Oshi no Ko

Name: Oshi no Ko
Rating: 4.3 (89 reviews)
Author: Aka Akasaka (Story), Mengo Yokoyari (Art)

4.3

Author: Aka Akasaka (Story), Mengo Yokoyari (Art)

Publisher: Shueisha

Magazine: Young Jump

Volumes: 16

Release Date: 2020-07-17

Age Rating: All Ages

Oshi no Ko Synopsis

"Idols lie to give their fans dreams." Goro, an obstetrician in a quiet countryside town, has one true obsession—Ai Hoshino, a charismatic 16-year-old idol and center of the rising group B-Komachi. Adored for her beauty and mysterious charm, Ai has taken the nation by storm. But one day, Ai appears before Goro with a shocking secret—she’s pregnant and seeks his help for a confidential birth. That fateful encounter sends Goro’s life spinning out of control… and the story soon shifts to the dazzling world of show business, where fame glitters and shadows loom large. Ai’s children, Aqua and Ruby, grow up harboring hidden truths and emotional scars. As they step into the harsh world of entertainment, they each chase their place under the spotlight—confronting betrayal, ambition, and heartbreak. Behind the glamour lies a web of lies and truths. And at the heart of it all, a chilling mystery unfolds—a tale of love, fame, and a calculated revenge sparked by a single tragic event. Oshi no Ko is a gripping drama where devotion, deception, and destiny collide in the name of "idol worship."

Oshi no Ko Rating Metrics

Story

4.0

Characters

4.2

Artwork

4.4

World Building

4.4

Themes

4.0

Pacing

4.8

Oshi no Ko Editorial Reviews

If You Want a Real Look at the Dark Side of Japan's Idol Industry, Read This

Oshi no Ko has captured massive popularity in Japan, not only due to its artistic excellence and successful anime adaptation but also because its storyline strikingly mirrors real-life events. One specific story arc resonated deeply with Japanese readers, echoing an actual incident that made headlines in Japan. This event involved a young woman who participated in a reality dating show and tragically took her own life due to relentless online harassment. Because Oshi no Ko portrays a similar narrative, it sparked significant conversation and controversy in Japan, providing a deeply compelling commentary on the often harsh realities faced by individuals in the spotlight.

April 23, 2025

Mystery manga about realism and revenge in the entertainment industry

Oshi no Ko might not yet be well-known in America, but it’s a groundbreaking manga that vividly explores the Japanese entertainment industry—especially the world of idols. Right from volume one, the story takes a startling twist. Aqua and Ruby are twin siblings and the children of Ai, a legendary idol who was tragically murdered under mysterious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth and exact revenge, Aqua dives headfirst into the entertainment industry's dark side, confronting corruption and scandals along the way. Ruby, meanwhile, follows in her mother's footsteps, tirelessly striving to become a top idol herself. On a side note, the anime adaptation’s opening theme "Idol," performed by YOASOBI, became a worldwide hit, even topping Billboard charts globally.

April 23, 2025