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Oshi No Ko Anime’s premiere in 2023 took the anime world by storm, a visually stunning beginning that surprises you with every scene. For a few weeks after the first episode was released, it was all the fandom could talk about. The dark twist in the episode wasn’t only unexpected but uncomfortable to sit through. Aqua and Ruby underwent immense growth as they tried to lead a normal life after that tragic incident they experienced as toddlers.

Ruby Hoshino | Credits: Studio Doga Kobo

Aqua was entrenched with the idea of revenge and was the central focus of the story. Whereas Ruby was pushed to the sidelines and mostly behaved like a ‘normal’ schoolgirl, which paled her character in comparison to Aqua’s. With season 2 of the anime, the situation has turned around as we see glimpses of the dark secrets that Ruby holds.

This Ruby Scene is the Best...

The official X account of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s Oshi No Ko manga announced on Oct 9, 2024, that it will be coming to an end after four and a half years run with the release of chapter 166.

The final chapter will come out in the 50th issue of Weekly Young Jump on Nov 14, 2024.

With just four more chapters remaining, the creators confirmed that the manga will be published weekly, with no breaks, starting with the issue releasing on Oct 24.

The release schedule for the final four chapters can be viewed below:

Chapter 163 on Oct 24, 2024 Chapter 164 on Oct 31, 2024 Chapter 165 on Nov 7, 2024 Chapter 166 on Nov 14, 2024

It was also revealed that the final volume of the manga, vol. 16, will be published on Dec 18, 2024.

In addition to the regular edition of the final volume, a special edition titled Oshi No Ko 16 Special Edition will also be available.

Oshi No Ko manga has been...

Oshi no Ko is one of the most popular anime of the modern generation. Since its inception, the manga has gained massive momentum among the fans. One of the best features of the manga is its plot. It does not follow any typical Shonen plot. Aka Akasaka has worked hard on the plot and it won’t feel boring even for a single moment.

The story focuses on pop idol Ai Hoshino, and the dark side of the entertainment industry. Even though the story revolves around her, she was killed off quite early in the series. When the creator was asked why she was killed, Akasaka said that she was getting more powerful than she was initially planned to be. There was a certain aura that she emitted that made her overshadow others.

Ai Hoshino’s Death Was Crucial For The Plot Ai Hoshino in Oshi no Ko (Credit: Doga Kobo)

Initially,...

The Oshi no Ko manga ending date has officially been scheduled. According to the official accounts for the series, Oshi no Ko just has four chapters remaining. Following a hiatus that's set to end on October 24, the final four chapters will be released consecutively, putting the final chapter of the manga in this year's 50th issue of Weekly Young Jump magazine on November 14, 2024.  The 16th volume will close it out in compiled form when it hits shelves in Japan on December 18. The manga written by Aka Akasaka ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War ) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari ( Scum's Wish ) first launched in Weekly Young Jump in April 2020. Yen Press publishes the series in English and it's also available digitally through Shueisha's Manga Plus service. Here's how the latter describes it: "In the world of showbiz, lies are weapons." Goro works as an Ob-gyn in the countryside, a life...

Oshi no Ko is ending its run after four years of brilliantly-written dramatic explorations of show business, and its conclusion is coming sooner than fans perhaps realized. According to the official Oshi no Ko X (formerly Twitter) account, the manga will finish after four more chapters on November 14, 2024, with a brief one-week hiatus before the next chapter set for Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The series will conclude the final arc set in motion this year, and with the latest chapter ending on a cliffhanger, Oshi no Ko fans will be waiting for the conclusion on the edge of their seats.

#411/14YJ50YJ4710/24 # pic.twitter.com/AV9ZozTnpD (@oshinoko_comic) October 9, 2024

Oshi no Ko has also just concluded its acclaimed second season of the anime, with the series still pacing for multiple additional seasons before the show's conclusion to follow the manga's. The series has garnered adoration for its faithful and gorgeous adaptation of Akasaka and Yokoyari's creation,...

It's the tenth anniversary of Shirobako , and lots of festivities are already underway! Fans can look forward to lots of events in the coming days. First up is a piece of celebratory artwork, penned by series character designer Kanami Sekiguchi: Related: Oshi no Ko Anime Gets 3rd Season Creditless versions of the first opening and ending sequences are also available to watch as part of the celebration: And starting tomorrow, October 9, the city of Musashino (where the series is set) will be displaying new manhole covers in honor of the anniversary. The designs were unveiled on October 4: Related: Puniru is a Kawaii Slime Anime Oozes Cuteness in Creditless Opening, Ending Videos Shirobako premiered on October 9, 2014 and ran for 24 episodes. A manga, novel, two OVAs and a film have also been created based on the series. Crunchyroll currently streams the Shirobako movie , describing it thus: Four years after the events of the series,...

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 13, "Wish," now streaming on Hidive.

