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Making Eurobeat Accessible: "Oshi no Ko" and This Is Piano's Beginner-Friendly Rendition

Oshi no ko

While the entertainment industry has been glamorized, the hidden story is told to be dark. If you are interested in the dark story of the entertainment industry, this manga will capture your attention by leading you to its mesmerizing story and anime. "Oshi no Ko" is a Japanese manga series that artfully intertwines drama, mystery, and supernatural elements. Authored by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, this series has captivated audiences since its debut in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump in April 2020. It explores the darker aspects of Japan's entertainment industry through the lives of its main characters, Dr. Gorou Amamiya and his patient Sarina Tendouji, who are reborn as Aqua and Ruby Hoshino, the twin children of the famous pop idol Ai Hoshino.


The story unfolds with Gorou's admiration for Ai, leading to a dramatic turn of events when he is murdered and reincarnated as her son. Retaining his memories, Aqua navigates the complex entertainment world, seeking to uncover the truth behind his mother’s tragic death. Meanwhile, Ruby, also reincarnated, pursues her own dream of becoming an idol. Together, they face the harsh realities of fame, exploitation, and personal vendettas, making "Oshi no Ko" a poignant commentary on the hidden struggles within the glamorous façade of show business.


Adapted into an anime series by Doga Kobo, the first season premiered in April 2023, further expanding its reach and popularity. The series has been lauded for its gripping narrative, compelling character development, and its unflinching portrayal of the entertainment industry’s darker side. As "Oshi no Ko" continues to unfold, it remains a must-read for manga enthusiasts and a critical exploration of the price of fame.



What kinds of music could convey the story of "Oshi no ko"? Interestingly, the music has been choosen perfectly for the anime. "Fatal (ファタール)" is the opening theme for the second season of the Oshi no Ko. It is performed by GEMN, a newly established band featuring Tatsuya Kitani and Kento Nakajima.


This music features distinctive characteristics of Eurobeat, which can be explained as a high-energy genre of electronic dance music. As you can expect, it was originated in Europe, particularly Italy, in the late 1980s and gained significant popularity in the 1990s. This genre is defined by its fast tempo, typically ranging from 140 to 160 beats per minute (BPM), which contributes to its lively and dynamic feel. The use of synthesizers is central to Eurobeat, creating a distinct electronic sound that is both upbeat and driving. Drum machines and electronic drum sounds provide a consistent, pulsating beat that underpins the music's energetic vibe. Even though it was originally created in Italy, it has a huge cultural impact in Japan, particularly in anime industry.


This was a great choice of “Oshi no ko” by using Eurobeat music in the opening. Its energetic and fast characteristics perfectly fits into the anime’s topic, which is an entertainment industry. In order to convey the mood of the anime, “Fatal” has catchy melodies and hooky choruses with energetic and enthusiastic vocal as other Eurobeat music does. Another outstanding feature of this music is that it does not lose the entire vibe until the end, which can be easily heard as boring music. However, while it maintains its fast and enthusiastic vibe, it is well composed that listeners do not lose their attention.


Many people might face hurdles in playing Eurobeat music themselves due to its fast tempo. It features rapid passages with numerous notes, which can make it challenging for individuals to play with ease. Additionally, maintaining the tempo throughout a piece requires sustained energy, which can be difficult. In such cases, playing an arrangement that highlights the original music's strengths while transforming it into a more manageable piano piece can be beneficial.



This rendition, arranged by This Is Piano, is a perfect example of how fast-tempo music can be recreated for beginners. It retains the essence of the original while providing necessary breaks and simplifying complex passages, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy playing Eurobeat on the piano without excessive difficulty. It preserves the original melodies from beginning to end while showcasing various benefits of playing the piano through different accompaniments. Unlike the original music, which maintains a consistent drum beat that can stress beginners, this arrangement provides breaks between fast passages. For instance, in the bridge, the melody is simplified with just a few notes in the left hand, whereas the original music continues with consistent fast beats. This contrast in the arrangement is useful as it allows players to take a break. Moreover, it offers an interesting and contrasting feeling that captures listeners' attention more easily.


One potential challenge in practicing this arrangement is the frequent use of octaves in the right hand. This can be difficult for individuals with smaller hands. If this is the case for you, try not to play all the notes as written in the score initially. Instead, practice without the octaves first. Once you become comfortable, you can then try playing the octave notes on the main beats. Whether you play octaves on the main beats or throughout the score, there is minimal difference for listeners. This subtle difference can be a great hack for those struggling to play the piece.


 In conclusion, "Oshi no Ko" masterfully blends drama, mystery, and the supernatural to expose the dark side of the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and character depth. The anime's use of Eurobeat music, particularly the opening theme "Fatal," enhances its dynamic energy, perfectly mirroring the show's intense themes. For piano enthusiasts, the arrangement by This Is Piano offers a beginner-friendly adaptation of Eurobeat's fast-tempo style, maintaining the original's vibrancy while making it accessible. This thoughtful arrangement allows players to enjoy the music's high-energy appeal without overwhelming difficulty, bridging the gap between complexity and playability.



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