Oshi no Ko Season 3 - Episode 1 discussion

*Oshi no Ko Season 3*, episode 1

**Reminder:** Please do not discuss plot points not yet seen or skipped in the show. Failing to follow the rules may result in a ban.

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**Streams**

*None*

**Show information**

* [MyAnimeList](https://myanimelist.net/anime/60058/)
* [AniList](https://anilist.co/anime/182587)
* [AniDB](https://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=18901)
* [Kitsu](https://kitsu.app/anime/49264)
* [Official Website](https://ichigoproduction.com/Season3/)
* **/r/OshiNoKo**

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**All discussions**

Episode|Link
:-:|:-:
1|[Link](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1qcpjym)

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Commentaires

AnimeMod2026-01-14 16:03

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randyburgerlocker2026-01-14 16:05

**Akane my beloved**

Glad best girl is back. Can’t wait to see what female Sherlock Holmes does this season

smart_is_cool10202026-01-14 16:11

Acrzyguy2026-01-14 16:23

Akane OUR beloved

Shinkopeshon2026-01-14 18:13

*suddenly Oshi no Kommunist*

PeaceAlien2026-01-14 16:32

I love this show so much, does everything so well.

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:40

It looks like her Netflox thing is a detective drama too, judging by their outfits? I'd watch it.

maliwanag07122026-01-14 16:45

> best girl is back

Ohmyyyy the Akane-Kana best girl rivalry starts again

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:01

Professional respect + raging fangirl + love rivals = pure entertainment.

Holofan4life2026-01-14 16:10

Kana still best girl

Spanky_topo2026-01-14 16:14

Peak is back

Jazs19942026-01-14 16:15

I completely forgot this was coming out this month!! Ahhhh

szalhi2026-01-14 16:16

Ah, welcome back to hell everyone. The devil really tempts and here we are.

But of course, they had to let us in easy, so they're starting us off with MEMcho, who's somehow the sanest one here. *(Always has been.)*

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:39

MEMcho might not be subject to child labor laws but that gives her the age and experience to produce and emotionally support her fellow idols and B-Komachis/Kana Arima's biggest male fan.

maliwanag07122026-01-14 16:43

> MEMcho, who's somehow the sanest one here.

I think many of the adults in the show so far are sane. MEMcho, Miyako and Gotanda are examples.

BadBehaviour6132026-01-14 18:15

I like how the bucktoothed man thought the old man fan calling Ruby "Ruby Chan" was cringe. We are so used to old man perversion/inappropriateness in anime, it's nice to see someone thinking, Christ, you are talking about a teenager here

mekerpan2026-01-14 18:44

Speaking as an elderly -- I see these characters as sort of virtual grandchildren -- not romantic interests.

thisisdropd2026-01-14 16:45

Sane by B-Komachi's standards. She's in her mid-20s and yet still wanted headpats from Miyako.

eightcheesepizza2026-01-14 17:04

Who doesn't want headpats from Miyako?

kwokinator2026-01-14 17:18

Can confirm, I'm a grown-ass man and I'd want headpats from Miyako.

eightcheesepizza2026-01-14 17:22

Maybe you can be the hot guy that was promised to her 15 years ago. #justice4miyako

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:52

She’s everyone’s mom after all.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-14 19:16

*Tempted to make a strawpoll for the next episode;*

*Age?*

*Would you want Headpats from Miyako?*

[](#bigthink)

invaderpixel2026-01-14 16:52

Seriously even MEMcho's explanation of the algorithms was fascinating even though I feel like I've seen a million Youtubers try to say the same thing haha. It's weird to see an adult voice of reason in any anime, usually you just see teenagers or adults that act like teenagers.

septesix2026-01-14 23:01

Well she is technically an adult acting like a teenager in public in-universe…

ModieOfTheEast2026-01-14 17:22

In this episode, you might also call her MOMcho.

SmileyTheSmile2026-01-14 17:46

Aka Akasaka has a writing style, that seems to revolve around creating neat side characters, and if those seem interesting enough, just promoting them to main characters. His modern fanbase treats a lot of those as loose unexplored plot threads, but Mem is a definite success of that approach - can't imagine the story without at least one sane person knee deep in this drama.

Chukonoku2026-01-14 20:09

Justice for ~~Hayasaka~~ MEMcho

shad792026-01-14 17:59

Yeah, it was a great choice for [Mem-cho](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wqzgxz7x) to introduce us to [this first episode](https://imgchest.com/p/5xy2nz3dnyl) of the new season.

Other characters, like [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n), [Aqua,](https://imgchest.com/p/na7k5xevq78) and [Ruby](https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkgxjz4n), are definitely not in the best place in their lives right now (though [Akane seems to be doing quite well](https://imgchest.com/p/vj4jnovk278)).

Although [I definitely won't forgive Mem-cho for getting headpats from Miyako](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/33307da1c6aa.png). It [should've been me, not her](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/07018d308c93.png)!

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-14 19:14

> MEMcho, who's somehow the sanest one here

She might not stay sane much longer if they keep hinting at her age in front of her!

[](#maxshock)

But seriously, the way the episode started, with her doing a LOT of working and even putting her own money, time and all into it... I wouldn't be surprised if they had something planned for her (a breakdown, if nothing else!)

the_dan_man2026-01-14 19:26

The gap moe between her responsible nature and her occasionally devolving into doodle form hits just right, man.

[deleted]2026-01-14 16:17

[deleted]

Newhero20022026-01-14 16:18

How are you watching it?

Magnafeana2026-01-14 16:22

It’s on both Crunchyroll and HIDIVE, but I’m using CR.

WhoiusBarrel2026-01-14 16:21

That choreography in the OP and transition to the actual episode was fucking awesome.

Aqua trauma dumping to Memcho with that insert song playing was so haunting, instant mood shift from him pushing Memcho down.

ExpiringMilknCheese2026-01-14 16:33

Don’t think that’s the opening, crazily enough

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:39

Yeah, that lead in and transition into the episode was way to smooth to be the OP.

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:41

Doga Kobo kills it every time they get to flex B-Komachi. The outfits! The dancing! The singing! The ominous dude eating up the performance!

Aqua just really letting loose how much of an emotionally traumatized and hurt teenager he is in that moment.

Py5cho2026-01-14 16:44

The opening wasnt the OP. The one playing at the end with the credits was the actual OP.

But yes, the Hokkaido concert was insanely well animated and such a banger!

shad792026-01-14 18:02

I definitely agree! [The concert/opening sequence was great](https://imgchest.com/p/agyvjzekky8); I honestly would have thought it was an OP if it weren't for the song.

And that makes me even more excited about the actual OP. The song is great, from what I heard at the end of [the episode](https://imgchest.com/p/5xy2nz3dnyl), and I definitely like it more than when I first heard it in the PV.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-14 19:17

> The opening wasnt the OP. The one playing at the end with the credits was the actual OP.

Was easy to tell, they didn't "lead into the ED" as they usually do on this show!

(I SO hope they keep doing it this season!)

maliwanag07122026-01-14 16:44

> That choreography in the OP and transition to the actual episode was fucking awesome.

Doga Kobo just flexing their skills and budget with that OP-esque not-OP (the OP is different if I remember correctly)

bakaa_ningen2026-01-14 16:55

I wonder if they'll ever go back to yuri anime, would love to see a drama heavy yuri romance/idol anime by them

maliwanag07122026-01-14 16:59

> would love to see a drama heavy yuri romance

Obligatory *The Summer You Were There* anime adaptation please.

bakaa_ningen2026-01-14 17:05

Oh man, I pray for it to happen, this anime will solve the water crisis in many countries

Shinkopeshon2026-01-14 18:13

Bit of a shame, it worked way too well as an opening - wouldn't have minded it as the OP for every episode

ObvsThrowaway51202026-01-14 16:21

It’s nice to have this back! Not only has best girl Memcho been grinding like crazy to help the girls blow up, she’s even out here tryna help Kana with her Aqua problem. Hell, she even figured it wasn’t a Kana problem Aqua had. Bro’s just scared shitless this whole thing could become another Ai sitch if he gets too close.

This new Ruby is kinda worrying. Like she’s not that innocent kid with big dreams no more. She’s more calculating kinda like Aqua almost.

Hitman71282026-01-14 16:23

I can't help but feel a similar vibe in the rhythm of this new OP to that of Idol.

Poor Kana crying that Aqua is avoiding her, but even through her tsundere personality, roots for him and Akane.

Old wounds reopening from the very first episode. But Aqua does care for Kana and doesn't want deranged fans to prey on her.

Ruby is looking for "Pikachu-kun." ~~Let's play Pokemon!~~

PeaceAlien2026-01-14 16:31

Appears Aqua is avoiding Kana because he sees his mother in her and doesn't want to risk anything happening 'again.' Surprised MEM didn't note anything about it

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:43

I think it's not just because he sees Kana as Ai (he does see them in a similar level of fame) but also because he has genuine feelings for her which is why it's also eating him up inside to keep away from her even if he feels that's what's best for her.

Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-14 16:40

The actual OP played in ending credits actually. The song they used this episode was for this episode only I presume (and they need more B-Komachi songs to sell along).

Hitman71282026-01-14 16:57

Oh LOL, you're right

Still a B-Komachi W

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:43

>Poor Kana crying that Aqua is avoiding her, but even through her tsundere personality, roots for him and Akane.

Even if she's a Losing Heroine, she's still his Oshi no Ko and can't feel motivated as an idol without him.

>Ruby is looking for "Pikachu-kun." ~~Let's play Pokemon!~~

(Insert Shocked Ruby Face).

eightcheesepizza2026-01-14 17:02

> I can't help but feel a similar vibe in the rhythm of this new OP to that of Idol.

And the song also has a callback to the song [*Sign wa B*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIHoq68i5f0) with Kana singing "Anata no idol" the same way.

Newhero20022026-01-14 17:23

Bruh your comment made me think we’d get the actual Opening lol

nostoppa2152026-01-14 16:25

I'm just here for the free food

ElgrinTGT2026-01-14 16:28

Ruby with dark eyes is so peak, can't wait for this ruby centered season after not having her most of last season😭😭

That scene with Mem and Aqua was fantastic, real emotional stuff. Then they hit the 6 7 on the next scene

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:44

Mixing cheerfulness with cold calculating investigation work is surprisingly effective.

i_eat_pidgeons2026-01-14 18:47

I don't think that was supposed to be 6 7, I think they were just mimicking a dog

Nosib232026-01-14 19:18

Ruby is scary now in a way I can't quite put into words. Those eyes just scream danger.

ChoiceSupermarket2302026-01-14 16:29

Anime is great as always, but it's weird to watch knowing how it will turn out. Op is a banger

Sondaica2026-01-14 16:30

Sad Kana is breaking me.. :/

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:42

You know Oshi no Ko is back when Kana is back to taking L's.

ExpiringMilknCheese2026-01-14 16:53

Kana is just Oshi no Ko’s version of Maki from Kaguya Sama.

Aka just loves his destined to lose characters.

SeiyaTempest2026-01-14 17:17

She might as well just join Makeine at this rate.

SmileyTheSmile2026-01-14 17:49

Arima Kana's name famously has no Ls, because she took them all.

