Shiunji-ke no Kodomotachi [Season 1 Episode 1]

Shiunji-ke no Kodomotachi – Episode 1: A Controversial Yet Entertaining Start

Introduction
The first episode of Shiunji-ke no Kodomotachi (The Shiunji Family Children) has already sparked heated discussions among anime fans. Produced by Doga Kobo and based on Reiji Miyajima’s manga, this series introduces us to the wealthy and eccentric Shiunji family, consisting of seven siblings—two brothers and five sisters—each with their own distinct personalities. The episode wastes no time diving into the drama, blending humor, romance, and a bombshell revelation that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

The Premise: A Family Like No Other
From the get-go, the Shiunji siblings are portrayed as a tight-knit yet chaotic group. The eldest son, Arata, is the de facto leader, while his younger brother, Shion, seems to have a more laid-back attitude. The five sisters—Banri, Ouka, Minami, Kotono, and the youngest—each bring their own quirks to the table. The episode does a solid job of introducing their dynamics, with Ouka standing out as the most outspoken and Kotono as the shyest.

The real twist comes midway through the episode when their father casually drops the bombshell: none of them are blood-related. This revelation sends shockwaves through the family, especially Kotono, who had previously confessed her feelings to Arata. Suddenly, the forbidden love angle shifts from taboo to… well, still complicated, but technically acceptable.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?
The online discourse around this episode is wild. Some fans are calling it the “dumpster fire of the season,” while others are surprisingly entertained. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reactions:

1. “This is Just Rent-A-Girlfriend with Extra Steps”
   Many viewers pointed out the similarities between this series and Miyajima’s other work, Rent-A-Girlfriend. The harem-esque setup, the dramatic reveals, and even the protagonist’s personality (though Arata is thankfully less cringe than Kazuya) feel familiar. One fan joked, “Reiji Miyajima really said, ‘What if Rent-A-Girlfriend… but with siblings?’”

2. “The ‘Not Actually Related’ Trope Strikes Again”
   The “adopted siblings” twist is a polarizing one. Some fans groaned at the cliché, with one commenter saying, “God dammit, stop pulling the ‘we’re not actually blood-related’ card. It’s one of the worst plot twists in anime, period.” Others, however, found it amusing, with one user quipping, “Ah yes, Alabama Children!”

3. “The Animation and Voice Acting Are Top-Tier”
   Despite the controversial premise, fans universally praised the production quality. Doga Kobo’s animation is crisp, and the voice cast—featuring talents like Yuuichiro Umehara (Arata) and Rie Takahashi (Ouka)—delivers standout performances. One fan gushed, “Every time Arata speaks, I can’t help but hear Anos from The Misfit of Demon King Academy—such a unique voice!”

4. “Kotono’s Birthday Ruined (But It Makes for Great Drama)”
   The moment Kotono is told she’s adopted on her birthday had fans in stitches. “Worst birthday celebration ever!” one commenter laughed. Others sympathized with her, calling it “the most brutal plot twist since ‘I am your father.’”

Final Thoughts: Will This Be the Next Big Harem Rom-Com?
Love it or hate it, Shiunji-ke no Kodomotachi is off to a strong start. The mix of comedy, drama, and questionable family dynamics makes for an entertaining watch, even if the premise raises eyebrows. The real question is: where does the story go from here? Will the siblings’ relationships evolve into something more romantic, or will the show lean into the absurdity of the situation?

One thing’s for sure—Reiji Miyajima knows how to keep people talking. Whether you’re here for the drama, the animation, or just to see how far this trainwreck goes, Episode 1 delivers.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A messy but undeniably fun introduction to what promises to be a wild ride.

What did you think of the episode? Let us know in the comments!