[Spoiler Review] Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 25 (Season 3 Episode 1) "Devotion"

Starting January 14, 2026, the long-awaited Season 3 has finally begun airing! Having cleared the massive hurdle of the 2.5D Stage Play arc, the story now ventures deeper into the entertainment industry's abyss.

Overall Impressions: A Brilliant Start That Reveals Deepening Shadows as the Light Grows Stronger

Oshi no Ko Season 3 is finally back! Episode 25, "Devotion," marks a shift from the festival-like atmosphere of the stage arc to a quiet yet tension-filled start where each character faces their own "reality."

As the Season 3 premiere, the quality of the new opening and ending sequences is truly impressive. The contrast between the driving energy of the music and the lonely expressions on the characters' faces is remarkable, conveying just how "devoted" the production team remains. With the staff carrying over from Seasons 1 and 2, the unique atmosphere of the source material has been faithfully recreated.

As a manga fan, this episode filled me with anticipation for the upcoming "Private Arc" while also evoking a bittersweet sense of unease about the fragility these characters carry.

Episode 25

The story picks up half a year after the release of the in-show single "POP IN 2." B-Komachi's meteoric rise is astounding. Gone are the days of their modest grassroots efforts -- they now find themselves amid the frenzy of being "on the verge of a breakthrough." The sparkle in Ruby's eyes only grows brighter, and watching her relentless pursuit of following in Ai's footsteps bear fruit sent shivers down my spine.

Meanwhile, the dynamic between Aqua and Akane has also shifted. Akane is establishing herself as an unshakeable young talent in the acting world, her presence palpable even through the screen. Aqua, too, while harboring his hidden purpose of revenge, is putting down deeper roots in the entertainment world as a multi-talented personality.

However, the one who seems left behind in the shadow of all this "success" is none other than Kana Arima.

• The more those around her are praised, the more her loneliness becomes apparent
• The gap between her pride as a former "child prodigy" and her current position as an idol
• Her complicated feelings toward Akane regarding Aqua

The old Kana would have shown a certain forward-looking strength even while spitting venom. But the expression she wore in this episode was dark, as if the light had left her eyes -- fragile and precarious. Having lost her natural brightness and seeming cornered by something, fans on social media are flooding timelines with cries of "I'm so worried about Kana" and "Someone please save Baking Soda Girl."

Whether the title "Devotion" refers to an obsession with work or feelings toward someone -- this was a deeply layered episode that makes you consider what each character is truly "devoted" to.

Next Episode Preview

B-Komachi appears set to move forward with new song production and music video filming, but how will Kana's mental state affect things? And how will the clues Aqua has uncovered about "Ai's past" shatter this seemingly peaceful daily life...? The next episode is not to be missed!