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

OP4 Sequence

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OP4: 「irony」 by ClariS
[Download]

Forget the middle school and otaku girls, it’s the Tamura family taking the opening sequence by storm this week, Nico Nico Douga style.

Akagi, you’ll be forever remembered as the first male friend I’ve seen Kyousuke interact with.

Now here’s an interesting camera angle. It still doesn’t compare to the previous “offering” though.

「俺の幼馴染みがこんなに可愛いわけがない」 (Ore no Osananajimi ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai)
“There’s No Way My Childhood Friend is This Cute”

As the title suggests, we have an episode on plain old Manami this week that depicts how she’d probably be the perfect match for Kyousuke. Together, they’d probably make one of the dullest couples ever (albeit most normal), which was made plainly obvious when her grandparents showed more youth in them than they have. In the case of an age identity crisis, we have young geezers and old teenagers mixing things, and not a whole lot in the younger sister department. Not to be completely forgotten, there was every indication that Kirino missed having Kyousuke around to preach to about eroge and talk down to though. For the most part, that came off as feelings of frustration and loneliness from not having him around to listen to everything she has to say, though I can definitely see how it could be seen as a brotherly complex developing as well. Whatever the case, this episode wasn’t about Kirino so much as Manami, who’s a victim of falling so far into the “friend zone” that Kyousuke doesn’t even see her as a girl anymore. That’s the overall sentiment anyway, but Manami makes a good attempt in turning it around by inviting him over to help out with a Halloween event, getting him to try out some of her homemade chocolates, and even teasing him about taking a bath with her. Go Manami!

However, had it not been for Manami’s eccentric grandfather, easygoing grandmother, and younger brother Iwao (Ootsuda Hiromi), a.k.a. “Rock”, one could probably argue that the rest of her time spent with Kyousuke was about as eventful as watching paint dry. I never thought I’d say it, but thank goodness for old people bringing some life to the party — even when they’re posing as a corpse or a zombie. While Kirino was busy making love snuggling with her new dakimakura, Kyousuke did get flustered on enough occasions to suggest that if Manami really tried to seduce him, it may just work. What’s more, it looked like Manami had found a “dakimakura” of her own, which I would’ve loved to see Kirino’s reaction to if she somehow caught sight of it. For the time being, Manami still doesn’t feel like much of a contender for Kyousuke’s heart — especially given how he’s not looking for any sort of a relationship — but I do enjoy watching the plain-looking girl show a girlish side of her and remain true to her feelings. Manami is cute and would be perfect wife material for Kyousuke on paper. The only problem is, that’s not the type of uneventful series I’m here to watch, so bring on the violent little sister who wants a piece of the Kyousuke pie too.

 

The amazon.co.jp box was pretty obvious, but the “imouto” in the crossword puzzle was less so.

Who says Halloween is only for kids?

Iwao’s grandfather is pretty relentless with making fun of his buzz cut. Ah, old people these days…

They look too good to be eaten. Manami’s got the skills of a professional patisserie.

They were made specifically for you Kyousuke! Take a hint!

I don’t often agree with grandparents nagging their grandchildren to get married, but this is one of the odd occasions that I do.

If only Kyousuke really knew what Kirino was up to at that very moment.

I’m not here to judge. Continue frolicking on the ground…

Manami’s father isn’t a man of many words, whereas Iwao’s close enough to Kyousuke to call him “An-chan”.

If only Kirino really knew what Kyousuke was up to…

Now this is a playful side of Manami that I’d definitely like to see a lot more of.

Especially when it backfires with Kyousuke pulling out all stops. Manami must feel like she was just mentally undressed.

Kirino didn’t have a lot of screen time in this one, but this more than made up for it.

Congrats to the newly weds.

With all the otaku talk in this series, a normal discussion about going to the same university was pretty odd.

It looks like Kuroneko and Saori can’t substitute for the void that Kyousuke leaves when he’s not around. It looks like that dakimakura isn’t doing it for her anymore.

ED4 Sequence

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ED4: 「マエガミ☆」 (Maegami☆) by Satou Satomi (佐藤聡美)
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The ending sequences haven’t been anything special, but a song by Satou Satomi always helps her lack thereof in K-ON.