Verybluevans2026-01-15 01:39

Arima Kana, the genius who can take L's just like that.

TempestoLord2026-01-14 18:51

Funnily enough if this was a typical romance anime, that would actually be a good thing for Kana. The pattern is usually the MC dating one girl midway through, but rarely stay together till the end and ends up dating the other. Even here you can see Akane is so in love, but Aqua’s heart isn’t fully there sadly, feel bad for my best girl.

invaderpixel2026-01-14 16:49

Seriously seeing her sleep with that Pupurin looking squishmallow is just too real. Trying to be a martyr and be good in the friendzone but she still has real feelings on the inside.

bakaa_ningen2026-01-14 16:52

Stay strong comrade, we'll evacuate now but still not completely lost !

shad792026-01-14 18:58

Yeah, it hurts to see [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n) like [this](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/cc020859e937.png) in [today's episode](https://imgchest.com/p/5xy2nz3dnyl) (and even [during](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/7affe244788f.png) B-Komachi's [concert](https://imgchest.com/p/agyvjzekky8))... but it hurts even more that [Aqua](https://imgchest.com/p/na7k5xevq78) knows he's making her [miserable](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/b5b237dcf5b6.png), and yet we can't be mad at him because he's only doing it for her own good and safety (plus of course, [his childhood trauma plays a role here too](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3b60000d8c0e.png)).

cabbaggeez2026-01-14 16:30

DOWN BAD

Finally I could see Akane again. all the bed talk about protecting idol from creepy fans, but getting into MEMs bedroom in the night and a rough foreplay, and end it with a hug is wild

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:44

I feel bad for Kana but dang it if Aqua and Akane aren't really believable as a couple at this point.

MillenniumKing2026-01-14 16:35

#MEM MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS

[](#protest)

Oh boy the cursed video put the gang in the spotlight.
Man Mem is hard carrying the group hard isnt she? Shes responsable for a lot of their success.
Aqua meanwhile is hitting all sides too now.

HUG MEM AND GIVE HER HEADPATS! SHES THE BEST!

Aqua shook up Kana bad... Shes def been off lately.
Meanwhile hes living a "happy" life but Akane knows and didnt tell him stil.

This OP is really neat such cool visuals. Also creepy dad...

New side guys, they seem to know a lot about idol piz.
OH ITS HEADBAND GUY FAN OF AI! HIS WORK!
Kana isnt shineing like the sun now? Ruby also acting calculated?

Kana def is in a dark place now.
Aw Kana is down because of Aqua not being around and avoiding her.
Mem once again being the greatest and helping her out.

Mem is ambushing Aqua now oooOoo. Taking a minor him with her...
Wait Aqua wants to goto med school again? I guess he has all that knowledge.
Mem being quite wise about college stuff. Shes a smart cookie too.
Wow mem pointing out Aqua basically led Kana on thats bold of her.

Aqua counter attacks with a couch kabedon. Jesus.
He didnt want to hurt her huh?
Oh he tried to keep distance to keep her safe unlike with Ai...
Hes got some heavy ptsd about Ai. And he wants to keep Kana safe damn.

MEM HUGS HEAL THE SOUL!

Oh that Frill girl is a big Aqua fan now it seems.
Fill wants to work together with the friends thats nice.

Oh no they got Ruby on the show to harass Aqua...
Kabaragi wants to market them as twins. It was Rubys idea?
Ruby is starting too pull moves Aqua used to to get around in he biz. wow.
Ruby and Aqua really need to have a good old talk about stuff.

OoooooOooo this ED is gorgeous too.

Man we are right back into things this season and its good.
Cant wait to see where we go.

Slaan2026-01-14 16:38

What a great episode to get back to it. MEMcho was brilliant and Aquas truthful outburst really hit home. Especially after also seeing how miserable Kana was... Kinda implies that he given other circumstances he would've picked Kana over Akane...

Makes me wonder (and we'll probably find out) what Kana thinks about it when she notices or Mem tells her.

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:45

>Kinda implies that he given other circumstances he would've picked Kana over Akane...

I think even Akane knew it back in season 2, but then Aqua doubled-down on Akane because he knew he couldn't be with Kana and Akane was genuinely in love with him so...

batmans4202026-01-14 17:23

This whole situation is so unfair to Akane. Aqua really cares about her and isn't trying to mislead her, though

Montana_Gamer2026-01-14 18:15

Akane had done so much psychonanalytical bullshit with Aqua that I think it is 100% fair to her since she chose to willingly swan dive into the garbage heap while saying she'd help him kill a guy.

She is of course also a young stupid adolescent, but I think this is about as fair as it could be considering what she knew.

Kana has been being pulled this way and back, yanked by Aqua and then as soon as they break out her shining light ghosts her.

MyNameIsNikNak2026-01-14 18:42

They are kind of inadvertently mutually toxic, though it’s not surprising when the relationship begun in a reality tv show right after she had a major psychological episode

Nosib232026-01-14 20:34

Don't forget that Akane is currently keeping a realisation she had that Aqua's father could still be out there from Aqua. I adore Akane and they both really care about each other but they're frankly both as bad as each other.

wloff2026-01-15 00:54

I think he's pretty openly misleading her. And Akane probably knows it deep inside too, she's smart enough like that and she's recognized it before too.

Even watching the last episode of Season 2, I had a distinct feeling that Aqua's true feelings were for Kana, but he decided to (yet again) use Akane as his cover because he suddenly got terrified that he might get Kana hurt otherwise.

batmans4202026-01-15 01:46

She does. I just feel bad for her because she deserves someone who feels the same way about her

woonie2026-01-14 16:38

[removed]

Frontier2462026-01-14 16:38

verything is coming up B-Komachi! New collabs, more fans and likes than ever, the group is REALLY taking off! Even Aqua is doing well professionally, putting himself out there as a talent and even working on a variety show. Akane's even the lead in her own movie! And has gone Netflox legit! I'm so happy for everybody! I'm sure there's no drama going on underneath all the glitz and glammer!

