Oshi no Ko anime rights and licensing: Doga Kobo, Kadokawa, and HIDIVE
The Oshi no Ko anime combines Shueisha's manga rights, Kadokawa's growing studio ownership, and HIDIVE's exclusive streaming deal.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Oshi no Ko is based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, published by Shueisha in Weekly Young Jump. The anime is animated by Doga Kobo. Kadokawa acquired Doga Kobo in July 2024, making the studio a subsidiary. HIDIVE announced in 2024 that it would exclusively simulcast Season 2 in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, and the service streamed Season 1 as well. The copyright notice reads ©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/Shueisha, Oshi no Ko Production Committee.
Who owns the Oshi no Ko anime?
The underlying manga rights rest with Aka Akasaka, Mengo Yokoyari, and Shueisha. The anime is produced by Doga Kobo. In July 2024 Kadokawa announced that it had agreed to acquire shares in Doga Kobo and make it a subsidiary, strengthening Kadokawa's animation production capabilities.
This means Kadokawa now indirectly owns the studio that animates Oshi no Ko, though Shueisha retains the manga rights and the production committee holds the anime rights. The copyright notice names the Oshi no Ko Production Committee alongside the creators and Shueisha.
Who licenses Oshi no Ko?
HIDIVE, the anime streaming service owned by AMC Networks, is the exclusive Western streaming licensee for the anime. The service announced in 2022 that it would simulcast the series, and in 2024 it confirmed that Season 2 would stream exclusively in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
HIDIVE described Oshi no Ko as the number one series launch in its history after the first season premiered. Season 3 was also announced for HIDIVE in 2026.
Oshi no Ko rights structure based on public credits and announcements.| Party | Role | Rights |
|---|
| Shueisha | Manga publisher | Original manga and underlying IP |
| Doga Kobo | Animation studio | Animation production |
| Kadokawa | Studio owner | Parent company of Doga Kobo since 2024 |
| HIDIVE | Streamer | Exclusive Western streaming for Seasons 1 to 3 |
| Production committee | Funding / rights pool | Anime commercial rights |
How Kadokawa's Doga Kobo acquisition changes the picture
Before the acquisition, Doga Kobo was an independent studio that worked with multiple publishers. Kadokawa's purchase gives it control over one of its most important animation suppliers and adds Doga Kobo to a group that already included ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, Bellnox Films, and a stake in Kinema Citrus.
Kadokawa stated that the acquisition supports its Global Media Mix with Technology strategy through fiscal year 2028. For Oshi no Ko specifically, the deal means Kadokawa now owns the studio that produces the anime, even though Shueisha holds the manga rights.
What public evidence does not show
The exact ownership split within the Oshi no Ko Production Committee is not public. The terms of HIDIVE's exclusive streaming deal, including its duration, territories, and financial structure, are also not disclosed. It is unclear whether HIDIVE's exclusivity extends to all future seasons or only to the announced seasons.
Kadokawa's acquisition of Doga Kobo gives it control of the studio, but the franchise's manga rights remain with Shueisha. How Kadokawa and Shueisha coordinate on future Oshi no Ko projects is not public.
Ownership uncertainty note: Shueisha owns the manga, Doga Kobo produces the anime, and Kadokawa owns Doga Kobo. HIDIVE streams the anime exclusively in key Western markets. Exact ownership shares and contract terms are not public.
How Oshi no Ko fits the Shueisha-Doga Kobo-HIDIVE structure
Oshi no Ko is unusual because a Shueisha manga is being animated by a studio now owned by Kadokawa and streamed exclusively by HIDIVE. This crosses traditional publisher-studio boundaries and shows how vertical integration is reshaping anime rights.
For licensors and fans, the practical takeaway is that streaming rights sit with HIDIVE in the West, manga rights sit with Shueisha, and animation production sits with Doga Kobo under Kadokawa. Merchandise and other rights would flow through the production committee.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the anime rights to Oshi no Ko?
Shueisha owns the manga. The anime is produced by Doga Kobo for the Oshi no Ko Production Committee. Kadokawa acquired Doga Kobo in 2024.
Who licenses Oshi no Ko?
HIDIVE holds exclusive streaming rights for the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand for the first three seasons.
Does Kadokawa own Oshi no Ko?
Kadokawa owns Doga Kobo, the animation studio, but Shueisha retains the manga rights. Kadokawa does not own the franchise outright.
Is Oshi no Ko on Crunchyroll?
No. The anime has streamed exclusively on HIDIVE in the announced Western territories.