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To accompany the Ruby side visual released last month , the Oshi no Ko stage at AnimeJapan 2025 today revealed the Aqua side visual for the upcoming third season. The Shibuya-based visual was released alongside a video with new voice lines from Aqua voice actor Takeo Otsuka. As previously reported, the third season is scheduled to premiere in 2026. Oshi no Ko Season 3 Teaser Visual Aqua Side Related: Oshi no Ko Season 3 Anime Reveals Teaser Visual, Release Date Based on the manga written by Aka Akasaka ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War ) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari ( Scum's Wish ), Daisuke Hiramaki ( Asteroid in Love ) directs the  Oshi no Ko  anime at studio Doga Kobo, with series composition by Jin Tanaka, character designs by Kanna Hirayama and music by Takuro Iga. Manga Plus digitally  publishes  an official English version of the manga and describes the story: "In the world of showbiz, lies are weapons." Goro works...

The anime industry is set to triple in size over the next decade according to a recent report by Variety. The article cites a report by a Wall Street firm that found anime streaming to be $5.5 billion industry and, based on current forecasts, the industry is expected to take in an earth-shattering $16 billion by 2030.

According to the report, the biggest players in the anime streaming industry are, unsurprisingly, Netflix with 42% share of the industry, and Crunchyroll with 40% share of the industry. This comes after explosive growth from Crunchyroll, which went from nearly 5 million subscribers in 2021 to over 15 million in 2024. The report also highlights the increased globalization of anime, as international revenue for anime more than doubles revenue from Japan alone.

The Anime Industry's Explosive Growth Is Fueling More Great Anime Than Ever Anime's Popularity Is Paying Off Creatively

All of this comes on the tail of another report stating that...

Kadokawa is the Japanese juggernaut publishing house responsible for bringing to the public beloved series such as Oshi no Ko, Re: Zero, Sword Art Online, Mushoku Tensei, Delicious in Dungeon, and many more. Before anime became such a popular media, Kadokawa built its empire on publishing light novels and other forms of literature. Many of these popular series appeared in Dragon Magazine, which launched in 1988 and has now officially ceased publication.

Some of Kadokawa's most popular series first appeared in Dragon Magazine, including Slayers, Full Metal Panic!, and Patlabor. The monthly magazine published both light novels and manga, and it was a steady feature throughout Kadokawa's long history. Going forward, it will be replaced by a new web platform titled "Mekurimekuru".

Dragon Magazine's Cancelation Shows The Crisis of Printed Media Is This the Future for Shonen Jump Too?

While Dragon Magazine is ceasing publication, Kadokawa is doing better than ever.

It is no secret that anime has been getting more popular and lucrative over the years, with streaming platforms and businesses investing more and more into the medium. And now, one of the giants of the streaming world has made people aware of their intent to dive deeper into anime and bring more content to fans both in Japan and the world.

In a recent interview with Variety, Kelly Day, Vice President of International for Prime Video, and Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon's MGM Studios, discussed Amazon’s plans to acquire more Japanese content for the platform. Despite having a large subscriber base in Japan, Amazon aims to expand its offerings by acquiring additional anime licenses. The team is actively working on a slate of series for the next few years, signaling the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing its content library and strengthening its presence in the Japanese market.

Prime...

Does anyone have more main character energy than Konosuba 's core cast? Apparently yes! Meet the adventuring party going toe to toe with Kazuma's party in the two-part Ova now screening in Japanese cinemas. While we got a glimpse at them in the Ova trailer, we now have names and voices to go with the faces: From left to right, we have the suspiciously-named: Ozuma voiced by Tetsu Inada (Endeavor in My Hero Academia ) Acua voiced by Manaka Iwami (Akane Kurokawa in Oshi no Ko ) Megumi voiced by Rumi Okubo (Memcho in Oshi no Ko ) Luckless voiced by Ayako Kawasumi (Altria Pendragon in the Fate/ series) Related: Konosuba's Misadventures Will Continue in New Anime Sequel Based on the light novels by Natsume Akatsuki and Kurone Mishima, the third season of  Konosuba -God's blessing on this wonderful world!  has Takaomi Kanasaki as series director and Yujiro Abe ( Kaguya-sama: Love...

Amazon is betting big on Japanese anime and Asian content as a cornerstone of Prime Video’s global expansion strategy.

With Japan emerging as one of its largest markets outside of the U.S., Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, and Kelly Day, VP of international for Prime Video, outlined their ambitious vision for the streaming service in the region in an exclusive interview with Variety. “We’re very committed to a strong pipeline for customers in Japan. We have a huge opportunity,” Salke said.