The season finale of Oshi no Ko's second season has arrived, and it mostly serves as setup for future story arcs in intriguing, dramatic ways. While the bulk of Sesaon 2 concerned itself with the stage play of Tokyo Blade, the last few episodes served as an interlude arc of sorts as the members of the new B-Komachi get to work. Ruby Hoshino and the girls work on their new music video in Episode 13, but under the glitzy idol surface lay some festering problems, most of all with Ruby herself.

Ruby Hoshino has spent most of her new life as a carefree girl who enjoys her career in the predatory idol industry, but Episode 13's events tear away her innocence in a big way. It's already bad enough that Ruby has found Dr. Gorou Amamiya's skeletal remains,...

The Summer 2024 anime season has come to a close, and looking back, it's easy to see which titles were the best, most entertaining, and most memorable of them all. While My Hero Academia's 7th season was solid and My Deer Friend Nokotan was a bizarre yet welcome surprise, the seinen series Oshi no Ko was arguably the season's best anime with its second season. The first episode of Oshi no Ko hit the ground running with its brutally subversive elements and tense drama, and Season 2 lived up to those high standards.

Season 2 of Oshi no Ko packed plenty of what made the first season such a hit, while also pushing the story in bold new directions and exploring some fascinating new ideas as Aqua and Ruby Hoshino figure out their new lives. This season owes much of its success to what Season 1 established while also adding some wonderful new material that any fan may enjoy.

The official YouTube channel for the upcoming live-action web drama and feature film adaptation of the Oshi no Ko manga series has released a main trailer for the drama series. In addition to introducing the main cast members, "Warera Kanzen Muteki no Idol!!" ("We are the perfect and invincible idol"), an original song performed by the in-show idol group B-Komachi, is revealed for the first time in the clip. Related: Oshi no Ko Live-Action Drama and Movie Reveal Teaser Trailer, Visual The eight-episode drama series will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide on November 28, 2024. Then the feature film that tells the drama's sequel story will release in Japan on December 20, 2024, distributed by Toei. Smith , best known for his music video works for NMB48 and Kishidan, serves as the feature film's director. He also directs the drama series alongside Hana Matsumoto , who has also worked on music videos for HKT48, TrySail,...

This review contains mild spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 13 "Wish" and Season 2 as a whole.

After being delayed by a week, Oshi no Ko Season 2 finally came to a close with the season's thirteenth and final episode, "Wish." Picking up mere seconds after the previous episode ended with Ruby Hoshino discovering the skeletal remains of Dr. Goro Amamiya, this week's episode wastes no time in setting up future storylines, revealing the characters' titular personal wishes, and beginning Ruby's start of darkness. This, however, is where the season finale falls apart. In hindsight, Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 13 is really more of a collection of epilogues than a cohesive season finale.

Oshi no Ko Season 2 is one of this year's best anime and arguably one of the best animated dramas of recent memory. Unfortunately, thiis fact wouldn't be reflected if "Wish" were watched in a vacuum. That's not...

The show must go on! Following the broadcast of Oshi no Ko 's Season 2 finale, the series' official website and accounts announced with a brand-new trailer and visual that a third anime season is in production, while also confirming the casting of Mamoru Miyano as Hikaru Kamiki and Hina Kino as Tsukuyomi. A release date was not revealed at the time of reporting. Oshi no Ko Season 3 Trailer Oshi no Ko Season 3 Visual Season 3 Visual Related: Oshi no Ko Season 2 Private Arc Visual Unveiled 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...

The second season of Oshi no Ko is now wrapping up, and anime fans have plenty of questions about where this dark, subversive anime should go from here. Season 2 got a lot of work done, including the incredible Tokyo Blade stage play and some edutainment about how manga is adapted into other mediums, and the Hoshino family's drama is heating up, too. But for every question that's answered in Season 2, another question is raised.

The second season has left plenty of questions for anime fans to chew on as they await a potential third season of Oshi no Ko, mostly in regards to what the twins Aqua and Ruby Hoshino will do, not to mention Aqua's two admirers, Kana Arima and Akane Kurokawa. Those characters have all kinds of outstanding issues concerning their backstories, their careers, and matters of the heart, and fans can't wait to see how it will...

From shonen to shojo and everything in between, Sanrio has collaborated with numerous anime and manga series over the years, including the likes of Jujutsu Kaisen, My Dress-Up Darling, Oshi no Ko, Rose of Versailles and Natsume Yuujincho, just to name a few. Now, Hello Kitty and friends are partnering up once again with Clamp's iconic magical-girl series Cardcaptor Sakura, releasing brand-new merchandise sporting adorable sketch-like illustrations.

This is far from the first time Sanrio and Cardcaptor Sakura have partnered up, with famous manga artist group Clamp releasing stunning original artwork earlier this year featuring Hello Kitty dressed like Ccs's titular protagonist Sakura. This time, Sakura returns alongside her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji and love interest Syaoran Li, with all three characters being joined by Sanrio's Hello Kitty, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Cinnamoroll and Pochacco.

