The cat-and-mouse game between Aqua Hoshino and his biological father Hikaru Kamiki just got a whole lot more dangerous. Last week’s episode of Oshi no Ko Season 3 ended on a note that left fans staring at their screens in disbelief—Kamiki isn’t just waiting around for Aqua to make his move. He’s already made his own.
With Episode 8 revealing that Kamiki murdered Yura Katayose, the actress slated to play Ai in the upcoming film The 15-Year Lie, the stakes have never been higher. Aqua thought he was playing chess, but Kamiki just flipped the board. Now, with Episode 9 dropping March 11, 2026, we’re about to see how Aqua processes the fact that his father is always one step ahead .
Here’s everything you need to know before the episode drops, from exact release times to what the previews are teasing.
When Does Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 9 Release?
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 11, 2026. That’s when Episode 9 premieres globally, though the exact time depends on where you’re located.
Studio Doga Kobo has maintained a consistent weekly schedule since the season kicked off on January 14, and Episode 9 is no exception . For international fans streaming on Crunchyroll or HIDIVE, here’s when you can expect the subtitled version to go live :
- Pacific Time (PT): 7:00 AM (Wednesday, March 11)
- Eastern Time (ET): 10:00 AM (Wednesday, March 11)
- Brazil (BRT): 12:00 PM (Wednesday, March 11)
- United Kingdom (GMT): 3:00 PM (Wednesday, March 11)
- Europe (CET): 4:00 PM (Wednesday, March 11)
- India (IST): 8:30 PM (Wednesday, March 11)
- Philippines (PHT): 11:00 PM (Wednesday, March 11)
- Australia (AEDT): 2:00 AM (Thursday, March 12)
- New Zealand (NZDT): 4:00 AM (Thursday, March 12)
The episode first airs on Japanese networks like TOKYO MX at 11:00 PM JST, with streaming platforms following about an hour later .
Where to Watch Episode 9 Online
Crunchyroll remains the primary streaming destination for global audiences, offering the episode with subtitles in multiple languages shortly after the Japanese broadcast . HIDIVE is also streaming Season 3 for viewers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand .
For fans in Southeast Asia, Netflix carries the series in select regions, though availability varies . Indonesian viewers can also catch the episode on BStation (Bilibili) with Indonesian subtitles .
The English dub release date hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to follow in the coming weeks .
Episode 9 Preview and Staff Credits
The official preview for Episode 9 has dropped, and it reveals some key production details. Tamaho Ouchi, known for work on Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, is writing the script. Hiroaki Yoshikawa (7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life) handled the storyboard, with Sakumi Inoha (The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2) directing .
While the episode title hasn’t been officially confirmed in English sources, some outlets report it may be titled “Mammon and Passion,” though fans should wait for official confirmation from streaming platforms .
What Happened in Episode 8: A Quick Recap
Before diving into predictions, let’s look at where we left off.
Episode 8, titled “The Plan,” saw Aqua pushing forward with his most ambitious scheme yet—producing a film about Ai’s life called The 15-Year Lie . Working with director Gotanda and producer Kaburagi, Aqua assembled the pieces for a project designed to expose the truth about his mother’s death and corner Kamiki.
The plan seemed solid until Kamiki murdered Yura Katayose, the actress chosen to portray Ai . Yura, frustrated that her fame was being “exploited” for the film and disappointed about performing alongside high school students like Ruby, confided in someone she thought was a friend. That friend was Hikaru Kamiki. His response? Pushing her off a mountain during a hiking trip, then coldly telling Ai’s spirit that he’d “killed another rising star” .
Meanwhile, the emotional fallout continued. Ruby cut ties with Aqua after learning more about their origins, accusing him of no longer caring about Ai. Kana Arima, realizing Aqua’s actions were partly to protect her, thanked him and announced her plan to retire from idol work—asking for his support moving forward .
What to Expect in Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 9
The psychological warfare between Aqua and Kamiki is about to escalate. Here’s what we’re watching for.
Aqua’s Reaction to Yura’s Death
Episode 9 will likely open with Aqua learning that Yura is dead. The question is: how long will it take him to connect the dots? Kamiki didn’t leave obvious evidence, but Aqua knows his father’s pattern. The bloodlust in Aqua’s eyes is expected to intensify as he realizes Kamiki isn’t just a target—he’s an active threat who strikes first .
The Film Production Dilemma
With Yura gone, who plays Ai? Gotanda and Kaburagi now face the challenge of recasting the most important role in their film . This opens up several possibilities. Could Ruby step into the role? Would Aqua allow that? Or will they need to find another actress willing to take on the part of a murdered idol?
Fans on MyAnimeList are already speculating about the casting process, with one user noting: “The progress of the production of Ai’s film is in full motion. Now the big question we are left is who’s gonna play the role of Ai which was left empty” .
Ruby and Aqua’s Fractured Relationship
Ruby has cut ties with Aqua, believing he’s lost sight of what matters . But Kamiki’s latest move might force them back into the same orbit. If Ruby learns the truth about who killed the actress set to play their mother, she may have no choice but to confront both her brother and her father.
Kana’s Exit from Idol Life
Kana’s decision to leave idol work behind marks a major shift. She’s asked Aqua to support her, which could change their dynamic significantly. Will Aqua be able to focus on revenge while also being there for Kana? Or will his obsession push her away permanently?
Global Fan Reactions and Theories
The Oshi no Ko fandom has been buzzing since Episode 8’s ending. On Reddit and Twitter, fans are dissecting every frame and dialogue choice.
One popular theory suggests that Kamiki’s murder of Yura wasn’t just about eliminating a threat—it was a message to Aqua. By killing the woman set to play Ai, Kamiki is essentially telling his son: “You can’t recreate her. You can’t replace her. And you can’t touch me.”
Another thread focuses on Ruby’s potential role in the film. Some fans believe Ruby might ultimately play Ai in The 15-Year Lie, creating an eerie parallel between mother and daughter that could break Ruby emotionally—or make her unstoppable.
The MyAnimeList discussion board captures the mood perfectly: “Gathering investors, pitching the project to distribution companies, and carefully assembling the cast, Gotanda and Kaburagi are fully immersed in the demanding process of bringing their film to life… Ending are always Banging Style” .
Technical Details and Trivia
- Total Episodes: Season 3 will run for 11 episodes, concluding on March 25, 2026 .
- Opening Theme: “Test Me” by Chanmina
- Ending Theme: “Serenade” by natori
- Studio: Doga Kobo, continuing their exceptional work from previous seasons
- Series Director: Daisuke Hiramaki
The anime is adapting the manga by Aka Akasaka with illustrations by Mengo Yokoyari, and based on fan feedback, the adaptation quality remains high .
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake
Oshi no Ko has always balanced its entertainment industry satire with genuine emotional stakes, but Season 3 is pushing into darker territory. Kamiki isn’t just a villain—he’s a predator who’s been operating undetected for years. The fact that he killed Yura without hesitation shows how comfortable he is with violence.
For Aqua, this isn’t just about revenge anymore. It’s about survival. If Kamiki is willing to kill actresses connected to the film, what would he do to Aqua or Ruby if they get too close?
The film The 15-Year Lie represents Aqua’s best chance to expose the truth, but every step forward brings new dangers. Episode 9 will likely show us whether Aqua doubles down on his plan or pivots entirely after Yura’s death.
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whats coming
Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 9 arrives at a pivotal moment. The game has changed. Kamiki has shown his hand, and Aqua must decide how to respond. Will fear slow him down, or will it make him more reckless?
With only three episodes left after this one, the countdown to the season finale has officially begun. March 11 can’t come soon enough.
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