Shiunji-ke no Kodomo-tachi [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Shiunji-ke no Kodomo-tachi” Episode 1: A Wild Ride into Forbidden Love and Family Drama

When Shiunji-ke no Kodomo-tachi (The Shiunji Family Children) dropped its first episode, the internet exploded—and not just because of the stunning animation by Doga Kobo. Adapted from Reiji Miyajima’s manga (yes, the same guy behind Rent-A-Girlfriend), this show dives headfirst into the messy, dramatic, and very controversial world of the Shiunji siblings. And let’s just say, Episode 1 did not hold back.

The Premise: A Family Like No Other

The Shiunji family is wealthy, influential, and ridiculously good-looking. Seven siblings—two brothers and five sisters—live under one roof, each with their own distinct personalities. The eldest, Arata, is the de facto leader, while his younger brother Shion seems to be the quiet observer. The sisters? Well, they range from the bold and outspoken Ouka to the shy and reserved Kotono.

But here’s the twist: none of them are actually blood-related. Yep, you read that right. The big reveal drops like a bomb in the middle of Kotono’s birthday party, courtesy of their absentee dad. Suddenly, the forbidden love angle shifts from “ew, siblings” to “wait, technically it’s okay?”—and the internet had thoughts.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The discourse around this episode is wild. Some fans are here for the drama, while others are already side-eyeing the premise. Here’s what people are saying:

1. “This is Peak Trash, and I’m Here for It”
   A lot of viewers admitted they went in expecting cringe but ended up entertained. The mix of comedy, family dynamics, and sudden romantic tension kept things unpredictable. One fan joked, “If you thought Rent-A-Girlfriend was bad, buckle up—Reiji’s back with incest-lite.”

2. “Why Does This Look So Good?”
   Doga Kobo’s animation is chef’s kiss. The character designs are crisp, the expressions are dynamic, and even the dog in the background got more attention than some whole anime. Fans couldn’t help but appreciate the effort, even if the story had them raising eyebrows.

3. “The ‘Adopted’ Trope Strikes Again”
   The “we’re not actually siblings” twist got mixed reactions. Some called it lazy writing (“Oh, so now they can date? Lame.”), while others saw it as a clever way to sidestep the ick factor. One commenter summed it up: “Japan really loves its pseudo-incest, huh?”

4. “Kotono Deserves Better”
   Poor Kotono. She confesses to Arata, gets rejected, and then finds out she’s adopted—all on her birthday. Fans felt bad for her, with some calling it the “worst birthday ever.” Others, though, are already shipping her with Arata now that the “sibling” barrier is gone.

5. “Is This Just Quintessential Quintuplets But Messier?”
   Comparisons to Gotoubun no Hanayome were inevitable, but with a darker twist. The Shiunji siblings’ relationships are already more complicated, and fans are curious (or concerned) about how far the show will push the drama.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start or a Trainwreck in the Making?

Episode 1 of Shiunji-ke no Kodomo-tachi sets up a lot—maybe too much. The animation is gorgeous, the characters are intriguing, and the drama is dialed up to 11. But whether this show can balance its controversial themes with actual storytelling remains to be seen.

For now, it’s a guilty pleasure—one that’s already sparking debates, memes, and a lot of Twitter threads. If you’re into messy family dramas with a side of romance (and don’t mind some eyebrow-raising twists), this might be your next binge. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Rating: 7.5/10 (for now—let’s see how far this train goes off the rails).

What did you think of the episode? Love it? Hate it? Still recovering from the “adopted” reveal? Drop your thoughts below!