Related Hello Kitty's New 50th-Anniversary Squishy Toy Is a Stress Reliever...

Oshi no Ko is about to conclude an exceptional and fascinating second outing, with the release of season 2, episode #13 promising truly fascinating developments as Ruby Hoshino finds herself on a dark path. The events of episode #12 have stirred up troubling memories and grim revelations for both of them, with Aqua realizing the potential for harm against his loved ones, and Ruby opening her eyes to some distressing truths. On the release date of Oshi no Ko season 2, episode #13, fans will get to see a hauntingly beautiful next step into the Mainstay Arc.

The 2.5D Stage Play Arc remains the highlight of Oshi no Ko season 2, blending show business commentary with elegant visual storytelling of a cast truly embracing their craft on the set of Tokyo Blade. But now, as the series cruises through the Private Arc and into a significantly darker tone once again, fire is struck in the broken heart of Ruby Hoshino.

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 12, "Reunion," now streaming on Hidive.

Season 2 of Oshi no Ko is now reaching its conclusion with Episode 12, and the Hoshino twins have more on their plate then they can possibly handle. Even Aqua Hoshino, who is much smarter and savvier than the teenage boy he seems to be, cannot keep up with all the shocking twists of this season, such as his father's apparent death years ago, and his sister Ruby is about to be overwhelmed by her own problems. In Episode 12, all seems well for Ruby, until she stumbles upon the skeletal remains of Dr. Gorou Amamiya.

The Hoshino twins struggle with a theme of past vs future, and for years, that problem was more acute for Aqua, who was ready to devote his entire second life to hunting down and getting revenge on his mother's killer. That threatened...

The Apos conference in Bali ended yesterday after a series of talks from the biggest players in Asia, and the main theme to merge was a cry for collaboration in streaming.

The likes of Warner Bros Discovery, Prime Video, U-Next, Viu and Canal+ all talked up partnerships as a key route to engaging and attracting subscribers during their sessions at the luxurious Ayana Resort in Indonesia.

Gaurav Gandhi, Vice President, Asia Pacific & Mena for Prime Video, told delegates that the Apac region was one where Amazon is at “different stages,” meaning “strategies differ depending on where the journey is.”

In a session also including Yosuke Ishibashi, Head of Content for Prime Video Japan, Gandhi talked through Amazon’s path from being a goods provider to a content provider. He said that in Japan, it was “super important to think about partnership and collaboration.”

Among the six key “pillars” of Prime...

Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War is a popular seinen anime and one of the celebrated works by Aka Akasaka. In accordance with its popularity, it is one of the bestselling manga by the author. The series also offers a refreshing take on the cliche rom-com tropes. Moreover, it is one of the highest-rated anime series on IMDb. However, there’s more to it.

Akane Kurokawa in a still from the series| Credit: Doga Kobo

The release of Oshi no Ko highlighted Akasaka as a mangaka. Furthermore, The series is soaring the heights with its growing popularity. Additionally, the mangaka shared the process behind conceptualizing the manga. They also reflected on the inspiration behind this work. Both works by the author differ in their handling of the themes.

Aka Akasaka reveals her inspiration behind Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko is another massive hit by the manga artist Aka Akasaka. The story...

Owing to Season 2’s immense popularity, Oshi no Ko stands out as one of the best returning anime in Summer 2024. What makes Oshi no Ko a huge hit is its unique storyline and compelling characters. Aka Akasaka’s Oshi no Ko is a complete anime that revolves around revenge and music idols.

Ai Hoshino in Oshi no Ko | Credit: Doga Kobo

The mangaka brings the harsh struggles of pop idols to the screen, offering a dark and often unsettling look at the Japanese idol industry, while exposing the exploitation and abuse that occurs behind the scenes. Aka Akasaka’s manga is revolutionising the way fans view the idol industry, raising awareness about its darker side. The mangaka has openly acknowledged his effort to portray the harsh truths and struggles of the industry.

Aka Akasaka Sheds Light on the Harsh Realities of the Idol Industry with Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko Season 2 premiered in July,...

Oshi no Ko lived up to expectations by delivering an excellent sophomore season so far, with its 2.5D Stage Play Arc being a strong showing and a highlight of the Fall 2024 anime season. However, as confirmed by Oshi no Ko's X (formerly Twitter) account, season 2's finale is delaying its original broadcast date until Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 7:00 Pm Jt. This breaks from the usual Wednesday airdates, with episodes typically simulcasting at 11:00 Edt for viewers in the West for the series, and its Hidive availability will likely be released around then to follow suit.

The Oshi no Ko season 2 finale will dive into Ruby Hoshino's shocking discovery from the previous episode, "Reunion." Given the latest bombshell reveal bringing Ruby closer to the same mystery Aqua has been pursuing, this will be the most consequential episode of the season, so viewers will be eager to tune in as soon as possible.

The following contains mild spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 12 "Reunion."

Whenever anime fans recommend or describe Oshi no Ko to others, they usually focus on the anime's pointed commentary about Japan's entertainment industry or Aqua Hoshino's years-long revenge. While these are definitely the anime's strongest selling points, this kind of hype tends to ignore the human drama at the heart of everything. After all, the glimpse into showbiz's underbelly and Aqua's pursuit of vengeance are only so compelling because of the very human and relatable characters caught in the middle of it all.

Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 12 "Reunion" reminds fans that this humanity is the anime's real strength in the saddest ways possible. Although audiences, Aqua and Ruby already knew that B-Komachi's work-related vacation to Miyazaki would be a bittersweet homecoming, nobody was ready for how grim it would really be. Not only does this week's...

Warning: Contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko chapter #150.One of the more controversial elements of the most recent arc of Oshi no Ko has been the manga teasing an incestuous relationship between Aqua and Ruby. The two of them became more physically and emotionally intimate after learning they were Goro and Sarina, respectively, and Ruby made it clear that she still wanted to act on her feelings for Goro, despite them now being family.

Oshi no Ko's teasing the idea of Aqua and Ruby entering a relationship has been as divisive as one would expect it to be, and fortunately, its finally been put to bed. The movie arc has recently come to a close, and in its epilogue, a moment of self-reflection from Aqua both ended the idea of him dating Ruby and confirmed his true romance. Considering the kind of series Oshi no Ko is, its unknown what will come of the latter,...

Marin Kitagawa, the extremely popular female protagonist from the My Dress-Up Darling anime series, has received a first look at her elegant upcoming figure release, which stars the character dressed up for another of her beloved cosplay pieces.

Via the official Aniplex Plus X (formerly Twitter) account, My Dress-Up Darling's Marin will soon receive a new figure for preorder. Officially named the "Marin Kitagawa Baby Doll ver. 1/7 Scale Figure," the first image was recently revealed, showcasing Marin in a pastel pink and white cosplay and grinning while making a peace sign. She rests against a cushion, attached to the flat stand on which the figure sits. Readers can check out the full image below.

Related Hello Kitty & Sanrio Characters Get Adorable My Dress-Up Darling Anime Collaboration

Sanrio's Hello Kitty and Friends collaborates with the popular cosplay anime My Dress-Up Darlingfor new official artwork and licensed merchandise.

My Dress-Up Darling...

Many heroes come and go in One-Punch Man, with the Neo Heroes Saga introducing either rebranded or wholly new additions to the series' impressive and eclectic roster. Saitama's continuous absence throughout the Ninjas Arc presents a unique opportunity for aspiring new saviors to emerge and assert themselves as Earth's newest defenders. In the case of Wavygyaza, the pop idol-inspired superhero, she bears a certain resemblance to classic idol imagery and Oshi no Ko's Ai Hoshino that feels far from accidental.

Wavygyaza is part of the Neo Heroes organization, an emerging alternative to the Hero Association, whose continuous difficulties and self-preserving tendencies have been seen as putting innocent lives in jeopardy. New heroes like Wavygyaza are meant to draw the public eye thanks to mass social appeal, and with a built-in fan base for this idol singer, it's an easy sell in One-Punch Man. Still, as the series soon reveals,...

With just three months left in 2024, its safe to conclude that this year in anime has been outstandingly fantastic. Between countless returning favorites, like Demon Slayers Hashira Training arc and Black Butlers long-awaited comeback, and unexpected fresh hits instantaneously earning new devoted fanbases, this year has been treating the anime community just right. And the fans must thank the incredible anime studios that continue to create wonderful shows for their viewers year after year for the abundance of top-tier shows released in 2024.

Anime production can be a difficult, multilayered process. Yet, from established veterans to promising newcomers, the studios responsible for this years best series eagerly face these challenges to provide their fans with the best possible entertainment. While there are still plenty of promising shows to look forward to in the upcoming Fall season, including Science Sarus Dandadan and MAPPAs remake of Ranma , now is a perfect time to...

Quick Links Oshi No Ko Season 2 Fixes The Pacing Of The Original Arc The Tokyo Blade Arc's Animation Helps Oshi No Ko Become Summer 2024s Best Action Anime Oshi No Ko Season 2 Understands The True Heart Of Action Oshi No Ko Season 2 Proves The Series Is A Masterpiece No Matter What Genre Its Tackling

Warning: Contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko season 2.Oshi no Ko season 2 has succeeded in numerous ways, and the most surprising of them has been as an action anime. The main storyline of season 2 revolves around the 2.5D stage play adaptation of the in-universe shonen manga Tokyo Blade, and in its execution, Osho no Ko season 2 became summer 2024s best action anime thanks to a combination of action, writing, and overall direction.

Oshi no Ko has officially returned with its second season for the summer 2024 anime season, and its proven to be just as great as season 1, if not greater.