Japan represents one of Prime Video’s most valuable territories, offering a large marketplace business with 72 add-on subscriptions and nearly 300,000 titles available for transactional video on demand (Tvod). Salke said that Prime Video is “committed to a growing slate,” especially when it comes to licensing original anime. “One of the most exciting things we’re doing here in Japan is talking about our plans...

Every year, hundreds of manga are blessed with an animeadaptation, and a poll just showed which ones fans would like to see the most. Some exciting series were picked as one of the most anticipated to receive an anime adaptation, and this poll just showed that there is indeed demand and hype for them.

Each year, Anime Japan hosts a poll that asks manga fans which series they would like to see receive an anime, and while this doesn't necessarily lead to guarantees, some of the manga picked do end up receiving an anime later on. This is the sixth year they've done it, and the manga fans want to see in anime format the most is Nue's Exorcist, written and illustrated by Kōta Kawae.

Manga Fans Demand Anime For Nue's Exorcist And More! /ï¼ðŸ‘‘アニランçµæžœç™ºè¡¨ï¼\＼アニメ化ã—ã...

Oshi no Ko manga was an example of a brilliant idea and excellent execution, at first at least. The unique premise of the real world of stars and idols with all of the intrigue, undercurrents, and excitement.

Ruby and Aqua Hoshino as kids in Oshi no Ko. | Credit: Doga Kobo

With an added layer of revenge and reincarnation, the series had a whole host of elements at play. It definitely started off strong, captivating fans with its unique take on becoming an idol and a star.

The manga’s decline has killed the anime’s momentum

The anime adaptation only boosted its popularity, and with the mesmerizing visuals and fluid animation, it amassed a huge popularity with fans across the world waiting to read the newest chapter to satisfy their curiosity.

Oshi no Ko Season 3 set for release in 2026 | Credit: Doga Kobo

The series was going on a good path; it was a bit rushed,...

Every anime has at least one shocking cliffhanger that changes the course of its plot, and it isn't a happy cliffhanger for the characters involved. Many cliffhangers feature heartbreaking moments, shocking revelations or stunning events that leave the characters forever changed from then on.

These cliffhangers often mark the turning point for the anime and leave a lasting impact on viewers, since it's the point of no return for the characters. Whether it's a character's death or a torturous event that the main character goes through, these cliffhangers drastically shift the anime's initial tone.

Ai Hoshino’s Death Changes This Idol Anime Into Something Darker Season 1, Episode 1: “Mother and Children”

Right from the very beginning, with Oshi no Ko's brilliant colors and bright lights that perfectly match Ai Hoshino's aesthetic. The last thing viewers expect is for her to die in the very first episode. For most of the episode,...

A well-executed plot twist is one of the most exciting ways to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. When done right, it subverts expectations, adds intrigue, and keeps viewers hooked. Many anime series use plot twists to inject surprise and excitement, but they only work if the audience remains unaware of what’s coming.

However, some anime plot twists, like Spike’s fate at the end of Cowboy Bebop or Aizen’s betrayal in Bleach, become so famous, virtually every fan knows them getting into the series. In spite of that, newcomers still enjoy the series. This is not true of all anime with unpredictable plots. These anime shows rely so heavily on the shock factor of their big twist, knowing it in advance makes the experience of watching the series meaningless.

School Days Has Little Value Outside Its Ending's Controversial Twist Streaming on CrunchyrollImage via Tnk

At first glance,...

It's easy for a short and sweet anime series to have no bad episodes to its name, since there are no points where the plot drags with slow buildup episodes. Anime like Chainsaw Man and Oshi no Ko are certainly like that, being a serious case of quality over quantity. Meanwhile, it's even more impressive for a lengthier anime to have no bad episodes, since a long anime has many more chances to drop the ball.

It's a given filler episodes and arcs are weaker than the canon episodes, so of course a long anime with filler episodes will have some weak installments, such as Naruto and Bleach. That's why fans love it when a longer anime's canon episodes make up for that with consistent quality, never dipping below mediocrity to keep the story and action going. When the anime is firing on all cylinders with filler out of the way,...

Hidive, one of North America's fastest-growing anime streaming services, has excellent news for fans of action-packed historical fantasies. Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho will premiere exclusively on Hidive in the upcoming spring 2025 simulcast season.

Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho is a promising supernatural action anime based on the popular light novel series by author Motoo Nakanishi, artist Tamaki and publisher Futabasha. The anime adaptation will launch Hidive’s highly anticipated spring 2025 lineup with a one-hour premiere on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 8.30 a.m. Et. Following the 60-minute series debut, a new 30-minute episode of Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho will premiere every Monday at 11 a.m. Et.

Related'We'll Do Our Best Not to Disappoint': One-Punch Man Fans Get Long-Awaited Season 3 Production Update

J.C. Staff anime producer Atsushi Fujishiro has positive news for fans awaiting the return of the studio's One-Punch Man anime series.

