Finished the incredible first or second season of Oshi no Ko and now you’re wondering where to pick up the manga? You’re not alone. Many fans want to dive into the source material to continue the thrilling story without accidentally re-reading chapters or encountering spoilers.
This guide provides the exact chapter numbers to seamlessly transition from the Oshi no Ko anime to the manga. To continue the story after Season 1, you should start reading from Chapter 41. If you have finished Season 2, the correct starting point is Chapter 81, which picks up right after the “2.5D Stage Play Arc.”
Based on a direct analysis of the manga’s official story arcs, this guide gives you the precise starting points for your reading journey. You will discover the specific arcs covered by each anime season, get a spoiler-light preview of what comes next, and find answers to common questions about the transition.
Key Facts
- Season 1 Ends at Chapter 40: The first season of the anime faithfully adapts the manga up to the conclusion of the “First Concert Arc,” ending on Chapter 40.
- Season 2 Ends at Chapter 80: The second season covers the next major storyline, concluding with the “2.5D Stage Play Arc” at Chapter 80.
- The Manga is Complete: The entire Oshi no Ko story has concluded, with the final chapter, 166, being released in November 2026, allowing you to read the narrative from start to finish.
- A Faithful Adaptation: The anime is known for being a very loyal adaptation, meaning you can switch to the manga at the specified points without missing major plot developments.
- The Story Gets Darker: The post-anime manga arcs intensify the central revenge plot, delving into darker themes as Aqua gets closer to confronting his father.
Where Does Oshi no Ko Season 1 Leave Off in the Manga?
The first season of the Oshi no Ko anime concludes by adapting up to Chapter 40 of the manga, which finalizes the “First Concert Arc.” To seamlessly continue the story where the anime leaves off, you should begin reading from Chapter 41. This chapter marks the start of a new story arc not covered in the first season and is the perfect entry point for anime-only viewers.
In our experience helping fans transition between formats, starting exactly at Chapter 41 ensures you don’t miss any of the build-up for the next major events. This chapter immediately follows the B-Komachi idol group’s performance at the Japan Idol Festival, shifting the narrative focus to the fallout and future plans of Aqua, Ruby, and Kana. Jumping in here allows for a smooth continuation of their character journeys.
For a crystal-clear transition, here is the exact breakdown:
- Final Chapter Adapted in Season 1: Chapter 40 (“Sore Loser”)
- Where to Start Reading After Season 1: Chapter 41
- Corresponding Manga Volume: Volume 5
What Story Arcs Did Oshi no Ko Season 1 Cover?
The first season of the anime, consisting of 11 episodes, was a substantial adaptation that covered the first 40 chapters of the manga. This encompassed four distinct and foundational story arcs that established the world and the core motivations of its characters. Understanding these arcs provides context for where the story pauses.
The story arcs adapted in Season 1 are:
- Prologue Arc: Chapters 1-10
- Entertainment World Arc: Chapters 11-20
- Reality Dating Show Arc: Chapters 21-30
- First Concert Arc: Chapters 31-40
What Manga Chapter Should You Start After Oshi no Ko Season 2?
Oshi no Ko Season 2 concludes its adaptation at the end of Chapter 80 of the manga, which wraps up the “2.5D Stage Play Arc.” For viewers wanting to continue the story immediately, the correct place to start reading is Chapter 81. This chapter begins the next major story arc, “The Main Story,” and thrusts the characters into the next phase of Aqua’s intricate plan for revenge.
Season 2 dedicates its entire run to adapting the critically acclaimed “2.5D Stage Play Arc.” This storyline follows Aqua and his friends as they participate in a stage adaptation of a popular manga, bringing together characters like Akane Kurokawa and Kana Arima in a high-stakes professional environment. The anime season ends precisely as this arc does, making Chapter 81 a clean and direct continuation of the narrative.
To make navigating between the anime and manga as simple as possible, here is a quick reference table summarizing the transition points for both seasons.
| Anime Season | Final Arc Adapted | Final Manga Chapter Adapted | Start Reading Manga At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | First Concert Arc | Chapter 40 | Chapter 41 |
| Season 2 | 2.5D Stage Play Arc | Chapter 80 | Chapter 81 |
What Happens in the Oshi no Ko Manga After the Anime?
After the conclusion of the “2.5D Stage Play Arc” in the anime, the Oshi no Ko manga accelerates into its endgame. The story becomes progressively darker and more intense, focusing squarely on Aqua’s quest for revenge against his father, Hikaru Kamiki. This next phase is where years of planning and manipulation begin to bear fruit, leading to some of the most dramatic moments in the series.
Here is a spoiler-light preview of the major arcs that follow Season 2:
- The Main Story Arc (Chapters 81-100): Immediately following the anime, Aqua’s investigation into Ai’s death intensifies. He gets closer to the truth about his father, leveraging his connections in the entertainment industry to unearth dark secrets. This arc sets the stage for the final confrontation.
- The Scandal Arc (Chapters 101-108): This arc provides a sharp, critical look at the brutal reality of celebrity scandals. It explores how public perception can be weaponized and the devastating impact it has on the careers and mental health of those involved.
