Currently, there is much debate surrounding the hot new anime series of Spring 2023, “Oshi no Ko.” While fans are excited about the series potentially becoming a “cultural phenomenon” similar to “Demon Slayer” and “SPY x FAMILY,” there are others who express concerns about its “potential pitfalls.” The primary reason for this skepticism is that the main character is reincarnated as the son of a beloved idol, which some viewers find troubling. After reincarnation, he retains the memories of his previous life.
Since the initial episodes of “Oshi no Ko” premiered, the reception has generally been positive. However, some critics have raised concerns that “the storyline may become repetitive.” The main character’s reincarnation as the son of a famous idol is seen as too extravagant by some audiences. At this point, many viewers have voiced their opinions online, stating things like: “This season’s standout anime has finally premiered!” or “If ‘Demon Slayer’ and ‘SPY x FAMILY’ are cultural phenomena, then ‘Oshi no Ko’ could also become a similar sensation.” Others have commented, “If ‘Oshi no Ko’ becomes a cultural phenomenon, I think the Japanese entertainment industry could shift significantly.”
As a result, viewers are keenly observing whether “Oshi no Ko” will become one of those works that the public acknowledges and appreciates, similar to what occurred with “Demon Slayer” and “SPY x FAMILY.”
However, there are some industry insiders who have expressed a less optimistic view regarding the potential of the series to captivate a wider audience:
“The situation is not promising. First of all, the concept of reincarnation as the son of a beloved idol is too far-fetched. At this point, the general public has already moved on from the traditional narrative. Subsequently, the comedic elements involving children may alienate many viewers, leaving only dedicated otaku as the audience. If ‘Your Name’ was once the cornerstone of otaku culture’s mainstream success, then ‘Fireworks: Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?’ failed to continue that trend. The character design and animation style of ‘Oshi no Ko’ are also quite generic, making it hard to attract the audience. Furthermore, the character design and the setting and atmosphere of the film do not carry any distinct elements that would make it resonant with viewers who are not anime enthusiasts.”
At the end of the first episode of “Oshi no Ko,” there is a scene where otaku are depicted as being enthusiastic and perpetually engaged with the creator’s work, which leaves fans divided and sparks intense discussions. This is something that audiences can hardly ignore, which is why “Oshi no Ko” may struggle to escape the niche market.
