The third season of the hit anime Oshi no Ko is set to air on over 30 TV stations nationwide, including TOKYO MX, starting January 14, 2026. Along with the announcement, new character visuals for Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho were revealed, depicting the cast as established figures in the entertainment industry. Based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, the series continues to explore fame, lies, and ambition in the entertainment world.

Quick Summary

・Oshi no Ko Season 3 will begin airing on January 14, 2026.
・The visuals highlight Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho.
・The story follows characters who have become mid-level stars in show business.
・The manga ran in Weekly Young Jump from April 2020 to November 2024.
・The franchise has sold over 20 million copies and received anime and live-action adaptations.

When Will Oshi no Ko Season 3 Be Released?

The third season of Oshi no Ko is officially scheduled for broadcast starting January 14, 2026, airing nationwide on over 30 networks, including TOKYO MX. The announcement also unveiled a fresh set of character visuals. Each visual showcases the evolution of the main cast as they transition into established figures within the industry. Following the acclaimed second season, which aired from July to October 2024, the new season marks the next phase of the story’s exploration of fame, deception, and ambition.

Character Visuals of Oshi no Ko Season 3

The revealed visuals feature six central characters: Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho. Each design captures their evolving status as “mid-level” entertainers, signaling how far they have come since the story began. Kana appears more subdued, suggesting changes in her emotional state, while Aqua continues his path as a multi-talented performer. Akane is portrayed as a capable actress, and MEM-cho’s efforts have helped B-Komachi edge closer to mainstream success. These details illustrate how each character adapts to the pressures of fame and public image.

Story Overview of Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko portrays the hidden realities of the entertainment world through a reincarnation narrative. Gorō, an obstetrician and devoted fan of idol Ai Hoshino, dies under tragic circumstances and is reborn as her son, Aqua. As Aqua grows, he and his twin sister Ruby pursue careers in show business, uncovering dark truths about Ai’s death and the industry itself. Adapted from the manga by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, the story balances mystery, drama, and emotional depth while examining fame and exploitation in modern media culture.

Manga Background and Popularity

Serialized in Weekly Young Jump from April 2020 to November 2024, the Oshi no Ko manga achieved massive popularity, surpassing 20 million copies in circulation. It received the top honor in the Next Manga Awards 2021 (Comics Category). The first anime season, which aired from April to June 2023, became a cultural sensation, largely thanks to the opening theme “Idol” by YOASOBI. The second season, broadcast in 2024, continued that success and was later adapted into both a live-action drama and film, cementing Oshi no Ko as one of Japan’s leading multimedia franchises.

FAQ

Q1: When will Oshi no Ko Season 3 air?
A1: The third season will premiere on January 14, 2026, airing on TOKYO MX and more than 30 other Japanese TV stations.

Q2: Which characters have new visuals in Season 3?
A2: The new visuals feature Ai, Aqua, Ruby, Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and MEM-cho, all depicted in updated costumes.

Q3: Who created the Oshi no Ko manga?
A3: The manga was written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2020 to 2024.

Q4: What awards has Oshi no Ko won?
A4: The series won the top prize in the Next Manga Awards 2021 (Comics Category) for its compelling depiction of the entertainment industry.

Q5: What song became popular from the first anime season?
A5: The opening theme “Idol” by YOASOBI gained major attention alongside the first season’s broadcast in 2023.

Source : ORICON NEWS