Send Oshi no KoThe title hasn’t been translated into English for the show’s official localization, many fans wondering what it really means. They may not have expected that the title could actually mean a number of different things, each with its own application to the anime’s story. This makes it a very subtle example of the clever writing that made the series so great.
Oshi no Ko is the best-selling manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, which recently got a hugely successful anime adaptation, following the children of idol Ai Hoshino as they rise through the entertainment industry and try to discover discover his mother’s killer. The series manages to perfectly blend different genres together, blending an idol story, a suspenseful thriller and all the harsh social commentary into one. In keeping with the varied nature of the story, many of the characters hide their true personalities and motives behind well-groomed appearances. A prime example of this is Aqua, who is willing to do whatever it takes to catch Ai’s killer. In a series as layered as this one, it’s perhaps not surprising that the title itself can carry multiple meanings.
The title of Oshi no Ko has many meanings, it’s perfect
The Japanese phrase “Oshi no Ko” taken as a whole can mean a fan favorite idol. This suits the series’ main idol Ai Hoshino, Aqua and Ruby’s favorite performer both before and after their reincarnation. It also matches the meaning Kana gave when she mentioned the title in the last part of Season 1 (just before Oshi no Ko was confirmed for Season 2), saying that she wanted to be a love idol. Aqua’s favorite. However, when breaking the phrase up, it can also mean the child of an idol, which suits Aqua and Ruby as they are Ai’s children. The fact that this meaning can be hidden by another meaning of the title is a perfect parallel to how Ai keeps Aqua and Ruby’s true origins a secret.
In addition to its two actual meanings, the title may even imply other interpretations. The title sounds like Hoshi no Ko, which means “Children of the Stars”. This may be a reference to the stars that constantly appear in the eyes of Ai, Aqua, and Ruby throughout the series, giving them a special quality. This also matches Ai’s last name Hoshino, making the title sound like “the Hoshino children”. Hoshi no Ko can also mean the same thing as “lust”, referring to the theme of attraction and lust towards celebrities throughout the story.
The title of Oshi no Ko is very important to the series
With all of these loaded meanings attached to the Japanese title of the series, it’s no wonder it hasn’t been localized to English. No translation can really capture the full depth of the series’ original title. This is why the full meaning of Oshi no KoIts title is important, as all its parts come together to paint a picture of different aspects of the series.