Ai Hoshino: The Star of ‘Oshi no Ko’

In the world of idol anime, few characters have captured the hearts of fans as profoundly as Ai Hoshino from “Oshi no Ko.” As the lead idol of B-Komachi, an idol group under Strawberry Productions, Ai’s journey from a country bumpkin to a professional idol has been nothing short of remarkable1.“Oshi no Ko” is a Japanese manga series written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump since April 2020. The story revolves around an obstetrician-gynecologist and his recently deceased patient who are reborn as twins to a famous Japanese pop idol. They navigate the highs and lows of the country’s entertainment industry as they grow up together1.
The anime adaptation of “Oshi no Ko” aired its first season from April to June 2023. It was produced by Doga Kobo and has been licensed for release in North America by Sentai Filmworks, with an English dub premiering on HiDive in May 20231. A second season is set to premiere in 20241.The plot begins with the doctor helping to deliver the children of Ai Hoshino, a popular idol. On the night of the delivery, he is murdered by an obsessive fan of Ai’s and is reincarnated as her son, retaining his memories from his previous life. His twin sister is also a reincarnation of one of his patients who was a fan of Ai’s. After Ai is murdered by the same fan, the twins resolve to infiltrate the entertainment industry to find and confront their mother’s killer1.
The title “Oshi no Ko” translates to “The Girl I Support,” “My Idol,” or “My Idol’s Children,” reflecting the double life of Ai Hoshino as an idol and a mother2.
A Life Built on Lies
Ai Hoshino’s life is a testament to the power of transformation and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of fame. Known for living by the mantra “the lie becomes the truth,” Ai’s existence revolves around deception. She lies to her friends, her fans, and even herself, maintaining a facade that none can see through2. This dichotomy of her public persona and private struggles forms the crux of “Oshi no Ko’s” narrative.
A Tragic TurnThe anime adaptation of “Oshi no Ko,” which aired its first season in the spring of 2023, takes viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions. The series begins with Ai Hoshino’s shocking announcement of a hiatus due to health concerns, only to reveal that she is pregnant with twins. The plot thickens as Ai visits the countryside medical practice of Dr. Gorou Amemiya, a fervent fan, who promises to deliver her children safely2.
Legacy and Rebirth
The story takes a dark turn when Ai is murdered by an obsessive fan, leading to a surprising twist: Dr. Amemiya and one of his patients are reincarnated as Ai’s twins, embarking on a quest to navigate the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry3.
A New Generation of Idols

As the twins grow up, they are adopted by the owners of Strawberry Productions and set out to build their careers in entertainment. Ruby, Ai’s daughter, dreams of following in her mother’s footsteps as an idol singer, while her brother, Aqua, returns to acting. Together, they form the idol group “B-Komachi,” named after their mother’s former group, and begin their ascent to stardom3.
Conclusion
Ai Hoshino’s legacy in “Oshi no Ko” is a poignant reminder of the complexities of idol culture. Her story, though fictional, resonates with the realities faced by many in the entertainment industry. As “Oshi no Ko” continues to captivate audiences, Ai Hoshino remains a symbol of the beauty and pain inherent in the pursuit of fame.
References:

• Ai Hoshino’s character profile and background1.
• The overarching plot and themes of "Oshi no Ko"4.
• Details on the anime adaptation, including the synopsis and character dynamics2.
• Wikipedia entry on “Oshi no Ko,” providing a comprehensive overview of the series3.

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