What’s So Great About Oshi No Ko

Oshi no Ko blew the doors off every other anime this spring with a premiere that hit like truck-kun. After a finale nearly as spectacular, it's time to figure out what makes this anime so entrancing.
Get 50% off a lifetime language lessons with Rosetta Stone: partners.rosettastone.com/mot...
Don't forget to watch the new Oshi no Ko What's in an OP: • The Secrets of Oshi no...
#anime #rosettastone #rosettastonepartner
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:50 Spotlight in the Darkness
10:38 A Behind the scenes Feature
20:19 Twin Destinies
Support me on Patreon: / mothersbasement
Subscribe to Mother's Basement for anime and gaming videos every week: kzbin.info_...
Validate me!
Follow me on twitter: / g0ffthew
Also on facebook: / mothersbasementofficial
And check out my Steam Curator page: steamcommunity.com/groups/moth...
and the new Mother's Basement Subreddit: / mothersbasement
In the depths of his Mother's Basement, Geoff Thew creates videos analyzing the storytelling techniques of anime and video games. He has been named the number one Worst KZbin Anime Reviewer by The Top Tens.

[@mothersbasement]

HUGE thanks to Rosetta Stone for partnering with me to make this video! start your lifetime of language lessons at partners.rosettastone.com/mothers-basement/mb1

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

sounds cool!

[@sudolinuxfish]

I legitimately love that Rosetta Stone deal but can't afford that anytime soon.

[@ccino2010]

​@@sudolinuxfish😊

[@Tisbilly]

@@ccino2010🤨

[@gregwillams5463]

That deal was to good to pass up huge thanks.

[@Mrinsecure]

*Oshi no Ko fans watching the LoveNow Arc condemning people who harass actors for stuff that happens on TV:* Huh, I wonder who that's for.

[@jblaine6104]

The lack of self awareness there is absolutely hilarious whilst also extremely heartbreaking and disturbing.

[@downnice95]

​@@jblaine6104tbf she literally falsely slandered and tried to cancel the writer and sent her fans to harass Akasana F around and find out

[@CroakingBroking]

@@downnice95 Who are you talking about?

[@amrox9656]

​@NavyGamerZ The mother of a pro wrestler who committed suicide gave an interview where she basically said she wished there was a way for a story to include suicide/attempted suicide without causing grief to those who have been affected by it in the real world. Some anime fans decided this meant the grieving mother was the incarnation of evil and deserved to be harassed for saying such a horrific thing. All this about the episode where the message was 'don't harass people online when you don't know a thing about their situation'

[@CroakingBroking]

@@amrox9656 ohhhhh... I knew about the hana kimura thing but I didn't know her mom was harrassed. Tbf, it is impossible to do a story about suicide without causing grief but I get where the mother was coming from. I mean, its her daughter

[@BluePhoenixAlex]

I also think it's really interesting and worth noting that Ai being less fleshed out(relative to the rest of the cast) seems to be very intentional because we've been learning more about her and her past through people she interacted with when she was alive, and this plays into the whole theme of perceptions the story seems to have going on

[@sdbzfan1]

true, her kids knew one part about her, Miyako and Ichigo another, the b komachi members another, the directors and producers another, the fans another, Ai only showed what she wanted to people and in a way it adds to what Aqua said, Lies are the greats weapon and shield when it comes to the entertainment industry

[@003dylan]

I also love how when she was alive, people spoke to and about her more critically. What she could do better or how far she would go as an idol. Then after the time jump we hear much more praise and almost reverence for her, gradually revealing she has become a legend in the entertainment world and reached a mass appreciation higher than she ever achieved while alive.

[@marocat4749]

A lot of artists dont get to see their own popularity heights or really late, becausse they were ded and tht sellss usually, or tme passed to see they did overrect. Happens. Or the opposside how ausssiv a bdeloved artist is i guess really. And we see where she comes from, she went from the cold orphenage to cold showbiz and still wnted to at least make others feel love. Despite that. Ad that she likely has as orphan abandonment issues and finds it hard to open up. And has selfdoubt. But she really tries despite everything. Especially as mom. That alone really , what more do youeed tolike her. or get her

[@MrGksarathy]

Yeah, I think it's a really good choice because it reinforces the idea that Ai was a woman whose whole life was a series of performances and well-crafted lies, all of which stem from her inability to perceive her own honest feelings. It also adds to the tragedy of her quest to find true love in her lies, which she only realizes she had at the moment of her death.

[@shahaansalman3286]

Spoiler We're only now gonna find out her full back story and we're pretty much at the final arc.

[@grantharriman284]

One of the funniest and most thematically appropriate realizations I had in watching Oshi No Ko was that Aqua's calculated manipulation ended up building connections that actually brought him greater success in the entertainment industry than his sister who is directly and honestly pursuing success in the same. His guile is so much more potent than her honesty in that realm that he ACCIDENTALLY achieves more than her direct effort ever could.

[@Kevin_Street]

I'm kind of fascinated by the relationship between Aqua and Miyako. She's sort of his adopted Mom and sort of not. More than any of the other characters, she understands his personality even if she doesn't know about the reincarnation and revenge. I love the scene in episode 11 where she repairs the relationship between Aqua and Kana with just a few well chosen words. "That's not what's happening here."

[@akiko2559]

Nice observation.... spoilers Ruby gonna use the same technique... unfortunately

[@grantharriman284]

@@akiko2559 Your spoiler block doesn't work in my comments feed.

[@inadover]

​@@Kevin_Streetshe is the MVP of the show. Started as, essentially, a gold-digger, but ended up being the only one to raise the kids and keep the business when Ai died, even when her husband left.