Sword...

AI taking over the anime field is no longer a speculation. Japan has now made it into reality with its first ever completely AI-made anime, Twins Hinahima. But Oshi no Ko‘s voice actress Igoma will star in the series, so everything is fine, right? Wrong!

Twins Hinahima might be the first in a long line of AI animated series. The probable results? Anime studios will prioritize quantity over quality, and staff members will no longer get just payment, or worse, their job roles will be consumed by artificial intelligence.

The first AI-made mainstream anime, Twins Hinahima, is all set to debut in Japan Twin Hinahima is the first Ai-generated anime to be broadcast in Japan | Credits: KaKa Technology Studio

Twins Hinahima is all set to debut on March 29, 2025. Based on the anime TikToker, who goes by the same name, the anime aims to chronicle the lives of a unit...

Japan is taking yet another enormous leap with artificial intelligence. Recently, Oshi no Ko star Yurie Igoma announced her lead role in TwinsHinahima -- an upcoming anime that will be produced with AI technology.

Per Oricon, Frontier Works (Higurashi: When They Cry) is partnering with newly-founded studio KaKa Creation to develop the AI that will be utilized for the anime. According to Anime News Network, AI will be used in over 95% of the total animation cuts. The anime will be broadcast nationally via Mainichi Broadcasting System (Mbs) starting March 29. Igoma, who portrayed Ruby Hoshino in the hit anime drama, Oshi no Ko, will co-star as the character Hinana. The actor revealed some details about her character's personality in a published comment, stating, "Hinana has a very rich expression and emotion, and watching her makes you smile naturally!"

Related'That Kind of Existence Is Scary': Uzumaki's Junji Ito Reveals Why AI...

Aka Akasaka, who is known for his works like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Oshi no Ko, is returning to the manga world with a new title, Maerchen Crown. Set to launch in Weekly Young Jump issue 16/2025 on March 20, the work is a fantasy romance drawn by Aji Chika and has a series composition by Aoi Kujira.

Oshi no Ko manga by Aka Akasaka. | Credit: Shueisha

The narrative will be set around a prince and princess in a fairytale world, but even with the interesting concept, most fans doubt if Akasaka can pull off the drama elements well, especially the manga ending. But why are fans worried about the new manga? Let’s explore.

Aka Akasaka returns with a new fantasy romance manga: Fan reactions to Maerchen Crown

With the launch announcement of Maerchen Crown, Akasaka’s reputation has cast doubt on its reception. While some are enthusiastic about the...

In recent anime seasons, the Isekai genre has absolutely exploded in popularity. More popular series than can be easily counted have been Isekai series and it feels like there's at least one or two every new season these days. In fact, the genre has become so crowded that major publisher Kadokawa has banned Isekai stories from iterations of its story contests. Still, despite the popularity of the Isekai genre, non-anime fans may be unfamiliar with the genre, though the concept itself should be pretty familiar. The Bam Smack Pow team is here to help explain the genre and name of the standout series.

The word Isekai itself is the Japanese word for "Another World" or "Alternate World." On the whole, Isekai anime could be considered as occupying the same genre as non-anime Portal Fantasy books, shows and movies like Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, the John Carter of Mars series (and...

A major streaming service recently published its yearly anime rankings based upon viewership data for 2024. Abema, often described as the "Netflix of Japan," made note of not only what shows on its platform were most-watched and most commented on, but also that it saw huge growth in anime viewing on the platform as a whole.

Via Japanese news site Oricon, Abema's first-place spot for the most streamed anime of 2024 went to Oshi no Ko Season 2, which may not be a major surprise given that Season 1 was the most-watched show on the platforms for 2023's ranking as well. In fact, the first episode of the newest season was the most-watched season premiere in the platform's history for anime viewership. The second season of Oshi no Ko has been very well-received overall, adapting the entirety of the "Tokyo Blade" arc -- widely viewed as among the best storylines in the series.

RelatedJuly...

The year 2024 was filled with lots of great anime, both new releases and old series. According to the anime streaming website, MyAnimeList, these anime series were some of the most watched in 2024. From Oshi no Ko, an anime about two people reborn as the children of a famous pop idol, to Solo Leveling, an anime about a man becoming the most powerful fighter in the world, these anime series are all so entertaining and fresh that they have earned their numerous views.

There are many reasons why these anime series have gained so much popularity, whether it's because of a killer story, fantastic animation, or just amazing writing. It's no surprise that many different genres gained as much popularity in 2024 as they did. From isekai anime to school-themed anime series, some truly wonderful anime series made 2024 special and are worth a watch.

Oshi No Ko Is a Pop Idol Anime...

Abema, one of Japan’s leading streaming platforms, has released its annual anime rankings for 2024, revealing the most-watched and most-commented titles of the year.

The rankings, based on viewing data collected from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2024, highlight the trends that shaped anime viewership on the platform.

The streaming service released two key rankings: the Annual View Count Ranking, which measures average views per episode, and the Annual Comment Count Ranking, which tracks fan interactions during broadcasts.

Oshi No Ko Dominates Streaming Charts for Second Year

For the second year in a row, Oshi No Ko secured the No. 1 spot in Abema’s Annual Views Ranking, with its second season continuing the success of its predecessor.

The second season recorded the highest weekly viewership in Abema’s anime history.

The full Annual View Count Ranking for 2024 is as follows:

Oshi No Ko Season 2 Crayon Shin-chan (Movie) Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc (TV...

Every decade has plenty to offer for anime fans, going at least as far back as the 1990s. Back then, fans were treated to the likes of Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, and the the 2000s saw the likes of Naruto, Bleach, and D.Gray-Man join the fun. By now, in the 2020s, it has never been a better time to be an anime fan, what with so many recent hits joining the classic hits.

Today's anime fans are encouraged to pick from both the must-watch legends in anime and the more recent titles, many of which are already instant classics and feel like a 10/10 in the eyes of their fans. Even if no anime is truly perfect, any fan of anime would agree that a handful of titles prove just how fruitful it is to belong to the anime community in the present day. The anime industry keeps...

Another week has gone by, so it's time for Bam Smack Pow to bring you this week's anime news recap. Plus, follow along to the end of the article to see this week's anime recommendation. This week, we'll be taking a look at one of the most popular comedy series from recent anime seasons.

The Bam Smack Pow team would also like to wish all our readers a very happy Valentine's Day weekend — which has nothing to do with classic Sci Fi series Cowboy Bebop's Faye Valentine, but we couldn't resist making that joke…

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Kaiba ©2024 Crunchyroll Various anime series celebrate Valentine's Day

Crunchyroll has compiled the special holiday art released by the official social media accounts of various anime series to commemorate Valentine's Day on February 14. We've included the art from the team behind popular Historical Fantasy series Demon Slayer below:

【本日はバレンタインデー！】

バレンタインを記念して、ufotable描き下ろしのミニキャライラストを公開しました。

ぜひご覧ください。

▼詳細はこちらhttps://t.

Most anime are known for having intelligent characters. However, a handful of these characters stand out for their sheer genius. No matter where they are, they are always the smartest person in the room. Others may try to trick them, but these genius characters are always one step ahead.

The best anime geniuses use their intellect to either show off or help people. They ensure everyone knows how smart they are, even if they aren't necessarily trying to brag. Anime geniuses can't help but show off their skills and impress everyone around them. Even their rivals admit to their vast knowledge. Smart anime characters are not in short supply, but these characters prove that intelligence and cunning are not all it takes to be considered genius.

Related15 Smartest Shonen Anime Characters, Ranked

Certain characters in anime possess genius levels of intellect. Shonen, in particular, has some of the smartest characters in media.

While the Oshi no Ko manga series may be concluded, its anime adaptation is still ongoing, as are other aspects of the franchise. Recently, U.S.-based publisher Yen Press announced its July 2025 release line-up, with an unexpected title making the list.

Yen Press' upcoming Oshi no Ko: Spica of the First Star release came as a pleasant surprise for many fans who never expected to see the novel officially translated, given it's original Japanese release dates back to November 2023. However, for longtime readers, the novel sheds new light on Ai's time in B-Komachi, as well as Gorou's time with Sarina in the hospital.

RelatedOshi no Ko Season 3 Finally Gets Major Production Update

The idol anime that took the world by storm nears its return, as Oshi no Ko Season 3 reveals its release window, a new trailer and character visuals.

Oshi no Ko Fans Get Positive Update After Over Year-Long...

Some Japanese manga series are much heavier on dialogue and exposition than others, and readers will definitely have their preferences on whether to read manga rooted in intense dialogue or manga that's more reliant on visuals. For example, fans who prefer anime and games may not be keen on text-heavy manga like Death Note or Oshi no Ko, but they may enjoy text-light manga where a picture really is worth a thousand words.

A remarkable variety of manga series let the images and atmosphere do the talking, scaling back dialogue so readers can interpret and infer whatever they like from the visuals. Most importantly, even if these excellent manga series have relatively limited text, they can still tell deep stories to get fans thinking, making the most out of the images and the sparse dialogue alike.

Fist of the North Star Helped Create Modern Shonen Read on Viz Media

One...

This article contains mentions of sexual and physical assault, cruelty and death to children and animals, and stalking. Reader discretion is advised.