It's nice to see that Kana and Ruby still has great chemistry, but as great as Kana looks in a beret and tights...there's something definitely off when the cameras click off. Ruby too.

Of course Kana and Ruby ARE both in their "dark" eras, and the fans can tell, and Kana straight up got dumped by Aqua. Though he and Akane seem to be in full-blown couple mode, and supporting each other, which is nice. Poor Kana though, especially when she sees Akane's face plastered everywhere.

We even get a B-Komachi performance OP! With a certain blonde-haired gentleman watching and enjoying the show as the girls utterly kill their concert, and literally eating it up...as well as the dark emotions Kana and Ruby have.

MEMcho looking out for her idol gal pals and she can see that something is effecting Kana and bringing the group down with it. The sad thing is, Kana IS head over heels for Aqua, but she could accept and cheer him on with Akane (well, maybe not 100%)...but him not being around her, or avoiding her, hurts more than anything. She needs Aqua in her life.

Aqua, for his part, didn't intend to lead Kana on. In fact, it seems like it's taking every ounce of his restraint and willpower to keep himself away from her, and it pains him to do it, because he won't risk Kana's career or her ending up like Ai if he became involved with her. Aqua may not be driven by revenge any more, but he's still hurting.

With Chase the Impawssible you can never quite predict what they'll do next, but Aqua has become a hit on the show! Frill is definitely a fan of his as well. And while Frill is looking forward to working with Minami and Ruby in the future, Ruby has joined her brother on his show! And he's LOVING it!

But this wasn't just a fun twin event that Aqua didn't ask for, or for Ruby to hunt down Pikachu-kun, it was a calculated move by Ruby to put herself out there. And she's already found Ichigo after he ghosted everybody after Ai's death. She's continuing her pursuit of HER revenge.

ak_them2026-01-14 16:39

peak is so back

thisisdropd2026-01-14 16:39

MEM must've felt awkward being the only one who currently have no issues. Kana's the easiest to read, and MEM got right into it to mend her relationship with Aqua. When he said again, it might give her a clue into his past. Then again, she's not Akane so I doubt she drew any conclusion from it.

Meanwhile, Aqua's got pretty much a head start from his past life should he ever pursue a career in medicine. Still have to go through the prerequisites such as uni and residency, but his knowledge was intact.

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:02

Kana's the center, Ruby's the upbeat and cheerful one (usually), but MEM is the emotional and rational center of B-Komachi.

eightcheesepizza2026-01-14 18:29

As long as you don't tell her she's the "adult in the room".

Sorwest2026-01-15 00:04

Mem! You always act like the mom of the group! You're so mature! Are you an old soul? I bet you were born on the year of the ox!

dinliner082026-01-15 06:18

MEM: ***"Kisamaaaaa!!!!!"***

shad792026-01-15 04:26

True, but that's basically her only weak point, so other than that, [Mem-cho](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wqzgxz7x)'s a pillar that holds [B-Komachi](https://imgchest.com/p/pg736kwrv7r) together...

Or at least, she tries to, because unfortunately, as we saw in [today's episode](https://imgchest.com/p/5xy2nz3dnyl), things [don't go well](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/4d36974ee01d.png), as both [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n) and [Ruby](https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkgxjz4n) are more involved in other things than their idol group.

BadBehaviour6132026-01-14 18:00

Kana is in a love drama, Ruby is in Lady Snowblood, MEM is... a regular adult

Imaginary-End-082026-01-15 00:58

.....that's posing as a child lol

goffer542026-01-15 01:02

Being old in a young person's game is enough of a burden.

BusinessYam64212026-01-14 19:07

I was so surprised when he jumped on mem. I was like "Aqua you playboy!" But then I felt bad for him and sympathized with him when he cried over Kanna. Kanna will always be best girl lol

FriedRiceistheBest2026-01-14 23:16

Aqua baka no ecchi!

Imaginary-End-082026-01-15 01:00

True. But he'll still need to study as it's been about 16/17 years since he's used any of that knowledge.

kyle_griffiths_19952026-01-14 16:39

Why is season 1&2 on netflix but season 3 is crunchyroll... I was going mad thinking I couldn't see S3 on netflix ..

lordicefrog2026-01-14 17:04

In my region it was 1 day delayed release. Just like AOT s4 part 1.

eightcheesepizza2026-01-14 17:07

That's just how show licensing works. A streaming platform makes a business deal with a licensor to carry a show for a set amount of time. It's all business deals between different companies. I wish Mem-cho could explain this to us.

Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-14 16:41

[removed]

is1464142026-01-14 17:29

I felt similarly. There were Goro/Sarina scenes in season 2 that didn't get the level of focus that I felt they should have, but every Kana scene is immaculate.

The production of the anime *really* likes Kana.

Great episode regardless, though.

Prince-Dizzytoon2026-01-14 16:42

Kana is the cutest. Will always be the cutest. Even when she's in tears, the cutest.

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:05

And her outfit and beret game is as on-point as ever. She even has a beret rack in her room!

Legitimate-Copy-18482026-01-14 16:46

Oshi No Ko Animation is still the best, Doga Kobo maintained the quality high

LeonKevlar2026-01-14 16:48

The instant personality switch [with Kana and Ruby after Memcho stops filming](https://i.imgur.com/piacPZS.jpeg) shows how great actors both of them are, but at the same time, it really highlights how these two are really hurting inside. You gotta wonder how long they'll be able to keep this up.

