers, like everyone else, are human and fragile. webm(https://files.catbox.moe/den0n0.webm) The idea that performers are simply reduced to products in the entertainment industry is an idea reinforced quite often in _Oshi no Ko_. For example, Hoshino Ai’s death made headlines in the days following its occurrence, yet after that time it seemed as if the entire world had moved on from it. The story had run its course, and Hoshino Ai’s usefulness as a selling point had expired. Thus, it wasn’t mentioned again. A similar fate met one Arima Kana, an actress that Aqua had become acquainted with when he was a child. Known as a child prodigy, once past her prime she quickly found her job offers drying up. The industry has a cruel indifference towards those who have outlived their usefulness as a profitable asset, leading Kana to take on a variety of unsuccessful ventures that ultimately formed her cynical, self-deprecating mindset. Show business may seem dazzling from a distance, but the truth is that it’s a harsh place unfit for its young stars. [ img(https://files.catbox.moe/cd3zrr.png) ](https://files.catbox.moe/cd3zrr.png) One final thing we may glean from _Oshi no Ko_, which is quite relevant to the anime fandom in particular, is the subject of poor adaptations. Aqua’s first acting job since becoming a high schooler is in a TV drama adaptation of the popular in-universe shoujo manga Sweet Today along with acquaintance Arima Kana. The catch, however, is that the goal of this adaptation wasn’t to be the best show it could be, but rather simply to provide some exposure to some upcoming male models. As such, when provided with subpar talent, the show obviously suffered. What _Oshi no Ko_ shows us, though, is that it’s not any one person’s fault that the show ended up bad. Show business is, once again, a profit-driven business. Oftentimes actors or directors will be blamed for the poor outcome of a show when in reality, they had no control over the circumstances in which the show is produced. It’s unfair to pin the blame on the people who are simply doing the best they can with the cards they are dealt. [ img(https://files.catbox.moe/3v1v09.png) ](https://files.catbox.moe/3v1v09.png) So finally, when assessing _Oshi no Ko_ as a whole, aspects of the show such as its intriguing characters, stellar art, and enthralling mystery certainly shine bright, but what sets _Oshi no Ko_ apart for me is what I’ve discussed throughout this whole essay. I’ve always firmly believed that the best entertainment will change how you think through its message. What _Oshi no Ko_ is able to provide is a new perspective in the arcane world of entertainment, where we can see the humanity in an industry largely thought of as just a product. This can help us all be a better audience by remembering that on the other side of the screen are real people, just like us, who are just trying their best to survive in a rotten industry. After all, recognizing the humanity in others is fundamental to being human itself. ------ ~~~_thanks for reading. this is the first time I've written something like this so I would appreciate any feedback. if you liked this review, feel free to check out my [others on Anilist.](https://anilist.co/user/ericz1/reviews)_~~~
webm(https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/9411a262c9a59e8fb29772c96057bb4c.mp4) There is no doubt that Oshi no Ko was one of the most popular anime this season, and it’s easy to see why. There is some realistic commentary of the idol and entertainment industries, especially the dark side, which made for an interesting watch. Through all the mystery and dark subject matter, there was also a bit of comedy mixed in, which I will admit was hit or miss at times, but it all boded well for me in the end, perhaps due to the high production standards of this anime. Now, I know the reincarnation subplot has some people up in arms, and I do understand that can be the weak link of the show, but anime in the end is a medium that has a lot of goofy ideas in it, and this was one of them. I would also agree to some extent it wasn’t a particularly strong way to start the show, but that didn’t really hamper my enjoyment too much. Like I mentioned earlier, the real hook of the series is the commentary on the entertainment industry. Streamers, vtubers, actors, models, idols, and many other people in the online sphere face a lot of the issues that this anime talks about. The idea that the entertainer has to be “pure”, especially if they are a female, can bring about a lot of online hate once said entertainer is found to have a relationship. Viewers feel betrayed and hurt, so they try to cancel them, threaten them, and that can cause major ramifications to the entertainer’s mental state. If there’s one thing to take away from this anime, even if you don’t like it, is to be wary on the Internet, and to simply be a kind person, to not be so desperate for the one moment of Internet clout. Unfortunately, cyberbullying due to these events is very common, and to be honest, unlikely to ever go away, but does that mean we should stop trying to stop the behaviour? Definitely not, but in this day and age, one also has to have thick skin to handle such toxic words. People, just remove likes/retweets on replies to tweets or Youtube videos, not the dislike button entirely. I did appreciate the comments on the industry a lot, and it’s clearly issues that the author, Aka Akasaka is trying to point out to people, but I do think there wasn’t really enough of that throughout the series, as the series shifted its priorities quite often, with other themes like the mystery and idol performances taking over. Not to say that wasn’t a good thing, as the other parts of the anime have their own respective charms, but I did enjoy the industry talk the most. The characters offer a variety of personalities, and I think it’s fair to say that many viewers may find themselves relating or resonating with a certain character, and for everyone, that might be a different one. The cast is solid overall, and it was clear to me how much the production staff love Kana Arima, the famous child actress that struggled as she grew up. I found myself resonating with her character the most, and having fun watching her interactions with the rest of the cast. She has a foul mouth with snappy comments, but in the end, she cares about the people around her a lot, and wants them to succeed, to not face failures like she did after her child actress days were behind her. A lot of the time, I felt she was the voice of the main message of what the author, Aka Akasaka wanted to convey, with the information around the industry and how people have to act. For many, I’m sure that Akane Kurokawa, the actress who had her fair share of struggles in this series to say the least, will be their favourite character. While her character moments led to much discourse among viewers, I feel her arc was resolved a bit quickly, though it was still very impactful. Mem-cho, the Vtuber/Youtuber had some humorous moments as well, and had some relatable things to say. The supposed two main characters in Ruby and Aqua felt like the weakest in the show, especially Ruby, who didn’t have much to do after the first episode, though her positivity and naiveness about being an idol had me a little scared, and Aqua just didn’t feel like a very strong protagonist, as his traits are being manipulative, and having the mind of an adult, not much else. I get that you’re not really supposed to think he’s a good guy or anything, but he didn’t really give me anything to cling on to or relate to. I hope that improves with future seasons. webm(https://webm.red/hkWN.webm) #####
~~~webm(https://v.animethemes.moe/OshiNoKo-OP1-NCBD1080.webm)~~~ #####~~~(Video includes audio. Be sure to unmute)~~~ *[Oshi no Ko]* is a series caught within a bizarre Catch-22 as an actual piece of entertainment. It wants to follow the comedic and dramatic conventions for storytelling that Akasaka has in mind, and also wants to unravel the disquieting undercurrent of the entertainment industry within its gaze. But to do so would involve having its cast be outsmarted or exploited by the teeth of the very beast that they seek to enterprise in, and by the nature of the show’s framing, it cannot have that. As a result, the show does not actually delve into the darkest contortions and disquieting undercurrents of the entertainment industry that Akasaka supposedly wants to discuss. It hints at the phantoms on the wall rather than confronts them. The whole reads more as someone who only just discovered what the entertainment industry is like, is repulsed by what they saw, and has a lot they want to say, but must make a contractual deal with the devil in order to get the story told, a provision of which is to not wholly besmirch his name in the process. Entertainment is, just as a general note, a strange entity. Stranger still though is the relationship we have with it. Even in the supposed “reality” of reality television, we all know and acknowledge on some level that everything in entertainment is manufactured or a conglomeration of lies to get a desired affect or impression. It’s engineered by hundreds of people we never know beyond the abstract to make something we think is worth the time and financial or emotional investment. We also know that the industry is not run by angels. Yet no [matter]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cannonball_Run#Accident) how many times we get [shocked](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21299324) by the [reality](https://culturacolectiva.com/en/music/dark-side-of-the-japanese-idol-industry/) that [we see](https://www.sanspo.com/article/20221217-NUTT5TGZJRHF7EQAVDVD4XQLJ4/) when the [curtain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_Zone_accident) gets [pulled back](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_shooting_incident), there’s always the next cultural object or talking point to swallow our attention even as the people within its own industry [cry](https://www.vulture.com/2023/06/spider-verse-animation-four-artists-on-making-the-sequel.html) out to let their pleas for mercy be heard. The para-social relationship we have with the media we consume is sometimes not as simple as “I like this thing” with posters or casual merchandise; it can move beyond human ugliness or frailty and [into the abyss](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2023-06-08/bpo-watchdog-group-publishes-complaint-about-toxic-subset-of-oshi-no-ko-fandom/.198924) of pure [horror](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-06-22/22-7-idol-uta-kawase-goes-on-hiatus-after-reporting-stalking-incidents-to-police/.199526). I emphasize this para-social quality between entertainment and consumer because it is the very lifeblood that *[Oshi no Ko]* uses to get its start, and stubbornly refuses to emphasize or embrace further as it goes along. As two idol-obsessed people watching Hoshino Ai, doctor Amamiya Gorou and hospital patient Tendouji Sarina have formed an obsessive bond with her and her almost-divine performance presence, capitulated further when she discreetly arrives at Gorou’s hospital pregnant with twins. The day of delivery is struck down by Gorou being murdered, and both he and Tendouji are reincarnated as Ai’s children with all their mental faculties in place, now named Aquamarine and Ruby respectively. Two people in the thick of idol fandom, one of whom is killed by someone in the thick of idol fandom, now finding themselves the objects of their idolized idol’s attention. The perverse relationship between entertainment and consumer comes back around again as Ai is killed in her own home by a crazed fan, angry at her for having children, and Aqua suspects they were sent by their real father. It is, after all, against the law for idols to do anything sexual, unless the agency or someone within is facilitating it. With the light of their life extinguished, they’re left to pick up the pieces of what remains. ~~~webm(https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/f811142eadfa4e6d76c2ab47cfac50f1.mp4)~~~ #####~~~(Ai is presented as the unknowable idol, a person who fashioned their way into stardom upon innate talent and lying smiles. Her fixation on lies, using them for fame within the idol industry, and subsequent death sets groundwork for the Aqua and Ruby storylines later)~~~ Ruby channels them into becoming like her mother and an idol herself, a depressing irony in that she naively has no clue what she’s getting into. Aqua channels them into joining the industry behind the scenes and finding their father-murderer that way, a journey of personal doom. The para-social sense of naïve optimism and slip into despair via the industry and their products never leaves the characterization (they’re always being fueled by Ai, even in death), but it does get reprioritized—if not shoved to the side outright—as the show’s scenarios begin manifesting. It chooses to focus its attention instead on how the industry functions and the people within it, functioning as a quasi-exposé. The result is *[Oshi no Ko]* effectively abandoning its original framing device for something vastly less interesting. The series wants to have its cake and eat it too, to be profoundly crushing on the emotional level while delivering its timeless message that the entertainment industry is a monolithic hydra of lies and politics that the cast nevertheless tries to succeed in. The irony is that, in Akasaka and series composer Tanaka Jin’s bid to do this, they cannot resist flexing their knowledge by having characters just spell out “the truth” of how the industry works, robbing the show of its opportunities to impose such things on the characters, barring some flashbacks. It is so on-the-nose that there is little to be discovered organically through the narrative. And Aqua’s positioning within *[Oshi no Ko]’s* structure drives this point home, especially. He became after Ai’s death a cold, calculating genius when it comes to the industry as a whole, in-part helped by having worked in it. Whether in front of the camera or from the production side, there is seemingly nothing he cannot adapt to. Such a characterization undercuts the looming danger of the industry itself because if anything bad happens, Aqua will always be able to salvage the situation or come up with some solution that makes sure everything and / or everyone is okay. It is difficult to be apprehensive of the shadows on the wall when a character keeps flicking on the lights, never truly getting caught off-guard. ~~~webm(https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/92095c2adc9cdb09bbfc21fd25b19ee1.mp4)~~~ #####~~~(Aqua’s intelligence and way of being is both his character’s biggest draw and his biggest frustration; his smarts make it impossible for him to be taken by surprise by his own professional enterprise, and the cross between unemotive teenage heartthrob that female characters want and revenge-thirsty psychopath overtakes the sympathy inherent to his circumstances)~~~ It is a given that not everyone who works in the entertainment industry is a terrible person, that many involved indeed are trying to create the best product possible, and they know that being nice to their actors is one of the ways to do so. But *[Oshi no Ko]* has its depiction of the industry be more abstractly monolithic in its malice as opposed to actually having people in it who are malicious. Because Aqua and Ruby are born into the business through being Ai’s children, they are constantly sheltered from its grimmer possibilities by being in a “good company” and “knowing the right people” who will oblige Aqua’s thirst for vengeance in exchange for a favor, either wittingly or unwittingly. The monologuing by the characters keeps talking about how the industry is rough, unfair, and “that’s how it is,” but any sense of unfairness is barely allowed, if at all, to directly interrupt finding Ai’s killer or pose a sincere obstacle to Ruby’s progress. Thus, there is a shorter draw distance with which *[Oshi no Ko]* can cast its muckraking net, leaving many of the emotional moments to fall strangely limply rather than fuel a brutal collision. ~~~img550(https://i.imgur.com/ZpeX58e.png)~~~ ~~~img550(https://i.imgur.com/hMSNWnr.png)~~~ ~~~img550(https://i.imgur.com/AJHNWVI.png)~~~ ~~~img550(https://i.imgur.com/tGdrlGT.png)~~~ #####~~~(Just about every character in the industry that the cast comes across is either nice or receptive to them and accommodates them, undermining the supposed struggles within the industry that the material is saying in textual monologue, but not following through with narratively)~~~ But even so, there are rare times where the para-social relationship I hinted at before does return, and it occurs in the moments where the series shines at its brightest (or is it darkest? You decide). Aqua is hardly out of focus, but when he’s gone, the darker specters are finally allowed the chance to come out of the corner and consume the room. Left to their own devices, characters are forced to fight their way through new torments and problems—which does unfortunately paint just how reliant on Aqua they all are. Especially aided by the show’s aesthetic care and attention, apparent effort is poured into key animations and storyboarding that, when aligned with the material, elevate the punches into a sharp viscerality. Director Hiramaki Daisuke and the sizable number of animation directors understood that, particularly for a story pertaining to the entertainment industry, presentation matters. It’s a sign of just what the series is perfectly capable of doing, but ultimately decides to opt for something markedly less knotted. ~~~img550(https://i.imgur.com/Px4ZtfT.png)~~~ ~~~img550(https://i.imgur.com/Ya7ZxMb.png)~~~ #####~~~(When the para-social relationship between industry, product, and fan is allowed to step out of the shadows and create problems that Aqua cannot counter or directly prevent, it’s when the show is at its most dramaturgically-effective. Akane’s story during the third arc is the best example of this in action, to a certain point)~~~ *[Oshi no Ko]* insists on the dangers of the entertainment industry and pulling back the curtain, but holds itself back too often by not letting it gets its claws into everyone enough. The actual horrors of the industry it proports to share are kept at a safe and comfortable distance, aiding the narrative that being an idol, and their industry, is glorious, glamorous, and worth it. It is all at once a reincarnation story, a revenge quest story, a story about idols, a story about the relationship between the industry and its fans, and an exposé on how the industry functions. I genuinely admire its ambitiousness, but it’s a case of trying to do too much, and not having the finesse to handle it all effectively. Maybe Aqua can salvage it. ~~~webm(https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/b6f2175377bac2abe731f0792119705b.mp4)~~~
Idol anime as a genre has always fallen quite flat for me despite only really dipping my toes into it. It generally falls into a formulaic show where a ragtag group of Doujin-bait girls with exactly one personality trait each find themselves in a highschool club where they decide to create an idol group on a whim. Potentially over-dramatised moments about them arguing about the artistic direction of the group or some failed concert and a hopscotch and a jump later woah they’re idols!!! An outside obstacle on their path to stardom is seldom seen. Now on the other hand. What if instead of the glamour of big stages and champagne scented after-parties it is also about: An actor’s ONE flaw with their face which has been covered using multiple layers of make-up and Photoshop? Actors getting exploited by their agents with extremely unfair revenue splits without any way to speak up without losing their job? Idols not having the agency to decide their group’s artistic choices over the people in suits working from the background making the choices that make the most profit which mostly lines their pockets instead of giving the idols a living wage? If the more realistic approach to an idol-anime sounds more interesting to you then Oshi no Ko is the perfect idol-anime even for those not generally fans of the genre, as this show heavily mixes genres in order to make it an interesting watch for mystery fans too. This show lacks the ability to sugar-coat anything. And I mean anything so if topics related to self-harm and suicide make you squeamish I would NOT recommend this show. Now for everyone else this show is going to throw you on an emotional rollercoaster with you experiencing 8 Gs of emotional distress (good emotional distress, not bad show cringe) within the first episode. I highly recommend you close this review and go watch AT LEAST the first episode of the show. From this point onwards I will be spoiling quite significant portions of perhaps the greatest first episode a show has gotten so I can talk about the show in more depth. ~~~––––––––––EP. 1 SPOILERS BELOW (go watch it)––––––––––~~~ Oshi no Ko starts off with a popular idol Ai Hoshino ending up in the hospital in a rural area while being pregnant with twins. Our main character Ameyiya Goro, who is a fan of Ai due to a bed-bound patient of his Sarina being a massive fan of her’s. Ai is hoping to deliver the babies in a clandestine operation to protect her status as an idol. Aka Akasaka wondered: “What would be the best way to throw a wrench in this plan? Oh I know.” and fucking has Ameyiya get murdered by a stalker of Ai and have him reincarnate as Ai’s baby with his twin sister being Sarina, who died from her illness. Alright so 15 minutes have passed by, and the genre I thought I was watching has swapped entirely. Ameyiya with his new name of Aqua(marine) and his sister Ruby decide to help their mom with navigating the bureaucracy of the entertainment industry without raising suspicion about being Ai’s children and being reincarnated. They even show some genetic gifts of being the children of one of the most prominent idol’s children with Aqua picking up acting jobs at the age of 3. At this point you are probably thinking this will go on to be an idol anime with a slightly more realistic outlook until ~!img660(https://media.tenor.com/JL9Y5skagbgAAAAC/oshi-no-ko-ai-hoshino.gifhttps://media.tenor.com/JL9Y5skagbgAAAAC/oshi-no-ko-ai-hoshino.gif)!~ ~~~oh, ok. I guess not. ~~~ After Ai’s untimely death Aqua thinks about the situation and comes to the conclusion of thinking someone inside the industry fed information to the stalker in order to manipulate them to murder Ai. Thus begins Aqua’s revenge story with every lead existing somewhere deep within the back-stages of the top movies airing in cinemas. Oh yea let’s also add one of the best sakuga clips to this scene where he comes to this conclusion. ~!img660(https://media.tenor.com/SQ-KqRQ2_dgAAAAd/oshi-no-ko-oshinoko.gif)!~ This is not a random highlight where the animation happened to be nice once. The quality of animation is top-notch at almost every moment, movements are extremely fluid and characters are extremely expressive. The show does put real thought into the most impactful scenes and elevates them miles above the manga. Of course after the first episode the show becomes slower after it establishes its main plot, but it does not change the fact that: #~~~The murder mystery aspect is genius~~~ Shows that wish to deliver a message about an injustice they see can often come off as very tacky. The message does not compliment the plot and is just attached as if the author attaches their message with little thought onto a complete story as opposed to the message being told through plot alone. Considering the structuring Oshi no Ko has, it’s able to talk about nearly anything as long as it happens within the industry and it can move forwards its plot. It can delve deep into whatever criticisms it wishes to lash out at people inside the industry and even outside of it. Every contract signed or acting job done could give a lead about the shadowy figure behind Ai’s death. Not to mention the entire mystery behind the twins’ reincarnation. Aqua’s entire relationship with Ai is critical of parasocial relationships that are happening within fan communities quite possibly right now. Aqua essentially does not know Ai yet he’s working as a psychopathic fan pretty much. Yes, Ai is technically his biological mother, but he still has all of his memories. They’ve known each other for a few years and his reaction is to seek revenge against all odds even when Ai was not present to parent them due to work most of the time. What is the difference between him and the stalker who killed Ai, if there is any? Of course Aqua is not the only well-thought out character in the show. Most characters are based off of real stories and events to the point of being criticised by people due to the characters relating to people they know. Every character feels like they’re hiding a part of themselves as if they are so accustomed to being on camera at all times. As if they were almost entirely artificial, but in very few rare moments breaking out of “character”. As if we even know which is the real them. Manufactured lies from artificial characters, no way to tell the “real” from the wake even in supposedly sincere confessions. How can anyone work in an industry where you are encouraged to lie in order to keep your job, where it is encouraged to whisper sweet nothings into ears to keep parasocial relationships going and keep the money flowing? Such is the world of Oshi no Ko and unfortunately the entertainment industry which we fund.
