Oshi no Ko’s name can be interpreted in two distinct ways by anime enthusiasts, both of which aptly capture the central character’s association with idols.

Oshi no Ko, adapted from Aka Akasaka’s manga, is a remarkable anime in the Spring 2023 lineup. While it has a well-defined premise, the name of the series is somewhat ambiguous. Western audiences can quickly discern that this anime offers a critical perspective on Japan’s ruthless idol industry. However, it may not be apparent how the title, Oshi no Ko, relates to this theme.

While manga and anime titles are typically translated to provide Western audiences with a clear understanding of what to expect, as is the case with lengthy isekai series, some titles like Oshi no Ko are more challenging to interpret. In fact, Oshi no Ko’s title carries two distinct meanings, posing a dilemma for translators who must choose one for the Western release of the manga.

Exploring the Dual Meaning of Oshi no Ko’s Japanese Title.

During an interview, author Aka Akasaka revealed that his new series, told from the perspective of protagonist Dr. Garou, has a dual meaning in its title. One interpretation is “supporting your favorite idol,” or suki na aidoru wo osu in Japanese. Dr. Garou and his young patient Sarina are both avid fans of idol Ai Hoshino, which they bonded over during Sarina’s stay in Dr. Garou’s rural hospital. Despite being teased for watching Ai’s performances during work, Dr. Garou and Sarina continued to follow Ai’s career, even waving glowsticks as they watched her performance with B Komachi. Their shared passion for Ai made them ideal candidates for a partial isekai story. They are reborn as Ai’s biological children, setting the stage for some unusual and emotional drama due to their proximity to the idol they adore.

In an interview, author Aka Akasaka confirmed that his new anime series, Oshi no Ko, has two distinct meanings, both from the protagonist Dr. Garou’s viewpoint. The first meaning is “supporting your favorite idol,” or suki na aidoru wo osu. Dr. Garou and his young patient Sarina are both huge fans of the idol Ai Hoshino, bonding over her during Sarina’s stay in Dr. Garou’s hospital. They continue to watch Ai’s performances even after being reborn as her biological children, leading to bizarre and heavy-hearted drama.

The second meaning, “children of the idol you support,” or oshiteiru aidoru no kodomo, directly references the anime’s premise, with Dr. Garou and Sarina becoming the twin son and daughter of their beloved idol. The title reflects the close connection between the tragic Hoshino family and the twisted idol industry, with “oshi” meaning “supporter of” and “no ko” meaning “child of.” Ultimately, the dual-meaning title accurately represents the complex relationships at the heart of the anime.

When Anime Titles Intrigue Western Fans

It’s not just the dual meaning of Oshi no Ko’s title that can make anime and manga titles fun to decipher. In fact, obscure titles that aren’t immediately clear can be enticing to more open-minded fans and spark their curiosity. While it’s easy to understand the titles of Western stories, more mysterious titles can add an extra layer of intrigue to foreign franchises, especially for fans who enjoy a good puzzle. Even as anime and manga continue to gain mainstream popularity in the West, the relative niche status of the medium means that fans are often drawn to titles that offer something a little bit different, like an artistic puzzle to solve. Oshi no Ko is just one recent example, but there are many other series out there with titles waiting to be deciphered.

The popular manga/anime franchise Jujutsu Kaisen also has a unique title that even Japanese readers may struggle to translate. The author created the word “kaisen” using existing kanji, making it a challenging puzzle for readers to decipher. The title combines “jutsu,” which means “sorcery,” with “kaisen,” which effectively translates to “eternal battle.” Thus, Jujutsu Kaisen is about the never-ending fight of sorcery. This unconventional title not only makes the franchise stand out among other manga/anime titles but also distinguishes it from other graphic novels and TV shows, making it an intriguing and rewarding read for fans who enjoy a linguistic challenge.