The popular manga “ Oshi no Ko ” serialized in
Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine reached its final chapter today,
ending a serialization that began in April 2020. Written by Aka
Akasaka (author of “Kaguya-sama: Love is War”) and illustrated by Mengo
Yokoyari (known for “Kuzu no Honkai”), the work became a hit by crudely
exposing the lights and shadows of the Japanese entertainment world, and
spawned a highly popular anime adaptation. The story, which mixes drama
and revenge, captured the attention of fans both in Japan and abroad.
To commemorate the end, the cover of Volume 16, the
last in the series, has been revealed. It will be released on December 18 in
two versions : a standard edition and a special edition with
an alternative cover, which includes a book stand and stickers. This
volume will include 24 additional pages with a special episode that will reveal
an “important secret” of the story. The special edition will also
feature an exclusive design that includes details in a glossy finish,
highlighting Akasaka and Yokoyari’s dedication to the fans of the series.
As part of the celebration, a commemorative video will
be released on November 14 at 7 p.m. on YouTube, which will look back at the
most iconic moments in the story, accompanied by a special version of “STAR☆T☆RAIN,” the song performed by the fictional group
B-Komachi in the anime. Additionally, a special site called “FAN
ARENA” will be opened on the same day, where fans can share messages and
express their love for the series and its characters.
Another highlight will be the “Oshi no Ko THE LAST
STAGE in TOKYO DOME CITY” event, which will take place at Tokyo Dome City
starting on December 18. Under the concept of “the dream stage for
all idols,” the event will feature a huge special visual next to the main
entrance of Tokyo Dome, as well as videos and messages from fans projected on
screens throughout the venue.
The popularity of “Oshi no Ko” has been
undeniable. The story follows twin siblings Ruby and Aqua, who seek
justice after the murder of their mother, a talented idol. Inspired by her
mother’s legacy, Ruby makes her way into the world of showbiz, while Aqua seeks
revenge on her father, who was complicit in her mother’s murder. With
over 20 million copies sold, the work has impacted both manga and anime,
reaching its highest point in 2023 when YOASOBI’s song “Idol,” the anime’s
opening theme, became a phenomenon that was even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta
Gassen.
The success of “Oshi no Ko” has led to several
adaptations, including an eight-episode live-action series premiering on Prime
Video on November 28 and a film hitting theaters in Japan on December 20. The cast
includes former Nogizaka46 member Asuka Saito as Ai, Kaito Sakurai as Aqua, and
former =LOVE member Nagisa Saito as Ruby. A 2.5D theater musical has also been
announced for this December.
In addition, Aka Akasaka has confirmed that she will
be launching a new series in spring 2025, in collaboration with artist Aoi
Kujira (creator of “Geek Circle Crisis”) and
the illustrator duo Ajichika , responsible for “Shuumatsu no
Valkyrie.” This new work, set in a fantasy world, will tell a love story
between a prince and a princess in a fairy tale style.
Source: MantanWeb