Preview & End Card

Kirino and light novels? Hmm…

105 Comments

      2. I feel your pain man. I always root for the underdog when it comes to love/romance animes… thats why watching I always feel the heartbreak when the anime ends. I only remember just a few love romance anime where the under dog (in my heart that is…) won the heart of the Main Character (Kimi ga nozomu eien, canvas, true tears, Kasmimasi)

        Alec
        Reply

    2. IMO I actually like the couple, Kyosuke and Manami are made for each other! I thought this episode confirmed it, he denies that he doesnt see Manami as a girl and doesnt want to go out with her, BUT as Akagi asked him if he would be fine if some guy goes out with her, he adamantly replied that he will never allow it and would beat the crap out of the guy who will do that. I’d say just as Akagi figured that Kyosuke might just be in love with Manami despite him not realizing it, like on a subconscious level or something. Besides I dont know about you guys who hated this episode or find it too boring, but I for once enjoyed it a lot. Hell I could even say I prefer Manami than Kirino if I was in Kyosuke’s shoes, why? Hell would you actually date your legitimate blood related sister? I for once wouldnt even think of it, I dont give a dam how hot she is, I aint crossing that taboo. Even if she wasnt blood related, I would still prefer Manami (I know you guys must think im crazy), but I got a legitimate reason..that is…I’m a CHILDHOOD FRIEND (OSANANAJIMI) SHIPPER!

      Seriously though, Manami showed her girlish and cute side that even struck Kyosuke more than Kirino, since I havent seen Kyosuke this flustered compared to how even him playing imouto eroge with his sister didnt get him this flustered when Nanami asked to bathe with him and to sleep together with him. But oh well, the title alone suggests solely on focusing on his imouto (heck I prefer Kuroneko more than Kirino) so I guess we might all just get the imouto route in the end. Dam, I always root for the underdog as well like Manami and Kuroneko.

      X
      Reply

  4. Watching the OP I was so confused by these wholesome characters from another time. The bald junior high student and the grandparents…

    Also apparently Kyousuke has a “hyper device” to show her in the bath >_<

    Interesting hearing Nakamura growl at Manami during that scene (nice to hear something other than yelling for a change…). He and Kugimiya Rie are funny to watch in interviews because they're so…demure in real life and yet end up often voicing LOUD characters.

    rufe
    Reply

  7. They’re playing on the non-existing “bro-con” Kirinrin have too much, trying too hard to suggest something that’s not there.

    The only problem is that I really wanna see what exactly happened inside Kirinrin’s min that made her think Kyousuke abandoned her when he obviously felt otherwise.

    TheNewHorde
    Reply

    1. I hope he doesn’t end up involved with his sister. That would be too creepy. Manami should be with him. Or if not Manami then the sister’s girl friend with the weird glasses.

      Karmafan
      Reply

  12. I actually liked the Nico Nico Douga OP. I had to do a double take on it since it’s exactly what I would’ve expected. Different characters and all. With that said, Kirino’s dakimakura made me LOL. Hooray for cuddling with your favorite characters, right?

    TehJawknee
    Reply

  13. LOLRainbow

    I do wonder when Divine is going to crack from uploading all these variant openings.

    This episode was surprisingly very nice. Very normal yes, yet still had a good feeling about it.

    The normal option here is indeed very boring (I mean, when you make an old couple appear young and energetic …) but it did offer many opportune moments for jokes (”congrats to the newly wed”) and the seduction scene.

    Gotta say, the Aoki Ume image at the end was the best so far.

    Arabesque
    Reply

  16. As much as this was a Manami episode; a jealous Kirino is undeniably cute (Gif please?) made it oh so more worth it. If Kyousuke did end up with Manami, he’d up with a sweet and peaceful girlfriend that’s also willing to put out. Also wtb Kaori pic without otaku glasses please. 🙂

    Kyzel
    Reply

  17. Pardon my ignorance but what does the “Nico Nico Douga style” mean/refer to? Links or explanations are welcome 🙂

    “…which was made plainly obvious when her grandparents showed more youth in them than they have”

    lol! Nice phrase.

    Travian
    Reply

    1. ‘nice douga’ is the website name of what I think of it as ‘youtube japan’ but usually for anime-related stuff, where its common for someone to upload parody videos of an anime’s open featuring characters from another anime/redrawn in.