[@teeweezeven]

Yes, because Aqua has the mind of an adult while Ruby has that of a 14 year old fangirl (who also had no hope in life anyways)

[@fanboy50]

The only thing that's really disappointed me with most of the coverage around Oshi No Ko is that people seem to be forgetting Mengo Yokoyari *a lot* in their coverage. Nominally, she 'just' does the art (which is still huge because the art is a huge part of what makes the series so good), but it's also pretty clear that she has creative input on the story, but Akasaka in a lot of cases gets sole credit for the creative leadership of the series, which is kind of sad.

[@IZEASGT]

Looking at Akasaka and Yokoyari’s ANN interviews, both seem to say that while he occasionally consults her, the story is mostly from him. That said, there’s points when it REALLY feels like her influence is showing.

[@fanboy50]

@@IZEASGT Yeah, like I know in terms of the actual *writing* it is first and foremost, primarily Akasaka's work, but I feel like if Yokoyari wasn't there for him to be discussing things and bouncing ideas off of we'd have a very different story. It's just disappointing that even Geoff's relatively brief mentions of Mengo's contributions to the series qualify as one of the bigger acknowledgements of her role in such a runaway success I've seen, at least in English-speaking manga/anime media coverage.

[@joshs5577]

The largest contribution Mengo has made narratively from my recollection was in whether or not Akane lived through the Love Now arc. Aka was leaning towards her having her die but Mengo convinced him to let her live.

[@Yesiyui]

Maybe because of the success of Kaguya-sama but I also want to people recognize the great work of Mengo Yokoyari because definitly the art of the manga is beautiful like her previous work Kuzu no Honkai.

[@_zenith_139]

​@@joshs5577 We gotta thank Mengo Sensei for that. She reminds me of the guy who prolonged Sasha's life in AOT.

[@BobNinjaCat]

Ai's death scene was nightmare fuel, as tragic as it is. That slow pan coupled with the presentation of her corpse, it's freaking terrifying and tragic and I absolutely adore how the director thought that was the best way to convey the right emotions of that scene. Screw that person, but also PLEASE keep doing what you do.

[@yoda0017]

I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. For me the thing that hits so hard is that it is both tragic and triumphant. Because as she was dying she took that step and told her children she loved them and realized it wasn't a lie. In that moment her character arc was complete, because her entire goal in entering the idol industry was to learn to love.

[@batriam5921]

One of the interesting things about the final performance where Kana sees Aqua waving her glow stick is that in one of the closeup shots there's at least one white glowstick that I noticed. Now that's either an animation mistake or the way I like to view it: Her opinion of herself is so low that she disregards those other glowsticks. She's so focused on the support others are showing her friends she can't see the support she's getting until it's literally shoved in her face by Aqua sitting right up in the front. So yeah either a cool view of her inner turmoil or just a mistake

[@amara560]

Interesting! It's so hard to know cause it was quite unambiguous in the manga (cause ofc no colour), but they could have changed/added it or as you said simply forgot/made a mistake.

[@JayceCH.]

That was Akane /s

[@juanthegreat3954]

​@@JayceCH.Now, I can now imagine Akane wearing a disguise, and not to mention it could be canon. Lol

[@aminulhussain2277]

​@@JayceCH.Canon.

[@DKNguyen3.1415]

I saw that glow stick too and thought it was Aqua in the back. But then it showed he was in the front.

[@HeisenbergFam]

"we are talking about 10s of thousands of tweets" this hits different when Twitter severely reduced daily post limit

[@mothersbasement]

We are talking SEVERAL WEEKS WORTH OF TWEET RATIONS

[@airplanes_aren.t_real]

​@@mothersbasementthis would sound completely different last week

[@snorpenbass4196]

@@mothersbasement I wanted to Like this, but it had reached 42 Likes and I don't want to mess with the Answer to the question about Life, the Universe and Everything.

[@mothersbasement]

@@snorpenbass4196 it passed it anyway but I appreciate your dedication to being a real hoopy frood

[@boserboser6870]

​@@snorpenbass4196ita now 142 likes

[@PoolNoodleGundam]

The scene at the end of episode 6 (IIRC) alone is just so good. The juxtaposition of a calm, imagined, serene *redacted* cutting instantly to the dirty, wet, miserable reality just worked so well

[@hollowshield2315]

Oh yeah. Highlights how close to the edge (literally) aka e is, almost like she’s in a trance. Plus the hypnotic lights of the cars in the street only further that notion. That scene was executed VERY well, and I hope people were impacted by its message

[@SliderGamer55]

That transition is gonna stick with me for a long time.

[@niconicoanime]

Its lived in my head rent free for months

[@thelegendaryklobb2879]

@@hollowshield2315 Psychiatrists teach that the very moment of suicide is a fully psychotic experience, so that portrayal was probably painfully accurate

[@christopheriman4921]

@@thelegendaryklobb2879 I can very well believe that since I have gotten very close to trying to ending my life several times. The feelings that I had when I made up my mind that I would try to end things at a certain time and ultimately talked myself out of with some help from close friends was a process of going from conflicted with my existence to a feeling that is really indescribable it is very sad and yet almost content that you won't have to experience whatever you are going through and getting back out from that mindset is so difficult because it is emotionally and mentally taxing.

[@maroullis07]

Honestly the best thing about oshi no ko is how real it feels. Kinda like watching real life events unfold right infront of our eyes. And the fact that each and every character is so well written leaves you wanting to see them achieve their goals the way you'd want a loved one achieve them in real life He also shows the harsh reality of the entertainment industry through the proccess of working towards achieving their goals, which makes it feel even more real

[@Tenoem]

Regarding the love triangle so firmly established by the last episode there was one quote that came to mind as we got to see Akane showing her long standing grudge with Kana. Akane might as well have said to Kana "While you were busy singing about green peppers, I was busy studying the blade," which seems just as likely as that was one of the things we actually saw Akane training with.

