MUSIC DIRECTOR REACTS | YOASOBI「アイドル」Oshi no Ko OP 

Yoasobi has a crazy talent for making very upbeat songs with super depressing lyrics

Yaosobi doing the song for this anime is truly a blessing.

Personally I think the song is great. You said at one point that it felt "fake" but I find that to be absolutely fitting with the theme of the show. It would be interesting to see if your opinions about the song would change after you've seen what the show is about.

The vibe of this anime is right up your alley. It's all about the dark side of the entertainment industry. Centers around the twins of a famous and skilled Japanese idol facing various challenges on their rise to fame and their personal goals within.

One of the main things that make this song so great is the lyrics,how it goes so much in depth on the feelings of Ai(the purple haired girl which the anime centers around)especially on the last lines. I recommend you giving this anime a shot,it’s NOT what it looks to be at first and I’m sure that even if you don’t dig it,you’ll at least understand why so many people wanted you to talk about this song and experience one of if not the best premier episode in anime history. It’s almost 90 mins long but it’s worth it,and make sure you go in blind.

This show is definitely worth your time. And it blew up for a reason. It's quite hard to tell what this show is about without spoilers, but in short, it is about the dark side of the entertainment industry (idols, actors, even streamers). It looks into problems like cyberbullying, internet trolls, suicidal tendencies, sexualization of children in media and etc.

14:40 This part where she she hugs them and says "uso ja nai aishteru" which means "it wasnt a lie i love you" hits harder in the feels after you seen the first episode.

Japanese is such a purcussive language, it’s able to hit any or every beat you want. English rap is hard since it isn’t (which I’ll admit does make the payoff that much sweeter when it is good) but as a whole there’s a certain comfort in listening to Japanese imo

It's best to go into Oshi no Ko as blind as possible, but it is absolutely worth it

Yoasobi is a Duo formed of ikura (the singer) and Ayase (Producer / Singer) 3:29 Ayase was / is also a Vocaloid Producer, so maybe that's the reason it sounds like it a bit, but Ikura is a real human singer. :D And I think both parts are important for the Song, imo it portraitperfect for what's happend in the show, and personally I like both parts of the songs.

His reaction is inadvertently the theme of the series lmao that's awesome, as if its engineered to make people in the industry feel that "fake" vibe.

You know what? Ive never listened to it broken up into its different parts. It might be just over thinking but it seems the pop parts are the glossy happy over the top face idols have to put out there and the other parts are the hidden struggles they can’t show the public. I like the show for it’s pretty unique premise and had no idea what it was about but the first episode did a great prologue for the show

I think you need to watch the first episode of the show to understand the thematic choices of the song. The part you're not fond of is definitely deliberate, to create a strong contrast in the two themes present in the song. This song hit the hardest when you watch the first episode, then come back to re-listen to it with the english subtitles on.

key change is very popular in japanese songs which you won't normally hear it in other countries songs, and thats what make japanese songs sound unique!

This one is going to be special. The ending for ONK is also good too it’s by Queen Bee same artist that did “violence” chainsaw man ending 11

Copied this comment from the official MV: I simply just adore this song for its essence of modern music, highlighting its relevance to the present, weighing down the reality of the entertainment industry whilst deftly telling the tale of a girl who stands in it accompanied by the thoughts of those around her and her own's. Everything starts off with a percussion, demanding the viewer: "Look at me. I am the performer. I am the star." alongside a rap that perfectly summarizes our subject at hand. A shining star that everyone wants to know everything about, down to her every flaw, ended with what she truly is. A perfect human being built upon lies labeled as an idol. Then comes the short choir, signifying the tone of her reality. Analyzing its surface, some might interpret it as "heavenly," "majestic," or "radiant." But the perceptive will interpret it as "dark," "cold," and "hellish." Similar to how people are separated on how they perceive the entertainment industry. Using it as a bridge, the song continues off with asking the idol's preferences then slipping in her mastery to dodge questions with the same choir in the background concluded by asking what and who is her partner in an insistent tone. Which she responds by saying such concepts like "loving someone" is foreign to her, which she goes by once more again in her daily life and serves as the introduction to our idol's beliefs. The chorus comes, and she is at the center of the spotlight. She is the icon, she is the legend, and she is the moment. The paragon of perfection, one which will never be seen ever again. The rebirth of the star whose smile shines so bright everyone who gazes upon it falls for it and draws attention to it. Even if her image is a lie, her love stays perfect. The next verse shows a clear change of tune, the distorted singing of the lyrics just reeks of negativity. Hatred, disdain, disgust, repulsion, and envy. The lyrics clearly stating that these words are her peers', words seen from their abhorred eyes that easily see her imperfection but could do nothing but accept the reality that she is better than them. The next chorus comes, and this time it depicts her perceived character. One of unparalleled strength, one without flaw, and one of being absolutely unique. This image of her in their minds, is true love. Now, the idol's thoughts are laid bare. Her true secret, her most precious ones, and her lies are her best forms of love. And the only love she'd ever known. The sentimental tone of the piano arrives which highlights her loneliness, which then slowly returns to being upbeat, accepting herself, and continues living daily hoping she'd truly know what it means to love someone someday. At last, the ending of her tale comes, she finally understands the true meaning of love, one without lie, one without deception, and one without facade. Our idol finally managed to say "I love you" from the bottom of her heart. As the curtains close, a happy beat accompanied by cheers is heard, but is ultimately ended with the same choirs heard from earlier with chants of looming dread, almost saying as if this story has not reached its end yet. "You're my savior, my true savior, my saving grace."

