Updated on October 7, 6:00 a.m. (GMT+8): Improved clarity.

Anime fans have been buzzing since Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 11 dropped on September 18, 2024.

A mysterious character suddenly appeared, and anyone familiar with anime immediately recognized the iconic voice behind it—Mamoru Miyano.

Aqua Hoshino and Ruby Hoshino in featured image for ONE Esports article "Where does Oshi no Ko leave off in the manga?"
Credit: Doga Kobo
Where does Oshi no Ko leave off in the manga? Start your reading journey here

Known for bringing unforgettable characters to life, Mamoru Miyano in Oshi no Ko has already enthralled fans. Interestingly, Miyano’s name has not yet been listed or credited in Oshi no Ko, adding even more mystery to his role and the character’s true identity.

Who is this enigmatic figure, and why is Miyano’s voice so important to the story? As we dive into his role, let’s explore how his involvement will shape the future of Oshi no Ko.

What is Oshi no Ko?

Oshi no Ko main character Aqua Hoshino seen in season 2 episode 10
Credit: Doga Kobo, Sentai Filmworks, Aka Akasaka

Oshi no Ko is a critically acclaimed seinen manga created by author Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. It first debuted on April 23, 2020, serialized in Weekly Young Jump.

The manga explores the darker facets of the entertainment industry, touching on themes of reincarnation, ambition, and the hidden truths behind the glamorous idol world.

Oshi no Ko character Ai Hoshino seen performing in season 1 as the featured image for ONE Esports' article "Oshi no Ko soundtrack: All opening and ending songs"
Credit: Doga Kobo, Sentai Filmworks, Aka Akasaka, ONE Esports
Oshi no Ko soundtrack: All opening and ending songs

The anime adaptation, produced by Doga Kobo, aired its first season on April 12, 2023. It spanned 11 episodes and concluded on June 28, 2023. Season 2 began airing on August 28, 2024.

The story follows the journey of twin siblings Aqua and Ruby, who are reincarnated into the lives of the children of their favorite idol, Ai Hoshino.

As they navigate the tumultuous world of the entertainment industry, they uncover dark secrets that propel Aqua on a mission for revenge and Ruby toward her ambitions of becoming an idol.

Who is Mamoru Miyano in Oshi no Ko?

Nagisa Saito as Ruby Hoshino and Asuka Saito as Ai Hoshino in featured image for ONE Esports article "Oshi no Ko live-action cast: Meet the real-life stars"
Credit: Amazon Prime Video, Toei Company
Oshi no Ko live-action cast: Meet the real-life stars

At the end of Oshi no Ko season 2, episode 11, the plot turns darker with the appearance of a mysterious figure. While the identity of this character remains undisclosed, fans immediately recognize the voice behind the chilling presence—Mamoru Miyano. His involvement adds a new layer of excitement to the series, with Miyano set up as the potential big bad villain moving forward.

In the manga, the Tokyo Blade arc had wrapped up, with Aqua believing he had finally ended his search for his mother’s murderer. After confronting his half-brother, Taiki Himekawa, Aqua learned that their biological father, Seijuro Uehara, was supposedly dead. This discovery led Aqua to think his quest for revenge had been fulfilled.

7 anime like Oshi no Ko, Aquamarine and Ruby Hoshino in Yoasobi's Idol music video for Oshi no Ko
Credit: Doga Kobo, ONE Esports
7 anime like Oshi no Ko that will make you laugh, cry, and dance a little

However, at the end of episode 11, a mysterious figure appears while Ruby visits their mother’s grave. This individual resembles Aqua and Ruby and claims to be their father.

If this is true, it raises two crucial possibilities. First, Aqua’s paternity tests may have been tampered with, meaning his earlier conclusions about his father’s death could be entirely false. Secondly, this person could be a surrogate father who altered his appearance to resemble Aqua and Ruby for reasons yet to be revealed.

The most likely reason why the mysterious character is Aqua’s father, and not Seijuro Uehara, is due to a major flaw in Aqua’s reasoning—a loophole that Akane Kurokawa also realized.

Oshi no Ko cast in featured image for ONE Esports article "Where to read Oshi no Ko manga right now"
Credit: ONE Esports, Doga Kobo
Where to watch Oshi no Ko right now

Aqua and Taiki could still be half-siblings, but their father isn’t Seijuro. Instead, they could both be sons of the mysterious blonde character who visited Ai’s grave. It seems that Ai had an affair with this individual, just as Airi Himekawa, Seijuro’s wife, might have. Therefore, it is highly probable that Aqua’s true father—the person he seeks revenge on—is this mysterious man, who may be responsible for the tragic events affecting multiple characters.

When Seijuro discovered that Taiki wasn’t his biological child, it could have driven him to the edge. Alternatively, the unknown mastermind might have manipulated the situation, making it appear that Seijuro and Airi committed a double suicide, since Taiki himself admits that the reason behind their deaths remains a mystery.

Betrayal and entangled love are often powerful motivators for murder.

Who is Mamoru Miyano?

Japanese voice actor (seiyuu) Mamoru Miyano performing during a concert
Credit: Mamoru Miyano

Mamoru Miyano is a renowned Japanese voice actor, singer, and actor, celebrated for his iconic roles across numerous beloved anime series. His impressive career includes performances in Steins;Gate (Rintarou Okabe), Durarara!! (Izaya Orihara), Death Note (Light Yagami), Soul Eater (Death the Kid), and Wolf’s Rain (Kiba), among many others.

Fans also recognize him from roles in Ouran High School Host Club, Ajin: Demi-Human, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Free!, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Hunter x Hunter, Chihayafuru, Bungo Stray Dogs, Uta no Prince-sama, and Zombieland Saga.

ANIME SERIESMAMORU MIYANO’S ROLE
Eyeshield 21Haruto Sakubara
Death NoteLight Yagami
Kōtetsu SangokushiRikuson Hakugen
Mobile Suit Gundam 00Setsuna F. Seiei
Soul EaterDeath the Kid
Fullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodLing Yao
Durarara!!Masaomi Kida
Highschool of the DeadHisashi Igō
Steins;GateRintaro Okabe
Hunter × HunterChrollo Lucilfer
Free!Rin Matsuoka
Hajime no Ippo: RisingYoung Kamogawa Genji
Assassination ClassroomGakushū Asano
Death ParadeHarada (C.H.A)
One-Punch ManSweet Mask
Tokyo GhoulShuu Tsukiyama
OverlordPandora’s Actor
Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XVIgnis Scientia
Kabaneri of the Iron FortressBiba Amatori
Yuri!!! on IceJean-Jacques Leroy
Persona 5: The AnimationRyuji Sakamoto
Fire ForceBenimaru Shinmon
Haikyu!! To The TopAtsumu Miya
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no YaibaDoma
Oblivion BatteryKei Kaname

Miyano has been widely acclaimed for his versatile vocal talent. He won “Best Voice Actor” at the 1st Seiyu Awards for his portrayal of Light Yagami in Death Note. His ability to bring complex characters to life has made him a fan favorite across generations.

With his recent role in Oshi no Ko, fans can expect another compelling performance that will undoubtedly shape the series’ future. As season 2 continues, more about his mysterious character and how this figure ties into the overarching narrative will be revealed.

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