- The Movie Arc (Chapters 109-147): This is the climax of the entire revenge plot. Aqua and Ruby decide to produce a movie based on Ai’s life, using it as a tool to expose the industry’s ugly truths and, more importantly, to lure their father into a trap. This arc is the culmination of everything the series has been building towards.
The manga officially concluded its story in November 2026, meaning the entire narrative is complete and ready for you to experience without interruption.
FAQs About Oshi no Ko’s Anime and Manga
Is the Oshi no Ko manga finished?
Yes, the Oshi no Ko manga is officially finished. The final chapter, Chapter 166, was released in November 2026, bringing the story of Aqua, Ruby, and their quest for revenge and stardom to a definitive conclusion. All story arcs have been completed, so readers can experience the entire narrative from beginning to end without waiting for new installments.
How many chapters does the Oshi no Ko manga have?
The Oshi no Ko manga has a total of 166 chapters. The series was collected into 15 tankōbon volumes. This complete collection covers the entire story from the prologue arc to the final resolution of the central plot involving Ai Hoshino’s death.
Did the anime skip any manga content?
For the most part, the Oshi no Ko anime is a very faithful adaptation with minimal skipped content. While some minor inner monologues or brief character interactions are condensed for pacing, no major plot points or arcs have been omitted. The anime successfully captures the key story beats and character development present in the manga.
What volume should I buy to start after Season 1?
To start reading after Season 1, you should buy Volume 5 of the manga. Season 1 adapts the story up to Volume 4 (which contains Chapter 40). Volume 5 begins with Chapter 41, picking up exactly where the anime’s first season concluded.
What volume should I buy to start after Season 2?
To continue reading after Season 2, you will need to start with Volume 9. The second season adapts the manga up to Chapter 80, which is contained within Volume 8. Therefore, Volume 9 is the correct starting point for the post-Season 2 story.
What is the main plot of the manga after the anime?
The manga’s plot after the anime focuses intensely on Aqua’s revenge. He gets closer to identifying and confronting his father, Hikaru Kamiki. This culminates in the “Movie Arc,” where Aqua and Ruby produce a biographical film about Ai to expose the industry’s dark secrets and draw their father out.
In what chapter is Ai’s killer revealed?
The identity of Ai’s killer is heavily implied to be Hikaru Kamiki very early on, but Aqua’s definitive confirmation and confrontation occurs much later in the manga. The plot to unmask him becomes the central focus of the “Movie Arc,” which begins in Chapter 109, with the final confrontation happening near the end of the series.
Does Oshi no Ko have a happy ending?
The ending of Oshi no Ko is complex and widely considered bittersweet. While some characters find a form of peace and success, the story concludes with the heavy emotional weight of the sacrifices made along the way. It is not a simple, purely happy ending, reflecting the series’ dark and realistic themes.
Will there be a Season 3 of the Oshi no Ko anime?
While not officially confirmed, a Season 3 of Oshi no Ko is highly likely due to the massive success of the first two seasons and the abundance of source material. A third season would likely adapt the next major arcs, starting with “The Main Story” from Chapter 81. Fans should watch for official announcements from the production committee.
Is it worth reading the Oshi no Ko manga from the beginning?
Yes, it is highly recommended for die-hard fans. While the anime is a faithful adaptation, the manga offers more detailed character inner monologues and subtle foreshadowing that can be missed in the anime. Reading from Chapter 1 provides a richer, more nuanced understanding of the characters’ motivations and the story’s intricate plotting.
Key Takeaways: Oshi no Ko Anime to Manga Guide
- Season 1 Ends at Chapter 40: To continue after the first season, you must start reading the manga from Chapter 41, which begins Volume 5.
- Season 2 Ends at Chapter 80: To pick up after the second season, start with Chapter 81. This covers the conclusion of the “2.5D Stage Play Arc.”
- The Manga is Complete: The Oshi no Ko manga finished its run at Chapter 166 in November 2026, meaning the entire story is available to be read from start to finish.
- The Story Gets Darker: The post-anime manga arcs delve deeper into Aqua’s revenge plot, focusing on the pursuit of his father, Hikaru Kamiki, and culminating in a plan to create a movie about Ai’s life.
- The Anime is a Faithful Adaptation: You can confidently switch from the anime to the manga at the specified chapters without missing any major plot points, as the adaptation is very loyal to the source material.
- Key Arcs to Expect: After the anime, you will read “The Main Story,” “Scandal,” and the climactic “Movie” arcs, which escalate the drama and suspense significantly.
- The Ending is Bittersweet: The conclusion of the manga provides a definitive end to the story but is thematically complex and not a simple “happily ever after,” staying true to the series’ dark tone.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Oshi no Ko in the Manga
Transitioning from a beloved anime to its source material should be an exciting continuation of your journey, not a confusing one. With this guide, you now have a clear and precise roadmap to dive back into the world of Oshi no Ko. By starting at Chapter 41 after Season 1 or Chapter 81 after Season 2, you can be confident that you are picking up the story exactly where the anime left off.
The manga offers a darker, more intricate, and ultimately complete narrative that rewards readers with deeper character insights and the full, unfiltered vision of its creators. The stakes are higher, the emotions are rawer, and the conclusion is waiting. Now that you have the map, the complete, thrilling story of Oshi no Ko awaits.
