First Impressions / Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai

OP8 Sequence

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OP8: 「irony」 by ClariS
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Things get pretty heated between Kirino and Kuroneko in this latest opening, and Kirino’s drenched with a tear running down her face. Foreshadowing?

“Now you want a consultation? Take a number and get in line!”

「俺の妹がこんなにコスプレなわけがない」 (Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kosupure na Wake ga Nai)
“There’s No Way My Sister’s This Into Cosplaying”

I felt a bit shortchanged by an episode title that clearly suggested a certain younger sister would be doing some cosplaying, but where Kirino didn’t dress up as Meruru (or Rinko, lol), Kanako of all people made up for it. Things would have never gotten there if it wasn’t thanks to Ayase, whom I’m surprised Kyousuke will still meet up with and help out after that… incident. I would’ve thought that he’d learn his lesson from mingling with Kirino’s “normal” friends after that, but it turns out he’s tough enough to be take a beating and come back willing to help more. Really now Kyousuke? Not a masochist are we?

 

Oh snap, Kirino took Kyousuke’s “you’re not my girlfriend” comment to heart.

Now if this isn’t the face of a girl who thinks a guy’s too dense to understand her feelings, then I don’t know what is.

It was a retort that some viewers were probably begging to see (myself included), so it was music to my ears when Kyousuke used the “you’re not my girlfriend” line in response to Kirino getting upset about how he’s hanging out with her friends. The slap that followed suit along with the serious look on Kirino’s face spoke volumes about how sensitive of a subject he hit. The only thing missing was a tear in Kirino’s eye when she looked him straight in the eye to seal the deal on how her actions doesn’t agree with her words. Tsuntsun brotherly complex or not, I’m actually grateful they didn’t make it any more obvious than they already did, or I’d be wary of this series joing the ranks of Aki Sora before long. Hurray for the tease and not actually doing the deed!

 

“Better you than us.”
Kureneko will sell Kyousuke out in a heartbeat even though it was her tongue that slipped.

According to Kyousuke, small gifts won’t cut it to get Ayase back into Kirino’s good books. And here I thought you could always make-up over porn. No? Really? Okay.

Kuroneko understands an otaku’s limited edition compulsion. Not-for-sale one of a kind items? That’s definitely worth cosplaying for.

Given the way that Kyousuke wouldn’t settle on just any old Meruru-related gift for Kirino, I’m starting to think that he doesn’t have a sister complex, but rather an obsession compulsive-like desire to act like an older brother. Judging by his recent actions, I’m somewhat inclined to believe that he’s always wanted to be a dependable big brother but never had a younger sibling to do so with. He kind of reminds me of the way I’ll go to some lengths just for a sign of appreciation, except I’d draw the line somewhere before everyone thought I was a pervert. However, I do enjoy seeing what crazy things an anime character will get into if he didn’t do, which includes the way that Kuroneko will tarnish his image even more if it means saving her own. I would’ve thought that Kyousuke would be used to it now — having his image lowered to that of a perverted scum bug — but he still wants to be treated like a normal human being from time to time. Now he’s clearly asking for too much.

Kuroneko on the other hand doesn’t look like she’s always bound by reason either, after seeing her pay her tribute to Maschera by buying a DVD that she probably already has just because it was in the bargain bin. While I can’t say I’d ever be that much of a fan for anything, I did enjoy seeing an unreasonable side of Kuroneko for a change. What can I say? It was cute.

 

Kyousuke gets bullied around by 14 year-old girls. It’s great.

“Do you want me to kick your ass so hard that it comes out of your mouth!? Pervert!”

One vote from me for wanting to see Ayase in Thanatos Eros’ EX Mode outfit.

Ooooh, that’s gotta hurt.

Well maybe we live in a day and age where it’s okay to be afraid of 14 year-old girls. No one will think less of anyone that does right? Riiight!?