Quick Links When Does Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode #12 Release? What Happened In Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode #11? Truth Bombs Continue to Drop in Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode #12

Oshi no Ko episode #12 will begin dialing up the mystery and drama after the conclusion of the 2.5D Stage Play Arc after Aqua finishes preparing to go to Miyazaki Prefecture, his stomping ground from another life, looking for the truth behind who orchestrated his mother, Ai Hoshino's murder. With Oshi no Ko season 2, episode #12, Aqua glimpses a place from his past life and the grim memories attached.

Aqua Hoshino has been without a quest since his fateful meeting with Taiki Himekawa, learning of their surprising family connection and a revelation about his suspected father. The root of his obsession seemed to be impossibly out of reach were it not for a specific encounter from season 2, episode #11 fans eagerly anticipated. With...

The following contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 11 of Oshi no Ko, "Freedom," now streaming on Hidive.

Now that the Tokyo Blade story arc is over in Oshi no Ko's second season, the main characters are free to resume the same plot threads and drama that they had in the first season. In a way, the anime is going full circle as of Episode 11, "Freedom," and the episode's title is actually ironic in many ways. Aqua thinks he is free from his quest for vengeance against his father, but he couldn't be more wrong, as his twin sister unwittingly notices in this episode.

What's more, the love triangle between Aqua, Kana, and Akane returns to the forefront, and that may spell disaster for Akane Kurokawa. Even if Akane adores Aqua as the boy who saved her life, Akane clearly doesn't realize that Aqua Hoshino will never bring her happiness, and...

The following contains mild spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 11 "Freedom."

In last week's episode, Oshi no Ko Season 2 seemingly implied that Aqua Hoshino's years-long plot for revenge by infiltrating the shady Japanese entertainment industry was futile and over before he even knew it. Apparently, the estranged father he was determined to kill as revenge for his murdered mother, the legendary idol Ai Hoshino, died by suicide years ago. Even if Season 2, Episode 10 "Liberation" went through great lengths to show that Aqua was now free from his self-imposed pursuit of vengeance, it was obvious that this wasn't the case.

It didn't take long for the anime to prove viewers' doubts from last week right, as Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 11 "Freedom" pulled the rug from under Aqua without him even realizing it. That said, the episode was in no rush to do this. Instead, it took its time by...

Quick Links When Does Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode #11 Release? What Happened In Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode #10? A Grave Development Happens in Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode #11

Oshi no Ko might be moving past its most entertaining arc in season 2, and it now moves to push the plot forward as Aqua Hoshino encounters a crisis of motivation with the release of episode #11. Following the closing performances of Tokyo Blade, the focus shifts from his quest as his desire for revenge is shaken, and the various key people in his life vie for his attention differently. But with the release of Oshi no Ko season 2, episode #11, the Private Arc commences with some of the biggest revelations of the entire series.

The Private Arc is more subdued in terms of visual spectacle than the 2.5D Stage Play Arc in Oshi no Ko season 2, but with how the episodes are paced, some...

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 10, "Liberation," now streaming on Hidive.

As the second season of Oshi no Ko draws to a close, the stage production of Tokyo Blade ends as well, throwing open the doors to new developments in the anime's most serious plot threads. Many of the anime's central conflicts and unresolved mysteries were put on hold during the production of Tokyo Blade, most of all Aqua Hoshino's revenge quest and Ruby Hoshino's work with the new B-Komachi, but now the Hoshinos' personal plots are put back to the fore.

All this creates an intriguing conflict of past vs future, and right now, the Hoshino twins are stuck between their painful past and uncertain future in ways they don't even fully comprehend. That's a major theme of Episode 10, because when Aqua hits an apparent dead end with his investigation into his father, his life...

This review contains mild spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 10: "Liberation"

When Oshi no Ko's anime adaptation was first announced, it was advertised to be both a scathing commentary on the Japanese entertainment industry and the ultimate revenge anime. Season 1 fulfilled both promises with flying colors. It was simultaneously a grim reality check for viewers who wanted to enter show business, and a thrilling mystery. Season 2, on the other hand, had other plans. The bulk of the sequel season was dedicated to the stage adaptation of the manga Tokyo Blade, and showing just how emotionally taxing it was to be an actor. Even if they were constant presences in the "Tokyo Blade Arc," Aqua Hoshino's revenge and Ai Hoshino's memory took a backseat for most of Season 2.

While this may sound as if the anime lost its way, the opposite is true. The Tokyo Blade Arc was...

Doga Kobo's popular Oshi no Ko anime series partners with Movic, part of major anime retailer Animate, for a new wristwatch inspired by the extremely influential Ai Hoshino, featuring unmistakable nods to her character.