The great thing about anime is that anything can happen. Even the most outlandish premises are not out of the question for any story. Sometimes, though, anime can still surprise fans. This most often occurs when a disturbing episode comes out of nowhere. Even some of the sweetest anime can be plagued by an episode that is so jarring that it practically feels out of place.

The most shocking episodes still haunt audiences long after many of these series end. The switch in tone between these episodes and the rest of their series can be so stark that it almost feels like viewers are watching a different anime entirely. These particular episodes may be disturbing, but their anime are made all the more intriguing by their inclusion.

Related10 Most Disturbing Anime Series,...

The long-awaited Oshi no Ko companion novel is finally heading to North America. Yen Press has confirmed that [Oshi No Ko] Spica of the First Star will be available in English under its Yen On imprint.

This light novel is a spin-off of the hit manga, exploring major events that happened before the main story began. Originally released in Japan in November 2023, this book has been highly requested because it reveals key details about some of the series’ most important characters. The English version is set to launch in July.

The Oshi no Ko manga follows the tragic and dramatic story of pop idol Ai Hoshino and her children, Aqua and Ruby. While Ai plays a central role early on, she is killed in the first chapters, shifting the focus to Aqua and Ruby. The twist? Both are reincarnations of people who knew Ai in their past lives.

Related: 10 Best Ai Hoshino Quotes...

Few anime in recent years sparked as much curiosity and debate as Oshi no Ko. The series, written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, captivated the anime and manga communities with themes of revenge, reincarnation, and the grim truths of the entertainment industry. With a thrilling beginning and a record-breaking anime debut, Oshi no Ko immediately became a fan favorite in no time.

Oshi no Ko Season 3 set for release in 2026 | Credit: Doga Kobo

Despite its spectacular growth, the series is currently suffering from major dissatisfaction, especially following the completion of its manga. With Oshi no Ko Season 3 set for release in 2026, fans are expressing mixed emotions, with some outright rejecting the series’ ending. So, what exactly happened? Why has Oshi no Ko‘s once-loyal fanbase turned against the series, and what does this mean for the anime adaptation?

“Garbage ending”: How Oshi no Ko lost its credibility?...

After Kaguya-Sama: Love is War’s success, everyone thought Oshi no Ko would be a banger. This, however, turned into a crash-and-burn scenario, especially with the manga’s haphazard ending. There are upsides to that as well.

The seinen manga brings out Aka Akasaka’s brilliance in many aspects. It overturns the glamour and glitz of the entertainment industry. The dark and disturbing elements make it enchanting. But that is not the end of it all.

Ai, Ruby, and Aqua in a still from the anime | Credit: Doga Kobo

While the manga ending left a bad taste, there’s always a silver lining. The fans’ bitterness and disappointment might be the reason behind it. This is especially true for the third season’s delay and the recent update.

And though it seems promising for the most part, one thing is certain. No amount of delays would be convincing enough for readers.

The idol anime that took the world by storm nears its return, as Oshi no Ko Season 3 reveals its release window, a new trailer, and visuals.

Via the official website, Oshi no Ko Season 3 announced a 2026 release window with a new short trailer and teaser visual. Ruby appears to be the center of Season 3 after much of Season 2's focus was on fan-favorite characters Aqua, Ruby, Akane, and the other members of the 2.5D theater performance. Ruby was featured in the later parts of the season, showcasing a dark side just as Aqua starts to move on from his trauma. This contrast was reflected in Oshi no Ko Season 3's new visual, seen below.

RelatedOfficial Oshi no Ko Artist Reveals the 2025 Anime Movie She Can't Wait to Watch

Even professional manga creators can't wait for the release of one of 2025's biggest Shonen Jump anime adaptations.

Oshi no Ko also...

The official X account of Oshi No Ko announced on Feb 2, 2025, that the much anticipated third season of the anime will start airing in 2026.

Accompanying the announcement is a teaser visual focusing on Ruby with Aqua facing away from the camera. A commemorative video has also been revealed.

Season 1 of the anime, produced by Doga Kobo, aired its first 11-episode season from April to June 2023. A second 13-episode season aired from July to October 2024.

Daisuke Hiramaki directed the anime. The series composition was handled by Jin Tanaka and Kanna Hirayama was in charge of character designs.

Oshi No Ko manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump from April 2020 to November 2024, with its chapters collected in 16 tankobon volumes. It has been licensed for release in North America by Yen Press and is simultaneously published by Shueisha on their Manga Plus platform.

The manga officially concluded its story with Chapter...