The song is basically. LIE->REALITY->LIE->REALITY

Bro that last line hits sooo hard once you’ve watched the first episode 😭

The more you hear this song, the more you notice the little details in the instrumental. This song just crazy.

Yoasobi took Ai Hoshino's depressing story and somehow made it sound like a cute Idol song. If you look for the lyrics you will realise how dark and sad this "bright and agitated" song really is.

3:37 Don't worry, what I'm looking for reactions from people specialized in music is this kind of observation to every detail of a song, so I like your pauses. very good reaction and analysis

The contrast between the simple, cute, perfect sections with the grittier, hip-hop esque sections is a really good reflection of the themes of the show itself, actually. Much like this song, the show is not what it appears on the surface. But that's as much as I can say. You'd need to watch for yourself to see.

The parts you dislike about the song are honestly probably intentional. The perfectness, that suffocating, artificially sweet cuteness-- those are placed specifically to fit the show. In fact, the part that stands out the most to me about this song is actually how drastically different it is from the rest of Yoasobis songs (for me). When I first heard this, i thought: oh, this song definitely fits the title-- because i was already getting a modern 'pop idol' type of song vibe right off the bat. Yoasobi songs are usually pretty smooth or pleasant sounding from the ones I've heard. This one came as a bit of a slap in the face because of how much it stood out to me initially, with all its uhh starry idolness and tempo and key shifts. Perfect representation of the show, if you ask me... Anyway, watch at least EP 1, fully blind if possible. The episode is 90 minutes, and can straight up work as a standalone movie on its own imo. Then from there you can decide for yourself to continue or not. Edit: i find it quite funny seeing your reaction to this song again, because it genuinely seems to mirror peoples reactions to the actual anime episode-- from 'oh ok its uhh really anime...' to 'ok its cute??? yeah?' to 'oh.' and finally 'this is good'. Really goes to show how well the song matches the anime, tbh

Just saying, I love how you talk about details in underneath layers and you actually go back to let us hear it. That's not very common and it actually trains our ears to listen below vocals. So I think nothing is wrong with rewinding so many times as it's pretty helpful. Thank you for your style and it'd be fine if you apologize less for it, you know? About this song, the hype is worth it but, tbh this isn't something I would listen to normally, the cute chorus is also not my cup of tea, but what makes this whole song so special and worthy in my opinion is the story, and how genius it is in terms of telling the story of this one character, it's like, the lyrics and the different sections all represent this character called "Ai". A LOT of details are put into the sections and lyrics it's hilarious... The sections do represent the characteristics of "Ai" in general but that'd be a spoiler to go into full details. But about the lyrics, the use of the word "ai" is so complicated as you can see there are parts where it's about the character "ai" and parts where it is about ai=love in jpn. AQUA and RUBI literally in the lyrics and in the video, the names of the twins you see. The last part of lyrics is SO literal to the story, it's an actual dialogue. "Ah yatto ieta, kono kotoba wa zettai uso janai aishiteru" "Ah I finaly said it, this word is definitely not a lie, I love you" That's perfect, it's like this song just told the story of Ai. Of course the song is a great production but if it wasn't for the story it was gonna lack the impact imo, knowing yoasobi tho, I think they did go for that impact intentionally, so it's a song that could ONLY be this perfect FOR "oshi no ko". And so, Oshi no ko, is a story that mainly talks about all the different sides of entertainment industry, it's a world of youth and adults working in the spotlights and in the shadows behind the scenes (and it really grabs everything it could, I've read the manga and it's as real as it could be in that matter). Plus an interesting dramatic and tragic personal story-line of our protagonists that attracts most of the audience to follow that world. That's it and... Sorry for the super long comment.