Via PR Times, merch and anime production company has announced a new watch in collaboration with the Oshi no Ko anime series. The wristwatch, priced at 19,800 yen (~US$139), is inspired by the popular character Ai Hoshino, who featured predominantly in the early parts of the first season and continues to be a driving force of the rest of the series. The watch dial references Ai's gradient pattern and starry eyes common throughout the Hoshino family. It also has a rabbit symbol to match Ai's hair accessory, while her signature and the Oshi no Ko logo are both engraved on the back. The watch became available for pre-order on Aug. 30, with its reservation period set to end on Oct.

In anime as it is in reality, the theater is a stage of life. It’s where identities and connections are forged, where rivalries are played out for all to see, where young love is won and lost and, in one particular instance, where the very nature of storytelling is at its rawest. You’ve likely seen a class deliver a rendition of Romeo and Juliet or The Tale of Urashima Taro at the school culture festival more than once, but these titles own the spotlight when it comes to putting on a whole show about drama in the truest sense of the word. Whatever your theatrical preference — naturalism, revue, rakugo (a form of Japanese verbal comedy), 2.5D or improv — anime has you covered in multiple genres. A3! We’re Gonna Get Together and Put on One Last Show to Save the Community Theater: The Anime. “Act! Addict! Actors!” is...

CloverWorks, the Japanese animation studio behind hits like Spy x Family, has released a brand-new trailer for its upcoming theatrical movie about three young men acquiring telepathic powers from a mystical hedgehog-like creature. Fureru, releasing this fall, also features the creative team behind Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.

The movie's official X (formerly Twitter) account shared the latest trailer for Fureru. The initial teaser from early July advertised the main creative team behind Fureru, including Tatsuyuki Nagai (director), Mari Okada (writer and director) and Masayoshi Tanaka (character designer). The trio -- who commonly go by the name of the Super Peace Busters from the childhood friend group of Anohana -- worked on the 2011 TV anime series and 2013 movie, as well as The Anthem of the Heart and Her Blue Sky. This newly-released trailer digs deeper into the main story of Fureru, which marries the supernatural with coming-of-age elements.

The official X account of Jump Festa 2025 announced on Sep 2, 2024, that this year’s event will feature Jump Super Stage Red & Blue, Jump Studio, and a stage celebrating the 10th anniversary of Shonen Jump+.

Jump Festa 2025 is set to take place on Dec 21-12, 2024 at Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe convention center. This year, the venue has been expanded and the number of stages has increased.

Check out the stages and their line-up below:

Red Stage

Weekly Shonen Jump titles:

One Piece My Hero Academia Jujutsu Kaisen

Shonen Jump+ titles:

Chainsaw Man Spy x Family Kaiju No. 8

Jump Sq titles:

Prince of Tennis Blue Exorcist Rurouni Kenshin

V Jump title:

Dragon Ball Blue Stage

Weekly Shonen Jump titles:

Bleach Gintama Sakamoto Days Haikyuu Witch Watch Kimetsu no Yaiba Mission Yozakura Family Blue Box

Shonen Jump+ title:

Dandadan

Jump Sq title:

World Trigger Jump Studio Stage (Green)

Weekly Shonen Jump titles:

Dr.

In a surprising update for fans of the ongoing anime Oshi no Ko, Episode 10 of Season 2 has been delayed. The news was revealed right after the broadcast of Episode 9, much to the disappointment of eager viewers.

Instead of the anticipated continuation, a special recap episode will air next week, featuring interviews with Megumi Han, the voice actor of Kana, and Manaka Iwami, the voice actor of Akane. Additionally, a recap of episodes 1 to 9 will be narrated by Takeo Otsuka, the voice actor of Aqua. This news comes from the anime’s official X handle.

The delay is brief, with Episode 10 now scheduled to air on September 11, 2024, at 11 pm Jst. The episode will first air on Tokyo Mx, followed by other local television networks in Japan. International fans can stream the episode on Hidive. While the official reason for the delay has not been disclosed, some reputable anime news accounts have...

From being lit up by stage lights to bathing in the glow of fireflies, acting trio Aqua, Melt and Taiki enjoy an illuminating night out in the 'late summer heat inquiry' visual and voiceover video unveiled by the Oshi no Ko anime's official website and accounts today. 'Late Summer Heat Inquiry' Visual Related: Oshi no Ko Season 2 Anime Releases 2.5D Stage Play Arc Visual 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.

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 9, "Dream."

From the very beginning, Oshi no Ko was an anime with two stories. It was simultaneously a revenge thriller set in the Japanese entertainment industry, and a story of artistic discovery. As Aqua Hoshino hunted down his father, he and his sister Ruby learned more about themselves as they followed their respective career paths. Ruby dreamed of succeeding her mother as a legendary idol, while Aqua reluctantly pursued acting. But in Season 2, this balance was thrown asunder by the Tokyo Blade Arc.

As of this writing, Oshi no Ko Season 2 dedicated nine of its confirmed 13 episodes to the 2.5D adaptation of the in-universe manga "Tokyo Blade." Ruby took a backseat for most of the current cour, as the anime focused almost exclusively on Aqua and his two love interests, Akane Kurokawa and Kana Arima. Not only did the season show their growth as actors,...

