NIPPOMANIA #11 : Oshi No Ko

Do not judge a book by its cover, especially not this one! Explore the dark side of the Japanese entertainment world with Aka Akasaka, acclaimed author of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War!





This time, the native of Sado Island writes an epic quite different from his most recognized work. Indeed, Akasaka departs from romantic comedy to shed light on an intense psychological narrative that deconstructs the various forms of screens and stage arts in the Land of the Rising Sun. As you probably know, the Japanese have a culture that differs greatly from ours in several aspects, particularly when considering the role of women in society, the notion of accomplished work, and the societal inclusion of entertainment stars. It is an honor for the manga artist to develop a fiction based on true events concerning these cultural disparities, making the reading experience even more relevant for non-Japanese readers. With the general acclaim of the animated adaptation, the timing couldn't be more opportune to delve into the twisted world of Oshi No Ko!





Ai Hoshino is a talented 16-year-old teenager who thrives in the world of idols in Japan—an industry that exploits the beauty of young consenting women by grouping them into popular singing groups loved by a large portion of the population. In the eyes of her fans, Ai is the epitome of perfection, being pure and flawless. However, this image of a divine virgin is nothing but an illusion, as Ai is pregnant with twins and decides to hide it to avoid disappointing her fans. Goro Amemiya is a gynecologist doctor and a devoted fan of Ai. He is surprised when he receives her as a patient for childbirth but decides to keep the secret to please his idol. Just before Ai gives birth, while Dr. Amemiya is outside the hospital, he is brutally murdered by a mysterious figure obsessed with the starlet he was protecting. As he takes his last breath, he had no idea that he would be reincarnated as Aquamarine Hoshino, his idol's new son! Not only him, but an unknown woman also returns to Earth as Ruby Hoshino. In baby bodies but armed with their intelligence and previous knowledge, the two infants will try to grow up alongside their mother, who is tormented by the crazy industry she is a part of. Aqua will also try to uncover the mystery of his death by infiltrating the industry as a child actor, while his sister dreams of following in their mother's footsteps, against her brother's will. I promise you'll be amazed when you turn the last page of the first volume.





Sensitive souls, beware! Oshi No Ko is a manga that possesses deep darkness and sharp, rather raw social critique. The narrative perspective is fixed on Aqua, a protagonist with well-developed depth. The situations he finds himself in are fascinating on multiple levels, as his doctor's intelligence remains ever-present, but he is limited by his infant body, capable only of doing what a typical newborn would. However, the true highlight lies in the atmosphere and context of the work. With the artistic services of Mengo Yokoyari, the creator of Scum's Wish, Akasaka creates an enchanting visual and narrative contrast between brilliance and glamour, and the disastrous situations that reveal the reality of Japanese artists. Yokoyari's art is immensely meticulous, particularly in the faces and facial expressions. The characters' emotions, both positive and negative, are palpable across the pages. With gripping suspense, an almost stressful plot, and a distinct ambiance, Oshi No Ko is an essential manga in the seinen genre that should be read without fail!