I think part of the reason why a more Vocaloid style works for this anime is how it also dives into the necessity for entertainers to be ‘fake’

Please react to the ending too! Its such a good song.

Halftime just hits different. I really like it when there is time signatures other than 4/4. YOASOBI has a lot of good music. Not only the music is very addicting, the lyrics they write is on a different level. They always build their lyrics around the story they sing about. There are many references specific to the story. Oshi no Ko is very interesting. I picked it up when it was still a manga. The story goes through everything about the entertainment industry. Almost like an insider view on the industry. They cover everything from idol culture (which is very big in Japan), acting, reality TV, YouTubing, and even cancel culture. It is worth a watch simply as a content creator.

There was a lot of thought that went into this song. I would love a FIRST TAKE version of this. Ayase really understood the purpose of the story. And of course, Ikura masterfully depicted each line as if she were Ai herself. YOASOBI is such a powerful duo. I cannot explain it as well as others, but it's broken into 3 perspectives. Without spoiling it, this delves into the idol industry, beyond what most see on the surface. The variety introduced in between sneaks the harsh reality within, which I also love the most. The ending is Ai's perspective, and her realization of true love. I believe each section builds upon one another as it reflects the perspectives of the fans, the staff, and the idol herself (Ai). Knowing the story truly enhances the experience. I've been listening to this song since it was released, and have picked out new things each time. I love to hear your analysis Tony! I definitely recommend watching the first episode to see if you like it. Aka Akasaka is a genius writer, and this song beautifully showcases the themes in Oshi no Ko.

With no context, the way I've been describing Oshi no Ko to my friends who haven't watched/read it is "if Oedipus Rex were modern & a bit more silly"

This song has so many aggresive takes on the key changes, and the lyrics its really fit on Ai's personality

Fun fact: the creator of Oshi no Ko is a big fan of chainsaw man to the point where they had to take a break due to emotional impact from a certain chapter of the manga. They even drew fan art & referenced chainsawman in Oshi no Ko.

Please, watch the first episode, then come back and go through the lyrics to this song, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for it.

You ABSOLUTELY should wait Oshi no Ko and it goes without saying please go in BLIND. The first ep does have quite alot of twists and is an fastastic introduction to the series, considering it is an hour and 20 minutes long. Not to mention the superb animation and music. You should def watch it!

I'm sure it's been spammed somewhere in here but Yoasobi does have an actual bassist, Hikaru Yamamoto, and yeah she's incredible.

The song was a perfect representation of the show so far (as an anime only) It acts like a happy go lucky idol show with very very dark undertones that break all common tropes. Its amazing

I've been waiting for you to react to this banger of an opening, I guarantee that you would enjoy the efforts and creativity of the creators.

Finally! a channel that Analyzes beyond what normal listeners can perceive. I really like this kind of content, not like others who are just vibing and listening plainly then call it a reaction video.

I think it's hard to say which part is better as YOASOBI songs are known for their 'storytelling'. So this song jumping around and flipping between the different tones and moods is very fitting for the whole story behind it. After watching ep 1, you will see a new layer to the composition of the music and the lyrics.

Actually I dont find the part you didn't like the most one of the best too, but as someone who watched the anime, I can totally see why this part exists, and I really like the idea of a song that has two different core styles colliding. Reinforces the anime premise

My two favourite parts of this song are the way the background shouts switch from once every bar to twice every bar, instantly adding so much more energy, as well as how cool the chant sections are at the start and end of the song. I would love to hear more of that

I don't know original comic/anime, but I think this song is describing how idols really are. 1:58~ How idles are cute, ditzy, and mysterious.(Bright side) 4:25~ How idles falsify themselves, their true feelings. But 7:10~ how people around idles jealous, envy them. Certain kind of perfectionism toward idles, and themselves. (Dark side) 9:26~ She persuades herself how idles should be (secrets, lies, and dirty plays) 13:28~ Finally, she confesses her lonliness and true feeling; she doesn't know true love herself 13:40~ But this is not the end. She admits herself and steps forward; making lies true and keep going with determination. (14:22 あぁ、やっと言えた。これは絶対嘘じゃない「愛してる」"Ah, finally, I could say the true word "I love you"". )

Oh, it is worth the hype and some more. This goes even harder than the "usual" Yoasobi beat. The TV version of the opening also has an extended choir section at the end.