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 9, "Dream," now streaming on Hidive.

As of Episode 9, the Tokyo Blade story arc of Oshi no Ko is drawing to a close. Interestingly, Episode 9 may have ended this story arc, but it did not actually resolve very many plot threads, so many lingering mysteries and conflicts will continue into the next arc and perhaps beyond. One example is the love triangle between Kana Arima and Akane Kurokawa, who are fighting over Aqua Hoshino. That love triangle is quickly evolving into something else entirely, as Episode 9 shows.

Aside from that, Aqua seems to be going back and forth on how and why he should act as a performer, seemingly contradicting Episode 8's last scene regarding Aqua's usage of method acting and his traumatizing memories of Ai Hoshino's murder. Aqua can't seem to decide what Ai's murder means for him as...

A stage play adaptation of the Oshi no Ko manga, written by Aka Akasaka ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War ) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari ( Scum's Wish ), is now set to open in Tokyo and Osaka in December 2024. The title of the play is "Engeki 'Oshi no Ko' 2.5-jigen Butai-hen" ("Stage Play 'Oshi no Ko' 2.5 D Stage Play Arc"), with the story based on the fifth arc of the original manga and currently in the TV anime's ongoing second season. The arc depicts the drama of a manga's stage play production process and adds original elements unique to the theater, including the in-show play Tokyo Blade . A key visual featuring these two stories was released. "Oshi no Ko" stage play key visual "Tokyo Blade" stage play key visual A teaser trailer for the Tokyo Blade stage play is now streaming on the play's official X (formerly Twitter) . Related:...

On August 27, Japanese research firm Teikoku Databank reported the results of a survey showing that Japan's anime production market in 2023 reached a record high of 339.02 billion yen. That figure was 22.9 percent higher than the previous year's 275.783 billion yen (equal to 1.915 billion Usd), and the market reached the 300 billion yen mark for the first time in history. Annual Trends in the Japanese Anime Production Market Image via Teikoku Databank report In terms of the overall anime market, the anime streaming market — including video on demand (VOD) services — reached a record high of 165.2 billion yen (1.15 billion Usd) in 2022. The streaming market has expanded tenfold over the past decade. Among TV anime based on light novels in 2023, The Apothecary Diaries was noted as gaining popularity. In addition, among TV anime based on manga, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Oshi no Ko attracted much attention and contributed to the expansion of the merchandise market.

Quick Links What Time Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #9 Releases What Happened In Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #8? Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #9 Will Shift Focus to Aqua's Character

After a dazzling performance by Kana at last, season 2 episode #9 of Oshi no Ko will finally shift to the finale of the 2.5D Stage Play Arc with a focus on Aqua as he grapples with his memories of Ai and repressed feelings of guilt and regret. With Sayahime's death in the latest episode, the Tokyo Blade stage play is finally coming to a close and the upcoming episode is expected to delve into Aqua's character and his complex feelings towards acting.

What Time Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #9 Releases Produced by Doga Kobo, Based on the Manga Written by Aka Akasaka and Illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari

Season 2, episode #9 of Oshi no Ko will be released on Hidive on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.

The following contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 8 of Oshi no Ko, "Trigger," now streaming on Hidive.

Kana Arima embraces honest acting to reclaim her true self in Episode 8, which is cathartic for her. Thus, the subversive character Kana subverts her subversive ways. Aqua Hoshino's dishonest acting serves a selfish quest, contrasting with Kana's empowerment.

Interestingly, the Oshi no Ko anime hasn't emphasized much of its subversive elements so far in the Summer 2024 anime season. In fact, a few characters involved in the Tokyo Blade stage play had shonen-style underdog arcs, including Melt Narushima and Akane Kurokawa, which was almost like the subversion of a subversion. Now, Episode 8 brings back Oshi no Ko's original subversion through two characters: Kana Arima and Aqua Hoshino. Both of them perform dishonest acting, but have starkly different reasons for doing so.

Episode 8, "Trigger," mainly focuses on Kana Arima and her efforts to reclaim her true,...

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode 8, "Trigger," now streaming on Hidive.

So far in the Summer 2024 anime season, Oshi no Ko's second season has been surprisingly light on the subversion. After all, this seinen anime made a name for itself in Season 1 with its dark and brutal deconstruction of Japan's glamorous idol and entertainment industry. This tough love for Japan's entertainment industry continues in Episode 8, "Trigger," mainly with Kana Arima and partly with Aqua Hoshino.

In both characters' cases, Oshi no Ko's subversion is powerful and highly compelling to watch. Episode 8 moves two different character arcs forward in meaningful and entertaining ways while also keeping the Tokyo Blade storyline moving. It's cool to watch Aqua inching forward with his twisted revenge scheme, but this episode's focus on Kana is where it shines most. This makes Kana an inspiring heroine despite of -- or perhaps because of...

