Anime of the Week: Oreimo (My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute)
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 8:15AM I’ve actually been saving this one for a while now because it’s by far one of my favorite Anime’s of all time. Oreimo is actually the shortened version of Ore no Imouto ga konna ni kawaii wake ga nai which translates to “My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute.” At its core, the show is about the relationship between a brother and sister that has slowly started to rebuild after being strained for several years. In a lot of ways though, it’s about both of their struggles with identity and finding their role in the world.
When I started watching the first episode I was instantly weirded out by the title and what I could only assume was the premise. I tend to just watch things without reading the synopsis just to be fully surprised by what something has to offer. I know that it’s ironic that I’m asking you to read about a show I knew nothing about, but I feel that if I don’t put this show out there a lot of people will miss out on it. Back to the first episode entitled: “My little sister can’t be my love.” Yes, that’s the title and really that’s what it deals with. Our main character Kyosuke lives a boring normal life and he loves it. One day after school he bumps into his sister Kirino. They both scowl at each other and then each carries on their own way. At this point Kyosuke notices something has slide underneath the stand by the front door.
Upon inspection he finds what looks like an innocent Anime DVD. Inside the case is an adult themed game about… brothers hooking up with their little sisters. Right there I had to ask myself, “what the fuck is going on in this show?” After a process of elimination, Kyosuke discovers that it’s Kirino’s DVD and game. He gives it back to her and tells her that he doesn’t care what she does. Which is true, he genuinely doesn’t care what she’s into as long as it doesn’t change his life. Later that night however, Kirino sneaks into his room and crawls on top of him… awkward. She asks him to come to her room so that she can ask him something. Reluctantly he follows her. There she reveals a secret closet full of Anime and Manga. Kyosuke is a little thrown off by it, but again doesn’t really care. But this scene starts them down the path of rebuilding their relationship as brother and sister. Thankfully it’s not a sexual relationship, I probably didn’t have to say that but I felt that it needed to be said.
Each additional episode is about Kirino seeking advice from Kyosuke about different things that have to do with her hobby of Manga and Anime. It’s a great look at how the Otaku culture is viewed by some in Japan and really, in the States as well. Kirino doesn’t look the type to enjoy cartoons and comics and that’s where her hang ups are. She’s a child fashion model, a star athlete and honor student; all of those titles and nowhere does "Otaku" fit in. This leaves her very lonely as she can’t express her true self in front of anyone other than her brother.
From here Kyosuke helps her find friends in other towns that have similar interests as well as talking to their parents when the situation arises. In general, Kyosuke does more than he really should. Kirino treats him like shit even though he’s helping her; this is in part due to the fact that he feels guilty for letting their relationship deteriorate in the first place.
Having a sibling myself, I probably related to the themes touched upon more than anything else, the situations are completely unrelatable to me but that was okay. That isn’t to say that having a sibling is required to watch the show, as it has tons of other material to latch on to. Probably the most interesting thing about this show is that it’s an Anime based off of a Manga that deals with Anime’s and Manga. It was something that I have never witnessed before in the world of Japanese cartoons and that intrigued me. Additionally I watched this with my wife from beginning to end and she actually enjoyed it as well. It was probably one of the best viewing experiences of my life because of this, since we now both copy the mannerisms’ of the characters around our house.
There are cartoons that I like and recommend and then there are ones that I love and hold near and dear to my heart. This one is the latter. I highly encourage you to watch the show as it is available at several locations on the interwebs. I watched it on Hulu, since that’s where I watch all my shit, but it should be available on the Anime Network and Crunchroll. Whatever you do though, don’t watch it dubbed… that would ruin it. Until next time Space Bastards.
Reader Comments (3)
soo... no incest?
LOL, no there is no incest. Just subtle jokes about it.
oh and by the way you should check out high school of the dead if you havent already. its pretty damm good. its only a few episodes long cause the anime stopped at some point.