Oshi no Ko’s live-action series makes history, shattering streaming records on Amazon Prime Video in Japan.
The live-action adaptation of Oshi no Ko has achieved a significant milestone, breaking the 30-day streaming viewership record for any Amazon-original series in Japan. The series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 28, 2024, has captivated audiences and dominated streaming charts.
According to an official announcement on the Oshi no Ko live-action website, the show surpassed all previous viewership numbers for Amazon original series in Japan within just 30 days of its debut. The series concluded on December 5, 2024, and is set to continue its story with a live-action film sequel, Oshi no Ko – The Final Act, scheduled for theatrical release in Japan on December 20, 2024.
A Shaky Start for the Live-Action Film
Despite the massive success of the live-action drama series, the accompanying film has experienced a slower start at the box office. According to Eiga Ranking News on X (formerly Twitter), Oshi no Ko – The Final Act earned approximately 135 million yen (around $856,000 USD) in its opening weekend (December 20-22, 2024). This figure is notably lower compared to other recent live-action adaptations, such as Golden Kamuy, which grossed 495 million yen in its opening weekend. However, Oshi no Ko’s opening weekend gross is in line with My Home Hero’s live-action debut, which grossed 105 million yen.
Despite this, the live-action series continues to enjoy a strong reception from both viewers and the creative team behind it. Oshi no Ko’s creators, Aka Akasaka (story) and Mengo Yokoyari (art), have praised the adaptation. In a recent interview, Akasaka expressed gratitude for the “respect” shown by the live-action team in bringing his work to life. Yokoyari also complimented the staff for their “wonderful job” in faithfully reconstructing the manga’s world and encouraged fans to watch the series.
The Story of Oshi no Ko
The Oshi no Ko live-action series centers on the story of two pop idol fans, Aqua and Ruby, who are reincarnated as the “secret” twin children of the idol Ai Hoshino. After Ai’s tragic death at the hands of a stalker, the twins embark on their own journey in the competitive and often cutthroat entertainment industry. Their motivations are deeply personal, driving them to seek justice for their mother’s death and to navigate the dark side of fame.
Amazon Prime Video describes the series as follows: “Two pop idol Ai fans are reincarnated as her ‘secret’ baby twins, Aqua and Ruby, and grow up supporting her until the tragic day she is stabbed by a stalker. Flash forward a few years later, and Aqua and Ruby are high school students determined to make it on their own in the cutthroat world of entertainment for personal reasons.”
Continued Success Across Platforms
While the live-action series has broken records, the anime adaptation of Oshi no Ko continues to be a major success. Seasons 1 and 2 of the anime are available for streaming on HIDIVE, while Season 1 is also available on Hulu and Disney+. The series has garnered worldwide attention for its unique blend of drama, mystery, and the entertainment industry, making it a standout among recent anime adaptations.
As the Oshi no Ko franchise continues to evolve, its live-action and animated iterations are likely to remain a dominant force in entertainment for the foreseeable future.
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