Oshi no Ko Voice Actor Takeo Ōtsuka Shares Common Trait with Aqua: “I Tend to Isolate Myself Too”

Voice actor Takeo Ōtsuka appeared on June 2 at the Tokyo press event for the KIYOKO HATA × Oshi no Ko Dress Collection, where he spoke about his character Aqua and the personal traits they share.

Dressed in a refreshing aqua-blue tuxedo inspired by Aqua, Ōtsuka was asked to name a similarity between himself and his character. He answered candidly:

“I guess it’s how we both tend to isolate ourselves.”

This comment drew a laugh from Rie Takahashi, who voices Ai and stood beside him at the event. When the host asked, “In what way do you isolate yourself?”, Ōtsuka chuckled before replying:

“In everyday life, really. I’m not the type to go out of my way to start conversations.”

On Finding Comfort in Solitude

He added:
“I know ‘isolation’ might sound a bit negative, but I often stay quiet on set.”

Ōtsuka then referenced Aqua’s behavior in Season 2 of the anime:
“There’s a scene where he’s off to the side, just sitting alone — that hit close to home. It’s not that I dislike being alone, it’s just normal for me. That might be our biggest similarity.”

He emphasized:
“It doesn’t mean I’m bad at socializing or anything. I just naturally keep to myself. I relate to that aspect a lot.”

About the KIYOKO HATA × Oshi no Ko Dress Collection

The event unveiled a special collaboration between KIYOKO HATA, a fashion brand renowned for its delicate and romantic designs, and the hit anime Oshi no Ko. The collection features original dress and tuxedo designs inspired by six of the show’s central characters: Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho.

Takeo Ōtsuka represented Aqua in a character-themed tuxedo, while Rie Takahashi appeared in a pink frilly dress inspired by Ai.

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 Takeo Ōtsuka and His Role in Oshi no Ko

What did Takeo Ōtsuka say about his connection to Aqua?
Ōtsuka said he relates to Aqua's tendency to isolate himself. He described himself as quiet on set and someone who doesn't naturally initiate conversations, much like Aqua in the anime.

Is Ōtsuka uncomfortable being alone?
No. He clarified that being alone doesn’t bother him and that it feels normal — a trait he shares with Aqua. He also noted it doesn't mean he lacks social skills.

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

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

How popular is Oshi no Ko globally?
The manga has surpassed 23 million copies in circulation and continues to grow internationally through translations and multimedia adaptations.

Source : ORICON NEWS