Lies. Who among us hasn't told a lie or two? Whether it's telling a white lie or presenting a false version of ourselves. Celebrities, actors, musicians, and artists must constantly maintain a public image, which may require telling a lie or two. As a famous idol, Ai Hoshino's life revolves around lying. "The lie becomes the truth" are words she lives by. She lies to her friends and fans, but no one can see through the facade beneath her starry eyes. Oshi no Ko's most provocative scene tragically occurs in its feature-length premiere. The tearjerker ending propelled the series into popularity, leading to disappointment when the rest proved to be an entirely different beast. Some viewers may build false expectations, but those who approach it open-mindedly will enjoy where it takes them. The premiere was a well-written story best left in the past. It initially evokes the untouchable masterpiece Perfect Blue, but aside from the final scene, the juvenile execution pales in comparison. The episodes after the premiere are more refreshing. Oshi no Ko's content is comparable to my all-time favorite anime, Kaleido Star, for its realistic approach to performing arts while maintaining an uplifting message. It never shies away from showing singers, dancers, and actors' struggles to preserve their image and criticize demanding audiences. Writer Aka Akasaka does not condemn consumers but provides a mirror to reflect on their behavior. Oshi no Ko honestly portrays the Japanese acting and idol industry. Seeing how child actors phase out, stunt casting, agency competitions, and differences between writers and studios add to the realism. There are many things they should have taken into account, such as numerous reshoots, scheduling, and post-production. They seemingly picked and chose the most exciting parts of show business to portray and ignored the less appealing but equally crucial aspects. Through Ai Hoshino's twin son and daughter, the series explores the ups and downs of acting and idol careers, respectively. Both children secretly lived past lives, in which they adored Ai. Her son, Aquamarine, was Ai's gynecologist, murdered by her stalker. Her daughter Ruby was only a young girl when she died of cancer. They take their reincarnations surprisingly well, but who wouldn't when you get around-the-clock attention from your favorite celebrity? Well, probably some people. The kids pursue futures that live up to their mother's legacy and do right by her. For Ruby, this means carrying on Ai's legacy as an idol and rebuilding her group B-Komachi from the ground up. For Aqua, it's rather intense; he dedicates his life to searching for their absent father, putting aside any personal goals. Aqua and Ruby attend Yoto High School, which offers a performing arts program only for students attached to a talent agency. Luckily for the kids, Ai's previous manager Miyako Saito adopted them and made them part of her company. A common critique of Oshi no Ko is that the reincarnation plot device is unnecessary. I disagree with that judgment because it's necessary to advance the plot. Aquamarine uses his skills of talking to seniors as a doctor in his past life to smooth talk a director, which gets his mother a film role. He uses his people skills to dig up clues to track down his lost father. Unlike many other high school geniuses in anime, Aqua behaves like an adult due to his reincarnation; it is better that the plot provides a reason other than the simple notion that he's a prodigy. Some viewers may find Aqua's infatuation with Ai overwhelming, and it is nearly an oedipal nightmare. Still, it rides the line carefully—quickly reminding us that his love for Ai is admiration, not romance. Ruby's past life provides an obstacle to overcome rather than skill. She struggles with dancing, a crucial skill as an idol, partly because having cancer made it difficult for her to dance, causing her to have difficulty with her mindset. Aqua and Ruby are deeply flawed, socially awkward, and very traumatized, like the other characters. The side characters stand out with vibrant personalities that leave a lasting impression without gimmicks. Each character possesses their own set of goals, struggles, flaws, and endearing qualities. Among them is Kana Arima, a former child prodigy in acting who now finds herself a mediocre teenage actor. With a theater kid persona, Kana exudes excessive confidence that can seem condescending. However, her knack for maneuvering within the industry helps her secure roles. Like others, her character development involves confronting inner demons caused by past trauma and present triggers. As a freelancer, she often gets trapped in undesirable parts. However, when she joins Ruby to form their idol group B-Komachi, Kana discovers self-respect. Together, they build their team from scratch, with relentless effort and determination. Another key supporting character is Akane, an up-and-coming actress who works alongside Aqua on a reality TV dating show. Through Akane's arc, the writer explores a theme touched on during the premiere. Social media: How it helps and harms performance artists. There's a focus on positive and negative responses to Aquamarine's TV shows, but it peaks with online hate and canceling Akane faces. Harassment's disastrous effects on her mental health are realistic and portrayed with uncommon sensitivity. Regardless of how the arc plays out, it is cathartic to see the people responsible for her turmoil condemned by the author. This includes the grossly misogynistic haters online and the scumbag producer of their reality TV show. Aside from the tearjerker premiere, Oshi no Ko manages a few other genuinely moving moments—a mental health crisis and a near breakdown before a major performance—but surrounding those is a bit of contrived drama. Aqua's slow quest to find his father loses steam quickly. However, future seasons can revive that subplot. Ruby must navigate rising as an idol, a path well-worn by music anime. Though they mostly avoid pedestrian school drama, there's romance stalled by misunderstandings. It's as if the anime keeps seeking narrative conflict when there is plenty to dig into with the characters' turmoils—especially Ruby and Aqua's rich history. Tell us more about how their past lives inform their present! And it would've been fascinating to learn more about their adoptive mother; surely, a chapter or two can be spared for her. Despite the story's slight drawbacks, it's consistently elevated by one of Doga Kobo's most impressive presentations alongside Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun. Although it is less well-directed than Akasaka's prior adaptation, Love is War, Daisuke Hiramaki handles the drama in Oshi no Ko excellently. The combination of orchestral background music and close-up shots creates a sense of immersion during the dramatic scenes. With soaring melodies and dynamic arrangements, orchestral compositions heighten the emotional intensity. As the music swells, it accentuates everything felt by the characters; anguish, joy, and depression, evoking an impactful response from the audience. Furthermore, the well-timed close-up shots sweeten the effect of these moments by capturing the characters' raw expressions. Oshi no Ko delves into the intricate world of lies and facades that permeate celebrities' and performers' lives. It explores the challenges and consequences of maintaining a public image while delving into its characters' personal trauma. While the tearjerker premiere may have set high expectations that the subsequent episodes couldn't fully meet, the series delivers refreshing and immersive portrayals of the performing arts. The reincarnation plot device, although debated, advances the storyline. The side characters shine with their distinctive personalities and genuine character development, with Kana and Akane standing out as memorable figures. Despite some contrived drama and missed opportunities for deeper exploration, Oshi no Ko is consistently elevated by Doga Kobo's strong presentation. Ultimately, the anime provides a cathartic experience, while taking the coming-of-age genre from a fresh angle.
There’s no doubt that Oshi no Ko has made ripples upon the Anime spectrum, with many different varying viewpoints on how this series has formed its identity over the course of its runtime. With this series’ ambitious storytelling and presentation, it provides a story unlike any other in the medium, along with many other charming pieces sprinkled to it to create one of the best and creative stories that the Anime sphere has to offer. Followed with the characters and their different and unique personalities, it ends up with their personalities synergizing to create a masterful story. #____SPOILER WARNING FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES. THIS INCLUDES IMAGES. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.____# This series is practically a breakdown on how the Idol Industry(and how the Entertainment Industry as a whole in Japan) is structured, and how people fare in said industry. With how Oshi no Ko presents the industry to the audience(which I will now be abbreviating as ONK), it brings into perspective how the people behind the screen actually act in person, as well as their mental state. This show brings a multitude of different characters that are amazing examples of how the Entertainment Industry is behind the scenes. You could break down each of the characters that are their own example of how this industry keeps the balance. It brings into light many different viewpoints, and it makes for a simply beautiful watch. Putting the entirety of the first arc in its first episode, making it span 82 minutes, which also spans 10 chapters, seems like a weird choice to make, considering the rest of the episodes are 24 minutes long. However, giving the first arc in a single episode was probably the best choice they could’ve made for the series, because the first 8 chapters aren’t the most eventful of chapters, and are more of a slow burner. With the twist of Ai’s death positioned at the end of the first episode, it makes for an amazing hook to make viewers interested in the route the following story will take. Episode 1 also presents us with Ai’s character, and her personality and mentality makes for one of the best and well written characters in this entire series. With her questioning between the lies and the truth, and her finally discovering it all in her last moments, made for one of the greatest moments this show has to offer. img750(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzgzZTYxZjMtN2ZkOS00NjE0LTkzYzYtZDYzMWQyNTFkZTQ5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTYzODYxMjgz._V1_.jpg) With the birth of her two children, Ruby and Aqua, they are also really intriguing characters that we see change throughout the story. Ruby is more of the energetic type and more outward than her brother, Aqua. Her dream is that of her mothers, to be an idol. She is also, in the process, reviving the same idol group she once admitted, and the one her mother was on, B-Komachi. In her previous life, she was a girl who was bedridden. After seeing B-Komachi and Ai, she became absolutely obsessed with idols, and wanted to become one. After reincarnating as Ruby, her goal from start to finish has always been to become an idol, just like her mother. So far, she has two others who have joined this group, those two being Kana Arima, and MEM, who are also both in different positions in the Entertainment Industry that are pretty riveting. Kana’s more of a “I fell off” moment, where, as she grew up, she became more obscure and had to become more of a freelancer, while also developing a self-deprecating personality. MEM is a YouTuber who had always dreamed of becoming an idol, however due to circumstances, she wasn’t able to, and ended up pursuing a career on the internet. img750(https://animecorner.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/B-Komachi.jpg) Aqua is a very interesting protagonist, and it lies in the fact that he’s basically blinded by revenge. His perception of Ai and not being able to decide on what to see her as, as well as also manipulating the people around him to get what he wants, he ends up being a wonder to see every time he appears on screen. Seeing his mindset on everyone around him makes Aqua way more intriguing than what it seems like on the surface. His goal wasn’t initially set in the first episode, just doing whatever he wishes to do. After being introduced to acting, he decided to act as well. After his mothers death however, he deduces that his fathers the main culprit of the murder, and is now fully focused on only finding his father. With acting, he’s introduced to a plethora of new characters, one of those new characters being a girl called Akane Kurokawa. img750(https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/71dd8-16838551463424-1920.jpg?w=840) Akane is a good breakdown on internet criticism, and how seemingly one small thing can create a domino effect, causing a completely different result. As she was a member of the Live Action cast, she ended up not showing up in most episodes due to her personality. When she finally shows up, she ends up creating an accident, causing people to criticize her actions in extremely negative ways. This deeply hurts Akane’s well-being, and these criticisms of her actions eventually leads to her attempted suicide. Aqua manages to save her just in time, but it really makes you question what would’ve happened if Aqua didn’t manage to save her in time. img750(https://www.spieltimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-184.png) The animation in this show is undeniably incredible. The picture of Ai’s death made me leave my chair for a solid 5 minutes wondering what my eyes had witnessed. Her dying expression made finishing the episode much harder to do, seeing how Aqua and Ruby were mentally affected by the person they’ve always admired even before they got reincarnated before their own eyes. The way this show is animated is also decently consistent, having no noticeable drops in quality throughout its entire runtime. The moments where ONK has good animation are really good. The soundtracks of ONK are nothing more than spectacular. Pieyon’s soundtrack sounds way too amazing for its own good. Every time I replay Ai’s death scene, it gets sadder and sadder hearing the music change, and then finally rest when Ai finally dies with Aqua in her hands. It’s simply a beautiful track that compliments a beautiful scene, making it even more well executed. The soundtrack change for when Ai’s eyes finally rest is definitely heartbreaking and one of the saddest moments I’ve seen in any Anime. As a whole, ONK is a series that has checked every box it needed to check, with it presenting one of the best stories this medium has to offer. Happy moments, Sad moments, Funny moments, Dark moments, this series makes you feel a range of emotions, while its underlying theme and purpose is shown flawlessly along with everything else. It really makes you question how this series will do in the future. Considering the success of ONK, there’s a very high likelihood it’s getting a Season 2, and I couldn’t possibly be more excited(There was a second season). ># ____“I love you. Ah, I was finally able to say it. I’m sorry… It took me so long. I’m so relieved. That definitely wasn’t a lie.”____# ~!Did I mention how much I love Ai's death?!~ #____Final Verdict: 9/10.____#
_DISCLAIMER: This review will mainly be spoiler-free, but all relevant spoilers will be marked accordingly. However, in order to provide the best experience if you have not watched the anime, do not read the synopsis or any reviews, and watch the whole anime going in blind._
~~~I started reading Oshi no Ko around 2 years ago but dropped it after a few chapters as I wasn't very interested. Not too long ago the anime came out and the first season just finished so I thought I'd share my opinion on it. It's gonna be a fairly short review and will include __SPOILERS__. --- __Starting off with what I liked:__ The first episode was great, no doubt about that. It's pretty much an entire movie on its own with two completely different types of characters being reborn as the daughter / son of the idol Hoshino Ai which they both adored in their past lives. The premise is really original and interesting, the characters are all pretty unique and the ending definitely left me wanting more. I really liked Hoshino in particular as a character, seeing her try her best as both a mother and entertainer / idol and getting an insight into the whole industry, while also watching Aqua and Ruby growing up was really enjoyable. The art and animation are also above average. Some scenes definitely look better than others, but overall the show is really nice to look at. img420(https://ramenparados.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/oshi-no-ko-destacado-1000x600.jpg) --- __Now the things I didn't like:__ To put things into perspective, I pretty much only really liked ep 1, 6 and 11. Everything in between just didn't seem interesting or important enough for me to truly care about and I'll get into why that is. Firstly, I just don't think the characters are that great. Aqua has pretty much no character development after ep 1, Kana is a super stereotypical tsundere and the rest, including Ruby just aren't that well written or have anything going for them to set them apart from the rest. Secondly, the humor. It's just not funny. I laughed maybe once or twice during the entire show and that's because it caught me off-guard (like Aqua suddenly starting to dance in the last episode). The rest is just incredibly stale anime humor that's been done 100 times before, or just really badly timed jokes that ruin the atmosphere. The fact that it's written by the same author as Kaguya-sama is really noticeable in some scenes, because as soon as he tries to write anything serious, he feels the need to put in some completely unnecessary joke for no reason. This also ties into my other complaint, as the serious parts of the show fail to have much of an impact on me because of that. It feels like Oshi No Ko occasionally just forgets what kind of show it's trying to be. On one hand it's about Aqua trying to get revenge on whoever killed his mother and on the other hand it's about Kana / Ruby finding their place in the entertainment business. And then somewhere in-between it's also a romance / love-triangle I don't even know... It's also just really melodramatic most of the time which creates this weird contrast between being a comedy- and a serious revenge anime. --- In the end I did enjoy some parts of Oshi No Ko and I do think it's an above average show, but I simply fail to see the hype around it. Maybe it's the fact that it has both male and female main characters which both sides can relate to or simply that there's just nothing better to watch currently, I genuinely have to idea. ~~~
This review will be about why _Oshi no Ko_ works so well as an adaptation, not as a story. I won't be talking about the quality of the plot or characters, only how the anime improves upon them compared to the already fantastic manga. By far the most important part of why I think the anime is better is the visuals. Mengo Yoyokari's art was and IS absolutely gorgeous, but _Oshi no Ko_ is about the entertainment industry, not the manga industry. Black and white art is not as suited to portray the entire entertainment as what the anime did - fucking spectacular colours, lights, and overall glamour. I'm going to make a weird comparison here, but hear me out. _Oshi no Ko_ reminds me of John Wick - 3 and 4 specifically. Obviously not from any action sequences, but the cinematography. 3 and 4 are neon playgrounds. Red, white, blue, pink, all colours are present in a stunning display of neon lighting. _Oshi no Ko's_ environment, specifically those outdoor scenes, remind me of that. The backgrounds are an array of hues, and under the night sky it looks even better. Japan's buildings and scenery just look incredible. Even in other less extravagant environments, the backgrounds are still amazing. Just think of the vibrancy of Ai's apartment, or the beautiful greens when Aqua and Arima played truant. The only place that looks, comparatively, bland and saturated, is in Strawberry Productions, basically the home of Aqua and co. After all, home is the only place where the barrier of lies doesn't need to be put up. The layer of ostentatiousness is gone. We are left with the bland, boring truth. It's not just the backgrounds that look incredible, the characters too (obviously). Sure, the anime certainly doesn't hurt from the source material already making nearly every single character insanely hot, but the anime takes this to new heights. Facial expressions and movements become even more animated (get it? sorry), giving the characters more expressiveness and likability. And yes, once again, colours. Being an anime, characters have very weird hair colours, but luckily this just contributes to making them look even better in this anime. Arima in particular is a standout. Unless I'm seeing things, her red hair seems to glow from the screen, possibly indicating her deep-seated need for attention and approval. The eyes. Anime is known for having beautifully drawn eyes, and _Oshi no Ko_ is no exception. Everyone's, and I mean EVERYONE'S, just look fucking breath-taking. Especially Aqua's and Ruby's eyes. The stars in them make them somehow look even better. An everpresent reminder of their respective ambitions. ~!Love how the closing shot is just Aqua's star, a foreboding reminder of his quest for revenge. It engulfs most of the screen, just like how his revenge has almost completely consumed him, leaving him a near-mindless husk. But, parts of his eyes are still visible. He has not completely fallen into obsession yet. The eyes are the window to the soul, and a wretched soul he is.!~ The animation is just as great. During relatively mundane moments, the animation is pretty standard, but my God can it escalate to incredible heights when required. ~!The most prominent example of this is at the end of Episode 1 - Ai's death, of course. And what is her death met with? Some of the most inventive and utterly breathtaking animation I've ever seen. Aqua realises someone whom Ai knew orchestrated the murder. A white background that looks like textile appears, and in a burst the silhouette of a crow forms, a motif that has and will be repeated throughout the anime, and one whose meaning as of yet is not entirely clear. The crow transforms into a star, the newfound star in Aqua's eye. Zooming out, it reveals an Aqua, a different one, one with a look of pure rage on his face, and one who is now swirling (quite literally) with destruction and vengeance. Not to mention, the entire sequence has this watercolour-esque art style, making it look even more stunning. The highest praise I can give this is that it looks like something straight out of Mob Psycho. Yeah, it's that incredible.!~ There's one last thing about the visuals I need to mention. Those near-still shots of the characters. You know, like when Arima finishes playing catch with Aqua. Or when Aqua gives his offer to Mem (jesus aqua you fucking playboy). Yeah so THEY LOOK SO UNBELIEVABLY INCREDIBLE IT FELT LIKE KAREN KINO AT THE LAST EPISODE OF KAGUYA S3 SEEING THE PROMISED LAND HOLY FUCK. You'll know what I'm talking about. Moving on from the visuals (finally), the way certain scenes are presented make them even more impactful than in the manga. I'll give two examples. ~!The first is Ai's death. Before it happens, she makes a call to her ex, telling him to come visit. Then the sequence starts with a shot of a bouquet of flowers. "Oh, that must be her ex!" is probably what most anime-only watchers thought. This serves both anime and manga fans. It toys with our expectations, leaving the eventual reveal of the holder of the bouquet even more shocking, while also being an omen for manga readers. We know what's coming up. Our dread is at its highest. Then the actual stabbing happens. What follows is a beautifully animated sequence of Ai, her body slowly decaying, having her final conversation with her kids. The beauty of the visuals once again juxtaposes the morbid reality, heightening the sense of tragedy while cementing her place as a legend. Even her death is shrouded with glory. The second example is the final episode. At first, I thought the performance at JIF was a weird choice as the ending climax. In the manga, the performance was pretty awesome, especially with Aqua's fucking otaku dance, but it didn't seem exciting enough to be suited as the climax. I was wrong. The anime pulls out all the stops to make this performance as exciting and enthralling as it possibly can, and oh boy does it fucking succeed. Up till now, we've already had several glorious displays of light and colour, but this cranks it up to eleven. The whole stage is flooded with vibrancy. And when it zooms out to display the whole audience, this usage of colour comes at us full force. The bottom half of the screen is surrounded by darkness but filled with bright yellow, occasional flashes of red livening things up, while the top half, the stage, arrests our attention with its glorious display of light. The animation is insane too. Idol performances need great dancing, and it gave us that. Every movement is fluid, and they somehow dance with such eye-catching extravagance. Aqua's dumbass dance is the ultimate combination of everything. A pure display of support and affection. The anime's performance at JIF is just objectively better than in the manga.!~ Most importantly, the anime is simply more glamorous, which suits the tone and setting of the entertainment industry far better. This is a simple yet important point. Not much I have to say. Overall, _Oshi no Ko's_ anime simply surpasses its source material in every way, which really pains me to say as I love Aka Akasaka, but it's true. There were some other reasons as well, like the pacing and comedy, but I felt that the above were the most impactful. The manga is still well-worth reading, in fact it's genuinely incredible, but if you can only experience either, go for the anime. If the remaining seasons keep up this level of quality, we might see one of the greatest anime ever made. And sidenote, if you anime-only watchers thought THIS was good, just you wait for the Tokyo Blade arc. P.S: No, this is not a perfect season of anime, but I'll give it a perfect score because I can fight me
This MAY have some spoilers. ___ This WILL truly be one of the most influential shows ever, NOT just in its characters, animation, and story, but the message the show gives is EXTREMELY influential and can be very motivational. Let's start with the thing that's the most exciting, the animation: img20(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590864642000027666/1088065258293305354/96EAF8F898BBA893782442E7604CF0F44C2E24F5.png) Doga Kobo LITERALLY put all of their budget into this masterclass of animation, unlike [their](https://anilist.co/anime/105914/The-Helpful-Fox-Senkosan/) [other works](https://anilist.co/anime/127911/Shikimoris-Not-Just-a-Cutie/). And its brilliant too, a perfect mix of Mengo's and Aka's vision put into anime form, ESPECIALLY the eyes and irises of ALL of the characters, and even when the characters are just talking, this show has something unique to put in their personalities The influence it had on the real world is basically [Demon](https://anilist.co/anime/101922/Demon-Slayer-Kimetsu-no-Yaiba/) [Sla](https://anilist.co/anime/112151/Demon-Slayer-Kimetsu-no-Yaiba-The-Movie-Mugen-Train/)[yer](https://anilist.co/anime/142329/Demon-Slayer-Kimetsu-no-Yaiba-Entertainment-District-Arc/) [levels](https://anilist.co/anime/145139/Demon-Slayer-Kimetsu-no-Yaiba-Swordsmith-Village-Arc/), and that's the case all because of the animation department, it is awesome to see Doga Kobo stepping up in their quality. Every single scene just oozes out the word "eyegasm" and it GREATLY enhances all of the characters in their personalities and interests. I cannot stress enough, just look at them. img530(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/984436498436882503/1123799198182146158/ai-ruby.gif) img530(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/984436498436882503/1123788077022842880/image1.jpg) img530(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/984436498436882503/1123692313743458498/LOOK_AT_HER_SHES_SO_CUTE.gif) Anyway, Let's just talk about the characters for a moment since that's the aspect that's also AMAZING: img20(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590864642000027666/1088065258293305354/96EAF8F898BBA893782442E7604CF0F44C2E24F5.png) Going into Oshi No Ko, while liking [Kaguya-sama: Love is War](https://anilist.co/anime/101921/Kaguyasama-Love-is-War/) and disliking [Scum's Wish](https://anilist.co/anime/21701/Scums-Wish/), I didn't really expect much, but TO MY SURPRISE, the characters are also great and distinct in their personalities. Ai Hoshino: while only appearing for ONE episode, she has an amazing backstory and a lot of character development with an increased runtime to boot (82 minutes), this made her death SIGNIFICANTLY more impactful and is a turning point for the reincarnated twins moving on, the show isn't afraid in biting its nails and scratching its knees in fear of people will be bored of the runtime, and it worked SPECTACULARLY. Aquamarine Hoshino: While quite emotionless all because of Ai's death, he is quite the [sploingus](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590864642000027666/1123831840281722921/image.png), He's BRUTALLY honest towards people, with a understandable goal of seeking revenge for his dead mother, He's MUCH more prevalent in episodes 2 to first half of episode 9, and that really is reflected by the people he meets, helped, and even made friends with along the way. (one small complaint is that I wish he had a bit more emotion aside from acting) Ruby Hoshino: Much less screen-time than I expected, but she still works because of the First Concert Arc happening at the second half of episode 9 to the first half of episode 11, and THAT motivation of becoming an Idol really sells her character, and becomes actually important. The first character the main 2 get to meet is Kana Arima, once was a well-known child actress, while quite stubborn, that greatly makes up because when she meets Aqua, she now has somebody that genuinely admires her, while initially feeling a sense of envy, the Sweet Today arc was definitely a great watch and helped developed Kana as a character. Next is Akane Kurokawa, introduced in the reality dating show arc, she's actually [based off a real person](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Kimura), and that ADDS to the realism of the situation she faces, after the accidental scratch, she had a BIG turnaround, her character is at her best during episode 6-8, where she has a work relationship with Aqua that is also a message to the real world, [that scene in episode 6](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St77kFBcups&ab_channel=MORBIUSKING) HITS hard, and it's a great message of "You are not alone". Next is MEM-cho, She's usually quite goofy and overall quite silly, doesn't have MUCH character development outside of episode 11, but she isn't a badly-written character either, when Aqua tells her that there is now a chance for her to become an Idol, her character changed, and i like that. Pieyon is a fun and exciting mentor when he is around. The rest of the other characters are also quite charming and does help the main characters a lot. The story is not unique, but still great overall: img20(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590864642000027666/1088068232302313482/image.png) Every few episodes, a new event is about to start (like a show, a performance), and time and time again, and it shows the struggles and what it TRULY means to be an actor or singer. The pacing usually flows at a natural pace, although i do wish The First Concert Arc's storyline was extended a little bit further, since there are little screen time for Ruby. Overall, a flawless show, with amazing relatability, and some dark and lighthearted themes that match with the tone of the show and story, and gives a representation of what it means to be an Idol or Actor.