With you saying that some parts of the song felt fake was definitely fitting of the song and the anime its based around on. The anime is truly a rollercoaster of emotions. Without trying to spoil it too much, Oshi no Ko is about Ai, the idol the anime is grounded upon. It shows the dark side of the entertainment industry and how a great star like Ai could become a fallen star.

Lyrics hit different after watching Oshi no Ko first ep. Easily the best pilot episode in recent memories.

How you said that it feels fake and artificial...that is the essence of Hoshino Ai. The ultimate idol, the ultimate liar, the ultimate artificiality

Having been a Japanese music lover for 22 years because of the brilliant way they construct the sounds, I really dont mind your rewinding and reaction. I wish to hear what you were going to say about the ending. I’ve learned a lot from all of your videos. Thank you for sharing your professional point of views!

I know youve done the reaction to the English version by now but the hype 100% comes from how good this song is + the first episode + all of us immediately swarming to find a translation of the song to try and deal with our collective trauma.

I like how the starting of this song is happy and casual and slowly gets edgy if you know what the lyrics mean

I love the fact you point out about the real and artificial sounds in this. To give you a slight hint, it's definitely related to the anime why they composed it like that.

The bass part is real. You should see them play this live. The bassist is a Japanese woman, I am still trying to find out her name, because she kills this live. Edit: Yamamoto Hikaru (やまもとひかる) is the name of the bassist who plays live with Yoasobi. Check her out, she is quite talented.

I feel like the bit you didn't like as much at the start was made that way on porpuse to fit the theme, that is the oversaturation and stale state of idols in japan. And atleast for me it works really well to enphasize the change that pulls us back in.

Honestly a huge amount of what makes the song so good is how well it works with the show.

YOASOBI released an English version of the song. They have done English covers of their songs before. The special thing is that they not only translate the lyrics, but they also choose words that sound similar to the original Japanese. I really love that they do that. I think that worked for IDOL pretty well.

It's hard from me to disassociate the anime from the song. I think if I didn't have as much context from the show I would just like it. But in context of what the show is about and the story it's telling I think the song fits it like glove and I love when ops do stuff like that

I mean, this is just such a good song, perfectly representing the story in just 3 minutes. 10/10 for me no question asked

I really liked your analysis, it shows how much thought went into making this song. It's really a shame there aren't English lyrics bc a lot of what you say match the lyrics-intentions so well! Even the 'too perfect' part you mention, since it's Ai's monologue about being the perfect, inhuman idol everyone expects her to be, which gets messier with all her actual thoughts. It was really insightful and made me love the song even more!

Ayase is really talented. He has this musical intelligence and it's amazing. He is a vocaloid creator so it is still there on their songs

I loved that little electronic measure with the bunnies turning into hearts It was clever because if you listen closely, you can hear it underneath all of the other things, so when you finally hear it on its own, it gives a sense of familiarity and goes even harder I love Yaosobi sm! You should check out their other songs!

The part that you said it sounds fake is incredibly fitting for the song, the lyrics, and the show. It's talking about how idols are expected to be unrealistic perfect beings.

STOP APOLOGIZING! This song goes so hard ❤‍🔥

This video was FANTASTIC. So great to see someone break down what makes this so... "living in your head rent-free"

Ngl that moment at the end where she jumped on her kids back made me emotional, it’s the best anime being released rn.

That says Ayase is a genius, and Ikuta is an angel.

Fun fact: ‘the choir says: your my savour my true savour my saving grace.’

アイのために作られた曲って言っても過言では無い

The middle or second verse is definitely my favorite part especially as a drummer. It’s just so so GOOD.

こんにちは！！日本人です日本の曲を採用して下さり誠にありがとうございます！

Oh baby, I'm so glad you did a reaction to this, yaosobi NEVER disappoints with their songs. I have been so addicted to this song for weeks now

I like how this song kept a nice balance between that pop/sugar-like parts and the half-time grooves as Tony calls it. It keeps it fresh for 3 minutes and i appreciate that!

its GENIUS how well this song is put together (especially in conjunction with the visuals + storyline of the anime), definitely took the spot for my favorite YOASOBI song. I was really hoping you'd react to + analyze this, so I was genuinely so happy just now to see this on my feed :D i'd definitely recommend you watch this show, the pilot was 80 minutes long but it was one of the best delivered pilot episodes I've ever seen

Really love how you put the background stuff into the spotlight. It's hard to notice these things on my own since my ear mostly gravitates to the main melody, but you pointing out the little percussion effects, other tiny things and all the technicalities(not sure if right word) just helps me appreciate the song more. Love to see it

I'll be straight. I am NOT a bit idol fan by any means. Sure I know somethings about the industry and some idol groups or individuals but overall it doesn't interests me one bit. However this OP is so catchy and great to listen to that I have it on loop since it got uploaded to RU-vid. And yes the lyrics here mean something deep. Very depressingly deep (I've read the manga. You should definitely too).