I may have spoken prematurely about being fine with less screen time for Ayase, because her reaction to Thanatos Eros’ naked transformation scene was pretty priceless after Kyousuke dug his own grave by suggesting that she cosplay as her. I think it’s about time he invested in a Magic Hand, or something that will keep himself out of her forward roundhouse’s reach when he’s showing her a magazine. I’m a bit disappointed that a “professional” model like her wouldn’t put up with showing a little butt crack, but I guess that’s why we have doujinshi. Err, I mean, that’s why we had Kanako substituting in to provide the cuter Meruru cosplay. Yeah, that’s what I meant to say…

 

Kate/starry night: Unlicensed Blade Works. Oh it’s unlicensed alright.

I have an idea where Kirino gets that bratty attitude of hers from. Imagine being in the same room with her and Kanako. *shudder*

Unknowingly cosplayed and squatting in the parking lot like it’s nobody’s business. All we need is a cigarette in her hands to complete the picture.

Chances Ayase will cosplay to make up with Kirino: Zero.
Chances Ayase will trick Kanako into doing it for her: Guaranteed.

If anime has taught me anything (and it surprisingly does at times), it’s that to make it in showbiz you need to be able to hide your true colors with a flip of a switch. In Kanako’s case, she’s only an aspiring idol yet able to change from a friendly “Please call me Kanakana” attitude to an arrogant “Don’t call me Kanakana you freak” one in a heartbeat. Well aware that seiyuu are voicing these characters, I’m starting to feel a bit disillusioned; I really am. Granted, I’ve already suspected as much before they go professing their love life on a television program *cough*Hirano Aya*cough*, but I do have difficulty picturing ones like Hayami Saori being a two-faced individual who secretly hates her fans behind closed doors. Tamura Yukari sure makes a case for herself after this “lovely” performance of Kanako though. I kid (…or do I!?)

 

Kirino getting into it with the crowd is just so out of place. Hoshino Kurara on the other hand may as well be Tamura Yukari in anime form.

Bridget Evans (Kuno Misaki) arrives to defend her crown, whereas the competition is just there to say they participated.

Some steel-toed boots would’ve done Kyousuke wonders against Kirino’s deadly high heel stomp.

While it probably wouldn’t be fair to criticize Kirino on how much of a Meruru fan she is if she doesn’t even realize that her friend’s voice sounds just like Hoshino Kurara’s, something can probably be said about how she didn’t even recognize Kanako on stage. If Kyousuke had known that she’d be that blind, he probably could have saved himself a toe or two from being crushed. Incidentally, why am I not surprised Kirino didn’t like the slicked back hair and suit look on Kyousuke? I gather it might have something to do with how she prefers the young look.

 

A natural idol or a complete poser who thinks the audience is a bunch of sweaty geeks? Oh wait, that’s the same thing isn’t it?

“Kyoudai na power de~ Kira☆!”

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INS1: 「星くず☆うぃっちメルル」 (Hoshikuzu☆Witch Meruru) by 田村ゆかり (Tamura Yukari)
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It’s probably safe to say that Yukarin had no problem getting into the whole magical gear swing of things, seeing as she’s Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha herself. I’m going to go out on a limb and conclude that’s the reason why she was cast for Kanako’s role.

 

If Kirino ever learns that Kanako is the living breathing version of Meruru, I think there’s a good chance she’d kidnap her and rape her.

“Kanakana-chan” wins with ease, but acts like a grumpy, chain-smoking, alcoholic backstage. She’s the Japanese idol version of Krusty the Clown.

That Meruru wand has some good hook on it.

If Kuroneko ever wanted to disillusion Meruru fans forever, all she would need to do is post footage of this on Nico Nico Douga.

I guess my “joke” from above continues. If seiyuu or idols actually thought so poorly about their fans behind closed doors, they could still easily rise to stardom as long as they manage to keep it under wraps. I gather this might be why some hardcore fans aren’t very understanding of ones that let their pure, ideal, and innocent image slip in public, because even the smallest indication that their favorite seiyuu, singer, or idol thinks poorly of them probably means there’s a lot more dirt that’s yet to be uncovered. Funny how that works, because over in Hollywood, dirt actually seems to make stars more popular. Talk about some messed up fans.

 

Kanako tossed the ultra rare figurine instantly, but it managed to find its way into Kirino’s hands. Aww, now isn’t that sweet. A gift from the trash.