I absolutely love [that B-Komachi is performing the OP!](https://i.imgur.com/tFgWvA2.jpeg) Although, I think this is only for this episode? I believe the song that plays at the end is the real OP. Would've been cool if it were really just B-Komachi to show that they're now popular enough to sing their own theme song.

[It really sucks to see Kana so heartbroken about Aqua](https://i.imgur.com/rsS9Idy.jpeg), but our boy is trying to do this for her sake. [He really doesn't want a repeat of what happened to Ai happen to Kana.](https://i.imgur.com/JtNk7Yb.jpeg) Although, Aqua could've been more considerate and explained to her at least what he's doing instead of just ghosting her :(

[Ruby's surprise was pretty funny](https://i.imgur.com/4d3YTmL.jpeg). Not really sure what she's trying to do here, but it looks like [Ruby has somehow managed to rope in Saitou](https://i.imgur.com/Uj3190P.jpeg) into helping her out. Is Dad finally back? I can't wait to see how Miyako will react to this.

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:04

The idol industry on full display there. Turn on the cuteness and friendship for the camera, then off the clock most everyone would rather be somewhere else. Even if the group really ARE genuinely friends.

Doga Kobo and beautiful idol performances, name a better duo!

Honestly I can't see this whole Aqua/Akane/Kana situation not ending up a mess because Aqua and Kana are still not over each other, the distance between them is clearly tearing them both up inside, and it's liable to blow up at some point. But hey, Akane is genuinely happy now, so that's good!

feb9142026-01-15 00:03

>The idol industry on full display there. Turn on the cuteness and friendship for the camera, then off the clock most everyone would rather be somewhere else. Even if the group really ARE genuinely friends.

And interestingly, this is not even the only anime released today that show how idol group may not be as tight in real life.

wloff2026-01-15 00:49

> The idol industry on full display there. Turn on the cuteness and friendship for the camera, then off the clock most everyone would rather be somewhere else. Even if the group really ARE genuinely friends.

To be fair, that's just work in general. No matter what your job is, even if you really love your work and your coworkers, sometimes you just want to be home.

stilman12026-01-14 17:17

man i forgot who he was, could someone help me remember? (no manga spoilers pls)

LeonKevlar2026-01-14 17:19

Ichigo Saito. The President of IchigoPro and Miyako's husband, who left them after Ai died.

stilman12026-01-14 17:22

the guy who literally disappeared or something?

master_622026-01-14 17:30

yep

supakame2026-01-14 17:59

Went out to get milk back in season 1 episode 1

Life_Is_A_Mistry2026-01-14 21:45

Silly Ichigo. He's not going to catch milk by fishing!

supakame2026-01-14 21:52

Unless he's after [milkfish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milkfish)?

BosuW2026-01-14 20:29

> Although, Aqua could've been more considerate and explained to her at least what he's doing instead of just ghosting her :(

Assuming everyone will eventually understand "it's for the better" is definitely his primary character flaw

Narmatonia2026-01-14 21:57

While it's understandable, he didn't need to take it as far as he has. Obviously they shouldn't be going on mini-dates like the shopping day last season, but that doesn't mean he can't be friendly to her in private at the studio.

DaBenni03012026-01-14 16:58

Mem-cho is best girl. And not to mention the only sane one

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:06

It comes with being the only adult in the main cast not named Miyako (Aqua is technically mentally an adult but he's still got the brain and hormones of a teenager).

zaretball2026-01-14 17:01

I don't particularly like the decisions director made regarding this adaptation, but at least it's well animated. Moving on.

Loud_Volume_49852026-01-14 17:06

Miyako mommy hug and headpat!!? It should've been me not her!!

AceSoldia2026-01-14 17:08

loved how seamlessly it went in and out of the OP like that, i dunno if it can do that every episode but man

AceSoldia2026-01-14 17:10

Im a Kana fan although i love Akane, and this just hurts! and that OP has me worried for her.

khanvau2026-01-14 17:11

Oshi no Ko is finally back! It didn't even feel like it had already been a year and a half, but I still missed it. It's almost unbelievable.

Wait a sec, could they always say "YouTube" and "TikTok" before? I feel like it was different but I'm not sure. But then "Netflox" made me laugh when it came up. The inconsistency is so funny. Also, shorts? 2020? Still feels weird to hear them in an anime in 2026 ngl.

Ngl I actually thought it was the OP, but it was actually the B-Komachi live concert. Tbh I wouldn't even mind if it was the OP cause it was that good. Guess I'll have to wait a week to see the actual OP and ED, which I have no doubt will be bangers.

I really feel bad about Kana, but there's nothing Aqua can do. Dude is already traumatized; I doubt he wants to do anything that'd trigger his past trauma. He's lucky Ruby is his sister so he's safe with her. But I can't blame him for being selfish and wanting to protect Kana. Maybe one day, they'd be free from this toxic idol culture...

Montana_Gamer2026-01-14 18:17

They've brought up youtube and tiktok ever since season 1.

I am 100% confident with tiktok, but not youtube

CreaMaxo2026-01-14 21:51

The trademarks laws have been clarified through many cases in the last decade when it comes to the use of a service's name.

Long story short, it's super hard to do anything about the uses of services names when they are used in a context that represents their reality. Kinda like speaking about honda's cars doesn't give Honda any leverage to sue on an unauthorized use of their brand. The logos and other visual representations, on the other hands isn't allowed.

When the episode showed Netflox, it did it because it can't use Netflix logo. That's especially true considering it also depicted a false situation with the service (having show with an actress that doesn't exists).

Some series will also modify the name for the sake of being able to use a fake logo if ever needed ahead of actually showing anything.

