Analyzing the Death of Akuya in Oshi no Ko

The recent developments in the popular Japanese manga “Oshi no Ko” (My Star) have left readers worldwide in a state of shock and disbelief. The death of Akuya in chapter 164 represents a pivotal moment that has divided the fanbase and raised significant questions about the series' direction.

Character Death and Its Implications The circumstances of Akuya’s drowning death have been meticulously detailed, aligning with forensic evidence of drowning victims. His body showed typical signs of water immersion: pale skin due to vasoconstriction, delayed formation of livor mortis, and the presence of foam around the nose and mouth. These details suggest author Aka Akasaka consulted medical expertise to portray a realistic drowning scenario.

The Reincarnation Question The manga’s established premise of reincarnation offers a potential avenue for Akuya’s return. The series previously demonstrated this mechanism with the main protagonist’s rebirth. However, this raises complex narrative questions:

• Would another reincarnation undermine the emotional weight of death in the story?
• How would it affect the carefully constructed character relationships?
• Could it potentially cheapen the narrative impact?

Aka Akasaka’s Writing Patterns Looking at Akasaka’s previous work, particularly “Kaguya-sama: Love is War,” reveals a pattern in his storytelling approach. He often excels at crafting engaging individual chapters or story arcs but sometimes struggles with overarching narrative cohesion. This pattern becomes evident when examining his handling of major plot developments:

• Strong at creating impactful moments
• Less consistent with long-term character development
• Willing to sacrifice character arcs for dramatic effect

Fan Reactions and Theories The community has proposed several theories about potential outcomes:

1. Resurrection through another character’s pregnancy
2. A complete reincarnation with retained memories
3. A permanent death to serve as a dramatic turning point
4. The potential involvement of supernatural elements previously established

The Role of Supporting Characters The presence of characters like Kana and Ruby adds layers of complexity to any potential resolution. Their emotional investment in Akuya’s fate creates narrative threads that must be addressed regardless of the outcome. The story has positioned several female characters who could potentially play a role in Akuya’s possible return, though each option presents its own narrative complications.

Story Structure Analysis The timing of this development, with reportedly two chapters remaining, suggests careful planning by Akasaka. Japanese manga authors often face health-related pressures that can impact story conclusions, but the deliberate pacing here indicates this may be part of a planned narrative arc rather than a rushed ending.

Impact on Genre Conventions This development challenges traditional manga storytelling conventions, particularly in the idol/entertainment industry genre. While death is not uncommon in manga, the handling of Akuya’s demise and its potential resolution could set new precedents for how similar series approach dramatic climaxes.

The narrative choices in chapter 164 demonstrate Akasaka’s willingness to subvert reader expectations, even at the risk of alienating portions of his audience. Whether this proves to be a masterful narrative decision or a controversial misstep will likely depend on how the remaining chapters unfold and what, if any, resolution is provided for Akuya’s fate.