Alice Nanase [updated]
Title: The Quiet Anchor: Why Alice Nanase is the Unsung Hero of Oshi no Ko
In a story defined by reincarnation, celestial twins, and the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, it is easy to get swept up in the supernatural drama of Oshi no Ko. We obsess over Aqua’s quest for revenge, Ai’s tragic legacy, and the explosive trajectories of Kana and Akane. But in the background of the Lala Lai Theatrical Company arc, there is a character who quietly steals the spotlight—not through flashy acting or dramatic twists, but through the sheer, relatable power of being the "normal" one.
I’m talking about Alice Nanase.
While she hasn't had the screen time of the main cast, Alice serves a narrative function that is absolutely crucial to the story’s grounding. She is the audience surrogate, the hard worker, and the unfortunate reality check. Here is why Alice Nanase deserves way more love.
Legacy and Fan Reception
Despite appearing in only one major arc, Alice Nanase has a surprisingly enduring legacy in the fandom. alice nanase
- "Best Girl" Candidate: In fandom polls and discussions, she is frequently brought up as a "lost potential" character. Fans appreciated her design (a cute blonde with distinct attire) and her aggressive personality, wishing she had been integrated into the main cast as a recurring rival or reluctant ally.
- The "Tsundere" Subversion: She is often cited as one of the best examples of a subverted Tsundere. While a standard Tsundere is harsh but eventually becomes sweet, Alice is sweet on the surface but harsh underneath. It flips the script on one of anime's most tired tropes.
3. A Mirror for Aqua’s Humanity
Alice also serves as an important foil to Aqua. While Aqua is calculating every interaction to further his goals or hide his trauma, Alice interacts with him at face value.
She sees him as a peer (and a slightly intimidating one at that). She doesn't see the "Gorou" inside him, nor does she see the "son of Ai." She just sees "Hoshino, the actor." In a way, interactions with Alice are some of the few times Aqua is treated like a normal human being rather than a celebrity or a vessel for revenge. Title: The Quiet Anchor: Why Alice Nanase is
Her presence in the Lala Lai arc forces Aqua to operate in a space where his usual manipulation tactics are unnecessary. He has to help her, guide her, and work with her as a fellow actor. It normalizes him, which is vital for a character who is constantly spiraling into darkness.
The Breakthrough: Rean Cropp in To Your Eternity
No discussion of Alice Nanase is complete without acknowledging Rean Cropp from To Your Eternity (Season 1 & 2). While the anime is famous for the silent, stoic protagonist Fushi, Rean serves as the emotional anchor of the "Jananda Island" and "Renril" arcs. "Best Girl" Candidate: In fandom polls and discussions,
Nanase was tasked with a difficult challenge: Rean starts as a spoiled, cowardly noblewoman forced into a brutal gladiator system and evolves into a resilient, compassionate leader. In the hands of a lesser actor, Rean would have been annoying. In Nanase’s hands, she became tragic.
Signature Scene: In Episode 12, when Rean cries out for Fushi to save her despite having been cruel to him earlier, Nanase’s voice cracks with a realism rarely seen in dubbed anime. She doesn't just cry; she hyperventilates, stutters, and lets the arrogance drain from her tone until only raw fear remains. Critics noted that Nanase’s performance single-handedly turned Rean from a hated character into a fan-favorite survivor.