A young man is reincarnated as the child of his favorite idol. This unexpected twist marks the beginning of a story that goes far beyond fantasy, diving into the dazzling yet dark world of show business. While the stage sparkles with fame, behind the curtain lies a tangled web of ambition, lies, and revenge, where each character pursues their convictions.
Aqua and Ruby—siblings born with memories of their past lives—walk different paths shaped by trauma and purpose. As lies and truths intertwine, the story explores the meaning of love, forgiveness, and identity. Readers will find themselves drawn into the emotional intensity and intricate character portrayals.
※This article contains spoilers that reveal key parts of the story.
Overview of Oshi no Ko
- Title (Japanese / English): 【推しの子】 / Oshi no Ko
- Authors: Aka Akasaka × Mengo Yokoyari
- Publisher / Magazine: Shueisha / Weekly Young Jump
- Volumes / Serialization Period: 16 volumes / 2020 Issue 21 to 2024 Issue 50
- Genre: Suspense / Fantasy / Showbiz Drama
- Media Adaptations: Anime (2023), Live-action drama (Nov. 2024), Film (Dec. 2024)
Main Characters and Their Roles
- Aqua Hoshino: A boy reborn with memories of his past life, he enters the entertainment industry to uncover the truth behind his mother’s death. Calculating and composed, he dedicates himself to revenge.
- Ruby Hoshino: Aqua’s twin sister, who was a terminally ill girl in her previous life. She passionately aspires to become an idol like her mother, and eventually harbors a desire for vengeance herself.
- Ai Hoshino: The central figure of the legendary idol group “B-Komachi.” Despite her deep loneliness and carefully constructed lies, she tried to protect her children until the very end.
- Kana Arima: Once dubbed a “child prodigy,” she now attends a performing arts high school. She restarts her career as an actress and idol, developing feelings for Aqua along the way.
- MEMcho: A popular YouTuber and member of the new B-Komachi. She hides her real age while taking a leadership role in the group, leveraging her skills in online promotion.
- Akane Kurokawa: A talented young actress in a theater troupe. Her sharp insights allow her to grasp others’ emotions, and she becomes deeply involved with Aqua’s darker intentions.
- Taiki Himekawa: A stage actor and Aqua’s half-brother. He plays a key role in the family drama unfolding within the entertainment world.
- Taishi Gotanda: A film director who discovers Aqua’s talent early on. He becomes a mentor figure and a major player in the later chapters involving movie production.
- Hikaru Kamiki: Ai’s former lover and the biological father of Aqua and Ruby. Appears in the final stages of the story as the one Aqua must confront.
- Miyako Saito: The current president of Strawberry Productions. Formerly Ai’s colleague, she raises her children and supports them from behind the scenes with a pragmatic approach.
Story Summary (Spoiler Warning)
Rebirth of the Twins and the Light of a Lost Mother
Goro, an obstetrician, is stunned when his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, appears at his clinic pregnant with twins. Touched by her resolve to keep both her career and children, he becomes her attending physician. However, on the day of the birth, he is killed by a stalker.
Goro is reincarnated as Ai’s son, Aqua. His sister Ruby is also reborn—with memories of her past life as a terminally ill patient named Sarina. As the twins grow up under Ai’s care, tragedy strikes again: Ai is murdered by an obsessed fan. Aqua suspects their biological father is behind it and vows to seek revenge.
Revenge and Reunion in the World of Showbiz
Now in middle school, Ruby decides to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an idol. Though Aqua secretly tries to stop her, she debuts as part of the new B-Komachi. Aqua also steps into the entertainment world to uncover the truth, taking on acting and film roles.
He reunites with Kana Arima, a former child actress, and participates in a reality dating show. Amidst complex personal relationships, the show becomes a hotbed of controversy, culminating in Akane’s suicide attempt. Aqua begins using his influence and information to inch closer to the hidden truth.
Lives Entwined at the Edge of Lies and Truth
Thanks to MEMcho’s efforts, the new B-Komachi secures a spot at JIF (Japan Idol Festival), and Ruby’s popularity soars. Aqua, meanwhile, faces his past by co-writing a biographical film about Ai with Gotanda. Ruby, though inexperienced, is cast as the lead.
Eventually, Aqua confronts his father, Hikaru Kamiki. By showing him Ai’s final message, he sacrifices himself to close the curtain on his revenge. Ruby, carrying Aqua’s wishes, overcomes her grief and finally performs as a B-Komachi member at Tokyo Dome. Their story, built on pain and hope, leaves a lasting impression.
Iconic Scenes and Quotes
- “I said ‘I love you’—and lied.”
Ai’s final words before her death. A poignant glimpse into the emotional burden she carried through lies. - “It hurts because I fell in love.”
Akane confesses her feelings to Aqua. A raw blend of romance and the complexities of acting. - “I’ll settle this with my own hands.”
Aqua declares his intent to confront his father. A chilling moment reflecting his inner resolve. - “I’ll become an idol who surpasses Ai.”
Ruby’s bold declaration of ambition, intertwining her dreams and revenge. - “Someone out there was saved by your lie.”
Gotanda’s heartfelt words to Ruby. A reminder of hope in the fabricated world of entertainment.
Themes and Symbolism in Oshi no Ko
At the heart of this story lies a profound question: What is a lie? Each character tells lies—sometimes to harm, sometimes to protect. The recurring starry-eye motif symbolizes emotion and determination, lending quiet tension to every scene.
The glamorous setting of showbiz contrasts sharply with its loneliness and darkness. Characters act not just for fame, but to connect and save others. This tension between truth and performance invites readers to reflect on the deeper meaning of identity and purpose.
Review and Personal Commentary
Each arc introduces pivotal shifts, enriched with strong character development and emotional depth. The narrative moves briskly while exploring psychological nuance, pulling readers into the world with unrelenting momentum.
The dynamic between Aqua and Ruby—bound by blood, past lives, and diverging motives—is especially gripping. Even the controversial ending contributes to the story’s impact, emphasizing its intentional ambiguity and thematic weight.
If You Liked Oshi no Ko, Read These Manga Too
If you’re drawn to stories where glamour and pain coexist, “Oshi no Ko” offers a powerful experience. Beyond reincarnation and showbiz, it explores raw human emotion with gripping intensity.
A balanced lineup that’s easy to get into, yet deep enough to stay with you long after you finish.
Recommended for Fans of This Work
- Perfect Blue: A psychological thriller portraying the madness of show business and the collapse of identity
- Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-: A shared structure of reincarnation and deep psychological suffering
- Glass Mask: A story of young actresses growing through passion and inner conflict
- Kaguya-sama: Love Is War: Linked by the same author, sharing themes of deception and performance
- Your Lie in April: A youth drama delicately portraying artistic growth and emotional loss
Reader Impressions
- “Watching Aqua pursue revenge and Ruby chase her dreams from their respective perspectives made the emotional swings intense. The ending shocked me, but I found it satisfying.”
- “I started with the anime and ended up buying all the manga. The realistic showbiz depictions made me eager to see what happens to Aqua and Ruby next.”
- “So many genres—suspense, mystery, reincarnation, entertainment—all packed in, yet it’s remarkably cohesive. The characters feel truly alive.”
- “I expected a simple idol story, but it was much deeper. The heavy themes and emotional weight are balanced by masterful storytelling.”
- “Drawn in by the cute art style, I was amazed by the layered plot. The realistic backstage world and intricate foreshadowing blew me away.”
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