I have a serious bone to pick with Oshi no Ko. To be clear, I don't mind that Oshi no Ko is s bad show. Bad shows are a dime a dozen, its not special in that regard. I don't even mind that it's a bad show that got absurdly popular. Again, not an uncommon occurrence, I've learned to live with the popular consensus among anime fans being very hit and miss. No, what chaps my hide about this misguided misfire is that it's the worst kind of bad show: one with delusions of grandeur. It's a self-indulgent piece of pandering wish fulfillment that's convinced itself it's a Deep, Complex masterpiece telling Hard Truths about society while perpetuating all the sins it claims to be criticizing. And while it may have somehow pulled the wool over the eyes of everyone else, I've watched enough anime to see through its plastic facade to the squirming rot underneath. This show is lying to you, and unlike the thesis statement it makes in its first episode, this lie is the lowest form of love I can think of. And I was excited for Oshi no Ko at first! I've always struggled with idol anime because they can never seem to drop their packaged, plastic facade of perfect little angels chasing their dreams to address anything resembling real emotion. So the promise of a more honest take on the genre exploring the reality of the entertainment industry as a whole, warts and all? Written by the author of Kaguya-Sama, which I've finally come around to appreciating as a masterpiece of the rom-com world? And a bonkers 90 minute opening episode suggesting an adaptation that would go all the way to make this series shine? Yeah, I had high hopes for this one. And then the first minute of the show had two separate jokes about the protagonist being a pedophile. Gotta tell you, when I heard Manga fans hyping this one up to high heaven, I was expecting something a little less blatantly unsalvageable than that. After that, I spent most of that bloated first episode in slack jawed disbelief. Was I really sitting through another Mushoku Tensei reincarnated pedo baby plotting? Why was I being subjected to jokes about who gets to suck their teen mom superstar idol's breast milk? It was almost a relief when the same obsessive stalker who initially took the protagonist's life came back to finish off his new mom, setting him and his similarly reincarnated sister on a seemingly much more interesting path. But by then the damage was done, and the cracks that had formed in Oshi no Ko's foundation would only grow larger and more obvious as it settled into its proper story. Funnily enough, though, the most obvious warning sign in that first episode wasn't the pedo baby nonsense. No, it was its handling of Hoshino Ai, the aforementioned teen mom superstar idol who got two superfans reincarnated as her twin babies before being murdered by a stalker. For a show claiming to portray the dark reality of the entertainment industry, there isn't a single thing dark or real about Ai. She is a relentlessly perfect plastic mannequin of a person, never once showing herself to be anything less than upbeat, bubbly, and inoffensive. Not once in the three years we spend with her before her death do we see her sulk, throw a tantrum, or express any emotions besides peppy and cheerful. If there’s anything resembling a real girl underneath her facade, we don't get to see it, not even when she's alone with her babies with no one to judge her. This show wants to pull back the curtain on the uncomfortable truths of this industry, but it doesn't even have the guts to pull back the curtain on its most important character and risk turning off an otaku fan base who can't conceive of women as complex individuals with complicated inner lives. And sadly, that cowardice is very indicative of how poorly the show will handle its themes moving forward. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Following Ai's death at the climax of the first episode, Oshi no Ko's real story picks up ten or so years later, with her now-teenage children Aqua and Ruby going to a special high school for aspiring entertainment industry professionals. Here they're able to meet fellow creatives and pursue careers in film, television, music, YouTube, and more behind and in front of the camera, all to follow their respective goals of tracking down their mother's killer (Aqua) and following in their mother's footsteps of becoming a beloved idol (Ruby). Thus the stage is set for a walking tour behind the scenes of all corners of the business, exploring the truth behind the shining mask of perfection the entertainment industry so often wears while slowly building up the mystery of who the twins' father was, and why he seemingly arranged for Ai to be killed. A solid setup for the story to explore its ideas in an engaging way, but as always, a setup is only as good as its execution. And no matter how many monologues its characters spew about the true nature of the industry, Oshi no Ko consistently fails to be anything more than plastic and shallow itself. The biggest issue, sadly, remains Aqua himself. Even after you get over the whole reincarnated pedo baby angle, he is just the most miserably emo edgelord to be around. He's a mopey, brooding bore who looks down on pretty much everyone around him, but the show constantly insists on portraying him as cynically honest, the one clear-eyed adult in a cast full of kids. Which, considering how female-heavy the rest of the cast it, gives the whole show a creepy, paternalistic vibe. So many of Oshi no Ko's "realistic" portrayals of the industry's scumminess essentially boil down to a naive, inexperienced girl getting in over her head and finding herself in some sort of physical or emotional peril, only for this Light Yagami wannabe to swoop in and save her with the power of his Experienced Adult Man Perspective. There are times when it clearly wants to touch on how particularly rough girls and women have it in this scummy, sexist industry, but it undercuts itself every time it turns their struggles into yet another excuse for the one prominent dude in the cast to show off how much smarter he is. And yes, in case you even needed to ask, of course the majority of these girls fall in love with him. You've got Kana Arima, a foul mouthed former child actor who's implied to have nursed a crush on him ever since he humiliated her on set years ago by being do much naturally better at acting than her to the point she broke down crying. There's Akane Kurokawa, a sincere good girl who falls for him after he saves her from suicide (more on that later) and otherwise exists to be tortured by some of the most laughable backstory retcons ever put to screen (She's an unprepared novice to the industry! Just kidding, she's a member of a prestigious theater company! Just kidding, she's a child actor who's been part of this industry her whole life!). There's even, believe it or not, his sister Ruby, who in her past life was a terminally ill child in love with Aqua's past life, her physician at the time. He even jokingly promised to marry her when she turned 16, which could have passed as a tragic, knowingly futile promise to comfort a girl who had no chance of living that long, but considering how things ended up... yeah, let's just say I am dreading what happens when Aqua and Ruby discover each other's previous identities. Honestly I almost hope they just say "fuck it" and take the plunge into Incest Lake, just to break the brains of everyone who's convinced themselves this show isn't a trash fire. It also doesn't help that the dialogue is pretty uniformly terrible. Characters speak in tangled, overwritten declarations and explanations that never read as something a real person would say but also aren't stylish enough to pass for the kind of purposefully exaggerated back-and-forth exchanges that define, for example, the Monogatari series. It seems to think if you just drop a lot of monologues about how dangerous and unfair the entertainment industry is, that will compensate for the relative lack of real danger and unfairness in its actual portrayal. I'm not asking for a Perfect Blue-style pitch black perspective, but there are barely even shades of gray here, to the point it almost feels like the show's lying to you. There's a moment where Ruby and her aspiring idol group exclaim that a collective dressing room they share with a bunch of other bottom-tier idols is "packed like sardines," except the room we're shown has plenty of breathing room and empty space. This show flat out lies to your face, in contradiction of the visuals its showing you, to make the girl's situation seen worse than it actually is. But let's circle back to Akane and get attempted suicide, because her focus episode is, in my opinion, the one moment where Oshi no Ko actually manages to live up to the expectations it set. Short version, Akane's on a reality dating show with Aqua and a bunch of other high schoolers, and her attempt to make herself more of a presence at her manager's request results in her becoming the target on an online hate mob who takes one bad thing she does and uses it as an excuse to harass her relentlessly. As someone who's seen too many stories like this play out in real life- overwhelming, self-righteous hatred from complete strangers who've convinced themselves your one minor infraction justifies ruining your life- seeing Akane succumb to the tidal wave of insults and threats until she tries to jump off a bridge was one of the most powerful experiences I've had in all of anime this year. It's masterfully directed, impeccably edited, and brutally, unforgivingly honest about how life-ruining this kind of negative online attention can be. It's hands-down the best episode of Oshi no Ko, and if the rest of the show had been as brave as this episode when tackling its subject matter, I'd have no problem singing its praises alongside everyone else. It's also, sadly, a perfect representation of why this show is so fundamentally broken. Because when you take a step back and look at the whole picture, as incredible as this episode is in isolation, its only real effect on the plot is to give Aqua yet another helpless admirer to fall I love with him seemingly as a matter of course. Akane's suicide attempt, as gut wrenching and heartbreaking as it is in the moment, only exists to give the reincarnated pedo protagonist another teenage girl to fawn over him. And considering how much inspiration this plot line draws from a real-life suicide tragedy in Japan, to call it nauseating and disrespectful would be the understatement of the century. The real victim's mother certainly seemed to think so, as she held an interview expressing anger that her daughter's tragic fate was being used as free source material without even consulting her first. And if you were hoping Oshi no Ko fans would react to this response with empathy and nuance, showing how much they took away from this arc's message about the evils of online harassment by refusing to participate in it themselves... well, let's just say I truly envy your optimism. But really, isn't that the most fitting representation of this show's failure? It claims to showcase and criticize the exploitative nature of the entertainment industry, only to exploit real life tragedy for entertainment itself, and its fans react to this ugly truth by becoming exactly the kind of evil the show they claimed to love was warning them against. It's a perfect storm of hypocrisy that reveals just how shallow and craven the whole affair is. Oshi no Ko is not deep, it's not complex, and it's certainly not challenging. But it IS good enough at superficially appearing to be those things to attract a fan base that wants the ego boost of being seen as liking Mature(tm) stories about Serious Issues(tm) without actually being challenged to leave their comfort zone of pandering wish fulfillment. And the second something actually challenging does show up to demand they face an uncomfortable truth, they reveal just how unwilling both they and the show they love are to grapple with the ugly reality they claim to represent. Is that harsh? Definitely. Unfair to the vast majority of Oshi no Ko fans who love the show without being gross and weird about it? Probably. But I can't be honest about this show without being honest about how miserably it betrays the very foundations of its stated goal. Ironically enough, Oshi no Ko is its own worst enemy, the greatest embodiment of everything it's trying to speak out against. It's a stupid show pretending to be smart, a cowardly show pretending to be brave, hiding cheap convictions with cheap edge and cringeworthy harem bullshit in hopes it can avert your eyes from the truth. But peel back that plastic layer of corporate sheen and it's every bit as shallow and hypocritical as the industry it claims to criticize. It's as hollow as Hoshino Ai herself, hiding its inner emptiness as best it can and hoping its beautiful lies will make you love it regardless. And if lies are indeed the greatest form of love, then Oshi no Ko must be the greatest lover of all. Me, though? I'll take something honest and uncompromising over an insincere fake like this any day.
