Boku no Imotou ga Osaka Okan
Alternate Titles: My Sister is an Osaka Mama
Review: This anime was, I would claim, a key addition to the ever-growing collection of 3-minute anime. Running at 12 episodes it added something to that genre that a lot of it’s predecessors hadn’t successfully done before: some knowledge. The anime focuses around a brother and his quirky sister, due to family situations they have been separated most of their lives. He lived in the Kanto region of Japan while his sister lived in the Kansai region, specifically Osaka. Now that they are back together he is discovering the differences between them their distance has caused.
Production-wise this anime is nothing to speak of, in fact it’s extremely sub-par. It looks like a college animation student’s flash product at best with awkward jerky movements and basic shading and styling at best. But, since you’re only watching the show in little 3 minute episode chunks and it’s a comedy-culture based show I find it more forgivable. The art is simply the medium for the jokes, and the jokes don’t fall flat.
For anyone who knows anything about Japanese culture this show will really resonate. It’s a long standing joke and friendly feud between these two regions of Japan and this show illustrates the differences in a hilarious fashion. Each episode has an overarching theme such as “shopping” or “sports” then in this theme some antics happen that normally illustrate 2-3 cultural differences in funny ways. They are punctuated with a note that blatantly says the difference so it’s impossible to miss – for those of you taking notes. Then, the episode ends with a cute little song sung by the main girl character summing up the points of the episode.
Even if you’re not knowledgeable in Japanese culture the show is very light and funny and you could still enjoy it if you have an interest in Japanese culture. In fact, it may be enlightening for someone who is trying to get into Japanese culture as these differences are something rarely seen by Westerners and this show illustrates them perfectly in an actually amusing way. But, if you’re not, then this show will likely offer little and less to you.
In sum, the show is not a long time commitment and as an anime fan it’s worth knowing these fun cultural notes that are illustrated in an enlightening but funny manner.
[starrater]