[@homulity5293]

Love Square now

[@thelegendaryklobb2879]

She's so salty about those bell peppers that she's ready to slice them into pieces XD I really loved the revelation that the acting skill jealousy and the sense of "threat" is reciprocal, because until that moment we were under the impression that it was just Kana feeling those. It turns out they have a longstanding and stll unresolved fiery rivalry. And Aqua's attention is pure gasoline for that fire.

[@juanthegreat3954]

​@@thelegendaryklobb2879Funnily enough . . . . . One of the reasons Akane "hates" Kana is because Akane thinks that Kana grows "soft" . The Kana that Akane admires is the "Kana" that is selfish, confident, and someone that "consumes everything in its surroundings"

[@saitoren4061]

​@@juanthegreat3954including bags of baking soda.

[@kingryuuka7018]

I think the comedy really pushes us a back a bit from Aqua, reminding us of everyone else in the world around him and their lives and struggles. Not everyone sees the world in the dark and bleak way Aqua does, so showing the comedy and lighthearted sections show more of the emotions of those around him. It also gives us a gateway to a part of Aqua he doesn’t like to show, he may be prickly, but he cares. When the series wants to be funny, it’s funny, and when it wasn’t to be dark, it’s dark as hell. I’m a manga reader so I really appreciate how the art changes and captures each emotion in the manga so well. I also love seeing how artistically that is captured in the anime. I think because of how artistic they could get in the anime, the more people wanted to watch. There are a lot of anime fighting for screen time, so a bright, well animated anime that can go from well animated idol scenes to painterly dark scenes really draws people’s attention. The changing of styles really helps set the mood in a way that I’m so appreciative of as an artist. My only problem with the series, isn’t a problem with the series itself. And that’s rare for a picky fan lol. This is such a good and in depth review, as always!

[@Cheese-kz5io]

Also the comedic and light hearted scenes are essential to have a balanced and impactful story for me. If all of the scenes are dark I tend to detach my emotions because I know it would get dark and brace myself but if there are happy moments you let your guard down and then the sad parts will hit you like truck

[@abmorales5988]

As a wrestling fan and remembering that Hana Kimura actually managed to post pictures of her self-mutilating before passing away, episode 6 was a hell of a gut punch. To us she was just a young, talented pro wrestler. And then this episode paints in gruesome details how her psyche likely broke down leading to what sadly happened following that Terrace House incident. It's a real shame wrestling outlets don't even know about the episode let alone cover the story and impact behind it.

[@HarleyTBS]

I’ve been blown away by this production from start to finish but in particular I have to note that both the storyboarding/animation & musical performances in episode 11 were utterly brilliant (god I hope we get those songs on streaming platforms)! I cannot wait to see what they do with the upcoming Tokyo Blade arc and I am so pleased with the incredible adaptation we received!

[@mothersbasement]

Production values for this season were absolutely NUTS! The direction really elevates what was already fantastic material

[@artimation4710]

HarleyTBS didn't expect to see you here

[@yennefer440]

​@@artimation4710same 😂

[@Jitzzzz]

Not reading allat 💯💯😹😹

[@air5723]

​@@Jitzzzzbruh it's two sentences

[@BluePhoenixAlex]

I can't wait to read the manga. Aka akasaka is such a genius at character writing and balancing tone as proven by both this and kaguya

[@redmustangredmustang]

You'll love it I promise. Start at chapter 41 if you already seen the first season.

[@BluePhoenixAlex]

​@@redmustangredmustangI'll probably read from the start tbh but thanks!

[@kenmaru777]

Yeah manga for children

[@l3d-3dmaker58]

as someone who is up to date with the manga (even the chapter 123 that doesnt even come out till tomorrow) i can definetly say it's something out of this world, by far the best i've read and I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE ENDING! its so hype all around

[@jeppykun05]

​​@@redmustangredmustang The tokyo blade arc especially the stage performance of the main cast was some of the best emotional experience I've had in manga to date. The attachment you have with every single character as if they're the main protagonist really shows the genius of Aka Akasaka's writing. I won't go through its details as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to anime onlys who are interested in the manga to check it out blind and free from spoilers.

[@Fixti0n]

I love Oshi No Ko because it hits a little home for me. I used to live in that world as an actor, and the fact that it shows that world as how i lived it. Not only does it portray the reality of the entertainment industry, but it also does not hold back and fill it with glitter and glamor that other Idol shows, and shows about the entertainment industry tend to do. I left the stage after i had an incident, the experiences that had made me a good actor was, how to say it, traumatizing, so when it all reached its peak, i found out that Robin Williams had passed away due to self deletion, i had to change path and solve some of my own problems. I liked the show day 1, but i fell in love at the episode centered on Akane, and i wish for her to succeed, maybe because she is a good character, but maybe because i want to return to the stage.

[@marocat4749]

Hey youmad te hardest step already. And , keep strong dealing with the em whatever trauma there.

[@IncredulousMeredith]

Sorry to hear the industry was awful to you as well. Hope you are taking good care of yourself! I love Robin Williams too, if you haven't read "The terrorist inside my husband's mind" written by Susan Williams it may provide some closure. It helped me understand Robin's decision.

[@seekittycat]

For me I know I had to leave when an older actress told me I need to lose more weight and sleep less, that way I'll never get my period which is seen as good. All of us kids always pressuring each other to eat less and to practice more. Another girl had asthma and everyone would praise her for working so hard she can't even breath. For me training and industry is always filled with memories of hunger, of fun, of being in a mini skirt soaked to the bone waiting to be picked up, of sleeping standing up leaning against anything, of truly sick deranged adults, and wondering when I'll see my mom.