~~~**Spoilers Ahead** ~~~ Oshi no ko primarily tackles the dark themes and lies of the entertainment industry, but it also has a revenge story. **In this review, I will only be talking about the revenge side and the characterization of Hoshino Aquamarine.** Is revenge a good thing? It is a very difficult question to ask someone, but most would say that revenge will only bring more pain and probably make things worse in the long run. However, some people see revenge as a good thing because they believe they have the right to reclaim what has been taken from them. This is similar to vengeance, where one invests everything into a pursuit that ultimately offers no benefit. I believe that only those who have lost something valuable in their lives, those who have been robbed, torn apart, and had their cherished possessions destroyed, hold the right opinion on this matter. If we don't have anything that gives us purpose in this world other than harboring anger in our hearts, what would be the point other than seeking vengeance or revenge? The anime explores many different stories, besides the entertainment industry, it explores the concept of revenge, the experiences of characters who have suffered loss, the motivations behind seeking vengeance, and the potential impact it can have on one's life. Most revenge stories have a very simple premise. An evil act, the search for retribution, and a main character with an understandable motive for vengeance. We've all seen it in anime and film, for example, the Vinland Saga, Dororo, and more, as well as in films, the most well-known of which is the Vengeance Trilogy (This is my inspiration for this review). Oshi no ko doesn’t go too deep in the revenge story, but it is more like a side story in the anime for our character Aqua. The first episode is a very quick turn of events, which is probably why a lot of people think highly of it, and it is also the main factor why people are invested in the anime, besides the main plot. I think it is also because watching revenge stories is satisfying for some individuals because witnessing a character who seeks justice and revenge for what he has lost and the protagonist overcoming obstacles and achieving their retribution can create a satisfying story. Before Aqua, we meet Amemiya Goro, a normal doctor who is responsible for caring for Ai Hoshino’s baby. Initially, he didn’t like idol groups, but one patient changed his views, and he became an idol fan later on. On the surface, he doesn’t appear to be a supporting doctor, but observing his actions, it becomes evident that he tries his best to support the dreams of Sarina (Ruby) and Ai's child, which in the end leads him to his death. After his death, he is reincarnated as a child of Ai. As for the mystery surrounding it, he still retains his memory as Goro and is relatively normal, like his past self, but when he is acting, he shows his talent and intelligence even though he has no experience in acting whatsoever. Before the tragedy, he didn’t seem to think much of the person who killed him, but later on, it would have a huge impact on his life. After the tragedy, he transformed, totally becoming a separate person. He who saw his mother get killed with his eyes became nothing but hollow inside, but after a while, he came to the realization that everything that just happened to him now, why he died in his past life, and why Ai was killed is because someone is behind all of this and they’re connected. That’s when he swore for his vengeance and said, ‘I can’t die yet. Not until I find him and kill him by my hand.’ He became cold, cunning, and somewhat egoistic in the series. This became his drive to live, and that was to hunt that man and kill him. It is the starting point of the story to progresses into a chase for the person behind all of this in the entertainment industry, for being an actor and having only one reason in mind. Some people see Aqua as an emo who only looks down on everyone and can be almost overpowering, and I somewhat agree with that. However, I think it’s just also looking at his surface level and not understanding his character. I can also see similarities between Aqua and Ice Kaguya, as Akasaka Aka tends to write characters with these traits. Regardless, Aqua is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, and if ever he forgets his goals, he is reminded of the pain he underwent that day. Despite the cold nature that we see in him, he does genuinely care for those around him, although it may not be evident at first glance. For instance, he doesn’t want his sister to become an idol because he is reminded of his pain, and he doesn't want her to suffer the same fate as their mother. So he secretly destroys any option for his sister to become an idol, and he knows that this doesn’t entirely stop Ruby, so there's no safer option than to have their own company, so he agrees with the idea of it. Aqua’s passion and madness are also seen in Episode 3, where he spends 4 years trying to crack the passcode to look for clues in Ai’s cellphone, and this is the sacrifice he makes for this vengeance to happen. Despite being a very manipulative person, the actions he takes in helping the B-Komachi improve and being Pieyon, because they have a drama between Kana and him, and he can’t talk to her, so instead he goes undercover, and that is where we can kind of see his old self as Amemiya Goro, that he still tries to support and help others without seeking recognition, because for him, it’s better to do it alone, to take care of it alone, even to suffer alone. To love hurts, to love kills, and to love conceals. It means that love can cause suffering, lead to actions that might compel us to take someone's life to satisfy our love, and also require us to hide that love in our hearts to protect the ones we care for. This line is not entirely fitting for this anime, but I kind of think about it looking at Aqua’s character, because vengeance is also the search for justice, and it can be our justice, but what happens after you’ve had your revenge? Will that pain emerge again in him, revenge is something that will draw us in and perhaps transform us into what we are supposed to be fighting for. Since the first season has minor problems in my opinion, it still manages to show the dark side of the entertainment industry and also has a good revenge story that I am waiting to unfold. **If you have any feedback, feel free to do so. Thanks for reading.**
To say that _Oshi no Ko_ was the anime to watch for Spring 2023 would have been an understatement. The first episode, which was feature-length at 82 minutes, was quite possibly one of the best first episodes of an anime I’ve ever seen. Of course, with around four times the time to air–_Oshi no Ko_ had to justify its length. If it was just average, then what was the point of the grand entry? Thankfully, _Oshi no Ko_ more than justifies the dramatic entrance. At the time, the sky-high average rating (90/100), while a good omen, seemed like a bit much considering the show had only just started. I know most people aren’t as pricks about rating anime as I am, but I was a bit skeptical. I’ve seen anime start strong only for opinion on it to change up after time has passed. After completing _Oshi no Ko_, I can comfortably say that it deserves the high marks it got then, and now. The long run time of the first episode was only part of why _Oshi no Ko_ was so well received initially. The stylistic choices (a part brought over by the manga) set it apart from the onset. It really captures the vibe of what an ‘idol’ idealistically is. Considering that Hoshino Ai is shown as the ideal idol, it’s a perfect match. While style can carry an anime (and manga) far, eventually even the biggest sucker will notice the lack of substance–fortunately for us, _Oshi no Ko_ has both in plentiful amounts. The story contained within the first episode is a whirlwind. It’s astounding that _Oshi no Ko_ can contain so many various themes and time skips and still maintain to be gripping. It’s not easy for a show to be compelling while essentially being Rugrats at the same time. While the story does slow down a bit starting with episode two, it still keeps up the quality while not betraying what drew people in the first place. The synopsis for _Oshi no Ko_ did it no favors–I had no idea what the show was going to be about from reading it. Maybe I’m just a moron, but tell me if you can dissect whatever the hell this means: ~~~ _When a pregnant young starlet appears in Gorou Amemiya’s countryside medical clinic, the doctor takes it upon himself to safely (and secretly) deliver Ai Hoshino’s child so she can make a scandal-free return to the stage. But no good deed goes unpunished, and on the eve of her delivery, he finds himself slain at the hands of Ai’s deluded stalker — and subsequently reborn as Ai’s child, Aquamarine Hoshino! The glitz and glamor of showbiz hide the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, threatening to dull the shine of his favorite star. Can he help his new mother rise to the top of the charts? And what will he do when unthinkable disaster strikes?_ ~~~ At first, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Thinking back, that was a good thing. I knew what was going to happen, while not knowing how it would happen. A good tell if a story is great is if it still is emotionally compelling even if you know what’s going to happen. While she is only a side character when it comes to air-time, Ai Hoshino is without a doubt the star of _Oshi no Ko_. Her origins are mysterious–we know nothing about her mother and father, or any of her family for that matter. At first, she may seem like your bog-standard idol that sings and dances for you, but Ai has something that almost no other idol has. That something is the power to enthrall viewers with her eyes. Well, not actually, but her star-shaped pupils represent her commitment to the bit. While she’s on a mission to give love to her fans, she hasn’t ever felt anything close to that in her life. That’s perhaps how she was lured into a relationship and got impregnated. Not wanting to ruin her reputation, she goes into hiatus during that time and afterward resumes as if nothing happened. Little does she know that she gave birth to two people that have already lived a life–a life admiring their now mother. Aquamarine and Ruby Hoshino, who are both reborn as Ai’s child, were admirers of Ai in their past lives. Aquamarine (he goes by Aqua) was a doctor in his past life, who became a fan of Ai via one of his patients. That patient, Sarina Tendouji, happens to be the person reborn as his twin sister, Ruby. Ruby had a condition that kept her bedridden and in need of constant care. I do wonder how they’ve made it this far without realizing that they’ve already known each other in a past life–it would make sense considering they both had the ability to walk and talk, among other things, as soon as they were born. I have a birds-eye view of their story, which makes it unfair to assume they would know that. Anyways, being reincarnated as Ai’s children gives them both the ability to live with their favorite idol–something only that would happen in their wildest dreams previously…that is, until the ‘unthinkable disaster strikes’. I won’t spoil what the ‘unthinkable disaster’ is, but if you’ve interacted with anyone that’s watched or read _Oshi no Ko_, you probably know what it is. That ‘unthinkable disaster’ gives them both motivation to shine in showbiz. For Aqua, that means becoming a teen heartthrob actor for the purpose of finding and getting revenge on those who caused the ‘unthinkable disaster’. He also works behind the scenes as a protege of director Taishi Gotanda, so he can establish further connections. For Ruby, it means becoming an idol that shines as bright as her mother. Their connections and the fact that they kept their intelligence and memories of their past life gives them a huge advantage in achieving their goals. Aqua, who was a doctor that was pushing thirty before being killed in his past life, is intelligent and mature to the degree that he can communicate with adults without any sense of childish insecurity. This is because internally, Aqua IS an adult. Around 45 if my math is correct. Ruby on the other hand, still has that childlike immaturity since she passed away as a teen in her life. She does have immense knowledge of idol culture, and of B-Komachi (the group Ai was in), which makes her a repository of most things idol-related. Kana Arima is listed as the third main character, but I would classify her more as a ‘super-supporting character’. A former child actor that is in her own words ‘past her prime’, she becomes acquainted with Aqua as toddlers when they both star in a movie. Known as the ‘genius child actor who can cry in 10 seconds’ and the ‘Bell Pepper Girl’, she has trouble finding industry gigs now due to her behavior as a child. Becoming acquainted with both Aqua and Ruby, she finds herself working with them often, even joining the same production company they’re in. Her mission in _Oshi no Ko_ is to regain her footing within the entertainment industry. Being a 17-year-old ‘has been’ is a lot for someone to handle. All she wants is to be adored by fans again and to regain her confidence. Kana’s story, while nowhere near as important as the main story, also runs parallel to Aqua and Ruby’s. Akane Kurokawa, the actress that is extremely thorough when it comes to researching her roles, and MEM-cho, a YouTuber that stars alongside Aqua in a dating show, also deserve an honorable mention. Akane plays a crucial role in _Oshi no Ko_–one that I can’t get into without spoiling more than I want to. MEM-cho is the closest thing we have to a gag character. She serves as a casual observer of what’s going on around her. _Oshi no Ko_ is from the same mangaka that wrote _Kaguya-sama: Love is War_. While _Oshi no Ko_ had me drawn in within the first twenty minutes, I was really never into _Kaguya-sama_. Does that mean that _Oshi no Ko_ is better than Kaguya-sama? Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but it's certainly true that I enjoyed it more. If you’re a fan of one, you’re likely to be a fan of the other. ‘Non-Battle Battle Anime’ is generally something that’s better as an idea than in practice. _Death Note_ has its moments, but overall is mediocre. _Shokugeki no Souma_ (_Food Wars_) started out alright, but devolved into some of the worst anime I’ve ever watched by the fourth season (Third season part two? I don’t know. Doesn’t matter). The first volume of _Classroom of the Elite_ (which got an anime adaptation with multiple sequels) only made me think of WHY would I, along with anyone else at the academy, would want to be part of the ‘elite’ of a country that’s been on the decline for thirty years straight? Most ‘Non-Battle Battle Anime’ is nothing more than making a mountain out of a molehill, or pseudo-intellectual garbage in Classroom of the Elite’s case. What makes _Oshi no Ko_ better than anything else listed here is the ability to not get too involved in trying to make events seem important, and instead lets them play out. Not everything is the most important thing ever. Especially with series like _Oshi no Ko_ where multiple side-plots are going parallel with the main plot. The exaggerated cynicism that often plagues other ‘Non-Battle Battle Anime’ isn’t a problem in _Oshi no Ko_ as well. Sure, being an idol isn’t all sunshine and roses. Anyone who has half a brain knows that. _Oshi no Ko_ doesn’t pretend like it’s a grand revelation that the idol industry is seedy and contains people of questionable morals. It doesn’t treat you like a dunce that needs to be spoon-fed everything. However, it does often tell you things that you actually didn’t know–like how the reason many YouTubers show off every new gadget they buy is for it to be a tax write-off. Maybe that’s just me not putting two and two together, but it makes sense considering that there’s no other reason why an idol or a podcast host would want to show off their new Hoover vacuum cleaner. Speaking of the manga–I find the anime the more enjoyable version of _Oshi no Ko_. This is partly because I tend to prefer anime over manga in the first place, but also I feel like a series that’s centered around idols needs a voice for it to show its ‘true form’. The manga is good, don’t get me wrong, but there’s only so much you can do with only drawings. It’s like the difference between reading about a fight that goes on and being able to view it in visual form. There’s a reason why Dragon Ball doesn’t have any light novels (that I know of). Both the manga and anime are great. The user ratings for both will back that up. Your preference will depend on what you prefer in the first place most likely. The anime is the more appropriate medium for a series like _Oshi no Ko_ in my opinion. That being said, it takes a manga to fully relay your idea for a story–one of idolization and revenge. Can’t have the cart without the horse. A burning question you may have about _Oshi no Ko_ is “What does it have to say about the idol industry?” Is it a ‘deconstruction’? Does it paint a positive view? Well, you know the latter isn’t true if you’ve made it this far. However, _Oshi no Ko_ isn’t hyper-critical of the idol industry as it may seem. Sure, it would be easy to paint a cynical picture of the idol industry since it can be really nasty at times. Obsessive fans, very questionable use of underage girls, and the fact that idols are more than often forced to be ‘married’ to the fanbase. Having to forgo any relationship sans a business one with men and having to hide them if they do have one. Idol series like _Love Live!_ forgo any mention of relationships with the other sex. Other than Miki Hoshii’s attachment to Producer-san, _The Idolm@ster_ doesn’t show anything of the like either. Of course, that doesn’t stop either series from having yuri-fanatics ship characters together, or from doujin artists from drawing them getting railed, but in official media, these things are persona non grata. That’s because those series show an idealistic view of idols. They aren’t real people, so they can dance and sing all they want without worrying about reality. Reality often does shine its ugly light in those series, but it never defines it. The other end of this spectrum would be the film _Perfect Blue_. _Perfect Blue_ is about a former idol, which technically isn’t the same as a ‘current idol’, but it still shows how one obsessive fan can give an otherwise normal woman chronic paranoia. _Perfect Blue_ isn’t by any means over-cynical. It’s a great psychological thriller that still holds up to this day. Not exactly a shining endorsement of the idol industry, but that wasn’t the point. At least I think. The point is that it’s easy to be hyper-cynical about everything idol related. However, that wouldn’t be a real representation of the idol industry either. While it may come off as ‘smart’, after a while it would just be lazy. Many people conflate pessimism with intelligence and optimism and dullness. Anime isn’t immune to that tendency. Too much cynicism only reveals that you have no idea what you’re talking about and are either too inept or apathetic to give an actual realistic view of what you’re trying to portray. _Oshi no Ko_ thankfully doesn’t fall into this trap. I mean, for every obsessive fan there is, there are more fans like Ruby, who becomes an idol because she ‘idolizes’ them. The power of idols to brighten someone’s day is the reason why they still exist, even if you recognize that they’re ‘lies’ at the end of the day. Ruby isn’t the only one that decides to become an idol due to inspiration from former idols–many idols of today harbor fond memories of idols of yesterday. Like how many racers are inspired by the greats like Ayrton Senna and Dale Earnhardt, those that are taken from us too soon tend to be extra special to our hearts. _Oshi no Ko_ is quick to point out that being an idol isn’t all fun and games–but that’s because being an entertainer, in general, isn’t as fun as it seems. Again, anyone with a brain knows that. Aqua, who fully commits to being an actor so he can exact his revenge against those who caused the ‘unthinkable disaster’, has to work hard to keep climbing up the ranks. Having connections will only get you so far. He has the smarts that almost no 16-year-old boy has–mostly because he was book-smart enough to become an obstetrician in his past life. Thankfully for him, Aqua also has common sense, which makes it easier for him to use social manipulation in order to get closer to finding out the truth behind the ‘unthinkable disaster’. Being a handsome young man probably helps with that as well. The point is that to get his revenge, he needs to curry favor with industry higher-ups. Do a favor for them in exchange for information that’ll lead him closer to the answer. His journey, like Ruby’s, also shows the good, the bad, and the ugly about the entertainment industry. One of the arcs in the anime was inspired by real-life events from a dating show that’s similar to the one that Aqua participates in, so it isn’t like this isn’t made up out of whole cloth. To answer the question, _Oshi no Ko_ has a lot to say. Not only about the idol industry, but the entertainment industry as a whole. While it’s only a small part of the story, managing to strike a balance between blind idealism and realism enhances _Oshi no Ko_’s overall plot by a lot. It would be less powerful if it had _Love Live_’s interpretation of the entertainment industry or went the other way and everyone was a back-stabbing two-timing son-of-a-bitch ready to end your career to elevate theirs. The reality is that while there are a lot of social climbers, there are also earnest people. Aqua and Ruby meet people from both categories–and perhaps Aqua may be considered the former once you understand his true motives. There isn’t much to rag about when it comes to _Oshi no Ko_. My main question as far as I know has gone unanswered is “What year is it?”. From the time that Aqua and Ruby are reborn to the current time, it seems that technology and society have not evolved whatsoever. One could say that the ‘current day’ is around now, which means they were reincarnated in the early 2000s, but that wouldn’t make sense because Ruby was already doom-scrolling and responding to hate directed towards her mother on an iPhone as a baby. That lead me to believe that the _Oshi no Ko_ timeline was somewhere in the late 2030s, with technology not progressing any from the 2020s. _Oshi no Ko_ doesn’t show Aqua or Ruby living in a techno-futurist utopia or dystopia. Society around them is ‘stuck’ in a sense. In order to find an answer to my question, I went to the _Oshi no Ko_ subreddit. According to them, the answer is ‘whatever the mangaka (Akasaka) wants’. The evidence, however, suggests that _Oshi no Ko_ takes place around the late-2010s, with Aqua and Ruby being born in 2004. This relies on the notion that _Oshi no Ko_ and _Kaguya-sama_ take place in the same universe. A _Kaguya-sama_ character does make a cameo, so it’s not false to suggest that they are in the same universe. This wouldn’t explain how Aqua and Ruby were able to go viral on Twitter as babies when Twitter didn’t exist until a few years later. Ultimately, the conclusion is that it doesn’t matter, since it doesn’t interfere with the main plot at hand. It’s trivial to wonder why Twitter looks the same 15 years later, or why the technology in _Oshi no Ko_ hasn’t progressed since Aqua and Ruby were born. It’s an afterthought that only pedants like me care about. It’s not the first series that had a fluid timeline, and it wouldn’t be the last. As you can probably tell, there’s not much fault I can find with _Oshi no Ko_. Sure, I could be more nit-picky about certain details, but that has little to do with the story at hand. It checks off all of the boxes that make a great anime. The animation quality is superb. I don’t care for anime openings and endings, but most other watchers love the music–especially the opening theme. Aqua and Ruby both have separate missions in the entertainment industry, but both do it for their mother Ai–both storylines have a lot to offer. Neither storyline outshines the other, something that most anime that attempt the same fail to deliver. The supporting characters (super-supporting character in Kana’s case) also have compelling stories that feed into the main plot. It has the right balance between idealism and realism. Some more skeptical watchers may accuse _Oshi no Ko_ of handing the dark side of ‘the industry’ with kid gloves. I disagree with that view since the industry isn’t as bad as some may like to think it is. The reason why stories like this are so compelling is because of how rare it is. If idols were getting jumped by obsessive fans every day, this wouldn’t be a story worth telling. No one would give a shit. If you dive too deep into the cynicism, you’ll end up looking as stupid as those who trick themselves into thinking that idols are for them, and them only. With a second season coming ‘soon’, there’s no risk of diving into _Oshi no Ko_ only to be left at a cliffhanger. This season ends at the beginning of the arc that I think does get too “Non-Battle Battle” with it. The anime adaptation of it should flow better–it’s hard to read multiple chapters that are just monologues. Way easier to shove that into one or two episodes. Then again, I’m more than likely in the minority when it comes to being bearish on the 2.5 Stage Play arc. I hate to admit it, but it kinda got too much for me at a point. Luckily, that’s the only arc where that happens. Either way, I’ll be watching it, and I recommend that you do too. Is _Oshi no Ko_ the anime of the year? Well, I wouldn’t go that far since we still have two seasons' worth of anime yet to be aired. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was voted AOTY at whatever award show Crunchyroll hosts. I wouldn’t complain either. It’s genuinely a very good show that deserves the praise it gets.
Oshi no Ko é um anime que critica a indústria do entretenimento (com particular enfoque no Japão) e seus impactos na saúde, vida e relações daqueles que fazem parte dela. Apesar disso, o anime tem um início muito mítico, e encontra uma motivação para o protagonista na vingança em relação à morte de sua "mãe", que não é um tema particularmente interessante para se basear uma história. História tal que se sustenta no carisma de certo personagens e no resquício do tema original que ainda há. Primeiramente, devo dizer que o anime é visualmente bonito, principalmente o primeiro episódio. Apesar de não ser nenhuma obra de arte, é bem acima da média em relação aos animes comuns de temporada. É possível até perceber o carinho daqueles que produziram esse anime em relação a obra. A obra também conta com uma ótima trilha sonora, com enfoque para a opening que é particularmente muito boa. Também, essa produção tem um primeiro episódio extremamente impactante, sendo esse praticamente um filme, no qual são apresentados todos os rumos que a história seguirá (ainda com um subplano sobre mentiras, que será mais explorado conforme a história avança, aparentemente), rumos que particularmente não gostei. A vingança é um tema muito delicado de se trabalhar, até porque é uma faca de dois gumes: pode-se criar um personagem extremamente edgy que se sente feliz por se vingar (o que parece ser o caso) ou pode-se desenvolver uma história interessante sobre o quão vazia a vingança pode tornar alguém, como é feito com o Kurapika em Hunter x Hunter. Soma-se isso ao fato de que a maior parte dos personagens são carismáticos porém vazios, sendo a Ruby o maior exemplo de inutilidade por enquanto uma vez que serviu apenas para manter a história rolando sem nenhum desenvolvimento do que se passa em sua cabeça. Ainda, como mencionei no último parágrafo, Oshi no Ko apela muito para o aspecto "frio e calculista" do protagonista, o Aqua. Alguns arcos, como o da Akane, são rushados e tem uma finalização extremamente tosca para reforçar o aspecto "heroico" e genial do Aqua, que é apenas irritante e muito vergonha alheia (é o protagonista perfeito para um anime de temporada, já que todo mundo vai gostar por achá-lo muito foda). ~!Essa tentativa de criar heroísmo no Aqua é evidente no arco da Akane, no qual ele impede o suicídio desta, em uma cena que seria muito melhor caso ela mesma se salvasse ou alguma personagem que realmente tivesse conexões com ela o fizesse. Essa conclusão ter envolvido o protagonista tirou boa parte do peso que ela tinha, que já não era muito porque a construção foi muito corrida. img220(https://media.tenor.com/di3YBymYaZwAAAAC/kurokawa-akane-oshi-no-ko.gif)!~ Outro agravante quanto ao personagem é o fator da reencarnação, que não foi propriamente explicado e não sei nem se será em algum momento da história. Talvez devesse levar apenas como base de construção para a narrativa, mas não há razão para fazer dessa forma se não há explicação. Enfim, Oshi no Ko num geral foi uma experiência positiva, porque senti carisma nos personagens e consegui até mesmo criar vínculos de identificação com alguns deles e a produção realmente é um belo destaque, porém, mesmo sendo uma introdução, acredito que poderia ter sido feito de uma forma melhor e que o plot principal será prejudicial para o continuamento da história. Enfim, espero pela segunda temporada e que a genialidade de Aka Akasaka torne essa história, que tenho tanta desesperança, em algo que goste muito.
