If you thought the first season was just about idol glitz and a stabbing that ruined your week, you’re in for a shock. Season 2 takes a sharp left turn into the gritty world of 2.5D stage plays. It’s not just a change of scenery. It’s a complete character overhaul. Honestly, seeing Oshi no Ko season 2 characters suit up in samurai gear for the Tokyo Blade arc is weirdly satisfying, but the psychological mess underneath is what actually keeps us watching.
Everything basically centers on the adaptation of a hit manga. We get new faces, old rivalries reaching a boiling point, and Aqua Hoshino dealing with the kind of trauma that would make anyone else just quit.
The Heavy Hitters: Who’s New and Who’s Evolving?
Season 2 doesn't just recycle the old crew. It introduces fresh talent that makes the power scaling of the acting world feel real.
Taiki Himekawa: The Natural Genius
Meet the guy who makes everyone else look like an amateur. Taiki Himekawa is the ace of the Lalalai Theatrical Company. He’s got this nonchalant vibe, but the second he steps on stage, he’s a monster. You’ve got to appreciate how he doesn't even try to be "good"—he just is. Koki Uchiyama voices him in the Japanese dub, bringing that perfect mix of "I’m bored" and "I’m the best person in this room."
Interestingly, Taiki isn't just a random rival. Without spoiling the absolute chaos of his lineage, let's just say his connection to Aqua is... complicated. It’s the kind of reveal that makes you want to go back and re-read every panel.
Abiko Samejima and the Creator’s Stress
We also meet Abiko Samejima, the creator of the Tokyo Blade manga. She’s a total mood. She’s young, incredibly talented, and has zero patience for people "ruining" her work with bad scripts. Her clash with the production staff is one of the most realistic depictions of the "creative vs. corporate" struggle I’ve seen in anime. She’s basically a shut-in who lives on caffeine and spite. Relatable? Definitely.
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The Big Rivalry: Kana Arima vs. Akane Kurokawa
This is the meat of the season. If you’re Team Kana or Team Akane, this arc is your Super Bowl.
Kana Arima is struggling. She’s the "pro" who always plays it safe to make others look good, but it’s eating her alive. She’s terrified that if she stands out too much, she’ll be hated. Then you have Akane Kurokawa, who is basically a human chameleon. Akane’s ability to "become" a character by researching them to the point of obsession is terrifying.
The Tokyo Blade play casts them as rivals, and the meta-narrative is delicious.
- Kana plays Tsurugi, the flashy rival.
- Akane plays Sayahime, the tragic princess.
They aren't just acting; they are fighting for Aqua’s attention and for their own dignity as actresses. Akane even tries to mimic Kana’s old "genius child actor" style just to provoke her. It’s petty. It’s brilliant. It’s exactly why we love this show.
Aqua Hoshino and the "Method" of Trauma
Aqua is a mess. There’s no other way to put it.
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In Season 2, he has to play the character Touki. To get the performance right, Director Gotanda pushes him to use "emotional acting." For Aqua, that means digging into the memory of finding his mother, Ai, in a pool of her own blood. It’s dark.
He’s not just an actor anymore; he’s a guy using his own PTSD as a tool to climb the industry ladder. You see him collapse during rehearsals because the mental strain is just too much. It makes you realize that while he’s searching for his father (the revenge plot is still very much alive), he’s destroying himself in the process.
Melt Narushima’s Redemption Arc
Remember Melt? The "pretty boy" from the Sweet Today live-action who was absolutely terrible? He’s back.
But here’s the thing: he knows he sucks. Season 2 gives Melt a surprisingly heart-wrenching subplot where he works his absolute tail off to be more than just a face. He knows everyone looks down on him. His performance in the play is one of those "stand up and cheer" moments because it’s about effort, not just raw talent.
The Cast at a Glance
If you’re trying to keep track of the voice talent for these Oshi no Ko season 2 characters, here’s the quick breakdown of the heavy hitters:
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Japanese Voice Cast:
- Aqua Hoshino: Takeo Otsuka
- Ruby Hoshino: Yurie Igoma (She's a bit sidelined this arc, but her time is coming!)
- Kana Arima: Megumi Han
- Akane Kurokawa: Manaka Iwami
- Taiki Himekawa: Koki Uchiyama
- Melt Narushima: Seiji Maeda
English Voice Cast:
- Aqua: Jack Stansbury
- Ruby: Alyssa Marek
- Kana: Natalie Rial
- Akane: Kristen McGuire
Why the Characters Matter for the Future
The Tokyo Blade arc isn't just filler. It sets up the "15 Years of Lies" movie arc that comes later. The relationships formed here—specifically the brotherhood between Aqua and Taiki—change the trajectory of the entire story.
Most people get wrong that this season is just about a play. It’s actually about Aqua realizing he can’t do everything alone. He needs these other "monsters" of the acting world if he’s ever going to lure his father out into the light.
If you’re watching Season 2, pay attention to the backgrounds. Look at how the characters react when they aren't the ones talking. The animation by Doga Kobo captures the subtle jealousy and admiration in a way that feels incredibly human.
What to do next:
If you haven't already, go back and watch the "LoveNow" arc from Season 1 to see the contrast in how Akane and Aqua interact. It makes their current "professional" relationship feel way more tragic. You can also start tracking the appearance of the "White Stars" vs. "Black Stars" in the characters' eyes—it’s the biggest clue for who is currently manipulating whom.