      Hence the reference, its the same OP as usual but with diff. characters ‘starring’.

      examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL7fGX5rnd8 ( a video of haruhi ending, but with various ‘kyoto animation’ characters replaced with the originals)

      Dawn
      Reply

    1. Maybe this is a reality set in the future of Clannad where we continue the bloodline of one of the characters. Hey, I think Iwao has some of Kyou’s eye color… =D.

      But yes, totally get what you mean. The voice of Tomoya stuck in another friendly household…yet again :).

      Zanibas
      Reply

  20. Now we just gotta wait for episode 7.. :3

    Also, according to the info on AniDB, it looks like this series is going to last a while.

    Just don’t hope it’ll last over 20 episodes, ‘cus that might be a little too much.

    Yakamaru
    Reply

      2. CHIBI, you’re talking nonsense. Toradora has one of the best romance anime endings out there.

        Anyway, back on topic, I personally don’t think OreImo will go beyond one cour (13 episodes), so far only 7 novel volumes are out, so unless Fushimi Tsukasa decides to wrap things up in volume 8, otherwise, it’s more likely AIC will save the later volumes for a second season.

        Kinny Riddle
        Reply

  24. Ending eye catch looked uncannily like Hidamari Sketch (don’t know the artist).

    GrandpaXGrandma duo was awesome. Had me laughing the whole time.

    Jealousy snippets of Kirino confirms (very much) an awkward incestuous ending (not that I’m against incest in anime).

    Light Novels Eh?

    NanoNano
    Reply

  25. Wow, an episode where I did not get the urge to strangle Kirino’s 2-dimensional neck.

    That being said, I love this episode, with all the Manami and family hijinks. The family is practically begging Kyouske to get together with Manami.

    Gaze of Providence
    Reply

  26. This episode is a nice change of pace. Although Ive been spoiled, I still love it that we get to see that Kyousuke have more friends to spend his time with rather than saving Kirino’s ass every episode.

    Awesome episode, Sure win. 🙂

    Nhelraios
    Reply

  27. I found myself liking Manami more than I thought I would this episode. Her cuteness is really brought out when animated. If it were a real life context I’d be rooting for this girl, but it isn’t and so I won’t ): I agree with what someone else already said, she’d be much cuter if she had longer hair, but the short hair is what helps create that “jimi” image.

    And even though it wasn’t a Kirino centric episode, I still loved her little snippets. LOL at the strangling of the dakimura and kicking of Kyousuke’s door.

    Can’t wait till next weeks episode/arc. Its my favourite part for so many reasons. I’m also interested to know if anyone else sees the possible reference that I noticed in her cell phone novel’s plot.

    kuripuri
    Reply

  28. Call me insane but I hope Kyousuke can smack some sense into that bratty and selfish sister of his. lol, Kirino’s bitchiness is starting to get annoying and I do feel sorry for Kyousuke! She needs to learn a thing or two from Saori, Kuroneko and even Manami. 😛 *prepares to get flamed*

    lightning
    Reply

  30. from my understanding from Kirino’s feeling of loneliness, i think Kyousuke cant be substitute by Saori and Kuruneko because Kyouske is the only one that understands her even though they quarrel
    I wonder if Manami has long hair and use contacts instead. What would she look like. i guess that next episode will be Kirino’s c***p**** novel with f***** c*a****** and this might also connect to the chapter where Kirino’s novel gets s***** and Kyousuke will have to act again.

    Croosboy ♂
    Reply

  33. I like Manami very much, but Kirino missing her bro was priceless – and she was as tsun as usual,only without her usual punching bag(poor door!). And the dakimakura scene was epic lulz.

    ewok40k
    Reply

  37. Those two sure make a great pair. I’d personally say that he has feelings for her, judging from his reactions. While, of course, he denies it and tells her that if any girl were to confess her feelings to him, he’d reject, I still feel like there’s something hidden beneath it…

    Aside from that, Kyousuke sure let’s his inner Tomoya out when he turns into a prankster.

