Oshi no Ko Season 2 assistant directors Ciao Nekotomi and Kuniyasu Nishina will not be returning in their roles for Season 3, as announced via their X (formerly Twitter) accounts on March 22. Doga Kobo returns for Season 3’s animation production; the anime will premiere in 2026. You can check out Nekotomi and Nishina’s statements below.

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Nishina’s post above says he really loves the series, he’d love to return if there’s a fourth season, and despite being unable to participate as an assistant director for Season 3, he did help with location scouting. “I’d love it if we could all get excited about Oshi no Ko together as anime fans,” he added.

Necotity: “Although it may seem like I’m jumping on Nishina-kun’s bandwagon, I, Ciao Necrosiswill also be finishing up my work as an assistant director for the anime series Oshi no Ko with the second season!! Thank you so much for all your support over the years!!!“

Nishina (replying to Nekotomi): “Thank you for your hard work!!! That’s right. For the third season, the staff will be without an assistant director, but we’ll go out drinking together and talk about Oshi no Ko as always. 🍶🍷“

Nekotomi shared the updated staff list, which confirms Daisuke Hiramaki will continue as director, Jin Tanaka with the series composition, and Kanna Hirayama as character designer and chief animation director. Readers can check out Anime Corner’s interview with Oshi no Ko Director Hiramaki, Nekotomi, and Producer Shimpei Yamashita.

The news follows Oshi no Ko‘s new reveals at AnimeJapan 2025; a new Season 3 “Side Aqua” visual was revealed and a “POP IN 2” live performance was also streamed. Readers can check out Anime Corner’s in-depth AnimeJapan 2025 coverage here.

HIDIVE streamed the first two seasons of the Oshi no Ko anime, which adapts Aka Akasaka (story) and Mengo Yokoyari’s manga of the same name. The manga series is available in English via Manga PLUS, which describes the series:
“In the world of showbiz, lies are weapons.” Goro works as an OB-GYN in the countryside, a life far removed from the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, has begun her climb to stardom.

The two meet in the “worst possible way,” setting the gears of fate in motion! The amazing Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari team up to depict the world of showbiz from a completely new perspective in this shocking series!

Source: Nishina’s X, Nekotomy’s’S x
©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/Shueisha, “OSHI NO KO” Partners