The conclusion of Oshi no Ko, a manga that captivated readers with its raw portrayal of the entertainment industry’s darker side, has become a hot topic among fans. Written by Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish), the manga wrapped up on November 14, 2024, with its 166th chapter.
While Oshi no Ko has been praised for its bold storytelling, its ending elicited mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment over unresolved character arcs and a perceived rushed conclusion.
During a recent interview at Manga Barcelona, Akasaka opened up about the challenges of creating such a thought-provoking series and shared candid thoughts on the nature of criticism in the age of social media.
Akasaka’s Thoughts on Criticism
Akasaka dived into the phenomenon of exaggerated criticism, which has become increasingly prevalent in today’s hyperconnected world. He highlighted how some individuals, especially on social media, may criticize works more harshly than they genuinely feel.
“You’d automatically have people who’d take it upon themselves to ‘restore the balance’ by overly criticizing it, like it’s the worst of the worst, 1-star worth type of thing,” he explained. “Even though they really feel it’s 3 or 4-stars worth.”
This reaction, according to Akasaka, often stems from an impulse to counteract excessive praise. However, he argued that such extreme negativity does little to foster meaningful discourse and can even harm creators. “I don’t think speaking with this sort of edge that goes beyond what you’re actually thinking amounts to much,” he added.
Themes of Communication and Miscommunication
Communication—or the lack thereof—was a central theme in Oshi no Ko, making Akasaka’s comments particularly resonant. From the start, the series explored how fame, secrets, and relationships shape individuals, often leading to misunderstandings and unintended consequences. Akasaka credited Yokoyari for her ability to help him convey these complex themes effectively.
“Whenever I had trouble expressing something in the right way, Mengo-sensei would always give me some instructions or advice on how to convey my intentions properly,” he said. This collaborative dynamic was a hallmark of the duo’s creative process, as Yokoyari added her unique artistic flair to Akasaka’s storytelling vision.
Also Read: ‘I Would Have Liked to Do It’: Oshi no Ko Manga Artist Confirms She Wanted to…
Social Media’s Role in Oshi no Ko
The manga’s representation of social media, particularly how it amplifies public scrutiny, draws heavily from Akasaka’s personal observations.
He noted how entertainers and creators are often subjected to intense public judgment, which informed much of the narrative. “Performers, entertainers, and such are very exposed to the eyes of the public, so they’re often subject to slander. That’s something I can relate to myself,” he said.
On Nov 15, Aka Akasaka Tweeted that he will not not comment on the Oshi no Ko manga ending because no matter what he Tweets, there always will be people who will get hurt.
Since its debut in April 2020, Oshi no Ko has received critical acclaim for its unflinching depiction of the entertainment industry, tackling themes like fame, exploitation, and identity. The story follows Aquamarine and Ruby Hoshino, twins reincarnated into the world of showbiz after their tragic deaths, as they navigate the industry’s highs and lows to uncover the truth behind their mother’s murder.
Source: Fullfrontal Moe
