Synopsis: Aqua’s desire for revenge takes center stage as he navigates the dark underbelly of the entertainment world alongside his twin sister, Ruby. While Ruby follows in their slain mother’s footsteps to become an idol, Aqua joins a famous theater troupe in hopes of uncovering clues to the identity of his father — the man who arranged their mother’s untimely death, and the man who once starred in the same troupe Aqua hopes to infiltrate.
(Source: HIDIVE)
“Oshi no Ko” has quickly established itself as a standout anime, capturing the attention of fans worldwide with its unique storytelling and innovative presentation. The first season made a significant impact with its bold decision to premiere with a 1-hour episode, a format that felt more like a cinematic experience than a typical anime episode. This approach was not only well-received but also set a trend that influenced other major anime productions, such as “Demon Slayer,” which followed suit with extended episode formats, and “Frieren,” which aired five episodes in one go.
Impact of the First Season: The influence of “Oshi no Ko” extends beyond its format. The opening song, “Idol,” became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records by surpassing 300 million views on YouTube in just 13 weeks. This remarkable achievement made it the fastest Japanese song to reach this milestone and the first to top the US Billboard Global Chart. The combination of its gripping narrative, high-quality production, and innovative release strategies created a substantial amount of hype, making “Oshi no Ko” one of the most anticipated anime in recent years.
Season 2 Release Details: The excitement surrounding “Oshi no Ko” continues as the anime returns for its second season, set to premiere on July 3, 2024. The new season will air every Wednesday at 23:00 (JST), and fans can watch it on HIDIVE. Importantly, the second season will retain the same voice actors, studio, and production team as the first season, ensuring consistency in the show’s quality and style. This continuity is crucial, as it preserves the elements that contributed to the success of the first season.
Cast and Studio Overview:
- Studio: The animation for “Oshi no Ko” is handled by Doga Kobo, a studio known for its high-quality productions.
- Main Protagonist:
- Aqua Hoshino: The central character of the series, Aqua, is voiced by Ootsuka Takeo. He has previously showcased his talent in roles such as Jinshi in “The Apothecary Diaries” and Leon in “Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs.” Aqua’s character is expected to continue evolving in Season 2, with Ootsuka’s performance being a key highlight.
- Main Female Leads: The story revolves around the idol group B-Komachi, which consists of three main female characters, each bringing their unique personality and backstory to the series.
- Arima Kana: The lead of B-Komachi, Arima Kana, is voiced by Megumi Han. Han is renowned for her roles as Gon in “Hunter x Hunter” and Obito Uchiha in “Naruto Shippuuden.” Her portrayal of Kana is expected to delve deeper into the complexities of being an idol.
- Ruby Hoshino: Ruby, Aqua’s sister and a member of B-Komachi, is voiced by Igoma Yurie. Ruby’s relationship with Aqua and her journey as an idol will likely be central to the upcoming season.
- Mem-cho: Mem-cho, a YouTuber and another member of B-Komachi, is voiced by Ookubo Rumi. Rumi’s previous work includes roles in “Fate/Grand Order” and “Death Parade,” and she brings a vibrant energy to Mem-cho’s character.
- Additional Key Character:
- Akane Kurokawa: Another significant character in the series, Akane Kurokawa, is voiced by Iwami Manaka. Iwami has previously voiced characters such as Tooru in “Fruits Basket” and Mahiru in “The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten.” Akane’s role in the story is expected to expand, adding further depth to the narrative.
Plot and Expectations for Season 2: Season 2 of “Oshi no Ko” will adapt the Theater Arc from the manga, a storyline that promises to deliver intense drama and character development. The first season started with a strong mystery element, which captivated audiences and even led the show to top the rankings on MyAnimeList. However, as the season progressed, it introduced more elements of the idol and harem genres. While this shift in tone was well-executed, it did lead to mixed reactions from some viewers who preferred the initial mystery-driven narrative.
For Season 2, fans can expect a continuation of the high-stakes drama and intricate character relationships that have defined “Oshi no Ko.” The Theater Arc is anticipated to bring new challenges and revelations, particularly for Aqua and the members of B-Komachi. The prologue and overall direction of the season suggest that it will be a compelling watch, with the potential to surpass the success of the first season.
As “Oshi no Ko” gears up for its second season, the anime community is buzzing with anticipation. The combination of its innovative approach, compelling story, and top-tier production has set a high bar, and Season 2 is poised to meet or even exceed these expectations. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, “Oshi no Ko” Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch, continuing the journey of Aqua and the vibrant world of idols with the same energy and creativity that made the first season a hit.
Here’s the latest trailer of the show: