Fans of the popular anime series Oshi no Ko can mark their calendars: the highly anticipated third season is officially set to premiere on January 14, 2026. The announcement was accompanied by the release of the season’s first full promotional video, which also revealed the ending theme song, “Serenade,” performed by natori. Crunchyroll has confirmed it will stream the new season as it airs in Japan, bringing the latest chapter of Aqua and Ruby’s journey to a global audience.
A Glimpse into the Next Arc: The Mainstay Arc
The newly released promotional video offers viewers a compelling preview of what’s to come, showcasing new footage that hints at the intricate drama and emotional depth Oshi no Ko is known for. The third season is confirmed to adapt the “Mainstay” story arc from the original manga. This arc will delve deeper into Ruby Hoshino’s burgeoning career in the entertainment industry, particularly as she participates in a fictional web variety show titled “Dig Deep! One Chance!” Concurrently, the narrative will continue to unravel the complex mystery surrounding the tragic murder of her mother, Ai Hoshino, further entangling Ruby in the dark underbelly of showbiz.
“Serenade” by natori to Close Out Each Episode
Adding to the excitement, the full promotional video provided a first listen to the ending theme song for Season 3, “Serenade,” performed by natori. The choice of natori for the ending theme follows previous seasons that featured memorable musical contributions, such as QUEEN BEE’s “Mephisto” for Season 1. Music plays a crucial role in Oshi no Ko, often setting the mood and reflecting the characters’ internal struggles, and “Serenade” is expected to continue this tradition.
Returning Staff and Stellar Voice Cast
The production of Oshi no Ko Season 3 sees the return of key creative talent from the previous acclaimed seasons. Studio Doga Kobo, known for its distinct animation style, will once again be at the helm, ensuring visual continuity and quality. Director Daisuke Hiramaki and assistant director Ciao Nekotomi are reprising their roles, along with character designer Kanna Hirayama and music composer Takuri Iga.
The familiar voices bringing the beloved characters to life will also be back. The main cast includes Takeo Otsuka as Aquamarine Hoshino, Yurie Igoma as Ruby Hoshino, Megumi Han as Kana Arima, Manaka Iwami as Akane Kurokawa, Rumi Okubo as Mem-cho, Lynn as Miyako Saito, and Rie Takahashi as Ai Hoshino. Additionally, Mamoru Miyano is confirmed to voice Hikaru Kamiki.
The Enduring Popularity of Oshi no Ko
Oshi no Ko, based on the manga written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, has garnered immense popularity since its debut. The manga began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump in April 2020 and concluded in November 2024, accumulating over 20 million copies in circulation. Yen Press licenses the manga for North American readers, and it is available digitally on Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service.
The anime adaptation quickly became a breakout hit, with its first season premiering in April 2023 to critical acclaim for its dark premise and sharp critique of the entertainment industry. The second season, which concluded in October 2024, left fans eagerly awaiting the next installment, teasing an even darker tonal shift. With a firm release date and a promising new promotional video, Oshi no Ko Season 3 is poised to continue its gripping exploration of fame, deception, and revenge in the cutthroat world of Japanese entertainment.
