#OSHI NO KO Releases Rie Takahashi Cover of “Idol”

In case you were at risk of expunging the dangerously catchy tune of YOASOBI‘s “Idol” from your mind, the OSHI NO KO anime’s YouTube channel has released a cover version performed by Rie Takahashi, the voice of Ai Hoshino.

Takahashi had previously performed the song live, while dressed in an outfit based on the single release’s jacket cover illustration, at a fan event in November 2023. 

“Idol” was used as the opening theme for OSHI NO KO‘s first season, which aired from April to June 2023 with 11 episodes (this includes an extended 90-minute premiere). The song topped a number of Billboard Japan charts, including the Billboard Japan Hot 100 (it’s still in the top 10, as of the January 22 to 28 2024 chart), and entered the Apple Music Top 100 Global chart. Meanwhile, the animated music video has notched over 423 million views.

The song has been covered by various singers and VTubers, among which are Raon, Airi Suzuki, PelleK, Chogakusei, DAZBEE, Yuuya Tegoshi, Amane Kanata, the miComet duo, Mori Calliope, IRyS, Karubi Akami, and Sara Hoshikawa.

OSHI NO KO is based on the manga written by Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and drawn by Mengo Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish), which began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump in 2020 and has 13 tankoubon volumes as of November 2023. The second season of the Doga Kobo-produced anime is in production.

Yen Press describes the manga as:

Gorou is a gynecologist and idol fan who’s in shock after his favorite star, Ai, announces an impromptu hiatus. Little does Gorou realize that he’s about to forge a bond with her that defies all common sense! Lies are an idol’s greatest weapon in this outrageous manga from Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and Mengo Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish).