Finished the latest season of Oshi no Ko and desperately wondering where to pick up the manga? You’re looking for the exact chapter to dive back into the story without hitting spoilers or re-reading content you’ve already seen on screen.
The first season of the Oshi no Ko anime concludes by adapting up to Chapter 40 of the manga, finishing the “First Concert Arc.” The second season concludes at Chapter 80, covering the entire “2.5D Stage Play Arc.” This guide provides the precise transition points to continue the story seamlessly.
Based on a detailed, chapter-by-chapter analysis of the source material, this guide delivers the exact starting points for continuing the manga after both seasons. You’ll discover not only which chapter to start with but also what minor details the anime skipped and where to read the manga officially.
Key Facts
- Season 1 Endpoint: The first season of the anime faithfully adapts the manga up to Chapter 40, which concludes the “First Concert Arc” and Volume 4 of the manga.
- Season 2 Endpoint: The second season continues the story and concludes its run at Chapter 80, covering the entirety of the “2.5D Stage Play Arc” and ending Volume 8.
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime, produced by studio Doga Kobo, is considered a highly faithful adaptation, with only minor changes and condensed dialogue for pacing.
- Official Reading Source: The latest chapters of Oshi no Ko are officially released for free simultaneously with Japan on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app and website.
- Manga Status: As of January 2026, the Oshi no Ko manga is still ongoing but has officially entered its final story arc, making it a perfect time to catch up.
Where Does the Oshi no Ko Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive transition points from the Oshi no Ko anime to the manga depend on which season you have completed. Season 1 concludes at the end of the “First Concert Arc” (Chapter 40), while the more recent Season 2 finishes with the “2.5D Stage Play Arc” (Chapter 80). Understanding these specific manga chapters is key to continuing the narrative without interruption.
This quick guide provides an accurate transition for fans ready to jump from the anime adaptation to the manga source material. The table below breaks down the specific arcs, final episodes, and corresponding manga chapters for both seasons, ensuring you can pick up the story exactly where the show left off.
Oshi no Ko Anime-to-Manga Quick Guide 2026
| Anime Season | Final Arc Adapted | Final Episode | Concludes at Manga Chapter | Recommended Starting Chapter | Recommended Starting Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | First Concert Arc | Episode 11 | Chapter 40 | Chapter 41 | Volume 5 |
| Season 2 | 2.5D Stage Play Arc | Episode 13 (24 overall) | Chapter 80 | Chapter 81 | Volume 9 |
Where Does Oshi no Ko Season 1 End in the Manga?
The first season of Oshi no Ko concludes with Episode 11, which adapts the story up to manga Chapter 40. This chapter marks the end of the “First Concert Arc,” where the newly reformed B-Komachi idol group, featuring Ruby Hoshino, Kana Arima, and Mem-cho, has its debut performance at the Japan Idol Festival.
To ensure you are starting in the right place, the final events of Season 1 cover:
* The intense preparations for B-Komachi’s first major live show.
* Kana Arima’s crisis of confidence and her decision to take the center position.
* The group’s successful performance, where Kana reclaims her passion for performing.
* Aqua Hoshino’s observation of Kana from the crowd, noticing her “star” potential.
If these events mark the end of your viewing experience, you are ready to continue the story in the manga.
What Is the Exact Ending Point of Oshi no Ko Season 1?
Season 1 of the Oshi no Ko anime ends precisely with Chapter 40 of the manga, titled “Sore Loser.” This is the final chapter of Volume 4. To continue the story without missing any content, you should begin reading at Chapter 41, which is the first chapter of Volume 5.
Where Does Oshi no Ko Season 2 End in the Manga?
The second season of Oshi no Ko ends by adapting the entire “2.5D Stage Play Arc,” concluding with Chapter 80 of the manga. The final episode (Episode 24 overall) covers the aftermath of the Tokyo Blade stage play, focusing on the character dynamics between Aqua, Akane Kurokawa, and Kana Arima. This arc is a critical turning point for Aqua’s investigation into his father’s identity.
