Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode 5 - Rising Tensions

Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 5 feels like a calm before the storm episode. Except this time, it’s a category 5 storm heading our way. As the tension arises, this episode hits all the right notes, perfectly setting the stage for what’s to come. The brewing conflict between Kana and Akane, hinted at even before this season, just became even more exciting. Their rivalry has intensified, and it’s no longer just about Aqua. It’s grown into something much deeper.

Once again, Akane has the upper hand over Kana, especially with Aqua as her “boyfriend.” However, Kana finally discovers that she is the inspiration for Akane to pursue acting in the first place. Hearing her teasing Akane with her high-pitched voice was a treat. For sure, Megumi Han has thoroughly enjoyed her role as Kana. I would’ve completely lost it if she called Akane or Ruby a virgin with that voice.

Akane is steadily proving herself to be the best girl for Aqua. She cooks for him, cares for him deeply, and is even willing to become an accomplice in an illegal act with him. Plus, she sets some ground rules for Aqua, wanting her “boyfriend” to support her in defeating her rival, Kana. Even though Aqua is only pretending to be Akane’s boyfriend, he still has a responsibility to take care of her. While his actions may be driven more by vengeance than love, it’s nice to see him sticking by Akane’s side.

As the title of Oshi no Ko Season 2 episode 5 suggests, “The Curtain Rises” perfectly reflects the rising tension between the two leading ladies. One of the standout aspects of this episode is its minimization of supernatural elements. The bright/dark starry eyes remain, but now they serve more as symbolic representations rather than supernatural features. Instead, the episode highlights the everyday challenges and dangers that young actors, especially female ones (as seen with Ruby and Minami), face in the modern entertainment industry. Speaking of Ruby, though, she might appear briefly in this episode, but her appearance was quite significant for me.

Not being a Ruby simp, but there’s something significant about the early scenes featuring her. While it was a sweet gesture for her to visit her brother, it’s clear she’s still quite naive about the world around her, especially when it comes to Aqua spending nights with Akane and coming home after midnight. What might seem like a light-hearted sexual joke to some can’t be easily dismissed for me.

Let’s not forget who Ruby was in her past life—Sarina, a 12-year-old girl who spent most of her time in the hospital. While she is now living a new life as Ruby, it feels like she hasn’t matured or changed much. It’s as if she’s still Sarina, just in Ruby’s body. And the same can be said for Aqua, who appears far too mature for his age. Gorou’s appearance during Aqua’s PTSD episode made me realize this, and it might play a significant role in future arcs.

Still, any appearance by Ruby and Minami is always welcome, as they are my favorites among the cast (and no, it’s not just because of their seiyuus). It’s not just Ruby and Minami who appeared in this episode; the cast of the dating show also gathered to see Aqua and Akane. It was a sweet moment, but it also added pressure on everyone involved. With the ongoing rivalry between Akane and Kana, combined with the reunion of the former cast from the first season, this episode did an amazing job of hyping up what’s to come.

Screenshots taken via Bilibili. HIDIVE is also streaming the series.
©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/Shueisha, “OSHI NO KO” Partners