For instance, since they mentioned Youtube and TikTok, it also means the series can't display (unless the anime publisher acquire the licenses) any visual of those services, but can only "talk" about them since it would be strange to suddently change the name while displaying the app/services on in-screen screens or even displaying the wrong logo.

khanvau2026-01-14 21:53

Yeah. In Aqua's room you can see he has a silver play button. But it’s round lol.

luceafaruI2026-01-14 17:12

While watching the episode i was afraid for a while that it would end without kana having a crying and screaming moment. Fortunately, kana never disappoints

3stoner2026-01-14 17:15

Back with peak animation, gotta hand it to doga kobo, the adaptation has been incredible so far. Their attention to details like subtle facial expression changes are always on-point in every scene.
I love the maturity of MEM-cho, not even slightly phased by the situation she was in with Aqua lol. Ruby's so cute with the [kon](https://imgur.com/a/lFN9xAL) hand sign! I loved that whole TV show segment with her [playful](https://imgur.com/jdYhfdg) attitude in contrast with the dark star eyes, her VAs performance captures Ruby's personality perfectly.

Also being Kana is suffering.

batmans4202026-01-14 17:18

It's good to be back ❤️

Aqua sure has no problem hanging out with Mem even though he supposedly doesn't think that idols can have male friends. It's almost like it's different because it's Kana 🤔

It sucks that Kana and Ruby are both depressed right now. They looked beautiful, though, and Akane did too as always

Akane__Kurokawa2026-01-14 17:24

Mem is so wholesome. 😭🤍

ExpensivePractice1642026-01-14 17:26

ITS FINALLY OUT?

Akane__Kurokawa2026-01-14 17:28

I loved the song they used during the end credits!!

gsurfer042026-01-14 17:29

Everybody deserves a friend like MEM-cho.

The end song giving Garbage vibes to anyone else?

Primo292026-01-14 17:29

Episode 1 of Season 3 and we have seen Kana suffer already. Just give her a break.

So Aqua is the one who's obsess with Kana? What a surprise!!

Ichini-san2026-01-14 23:58

Kana is basically Aqua's new Ai...

shad792026-01-15 05:00

It wouldn't be a normal Oshi no Ko episode if there wasn't [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n) and [her suffering](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/9ce4b8b2af21.png) xD

Gyxis2026-01-15 08:42

Kana really does remind me a lot of Maki from Kaguya-sama lol

HugeRichard112026-01-15 06:01

Yeah that was a surprise for me too, but mainly since it seemed to be Mem potentially implying it might be romantic which I didn't remember that vibe in previous season.

Though we as viewers can see it being another angle. It being more ptsd from his past experience and her being close enough to him. For him to know he could actually control it from potentially happening again in this instance.

RedTurtle782026-01-15 07:19

In season 1 there was a lot of content that made it seem romantic. Their baseball conversation, or when Ruby said the only time Aqua ever talks like his old self (from before Ai's death) is when hes talking to Kana. Etc.

Zxzxzx00882026-01-14 17:30

Seeing [happy Akane](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/d9ceef93d036.jpg) makes me happy too ₍\^ >⩊< \^₎Ⳋ

What is creepy daddy [doing](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/cab9efaae2d7.jpg) anyway...

Reality check, they just doing [content](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/de20019bc4d8.jpg). Behind the scene [they're not actually friend](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/05187d82f6eb.jpg) /j

[Aww](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/70e9a942e681.jpg), [Kana](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/ee5e392a5a24.jpg) [needs](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/5698536c049f.jpg) that ["yosh-yosh"](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/aefa2118da9c.jpg)

Nice job, Aqua. By showing your [weakness](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/cb9e219e2cb6.jpg) to Mem-chou, you [unlock her route](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/9d332233c468.jpg).... /j

Ruby become much cooler now, eh and that [eyes](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/91efdef7ee30.jpg)....[those](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/de6e8c254802.jpg) [black stars](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/892c2925e6e8.jpg) really gives me a goosebump

Frontier2462026-01-14 17:56

I love how Akane is an acting prodigy and forensic psychologist detective, but she’s just a teenage girl in love with Aqua.

I’d like to think they ARE friends, but the emotional drama is just making it hard for them to act that way outside work.

SnabDedraterEdave2026-01-14 17:32

And we're back.

New B-Komachi has subtly changed since their MV went viral.

Broken-hearted Kana has gone moody since Aqua announced he's dating Akane for real, even her fans has noticed she's smiling less.

While a vengeance-driven Ruby has become more scheming and manipulative, her proactiveness surprises even Aqua, who has mellowed out ever since wrongly concluding that his own quest for vengeance has ended.

Mem-cho is the glue that keeps the three of them, as well as Aqua, together.

Minute_Pen_9182026-01-14 17:34

Damn season 3 is even on CR in Europe. If only season and 2 werent stuck in HIDIVE jail

Comprehensive_Dog6512026-01-14 17:36

TEST MEEEE

GardenOfTheBlackRose2026-01-14 17:42

I DIDNT EXPECT THEM TO DROP A SONG LIKE THAT??? THAT SONG IS SO GOOD?? Seriously can’t wait for full version release.

It’s painful how Aqua is actually in love with Kana, and has to avoid her like that… (according to what Mem said) I hope that the relationship between Aqua and Akane can at least last for a while… it was so sweet how they were the last episode of season 2.

I didn’t expect Saitou to make an appearance again? Wonder how much he’ll affect the revenge plot.

Ruby has really grown since six months ago!

Can’t wait to see how the story turns out with the roles swapped…

CHH-altalt2026-01-14 17:42

Akane, my beloved, is back! I’m feeling blessed.
Please nothing bad happen to her and Aqua 😭

Southern-Ebb-82292026-01-14 17:45

Mem/Aqua should be a thing... sorry Akane and Kana, but best girl won me over.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-14 17:48

It always hurts to watch Kana hurting. Aqua being down bad for her is small consolation for how he's treating her and trying to keep his distance to protect her. It hurts, man.

Meanwhile Ruby is forging ahead on her dark path. Where will it all lead? I've actually forgotten most of the story except the very end so this season might be interesting to watch after all.

I liked the ED song more than the OP one. But are they really not going to have any animation for the ED? Just plain credits roll the whole season? Or is this just for the first episode and we'll get something next time? Hope so because that's too good a song to waste like this.

Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-14 20:05

The ED song is the actual OP. They just made it this way for ep.1. We will probably get proper OP/ED next week.

cleaulem2026-01-14 17:49

The first episode convinces in both production quality and plot.

It looks like Ruby is going down the same path as Aqua, trying to make it big in the entertainment industry to point down the person who is responsible for Ai's death.

Ruby has the black stars in her eyes, which means her innocence is gone. It was mentioned multiple times how calculating she seems to be. It must really be obvious if different people notice this independently.

On the other hand Aqua doesn't have any stars in his eyes left. He is trying to leave the past behind. But during the talk with Mem it becomes obvious that the ghosts of the past are still haunting him. Trauma isn't something that you easily can get rid off.

Kana being down because Aqua avoids her is so hurtful to watch. It turns out that Aqua doesn't avoid her because he doesn't like her, but it's actually the opposite. He tries to protect her. That's generational trauma to you. Because of that, he involuntarily hurts Kana, but he doesn't know what else he could do.

As an anime only, I'm so excited to see where this is going.

SeiyaTempest2026-01-14 17:52

Here we go, the Dark Ruby arc begins! It's interesting to see the difference in B-Komachi's professional dynamic and their personal mental states. I'm glad that at least MEM-cho is there to support Kana, the poor girl's really been through it after losing out in romance to Akane.

Even after moving on from revenge, Aqua is still fuelled by his trauma of Ai's death. It's upsetting that he's decided to completely avoid Kana, but understandable with her popularity as a famous idol centre growing rapidly. This is the first time he's tried to live normally since that incident and he still seems lost, unsure whether to pursue entertainment or become a doctor (again).

But of course, the main focus this season is on Ruby. After discovering her beloved Gorou-sensei was murdered, she's inherited her brother's revenge mission, and already pulling out all the stops by reaching out to former president Ichigo Saitou. I wonder what exactly her plan behind going on Aqua's show is...

P.S. The way B-Komachi's insert song transitioned into the episode was incredible. Doga Kobo always do an outstanding job with the music and choreography.

ThousandYearOldLoli2026-01-14 18:05

Surprised they got the rights to name-drop Pikachu.

WakaliwoodMan2026-01-14 19:22

double layer surprised because Oshi no Ko could name-drop Pikachu, and presumably the in-universe talk show could also just name-drop Pikachu

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-14 19:30

But not Netflix, even though some seasons of the show are on Netflix hah.

Zetafunction642026-01-14 18:12

Kanabros it's so over

BosuW2026-01-14 22:47

Its Oshi no KOver

Night-Owl2542026-01-15 06:38

it was over the moment Aqua's sister was born

sivashanker12026-01-14 18:15

Pop in 2 hit 20 million in universe but the ironic part is that it's hit over 50 million views on youtuber irl.

SeiyaTempest2026-01-14 18:36

It would've been funny if they changed that line to reflect reality.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-14 19:31

I wonder if they tried to guess how many they'd get to make it the same #, but it exceeded their expectations!

Querez2026-01-14 20:12

Well yeah after 1 year & 3 months. In-universe it's only been 6 months, so that makes me wonder where the irl video was at after 6 months. If it was closer to 20 million, that would be interesting.

EDIT: I checked Wayback Machine and it was at 40 million views after 6 months irl

Aidan1962026-01-15 00:30

Most views come in the first few days, after that it's usually a much more gradual growth

Golden_Phi2026-01-14 20:21

Pop In 2 has been up for 1 year IRL but only 6 months in the anime. It'll get up there in universe too I'm sure.

Raknel2026-01-14 21:48

Canon event

NationalStrategy2026-01-14 18:29

Looks like Ruby found fat Pikachu

zool7142026-01-14 19:06

Must. Protecc. Kana.

Also her hat floating in mid air when talking about the licking baking soda was adorably funny

Thanatos-ES2026-01-14 19:13

CINEMA IS BACK TO THE MENU BOYS

Human-Fan60212026-01-14 19:31

Are we seriously not going to talk about how distant everyone feels? Six months have passed, and it really feels like the cast has quietly drifted apart. The new B-Komachi doesn’t feel like a unit anymore. Ruby has gone cold and laser focused on her goals, while Kana feels emotionally drained, almost hollow, especially now that Aqua has chosen the Akane route. MEM tries to hold the group together, but she’s fighting a losing battle when everyone else is mentally elsewhere.

Even Aqua and Akane, who are now officially a couple, barely seem to exist in the same space. They’re constantly busy and constantly moving, together on paper but distant in reality.

Aqua himself feels different this season. He’s clearly starting to build a name in the industry, but not in the way you’d expect. Rather than fully committing to acting, something you’d assume after his mother’s final words, he feels more calculated and more restrained, as if his career is just another tool rather than a passion.

This season also looks like it won’t just dive into Ruby’s darker arc, but fully explore Aqua’s emotional triangle with Kana and Akane. Half of the first episode is spent inside their heads, hesitations, regrets, and unspoken feelings, and that focus makes it clear that relationships will be just as important as revenge or fame.

