Amazon and Toei officially announced not long ago the production of a live-action movie and series based on the manga written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, “Oshi no Ko“. Amazon Prime Video will be in charge of distributing the series exclusively on a global level, while Tei will handle its release in Japanese cinemas. As part of the announcement, a promotional image was shown featuring part of the main cast of the project.
- Nagisa Saitou, a former member of the idol group =LOVE, as Ruby Hoshino.
- Asuka Saitou, a former member of the idol group Nogizaka46, as Ai Hoshino.
- Kaito Sakurai (Blue Spring Ride, Vivant) as Aqua Hoshino.
- Nanoka Hara (protagonist in Suzume, Wave, Listen to Me!) as Kana Arima.
- Mizuki Kayashima (Saikō no Kyōshi: 1-nen-go, Watashi wa Seito ni ■ Sareta) as Akane Kurokawa.
- Ano (Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, musical themes of Tiger & Bunny 2, Chainsaw Man) as MEM-Cho.
In the same announcement from Amazon and Toei, the author Aka Akasaka commented:
“With the live-action adaptation of [Oshi no Ko], the story has made several references to the entertainment industry. It also talks about the live-action adaptation of manga works. It doesn’t just say good things, but also critical ones. So, I had thought that perhaps [Oshi no Ko] would never become a live-action.
Therefore, when they said they were going to make a live-action version, I felt like asking the cast and production team: ‘Are you sure you’re okay with this?’. I am infinitely grateful to everyone who accepted the project.
I am very interested to see how a work called [Oshi no Ko], set in the entertainment world, is created not from the manga creator’s point of view, but from the real world of entertainment, by real people, and what the final product will be like. I think you are too, right? I hope you join me in finding out the answers to these questions.”
The first season of the anime adaptation premiered on April 12, 2023, and aired until June 28, reaching its 11th episode. Akasaka and Yokoyari began publishing the manga in Shueisha‘s Weekly Young Jump magazine in April 2020.
Synopsis of Oshi no Ko
“Oshi no Ko” explores the entertainment industry and idolatry in Japan through a unique and complex narrative. The story begins with a young country doctor named Gorou, who is a devoted fan of a young idol named Ai Hoshino. Surprisingly, Gorou gets the chance to assist in the delivery of Ai‘s twins, but dies shortly after under mysterious circumstances.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Gorou reincarnates as one of Ai‘s twins, Aquamarine Hoshino. His twin sister, Ruby, also shares memories of a past life, though different from Gorou’s. Together, they grow up in the show business world, facing the challenges and dark realities behind the glamorous façade of the entertainment industry.
The story delves into themes such as reincarnation, idolatry, and the personal sacrifices made by those in the entertainment world. As the twins grow and delve into their careers, they uncover secrets about their mother and face numerous challenges on their path to success and self-discovery.
“Oshi no Ko” combines elements of drama, mystery, and psychology, offering a critical and often emotional look at the lives of idols and those around them in the Japanese entertainment industry.
We hope you have enough information to keep an eye on the upcoming projects of the “Oshi no Ko” franchise. We invite you to share your opinion in the comments, or any other good experience you’ve had with other live-action adaptations. Obviously, you know, we’ll be reading! 😉
Images Source: Comic Natalie, Reddit
