Criticism of Oshi no Ko does not stop

This article includes spoilers for "Oshi no Ko." Discretion is advised to the reader.

The publication of the most recent chapter of "Oshi no Ko" has generated a wave of negative reactions among readers in Japan, mainly due to the surprising and confirmed death of protagonist Aqua Hoshino. This unexpected resolution has shocked fans of the series, who have quickly expressed their discontent on social networks and discussion forums.

In the story, the episode shows Aqua facing her end as she drowns in the sea, reminiscing and regretting some decisions in her life. As his strength fades, he hears in his last moments a song by B-Komachi, smiling at the thought of his loved ones before closing his eyes. His body is later found by a fisherman, and the news of his death shocks his closest friends, including Kana, Mem-Cho, Akane, and Ruby, who are devastated by the tragedy. Especially notable is the reaction of Akane, who, immersed in grief and nostalgia, regrets not having been able to help Aqua in his plans and declares that she would have been willing to "go to hell" with him if she had wanted to.

Despite the intense drama of the episode, the Japanese audience has been clear in its rejection, describing the plot as confusing, poorly structured, and disappointing. Among the most relevant comments from readers, the criticisms of the direction of the story, the treatment of key characters and the apparent lack of cohesion in the narrative elements stand out.

"I don't understand what they wanted to say."
"Yokoyari Mengo's drawings are still beautiful as ever, but where is Akasaka Aka's story headed?"
"The character of Tsukuyomi (Raven Girl) has been inconsistent from the beginning, to the end, what is she supposed to be?"
"For him to turn out to be alive at this point would be really ridiculous, for them not to do that."
"This story always gave me the impression that it only follows the trends of entertainment news, but without really knowing about it."
"If Aqua really dies, the phrase towards Kana of 'I will become your number one fan' totally loses its meaning. Was it just a clever phrase to fit the title?"
"Since the arc of the film, Tsukuyomi has been involved, but her relationship with Aqua is so cut off that it doesn't make sense. This Evangelion-style twist is confusing, and there are only two chapters left to end the series, I don't know how they plan to close it. Although the ending of 'Hoshino Aqua' intrigues me."
"Incomprehensible... incomprehensible... incomprehensible".
"What is Tsukuyomi's role really? Since when is he an emotional character?"
"I want to know Tsukuyomi's true identity."
"I've never read a manga that excited me so much at first and disappointed me at the end. They should have asked for help to close the story well. It was popular, and the first chapters were very good, but what a shame."
"Let him reincarnate again."
"At times like this, they should call him by his real name. Names are important."
"In the end, what was Tsukuyomi's role? So far it has only been beautiful, but it has not been useful at all."
"I don't understand why Tsukuyomi cries. What is this character in the end?"
"In the end, they only used the name 'Aquamarine' at first. Using 'Hoshino Aquamarine' in this very emotional scene would have ruined the atmosphere."
"Comments always remind us of his real name."
"This should be the scene of greatest catharsis for the protagonist, but it didn't move me at all... what a disappointment."
"Tsukuyomi appeared in the film, but couldn't he call an ambulance? If he is just observing and not helping, then it is better that he does not show up."
"There are clearly four chapters left, but some say that 'it seems that it is going to end'. Are they reading seriously?"
"So, who moved Goro-sensei's body, took off his shirt, and left him alone with his lab coat and identification? For what purpose?"
"So in Kana's interview at the beginning, when she says it's 'cool' and then 'Ah, Aqua will get angry,' was she referring (otherworldly)?"
"Everything: Ruby joining B-Komachi, Kana shining again, Akane alive, Melt committed to his work and Mem-cho becoming an idol... it was thanks to Aqua. Don't go... tears."
"Sarina is adorable. It would have been great to have this timeline as well."
"Tsukuyomi only leaves meaningless insinuations and seems to think he is special. Even if she cries, she's not a character with enough development, so she doesn't have weight."
"Tsukuyomi is conveniently used according to the needs of the story."
"The story became popular in the first stage arc and in the 2.5D scenario, but if the ending was going to be like that, those arcs were unnecessary."
"Since Kaguya-sama we knew that Akasaka-sensei does not know how to write endings."