Manga artist Mengo Yokoyari, the creator of the popular series “Oshi no Ko,” recently posted on social media that she is not personally involved in the upcoming live-action adaptations of her work.
Specifically, Yokoyari stated that she has left all supervision and other responsibilities for the upcoming Oshi no Ko movie and television series by Toei Studio and Amazon Studios to other staff members.
Yokoyari explained that due to her schedule, she was unable to take an active role in helping with the adaptations herself. However, she conveyed excitement about seeing the live-action versions from the perspective of a regular viewer.
このタイミング何呟いても記事にされるから呟きにくい！😂（しないで〰️！）あのさんの金髪に世間がザワついてるときソワソワしてました😈🌟実写は本当に私は監修まわりなどまるっとお任せしており（すみません！スケジュール確保が無理でした！）イチ視聴者目線で楽しみにしております～！！！🥳…
— 横槍メンゴ🐰🎀 (@Yorimen) January 24, 2024
She also predicted that any comments she made about the productions at this point would likely end up as fodder for media articles, which she hoped to avoid.
So in summary – Yokoyari is not working on or overseeing the Oshi no Ko live-action projects but has handed over all responsibilities to other staffers. She is looking forward to watching the finished products as a fan.
Manga Artist Mengo Yokoyari Steps Back from Direct Involvement in Oshi no Ko Live-Action Projects
Yokoyari made her comments about not being directly involved in the Oshi no Ko live-action projects a full day after the official announcement that the manga would be adapted into a movie and TV series.
Interestingly, the co-creator of Oshi no Ko – manga author Aka Akasaka – did participate in the launch event and provided his perspective there.
Akasaka expressed surprise that major companies like Amazon and Toei were interested in adapting the series given its satirical critique of the entertainment world and commentary on issues with live-action manga/anime adaptations.
Yet despite containing meta-commentary questioning the film/TV industry, Oshi no Ko is still set to receive the live-action treatment.
While Akasaka contributed remarks at the launch event, Yokoyari waited a day to disclose she had stepped back from direct oversight of the projects. She will be experiencing them as a regular audience member and is intrigued to see the final results.
The Challenge of Adapting Oshi no Ko Without Yokoyari’s Artistic Touch
Yokoyari’s lack of direct involvement in the Oshi no Ko adaptations will likely disappoint many fans of the manga. A major part of the series’ appeal has been Yokoyari’s energetic, quirky character designs and art style.
Capturing the look and feel of the manga will pose a huge challenge for the live-action productions without Yokoyari’s supervision.
Her vibrant aesthetic is a signature of Oshi no Ko that many readers love. So her absence from the adaptation process raises questions about whether the final products will satisfy fans or lose something in translation to film/TV.
The crews behind the movie and show face steep expectations.
Meanwhile, Yokoyari will shift focus back to creating the hit manga itself. Oshi no Ko was one of major publisher Yen Press’s most popular series in 2023. Yokoyari’s impressive artwork and visual flair have been central to earning such a passionate readership.
Even without participating in the adaptations, her commitment to the core manga will keep fans hungry for more of her signature style.
So in many ways, the live-action projects will struggle without Yokoyari’s input to replicate her integral creative vision. But the source manga remains in good hands under her continued guidance.
The Intricate Web of Identities in Oshi no Ko
Oshi no Ko centers around Gorou Amamiya, an obstetrician secretly tasked with delivering the children of famous pop idol Ai Hoshino. But on the night Gorou assists with Ai’s birth, he is murdered by an obsessive fan.
Gorou is then reincarnated as Aquamarine “Aqua” Hoshino – Ai’s newborn son, yet retains memories of his past life.
Unbeknownst to Gorou/Aqua, Ai’s other twin Ruby is the reincarnation of Gorou’s former patient Sarina Tendōji – also a fan of Ai’s. A few years after the twins’ birth, Ai is killed by the same obsessed fan, who later commits suicide.
But Aqua suspects his unknown father may have been involved in the murder plot. He then decides to enter show business to find and get revenge on his father.
12 years later, Aqua and Ruby are adopted by the owners of Ai’s former agency and balance high school with burgeoning entertainment careers.
Ruby works to become an idol like Ai alongside other young talents. Meanwhile Aqua returns to acting and uses his friendship with actress Akane Kurokawa to uncover clues about his father.