__ Oshi no ko__ __ Plot with spoiler 1 episode:__ Gorō Amemiya is a gynecologist who works at the hospital in Takachiho. Following the meeting with Sarina, a terminally ill young man admitted to his hospital, he becomes passionate about the world of idols, developing in particular an almost maniacal veneration for Ai Hoshino, the rising star of Japanese pop. Unexpectedly, she the latter shows up at the Gorō hospital, where she discovers she is pregnant with twins. Despite the strict rules of the entertainment world, which require idols not to get engaged and not to have children, Ai still decides to keep her children by hiding her pregnancy from the public. on the day of delivery, Gorō is killed by a stalker of the girl who had discovered the location of the hospital and was looking for information. Goro is reincarnated as Ai's son along with Sarina of his. Ai gives them the names Aqua and Ruby, respectively. One of Japan's most famous idols (Ai) and upcoming performances at the prestigious Tokyo Dome; however, the girl was stabbed to death by the stalker who killed Gorō. Aqua, who witnesses the murder, suspects that only her mind knows the secret of Ai, her biological father, and vows revenge. On the other hand, Ruby wants to follow in her mother's footsteps and become an idol. Then the two children entered the world of entertainment, experiencing its dark and dark sides. __What I think with spoiler:__ In itself the work has entertained me a lot both as a manga and as an anime up to this point. From an artistic point of view it takes up the style of the manga very well, adding an even more picturesque style. I like the story and it takes up reality in an incredible way (a bit fictional of course) and being a fan of kpop stories like Ai's don't surprise me much, the obsessed fan is perhaps the most real thing in the whole work. The mhe characters... the ones I like the most are the female ones, especially Kana and Ai. Kana may seem like the typical tsundere but the further you go the more you understand that hers is just a facade, she wants to be mature for fear of failing, of disappointing everyone... she has always been forced to be like this since she was a child, she spent her life to work and then find herself totally alone (I don't want to give too many spoilers so I'll stop here) and also for this it works very well with Ruby who has a totally different story and is the opposite. The least successful character or rather the one I liked the least is Aqua. Idk it doesn't tell me much, he's too anonymous a character, I can't empathize with him because only his greatest desire is known about him, but to evaluate him as a person you get given little or nothing, I hope it improves next season. Akane is the character I would like most of all I would like to know more about, I would like to see more of her talent, I would like to see her relationship with Aqua how it evolves...her character seems so interesting, she has a lot of potential. Ai is a perfect representation of any idol forced to tell lies and hope to delude themselves with those lies due to the tight contracts. I would really like to see more of Ai's story, it's natural for you to want to know it because the author has made sure not to make it interesting and "magnetic" not only for the characters but also for the viewer and honestly, however, when there is Aqua a I may lose interest, I don't know why... we'll see next season. The thing that impressed me the most is the care for the eyes, especially those of Aqua which are essential for understanding the character. Shining when he stands out thanks to his acting skills and get darker when they convey all the grievance of him. Ai's death is also done very well and you get emotional even though it is only shown for one episode. I recommend the vision to those who want to have fun but at the same time don't want to watch something devoid of action
It’s taken over the internet as of Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The show’s opening—YOASOBI’s Idol tops the world charts, breaking numerous records along the way. Ai Hoshino’s face lights up the streets of Japan. Oshi no Ko has gone completely viral. But does it live up to the hype? It all started with the 1 hour and 30-minute special first episode, here the infamous plot twist comes into play. I believe that the core piece of my recommendation is to watch this first because reviewing the rest of the series becomes spoilers if you don’t watch due to an integral plot twist which introduces the plot. Here is where the premise of the story begins, the main characters are introduced, and the plot is introduced. This special was brilliant, and arguably where season one peaked. Now onto the rest of the season SPOILERS START HERE: Now Ai Hoshino is dead in a shocking twist of fate. I must say that Oshi no Ko’s strongest aspect is the revenge plot set out by Aqua to kill whoever is responsible for Ai’s death/murder. However, the series does slightly tank in quality after this point onwards plot-wise, as the focus shifts to introducing and developing characters. Plot [8/10]: I think that the plot is absolutely excellent, but the issue here is it doesn’t stay on topic. The rest of the manga deviates from the plot into side story arcs which I thought were interesting in themselves. The anime mainly covers one of the side story arcs after Ai’s death: the dating show arc. Prior to this was an Arima Kana mini-arc where she and Aqua go on a show together. This mini-arc wasn’t too interesting and was mainly a way to try and develop Kana’s backstory. Moving forward to the dating show arc, it honestly was pretty good but relied heavily on Akane Kurokawa, who I’ll cover later. The arc eventually turns dark and actually drew in real-life complaints from where the mangaka took inspiration.I think that Oshi no Ko’s depiction of mental health issues was actually very beautiful and was coupled with great animation and general effects to convey this message to the audience. Going a little bit off-topic, Oshi no Ko emphasizes that even those who may appear to be living the life (in this case, idols) are human just like the rest of us. Many of us, myself included, often look at celebrities and athletes and say “lmao what does he/she care if I talk shit about them” because they are rich and have social status. Money and social standing can’t buy happiness and don’t just nullify our emotions. I can’t say it enough but the series does a great job of emphasizing this. The final arc of the series is character development for Ruby, as the majority of the season is focused on aqua, in terms of enjoyment, it is a little melodramatic but it is fun to see our beloved ragtag crew of failures, has-beens, and rookies chase their dream. Characters [10/10]: These characters are complex and very likable for the most part. They fall into the trope of a sad backstory but I will say that each character is multi-dimensional. What I love about this character cast is that they are never entirely positive or entirely negative. Just like real people, they have their good moments and their bad moments. Sometimes they lie and lash out, but they are also kind and caring. The comedy is mostly good, with some bad moments. It isn’t extremely funny but the jokes do land. Aqua is the character who gets the bulk of the screen time in season one. As the revived Doctor Gorou, he clearly holds an intellectual advantage to the average teenager given his life experience. He is mostly cold and calculating, focused on avenging Ai, but has his cute moments here and there. Arima Kana, this character is brilliant in my eyes. Her dialogues are funny and clever, and her character dynamic meshes well with the other overly positive characters as she is a nihilist of sorts, constantly bad-mouthing herself as she struggles to overcome her traumatizing failures. Next up is Akane Kurokawa, my MVP of the season. Her complexity isn’t on full display in season 1but you can’t help but love her kindness and determination, which come into conflict with each other as sometimes, moving forward comes at the cost of others. Her obsession and dedication to her craft is on display when researching Ai, hence why she is considered a genius as an actor. Next, we have Ruby, her screen time is limited I would say but her motivation comes from working past her former bed-ridden life. Miyako is another lovable character who takes over the role of caretaker mother. Finally, there is Mem-cho, whose backstory is inspiring. All in all, the characters are Oshi no Ko’s biggest strength and each character is deeply nuanced but in a way that you cannot help but root for them on their journey to achieve their dreams. Art/Animation [9/10]: Mengo Yokoyari’s art is just off the charts. The animation is great too don’t get me wrong, the dance sequences as well as the general effects such as the tweets, hate messages, and general comedy effects were well done without a doubt. There was clearly a lot of money and manpower involved in manufacturing the animation. But the art, oh boy I don’t care how much you hate Oshi no Ko, respect is due here. The manga was already brilliant but the animation takes her art to an whole new level. It’s just a feast to watch Soundtrack/Voice Acting [8/10]: The soundtrack was forgettable, not to say it was bad or good, but I didn’t really notice it. The opening is a banger, easily one of the most popular songs in the world right now. I like the ending as well, the way the episodes end on a cliffhanger leading into the ending sequence is nice. The voice acting is much better, for an idol anime, the voice actors are full of enthusiasm and passion. Each VA went through competitive trials to determine if they were the best fit for their role. Each VA resembles the character of their character whether that’s cute, endearing, manipulative, or negative. I want to highlight Arima Kana’s voice actor in particular, she does a brilliant job. As is with everything, not everyone will enjoy Oshi no Ko. Personally, my main criticisms are that the dialogues get annoying, the plot stagnates, and it is unbearably cringe at times. The writing is also geared to appease certain character ships (akane x aqua, kana x aqua) and gets kinda fanservice-y which delays the revenge plot. Objectively speaking, however, the series was crafted with a lot of care and is without a doubt worth watching. It may not be 10/10 new number-one anime that would surpass FMAB as many hyped it up to be after the first episode special, but it remains a solid anime overall in terms of plot, characters, art/animation, and voice acting. My advice? Try to be unbiased, tune out the harsh dissenters and diehard fans alike and give it a try for yourself to see if you like it.
Let me start out this review by prefacing a few things: - I have read, currently am reading, and have caught up to the manga of this show, so I know far more about the characters than what the anime presents - This anime is my favorite series bar none, there will definitely be bias in this review, although I will include objective points - This review __will absolutely contain spoilers. In fact...__ - ___I HIGHLY recommend watching the show in its entirety, or at the absolute bare minimum the hour-long first episode before reading this review___ With that out of the way, allow me to explain why the anime adaptation of my favorite manga series is a goated anime. ----- Oshi no Ko stands as an new trailblazer in many aspects. Its first episode alone has thrown the entire anime community for a loop by rocking its viewers, both from the manga and starting from the anime, to their very cores. Oshi no Ko is a phenomenally told story of how faces can be deceiving, the intricacies of covering every lie with three truths, and the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into an industry that is smiles, laughs, and charms. Not only has it bucked conventional storytelling devices, but it has also made use of them to create a rich and complex anime that can reach both shallow into your awaiting laughs and deep into your soul. Oshi no Ko is an Idol Anime. It is also an Isekai, a RomCom, a Revenge Thriller, a Slice of Life Show, and a Cute Girls Doing Cute Things anime. You are brought in under the guise of a starry-eyed idol who wins the hearts and minds of many who also keeps secrets of her depraved past and taboo present. In the wake of her untimely end is the seeds of a new tale of revenge, brought on by despair and anger that burns with the will of both a fan and a son. Yet during all of this brooding, we see them undergo normal, everyday events such as school, work, and idol choreography rehearsals. The haphazard plot of Oshi no Ko alone serves to demonstrate how hectic the life of an entertainer is. Just as some of their characters crammed multiple faces, personalities, and careers into a brief 17 years, this anime has crammed multiple shows and genres into the span of 11 episodes. Yet despite all this, every arc feels complete. Every single end is given a means, and the transitions from one arc to another is seamless. It doesn't feel juxtaposed because of the way the characters naturally introduce one another just as water seamlessly flows from one basin to another. Every few weeks, we are given another insightful look behind another one of Japan's entertainment industries. Why is it that some movie adaptations come out with such poor quality? How does a bunch of teenagers tolerate getting recorded in their day-to-day lives? How scripted is the world behind reality television? And just how much effort goes into raising an idol group from the ground up? As an anime fan, these questions are often left unanswered. However, instead of providing the answer to these questions, Oshi no Ko peels back the curtain and allows us to see for ourselves what the answer is: a beautifully crafted, carefully woven, keenly detailed lie. As I said earlier, the reason why this show's arcs transition seamlessly is largely due to the complicated characters that inhabit its world. Aqua and Ruby are perhaps the most complex of the both. Being reincarnations of an otaku-doctor and an otaku-terminal-patient respectively, their dynamics reflect one another in their methodology. Gorou's previously mature adult mind burns with an innate sense of guilt while stalked by a complex internal conflict of who he truly is to Ai. This causes Aquamarine Hoshino to be cold and distant, yet still retaining his signature kindness and care. His intricate layer cake stands as a direct contrast to Ruby's. The terminally ill, lonely, and crippled Sarina had her whole life taken away from her, so in her new life, she wants to wear cool dresses, sing cute songs, get an encore, stand on the big stage and make everyone happy like Ai. Yet below that bubbly smile, Ruby Hoshino is still self-conscious, afraid, and hesitant to push herself. Their contrasting dynamics made their previous relationships rich and deep, but it makes their current relationship all the more complex. Similarly, the love interests are also given such treatment. While we've gotten to know Arima Kana for a while and only recently got to know Kurokawa Akane, their dynamics mimick that of Aqua and Ruby as their rivalry creates a makeshift replacement for Aqua and Ruby's sibling relationship. Both have gone through the hardship of being a child actor, and both have faced the inherent pressure of constantly striving to do better, whether its staying on top of the chain like Akane or staying relevant like Kana. Both have similarly coped with drama, yet both reacted differently to it. Kana bubbled her true self off from the world while Akane let it seep in and envelop her entirely. Their dynamics act as representations of what faded stars look like in the entertainment industry, and the terrifying toll it takes on a person's mind, especially one so young. We see them for who they truly are, why they are currently in their situations, and what motivates them to constantly improve. We also see the dangers that loom with stepping foot in such a dangerous industry. The risk of social backlash is something many aren't accustomed to, and even more have succumbed to. Many have attributed Akane's events to being inspired from the real life of Hana Kimura, a pro wrestler who took her own life in the wake of an internet backlash during the filming of a reality TV show. Their characters join the main plot in showing what the true side of entertainment really looks like, and the terrifying toll it can take on the psyche of its participants. Of course, a fantastic story and a splendid cast of characters cannot be done without a talented art and sound department. Studio Daga Kobo did a fantastic job at bringing the manga panels to life. Every single detail in every single scene is intricately outlined and highlighted in a manner almost reminiscent of Makoto Shinkai's handiwork, a Shinkai Lite style if you may say so. It is a bright and vibrant mix of colors that when blended together create near-life imagery and beautiful scenery. If Makoto Shinkai films are the golden standard of animation quality, then Oshi no Ko has met that standard The soundtrack is also phenomenally done. The OST produced by Takuro Iga is wonderfully crafted. My personal favorite being "Mother and Children", which was permanently burned into my mind when it was paired with the most powerful scene of the entire series. The original songs "Sign wa B" and "Star T Rain" performed by the two iterations of B-Komachi were also well-made, as they felt genuine and definitely captured the idol vibe. Oh and of course, the OP and ED. Yoasobi's phenomenal work on _Idol_ allowed it to top the charts as the most popular song outside America for a long while, and Queen Bee's _Mephisto_ was used in a manner reminiscent of how Lycoris Recoil's _Hana no Tou_ or Jojo's _Roundabout_ was used as a dramatic cliffhanger tool. Both of these songs have became permanent mainstays on my playlist and I look forwards to the insert songs joining that list. ---- Oshi no Ko is and forever will by my favorite manga series, and I couldn't have been more glad that its anime adaptation went so perfectly. It truly shines as the star of 2023, and with season 2 announced, I don't think we will have to wait long for our star to return.
# __~~~My Opinion and Perspective on Oshi No Ko as a Young Actor~~~__ ~~~_"I've never felt more understood as an Actor"_~~~ (__Disclaimer__: all things I deem spoiler content are hidden along with the episode its a spoiler for listed, _I'm pretty anal about spoilers_) ___ Before we get into the meat and bones of this review, I think it’s important to provide some context. __I'm 21 and an Actor __(although it mightily cringes me out to call myself one as it sounds really egotistical, I prefer 'actor in training' tbh, but I basically am). Also __I have not read the manga__ either so nothing beyond season 1 will be discussed without being speculation. In this review I am going to analyse the show in the same way of a typical review, i.e, discuss whether it’s good or not, __but also its accuracy in depicting the Entertainment Industry__. Oshi No Ko is about Acting, Idols, and all the industry has to offer, along with its impact on the young people who live in it. As someone who lives in an all too similar world, one which is frequently not discussed, I think it's important to address where it fails, or __more so __where it succeeds. I had very little understanding of what Oshi no Ko was going to be, and I was never expecting to give so much praise to a show that on face value is about Idol groups. No show that I have ever watched has depicted the Entertainment Industry so accurately to the degree where this watch was a little __bittersweet__, as certain things cut a little too close to home. __(_Lots of details about the industry come under characters and spoilers, so if thats what your here for, go there and to the industry section_)__ ___ # __The Film that was Episode 1__ img1000(https://www.cultura.id/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oshi-no-Ko-Episode-1-Review.jpg) The first episode of Oshi no Ko is 1 hour 20 minutes long and to be honest practically feels like a film in its own right. The first episode serves the purpose of setting up the story with what is basically a 'prologue' for the series. This 'prologue' makes up all of Volume 1 of the manga and is quite different to the rest of the series. They decided to essentially bundle 4 episodes into 1 to focus on creating one tailored experience to witness the beginning of the story and boy is it a fantastic choice. Trying to think of a place to pause the first episode to split it up into 4 is very difficult because it flows perfectly as one entity. Allowing the viewer to become totally immersed before they get slapped around the face by its conclusion. Although I worried episode 1 was so good due to potentially having a film like budget and would therefore drop off in quality massively (like the latest [Demon Slayer season](https://anilist.co/anime/145139/Demon-Slayer-Kimetsu-no-Yaiba-Swordsmith-Village-Arc/)) it doesn't at all and stays remarkably consistent throughout. The situation of Idol Hoshino Ai hiding her pregnancy from the world sets up a story that depicts the horrible reality of what the Entertainment Industry is like specifically in Japan. Perfectly paving the way for this show to air out the dirty laundry of Showbiz. Episode 1 is best experienced blind and with little to no prior knowledge so a more detailed breakdown is behind the spoiler tag below. But as a __TLDR__ for episode 1, it is absolutely fantastic, heart-wrenching and pretty much perfect. __Ep 1 Spoilers__: ~!Episode 1 is all about the origins of the Hoshino twins and the legacy of their mother and Idol Ai, along with her tragic end. I could see some signposting that she would potentially die (ironically as she's listed as a supporting character), but it still had a very strong emotional impact on me. And of course, going back to the twins, we see that both are the reincarnations of characters we know from the first half of episode 1: Aquamarine, the doctor who helped Ai give birth (or was supposed to before he died) and Ruby, a very ill child who passed away while under the care of the old Aqua. It does a fantastic job of setting up what is next for the show: Aqua hunting down his biological father. I can't help but look at this choice and __commend its boldness__ regardless of whether I agree with the decision in question. Too many shows are afraid to take risks and end up toeing the line and landing in the all too expansive pit of mediocrity. I'd argue this move alone sets up Oshi No Ko to be a story that you aren’t going to want to miss.!~ # __The Story of Chasing a Dream, or Living Up to Someone Elses__ The rest of the show centres around Ruby's dream of becoming an Idol and Aqua's 'mission' (ep1 spoiler) that leads him to pursuing a career in Acting. The twins join the leading Performing Arts High School in the country/city meeting lots of other performing arts teens along the way, the standouts chasing their own dreams. The show does a great job of highlighting all the colourful, obnoxious, and sometimes disgustingly plastic personalities of these young people running the gauntlet to achieve fame, which from personal experience is really quite accurate. Oshi No Ko generally focuses on the nicer characters, after all you'd go insane if every character was a fake narcissistic prima donna. Aqua ends up getting his first acting role after a recommendation from Arima Kana (a detail I'll discuss later), which is then followed with him (ep 3/4 spoiler):~! joining a Japanese version of Love Island for Highschool teens. Which results in the highlighting of yet another dark reality of being on camera.!~ Meanwhile Ruby is hunting for members to join her reincarnation of her mother’s idol group B Komachi. The show does a bafflingly good job of recreating the plights of young performing artists and entertainers in general, as it depicts the lives of triple threat actors (Acting, singing, and dancing), Idols, Youtubers/Streamers and Musicians. They included plentiful real-world scenarios that frustrate performers daily and more importantly get the reactions to these right. Some people may look at the forming of an idol group or Aqua's acting journey and think it sounds a bit boring, and to be honest if it was handled poorly, best believe it would be. Oshi No Ko, however, gets it right. Finding the perfect places to inject drama, politics, and emotion to these situations in ways that are 100% real while still being wild enough to be entertaining. The show also finds the right balance of school life and industry work, highlighting the sheer amount of effort taken to make it. The season also has a great conclusion, reaching a satisfying point in certain characters progressions and setting up the future of the story. When it comes to the end of a season, I always feel as though the final episode should in some way mirror the first. Afterall going full circle is the best way to address a character progression and themes set out from the beginning. The final episode harks back to the first in a way that feels very satisfying with characters directly referencing the events of the first, but more importantly touching on the feelings, desires, and goals they had when we first met them, and how they differ now. It's not just about having a character undergo a fundamental change, but the reassertion of their desires after undergoing turmoil or challenges. Seeing characters reaffirm their belief in what they want to do, whether that be finding new motivation, or deciding to do something else plays a big factor in what makes Oshi No Ko's characters feel real. In general, the show also finds a great balance between being serious and finding the right moments to be funny. Making sure your show isn’t just 100% serious is important to keeping people from burning out and it seems to nail this balance. ___ # __Characters__ The characters in this are great. The attention to detail taken to meticulously craft what feels like almost every character is impressive. I'm overjoyed to say that not just the supporting characters, but the side characters seem to have had considerable effort put into them. Whether that be the bratty model who can't act that Aqua deals with at his first shoot, or the various adults’ Aqua encounters over the course of the season. Each one feels as though they have their own purpose for existing and more importantly their own desires. The co-stars in 'Love Now' were also great (the boys not at much), but Sumi Yuki really stood out. I have no idea if she becomes a bigger character later but for someone who plays a reasonably small role her character was handled very well. She feels as though she has more depth than some leads in other anime. She not only effects the characters around her but ends up making a noticeable impact and then reacting to it. Most side characters are barely given the screen time to show their reactions, so this is a really nice inclusion. img1000(https://thecinemaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/21rfsavasvsaavsa.jpg) __Aqua and Ruby__ are both great, having distinct differences from their sibling that lead to interesting clashes. Both seem to be dealing with the events of their childhood differently and it's explored fantastically. Aqua's personality stands out from the rest of the cast. He comes off as one of these cold sociopathic characters and most people would assume this to be down to one reason (spoiler) which it most likely is. He makes use of his acting talent and superior life experience to manipulate people to get what he wants (although he clearly does have a big heart, and this is his main motivator). Ruby juxtaposes this by wearing her heart on her sleeve, being a bubbly energetic teen. __Ep 3 Spoiler__: ~!Ruby is caught up on the idea of being an idol, and we presume this is due to her wanting to be one in her past life, however there is also a good chance this is just her following her mother's wishes. Afterall she also seems caught up on her brother becoming an actor, just like her mum wanted, although Aqua himself had long forgotten about this. Ruby also feels to me as though she is trying to become Ai. Now that she looks like her, emulates her, and is reviving her idol group, it doesn’t seem too farfetched she's struggling to find herself. I have a hunch this is going to end up playing a role in how the story pans out as Aqua seems to be having more success than Ruby.!~ The standouts though are these two: # __Child Prodigy Arima Kana__ img1000(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FyGQUrhXoAMAdHH.jpg:large) _"Sometimes I wondered why I was trying so hard. I even considered retiring multiple times."