Quick Links What Time Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #8 Releases What Happened In Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #7? Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #8 Will Finally See Kana Take the Spotlight

After a stunning performance from Akane, season 2 episode #8 of Oshi no Ko will see Kana finally accept Akane's challenge and finally give her performance as Tsurugi her all. As the Tokyo Blade stage play nears its climax, the upcoming episode of season 2 of Oshi no Ko will focus on Kana as she finally lets go of her inhibitions to steal the limelight for herself.

What Time Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode #8 Releases Produced by Doga Kobo, Based on the Manga Written by Aka Akasaka and Illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari

Season 2, episode #8 of Oshi no Ko will be released on Hidive on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (Edt), 10:00 a.m. Central Time (Cdt), and 8:00 a.m.

The daunting working condition of animators and mangaka is not a secret, yet the leaks or spoiler culture persists. While our favorite creators are pushing their bodies to meet the weekly deadlines, their work doesn’t get the patience from some viewers that it deserves. Most famous mangaka, from One Piece to Blue Lock, have dedicated days, only for social media pages to leak their chapters before the official release.

Hoshino Ai | Credits: Doga Kobo

In light of how common it has become to come across spoiler threads on the internet, Mengo Yokoyari shared her disappointment with her fans. Yokoyari has been working on the popular manga Oshi No Ko since 2020 along with Aka Akasaka. As the story has reached its final stage in the manga, leaks pose a great risk in affecting the enjoyment and performance of the subsequent chapters.

Mengo Yokoyari Shares Her Disappointment Abiko Sensei works on...

Sanrio's Hello Kitty collaborates with the popular cosplay anime series My Dress-Up Darling for new official artwork and merchandise, following similar collaborations with Oshi no Ko and The Rose of Versailles in recent days.

Via the Japanese brand PremiumStore's website, Hello Kitty and My Dress-Up Darling will collaborate across a range of artwork and merchandise. Officially titled the "My Dress-Up Darling x Sanrio Characters," the collection sees Marin pair with Hello Kitty, the former's alter-ego Shizuku-tan with Kuromi, Wakana Gojo with Dear Daniel, Sajuna Inui with My Melody and Shinju Inui with My Sweet Piano. Readers can check out the artwork and more information below.

Related Hello Kitty & Forever 21 Release New 100-Item Clothing Haul Serving Kawaii, Pastel & Ballet

Forever 21 returns with a massive haul of new Hello Kitty clothing and accessories, releasing a new promo video to celebrate her 50th anniversary.

My Dress-Up Darling Gets New Anime Art & Merchandise With Hello Kitty,...

The rush of a high-octane battle or the blooming of young love, the anime world is so much more than just an obvious means of entertainment. As the famous saying goes, Anime is not for kids, and thats because when it comes to tackling social issues, anime shows are on a different level. Whether it's discussing the insinuations of being a social recluse or dealing with school bullying, some anime shows have gone the extra mile to highlight the graveness of such issues.

For instance, bullying is a reoccurring theme in most shows with high school settings; however, sometimes cruelty can go a long way in destroying someones life. For those who have the heart to watch, these anime have not only addressed this harrowing act but also offered viewers the strength to stand against it.

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Related Oshi no Ko Season 2, Episode...

Kadokawa revealed its its top-performing IP for the first quarter of 2024 (April-June), with Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon) taking the lead by a wide margin.

The company reported that the IP generated over 2 billion yen in revenue across all media, including publishing, anime, and licensing, although the exact figure was not disclosed.

Dungeon Meshi topped the rankings in both the publishing and IP creation segment, as well as the anime production segment, earning more than twice the sales of the second-place IP.

Coming in second was KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!, which brought in close to 1 billion yen in sales.

Despite being licensed from another company, the anime adaptation of Oshi no Ko secured the third position, solely based on its anime revenue.

Dark Blue: Publishing & IP Creation Segment (Books)

Blue: Publishing & IP Creation Segment

Light Blue: Anime & Live-Action Film Segment

Gray: Game Segment, Others

Top 10 overall...

The following contains spoilers for Season 2 of Oshi no Ko, "Growth," now streaming on Hidive.

Recent episodes of Oshi no Ko focuses on Melt's insecurities and growth as an actor. Melt's honest underdog arc sets him apart from the drama of other main characters. Melt's character development aligns more with shonen protagonists in the anime industry, such as those in Bakuman and Zombie Land Saga.

Oshi no Ko is continuing a particular subtheme in its second season here in the Summer 2024 anime season. So far in the Tokyo Blade story arc, the narrative has been quite strong with characters like Aqua Hoshino, Kana Arima, and Akane Kurokawa taking center stage, literally and otherwise, but there is still room to explore other chraracters, too. Fans wouldn't call this an ensemble anime, but here and there, it pays off to see Oshi no Ko's world through the eyes of side characters like Melt Narushima the actor.