“Headline: Meruru cosplayer causes a big ruckus.”
So um, I think Ayase forgot to give Kanako her regular clothes back.

I should probably mention that the official website has just confirmed that there will be eight DVD/BD volumes released for this series, with the 7th and 8th ones containing four episodes (two each) that won’t be aired. The television broadcast is slated to end on episode 12 with a “Good End”, whereas these four episodes will lead to a “True End”. Interpret that however you will, but we won’t find out for sure until those two volumes are released next year on June 22 and July 27 respectively. It’s going to be one long wait, but it looks like I’ll have more Oreimo to talk about next year.

 

ED7 Sequence

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ED7: 「いいえ、トムは妹に対して性的な興奮をおぼえています」 (Iie, Tom wa Imouto ni Taishite Seiteki na Koufun wo Oboeteimasu) by 田村ゆかり (Tamura Yukari)
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If the live performance of the Meruru theme song wasn’t enough, Kanako is back with an ending theme as well.

Preview & End Card

From the sound of it, Saori’s maid outfits will be saved for next week.

105 Comments

    1. I don’t think anyone likes Ayase really, and most of the chicks in this are just too bitchy for their own good, if the guy had a pair he’d be doing the smacking or just ignoring this silliness period.

      GP
      Reply

      1. Im starting to wonder if he can ACTUALLY lay the smack down if he wanted to. The hurt look in Kiri’s eyes was deep but I just cant sympathize with any of the model friends.
        Maybe it was my imagination but it looked like kanako shared a bonding moment with Kyosuke in the back stage.

        Omegan
        Reply

  6. Show Spoiler ▼

    Also, in the crowd scene at around 16:42, is that the writer dude from episode 8, or am I just insane?

    zem
    Reply

  10. Good End – Kyousuke expelled from his school and decided to leave the house as well but only his younger sister knows the truth. (Kanako finally discovered the truth and exposed it.) He defended her from something extremely significant. He performed Onizuka Eikichi mode on his younger sister just to save her one more time. Saori offered some help for Kyosuke recommended some schools to transfer he’s the first person to discover Saori’s identity and she shared her secrets to him, and for the first time Kirino finally accepted her brother and called him Onii-chan. Kuroneko confronted Kirino and slapped her face, and told her frankly if only Kyousuke is her brother, she would love and care for him, which reveals Kirino true feelings towards her brother through Kuroneko.

    True End – Wincest

    pedobear
    Reply

      1. No, at least I hope not. The novel doesn’t really have a convenient stopping point, so they probably just decide to make an anime-only final episode to wrap things up neatly in a little box. While the “true ending” simply involves ending whatever story arc around then in a to-be-continued sort of way.

        Meh
        Reply

    2. what better way to boost BD sales than to set up “true ending”, wincest included?
      sex sells, and forbidden sex sells the best!
      though I prefer good ending, provided it really ends good
      and I am surprised they didnt try including bad ending as well (nice vehicles fan crowd is suitably large…)

      ewok40k
      Reply

  11. Love how the opening changes a bit every episode plus irony is such a great song, probably be one of the top openings of 2010.

    More Kuroneko next ep hopefully, she could definitely be the main eye candy of this series.

    crazystudyguy
    Reply

  14. “something can probably be said about how she didn’t even recognize Kanako on stage. If Kyousuke had known that she’d be that blind, he probably could have saved himself a toe or two from being crushed.”

    Kyousuke went over to Kirino so Kanako wouldn’t recognise the fan that’s acting very excited as her ‘perfect’ friend.
    So whether Kirino could recognise Kanako or not is not really important in his decision making process.

    I also just noticed all 3 of them have names starting with K…

    runedot
    Reply

  17. Kirino with a nosebleed is just hilarious that made up for the mislead of cosplay I do hope she gets the maid outfit, I think I’ve seen a poster of it on a couple image boards.

