The live-action adaptation of Oshi no Ko is finally released, and with it, the idol-focused mystery series has made it back into the spotlight. One of the best sequences in Oshi no Ko‘s anime is when the fictional idol group, B-Komachi, puts on their first live performance. It’s a defining moment for Ruby, Kana, and Mem-Cho, especially for Kana, who becomes overwhelmed with determination to enter an audience, similar to Ai Hoshino when she was a member of the original group.
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The actresses who portray the previously mentioned trio in the live-action version of the series do a phenomenal job, especially when it comes to bringing the idol group’s pivotal moment to life. Now, one of the group’s previously unreleased live performances is available for fans to watch whenever they want.
B-Komachi Represents the Entire Idol Industry In Japan – For Better and For Worse
Oshi no Ko is obviously loaded with commentary and criticism about the Japanese entertainment industry. This is blatantly clear in the very first episode of the series, a feature-long visual spectacle that not only introduces the show’s audience to its protagonists but also by introducing them to Ai Hoshino – a generational talent and top idol who is tragically killed by a stalker in her home. While the series pivots to being more of a revenge story, the spotlight is always ominously placed on what it means to be an idol in Japan and the horrors that sometimes come with it. Much of what drew diehard idol fans into reading Oshi no Ko when it first began serializing was terrifying parallels to tragedies involving real-life idols.
Many fans even speculate that Ai’s death is a reference to very real crime that took place in 2016. While Aka Akasaka, the creator of the series, hasn’t confirmed the link, fans of Mayu Tomita couldn’t help but see the connection. Oshi no Ko also dives into the mental turmoil that members of the industry face, including things like imposter syndrome. At its best, the series’ darkest subjects are handled beautifully and provide a lot of nuance when examining celebrities.
[RELATED: Oshi no Ko Creator Is Already Launching Their Next Manga (And It’s Very Different)]
Despite the Manga Coming To an End, Oshi no Ko Is Going Strong
The manga ended on November 14, 2024, with a third season of the anime adaptation announced quickly after Season 2’s finale. Season 2 focused heavily on Ruby Hoshino’s rise to fame as a young actress, something that has become extremely culturally relevant in recent years, and also covers the Private arc, which jumps back into the murder mystery aspects of the story while exploring new details on the “new” B-Komachi’s idol careers. Season 3 is set to adapt the Mainstay Arc, Scandal Arc, and Movie Arc. The Mainstay Arc jumps back into Ruby’s story as a growing name in the entertainment industry.
In addition to the release of the anime, the live-action adaptation of the series is finally available for fans to watch and has done an excellent job bringing Oshi no Ko‘s characters and events to life. While some anime and manga fans aren’t usually inclined to try out live-action series due to the different mediums, the production quality put it into Oshi no Ko makes it worth every fan’s time.
H/T Oricon US