[@cassieweddle1722]

@@seekittycat I am sorry and offer comfort for your suffering. I hope that you are doing better and going down a path that has lighter burdens and many friends to support you and light the way. I don't want that darkness to be the only thing you know. I want be kind and give kindness and hope to you. You are my family in creation and I love you and wish you all the happiness in the world. Peace be upon you.

[@nickshaffer80]

One of the really impressive things is that Aka and Mengo dropped some absolute firebomb chapters around the same days as the finale, so it also became a perfect time to read from where the Anime covered to the present, Chapters 40-123 the fandom is losing their damn minds

[@Zlatarier]

this adaptation was so good it elevated many parts from the manga for me

[@niconicoanime]

100% agreed. This is a PERFECT adaptation.

[@segevstormlord3713]

I haven't read the manga, but that is seriously high praise for _any_ adaptation.

[@DKNguyen3.1415]

Well, it is virtually following scene by scene 99% of the manga.

[@mccloaker]

I've figured out that the anime you like the best, my dude, are the ones where the characters do things that are socially considered messed up or inappropriate, but do so authentically, sympathetically, and unapologetically. And I must say, I respect that.

[@TonyB369]

My biggest complaint with the show is that all the b komachi songs aren’t on Apple Music or Spotify. And if that’s my biggest complaint, I know this show is truly a masterpiece. Edit: they’re out now. This show is essentially perfect 👍

[@bojackbojackbojack]

July 5th. That's what I heard. They'll be released July 5th.

[@TonyB369]

@@bojackbojackbojackif true that’s awesome to hear

[@Pyxyty]

Full versions are already available on youtube, both new and original arrangements

[@Vysair]

Your wish have come true.

[@teeweezeven]

I thought the whole point of the show was "Idol industry bad" lol

[@cavinnkosi]

I want to thank you for the tweet. Some of my friends waited for word of mouth and had the twist spoiled for them

[@Dom380]

I didn't expect the show to maintain it's quality after that insane first episode, but so glad that it did. Can't wait to read the manga!

[@niconicoanime]

It only got better

[@PraySenpai]

Literally dropped my jaw when Akane did all that social engineering to turn into Ai

[@Vysair]

@@PraySenpai fr, the Akane one took me completely off-guard considering there have been many hints that she's a genius

[@sirius_raspberry]

Oshi no Ko didn't really click with me like it has for others, but at the very least this video made me see more of why it worked for other people. Nicely done!

[@niconicoanime]

Yeah it really hit me personally like a truck. I made a video explaining why as well.

[@LimeyLassen]

My impression is that the community is about 50/50 split between people who liked it and people who didn't. The high rating on MAL is fully based on the hype surrounding the first episode.

[@ryanmurray7443]

Let me say, give it another season or two and I'd love to see another movie length analysis video on this series. It definitely deserves it.

[@Jylstin]

Oshi no Ko is something special to me man. It went from me keeping tabs with no hype level to straight up blowing every modern anime I’ve watched out of the park. I have never felt this attached and Supporting of anime characters since ever, Watching B Komachi is literally just supporting an IRL Idol Group and MY GOD This characters are so Fantastic and lovable to the point I just can’t stop thinking about them and wanting to see more.

[@theroboat1577]

i checked the top global songs INCLUDING america on apple music and at one point Idol was still number 1

[@homulity5293]

The timing of this with the manga is amazing

[@michaelmeyers4843]

As someone who has a lot of interest in storytelling criticism in all its media, from movies to anime to cartoons to manga to novels to fanfiction, Oshi no Ko has given me a lot to think about. My eyes have been opened to how much interplay there is between the final product and all the pieces that go into the development of it behind the scenes. The arc about a critically acclaimed manga being adapted into a fan- and critic-bashed live action television show hit a nerve for me and the countless reviews I have read, listened to, personally written, and personally repeated in conversations with friends thoughtlessly denouncing them as bad art without having a full picture of every reason for every decision that went into it, or even having the slightest notion about those decisions in the first place. My interest in producing and consuming reviews of movies, anime, manga and novels has consequently been affected; I no longer have as much confidence in my ability to separate the art itself from the artist because I tend to focus so much of my attention on only the work of art itself, not spending the time it takes researching the creators who made it to understand fully or even partially the context and conditions the artwork itself was made in. I am totally one of those fans guilty of blaming capable writers, producers, directors, actors, and so on who went to school for and know a lot more about the entertainment industry than I do when I think some movie, show, etc. doesn't meet a certain standard. I just thoughtlessly burn them with scathing criticisms and internet didactic, or accuse them of incompetence. I want to believe that most people are actually pretty competent in their individual jobs, even in the entertainment world, and that consequentially when a project fails there are other reasons aside from "this person who was in charge of it was an idiot." At least, that's what I learned is possible after that arc alone. So Oshi no Ko made me realize I have a lot to learn still. I am definitely planning to dive into the manga very soon.

[@kingsleycy3450]

With how secretive Aqua is, I was afraid he was going to advise Akane to hide her suicide attempt. I am glad the author went with a more sensible route for that arc

[@niconicoanime]

As a viewer we have to question if Aqua is truly cold hearted. We still aren't sure but Im happy and hope he is still alive.

[@aminulhussain2277]

​@@niconicoanimeHe isn't as cold hearted as likes to pretend he is.

