Oshi no Ko's finale teases a major manga arc that we will get to watch on screen in Oshi no Ko Season 2. So, what can we expect to see in Oshi no Ko's Tokyo Blade arc?
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How Does Oshi no Ko's Finale Tease the Tokyo Blade Arc?
Oshi no Ko Season 1 had an open-ended finale which made it clear that the story will go on, using plenty of foreshadowing.
In one of the final scenes, we learn that Lalalie Productions, Akane's theatre group, is going to produce a stage play of the manga Tokyo Blade.
Since they don't have many young actors, Kaburagi -- the director with whom Aqua connected earlier on -- helps them find some suitable performers.
Akane and Kana are both cast in a love triangle with the character Aqua is going to play.
It turns out that the two aren't only competing for Aqua's real-life affection.
They've also been rivals in acting since their childhood, so the Tokyo Blade arc promises plenty of drama.
What Is Tokyo Blade, Really?
Tokyo Blade is a fictional manga by Abiko Samejima, the (also fictional) assistant of the mangaka who penned I'll Go With Sweet Today, the manga whose live-action adaptation Kana and Aqua took part in.
Unlike Sweet Today, Tokyo Blade is a (presumably) historical fantasy battle manga.
It involves different Japanese factions who fight each other only to realize that their battles bring them closer.
Tokyo Blade isn't currently a real manga or anime, but we wish it was!
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Oshi no Ko's Tokyo Blade Arc Explained
The Tokyo Blade arc, also known as the 2.5D arc, covers Chapters 41-66 of the Oshi no Ko manga and it's divided into two sections; Rehearsals (Chapters 41-54) and Opening Night (Chapters 55-66).
Without spoiling much, we can say that the arc is concerned with the preparation of a 2.5D stage play based on a famous manga.
While Season 1's finale made us think that Kana and Akane's rivalry will be the main conflict, we can also expect disagreements among other staff members, mainly the screenwriter and the manga's original author.
For the project (and his revenge plans) not to flop, Aqua must work hard to bridge the gap.
And if you thought that Aqua had it too easy in Season 1, the Tokyo Blade arc challenges him significantly.
Stage play requires a lot of feelings and vulnerability compared to what he's used to. As such, his involvement will force him to tackle his underexplored trauma.
This time, persevering long enough to get DNA from his potential father won't be easy.
Which Characters Will Return in Tokyo Blade Arc?
We expect all main characters to appear at some point in the Tokyo Blade arc, even ones who aren't part of the stage play, such as Ruby and Mem-cho.
Some minor characters we've met in previous arcs are going to be part of the Tokyo Blade Production as well.
Melt Narushima, Kana's co-protagonist in Sweet Today, will have a role, and everyone is relieved to see that he has worked hard and that his acting skills have improved.
More importantly, the 2.5D arc is going to introduce Taiki Himekawa, an award-winning actor who will be part of the production.
Without spoiling anything, we can say he'll play a pivotal role!
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