Oshi no Ko: Far More Than Just an Idol Anime The worldwide phenomenon that's rewriting the rules of the genre Since its release, Oshi no Ko has captivated the entire world—not only with its stunning animation and catchy music (like YOASOBI's viral opening), but above all with its biting and frighteningly realistic critique of the Japanese entertainment industry. Far from the rosy, glitter-coated clichés of classic idol series, the work of Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and Mengo Yokoyari (Scum's Wish) plunges without restraint into the abyss of celebrity. "Lying is an exquisite form of love" This iconic quote from Ai Hoshino single-handedly captures the complex and fascinating philosophy of the series. In a world where fans demand absolute perfection and constant illusion, lying becomes an act of protection—even affection. The idol sells a dream, and for that dream to endure, the trivial and sometimes ugly reality must be sacrificed. This theme resonates powerfully in our era dominated by social media, where each of us stages an idealized version of our lives, blurring the line between the person and the persona. The dark side of showbiz: a societal critique The series doesn't hesitate to tackle heavy, contemporary subjects head-on: devastating cyberbullying (through the heart-wrenching Akane Kurokawa arc, inspired by real events), media manipulation orchestrated by producers, the precarious working conditions of young artists, and the merciless cruelty of reality TV. It brutally reminds us that behind every perfect smile on a screen is a human being with flaws, suffering, and doubts. Oshi no Ko forces viewers to question their own consumption of entertainment and their relationship with celebrities. Eyes as Mirrors of the Soul (and of Lies) One of the most striking visual elements of the series is undoubtedly the character eye designs, particularly the stars in the eyes of the Hoshino family members. These stars symbolize charisma, deception, but also a ...