Voice actress Rie Takahashi appeared on June 2 at the press conference for the KIYOKO HATA × Oshi no Ko Dress Collection, held in Tokyo. During the event, she spoke candidly about her connection to the character Ai, whom she voices in the anime, and shared her perspective on the concept of “acceptable lies.”

Wearing a pink dress adorned with ribbons and frills — inspired by Ai’s image — Takahashi was asked about any personal similarities with the character. She responded:
“Ai-chan is a really complex character, but if there’s something I genuinely relate to, it’s how seriously she approaches her work. I think I’m the same.”

She went on to explain Ai’s iconic line about lies:
“Ai is willing to lie if it means making people happy — that’s how deeply committed she is to being an idol.”

Takahashi added:
“As a voice actor, my job is to make my 'lies' feel real — that’s something I hold close to my heart. I want to keep creating things that feel authentic. In that sense, my approach to voice acting and Ai’s philosophy may be quite similar.”

Takahashi on Social Media and Small Lies

When the host asked if she believed there were such things as “lies that can be told,” Takahashi chuckled and admitted:
“I actually tell little lies all the time — like saying 'the other day' on social media when something actually happened yesterday.”

She continued with a gentle smile:
“But those kinds of lies protect a lot of things.”

Her comments conveyed that even small fabrications, when done with care, can serve a meaningful purpose.

About the KIYOKO HATA × Oshi no Ko Dress Collection

The event showcased a collaboration between KIYOKO HATA, a bridal and formalwear brand known for its delicate, romantic designs, and the anime Oshi no Ko. The collection features original dresses inspired by six characters from the series: Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho, each representing their personality in dress form.

Takahashi’s co-star, Takeo Ōtsuka, who voices Ai’s son Aqua, also attended the event.

Global Expansion and Popularity of Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko is a dramatic and original work about the entertainment industry by writer Aka Akasaka and artist Mengo Yokoyari.
The manga debuted in Weekly Young Jump (Shueisha) in 2020 and will conclude in December 2024.
Over 23 million copies have been circulated worldwide.
The anime adaptation premiered in April 2023 (Season 1), followed by Season 2 in July 2024.
Season 3 is scheduled for 2026.
The franchise, including manga, anime, film, and merchandise, is expanding globally through official translations.
Takahashi voices the iconic idol Ai, and Ōtsuka voices her son Aqua.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rie Takahashi and the Oshi no Ko Dress Event

What did Rie Takahashi say about her character Ai?
Takahashi said she relates to Ai's seriousness about work. She highlighted Ai’s belief in using lies to make others happy, noting a similar mindset in her own voice acting.

How does Takahashi view “acceptable lies”?
She believes some lies are justified, sharing that even small deceptions on social media — like saying “the other day” instead of “yesterday” — can help protect various things.

What is the KIYOKO HATA × Oshi no Ko Dress Collection?
It’s a collaboration between fashion brand KIYOKO HATA and the anime Oshi no Ko, featuring six dresses inspired by key characters: Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho.

Who else attended the press event?
Takeo Ōtsuka, the voice of Aqua and co-star alongside Takahashi, also participated in the event.

When does Oshi no Ko Season 3 air?
Season 3 of Oshi no Ko is currently in production and scheduled to air in 2026.

Source : ORICON NEWS