After learning that three directors were involved in episode 8 of Oshi no Ko Season 2—two of whom have been directing the series since season 1—I had high hopes for this one. And I'm happy to say that it blew me away. Not only did the episode live up to those expectations, it delivered what I consider to be the pinnacle episode of the entire series (so far).
So what makes me say this about this episode of Oshi no Ko? We witnessed Kana's powerful journey of redemption, discovered a new layer of vulnerability, and marveled at Aqua's intense, uninhibited, and crazy approach to acting, all brought together in a goofy cinematic adaptation.
But before I dive into the highlights of the episode that I consider to be the best, I have to say that this season of Oshi no Ko is nothing short of perfect. The visual presentation that initially captivated me in the first episode of season 2 is back in full force here, but even more intense and visually impressive than I had imagined. With Ciao Nekotomi and Daisuke Hiramaki directing, and Kuniyasu Nishina lending his directorial talents from previous standout episodes, this episode is a gem in Doga Kobo’s catalog.
The real MVP of this episode, however, is Kanna Hirayama (kappe), the animation director, whose work takes the episode to a whole new level. Her art direction and visual approach to this episode is fantastic. The over-the-top brilliance of some frames is simply a chef's kiss and it's all thanks to her.
While the previous episode of Oshi no Ko explored Kana's past trauma, it focused primarily on Akane's perspective. Sure, we got glimpses of Kana's struggles, but one key character was noticeably absent—her parents, who may have been the root cause of her problems. Lately, I've been watching videos that expose the dark side of child content creators' lives, all due to poor parenting in general.
Manipulative parents exploit their children for fame and fortune, projecting a false image to boost their children’s online presence and ultimately profiting at the expense of their child’s dignity and privacy. Kana’s mother reflects this very clearly, although she did not manipulate her child’s image. She was just trying her best to keep her child famous for her own benefit, which is still toxic parenting.
Kana's relentless pursuit of fame is fueled by a deep desire to make her mother proud. She loves watching her mother revel in the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world. But she soon realizes that her mother's happiness depends on her continued success, causing her to fall into a vicious cycle where staying relevant is the only way to keep her family intact. As Kana's star begins to fade, the pressure mounts, straining her relationship with her family and tearing their family apart.
For Kana, watching her life deteriorate was heartbreaking and in response, she chose to walk away, sacrificing her own ambitions to preserve what little she had left. It was an admirable decision to adapt by any means necessary to the industry standards as it was what kept her going for so many years. However, seeing Kana suppress her talent was painful.
As her past is revealed and her co-stars set the stage for her to reclaim her former glory, I was screaming at her to let go and embrace her true potential. And when she finally does, it's breathtaking. Her performance is captivating, enhanced by an eerie soundtrack that captures the moment perfectly. I can't help but be as much of a fanboy as Akane is, and I'm so glad that Akane not only got to meet her hero, but also got the chance to share the stage with her.
In short, Kana was absolutely brilliant in this episode, but something felt off after watching her. After last week’s episode, I was sure that Episode 8 of Oshi no Ko Part 2 would be a Kana-centric story, showcasing her return to the spotlight. While Aqua, Akane, and Himekawa played a role in igniting Kana’s spark, the episode’s title “Trigger” seemed a bit misleading. As it turns out, the episode wasn’t about Kana at all. The real focus was always on Aqua, subtly guiding the story under the guise of Kana’s moment.
For a moment, all eyes are on Kana, and don't get me wrong, it's exciting. But it's short-lived. Then the episode takes a sharp turn, contrasting Kana's earlier success with a darker, more intense atmosphere. The bright lights and eerie music that accompanied her victory gradually give way to a red backdrop, symbolizing Aqua's growing rage, punctuated by a dramatic and somber tone.
In previous episodes, colors, music, and other elements were used to emphasize the passion of the actors, with characters like Melt and Kana being prime examples. However, the final scenes of this episode evoke feelings of rage and revenge, reflecting Aqua's state of mind. Unlike his co-stars, Aqua's acting is not motivated by a love for his craft or the entertainment industry; it is motivated by a burning desire for revenge. For him, acting is not an expression of creativity but merely a means to an end. He uses it as a weapon instead of a passion, which is why he can never truly enjoy it. It has never been fun or a game or a way to climb the popularity charts, but has always been just a tool to carry out his revenge.
We saw that expression of his in the hour-long special premiere of the series, and I cringed again. I guess it was just a way to show that this episode was on par with the hour-long special or even better. It was touching to see the main character give it his all, and reminded us that, while this series exposes the dark side of the industry, the story is ultimately about revenge. The unique blend of stories shows that Oshi no Ko is simply a protagonist in the modern era of anime.
Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode 8 is now available on Bilibili and HIDIVE
©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/Shueisha, “OSHI NO KO” Partner