The “2.5D Stage Play Arc” [a play based on a manga] is a fan-favorite and highlights several key developments:
* Aqua joining the Lala Lai Theatrical Company to get closer to his father’s past.
* The intense acting rivalry between the prodigy Akane Kurokawa and the struggling Kana Arima.
* Akane’s masterful use of profiling to deduce key information for Aqua’s revenge plot.
* The complex love triangle developing between Aqua, Akane, and Kana.
If you have finished the season that covers these events, you should start reading the manga at Chapter 81, which begins Volume 9.
What Happens in the Next Manga Arc After Season 2?
Spoiler-Light Teaser: Immediately after the events of the “2.5D Stage Play Arc,” the story enters “The Main Story” arc. The focus shifts dramatically back to the central mystery of Ai Hoshino’s death. Aqua’s revenge plot intensifies as he gets closer to his target, the actor Hikaru Kamiki. At the same time, Ruby’s idol career takes a much darker and more determined turn, setting her on a collision course with the secrets her brother has been hiding. This is where the narrative stakes are raised significantly.
What Manga Content Did the Oshi no Ko Anime Skip or Change?
The Oshi no Ko anime is an exceptionally faithful adaptation, so anime-only viewers have not missed any major plot points. However, for pacing, the adaptation made minor changes by condensing or skipping some content. This is a common practice in anime production to ensure a smooth narrative flow.
For fans considering reading from the beginning, here’s what you gain from the source material:
* ✅ Expanded Internal Monologues: The manga provides more insight into the characters’ thoughts, especially Aqua’s calculating internal dialogue and Kana’s anxieties.
* ✅ Minor Character-Building Scenes: Some brief interactions and conversations that flesh out side characters were cut. For example, there’s slightly more detail on Melt Narushima’s background during the “First Concert Arc.”
* ✅ Slightly More Dialogue: Many conversations are shortened for the anime. The manga allows for more back-and-forth, particularly in arcs like the “Love Now” reality show.
* ✅ Chapter Cover Art: Each manga chapter features unique art and commentary from the creators, which adds a nice layer of personality to the experience.
Overall, you can confidently start reading where the anime leaves off. However, a full read-through from Chapter 1 offers a richer, more detailed version of the story.
Where Can You Officially Read the Oshi no Ko Manga?
Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the creators, Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari. Fortunately, there are easy and legal ways to read Oshi no Ko.
- Digital (Latest Chapters Free): The best platform is Shueisha’s Manga Plus app and website. It simulpublishes the latest chapters in English on the same day they are released in Japan, completely for free. This is the premiere destination for staying current with the story.
- Physical Volumes (for Collectors): In North America, the physical tankobon volumes are licensed and published by Yen Press. You can purchase these collected editions at major bookstores and online retailers. This is perfect for those who love having a physical collection.
![[Oshi No Ko], Vol. 5 (Volume 5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C149rVJnL.jpg)
By using these official sources, you ensure the highest quality translation and directly contribute to the success of the series.
FAQs About where does the oshi no ko anime end in the manga
Should I read Oshi no Ko from the beginning or start where the anime leaves off?
While you can start from Chapter 41 (after S1) or 81 (after S2), reading from Chapter 1 is recommended for the full experience. The manga contains minor skipped details, internal monologues, and character nuances that enrich the story. The anime is a fantastic and faithful adaptation, but the source material offers a slightly deeper dive.
Is the Oshi no Ko manga finished or still ongoing?
As of January 2026, the Oshi no Ko manga is in its final arc but is not yet finished. Author Aka Akasaka has confirmed the series is concluding soon. New chapters are typically released weekly on the Manga Plus service, so it is still ongoing.
What chapter does the Oshi no Ko anime start with?
