Potential Incestuous Romance in “Oshi no Ko”

During their appearance at the 30th MANGA BARCELONA, Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, the creative minds behind the hit series “Oshi no Ko,” shared insights into the development of their work and fielded questions from eager fans.

However, the event took a surprising turn when Yokoyari revealed a controversial desire to have explored a romantic relationship between the sibling protagonists, Aqua and Ruby. This admission sparked a wave of discussions both at the event and across social media, given the contentious nature of incestuous romance in a series that has already concluded.

The Unexplored Paths of Aqua and Ruby

Mengo Yokoyari expressed a long-standing interest in delving into a romantic angle between the siblings, despite it never making it into the manga. This revelation opened up a debate among fans regarding the implications such a storyline could have had within the context of “Oshi no Ko,” a series renowned for tackling dark and controversial themes surrounding the entertainment industry and human relationships. The confession elevated the discourse to new heights, pushing the boundaries of the manga’s thematic explorations.

While Aka Akasaka remained silent on this specific desire, he emphasized that there was no need to develop a spin-off focused on this idea. However, he mentioned that if such a project were to materialize, it would only be in collaboration with Yokoyari, highlighting the strong creative partnership they have maintained throughout their project.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The notion of a potential romance between Aqua and Ruby received mixed reactions. Some fans found the idea intriguing, believing it could have pushed the narrative into even more controversial territories, while others argued it might have detracted from the story’s critical and emotional core. On social media, many noted that while such relationships are controversial in the manga and anime world, they are not entirely unheard of. The focus on fraternal love and Aqua’s quest for justice towards Ruby has always been central to the narrative, leading many to ponder how a romantic twist could have altered this dynamic.

Despite the manga’s conclusion, the “Oshi no Ko” franchise continues to thrive, with the third season of the anime currently in production, reflecting its vast popularity. The event also highlighted other exciting developments, such as the global phenomenon of the opening theme “Idol” by Yoasobi, which quickly became a cultural icon associated with the series. Akasaka shared his surreal experience of hearing the song streamed in convenience stores, underscoring the cultural impact of their work.

Future Developments and Creative Insights

Akasaka revealed that all his works are interconnected within the same universe, hinting at potential future discoveries for fans. Yokoyari, on the other hand, expressed a preference for keeping his stories distinct, reaffirming his unique approach to storytelling.

Conclusion

The discussions at MANGA BARCELONA have certainly set the stage for ongoing debates about the paths not taken in “Oshi no Ko.” As the series continues to captivate and challenge its audience, the creators’ revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative processes that shape this beloved universe.