[@segevstormlord3713]

@@niconicoanime As aminulhussain2277 said, he's not as cold as he thinks he is. He is so talented an actor that he fools himself, but his motivations are entirely driven by empathy for others. The most horrible thing he does in the first season is in episode 2, when we learn how he was "protecting" his sister. And we see him rapidly grow beyond that selfish form of protectiveness as he comes to know Arima and Akane and the others. He burns cold, yes, but he _burns._

[@loiseauxmort9568]

I paused at the end to read the extra paragraph about and it's as stellar as it did not dissapoint. I truly love they way you narrate and explain stories, it's extremely compelling! Love your content! :3

[@Hyperversum3]

I'll be honest, I expect to like Oshi No Ko because it's from Akasaka, as I liked Ib and LOVED TO DEATH Kaguya-sama. Even so, Oshi No Ko surprised me. I waited for the anime because even if the premise interested me, I wasn't entirely sold on it being something I would like to read as much as what I was following at the moment. Than the anime hit. And goddamn it hit so fucking hard. The first episode and the story of Ai sold me already, but what "did me in" were the following episodes. This may look as an exaggeration to some, but this manga hit some cords in me I didn't know I had. It's such a compelling story with such a wild premise that changes costantly direction and yet makes it feel entirely logical. PoV switches feel natural as well, and they only enrich the experience. And above all, the way this series portrays passion is absurdly effective. And I love following passionate people going to get what they want with pride even when shit gets tough. It's plenty of moments when you can see the energy that flows out of these characters. What makes it so compelling Is that this comes from a dark place, not an absurd cutsy perfect slice of life cute girls doing cute stuff world. It's lovely to see passionate people, but to see "Strugglers" that change their Life for the better by chasing an objective and sharing their life with others? Yeah that's the shit man, gimme all that sweet JRPG juice in a different genre. I have seen too many people shitting on this series because it's the big thing of the moment and I am sorry for them for missing out. If an old fart (30s are almost in sight) like me still has the chance to be surprised and amazed at something I didn't expect to like so much, missing out due to being an edgy contrarian is really sad. P.S. I want to see more of Aqua doing editing.

[@crowmanxd]

That thumbnail goes so hard it's insane

[@mothersbasement]

Thank you! I worked VERY hard on it

[@johndreemurr5574]

"That dumbass Light Yagami" 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Idoom47]

The fact that Snob is still posting and hasn't been laughed off the internet is the greatest shame of the anime community.

[@mosesmm5473]

On the one hand, I'm happy that I was watching this from the get-go, but on the other hand, I'm sad that it's over, at least for now. However, what I find super appealing over their decision to focus on both the Idol dream of Ruby, and the revenge drive of Aqua as it highlights both sides of Ai as the twins embody aspects of her which they and most related to. For Aqua, it's the struggle to find happiness, to find true love in a world filled and fueled by lies. For Ruby, it's the dream of becoming someone that can through thier actions as an Idol, a being made of lies, they can find true love and a place in the world. Also, I really appreciate how the series analyses and uses the troupe of isekai(but not isekai) as Aqua realized that the divide between the man he once was, and the boy he now is, is growing murkier by the day and the day will come when his old self is truly gone and he doesn't know how to feel about it as while his old life wasn't great, it was still his life-it was how he met and befriended Ai. Meanwhile, Ruby happily embraces her new life as it allows her the chance to actually live, to do all that she wished she could have in her past life if she wasn't a terminally ill patient. As you say, where her new brother is wary of the world and scared of failure, she'll happily fail if only after she made an honest attempt first as she already lived life when she did nothing, and would rather try to shine bright even if she's burned then stay in the shadows, unnoticed and unimportant a second time.

[@hintofinsanity]

Awesome video! You are the reason i gave this story a shot and am super thankful for it!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

This will be as great as your Kaguya-sama video man! Love ya!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ILikeTheThingsIDo]

I think the dramatic balance is extremely important to the more grounded feel of the show. Revenge when you don't even know your targets face or name can't be this purely all consuming thing. Aqua comes across as weird enough as a teenager without being totally consumed by it. Think like Inigo Montoya. Yeah, he asks everyone he meets if they have 6 fingers on their right hand, but he's not constantly actively searching for the man. Life happens too. Aqua would like to think he's singularly focused on his task, but he's a whole ass person with nearly 50 years of life experience at this point, and had some measure of compassion required of him particularly as a countryside doctor. He genuinely cares for Ruby and Kana and Akane(to a lesser extent I think). Though he might be maintaining that relationship for the sake of her talents as a method actor and how that can be useful to him, he's not leading her on unfairly. He plainly stated what he expected of the relationship because he didn't want to hurt her unnecessarily even if pretending to be for real partners might give him an advantage. I think Aqua is going to develop more to the point where he doesn't want to just kill his dad, he actually wants to get away with it because he's building relationships and a life he's not going to want to let go. And I hope a lot of that growth is tied to supporting his sister and rebuilding Kana's confidence.

[@mariop5887]

Thanks for this video. Amazing coverage.

[@krog2371]

Aqua is an incredible lier. But the one most fooled by his trickery is himself. One can only hope that he can become more honest and see that life is worth living.

[@niconicoanime]

Yeah poor Aqua too blindsighted to move on and live happily. Maybe one day he can live again like Thorfinn. I see many similarities between them!

[@flarecoils1573]

Aka Akasaka is a high tier name ngl, no wonder hes a great author

[@joshs5577]

Apparently he chose that as his pen name because it’s very easy to type on Japanese phone screens basically the equivalent of naming himself njnjnj while still having something legible.

[@saivamshiatukuri151]

The ending by Queen bee is also amazing though it got overshadowed by the banger Idol

[@Nevwermore]

Well done, I really did enjoyed this analysis. Thank you for your work!

[@maliquelovell9093]

The way you masterful craft sentences makes my day dude

[@KRDiStort]

Speaking as someone who's been with this story since the manga started (and is still following the manga), the first season captured it pretty much perfectly. There are so many awesome story beats still to come in season 2 and, god willing, beyond.