When a manga wins first place in the seventh Next Manga Awards (2021) and the Best General Manga category in the 46th annual Kodansha Manga Awards (2022), it has over 3 million copies in circulation and is also inspiring a live-action film and television series adaptation, a question resonates in the minds of readers and fans grappling with the adaptation of the second animated series of “Oshi no Ko”: is it possible to bring the atmosphere of the original source and preserve it when new authors turn it into an animation? For all its layers of plot and shifts back and forth in time, this tangled anime on the mysteries of reincarnation keeps its narrative lines clear. But let’s see if Jin Tanaka, Chao Nekotomi, Kanna Hirayama, and Daisuke Hiramaki are able to accomplish the lofty goal of expressing excitement, unnerving feelings, and shock as it was originally portrayed.

Buy This...

The official website and accounts for the Oshi no Ko anime today announced that Season 3 will broadcast in 2026 , while also unveiling a "Ruby's Side" teaser visual and accompanying video featuring new voice lines. Oshi no Ko Season 3 Teaser Visual Related: Oshi no Ko Anime Gets 3rd Season Based on the manga written by Aka Akasaka ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War ) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari ( Scum's Wish ), Daisuke Hiramaki ( Asteroid in Love ) directs the Oshi no Ko anime at studio Doga Kobo, with series composition by Jin Tanaka, character designs by Kanna Hirayama and music by Takuro Iga. Manga Plus digitally publishes an official English version of the manga and describes the story: "In the world of showbiz, lies are weapons." Goro works as an Ob-gyn in the countryside, a life far removed from the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, has begun her climb to stardom. The...

Anime Tokyo Station is an anime exhibition site focused on Japanese anime content, which has developed a devout fan base even outside Japan. It regularly hosts special exhibitions for popular anime, and attracts over 130,000 visitors a year (as of 2025 January), children and adults alike, from both Japan and overseas.

From February 8 to May 6, it will be hosting a special exhibition for the TV anime “Oshi No Ko“, which enjoys tremendous popularity among both Japanese and foreign audiences.

“Oshi No Ko”, created by the dream team of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, is a popular anime that uses a novel approach to shine a light on the entertainment industry. It tells the story of the fateful encounter between a young doctor and his favorite idol, Ai, an idol in the group B-komachi. Launched in April 2023, it has drawn a great deal of attention not only for its story but also its music,...

The official website and accounts for I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability today announced that the anime's second season will begin airing in July 2025. A new teaser visual was also unveiled, along with two incoming cast members. Crunchyroll will stream the new season when it premieres in July. I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability Season 2 Teaser Visual The newly announced cast members—both of whom will appear alongside Makoto Koichi at the series' stage event at AnimeJapan on March 22—are as follows: Escher voiced by Manaka Iwami (Akane in Oshi no Ko ) Saria voiced by Minami Tsuda (Nemo in Gushing over Magical Girls ) Escher / Manaka Iwami Saria / Minami Tsuda Related: Slime, 7th Prince and More Isekai Anime Come Together to Celebrate Their 2024 Broadcasts Based on the light novels...

2024 was a spectacular year for anime. Every season was stacked with outstanding titles that grabbed the community’s attention - many of which, like Demon Slayer’s Hashira Training arc and Oshi no Ko Season 2, were returning series fans have anticipated for a long time. However, what will make 2024 in anime a year to look back on as one of the best in the medium’s recent history is the extraordinary number of phenomenal new releases that have debuted over the last twelve months.

From novel smash hits taking the community by storm to hidden gems that will definitely prove themselves as overlooked cult classics, 2024’s biggest anime premieres were some of the strongest the medium has seen in quite some time. A month into 2025, looking back at last year’s most memorable debuts reveals which series defined 2024 in anime.

RelatedJapan Ranks Its Top 10 Anime Series of the Year in...

The latest episode of Zenshu , Mappa's original series about an animator transported to the world of her favorite anime, introduces a new character to its once-doomed fantasy land. Can Natsuko and her special powers change this heroine's destiny? Manaka Iwami (Akane Kurokawa in Oshi no Ko ) will voice Destiny Heartwarming, who appears in the latest episode. Destiny is a brave and kindhearted girl who falls in love with Luke Braveheart. In the original story of A Tale of Perishing, Destiny is killed by the Void. What her fate will be with Natsuko now in the battle remains to be seen. Related: Band-maid Shares Zenshu Anime Opening Song Music Video Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection...

The official website of AnimeJapan 2025 revealed the line-ups for its main stages on Jan 17, 2025.

This year’s event will feature four main stages—Red, Green, Blue, and the newly introduced White stage, hosting a total of 52 programs over two days.

An overview of the stages can be viewed below:

Red Stage & Green Stage: These are closed stages with designated seating. Attendees will need both an admission ticket and a stage viewing ticket to watch programs on these stages. Blue Stage & White Stage: These are open stages. The front-row seats for viewing will be designated seating, requiring both an admission ticket and a stage viewing ticket. However, free viewing areas are available at the back, though space is limited.

It was also revealed that some stage programs will be streamed online. Further details about the streaming schedule and availability will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Related:

Your Favorite Manga Might...

Japanese anime studio P.A. Works is set to release Japan’s first anime film adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless children’s novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Titled Fushigi no Kuni de Alice to -Dive in Wonderland- (With Alice in Wonderland -Dive in Wonderland-), the movie will debut in Japanese theaters on August 29, 2025.

This reimagining takes a fresh approach, centering on Rise, a modern-day girl voiced by Nanoka Hara, known for her roles in Suzume and Oshi no Ko. Rise finds herself mysteriously transported to Wonderland, where she meets Alice, played by 10-year-old Maika Pugh. Pugh expressed her excitement about the role, calling it a dream come true.

The film is directed by Toshiya Shinohara, recognized for his work on Black Butler and A Lull in the Sea. The screenplay is penned by Yuko Kakihara, whose credits include The Apothecary Diaries and Blue Box. P.A. Works, renowned for its visually stunning productions,...

Oshi no Ko was one of 2023's hottest anime titles, taking the anime world by storm with its captivating story and complex characters. Far from the typical idol story, this surprisingly dark series is an honest look inside the world of showbiz, featuring the good, the bad, and the ugly of idol life. Such an incredible title has left many fans hungry for similar stories. Luckily, there are plenty of series available that are sure to satisfy this need.

There are many great anime series similar to Oshi no Ko, spanning over just about every genre imaginable. From classic psychological series like Perfect Blue to beloved shojo dramas such as Nana, these titles are a must-watch for fans of the iconic series. These anime feature very similar tones, themes, and characters, offering a similar experience that fans will love.

Updated on January 15th, 2025 by Chelsea Steele: Debuting during Spring...

Like the heroes, anime heroines also left no stone unturned in 2024. Whether as a powerful ancient wizard or as someone’s love interest, the ladies were phenomenal in every portrayal. 2024 was jam-packed with interesting female characters across all genres, oozing with absolute brilliance in depicting strength, intelligence, kindness, and power.

Several breakout titles, like Dandadan and Blue Box, brought along not only fascinating stories but also strong female characters who strived to inspire. It’s commendable to witness the evolution of female representation in the anime community, which has aimed to introduce female leads who are remarkable on their own. Of course, some characters stand out more than others for their sheer brilliance and superior writing.

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Ririsa Amano Adorable Personality Is Entrancing 2.5 Dimensional Seduction: Streaming on Crunchyroll...

Kadokawa's chief anime officer, who heads one of Japan's biggest anime producers by annual series count, has revealed the company's plan for stable anime production in future seasons according to a new interview.

Kadokawa Chief Anime Officer Takeshi Kikuchi shared his company's plan for stable anime production in a recent interview with Mainichi. "Simply increasing the number of productions will result in thinner profits amid high costs," he said. "Rather than increasing the number of projects, we need to come up with creative ideas such as making sequels to hit series and increasing the number of episodes. The only way to continue producing works stably is to increase the number of in-house studios," he added. Kadokawa's productions include hit series like Re:Zero, Oshi no Ko, The Eminence in Shadow and Classroom of the Elite.

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The alluring world of writer Natsu Hyuuga and illustrator Touko Shino's The Apothecary Diaries light novel series is officially back on the screen with today's premiere of The Apothecary Diaries season 2. With the anime returning to broadcast and streaming on Crunchyroll as part of the Winter 2025 Anime Lineup , there's no better time to take a look at the show's voice cast, trailers, streaming details and more. Read on below for everything you need to know! The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Guide Release Date and Exact Time Where to Watch Official Trailers Characters and Voice Actors Anime Staff Anime Key Visuals Plot When is The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Coming Out? The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Release Date and Time English Sub Release Date: - The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 premieres on January 10, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. Pt Territories: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and Cis Related:...

According to the producer Shimpei Yamashita, all the team members of the studio Doga Kobo happened to love the “Oshi no Ko” seinen manga written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. This shared passion became the foundation of a solid relationship and trust between the artists who worked at Doga Kobo’s in-house compositing team for roughly two and a half years in adapting Akasaka’s work. The first episode of the anime series came in the form of a feature-length film of 90 minutes during the Spring 2023 season, and it reconstructs the flow of the whole first volume of the comic book. The director, Daisuke Hiramaki, and the assistant director, Chao Nekotomi, enriched the animation and the storyline of the series with many artistic details and won the Drama Anime of the Year prize during the 10th Anime Trending Awards.

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Oshi no Ko's original manga ended in November 2024, but the series lives on with its ongoing anime adaptation and the recently completed live-action show on Prime Video. Released on November 28, 2024 worldwide, the live-action series followed a streamlined version of the events of the manga, before adapting the final arc into a feature-length film, released on December 20 in Japan. The movie is currently being met with glowing reviews from fans and critics alike, and the creators of the original manga series have finally shared their feelings regarding the adaptation as well.

