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Aka Akasaka has carefully crafted a story about idols, fame, and the exploitation hidden beneath the glitz throughOshi 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 thatOshi no Kowas never meant to be a jab to a specific industry or its people.
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 ThroughOshi no Ko
One of the most widespread misconceptions among fans is the belief thatOshi no Koserves 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 intendedto create a manga that directly condemn the industry.
In an interview withAnime News Networkin 2023, Aka Akasaka explained thatOshi no Kouses 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,
Oshi no Ko uses pieces of real-life stories in its plots, but it is not a documentary, and it definitely does not intend to attack real people. I adapt events that could happen with the trends and rules of the current entertainment industry in the storylines. This work is fiction.
The darker elements inOshi 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.
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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 BehindOshi no Ko
Even thoughOshi no Kois 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.
Akasaka also pointed out the differences between the entertainment industries in Japan and the U.S., emphasizing thatOshi no Koreflects the unique issues present in the Japanese entertainment industry, stating,
In the Japanese entertainment industry today, there is no union for talent and writers, there are no guarantees, auditions are disregarded in casting, opportunities are given based on the balance of power between companies, and basically, you’re able to’t go against the office manager…those sorts of things. And they continue to happen. If you, American readers, can enjoy reading Oshi no Kowith the knowledge of this unique Japanese situation, you may deepen your understanding of this story.
The dark and dramatic tone ofOshi no Koreflects 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 afictional storythat captures the emotional truth of the industry.
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As he explained,“When I wrote about reality, it naturally became darker”. The fiction inOshi no Kostems from this link between reality and creative imagination, resulting in a story that is dark, thought-provoking, but ultimately fictional.
Oshi no Kois currently available to read and watch on Manga Plus and Netflix, respectively.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