_ This character, along with Akane, basically feel real to me. So much of her character is scarily accurate and __I find myself relating to her more than I have any real person I've met__. Kana is a child actress who at least to me clearly has an inferiority complex. She was dropped from her agency as she grew older and subsequently has lost a lot of confidence. She feels as though she peaked as a child. In the acting world confidence is king, and necessary for success, hence her seemingly frantic need to feign self-belief. All actors go through this stage at one point, been there myself, which is why I can sympathise with her so much. So her growth is about finding her footing to climb up again. She also seems to be hung up on Aqua, whether this is because she thinks he's buff or a good actor idk. But she clearly wants to work with him as all actor’s love working with good actors, brings out the best in you and makes your life soo much easier. __She is full of all these tiny little details that are unbelievably relatable to actors and can easily go over most people's heads:__ __Ep 5 Spoiler:__~!She agrees to become an Idol with Ruby although she sees it as betraying herself and predicts it will have a bad impact on her acting career. Her concern is perfectly legitimate, as many in the industry will see this as Kana ditching acting and as a 'lack of commitment'. Sounds ridiculous I know but the acting world is heavily gatekept. This is why she is consistently conflicted about her choice. Afterall, she says _'I'm now a "former genius child actress turned idol" instead'_.!~ __Ep 11 Spoiler:__ ~!_"Say that you need me. If someone simply told me that, oh how hard I would try. Say that you can make use of me... Then, I'd work like a packhorse."_ Kana's end to this season is sheer perfection. Her inferiority complex comes to a head, and we get to see her make moves to start overcoming it. The quote above is something that I personally have identified with all my life. As an actor, you get up on stage and all you want is praise. However, the second you get off and the praise comes your way, it doesn’t feel real. I've for years longed for someone at the top to tell me I'm good enough and that I would work so unbelievably hard to live up to that. Watching this scene was the first time I realised it. For a lot of performers, they will go their whole careers without real praise (at least will never believe it to be). Afterall being told you were bad can crush your confidence, so people don’t say it. But at the same time, all you want is some constructive criticism so you can improve. Its hella isolating, and that’s what Kana feels, __alone__. This is also why such a big deal is made from Aqua's comments post-concert. He refuses to give them too much praise, as he expects they will get a lot better, which contextualises the praise he does give them as genuine.!~ __Ep 10-11 Spoiler:__~!There is another standout moment in ep 10 and 11 regarding Kana's nerves before the concert. A clear narrative choice was made here that at least stands out to me. Most people will look at Kana being unable to sleep as nerves (which is true), but also blame this for her messing up her performance, which couldn't be further from the truth. Kana is similar to me, in the sense that she is one of these performers who doesn't get nervous right before performing or while doing it, instead getting nervous the day before, resulting in no sleep. This isn't the reason she messed up as any good actor can perform at least decently on no sleep, it gets done all the time. The main reasons why she is nervous is because first, in her head she's not an idol, so this is new to her. And second, she's more than experienced enough to know all the things that can go wrong. Ruby and MEM-cho can sleep oblivious, as they have no experience of what the situation is going to be like. Instead getting nervous when they turn up on the day. The choice to make Kana mess up was another surprising one. I personally was certain she would be fine and figured her professionalism would pull her through. Kana's error comes down once again to her inferiority complex, feeling like she isn’t good enough, until Aqua comes through to give her a wakeup call. I love the subtle detail of the colour of the glowsticks changing to white after Aqua cheers her on (the white glowsticks being specific to Kana, each girl has their own glowstick colour, and before Aqua does this there are no white ones). Maybe this is an example of egotistical performers needing validation, and that’s probably true. Almost all actors boil down to having the selfish desire of wanting to stand on stage and be seen, if that desire isn't strong enough, you won't put in the work to end up on stage.!~ # __Acting Phenom Kurokawa Akane__ img1000(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZTj0LKAx72VM-qyh7SnUQAPHSiO-JvVq_dNXVGrEgv5jPmbFciACAd3Tjq5FU3gK0b3qXlguQCNtAMsRPjkgVtH2zf5kBI4xWUtYLDUOieDt35JxyPDi2UhnYyhzM0SPVKIFBiFWqjhGNWy8gnkJO3kxQiOlnK7hjtgB5UctDSuSJ7M__XKVhvJGAQ/s3072/akane_kurokawa_oshi_no_ko.jpg) Akane is another actress with an inferiority complex. _Wow it’s almost like that all actors are_. But yet again her’s plays an interesting role in her characterisation. You see her franticly asking for advice non-stop and incessantly taking notes. Although she boils down to having the same core problem as Kana, they are both impacted by it in totally different ways. Whereas Kana puts up this cold facade, Akane is very emotionally open and vulnerable. __Ep 6 Spoiler:__~!We see in this episode just how hard she is pushing herself as the criticism comes flying in from the audience at home and she understandably takes it to heart. We get this emotive crescendo that is really hard to stomach.!~ __Ep 11 Spoiler:__~!During her clash with Kana we see that the two have a rivalry, and not just because of the hot blonde. Akane has a grudge against Kana because as children, Kana frequently stole all the roles she applied for, the rejection burning away at her. This is most likely the trigger for her working so hard and then pushing herself to breaking point. This could easily look ridiculous, but it is very common that the 'industry favourite' gets picked for almost every role, and the little Arima Kana was for a time that. This also sets up what I'm sure is going to be an electric second season that by the looks of things has a focus on acting!!!!~ ___ # __The Entertainment Industry__ Overall Oshi No Ko is fantastic at depicting the real industry in a way that any and every performer will find relatable. It’s so accurate its almost painful. It does a much better job than the horrible attempt of [Osomake Romcom](https://anilist.co/anime/124675/Osamake-Romcom-Where-The-Childhood-Friend-Wont-Lose/). I was in the middle of doing my drama school auditions when this show started airing and it was quite crazy how many things are just bang on. Whether that be characters with recognisable traits or sympathising with situations it’s all there. For example, in episode 10 we see a hall cram packed with easily 100s Idols preparing to perform at a festival, rehearsing and getting changed. This scene really did give me an existential crisis knowing only a few weeks prior I was in a room filled with 200 auditionees standing shoulder to shoulder taking up the whole room. I touched on some parts of the industry while analysing Kana and Akane but here are some other notable parts worth scrutinizing. __Ep 1 Spoiler:__ ~!Aqua's acting talent being cracked for his age makes perfect sense. Most will boil this down to the Hoshino genes, but the bigger factor must be his actual age. Life experience is often considered one of the most important factors in young actors, seen as very important by drama schools (hence lots of people auditioning multiple times). Having the life experience of a 30-year-old at 16 would make a crazy difference. So, it’s nice to see this anime is grounded in reality, instead of him just being gifted 'talent'. He was gifted a pretty face though which sadly does make a difference.!~ During Kana and Aqua's TV shoot we are presented with yet another harsh reality of the acting world which is that raw acting talent isn't everything. The show is entirely promo for their models and couldn’t care less about the acting. Of course, money matters but this is an example of when the people with real talent aren't given a chance. Yet again another harsh truth. Sadly, things like appearance factor in heavily in the industry (an even bigger issue in Asia than the West). It might seem like a small thing but it's nice to see this acknowledged. __Ep 2 Spoilers:__~!Also, as Aqua eavesdrops on the director we hear that he picked Kana for the role essentially to take advantage of her: describing her fees as 'dirt cheap', although she is 'somewhat known', along with knowing she is desperate. He also says the following, _"Acting ability's not even a factor in the first place,"_ although Kana believes she is being valued for her skills. It's once again heat breaking but accurate. If she's not part of an agency she's treated like a __second-rate citizen__. Very rarely are abilities fairly judged. I also like the subtle fact that Kana's performances in this TV show are described as bad except for when she acts with Aqua. This is clearly because the rest of the cast are ass (you can very easily tell watching it, they are actively performed intentionally bad) and give her almost nothing to work with. It’s hard to make talking to a rock entertaining. Seeing as Aqua gives her something to bounce off of her performance skyrockets in quality and is actually very realistic. If one performer isn’t on it, it can pull an actor down, especially if the entire cast is useless.!~ __The one thing__ that I think is missing or an interesting omittance is that we do not see a __single audition once__. Auditions are a part of everyday life for performers, just like eating and sleeping. So, it struck me as interesting that it’s not there, although I think there's a reason. Almost every role we see any of the actors get, they get it by __recommendation__. One of the most frustrating realities of the industry is that the biggest roles are given to people by recommendation due to reputation/fame and favouritism, with most actors forced to fight over the scraps at the bottom (aka the side characters). The entertainment industry is heavily gatekept by money. Only wealthy people can afford __enough__ acting lessons and auditions for drama school to make it. For context an audition for drama school costs anywhere between £30-£100 __per audition__ including recalls (2-3 recalls per school). I spent around £500 this year alone on these fml. A 6-week acting course at one of the best schools in the UK also cost me £2000. Anyone in the industry knows it’s built from the ground up to benefit the upper class who are 'privileged enough' to afford it. Let’s not forget, Kana can afford to live on her own and the Hoshino's have Ai's Idol money along with agency backing. It feels like an intentional comment is being made here about the lack or 'fairness' in the industry. Looking back to Kana and Aqua's TV show, the cast were models picked to promote their brand, not good actors. ___ # __Animation, Directing and VA performance__ I'm gonna keep my comments on animation and directing brief as there isn’t much to say. The animation in this doesn't have any crazy motion or anything, after all its a slice of life that doesn’t remotely warrant it. But the art direction of this show in my opinion is top notch. Some of the drawings in this are stunning. The general variety of facial expression in this show makes me very happy. It looks beautiful. The visual composition is also good, so this show feels well directed and is very well drawn. Not to mention paced very nicely. The VA performances are exactly what you would expect from a show about acting. No surprises here, it’s very well acted. One interesting detail is that most of the leading roles are played by actors with a lot less experience than what is common. Normally its always the same people, but for this show they picked people who have not as much experience, mainly starting voice acting in anime around 2017-18. Of course, there are exceptions, but at the same time the VA for Ruby, Yurie Igoma, is incredibly inexperienced. Not only this being her first leading role, but her first non-background role in seemingly anything (in total 4 anime appearances, 3 of which are extras, and also one audio drama). From her performance this is impossible to tell, and I love that chances are being taken on newer performers. Also, Megumi Han as Kana was also brilliant, I could write a whole essay on why, so I'll spare you. Manaka Iwami yet again pulls out another great performance as Akane. __Ep 6,7 and 8 Spoiler:__~!The skill taken to play a character acting as another character and do it well is very hard. The scene where Akane emulates Ai was particularly impressive. Of course the other scenes in ep 6 and 7 are fantastic as well.!~ ___ # __Conclusion__ Essentially what you have here is a show that does something that seemingly very little shows have managed to do before. Tell the reality of the Entertainment Industry in a way that people outside of it can empathise and relate to the people who live in it. This is a show which delivers in every single area. I worried a show about the industry I live in could be patronising or not understand me, but it feels almost like this writer has been watching over my shoulder. Watching this show while doing my auditions did drive me slightly insane for a period forcing me to take a break but I always planned on coming back. At the very least watch that first episode. Take that chance and you'll be hooked. Safe to say I am. ___ _Thank you for making it all the way to the end this is hella long, so I appreciate you reading this. Hopefully my incite was useful or at least interesting and maybe changed your perspective on this wonderful piece of fiction._
[SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE SHOW] So this anime blew up....A LOT. I honestly thought it was going to be boring as shit and just not my cup of tea because Idol anime were never really my favorite and I also barely seen any because it's just a bunch of music videos stitched together with an overdramatic plot. Of course this isn't EVERY Idol anime, but my impression and expectations were low nonetheless.....but then episode 1 premiered. I am not going to lie, it reallyy surprised me at first because this anime that looks so decent and just maybe meh became #1 on MAL?!?!?!? Then I searched on social media and google and it's just people telling me to watch it and thumbnails of people crying XDXD This indicated that some fuckery went on, and me being a bandwagon whore, I watched the first 1 HOUR AND 20 MINUTE first episode of Oshi No Ko. The results??? A damn near masterpiece. Let's get on with the pros gentleman. Pros: Animation- OKAY SO! The animation DID NOT need to go that hard. This is for an Idol anime right? So I thought that it would be mid at best but at the first minute, it blew me away. It's so nice and so fluid! Characters could be standing and doing nothing and it would still be animated like if it was God himself. From the starry eyes to the nail art on the characters, it is so detailed and animated beautifully. The hair strands flowing in the air so naturally to the blinking of the hypnotic eyes of the characters, IT'S ALL JUST SO WONDERFUL. I legitimately have no complaints in the animation department, it is done so well. This was made by Doga Kobo which has done some noticeable works (Shikimori's Not Just A Cutie, Monthly Girls Nozaki-Kun, Plastic Memories, Umaru-Chan, etc) but none of them were able to capture what Oshi No Ko has as much. Most of their works are animated well, but not like Oshi No Ko. I can tell that they tried their damndest to make the show look as beautiful as possible and look so fluid. I commend Doga Kobo. Story- The storytelling in Oshi No Ko is great! Given that the same author made Kaguya-Sama Love is War! It is also confirmed to be in the same universe as Love is War which is CRAZY because these two are completely different tonally, maybe we will get a Kaguya cameo one day XD. Okay so, the story is about an idol rising to popularity named Ai. Ai has recently been keeping a secret from the world, and that is her pregnancy from a anonymous man. A doctor who takes care of the physically ill and a fan of Ai encounters her in the hospital for labor. He promises to deliver her babies safely so that she can be a comfortable mother and a successful idol. The doctor also has a patient that was recently deceased and is the main cause of him becoming a big fan of Ai. One day a stranger took the doctors life and was reborn into one of Ai's children named Aquamarine. Another crazy fact, he is a twin with his sister who is named Ruby, also known by the audience as the deceased girl that the doctor took care of. Both of them gained consciousness and strived to keep Ai's secret and also be content with their lives as her children. That is, until one fateful day that spiraled the twins out of control. Ai has been killed by a stalker and are left to be raised by her managers. This event led to Aqua going into a dark path of revenge and Ruby's obsession into the idol world. The story tells the dark sides under the entertainment industry and how it can affect people in it. The consequences can be fatal. Now I didn't expect this anime to delve deep into the entertainment world, I just expected an idol anime full of songs, dancing, and a bit of drama, BUT NO!! This shit blew me out of the water. Granted, I might be overreacting, but no, I actually really enjoy the story and the direction by Doga Kobo is magnificent. The first episode could indeed be a fucking movie cuz GODDAMN, 1 hour and 20 minutes?!?!? SHEEESSHH. The progression is also really decently paced, with Aqua having his own plot. I would say there are 2 plots. Plot A is Aquas revenge story and him trying to find out about the person who indirectly killed Ai, so he goes into the entertainment industry to investigate and find out. Plot B is Ruby and friends banding together to make an idol group and rise into fame with Ruby wanting to respect the legacy of her mother. Out of these two, Aqua's is more interesting, but Ruby has her moments as well. We get a lot of information of how things work in the industry and how something so little can really ruin your life. There are things in the show that tells its audience of how things work and the consequences of people in it like greedy and corrupted higher ups, directors who slander the source material, misunderstandings, the toxic expectations, child actors, performing advice, cyberbullying, and a lot more. Oshi No Ko digs deep in scenarios that actually can happen in real life, like toxic fanbases that can completely destroy a persons life and child actors that get screwed over by the industry because they are not in their prime anymore. There's more to it but the main point is that Oshi No Ko writes the story very well, and I can't talk about it too long or this gonna go on forever, but the main story is the entertainment industry with other plot points such as Aqua's revenge and Ruby's dream of being an idol. All of this correlates into one big bow that hasn't been completed yet. (season 2 coming soon doe ;)) Now this part may be personal and is also the reason why I like Oshi No Ko so much. In episode 6, we go into a character named Akane. She is a very talented method actor and an improviser. She goes into this reality dating show that Aqua attended (with the intention of investigation) and has done a mistake. She accidentally hurt one of her co-workers during shooting. She was obviously very remorseful, but what came of it is one of the most heartbreaking and real shit I have ever seen. The directors edited and cut parts of what really happened which gave the audience an impression that Akane is a villain and should be bullied. Akane got cyberbullied and doxxed by online people who assume that the show is actually real and this is how she acts. It became so bad, that people in real life started to bully her. This led into a heartbreaking realization on what is going on. Akane became extremely depressed and suicidal. At some point, she was about to end it all until Aqua saved her. It was actually really hard to watch and made me feel like shit for the rest of the day. This is because that I have experienced such things before. Not to get sentimental or anything but I was bullied HARD in middle school and in return, it gave me 2 years of pure suffering and depression. It doesn't help that one of my family members almost 'did it' successfully after their abusive relationship with a horrible person. It was a hard time which is why this episode kinda gave me PTSD and made me feel sick. Not to say it was bad, it was really well written and good, but I don't think I'll come back to that episode due to my personal trauma. It really tells how good a show is when it speaks to me that way. This specific episode also sparked quite a controversy. This section is to give regards to the actual person who committed suicide that experienced the same thing. This episode was inspired by that situation, except that they didn't make it. I will send my condolences to the family members who experienced that and I hope that person can fly high :) Now, I will never forgive what the Oshi No Ko fandom has done. Ironic isn't it? A show that tells you that doing that shit like attacking and cyberbullying someone can be fatal, has a fanbase that did the exact same shit. The victims mother has spoken out that she doesn't find the episode very well due to her trauma. She is allowed to dislike it and I understand why she wouldn't watch the episode. So to say the FUCKING AUDACITY!! These people said disgusting things towards the mother and BULLIED HER!! The same fanbase from the same show, did what they were told NOT TO DO!! I have never been more pissed off to fandom before, other than Steven Universe. Whats worse is that Oshi No Ko fans also resorted to incest like BITCH WHAAATTTT?!?!?! I am disgusted with its fandom and I hope those mfs chug oiled and cooked roaches and crickets. I hope your parents divorce and make you go to military camp because you mofos obviously don't know how to behave. I hope you motherfuckers don't become parents and get circumcised. I hope you motherfuckers get bullied to hell and see how that feels. I outta razor your goofy ass haircut and throw you into a pit of ratas, stupid ass bitch. I am getting hella sidetracked. Characters- The characters in Oshi No Ko are so dynamic and so non-1 dimensional that I am actually rooting for EVERYBODY. I have none or very few complaints about the characters, but save those for the cons. I really like everyone, so let's get on as to WHY I like them. -Aqua is a cunning, intelligent, and manipulative motherfucker. He could do ANYTHING just to get closer to his real father. Bro could be oiled up and naked with a clown mask in public if it would mean to get closer to his revenge goal. He can be very intimidating and sometimes questionable when it comes to his actions. He has a very "i dont care" attitude, but that could be further from the truth. In the midst of his revenge, he actually cares about the people around him and never goes too far if he needs them for something. He went above in beyond to find his father, he got into Ai's personal phone by trying her password 400 times, he got into a show to be close with the director (who knows Ai) and got a DNA test from him using a cigarette, he does any and all deals the director tells him to just to gain a bit of information, he gets close to Akane because she is associated with a theater that Ai was in, he is going to be in a production by the same theater just to get closer, and brother doesn't even like acting XDXD But, the moments where he actually cares is so heartwarming. He saved Akane from suicide, he did a video collage of her to regain her reputation, supports Ruby and her friends with her dream of being an idol, bro pretended to be Pieyon to comfort Kana, showed up at their concert to give Kana and others confidence. You cannot tell me this man is a sweetheart deep inside. He isn't 100% a ruthless revenge filled villain, which is why I love Aqua as a character. -Ruby is a hyper, passionate, kind, and extroverted character that brings joy and life into any scene. While we have the dark and broody plot A, we have the lighthearted and fun plot B. Ruby wants to respect her mothers legacy so she wanted to create an idol group with the same name as Ai's, B Komachi. Although Ruby is less prominent in the show than Aqua, she still has her moments such as the last 2 episodes. She really shines when she comforts other characters, show her willpower in becoming an idol even with her average skills, and also has a bit of jealousy when it comes to her brother. Now I know it's weird that her and Aqua are overprotective of each other, but I just see it as a sibling bond and it makes sense given their backstory. Ofc, mfs will be weird basement dwellers and ship them :/ but yeah, Ruby is so kind and has a lot of features like Ai's which can be uncanny to some. I do know that she becomes a better character soon in the manga and I cannot wait (I saw a panel of her dark star eyes and she looks insane). -Kana is hardworking, sassy, playful, and smug asf. She was an annoying and narcissistic child when she met Aqua, but she became my second favorite character. Kana and Aqua's interactions are always golden considering that she is so overdramatic and sassy with him that it's fun seeing a polar opposite of someone to Aqua. Aqua always deals with her shit, but he never lets go of their friendship and actually has a liking to her. Kana used to be a child actor, but since her 'prime' days are over, she struggles to find work now that she's older. That can resonate with many child actors who no longer could find work. Instead she is stuck with subpar productions and can be manipulated by higher ups. Her acting performances are really good though which is why I get pissed when people underestimate her XD But the best part about her character is how she has very low self-esteem. She acts like she is super confident, but he self doubts way too much and never has confidence which is the opposite to what she acts on the outside. Her childhood acting days rattled her so much that she doubts anything she does like singing, dancing, and acting when she does those things far better than anyone else. Which is very relatable to many women and men and also can be inspiring when she overcomes it at the end (for the most part) and decides to just have fun and do her best. She won't satisfy everyone and that is ok because she has her friends and her own fans for support. I honestly am rooting for Aqua and Kana ;) -Akane became the star of episode 6 and 7 due to how dark it was. I really feel sorry for her and I cannot wait to see more of her in season 2. Akane is also super passionate, but she worries too much and is super nervous. She can also be super talented, especially with acting. Although she is shy and sensitive, she can bring a big ass performance. She is so good, that Aqua genuinely got so shook that he started tweakin for the rest of the episode XDXD Her Ai impression in episode 7 genuinely got me that I really think she pulled Ai's soul out of the shadow realm and put it in her body bruv XD But yeah, her episode is a masterpiece and I am really rooting for her. Although I do like her and Aqua interacting as well, it doesn't feel as authentic than Aqua and Kana. Probably because her and Aqua are more like work buddies than anything else, but she does have a crush on him in a way. (I still am with Aqua x Kana). There isn't much of her, but I know we will see more of her next season which is her theater. The arc is known as 2.5D Stage Play which where her and the others can really shine, so I am excited. -Mem is a character that is not shown as much as the others, but does have her moments. She's really quirky, stylish, cutesy, and a passionate streamer who wants to become an idol. She is shown in the reality dating tv show with Aqua, but her character rose into being in Ruby's idol group. She is also known to be popular in streaming which is how she gained a lot of fans in the idol industry. She is also shown to give a lot of advice towards others due to experience. I didn't expect her to be 25 years old, yet here we are XDXD She gave a lot of advice to Ruby, Aqua, and Akane whenever they are in a situation, which I appreciate. I hope I get to see more of her character. -Miyako is also a character in the show that was mean, but became nicer except it's after episode 1 :3 She used to be a gold digger in a way and was pissed about the whole situation since she had to babysit Ruby and Aqua in episode 1. She raised both Aqua and Ruby after their mother was killed which is why I came to like her after episode 1. She is obviously a mother figure and I love how she is so supportive of Ruby and Aqua and raised them very well. She also gives advice and context to the industry world like Mem :3 Momma Miyako Supremacy -Ai Hoshino. The moment has finally arrived. I cannot believe how much the advertisements did us dirty XDXD I assumed she was the main character since she was EVERYWHERE. But....the next day the mf was dead :( I cannot believe how they managed to make me cry, they hyped her up and gave her a character arc only for her to never show up again >:,( She was quite immature and clumsy when it comes to motherhood given that she was 16 when in labor, but her love for her children