[@ojrmk1]

The epitome of the writing axiom "Write what you know, and if you don't know, ask those that do."

[@Shadow6OO]

7:36 That is my BIGGEST issue with MAL. Ratings will be ratings, but the fact that reviews are only able to be "upvoted" and have no real way to "downvote" something means that only the most braindead, misses-the-point rants are able to live on the front page with zero way to criticize them. Those "experts" (they think new thing is always bad so they're so so smart) make me regret ever scrolling down on the page of any anime I like.

[@sr60030]

you're right. i'm obsessed

[@riddypr]

The premiere of Oshi no Ko still remains my absolute favourite anime premiere to date. It EARNED its feature-length... er, length, was a nonstop rollercoaster of thrills and it brought me the closest to tears I have ever been since THAT scene in FMA Brotherhood. And the season just kept me hooked and stunned, especially episode 6 which hit me HARD with how real it felt. I'm convinced, this is gonna end up as one of my favourite anime seasons of all time.

[@niconicoanime]

Hit like a truck

[@Piromysl359]

Remember to lock your door, bois.

[@justmeandyoudotcom5933]

Thank for this video you’re doing gods work ❤

[@TheRagnarok428]

Ive been waiting for this video all season!

[@SgtShinobi0]

"Fuck it. I'm gonna go binge that manga now" was my reaction to episode 1. Your sheer strength at not doing the same is impressive to me. Be sure to start from the very beginning to see the special interviews at the start of each chapter of volume 1.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

I sure love it! And very happy with the thumpnail man! Team Kana! 🩵🩵🩵🩵💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@MurderedHer0es]

IDOL is such a good song like I keep getting it stuck in my head I can't stop listening to it

[@hmurdock]

I just feel lucky to be able to see such masterpieces like Oshi No Ko in the little free time I have these days, its great there are people with the time and resources to explain why they are so good on KZbin XD

[@BryanBBryan]

There's a huge factor that you didn't bring up as to why people like this anime: the high quality of the animation and character designs.

[@Sheamu5]

I was one of those hoping for the death note route, but I've enjoyed the journey Aka has written. The character really grew on me.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Great video as always!

[@nathanbeaudoin4437]

Dang! You nailed this review out of the park!

[@edstasic]

My wife has a disorder that disables her from getting pregnant, we always watch shows together (anime and otherwise), ive been restraining from exposing her to Oshi no Ko because lately shes been having difficulty coming to terms with the fact that shell never get pregnant, maybe this anime wont have a huge "pregnancy+giving birth" aspect as i thought it would, aside from the 1st ep i mean, i really want to watch this anime with my wife specially since we both loved Kaguya-sama so much. What you say fellow anime peeps?

[@artfire28]

I'm sorry for your wife and hopefully she finds courage to face reality and move forward. OnK taught us good lessons on how sick and filthy reality can be under the guise of fame and glamor.

[@RKNancy]

It might though. From what I see, Ai had to work a lot to come to terms with her job and her children ultimately became her salvation in an ever demanding industry that asked for her blood if she didn't satisfy the audience. Especially the guga baby dance scene where she cheered up because her babies cheered for her. That is basically how mothers operate. Their kids are the source of their immense strength.

[@edstasic]

thanks for your replies, i was more or less wondering about if the whole series constantly show that or is it mainly on the first ep that we see, i have some ideas about the plot but im not sure on the details, still i appreciate your kind words.

[@niconicoanime]

Unlike Kaguya Sama this anime is quite dark. Choose depending on how you take that :P

[@sorcerousfang]

I think the best way to go about this is to have a conversation with your wife. Tell her you're really interested in this and would love to watch it with her, but that you're concerned how she would feel about the aspects of the story that are about the relationship between a mother and her children. If she agrees to try it, keep it on a trial basis, and make an agreement to stop if it's too much for her right now. Communication is going to be your best friend, both in this and in the future. Good luck to you and your wife in your struggles. I hope she can find a path forward for herself through that kind of painful news.

[@KaeMcSpadden]

And how strict the Jpop industry is, how Ai is forced to hide her pregnancy and babies, and maintain the image of being the cute single idol serenading the lonely otaku.

[@Tramelle]

Loved this anime, appreciate the great suggestions and videos!

[@lucasfrantz2500]

If you made another hour long video like you did with Kagugaya-sama i would watch it certainly. I think i watched that other one like 4 or 5 times, and it gets me every time. Keep up the good work. Your reviews never fail to encapsulate all the show's in depth nuances, which is not something i found very often. Gj :)

[@uttkarshnarayan]

"Fuck it, I'm gonna go binge that manga now" - literally me when the show ended.

[@zennvirus7980]

This one's anime of the year. Period. I admire Akasaka's commitment to his trade. Hard to imagine the kind of tweets he got because of all the things this series touches upon. More so because of the impact they cause when animated. And he faced the storm TWICE (one for the manga, one for the anime). May he has a good career. Thanks for the rant, Geoff. You neatly put in words what many of us think about this series. And yes, that opening is serious stuff.

[@Marie-cq5td]

Dude the instant you uploaded this I was rewatching it! Literally was on the Op when your KZbin alert popped up (Took a screenshot it’s literally still open in a mini window as I write this

[@Marie-cq5td]

Like not even 2 mins ago

[@Marie-cq5td]

You did always have impeccable timing

[@skeletor8951]

Glad you shouted out the What's in an OP on the other channel cuz I completely didn't see it inym feed despite being subbed! And judging by the like... 61 views I think it said when I checked a minute ago, I am not the only one.