    HenDarou
    Reply

  40. the most normal conversation by the most normal childhood friends/couple with the most normal relationship of this season… 😀
    all I can say is… man, you got to love your childhood friend regardless of how plain he/she is…

    jrj
    Reply

  42. ttp://randomc.net/image/Ore%20no%20Imouto%20ga%20Konnani%20Kawaii%20Wake%20ga%20Nai/Ore%20no%20Imouto%20ga%20Konnani%20Kawaii%20Wake%20ga%20Nai%20-%2006%20-%20Large%2024.jpg

    For a moment, Sato Satomi slightly fell back into her Ricchan-mode as Manami getting freaked out by Kyousuke suddenly being aggressive (must be the influence of all those eroges his sister gave her). But otherwise, Satomi was convincing as the “ordinary” but still sweet Manami.

    ttp://randomc.net/image/Ore%20no%20Imouto%20ga%20Konnani%20Kawaii%20Wake%20ga%20Nai/Ore%20no%20Imouto%20ga%20Konnani%20Kawaii%20Wake%20ga%20Nai%20-%2006%20-%20Large%2018.jpg
    Though this store-assistant wasn’t credited in the credits, I swear to god I heard Koyama Rikiya’s voice in a cameo.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikiya_Koyama

    Quite surprised to see Akagi (Majima Junji – Ryuuji in Toradora) appearing earlier than expected.

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

      1. You can’t click my link because you have to add the letter “h” back in front of it. :p

        I purposely removed it so that Divine’s spam filter doesn’t mistake my post for spam from too many html links.

        Kinny Riddle
        Reply

  43. Though this “side-story” was labelled as chapter 2 in volume 2 of the novels, it was sandwiched between the chapters where Ayase first appeared and the Comiket Incident where Kirino’s friendship with Ayase was nearly jeopardized.

    While the slow flow of the novels allowed for this detour to be possible, it made more sense for AIC to arrange this story after the Ayase arc for the anime adaptation, or it’ll just feel awkward.

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

  44. Apologies for the triple-post…

    Argh! Why must I be so trigger-happy with the submit button before I organize my thoughts!?

    Divine, perhaps you could install some edit function for at least 5 minutes after a post, just to make some quick modification in case of slip ups like these

    What the novels didn’t cover was what Kirino was doing while Kyousuke was spending some quality time with Manami, and it was most interesting to see Kirino feeling quite jealous that her no-good brother actually has a friend from the opposite gender to hang out with.

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

  47. I couldn’t stand Manami, I guess because she’s way too.. cutesy.
    I mean, I hate Kirino’s bitchiness, but at least it makes her somewhat believable as a character. Manami just seems too boring, not enough personality..
    That said, I love her family. Their antics made me laugh a lot, they seem like really fun people to be around. 😀
    I also liked the opening for this episode, the Nico Nico Douga effect was pretty nice.

    Crystal
    Reply

  52. So I see that everyone comments on how Kyosuke should just spend time with Manami instead of dealing with Kirino but I see this as where Kirino developed her interest in eroge. As indicated MANY times in the episode, Kyosuke spent much of his childhood hanging at the Manami household and neglecting his younger sister at home (which is why she shows dislike to “neighbor-girl”). This is the complete opposite of what we’ve seen the past few episodes but it is what’s been going on all the time before the story/show started. For lack of sibling love, Kirino became interested in imouto eroge since the imouto characters get to spend lots of time with their brother and express what she couldn’t do when she was younger.

    drgnwing0
    Reply

    3. Completely agree. Though I never even thought to look at the Manami story parts as showing life before Kirino+Eroge, that’s interesting to note. And I suspect that the her playing imouto eroge is most likely due to her want to experience some kind of representation of sibling love… I’m really interested to see how the author may/will explain their past and more on the cause of the rift..its probably one of the more serious plot points in OreImo.

      kuripuri
      Reply

  55. I can see the “Just as (I’ve) planned” coming from gramps while watching this episode xD
    (where’s the Kaiba-face paste pics this time around?)

    in another matter, I can hear Ricchan from the ED only, weird…

    info600
    Reply

  56. When I saw the scene that focused on Manami then to kyouske to kirino in the OP, I said to myself, this is wat good animation is all about. It defined the relation between the three quite vaguely but amazingly expressed. I just had to comment on that.
    I’m all for Manami btw, she is CHILDHOOD FRIEND route!!! you can never go wrong with that!

    Jack Vojack
    Reply

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