and her efforts gave me a smile to my face. She is also extremely charismatic and has a dark undertone to her. She has never loved anyone before, so for her personal sake, she got kids to see if she would feel human. She had a rough childhood so I understood why she is the way she is. People fell in love with her in the 1st ep only to TAKE HER AWAY FROM US RAAAHHHHH. Her last speech made me cry buckets, and I never really cried on much anime other than like 3 so for an anime to make me cry, it deserves a high score. She is a wonderful person and mother and is very talented. If she didn't die, she would've had a successful career with her children and the thought of it makes me depressed because ITS NOT REAAALLL >:O Great character, fuck the marketing team XDXD There are other minor characters in the show, but they have a little to no importance, but the ones that do are the director, Taishi, Gorou, and Sarina. You will see these 3 more in episode 1 and 2, other than that, not as important as the other characters. (They do have major importance in episode 1, but I only rate the ones that are shown throughout most of the show) Voice Acting- JP VA's NEVER MISS!!! They all did a swell job, especially Ai's VA. She absolutely slayed brotha and her speech had the audacity to make me cry. I would like to applaud Rie Takahashi for her performance as Ai and would give her the award as the best one in the show. OBVIOUSLY everyone did a fantastic job in the JP department. Now, whoever the fuck did the dub in HiDive deserves to walk in ice with no socks and I hope your room is hot as fuck at night to the point where you develop insomnia with your bitch ass. The dub absolutely SLANDERS the sub and it's absolutely criminal how they fucked up Ai's speech at the end. Sentai dubs were always so garbage, their sound equipment sound like they got it from a guys Call of Duty headset with their tiny ass microphone. Sentai dub also slandered the fuck out of Vinland Sagas dub, thank the lawd that Netflix picked it up and did a better job than that pile of excrement. Soundtrack- A thing that no one I see talks about is the music in Oshi No Ko. I swear, most of the parts where I started to cry is because of the soundtrack!! Oshi No Ko has music that is mixed with piano and violin, and if you know me, music like that gets me more wet than me in ovulation week past 12 AM at night. Violin music is underrated as fuck and I'm tired of pretending that it is MIDDDD!!! Oshi No Ko's music is fantastic and when that violin hits, IT HITS. The intro will go down as one of the most popular intros in anime, but what I don't see appreciation in is the outro. I admit, the outro actually gets me more than the intro. The outro is absolutely gorgeous and emotional, so that gets a reward for the most underrated piece of music in the show :D I hope they continue to orchestrate PEAK next season. Art Style- I cannot say it enough, but OSHI NO KO IS GORGEOUS. I love love love the eyes as the characters. They all have galaxy starry eyes that are just so well drawn and is consistent throughout the entire show!! I also love the smooth, scribbly, and stringy art design everyone has, it really heightens the aesthetic and atmosphere of the show. The art style actually kind of reminds me of Kyoto Animations art, specifically Silent Voice and Violet Evergarden. I really have no complaints. I like how the art style changes when something dark happens. Characters eyes no longer become galaxy like and instead just black with a smidge of their og color, it can be creepy. Another example is when Aqua's star eyes change and become black, it means that some fuckery is about to happen. Akane unlocking her starringan is also another example. I don't know how else to describe it, it's GREAT. Now, cock sucking is over, I am going to the cons gentleman. Cons: Story- The story of Oshi No Ko is great, but I do have a few issues. The pacing can be quite slow sometimes and there are a lot of complaints about that. Personally, it doesn't bother me that much, but it does feel like a tonal whiplash when we go through something so heavy and horrific then HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. Not a major issue, BUT I did have an issue with one particular scene. I believe it was episode 2 when Aqua and Taishi were having a moment together, but the mother kept interrupting. It felt more annoying than comedic and completely took away the moment. There hasn't been other issues like that in the rest of the show thankfully, but the pacing feels a bit slow at times and a few moments of tonal whiplash :0 Characters- Ruby is the main issue I have in the character department. Other than her being friendly and wanting to become an idol, what else is there to her? She's one of the few that has less character than the rest. I wish we had more of a other side to her. She is also missing half the time because the story really wants to focus on Aqua, which granted is a bit more interesting but they could have spiced up Rubys plot a bit more. I do like that she has her moments, specifically the last 3 eps and Pieyons ep but I hope they make me like her more in the future and her arc becomes more interesting. Other than that, she needs more character and spice up her arc and screen time :3 So guys, that'll be it for today. My back hurts because I have been typing for 3 hours like my usual reviews :D This show is a big surprise and I cannot wait for season TWOA Oshi No Ko gets a 9/10 because fuck yeah, good show >:D Side Note- Pieyon is kinda--- HEAR ME OUT HEAR ME OUT, the things I would do to this MAN. I would [REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED] and [REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED] LIKE LAWDY SHAW-[REDACTED][REDACTED].
I have been adamant about not giving spoilers in my reviews but I think with the Anime’s main plot and premise so well defined in the first episode it is pretty inevitable So do be warned that there will be spoilers but only for episode 1 (if you haven’t been spoiled already by twitter or smth) ~~~img720(https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2023/04/Oshi-No-Ko-a68fe7d.jpeg?quality=90&resize=980,654)~~~ __~~~Spoilers incoming!~~~__ Oshi No Ko starts with a doctor that happen to meet his favorite idol (Ai Hoshino) in his hospital. To his shock she is pregnant as a teenager. A Japanese idol having a relationship itself is career ending on its own let alone having children. This prompts him to bear the responsibility to not only ensure her health as a physician but to ensure her safety and reputation as fan. The doctor whose name is irrelevant at this point encounters his first dilemma where he questions his motives whether he is keen on helping her as a professional physician or as a fan. Nonetheless she is a person that needs his help and he staunchly fulfilled that responsibility. The doctor is aware of how obsessive fans can be and the possible dangers that could arise from a dissapointed fan finding out that she is pregnant. And in danger she was indeed as it he was killed while attempting to pursue a stalker that somehow found her location. The doctor is then dead, around the same time that Ai is going into labor which through isekai fantasy magic causes him to reincarnate into her son. Ai gave birth to the doctor which she named Aquamarine and a girl which she named Ruby. Now restarting his life as a child along with the memories of his past it seems like the doctor now called Aqua is given a second chance in life and in his weird relationship with his beloved idol. Ai of course is oblivious to this reincarnation hocus pocus and thinks of him as her beloved child which she proceeds to love unconditionally, or at least she thinks so. Because in reality, Ai as an individual is a hollow shell with no real genuine emotions coming from an abusive and uninteresting life in the country side. How she managed to become such a popular and beloved idol in Japan is all due to her genius talent at faking emotions to the most intimate details. Ai has mastered the art of emotional deception and created an attractive façade that appeals to her many fans. When she tells her fans the words ‘I love you’ it swoons them off their feet and makes them overjoyed with happiness. But the truth is, those words are artificial along with her smile and mannerisms; she is in fact just keeping up for appearances. For her its nothing personal, its just business. But for the fans it makes them happy. Ai herself questions if this fake love that she expresses to her many fans is in any way shape or form bad, but ultimately views it from consequentialist point of view arguing that if a fake love gives so much joy and happiness to others then it is a valuable love nonetheless. This brings Ai to the conclusion that lying is the ultimate form of love. So for years Ai continues to lie, continues to fake her smile, as long as it brings happiness to others to the point where she blurred the lines between fake emotions and acting. But to Ai it does not matter; Her old self is a miserable unattractive bumpkin that nobody loves and loves nobody, but now she is a superstar that is loved by many even if she is uncertain if her reciprocal emotions towards them are genuine. And for the longest time she assumed that these emotions are fake because she kept on lying and lying to the point she cannot recognize what genuine emotions are anymore. Until… A stalker found where she lives and stabs her leaving her with fatal injuries. And instead of caring about the gushing would in her stomach, Ai instinctively falls back to protect her children that was in her house at that time. Instead of cursing the murderer in front of her she apologized for not loving him enough. At this point it is clear that Ai is indeed a hollow individual; a person that lives solely for others and not for herself. At this point she never once said the words I love you to her children because she fears that she will feel nothing when she does so like she have faked those words so many times before. But to her genuine delight in her final moments, when she told Aqua those 3 words she felt her heart flutter as those emotions are genuine with no regrets as she hugged her child in her final moments with the happiest smile she has ever put on her face. In the end despite accusing her love as artificial and fake, Ai ironically demonstrated the purest form of unconditional love. And that is the conclusion to the first episode of Oshi No Ko. If Aka Akasaka did anything wrong as a writer is undoubtedly creating an intro that is too good. That ending to this introductory portion of this extended plot will never be surpassed or satisfied no matter what. Aqua now too has become a shell of a person having died twice. First losing his original life as a doctor, now reincarnated and given a second chance in life by Ai and finding purpose in her just to have that purpose die too. Living through difficult and conflicting feelings as an adult, as a child, as doctor, as a fan, etc. Aqua now too has been traumatized and stripped of his sanity seeing himself fail to protect his idol twice; now too become a hollow shell of a person filled with nothing but anger. The story now retires from Ai trying to discover genuine emotions and transitions into Aqua's journey to find his mother's killer fueled by an obsessive sense of justice. The only thing Aqua cares about other than his determined pursuit of vengeance is his twin sister Ruby. Maybe its because he cares for her because she is his immediate family, or maybe he is holding on to his mother's desire for both of her children to be happy. But one thing is for certain, he too like his mother live for something other than the self; for something and somebody else. And here I think is the focus and main meat of Oshi No Ko's story: Aqua's obsessive pursuit for revenge. Ruby the twin sister of Aqua now serves as major character in the story's various side plots which most of the time is linked to Aqua's efforts to find more information about his mother's killer. For example entering a reality show so he can earn a favor with Ai's former TV producer to gather information. These sub plots never seem out of place due to its constant relevance in Aqua's pursuit of vengeance. But this does not stop Aqua from genuinely being a good brother and friend to the people around him. He tries to stop Ruby from entering the idol business because he did not want even the risk of her suffering the same fate as their mother and he is receptive and compassionate to people that he meets in his various entertainment jobs that he participate in order to earn favors and information for his ultimate goal. An interesting journey is set for our protagonist as now it keeps me guessing if Aqua will be consumed by an obsessive need for revenge or will he gradually learn to let go of the past and embrace the connections he made in his pursuits in the industry. Speaking of Ruby, I think she is an excellent character to introduce an interesting side plot along side Aqua's main plot. The intricacies of the industry (I believe) is not well understood by the casual audience and she serves as a student character to be fed exposition about the inner workings and its various politics as an aspiring idol with no experience. This way when detailed explanations are being told it does not fee like talking down to the audience and being out of place. Similarly like when Harry Potter is being taught about magic in Hogwarts it does not feel like the author is trying to lecture us and rather lecture the noob muggle that is Harry. And from all the doom and gloom about seeking revenge Ruby serves as a refreshing air of positivity to let the audience breathe. Just like her genius idol mother Ruby have the same drive and energy to become an idol and unlike Ai that is living for others and Aqua that is living for revenge, Ruby genuinely lives for herself, her dreams. Unlike Aqua that is still burdened by his mother's death, Ruby have accepted and moved on knowing that living her life happily to the fullest is what her mother would have wanted. And this contrasting dynamic of cheerful and gloomy between twin siblings definitely make an interesting experience for the story moving forward. Oshi No Ko is about a lot of things, love, passion, revenge, trauma, etc. Which is absolutely true to its stated genre: DRAMA. It's freaking DRAMA and there is a lot of shit happening in this sort of genre. Which is sorta fitting about a story that revolve around the entertainment industry with various people from different backgrounds. You cannot expect there to be no drama! But despite the various events going on I still feel in this 11 episodes the main trajectory of the plot is quite clear: Aqua's quest for revenge. All these DRAMA are just inevitable obstacles or side events that happen along the way. Oshi No Ko started off with a premise that definitely hooked me to see it through, Aqua's journey seems to be a difficult one with various unpredictable challenges along the way. But his determination along with my attachment for Ai made it a promising plot for me to follow through. Besides that, the various cast of side characters too are an entertaining bunch that have unique challenges of their own which are a fun addition and dynamic to add with Aqua's journey to follow. An easy 10/10 for me for being a really engaging drama that offers various surprises for this first season. __End of regular review__ ___ __Some 'Pretentious' Thoughts__ Now this review is very long and you notice I haven't included any pretentious elements about how this anime represents the entertainment industry, or bring light to the _dark events_, _bring awareness to tough life of entertainers_, etc. Why? Because I am a firm believer of media consumption based on its basic merits. I will not award social justice points to media just because they have a good message and they are really deep in criticizing society or whatever. Take 2021's _Don't Look Up_ for example: Its bring to light the very real issue of global warming yeah, but it still sucks because its a bad story! it doesn't matter! So coming back to Oshi No Ko and its ostensibly _eye opening_ look into the entertainment industry's _dark_ aspects. This is something I genuinely did not feel affected my viewing experience and rating for this Anime. Why? Because its not news to me. I have been aware of the predatory aspects of the entertainment industry for several years now both because I have studied it and have conversations with said people involved in the industry itself. I am confident I am aware about details of the entertainment industry's exploitative and inhuman practices way more than the average person. So my rating and enjoyment from Oshi No Ko purely comes from its own two feet from its amazing introduction, nuanced characters, bombastic art style, and strong story telling. _The production quality is just perfect, not much to really talk about._ But what is this common criticism I hear stating that it fail to bring awareness about the exploitations of the entertainment industry and the struggles of entertainers? I really genuinely fail to see how it failed. Is there anyone out there after completing Oshi No Ko and having less compassion for entertainers? If bringing awareness towards the struggles of entertainers and the darker untold aspects of the entertainment industry is the goal of this anime I am pretty confident it has done it well. Again I am not saying I like this anime because of its perceived moral contributions for entertainers, I am just saying that its sweet that it has done it well. And is the series trying to sound deep and complex? This is another criticism I see that from a presumptuous and conceited point of view think that Oshi no Ko is trying to be smart, trying to be more than it is. In what way does an reincarnation isekai fantasy story about a kid trying to avenge his mother is trying to be smart and complex? That description itself is pretty self explanatory on Oshi No Ko's perceived intent. And if the same people that accuse Oshi No Ko of trying to be smart also accuse the show of failing to bring awareness to the issue, they are either contradictory in their opinions to the point of engaging in bad faith argument or blatantly disrespecting the common sense of the writers thinking they are dumb enough to complicate the message of awareness they presumptuously are trying to spread to the general public. Some diehard fans of the series too seem to have a biased take on why it should be considered the greatest and most important anime of all time by virtue of its perceived morality and social contributions. Deflecting criticism and defending the series to the point of labelling anyone that dislike the shows supports cyberbullying and exploitative entertainment companies. Some even trying to masquerade as social justice heroes of superior morality because they understood the moral objective of the show and no longer support the entertainment industry as a result. This is also a bad faith argument as it is totally alright for somebody to be not engaged with the story but still recognize what it ostensibly is trying to bring to light. But if there is one take away that everybody should have from Oshi No Ko weather they liked or hated it, is a simple one which I do not think is that difficult to fathom: __~~~Entertainers are human too and should be given the right to such basic empathy ~~~__ ~~~img720(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1075273329583337496/1125765995970183248/pain.png)~~~
This is a review by a manga reader that has been following Oshi no Ko in ongoing for quite some time, so I have a point of reference when it comes to comparing the quality; however I will be discussing only the period of 11 episodes or roughly 40 manga chapters, so there won't be any spoilers ahead. I'll be covering both positive and negative aspects of the series, and the final score is my __SUBJECTIVE__ opinion - just because I didn't enjoy a certain part of the series, doesn't mean that you will as well. The review only contains one spoiler, as I really needed to address the plot, but you were probably already aware of it anyway. Length:11 episodes (1st one is 90 minutes long) Watched in: Japanese and English +Incredible songs in opening and ending by Ayase/YOASOBI and Queen Bee +"Behind the curtains" take on the show business, that are based on the real events in Japanese industry +Good voice acting in Japanese +Some amazing visuals that came as a pleasant surprise +Both Aqua, Kana and Akane are interesting characters, but -They are put in this nonsensical teen melodrama that terminates the plot lines that actually matter(for now) -The OST is on the weak side, with no memorable tracks (outside J-pop and OP/ED) -Overuse of repeated animation -Some poorly timed comedy that ruins the serious mood -Drama's impact is weaker, in comparison to manga, due to rushed pacing Oshi no Ko - spring anime of 2023 that had a popularity unlike any other. It's definitely been some time since a series went mainstream. After the release, it managed to hit an astonishing 9.35 rating on MAL - I don't remember the last time something like this has happened(I believe when Bleach got its new adaptation, it has also stolen the first place, but its rating wasn't that high). The popularity of OnK became a remarkable phenomenon, with some people claiming it as a masterpiece(I see you Gigguk) while others stated that it's an overhyped trash, that didn't live up to the hype. And this is exactly the core of the problem - Oshi no Ko became a victim of its own popularity. No work in the world will be able to satisfy everyone, no matter how well it is written. The central theme of this anime is love, as the main character that the whole story revolves around, Ai Hoshino, struggles to understand this feeling, as she has never known love in her life. Because of that, she takes an opportunity to become an idol - hoping, that it would make her understand this feeling. This is a good premise. It promises psychological conflict in the future, gives us an interesting theme, and sets up a lot of room for the future development. However, after the first episode, the gear shifts, which led to the all highest rating on MAL. What would you do, if the love of your life was killed? Naturally, you would want revenge. Love and hared, being the different sides of one coin, shine in the eyes of Aqua and Ruby. They take different routes to carry the legacy of their mother, though both lay through the entertainment industry. Aka Akasaka combines high school characters, that he had made fortune creating before, with a Shakespearean revenge plot. And the result is surprisingly decent. Even though the romance plot line may be annoying to some, it isn't that relevant and serves more as a bait for a younger audience. This is perhaps the biggest issue one with this anime. However, if you are able to stomach that, or if that doesn't matter to you, the story is rather good, and, for the most part, will go uphill in the future. Between choosing manga or anime, think about whether you like comedy or drama more. If drama is your cup of tea - then you should just pick the manga instead. (very low - low - medium - high - very high) ART: HIGH Gorgeous eyes, beautiful colors, and amazing animation of performances. A pleasant surprise from Doga Kobo, but a welcome one. Too bad that it resorts to still images quite often. I hope that they can secure a bigger budget for next seasons. Also, cinematography could be much better SOUND: HIGH Good acting in Japanese, and not-so-good acting in English, which is quite a shame, as Kaguya's dub was awesome. Great songs and weak OST img49%(https://i.imgur.com/k1dzYo3.jpg) img49%(https://i.imgur.com/WZ9RuRh.jpg) Story: HIGH A boy sets on his quest for revenge to take down his father. While it may not be Code Geass (despite animated eyes) this is still well worth watching. OVERALL QUALITY: HIGH Recommended- unless you hate idols, teen romance elements and some inconsistencies. It's not perfect, but nothing is, so check it out, as next seasons might just bring something great. Or just read the manga, which is superior, though more demanding
To be honest, I'm a bit of surprised about writing this review, since "Oshi no Ko" is deffinietly not one of my favourites and it's already very popular, so there's no need for further promotion. Though, something about this series keeps my thoughts around it all the time, so I decided to share them. It's not goint to be a review of every aspect, because there are already plenty of them. I just want to point out what I especially liked and disliked. __Opening:__ At first let's talk about a factor that brought majority of series' views, which without doubts was its amazing opening titled "Idol". It is very exceptional and somehow manages to be liked by everone. I'm truely impressed by how it is able to be so energetic and happy, while having so mysterious or even a bit of dark tone. Every thime I hear this, it makes me feel like if talking with someone mentally ill, who you can not tell what to expect of. This effect is not only caused by music with beautiful vocal performance, but also a stirring lyrics about the pressure for idols to be perfect. It's worth to mention a visuals in the official video of the song, which goes with music very well. __Ending:__ Unlikely the opening, I'd never seen the ending before I watched it in the anime. I didn't expect it to be as good as the opening and it's not. Yet it feels to be connected with the opening by being just as disturbing. It has a touching lyrics and amazing music just like the opening. __The First Episode and Ai Hoshino:__ I decided to point out the first episode for one reason - it was way above the rest of the series. It's more like a whole movie that serves as a prologue to the further episodes. I was so overhyped after watching this, that I couldn't fight the feel of dissapointment while watching the other episodes. This episode is everything what the series should be. A life of celebrity, being full of lies and injustice that lead to suffering, with Ai Hoshino being an example. It's amazing how the whole series is focused around her even though she is dead for most of it. I don't really like her as a person, but I can't resist feeling sad for her. Just look at how tragic her story was. She grew up without being loved and without anyone to love. The only reason of her becoming an idol was to change that and have a happy life. And eventually the career that was meant to save her, took everything from her. Ironically everything I could think of as a flaws of the show was contained in the first episode. I think of the whole reincarnation thing and growing up of Aqua and Ruby. Why were them reincarnated? How is it possible that Ruby got reincarnated in that time even though she died years earlier? Why they didn't tell each other who they were? And the whole thing of them talking as a babies with that woman that was looking after them was dumb. So yeah it has some flaws, but the story of Ai Hoshino makes the first episode the best even so. __Psychological aspects:__ In the show there are a lot of characters who more or less struggle with some mental issues. We can see losing close person, bullying, suicidal thoughts etc. All of them are portrayed in a very good way, but there's one I liked especially and it's about Aqua's mentallity. I'm not talking about the revenge thing, which wasn't very good at all. The best psychological aspect of the series was the way Aqua sees Ai. It's so complicated for him. The only thing he knows is that he loves her, but he is unable to tell why it is so. Is it a love of fan, son or a romantic one? He is unsure, because it affects all parts of his life the same way. He can't find new parent-like figure, new idol or new love. Ever since reincarnation (or maybe even before) his only life purpose was to be with Ai and now, that she's gone he tries to fill her place in his heart with revenge and that's why he has changed so much. That's some deep mental issue here and I can't wait to see more of it. __Role of Lies:__ Ok, so now something I didn't like. You can hear about the lies very often in the series. It was supposed to be one of main themes of the show, but honestly I don't really get their role in the story. I mean, I can understand all of this talking about lying as a celebrity to avoid being hurt, but then out of nowhere they state that "lie is the greatest form of love". Like who decided to come up with this? As much as I want I can't find any sense in it. It's more like a opposite thing. I can imagine a lie made up for love, but building a relationshin on a lies? It's like using gold to made a sword, because it looks great. How long would it stand in a fight? For me the fact that Ai Hoshino is unable to show true love only show how tragic person she is because of her past. Lying is not a form of love. It's an easier way, which Ai has to overcome, as she did just before her death. That's it. I know it may not be a good review, I just wanted to point out things that are excepional in this anime. Overall, I find it as a good and neat series. Worth watching (at least the first episode). Thanks for reading. Sorry for grammar mistakes.
