It’s not every day that an anime series appears out of nowhere and earns such high ratings that it becomes the highest rated anime series. This is precisely what happened on the popular anime database, MyAnimeList, where a series with only one episode shot up to first place on the Highest Rated Anime list.
The series in question, Oshi no Ko, is based on the manga series written by Aka Akasaka, who also created the well-known and beloved anime, Kaguya Sama: Love Is War. The 90-minute-long first episode of Oshi no Ko premiered on HIDIVE, taking viewers by surprise. Currently, Oshi no Ko has an impressive 9.33/10 rating on MyAnimeList, with the second-ranked anime (Fullmetal Alchemist) scoring 9.11/10. Such a significant gap between the first and second places on this list is unheard of. So, what is Oshi no Ko about? Here’s a rundown of the essential details.
Oshi no Ko delves into the world of idols and the challenges they face. The 90-minute prologue episode tells the story of 16-year-old idol Ai Hoshino and one of her fans, Gorou, who is also a doctor. One day, Ai arrives at Gorou’s hospital, pregnant with twins. The two characters form a bond, but due to some unfortunate events, Gorou is killed by one of Ai’s fans. However, he is reincarnated as one of Ai’s twins. As the episode unfolds, viewers witness the siblings growing up in the glamorous world while Ai struggles to find work.
The plot may seem straightforward, but what makes the series so highly rated? For one, the captivating first episode keeps viewers glued to their screens for the entire 90 minutes. The animation is excellent, and the pacing is perfect, with no dull moments. The production studio, Doga Koba, is also responsible for recent works such as “The Helpful Fox Senko san,” “My Senpai is Annoying,” and “Shikimori is Not Just a Cutie.”
Additionally, the revenge/reincarnation theme is quite popular these days, and its execution in this series is phenomenal. The 90-minute prologue masterfully sets up the story, leaving viewers eager for more. The series is set to explore the darker side of the entertainment industry, which is not often portrayed in anime. With its compelling story, stunning animation, and intriguing characters, Oshi no Ko is a must-watch for anime fans.
Of course, this isn’t the first instance where an anime series has managed to unseat Fullmetal Alchemist from the top position (a feat that is not easily accomplished). Attack on Titan and Fruit Basket are some recent examples of anime that briefly held the top rank. It will be fascinating to observe how long Oshi no Ko can maintain its spot at the top. While the first episode was exceptional, the subsequent episodes could just as easily cause the rating to decline.
Oshi no Ko is a Japanese manga series written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. The manga began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine on April 23, 2020. As of January 2023, the manga series has been collected into 10 volumes.
