How were fight scenes choreographed?

While Oshi no Ko is primarily known for its psychological drama and entertainment industry critique, many fans wonder how were fight scenes choreographed in this anime adaptation of Aka Akasaka's manga.

Limited Combat Sequences in Oshi no Ko

Unlike action-heavy anime series, Oshi no Ko features minimal physical confrontations, making fight choreography less prominent in the overall production. The series focuses more on emotional and psychological conflicts rather than traditional battle sequences.

Studio Doga Kobo's Approach

Studio Doga Kobo, known for their expertise in slice-of-life and drama anime, handled the few physical altercations with careful attention to realism. When choreographing these moments, the animation team prioritized emotional weight over flashy combat moves, ensuring each physical interaction served the narrative.

Realistic Movement Design

The studio's animators studied real-world movements to create believable physical interactions. Rather than employing exaggerated martial arts sequences common in shonen anime, they focused on natural human reactions and defensive postures that matched the characters' backgrounds and personalities.

Character-Driven Choreography

When physical confrontations do occur, the choreography reflects each character's emotional state and motivation. The animation team worked closely with character designers to ensure movements aligned with personality traits and physical capabilities, avoiding unrealistic superhuman abilities.

Emotional Impact Over Spectacle

Director Daisuke Hiramaki emphasized that any physical scenes should enhance character development rather than serve as mere spectacle. This approach resulted in choreography that feels grounded and serves the story's psychological themes.

Technical Considerations

The animation team utilized motion capture reference footage and collaborated with storyboard artists to plan camera angles that maximize emotional impact. Each movement was carefully timed to musical cues and voice acting performances.

For anime enthusiasts interested in more action-oriented choreography, exploring how other Studio Doga Kobo productions handle physical sequences might provide additional insights into their animation philosophy.