__Intro__ Did the hype die down yet? Now my review won’t be another copy of everyone!! Oshi no Ko took the anime community by storm with its initial premiere. Lasting 90 minutes, it captivated everyone. In that short amount of time. What the series had put on the table was quite bold, especially for an anime that’s focused on idols and the entertainment industry. But, the series underwhelmed some people after the second episode's release, Some people misunderstood what the anime is trying to convey. This is my attempt to break down this monstrosity and make the message more apparent. Here I go. _“Before I proceed, I know most of the reaction to this series is positive, and even though this explanation may not be meant for you, it may give you a different angle to look at when viewing the series.”_ __And here is your spoiler warning__ __The main reason for the hype.__ One thing I need to you keep in mind in this section is that this is the obvious thing to look for when watching this show, Because, at first glance, it looks like it's trying to reveal the dark parts of the entertainment industry. It dared to do something, not many idol animes even considered a possibility. But I want to talk more about Ai, she previously had to take a break from the idol industry because she was pregnant. In a normal situation, she would be banned from doing any more work in this industry. But everything was hidden from the public eye, only her manager knew this. so she was able to come back to the business. And she has to take care of the twins that she gave birth to while continuing this. But it gets even more interesting. One of the twins that she gave birth to happened to be the doctor she had for her pregnancy checkups, yes he reincarnated. And the other one was a sick girl that the doctor liked, - and that girl was the reason he knew Ai in the first place. Ai was able to continue her work because she was the center point of her agency. So they even took the risk of hiding her children to protect this monetary gain. Trying to show us everything is for the higher-ups in the industry who only care about money. But as she continued her work, something happened. It wasn’t smooth sailing for Ai. Somethings changed. After people admired Ai for so long, trying to hold on to that perfect image that she created. She was… murdered by a stalker. It affected everyone. Especially the twins. It left them in a really interesting spot. Because they were a fan of Ai in their previous lives. And in their current lives, they saw her imperfections - like not being a good mother, being forgetful, etc. and so they pushed on. I want you to put yourself in their shoes for a minute. You would feel complicated, right? So did they. Everybody was wondering what will happen from this point. Ai had so much potential, both as a figure in the industry and as a character in general. So killing her off in the first episode was a sad thing for sure, and it raised a question for some. “Will the show do good from here on out?” Because the most interesting character is… dead. The only driving point to the show is the twins knowing “everything” about Ai. What will they pursue? __Why was Ai the most essential character in the series?__ I want to talk more about Ai because I mentioned that she had some potential., I will give you an explanation of how she was shaped up until that point to give everyone a better understanding of her character. She was a country bumpkin, it was hinted at in the premiere but it wasn’t properly mentioned, which became more apparent in further episodes, getting to my point, she did not know how to show affection. Because she did not have parents and was not appropriately educated. She didn’t know any better. She couldn’t understand her emotions. But she had a strong urge to do so, she wanted to learn her feelings and especially, to love. But… her passion for finding out her feelings was sucked by the industry. She was scouted to the idol industry and that lead her to a place where she learned to lie to show her love. It made her thinking process unhealthy, but she did not realize that. She kept on pursuing, hoping to find an answer. Even when she actually fell in love, she was left pregnant and disowned by her crush. This gave her a sense of failure, so she thought she was wrong and kept on pursuing to find an answer to her emotionlessness. She wanted to achieve that perfection. She tried to become someone that is a league above anyone else. Just to find an explanation for her emotions… By now, you have most likely realized why Ai was such a good character. But it seems risky to kill her when she is THIS diverse. What could Aka try to pull off with this? But I see under those glasses. AKA. ? __After Ai’s Death__ Before I put on my nerd glasses and start explaining, I want to talk about the character motives for Aqua and Ruby after their mother has been killed. I’ll start off with Aqua. He is really focused on getting revenge, most people have high expectations because he had graduated from Tokyo National University in his previous life, So he thought he could find his father like this. Why his father? Because not many people knew Ai’s personal information, which leaves his father to be the only possible culprit for all of this. And to find his father, he would have to take part in the agency Ai was connected to before she changed to Strawberry Productions. Now, Ruby. Before she was reincarnated, she admired Ai, and she wanted to become an idol just like her. Since she was bedridden and watched Ai on TV, she studied her analogy, so well, to the point where she could point out what her mother was doing wrong when she was practicing. She had potential, to say the least. To become a good idol. Could you guess what is a common occurrence in their goals? … They are both involved in the entertainment industry. The same thing that emotionally broke their mother. __The Underwhelming Part__ I previously said the series underwhelmed some people and I haven’t actually explained my reasoning for that yet. But before I put this into pieces, I want to emphasize that, everyone has different opinions, and what they expect from the animes they watch and I respect them. I am just summarizing a part of these opinions here. People that dived into this series expected a thorough investigation and a breakdown of what went wrong in the entertainment industry. But what they have met with was a disappointing attempt by Aka at tackling this beast for many people. It was like the show was going against the very thing it promises to break down. And turned into a high school drama for an easy buck after a promising premiere. But what if I said, Aka did not try to tackle the entertainment industry and its dark side. Instead, he only showed us what’s possible, and let us be aware that how it affects people that are actually working there. Yeah, this guy. What if he continued this way to show what some types of characters would actually feel in the entertainment industry? What emotions they go through, and how the world treats them. Isn’t the show more character development-oriented after the first episode? Especially with the introduction of Akane, and a deeper character development for Kana. It makes sense, doesn’t it? I mean, sure, it focuses on a revenge plot on the side as well. (Aqua) But the most important thing here isn’t the entertainment industry and what goes behind the scenes that we do not realize, it is how this monstrosity of an entity's flaws affects people, how it mentally forces them to take decisions to survive in it a little bit longer, and the mental task that it loads on to those who are involved. __What does the story look like after considering this?__ Now what? Well, let’s try to look at some characters with this mindset of “how the entertainment industry affects people” kind of look. But before I get into that, I want to emphasize what Ai actually did to set these moments up to be even more mesmerizing than her original debut. When she entered the industry, she was already emotionally numb. And she took what everyone expected to a level beyond anyone could foresee. In the process, she found out about her emotions before getting killed by a person that has figured out that she had children. We have already seen a soul with really good potential get wasted in this industry. And she’s there to guide them sorta. The other souls that are gonna get spent in this ruthless atmosphere. I want to start breaking down these souls that are about to witness what this industry actually is from Akane. Because she was the breaking point for me to realize this is how they went about with the storyline of the anime. Akane is a 17-year-old girl that Aqua has met on the Love Life reality dating show. He initially perceived her as nothing more than a background character because she did not fit the narrative of the series they were casting. She is a genuinely hard-working person, taking notes of everything she can get from her peers and such. And she is really humble about it too. This image was built subconsciously to us with little hints. Hold this in mind. She is not aware of the fact that putting your genuine self in a place like this can get you hurt. And as her performance is not showing results and she hears talk about her manager getting in trouble because of it. She thinks of her as a failure, even though she works hardest among the cast. This is emphasized a bit more, as she egosurfs like every other people. (this is where the nerd Aka comes in) So, she forces herself to do something stupid. At first, she slowly tries to get into the action that the main actor created for the series, Yuki. And she is the person that is currently getting the most attention from the reality show. So it is natural for producers to base the main narrative off of her. .Getting back to Akane, she really tries to steal Nobu from her, but it is the most shipped couple of the series. So when she egosurfs, she notices the hate that’s building around her. Don’t get me wrong, her relationship with Nobu is really good, she is only doing this to get attention and show her potential. Because she feels like a failure. And comparing herself to Yuki doesn’t help either. That’s when it snaps… In a direction that’s not in favor of Akane. “__Akane__ raises her hand against Yuki.” “This is the tip of the iceberg. I bet __Akane__’s even worse when the cameras are not rolling.” “The fuck, __Kurokawa Akane__’s a bitch.” “she should be arrested for assault, I feel bad for Yuki.” “boring girls should stay out of the spotlight! #__KurokawaAkane__ “Always thought she couldn’t read the room. #Fire__KurokawaAkane__” “__Akane__… this isn’t the first time you’ve pulled something like this. You really shouldn’t be on TV lol. It pisses me off. #__KurokawaAkane__” “Stupid background character thinks she can lay her hands on Yuki lmfao __Akane__ is definitely fired. #__KurokawaAkane__” “This delusional bitch is annoying.” “__Kurokawa Akane__ is so trashy LMAO” Even though her relationship with Yuki got even stronger after this, since the scene they actually made up wasn’t included in the episode, she was not allowed to post it to prove that their relationship is on good terms. She was trying to get attention and she finally got it, but in a really wrong way. The pure amount of hate powering on her got to her mental health. She started to doubt herself even more. She tried posting an apology tweet to somewhat calm things down but it threw more fire in the fuel. It simply got out of control… And the fact that she even hid this from her mother because people attacking her too made it harder on her. But her mother eventually realized something was off because this situation affected Akane’s overall mood too. On another day, Akane is reminded of even more people saying similar stuff to her like this when she was simply trying her best, showing passion, and putting in an insane amount of work… And people just overlook it, calling her a good girl model. After this testament, her hardest is not even enough anymore… She gave up all hope, she just wanted to end it. And that’s when it happened..? OH, WHAT? … Suicide is a critical topic to mention in ANY kind of situation, but how it has been handled here is a true work of art. The pressure she had felt and the way she reacted to it felt human-like, and when I read the manga back then, I really thought she was gonna die. The little details they sprinkle to build Akane’s thinking process helped to achieve this effect JUST right. I am not supporting any suicidal or self-harming activities, but I could resonate with Akane here. The mental process felt just too touching, enough to make the series peak again for me. Now what? Does it continue the same way for everyone here? This shows the scale of the mental stress this industry causes to people. Especially to those who are not good at handling their emotions yet. But it has yet to tackle a different part of the industry other than the actor scene. Yes, after creating such an emotional behavior chain within two episodes, it has an even better character storyline to emphasize the IDOL INDUSTRY. And it starts building this story up from the first episode. __Kana Arima__ As I said previously, we started learning her whereabouts from the first episode. She was a “genius” child actor that can trigger a cry whenever she wants. After she got a lot of attention for being a child prodigy, she started belittling other people. Trying to be the center of attention. But slowly… the times were catching up to her. After she was devastated by Aqua’s performance at a gig they first met, she couldn’t accept defeat. And since she was always the center of attention in the roles she played, she wanted to be the most impactful cast in the story. But seeing what Aqua did made her jealous. She tasted failure for the first time in her life. After that, she did not see Aqua for a long time either. Until high school. But before they finally see each other, she was still trying to take more roles, but as she grew up, she became “washed.” People lost interest in her. Even though she was trying her best to satisfy everyone. And she even got disowned by her mother. Because she wasn’t bringing in the money anymore. Companies stopped giving her contracts. She started freelancing, only earning enough to barely stay alive. Because freelancing is cheap, she does not ask for a lot, and she still has a name. Putting the industry aside, Kana wasn’t doing good, both mentally and physically. She was always harsh on herself. Because she could not live up to the expectations of people, at first she only started acting because she liked it, but as she got attention for achieving exceptional feats, she wanted more. But not being able to fulfill those expectations shifted her thinking process. She started to feel like everything she does has to have a purpose, she needs to do her absolute best. She pretty much built an ego around being a failure, as she kept trying harder and harder, she kept getting negative feedback from others. After a certain point, she got brain rot, and she became unable to do things to a level where she is satisfied. Every time she would do a thing, she would have to focus a lot, because she thought of herself as an incompetent person. And every time she took on something, she would power through, she would have to go through the struggle of doing everything perfectly so she can achieve the best possible outcome. It put a lot of mental strain on her, always thinking she is incompetent and she is destined to fail. Because of this, she lost sight of something important. Which made her… exploitable. And Aqua definitely took advantage of her, making her do things that she doesn’t want, but just because she wants to fulfill the expectations and prove herself, she still tries to do her best. Giving a reason to people who feel empty but still wish to fill people’s expectations to feel good about themselves. He was able to lead her to a way to protect her sister, Ruby. Talking about Ruby, after episode 6, she slowly started to become a proper main character. What does this have to do with Kana? Kana is pretty much there to make the idol group survive because she has the knowledge and she does not want to fail. But what Ruby made Kana realize is, something spectacular. She taught her to do things, not to fill other people's expectations, but to enjoy herself. Because she likes doing that thing. Not caring about failing or not, giving it your best simply because you enjoy doing the said thing. That was the turning point for Kana. She was reminded of what she had lost sight of. We truly saw the change in the mentality and many thinking patterns she had before reaching that point. Ruby said this because even though Kana claimed to be bad at everything she does, she was clearly better than the average person. In some cases, she was on par with professionals. But her perfectionism that slowly developed through not being able to fill promises always made her think that she must do her absolute best to even have a chance at filling those expectations. Ruby realizing this, showed her carefree personality by speaking out about her passion, trying her absolute best, and giving it all she has. It didn’t matter to her if she would fail here or not. She just wanted to have fun while speaking her passion, which lead Kana Arima to do so as well. Anyways, now you can probably see a pattern here. It becomes really apparent that all of these ways to use the narrative are hinting at the mental struggles of the characters and the stress that this industry has put on them to lead them in a way of unhealthy thinking. But it doesn’t mean that there are facts scattered around the show to actually emphasize how much of an issue this monstrosity of an entity is. And it creates an image for us. From the low success rates to the people on social media blabbering behind your back to the expectations of the higher-ups in the business for getting monetary gain for your passion. It shows us how much these kinds of things can affect people, especially at young ages. What emotions they go through, their thinking disorders, and how it ultimately spends their passion for no real return. Showing the desperate attempts to keep holding on to what they have. It is telling a story of how people fight despair. In this messed-up atmosphere. __Conclusion.__ What do I think of this? As someone that read the original material back in August 2022, I had some expectations for the series. But I didn’t expect to have my emotions played to this level. This show went from only surpassing the original material to simply taking it to another level, showing the details that were hard to understand and adding even more depth to the story. And turned it into a magnificent showcase of mystery and emotions. If you have come this far into the review, you probably enjoyed it. Follow me for more reviews like this, peace out. __(I will turn this into a YouTube video as well, so you can look for it in my profile when it is released.)__
#__Scattered Thoughts__: Oshi no Ko (Mostly spoiler-free, significant spoilers are marked.) ~~~img75%(https://i.imgur.com/E02ENgd.jpg)~~~ Informational influence is a concept in psychology that refers to the process of individuals changing their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors in response to the information or knowledge provided by others. It occurs when people are motivated to seek accurate information and make rational decisions based on the belief that others possess relevant knowledge or expertise. For example, if I see two restaurants side by side, one with a long line of people waiting to get in, and the other with only a few customers, I might choose the restaurant with the long line because I interpret the crowd as a signal that it must be a popular and good place to eat. To say _Oshi no Ko_ (OnK) was popular during the Spring 2023 season would be an understatement. The metaphorical line for its release wrapped around the block at least a few times, enough that even I had my eye on it well in advance. The much-anticipated movie-length episode one, which finally premiered on April 12, blew up Twitter and the community and ignited a storm of praise and admiration for its brilliance. As the season unfolded, the chorus of acclaim only grew louder. Even a good friend of mine who self-admits to watching mostly isekai and pew-pew action cut our conversation short one night to go watch OnK. I felt shocked and betrayed. I like to watch seasonal anime once they’re finished airing, so imagine my suspense waiting for the opportunity to watch OnK. Alas, expectation is truly a dangerous thing. “Masterpiece” is a word that gets thrown around flippantly, and it had an allure that I couldn’t resist. I went into the first episodes expecting an exquisite five-course meal, but I was instead served some Five Guys. Great burgers and fries (not an ad), but it is still fast food. Does that mean the anime is not worth watching? No, not at all—in fact, OnK is entertaining for what it is, which is a fun show with numerous truly brilliant moments scattered throughout. Just don’t go in _expecting_ a masterpiece.