Written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, Oshi no Ko ran for 166 chapters in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump, concluding only weeks before the live-action series premiered. As reported by Japanese media outlet, Natalie, the two creators finally took the time to share their thoughts on the adaptation, and both are extremely pleased with the production.

Oshi...

Mengo Yokoyari is well-known as the illustrator of the Oshi no Ko manga -- a seinen series that ran from 2020 to 2024 and centered around the dark side of idol culture and the entertainment industry at large. Its anime adaptation is currently composed of two seasons, with a third currently in production.

Given the balance Oshi no Ko strikes between light and fun moments and heavy commentary, it should come as no surprise that Yokoyari is a fan of series that strike a similar tone. This includes Tatsuki Fujimoto's magnum opus, Chainsaw Man. Following the first season of its anime adaptation, which aired throughout 2022, Chainsaw Man's first film, Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc, has been confirmed to be receiving a theatrical release in 2025. As seen on Yokoyari's X (formerly Twitter) account, even professional creators can't wait for the release of one of 2025's biggest shonen anime hits.

If there's one thing that slice-of-life anime does really well, it's delivering a deep and meaningful story about everyday life. From a simple meet-cute to dealing with first love all the way to grief and loss, there's a certain poetic nature to the way that this genre of anime explores the minute details of life. Honey Lemon Soda is the latest in the genre releasing this Winter 2025 anime season on Crunchyroll.

Following high school student Uka Ishimori, Honey Lemon Soda focuses on her excitement for a fresh start after having a terrible experience being bullied in middle school. Yet that fresh start doesn't come easily, as some of her bullies from middle school are attending the same high school she's enrolled in. Uka remembers she met a young handsome boy named Kai in middle school and, with a single word, he had convinced her to attend Hachimitsu High School. Though he’s popular,...

Every winter break brings a new opportunity for viewers to grab the remote (or computer mouse) and binge-watch their favorite anime shows. In a recent survey, the nation's audiences narrowed down their top binge picks, including Re:Zero, One Piece, Oshi no Ko and other internationally renowned works.

Per PR Times, the aforementioned survey was conducted by WonderSpace Co. Ltd, a marketing group that operates media-focused websites such as TV Maga. Recently, the company asked participants to name the "anime they would like to binge-watch" during winter vacation. The results indicate Shonen Jump's continued success in the realm of anime, as the #1 choice was Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba anime adaptation -- a supernatural action-fantasy about a boy who fights to protect humanity alongside the Hashira of the famed Demon Slayer Corps. The second and third most-voted shows, respectively, were Haikyu!! and Oshi no Ko -- both...

Toho Animation's hit anime series The Apothecary Diaries tells an intriguing mystery tale revolving around a group of Imperial concubines. According to Aoi Yuki, the Japanese-language voice actor for central protagonist Maomao, a similar type of environment also exists within the anime's recording studio.

Initially released in October 2023, The Apothecary Diaries features a lengthy list of female characters that comprise both the main cast and multiple side roles. In a recent interview with Mantan Web, Yuki uses the term "harem" to describe the experience of recording her lines for the series. Additionally, she talks at great length about the unique dynamic that Maomao shares with Jinshi, a handsome male eunuch who uses Maomao's herbal expertise to protect Lady Gyokuyou and the other ladies of the inner palace. "She's gradually become more and more rough with Jinshi. Maomao is like a cat [and] she's become more and more rough because she's become attached to him.

A-1 Pictures' popular Solo Leveling picks up a rather nice accolade before Season 2 premieres this January as MyAnimeList data crowns it 2024's most popular anime.

The popular anime database and tracker MyAnimeList revealed its most popular anime of 2024. MyAnimeList allows users to add a series to their account to indicate their current watch progress -- while these can include members who plan to watch the series but have not yet, this is generally negligible and can be discarded. Unsurprisingly, Solo Leveling Season 1 was the most popular anime of 2024, leading Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc in second by a massive 246k member lead. It led Dandadan in third by 271k. The top 10 list can be seen below.

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Manga artists have grueling jobs, working around the clock while operating under strict deadlines, all with the pressure of pleasing an audience weighing down on the mind. By the time a series approaches its conclusion, these factors can heavily influence the quality of the ending of a story. Some series may whimper to the finish line, and a few might enter long hiatuses before they can even reach it. Others, however, deliver endings that are able to neatly wrap their stories in a bow, and immortalize themselves in manga history.

While good endings aren't exactly rare, they come in far fewer numbers than bad endings, and often receive praise for simply not losing sight of the overall narrative. The divisive conclusions of popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Oshi no Ko have caused the conversation surrounding manga endings to ignite in flames, with fans all having different...