[@grantharriman284]

Calling Aqua a "hero" seems VERY premature. He has lied cheated and manipulated at every turn. That boy reminds me of Light Yagami in a LOT of ways. I see nothing stopping him from recreating his performance of the stalker on set if he tracks down and eventually kills their father. He has by far the most capacity for outright evil of any MC I've watched in a LONG time,and I am here for it.

[@teeweezeven]

Also he's obsessed with his mom, who is dead for over 10 years. And Gorou Amemiya (the guy that reincarnated/is Aqua) had the same obsession with Ai while he was an adult and she was 16. Gives off very bad vibes.

[@souloftheworld9810]

Except he has been kind and helpful to everyone around him. He was there for both Kana and Akane when they needed him. It wasn't even expected of him, we went out of his way to do it. Also, when Akane asks him if he was really into her, he is blunt and honest. Light would have lied and manipulated her in such an event. Despite his manipulative tendencies and desire for revenge, aqua is still a very sweet boy. Light was a narcissistic lunatic with a god complex.

[@angelman906]

The finale episode was absolutely hype, and while I get I should be wanting to find out who Aqua's dad is, I kind of just want to see how the play goes.

[@Jimera0]

I found that aspect actually kind of amazing. It sets up this big mystery and makes us super invested in it but it just can't dive all in on it. So what does the show do? It gets you so invested in the other aspects of the show you don't mind waiting on the big mystery! This is NOT an easy feat to pull off. Many other shows have tried and failed. Really this show is incredibly impressive in just so many ways.

[@Tazmania98]

Right?? And same with the twins finding out about their connect in their past lives. I could care less how or when they find out im just here for the ride. Its a testament to how good the writing is. I love it

[@niconicoanime]

Happy that we got a great and happy ending

[@talymenombrenuit3659]

I don't WANT for him to seek out revenge because he's just likely to get hurt and that's not what Ai wanted :(

[@segevstormlord3713]

@@talymenombrenuit3659 Yeah, I sincerely hope that the people around him who he has learned to care about even if he doesn't admit it to himself can convince him to, if he must choose, give up on revenge and instead live. For himself, and for them. Ruby, his adoptive mother (who I thought was married to the producer who left, but it's weird that he left while SHE runs the business and kept the kids...also, wasn't that him that was the otaku referenced at the concert?), Akane, Arima... and others, but them in particular. I will find it equally cathartic if he gets his revenge and then finds that he still has something to live for because of those relationships, or if he _gives up_ on his revenge rather than throwing away his life or the happiness of his friends and family, and focuses on _living._ I will be immensely unsatisfied if this turns into some sort of tragedy where he throws away all his character growth to just take his revenge and join his biological sire in the grave.

[@nightgirlpuppy]

I didn't even get half way through this video before going to watch the anime

[@kyled.7748]

No one would shut up about this show so I finally decided to watch the first episode. Then it's all a blur after that because 8 hours later I finished the finale and realized just how obsessed I now am with this series. My God, Aka Akasaka just doesn't miss, EVER. Literally a TRUE GENIUS

[@ilikethis3203]

I also think we need to congratulate the real MVP's of this season and those are the animators from Studio Doga Kobo. As someone who had read the manga before the anime was cool, I was kinda worried that they wouldn't be able to pull off the high expectations I had personally had for Oshi No Ko considering most of Doga Kobo's anime were either fine or just mid from a production standpoint, but holy crap did they blow all of my expectations out of the water. They've gone from a just okay tier animation studio to Kyoani tier overnight.

[@Jimera0]

I get the impression that someone with a lot of influence at Doga Koba or somewhere else along the production line recognized the pure gold they were getting to work with and just found every possible way they could to pour more and more resources into it to ensure it got the love it deserved. One of the things I love about this show is you can feel just how invested the creators are in the project. You can just TELL that they are pulling out all of the stops for this one.

[@zeo4481]

Cuz the Kaguya-sama creator is a genius.

[@CombativeRoboGuy]

I’ve been waiting for this video since you said you would make it. The manga is easily one of my favorites and after the second season, the anime will probably be up there as well.

[@niconicoanime]

Yussss great news to hear season 2 is going to. Rock!!

[@whatismyname5206]

You pointed out so many things I’ve missed, I ma rewatch this

[@KindaMad958]

Wait until the unessecary incest plot line >:)

[@augusmnyt]

Tons of anime have the weird sister brother thing but it’s never any more than a crush.

[@KindaMad958]

@@augusmnyt That doesn't make incest plot lines better, also I said plot line (I have heard it actually matters to the story)

[@markclinton9088]

Don't forget the freakish fans who obsess over it and care more about it than the story itself

[@augusmnyt]

@@KindaMad958 you’re not wrong, I just ignore them as much as possible, at the very least it’s not up and center in this show.

[@KnightFury1]

Aqua's motivation in finding the real killer is only half vengeance... the other half the justice his former doctor persona would have sought had he continued living... that is writing at its most layered and nuanced.

[@JoshRosh-dz1ux]

I really liked and enjoyed the whole show! I loved hiw gorgeous it looked and your video and review has only made me appreciate the more delicate and nuanced character writing in this anime! I genuinely can't wait for the next season! Also great review by the way! I always love seeing you talk about what you love! It really is great, Geoff, you're one of the best anitubers to me! Stay blessed and I hope the best for your future and this channel!

[@jessecharp]

ive been following your channel for years and as soon a i saw "why we love" i was like got to watch this one

[@Gbeat-]

The manga gets even better, season 2 going to be great

[@niconicoanime]

Can't wait!

[@IinkcIick]

End of season 2 and afterwards*

[@ravenpotter3]

Let’s just say there was a leak about future chapters…. I don’t want to say anything except there is now a character who is doing incest. Still great series though

[@aliensinnoh1]

@@ravenpotter3what do you mean you don’t want to say anything. There’s only two characters in this entire show that you could possibly be talking about it. By bringing it up you already give the game away.

