This week, Japan's renowned Kadokawa (Oshi no Ko, Overlord) released a list of its ten most profitable franchises as part of its financial report for the third quarter of the current fiscal year (covering the months of October to December 2023). The "Oshi no Ko" franchise topped the company's sales list.
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Oshi no Ko leads Kadokawa sales
Although Kadokawa collaborated as a producer (joining the production committee, responsible for financing and distribution), it's important to highlight that "Oshi no Ko" is not the intellectual property of this company, but rather of Shueisha. Therefore, Kadokawa's profits from "Oshi no Ko" do not derive from the sale of manga or similar products, and yet it still achieved first place in its internal ranking.
On the other hand, other franchises such as “The Eminence in Shadow”, “Bungo Stray Dogs”, “My Happy Marriage” and “Overlord” occupied prominent positions in the Top 5, respectively. Following the list, in sixth position, is “Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-“; followed by “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation”; “ KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! ”; “Sword Art Online” and “Bandorobou (バンどろぼう)”.
Light blue represents earnings from anime; dark blue represents income from print publications (manga, novels, etc.); and gray represents earnings from video games and other media.
Unlike "Oshi no Ko," Kadokawa's "Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation" franchise has topped the rankings in profits from print publications (i.e., sales of novels and manga) and has quietly infiltrated Kadokawa's overall profit rankings, not counting earnings from the anime adaptation.
Naturally, fans, including those of Oshi no Ko, were quick to comment:
- Definitely Oshi no Ko is incredible.
- I think Oshi no Ko will continue to expand into different media, now that other companies know this information.
- Although the second season of Oshi no Ko doesn't yet have a release date, I suppose they'll focus first on the already announced live-action adaptation.
- The power of Oshi no Ko is now undeniable; it can increase the profits even of companies that have nothing to do with it.
- I'm happy to see that Mushoku Tensei is at the top of the rankings for earnings from print publications
- It's curious to see that The Eminence in Shadow takes second place, while Mushoku Tensei falls to seventh.
- I just started reading Oshi no Ko. I thought it was a romantic comedy, but it turned out to be a story about reincarnation and mystery, which I find very interesting.
- The interactions and reactions of each character are very interesting; I completely understand why it was so successful.
- It's the effect of the opening sequence. Even I, who haven't seen the anime, know what it's about.
Synopsis
The story follows a doctor named Gorou , a fan of a 16-year-old idol named Ai Hoshino . One day, Hoshino appears at his office, claiming to be pregnant with twins, but her manager tells her to abort the babies. However, the idol refuses to abort; she wants to have both children. Gorou promises her a safe delivery. Little does he know that an encounter with a mysterious figure will result in his premature death, or so he thought. However, upon opening his eyes in the arms of his beloved idol, Gorou discovers he has been reborn as Aquamarine Hoshino , Ai's newborn son! With his world turned upside down, Gorou soon discovers that the world of showbiz is full of controversies, where talent doesn't always bring success.
Thus, Akasaka and Yokoyari launched the manga in Shueisha 's Young Jump in 2020. Furthermore, the manga surpassed 9 million copies in circulation as of May 2023.
Source: Kudasai
