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*** TL;DR at the end ***

“Oshi no Ko” huh? Tbh, I was initially skeptical about this anime despite its overwhelming popularity. I mean, I get it if it was a shounen-like anime with the usual fight scenes and stuff, but an anime about the idol industry? That’s the first I’ve heard of it. My skepticism remained until I delved into a few episodes and watched episode 6 of this show. It was then that I began to understand and love the show for what it is. That particular episode broke the seemingly perfect facade of the idol world and ever since then, I was just ... hooked.

This show is not just your everyday idol anime with a CGDCT kinda theme (S-tier waifus tho). It is unique because it mixes the elements of fantasy, drama, and of course the idol biz. Aka Akasaka’s writing has always been one that has had something unique about it. That out-of-the-box thinking that breathes new life into the most cliché topics. It just has the ability to capture the attention of the viewers/readers. That’s exactly what happens in the case of “Oshi no Ko”.

“Oshi No Ko" is a story centered around the world of idols and the lives of its characters. At the center of the narrative is Ai, a popular member of the idol group ‘B Komachi’. In the first episode, we get to see the kind of person Ai is, and so many other things happen along the way. The whole 90-minute episode felt like it was straight out of a movie. A lot of incidents (withheld to avoid spoilers) take place in the first episode. These incidents drive the plot forward, generating a sense of anticipation and fascination, until finally settling into the commencement of the actual story.

We now have our protagonist Aqua, the guy who’s gonna carry the show, and our other protagonist Ruby, his sister. The former is a person who feels like he’s lost his purpose in life and the latter is the kind of person fueled by unwavering determination to pursue a career as an idol, following the steps of a certain someone. Through the character Aqua, we get to see how he’s lost because of despair and is on a path of revenge. With hopes to find the person who caused all his despair, he sets foot into the idol industry as an actor.

Aqua sees the darker side of this industry. Things like how there’s a really limited scope, how only certain people make it big, failure not being tolerated, the relentless pressure to stand out and establish a notable presence, constant criticism, online harassment, cyberbullying, and a plethora of other issues.

The show also dives into complex themes such as the sacrifices made for success, the consequences of fan adoration, and the struggle to maintain one's true self in the face of expectations. Through the character Ai, the show exposes the unsettling reality of assuming a fabricated persona and living a life based on lies. Through its narrative, the series raises thought-provoking questions about the blurred boundaries between public image and personal identity, leaving viewers contemplating the price that comes with pursuing dreams in such a demanding industry. (Didn’t get it? Just go watch the anime bro!!)

TL;DR:

“Oshi no Ko” is a brilliant and must-watch anime for fans of the idol genre and beyond. Its riveting storyline, engaging characters, impressive visuals (those eyes), and evocative music (love the OP & ED song!!) combine to form an experience that surpasses the conventional boundaries of the idol genre. So whether you're looking for a new favorite show or just want to experience something different and entertaining, OnK delivers on all fronts.

As for me, I'm diving straight into the manga now (or maybe when I find some time).