[@heavensroyalty9896]

I'd like to mention how amazingly tasteful they went about such a fragile subject on ep6, and I honestly think it's good that it brings attention to the fact that it does happen. Now, more people can get the help that they need since this show gives exposure to the reality of things. I've personally had friends and family (my mother) that have done the deed and back then if there was more exposure and help than... well.. maybe I'd still have a mama so I'm someone who's thankful for this show.

[@c.t.nelson4314]

Love your videos!

[@andrewlinehan2834]

Binging this manga over the last few days was a hell of a roller coaster. That Manga got me to tear up at least twice. Man knows how to build up emotional drama till you hit the breaking point.

[@iffus_akiyoshi]

Brilliant analysis. I didn't notice the time passing as I watched the whole thing. Feels like there's less anime analysis/theory channels and videos on youtube nowadays but at least we've still got you. Ruby is best girl (after Ai) and it's not even close imo but it sounds like you quite like Kana. I'd even put Akane above Kana. Just a case of different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[@FadedFreddie69]

I literally just finished binging Oshi No Ko and I already want Season 2

[@SharkWitchMeruna]

I’m usually not into today’s anime but this one stole my heart! 💖 Huge thanks to you and your sponsor code, I was able to buy Rosetta Stone while I already had my eye on it! I’ll actually be learning Korean instead of Japanese tho XD

[@HemiKaos]

Amazing video I loved oshi no ko so much, am totally addicted in the dances and the music! Aka Akasaka is a genius!

[@nuzlocke2266]

Sure do hope the Incest twist wasn't real lol

[@kingace6186]

After watching Vinland Saga season 2 and Thorfinn's progression, I would have honestly hated Oshi no Ko if it was just a flimsy excuse for a revenge story, like the haters want. And after watching it, I can gladly say that this show is closer to Vinland Saga than the latter.

[@niconicoanime]

I agree. So many parallels between Aqua and Thorfinn. I hope Aqua can find happiness like Thorfinn has.

[@goblin12]

great vid i love your content

[@augusmnyt]

I could listen to you talk Anime for hours. 😊

[@Will-jg2zs]

Ai was too good for this world. I miss her frfr

[@DeckDogs4Life]

Easily a 10/10 anime for me. I cannot wait for season 2.

[@Kevin_Street]

Thank you for a wonderful review and analysis of this amazing anime. You cover everything there is to cover really well, so well I can't think of anything to add. It really is an extraordinary story, mainly because of the strength of the characters. After that opening movie length episode we know them so well we just have to keep watching. I'm not personally that interested in the Japanese entertainment industry, but the story makes me want to know more because the characters care about it so much. We come to share their passion because they feel so real. One thing about the show that really impresses me (maybe awes me would be a better description) is the way it creates Ai. All the main characters love and look up to Ai, and normally in a story that would create a problem. The readers/audience expect to see a character that lives up to the hype, and because of her place in the plot you have much less space to bring her to life. A lot of writers would just leave this kind of character offstage and let the readers fill in the blanks themselves, or show her in flashbacks. But Oshi No Ko introduces you to Ai right away and they _make_ you love her. You simply have no choice. Like Ruby and Aqua, we fall for her and understand their motivations. If we didn't come to know Ai and then lose her in one giant episode the effect might not have been so strong.

[@CCartman69]

I'm so excited to see how a 2.5D stage play is supposed to look, I'm sure it'll be more impressive on screen versus how it was in the manga. This is gonna be gooooooood!

[@horsemann1384]

does he know about that newest chapter though... 💀

[@yuuichi4356]

Although I personally consider Heavenly Delusion to be the best new anime of the spring season, but Oshi no Ko is right behind it. The anime, in my opinion, was very amazing, especially in terms of character writing. Frankly, I was attached to all the characters, especially Ai and Aquam. Also, the story was really good, although there are some expected and repetitive things in it, but it also contains many new and innovative things. (But this is natural from the author of Kaguya-sama) Even the production was very good, whether in terms of drawing, animation or music. In the end, I consider Oshi no Ko one of the best new anime in 2023, and my rating for the first season is 8.5/10.

[@RowanTS]

Thanks stranger on the internet, cus for no particular reason I thought ‘I bet this random person has an excellent take on anime, I’ll watch it right now’, which while usually being incredibly wrong, turned out to be absolutely the right call in this case. Loving Heavenly Delusion, cheers!

[@amara560]

For me it was so hard to choose between the two. I felt Tengoku Daimakyou got a little off course near the end of the season, so I do prefer Oshi no Ko at the moment matching up the two seasons. That being said Tengoku is so fresh, original and beautiful I can 100% understand choosing it as the best of the season.

[@ojastalgaonkar3000]

Oshi no ko has everything i look for in anime , uniqueness , reality based, amazingly written characters which are entertaining too, and to top it off, a staff that went above and beyond with production of the anime

[@milkflavored]

I'm so glad I took a chance on this series. I don't keep up with anime/manga the way I did as a teen and the last series I watched was Ousama Ranking (s1) -- but all the hype made me curious, so I did absolutely no research and just watched it not knowing what to expect. From then on, I'd set an appointment to watch every week, as a treat to myself after work. It's revived my love for storytelling and good writing, and I feel like I'm going to try to read novels and manga I've been putting off. I also really love the OP/ED -- the Gregorian chants in the OP reminded me of Soul Eater's 1st OP and the ED is so emotional and angsty. AND KANA ❤My favorite character. Best girl. I can't say enough good things about this show. It's really been a high of my 2023 so far.