Last year, the anime series 【Oshi No Ko】 became an unexpected hit. At streaming provider HIDIVE, the series broke records and became the “#1 series launch in the streamer’s history.” Before making a prominent appearance on America’s Got Talent, YOASOBI’s “Idol,” which opened the anime, achieved its own laurels. It topped YouTube’s global song chart and was streamed over 400 million times.
After their mother Ai, the main idol of the group B-Komachi, was killed, the young actor Aqua and his sister Ruby’s idol group was followed in the anime series 【Oshi No Ko】, which explores the truth of Japan’s entertainment industry. Both of the twin siblings are reborn; Ruby was a small child who passed away from illness, while Aqua was Ai’s gynecologist prior to his tragic demise. Aqua navigates the entertainment industry and becomes committed to unraveling the mystery surrounding his mother’s death.
We chatted with producer Shimpei Yamashita, assistant director Ciao Nekotomi, and director Daisuke Hiramaki about getting ready for the show’s extended premiere, how it portrays the idol industry, and what viewers can expect from season two.
【Oshi No Ko】 examines the entertainment sector and its relationship to the Internet in a very candid manner. Did you, as professionals in this field, see any similarities between some of the parts and your own work experience?
Producer Yamashita: I believe that the original story can be carried through into the anime, as it presents a situation that is similar to the reality of the Japanese entertainment industry, but packaged into episodes that bring optimism. Many of the things were relatable to me. As a producer, I found it quite realistic that the people working behind the scenes are constantly engaging with one another in different contexts that are hidden from the general audience.
Many fans were interested in the 90-minute debut when the manga was adapted into the anime series. What factors influenced this choice? Do you believe that a series would benefit overall by a longer first episode?
Hiramaki, the director: Both the producing and the production sides have two goals. I did not want to divide the story that the first volume of the original manga had given its viewers. I proposed adapting the first volume into the anime’s first episode in its original form since I believed that this would be the best course of action.
Producer Yamashita: From the producer’s perspective, nothing changed. We began the project from the beginning with a solid plan to make a 90-minute film, broadcast it in cinemas, and show it on TV as well. I had read the first volume before speaking with the director and production team, and I wanted to develop an animated film based on the enthusiasm of the first volume. We approached the assignment from the outset with a determined mindset.
The director and the animation firm said, “That’s what we thought, too,” when I brought this up to them. We believe that would be a fantastic idea, but is it feasible? I told the person from Shueisha, “I want to do it,” and I said, “I’ll do it.” I reconsidered my initial belief that it was a good thing that we recognized what everyone believed to be a good idea because the original manga side also thought it was a good idea.
Thus, everything came together. That’s fantastic. Were there any actual idol performances that you found particularly inspiring when creating Ruby, Kana, and MEMcho’s idol performances in 【Oshi No Ko】?
Hiramaki, the director: It seems as though there are three “Ai”s from B-Komachi since they are the newest idol group from the organization.I mean, the group is supposed to inherit Ai’s will, right? But since Ciao Nekotomi oversaw the acting, Ciao-san might have a certain person in mind.
Executive Assistant Ciao Nekotomi: True idols didn’t inspire me in the traditional sense. But as the director stated, we used AI to build the New B-Komachi. We discussed topics like what kind of idol Ai was and what kind of goals she had for her interactions with her fans when I was working on the first episode. I had a lengthy conversation about it with Mengo Yokoyari and Aka Akasaka, the original creators, when I started this process. For this work, I created an image of the idol group based on it.
Aquamarine stands out because, despite his youthful appearance, he possesses something like to adult cynicism. Do you think his demeanor is a reflection of the entertainment industry, his bad upbringing, or just someone the audience can identify with?
Hiramaki, the director: This is a query for Akasaka, the original creator. However, I can express our viewpoint. I posed the exact same query on Aqua to Akasaka-sensei. The relationship between Aqua’s physical and mental selves, in my opinion, defines his character. due to the fact that he is aware of his former life. I believe that Aqua’s personality is unique to him and stems from his recollections of his history. That’s what I think.
Do any of you take any particular steps to maintain your optimistic outlook while working in the entertainment industry?
Hiramaki, the director: Thinking of sleeping. chuckles.
Good morning, Nekotomi: Going about my daily business.
Yamashita, the producer: I’m not doing it. chuckles. I don’t sleep a wink. It all works well because I do things that I enjoy doing and I also enjoy doing animation as a pastime.
Are there any scenes from the anime 【Oshi No Ko】 that you especially like?
Director Hiramaki: Although I lack confidence in myself, my staff helps me overcome it. I work with amazing people who are willing to think independently in addition to doing what I want of them. Not only do they work normally, but they also think about the task and draw.
Assistant Director Ciao Nekotomi: I consider myself to be a self-assured person (laughs) I suppose the scene where Ai dies is the one I’m most proud of.
After the first season, the second was announced. For the upcoming season, is there anything you would like the viewers to anticipate?
Hiramaki, the director: The forthcoming anime season will have an entirely different location and atmosphere. If you’ve been reading the manga, you should know that I believe that portion of the plot will be improved upon and shown in the anime. We fill animation with a plethora of extra elements. So please, savor the variations.
Executive Assistant Ciao Nekotomi: Aqua, Kana, and Akane will be performing on a stage with elements of Japanese culture in the second season. The major characters will be shown in a variety of light, and we’ll see plenty of kimonos and other clothing with Japanese themes. Fans of historical dramas like “Taiga” should find it very entertaining and grow to love 【Oshi No Ko】 even more. I’m hoping you’re excited about it.
