Oshi no Ko Fans Have Been Gravely Wrong About the Purpose of Aka Akasaka’s Manga

Aka Akasaka has carefully crafted a story about idols, fame, and the exploitation hidden beneath the glitz through Oshi no Ko. While the series has managed to captivate a huge fan following, many have misunderstood the true intent behind Aka Akasaka’s creation. In fact, he revealed that Oshi no Ko was never meant to be a jab to a specific industry or its people.

Ai Hoshino from Oshi no Ko | Credit: Doga Kobo

Although the story is indeed inspired by real-life events, it is still a work of fiction; centered around the ‘plausible’, not the ‘possible’. To get a better understanding of Akasaka’s intentions, we need to delve deeper into the inspirations and creative process behind the story.

Aka Akasaka’s True Intention Through Oshi no Ko

One of the most widespread misconceptions among fans is the belief that Oshi no Ko serves as an attack on the entertainment industry. Many see the dark and dramatic portrayal of idols as a critique of the exploitative nature of celebrity culture, particularly in Japan. However, Akasaka never intended to create a manga that directly condemn the industry.

Aqua Hoshino | Credit: Doga Kobo

In an interview with Anime News Network in 2023, Aka Akasaka explained that Oshi no Ko uses real-world influences, but it is not a one-to-one representation of the entertainment world. Instead, it explores what could happen under certain circumstances, in his own words,

The darker elements in Oshi no Ko; from the exploitation of young talents to the emotional and psychological impact of fame — are often interpreted as real-life critiques. While there are similarities between the manga and real-world events, Akasaka was inspired by personal stories and not by a desire to expose the industry.

He recounted an experience with a cast member who was emotionally scarred after being attacked by a fan. This incident made him aware of the emotional suffering that many talented individuals bury behind their well-maintained public personas. Oshi no Ko, therefore, raises important issues regarding how society perceives and handles these idols.

The Extensive Research Behind Oshi no Ko

Even though Oshi no Ko is fiction, Akasaka’s sincerity and attention to detail are what give it such a grounded sense. He carried out extensive research on the entertainment sector and has consulted with a wide range of experts, including TV producers, editors of gossip magazines, and underground idols and top performers.

Oshi no Ko Second Season | Credit: Doga Kobo

Akasaka also pointed out the differences between the entertainment industries in Japan and the U.S., emphasizing that Oshi no Ko reflects the unique issues present in the Japanese entertainment industry, stating,

The dark and dramatic tone of Oshi no Ko reflects the emotional toll of fame, the exploitation of young talents, and the dangers of idolizing public figures. Akasaka’s goal is not to document specific real-life events but to create a fictional story that captures the emotional truth of the industry.

As he explained, “When I wrote about reality, it naturally became darker”. The fiction in Oshi no Ko stems from this link between reality and creative imagination, resulting in a story that is dark, thought-provoking, but ultimately fictional.

Oshi no Ko is currently available to read and watch on Manga Plus and Netflix, respectively.