Oshi no Ko [Season 3 Episode 1]

Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1: “Devotion” – When Fame Feels Like a Prison

Let’s cut straight to it: Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1 hits different. Like, “replay the last 10 minutes three times” different. For anyone who’s ever obsessed over a favorite idol or felt the pressure to keep up a perfect image, this episode isn’t just anime—it’s a mirror held up to the chaos of chasing stardom. And trust me, it’s messy, beautiful, and way too real.

First off, let’s get the basics out of the way. Doga Kobo is back at the helm (thank goodness—their eye for tiny, gut-punching details is unmatched), and the episode dropped on Crunchyroll January 14, 2026, as part of the Winter 2026 lineup. Titled “Devotion,” it picks up right where Season 2 left off: B-Komachi is blowing up. We’re talking sold-out shows, viral TikTok dances, and fans camping outside their studio. But here’s the thing no one tells you about fame: it’s heavy. And no one carries that weight harder than Kana Arima.

If you’ve been following Kana’s arc, you know she’s always been the “serious one” in B-Komachi—the girl who memorizes every dance move twice, stays late to practice vocals, and glares daggers at anyone slacking. But Episode 1 strips away that tough exterior faster than a bad filter. The episode opens with B-Komachi’s first arena performance: the lights are blinding, the crowd is screaming, and Kana’s smiling so wide her cheeks must hurt. But when the camera zooms in on her eyes? No stars. Just… exhaustion.

That’s the magic of Oshi no Ko—it doesn’t just show you the glitz. It shows the 3 a.m. practice sessions where Kana’s voice cracks mid-note, and she slumps against the mirror whispering, “Am I even good enough?” It shows her scrolling through social media after the show, fixating on a single comment: “Kana’s dance was off tonight.” One negative line, and suddenly all the cheers feel fake. Fans on Reddit are losing it over this scene—one user wrote, “I’ve been there. Spent hours overthinking a single mean comment after a show. Kana’s struggle is my struggle.” Same, friend. Same.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The B-Komachi scenes are pure joy when they’re not breaking your heart. Ruby’s still the group’s chaotic cheerleader—she shoves a bento in Kana’s face before practice and yells, “You need carbs to be a star!”—and the new member, Mem-cho, brings this chaotic energy that balances Kana’s intensity. The dance sequences? Chef’s kiss. Doga Kobo’s animation makes every hip sway and hand gesture feel alive—like you’re right there in the crowd, phone in hand, screaming along to their new single. The fan art floating around already has B-Komachi’s new outfits all over Twitter, and honestly? I’d buy that merch.

What really hits, though, is the quiet moment between Kana and Aqua. They’re sitting on the roof of the studio after practice, watching the city lights, and Kana finally admits it: “I’m scared. What if I can’t keep up with everyone’s expectations?” Aqua doesn’t say “it’ll be okay” (thank god—no cheesy lines here). He just says, “Then stop trying to be perfect. Be Kana.” Simple, but it lands like a punch to the chest. Fans on MyAnimeList are calling this scene “the best character interaction of the season so far”—and they’re not wrong. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it reminds you that even idols are just people trying not to break.

The episode ends with B-Komachi’s encore performance of their new song, “Devotion.” This time, when Kana sings, her eyes light up—real stars, not the forced ones from earlier. The crowd roars, and for a second, you can see her relax. She’s not just performing anymore; she’s feeling it. The final shot is her grinning at Ruby and Mem-cho mid-dance, and you think, Maybe she’s gonna be okay.

But let’s be real—this is Oshi no Ko. The last scene cuts to a shadowy figure watching the performance on a laptop, a smirk on their face. Text flashes on the screen: “The real show is just beginning.” Cue the credits, and suddenly you’re left on the edge of your seat, already counting down to next week.

So, is Episode 1 worth the hype? Abso-freaking-lutely. It’s got everything we love about Oshi no Ko: drama that makes your chest tight, characters you’d fight for, and that perfect mix of slice-of-life and mystery that keeps you hooked. Whether you’re here for the idol drama, the sibling vibes between Aqua and Ruby, or just to see Kana finally catch a break, this episode delivers.

If you’re a fan of shows that make you feel something—joy, sadness, that “I need to call my friend right now” excitement—Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1 is a must-watch. Just don’t forget to breathe during the dance scenes.

Final Verdict: 9/10. The only reason it’s not 10? I need more. Now.

P.S. If you haven’t seen the fan edits of Kana’s rooftop scene yet, go check them out. You’re welcome.