Oneechan ga Kita: Hajimete no… Kitaa! [Episode 13]

Alright, let’s dive into this special episode of Oneechan ga Kita titled “Hajimete no… Kitaa!” (Episode 13). First off, for those who might not know, Oneechan ga Kita is a comedy anime based on Rikō Anzai’s 4-panel manga. It originally aired from October 2014 to December 2014, but this episode is a Blu-ray exclusive, so it’s a bit of a hidden gem for fans.

The story follows Tomoya Mizuhara, a 13-year-old boy whose life turns upside down when his father remarries, introducing him to a new older sister, Ichika. This episode takes a nostalgic trip back to their very first meeting, showing us how their unique sibling bond began. From what I’ve gathered, the focus here is on their childhood interactions, which sets the stage for the dynamic we see in the main series.

Now, let’s talk about the fan reactions because that’s where the fun really is. Over on MyAnimeList, users had some pretty lively discussions. One commenter joked, “Ichika was strange since she was young D:” which got a playful retort: “I prefer ‘interesting’ to ‘strange’ by way of describing her :)” And honestly, that’s spot-on. Ichika’s quirky, over-the-top personality is a big part of the show’s charm, so seeing her as a kid just amplifies that. Another user pointed out how cute little Tomoya and Ichika were together, saying, “Guess it’s just reminiscing from the past on how they met.” That’s exactly what this episode feels like— a warm, fuzzy flashback that tugs at the heartstrings.

Visually, the art style stays true to the original series, with bright, colorful animation that’s perfect for a comedy. The character designs are simple but expressive, especially when it comes to Ichika’s exaggerated facial expressions. Even as a child, she’s got that same energetic, almost chaotic vibe that makes her so memorable. Tomoya, on the other hand, is more reserved, which creates a hilarious contrast. Their interactions as kids are sweet and funny, showing the foundation of their sibling relationship— Ichika being her usual self, and Tomoya trying (and failing) to keep up.

What I love most about this episode is how it adds depth to their bond. In the main series, we see their day-to-day antics, but this flashback gives context to why they act the way they do around each other. It’s not just about the comedy; there’s a genuine heart here. The way Ichika immediately latches onto Tomoya, calling him “Tomo-kun” and showering him with affection, is both funny and endearing. And Tomoya’s mix of confusion and eventual acceptance feels relatable—who hasn’t had a family member who’s a little too much but you can’t help but love?

Some fans might argue that this episode is just filler, but I think it’s more than that. It’s a love letter to the characters and their relationship. For anyone who’s followed the series, seeing their origins is a nice treat. Even if you’re new to Oneechan ga Kita, this episode works as a standalone, introducing you to the core dynamic in a lighthearted way.

The humor here is classic Oneechan ga Kita—slapstick, exaggerated reactions, and Ichika’s absurdly clingy behavior. But there’s also a tender side. The scene where young Ichika gives Tomoya a handmade gift, or when they play together in the park, adds a layer of sweetness that balances out the comedy. It’s these small moments that make the characters feel real, even in their cartoonish world.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Ichika’s “strangeness.” Yes, she’s over-the-top, but that’s intentional. Her eccentricity is what makes her stand out, and it’s clear that the creators had fun with her character. As one fan put it, she’s “interesting” rather than strange. In a genre full of typical tsundere or moe characters, Ichika’s unapologetic weirdness is refreshing. She’s not trying to be cute—she just is, in her own chaotic way.

Another thing to note is the animation quality. Since this is a Blu-ray exclusive, the visuals are crisp and vibrant. The backgrounds are detailed, and the character movements are smooth. It’s a step up from the TV series, which makes sense for a special release. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Ayana Taketatsu (Ichika) and Yūichi Nakamura (Tomoya) bringing their characters to life with energy and charm.

For younger viewers (the target audience here), this episode is perfect. It’s light, funny, and has a positive message about family and acceptance. There’s no heavy drama, just pure, unadulterated fun. The humor is accessible, and the characters are easy to root for. Plus, the short runtime (around 12 minutes) keeps it from dragging, making it ideal for a quick watch.

In conclusion, Oneechan ga Kita: Hajimete no… Kitaa! (Episode 13) is a delightful addition to the series. It’s a nostalgic, heartwarming, and hilarious look at Tomoya and Ichika’s first meeting. The fan reactions highlight the episode’s strengths—cute moments, funny banter, and Ichika’s iconic personality. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode is sure to leave you with a smile. So grab some snacks, sit back, and enjoy this charming little trip down memory lane. You won’t regret it!

And hey, if you’re into 4-panel comedies with a lot of heart, the original series is definitely worth checking out too. It’s short, sweet, and packed with laughs. But for now, this special episode is a great way to get a taste of what Oneechan ga Kita is all about. Happy watching! 🎉