The beats and rythm matches the singing so much ! Especially in the chorus you can slowly hear people in the background similar to a concert whenever fans shouts and sings with the idol

Absolutely no spoiler, if you want to know something about Oshi no ko, the best thing I can tell you is that it's a show about Japan's entertainment industry (mainly about idols). The good of it. And the very bad of it. Personally I think it could very well be the anime of the year.

👀 Oshi no Ko Full Episode Reactions are on Patreon! www.patreon.com/drumrolltonyreacts

This song scratches my brain in very right spots and makes me tear up at the same time

Damn the flow of those parts of "Rap" is insane. The high note at the very end with that cute terrifying voice is too good. And it looks like the handwriting is really good, I'll have to see it later. Fuck I was hyped at bedtime.

Yoasobi's songs are always changing and there is so much variety in one single song

Love your videos a lot man. It make me more like open up to the hidden things that I didn't heard before in the song. This is exactly the kind of music analysis and reaction videos i always wanted

the second intersection is definitely my favorite part. the lyrics are also very meaningful and add to how great the song already is. Great video!

the visuals and lyrics for this hit way harder after you watch the first episode of the anime

After I watched the anime and read the story and lyrics, I feel like crying everytime I'm listening to this song.

Man, the composition snd animation are absolutely hand-in-hand. The part that he noted as being “fake” makes total sense because that the section where she’s singing about being the “perfect idol” and uphold that fake image for the fans.

Lyrics are just so important to this song

Then the ending, Mephisto by Queen Bee, and then WORK by millennium parade

The song represents the theme of the story very clear. Behind the cute, pure fake facade of an idol, there are dark dirty things going on. The word "love" she told her fans are just big lies, a professional etiquette. But at the last verse she dropped her mask, and give the genuine "love" to her children.

one thing I wanna say is that you didnt notice the audience cheering in the songs, which really gave me a feeling that this anime was about an idol

I love your analysis/reaction to this song! As a casual vocalist, I sometimes overlook the instrumentals despite how absolutely crucial they are to a song! I acknowledge this is a fault, because I didn't realize how much amazing stuff was going on in the background of Yoasobi until you went through it with me! It honestly was great to hear your thoughts and your pausing and relistening was appreciated because it helped me, someone who isn't too experienced in music, to search for what you were hearing! So no need to apologize. I subscribed- thanks for the great video, hope you enjoy the crazy ride that is the anime!

I highly recommend looking at the lyrics as Yoasobi tells stories with their music, and this song portrays the story of the manga/anime very well

Opening, ending, music video and movie-like episode 1 makes this anime Legendary from the moment it came out 😱

I think the way this all blends and how it plays into the type of show this is is just absolutely genius work in terms of the writing and the song. All of it works together super well in the end and while neither sides are fully my cup of tea, they blend to an amazing song here and especially an amazing opening factoring the story of the show in.

Definitely give Oshi no Ko a watch

When the song has like fans cheering in sync with the song during some parts of it(with clapping I think) it just hits so hard because it actually fits the song theme

Holy he could hear instruments in the song i didn't know it was even in there. I know there are musicians can do the same but im still impressed

Hey Toni, found your channel just a few days ago and i absolutely love your work, especially that you opened up not so long a go to whole new world in anime. One of my favourite things is to hear someone who has this much knowledge and passion in a field simply talk about and explain it, i am always happy when stop and rewind. I hope in a few years when i finished my medical studies and have learned way more, i can inspire people like you do with your audience

Great reaction!! Always like to watch you get surprised when a key or the tone in the music changes! First time hearing the full opening, caught me off guard but you made it more enjoyable. Ty

Please do the ending too! Also Oshi no Ko is a strong contender for anime of the year for me.

it would be hard to sell you on the show without spoiling it so id just recommend watching the first episode and see how you like it. its an hour and half but in my opinion it earns that runtime. youll know if you want to continue the show after it

the first episode and opening of this show absolutely blew me away, huge recommend

This op is so fire, I love watching your breakdown videos! Yoasobi is such an amazing artist!