    Bluance
    Reply

  22. lol… true ending?! ok… I don’t like the sound of that 😀
    why are all 14-years in this series so F*&^ed up? though if they all keep their mouth shut, they would actually be good for a while…
    we need more character like the childhood friend and her family…

    jrj
    Reply

    1. True ending probably just means “conform-with-the-light-novel” ending. That means we get an anime only ending for the television show, saving the light novel ending of volume 4 for the Bluray. My suggestion..

      virox
      Reply

  24. In my eyes Kyousuke is just a Maso in denial. Surprised, I thought this episode was meant to be a filler. Really enjoyed it. I pay too much attention to the original script for this part so I guess I didn’t realize it before but I really like Ayase’s character here. She’s so set on to making Kirino happy while trying to watch out for her by not resorting to lewd presents. That slight Yandere impression she had before is slowly being washed away.

    Loved the Kira☆! comeback. That part is honestly fun to sing along with (with hand actions and all)…reminds me of the good old times singing to mahou shoujo anime. Oh and Kirino you are such a disgusto burger for nosebleeding for your friend. Poor Kanako being dragged into it and left alone I assume.

    I wish they showed the scene where Kirino receives the present though. I wanted to see her reaction, kind of sad they skipped it.

    Interesting to read the dvd extra episodes. “True” ending? Does that mean the LN is going to be finished by next year on Volume 8/9/10 or something? You can’t call it a true ending without knowing the actual ending you know?

    Saya
    Reply

  25. lol was i the only one who voted to see Ayase in Thanatos Eros’ EX Mode outfit.

    It was really good to see Ayase’s version of kicking. kind of reminds me of Tomoyo’s kicking sunohara in clannad.
    to think that Tamura Yukari got 3 roles in this anime. Kanako, Meruru, and the girl with black twin tail hair that keeps appearing in the series.
    To kyousuke – she’s the one sing for the merururu thats why she knows how to sing.
    The Meruru song was good especially seeing a fitting CG effect at the back of Kanako

    ♛Croosboy♛
    Reply

  27. Ayase kick~ CRITICAL HIT! Kyousuke must be really tough to still stand relatively fast after that, or he must be used to it hmm (M?). I do wonder what those endings could be. Nevertheless, a fun episode now the wait…

    Kyzel
    Reply

  31. Kanako had an unfair advantage in sounding exactly like the character she was cosplaying as (Meruru also seems to be voiced by Tamura Yukari).

    I really don’t want Kirino ending; normally I’m all for wincest ending, but Kirino really can’t compare to Ruri.

    Brizzle
    Reply

    1. Tamura Yukari was in essence playing three characters here:

      1. Kanako
      2. Meruru
      3. Hoshino Kurara – the fictional seiyuu who does the voice of Meruru

      So it was quite a LOLfest when Kurara introduced Kanako to the audience, only to hear her own voice replying.

      In fact, this set-up is staying true to the original novel, where it’s mentioned “It’s as though Kurara had just replied to her own question, leading to Kurara herself to blink in amazement.”

      I really have a feeling Fushimi Tsukasa has Tamura Yukari’s voice in mind when he created these three characters.

      Kinny Riddle
      Reply

  33. I lol’ed pretty hard at the crowd spazzing out at 19:16. Also, yay for Kirino’s tsuntsun brocon. I love it. That scene + nosebleed + Meruru on stage + Kuroneko’s antics made this a really enjoyable episode for me.

    Was Kirino among the crowd in the original (novel)?

    Dozo
    Reply

  34. All we need is a cigarette in her hands to complete the picture.

    “Kanakana-chan” wins with ease, but acts like a grumpy, chain-smoking, alcoholic backstage.

    In the novel, besides acting like a total bitch backstage, she actually smokes like any other delinquent girl would. (Though she would slowly quit the habit upon Ayase’s nagging. )

    Though it seems depicting an underage girl smoking is still off-limits, even for a late-night mostly 20+ otaku-oriented anime.

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

  35. It’s probably safe to say that Yukarin had no problem getting into the whole magical gear swing of things, seeing as she’s Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha herself. I’m going to go out on a limb and conclude that’s the reason why she was cast for Kanako’s role.

    And also why I’m disappointed to find out that Bridget isn’t voiced by Mizuki Nana, aka Fate Testarossa. As the character cosplayed by Bridget is pretty much the equivalent to Fate’s role in the Meruru anime.