As an introduction, the first episode does its job. But compared to the electric tension of the previous seasons, something felt… missing. The episode felt quiet. Empty, even. Not in a bad way, more like the calm before something painful and explosive. I still love Oshi no Ko, and I trust the story completely, but this opening feels like it’s intentionally stripping away warmth before everything truly begins to unravel.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-14 19:53

> Are we seriously not going to talk about how distant everyone feels? Six months have passed, and it really feels like the cast has quietly drifted apart

They put so much emphasis on them being apart, and also them not having any time for each other (Aqua/Akane struggling to find 1 evening to spend together, Mem asking Aqua when will 'next time' be, a month from now?)...

I feel like that's setting up/foreshadowing something!

Human-Fan60212026-01-14 20:09

Yeah, exactly. The fact that the story keeps drawing attention to how rarely they can even find time for each other makes it feel very intentional. When Aqua and Akane can’t manage a single evening, and Mem is already talking about “next time” being a month away, it stops feeling like background detail.

Makes me wonder what path it’s going to take, will it focus on Ruby going darker, will Aqua and Akane’s relationship hit a breaking point, or is something else entirely about to shake everything up? I mean Ichigo Saitou did make an appearance now…

BosuW2026-01-14 23:02

> Aqua himself feels different this season. He’s clearly starting to build a name in the industry, but not in the way you’d expect. Rather than fully committing to acting, something you’d assume after his mother’s final words, he feels more calculated and more restrained, as if his career is just another tool rather than a passion.

He feels a bit like a reborn person, more his physical age. Now that he believes his quest for revenge is moot, he's wondering about his future and diversifying his options.

shad792026-01-14 20:12

[A truly great first episode](https://imgchest.com/p/5xy2nz3dnyl); it's wonderful to see [Ruby](https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkgxjz4n), [Aqua](https://imgchest.com/p/na7k5xevq78), [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n), [Akane](https://imgchest.com/p/vj4jnovk278), [Mem-cho](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wqzgxz7x), [Miyako](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/d83ae3bca4d0.png), and the rest again (even though most of them aren't in the best mental shape)!

[Mem-cho](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wqzgxz7x) introducing us to the new season was a great choice, though I certainly won't forgive her that [she got headpats from Miyako](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/33307da1c6aa.png). [It should've been me, not her!](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/07018d308c93.png)

It's sad to see [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n) in [such misery](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/cc020859e937.png), although I can't hate [Aqua](https://imgchest.com/p/na7k5xevq78) and his behavior, because he's doing it for her own good and safety, plus [he feels bad about it himself](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/15fbe47c1f4a.png).

[Ruby](https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkgxjz4n) looks like [she's made a lot of progress in show business](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/1add5f3a4698.png). I loved [Aqua's reaction](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/6ec147fb5381.png) when [she appeared on the show](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/8e2754fff5f4.png) he's on, or [her surprised Pikachu expression](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/37fda9d8321b.png) xD

I'm also glad [this show still looks great](https://imgchest.com/p/pg736kwrv7r)! [B-Komachi's concert at the beginning was great](https://imgchest.com/p/agyvjzekky8), and if it weren't for the song, I would have thought that it was regular OP.

Here my screenshot albums from the episode:

* [Concert/opening sequence](https://imgchest.com/p/agyvjzekky8)
* [Group scenes](https://imgchest.com/p/5xy2nz3dnyl)
* [B-Komachi (Group scenes)](https://imgchest.com/p/pg736kwrv7r)
* [Kana](https://imgchest.com/p/9249lxgwv4n)
* [Akane](https://imgchest.com/p/vj4jnovk278)
* [Mem-cho](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wqzgxz7x)
* [Ruby](https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkgxjz4n)
* [Aqua](https://imgchest.com/p/na7k5xevq78)
* [Others](https://imgchest.com/p/6eyr5r8me7p)

*EDIT. I added my screenshot albums.*

NanDemoKnaives2026-01-14 20:13

The final scene had me shocked! Two seasons later and we're finally seeing Ichigo again! I wonder if it was him that made the pitch deck. I'm looking forward to seeing the story there.

Aqua's reaction seeing Ruby on-screen was so funny, there's a good chance they may get more work together since Aqua has a different image around her.

It was sad to see how much Kana is hurt by Aqua's relationship, I like that MEM was there for her to vent and also how she decided to do something about it. But it looks like she finally learns the burden Aqua has by distancing himself from someone as important as Kana, the way he starts spiraling back into his trauma had so much tension. It was sweet of MEM to comfort him and I do like the kind of jokes they were making with one another.

OP was great, I wonder if that's the series OP or just for this episode, I was surprised that it was the actual B-Komachi's voices, it sounds like they've improved a lot from the previous season or got a song fitting of their ranges. The visuals and dance were fun too.

MiyabiMain952026-01-14 20:41

man, what an episode to start the season.

Ruby's eye stars being pitch black the entire time made me sad. Aqua's PTSD at Ai Hoshino dying is still fresh in his mind even after all these years. Ichigo showing up again after all these years as well.

I'm guessing the part where B-Komachi was doing an idol dance is the new OP? It sounded like a banger as usual, but I hate that greasy slimeball father guy.

djthomp2026-01-14 23:10

As an Akane fan it almost hurts that she won since 1) Aqua shouldn't be seeing anyone other than a therapist and 2) his apparent love for Kana even while dating Akane makes me think she's not going to be the real final winner.

Very good Mem content today.

plezki2026-01-15 02:39

That's so real lmao, Aqua really does need therapy bad

NNKarma2026-01-15 02:42

Ah yeah, the AquaxTherapy ship, but as long as he doesn't trust to mention AI being his mother he really isn't going to gain anything out of it.