The anime begins by adapting Chapter 1 of the manga. The extended-length first episode covers the entire “Prologue” arc, which concludes with the tragic death of Ai Hoshino in Chapter 10. The adaptation is very faithful to these opening events.
How many manga chapters does the Oshi no Ko anime cover per season?
On average, the anime adapts approximately 3 to 4 chapters per episode. Season 1 (11 episodes) adapted 40 chapters, and Season 2 (13 episodes) also adapted 40 chapters (from Chapter 41 to Chapter 80), showing a consistent pacing of roughly 3.5-3.6 chapters per episode.
Will there be an Oshi no Ko Season 3?
An Oshi no Ko Season 3 has not been officially announced as of January 2026. However, given the immense popularity of the series and the large amount of unadapted manga content available, a third season is highly anticipated by fans and considered very likely.
Who is Aqua and Ruby’s father in the manga?
A significant spoiler: Aqua and Ruby’s father is revealed to be Hikaru Kamiki, a fellow actor in the Lala Lai Theatrical Company. This is a central plot point in the manga’s later arcs and is the main target of Aqua’s long-running revenge plot.
Does Ai Hoshino ever come back in the manga?
No, Ai Hoshino does not come back to life in the manga. Her death is a permanent and foundational event that drives the entire plot forward. She appears frequently in flashbacks and as a powerful motivating force for Aqua and Ruby, but she remains deceased.
Is the Oshi no Ko manga better than the anime?
This is subjective, but both are critically acclaimed. The anime, produced by Doga Kobo, is praised for its stunning visuals, voice acting, and incredible music. The manga is praised for its intricate plotting and deeper character monologues. Many fans feel the best experience is to watch the anime and then read the manga.
How many volumes of the Oshi no Ko manga are there?
As of January 2026, there are over 14 tankobon volumes of Oshi no Ko released in Japan. The English release by Yen Press is several volumes behind the Japanese schedule. Season 1 covers up to Volume 4, and Season 2 covers up to Volume 8.
What are the main story arcs in the Oshi no Ko manga?
The main story arcs in order are: Prologue, Entertainment World, Dating Reality Show, First Concert, 2.5D Stage Play, Private, The Main Story, and the final arc, Toward the Stars and Dreams. The anime has so far adapted the first five of these arcs.
Key Takeaways: Oshi no Ko Anime to Manga Guide
- Season 1 Endpoint: The first season adapts up to Chapter 40, covering the “First Concert Arc.” To continue, you must start reading at Chapter 41.
- Season 2 Endpoint: The second season adapts up to Chapter 80, covering the entire “2.5D Stage Play Arc.” The correct starting point after S2 is Chapter 81.
- Reading From the Start is Recommended: While not essential, reading from Chapter 1 is advised because the manga includes minor character moments and internal thoughts that were cut from the anime for pacing.
- Official Reading Platform: The best place to read the latest chapters officially and for free is Shueisha’s Manga Plus app and website, which supports the creators directly.
- The Story Gets Darker: The manga arcs following the anime delve deeper into Aqua’s revenge plot and Ruby’s transformation, significantly raising the stakes of the central mystery.
- The Manga is Nearing Its End: The Oshi no Ko manga is confirmed to be in its final arc, so now is a perfect time to catch up with the source material before the story concludes.
- Adaptation is Faithful: The anime by studio Doga Kobo is a very high-quality and faithful adaptation, so anime-only fans have not missed any major plot points.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Oshi no Ko in the Manga
Transitioning from the Oshi no Ko anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan wanting to continue the gripping story. The anime has done a masterful job bringing the world to life, but Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s source material offers a layer of depth and narrative complexity that is impossible to fully capture on screen. By starting at Chapter 41 (after Season 1) or the more current Chapter 81 (after Season 2), you are perfectly positioned to dive into the next phase of Aqua’s calculated revenge and Ruby’s tumultuous journey in the entertainment industry. The story only intensifies from here, making the manga an essential read for those captivated by the series’ central mysteries.
Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