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

  36. Well, since everything and more was already covered in most of the comments, I’d say I agree with them rather to point out everything once more.

    However, Kyousuke looks pretty cool in that suit, I’m thinking he should wear that all the time, esp. with all of the girls who are falling for him … slightly if antyhing.

    CelestialEssence
    Reply

  37. Kyousuke’s “you’re not my gf” quip no doubt struck a raw nerve in Kirino and her hidden brother-complex.

    Ayase, while not in “total yandere-mode”, is still quite entertaining to watch whenever she gets riled up. Perhaps Kyousuke’s really a masochist in knowing he could get whacked by her and still decided to come see her. lol

    And LMAO at Kate/Starry Night: Unlicensed Blade Works.

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

  40. For being a female lead it seems Kirino is getting a surprising amount of down-play. Not that I’m complaining, being a Kuroneko fan myself, but it was just a comment. This episode was good, but I still think last episode has been my favourite so far.

    LaN
    Reply

  44. Falcon KIIIIIICK!

    i don’t blame kyousuke for taking that blow, doubt anyone could dodge that o_o

    still o.0 is it odd that after this ep, i’m sailing in the ayase/kyousuke ship (even though it’s unlikely)? XD ‘least ayase shows her deredere side instead of going all-out tsuntsun

    theone
    Reply

  45. Well, if you think about it, it’s kind o weird to save up an espisode wich could imply a possible continuation. If you consider the release of the las volume (near november), the next volume would be on sale on July. If the author it’s thinking on finish the novel at the eigth volume, the paralel with the anime would be a priceless ocasion.

    Dave
    Reply

  46. These last two episode has been the better ones compare to the rest of this series except for that episode with childhood friend. All 3 episode are hilarious the rest are so so like that stupid anime production episode.

    arixx
    Reply

  47. “which includes the way that Kuroneko will tarnish his image even more if it means saving her own.”

    Not sure if you were talking about Kuroneko or Kyousuke, but you used both his and her.

    Anyway, this was a greatly amusing episode. I’m not usually one for cutesy stuff, but that Meruru cosplay was adorable.

    teisey
    Reply

    1. I think Divine is talking about when Kuroneko let slip how she and Saori have been meeting up with Kyousuke without Kirino, but made it seem like it was Kyousuke’s idea to save her own skin. Thus the ‘his’ and ‘her’ usage.

      Jaye
      Reply

  50. best op yet even though same song. i wish kuroneko tell kyousuke that she loves him so kirino can speak out. i feel sorry for the blonde kid for being bullied by kanako.

    talkative_bastard
    Reply

  51. Seriously, Kyousuke needs to man up and take control of these girls! He is being whipped by Kirino, Ayase, and even Kanako (insulted him directly before). He just needs to show his manly side and show them his “Hyper Weapon” lol. Though seriously, he gets beaten up by 14 year old girls all the time, I really start to wonder if he is going all “Tarou (on MM!)” on us. Hell, at least Tarou has a valid reason, and he can kick ass! (Super Hentai M style) lol

    X
    Reply

  61. While watching this, I’ve come to respect Kyousuke’s tenacity through Kirino’s mess. Heck, I’m not even sure if he’s being smart or just a wise-ass. Sorry for the language. And I’ve seen another side of Ayase, the much talked about “yandere” side of her.

    Maybe I should make a paper about it.

    Razgriz
    Reply

  62. Rofl Divine, your screen captions make me “lol” so damn hard. Also, great line “Hooray for the tease, without actually doing the tease” Catchy lol. I’m still trying to figure out if this animes goal is to tell us sister love is bad or if it’s saying its good lol. Ah well, as long as it’s as funny as it has been lately, I’m all for it.

    Rin-kun
    Reply

  69. Briget and Kuroneko are two cute muffins.

    “A natural idol or a complete poser who thinks the audience is a bunch of sweaty geeks? Oh wait, that’s the same thing isn’t it?”

    Hahaha… is that true? I honestly think that could be!

    Lectro Volpi
    Reply

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