Oshi no Ko Manga Volume 4 Gives Kana Her Moment

As I went through earlier parts of Oshi no Ko, it felt like certain installments highlighted specific characters. For example, Ai Hoshino was the central figure in the first one, and Aqua was well established in the second. Now that Yen Press localized volume 4 of the Oshi no Ko manga, Kana isn’t just the cover star. She’s getting all the attention.

Editor’s Note: There will some mild spoilers about plot points in volume 4 of the Oshi no Ko manga below.

The best part is, this transition to focus on how Kana is doing and feeling as B-Komachi is finally moving forward is handled in such a natural way in this volume of Oshi no Ko. In the previous entry, she took a backseat as it focused on Aqua’s appearance on the dating show We’re About to Fall in Love for Real and the relationship that formed between Akane and him as a result. Given the feelings she’s had toward him, going as far back as the first volume, the pressure from this has been building. Couple that with Aqua recruiting Memcho for the group, and we’re in the perfect person for her moment.

This means there are two fronts that are pushing Kana out of her comfort zone. Which is interesting, as she’s often come across as quite a professional character. She’s had years of experience in the business in all different areas. So being pushed as the potential “center” for B-Komachi, the “face” of the group who is most adept at singing and dancing, is weighing on her in one way. Feuding with Aqua due to jealousy is as well. 

It means an insight into her insecurities and past that we haven’t really seen before. We did see her as a child briefly when she met Aqua, Ruby, and Ai. We saw her interact with the twins at school, act alongside Aqua again, and join B-Komachi. This also means seeing the manga appearance of the “Pepper Workout.”

More importantly, it means character development and a chance for Ruby, Memcho, and Kana to get closer. We see the other two members realize the extent of Kana’s talent. We see them train together and get closer to prepare for a performance. We also see the situation with Aqua and Kana resolve in a way that, again, I feel was rather satisfying.

But I think what I liked best about this volume is that it really made me feel good about what could happen for Kana in the future in Oshi no Ko. It’s like there’s a new sense of confidence coming from the events of this installment. There’s a determination and passion being renewed. And because she’s gained this new resolve, I almost felt like I did too.

Volume 4 of the Oshi no Ko manga is available now, and Yen Press will release