OniAi

OniAi, short for Oniichan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne! (As Long as There's Love, It Doesn't Matter If He is My Brother), is a multi-genre Japanese anime series from 2012, produced by Silver Link and licensed by FUNimation. Known for its ecchi, harem, comedy, and romance elements, OniAi explores the somewhat unconventional relationship between a brother and sister, coupled with other colorful characters that breathe life and humor into the story.

The narrative portion primarily revolves around Akiko Himenokōji and her older twin brother, Akito. After spending six years of their lives separately, these twins now reunite under the same roof in a student dormitory, much to Akiko's delight. However, her boundless affection for Akito, bordering on romantic love, begins to shape the central intrigue in the anime. On the other hand, Akito, who has established himself as a novelist while maintaining his high school life, strives to foster a normal sibling relationship, a task that proves increasingly challenging under his sister's relentless fascination.

OniAi's story further escalates when inside the dormitory, four other girls show an interest in Akito, thereby adopting a harem structure. The amalgam of unique personalities include Anastasia Nasuhara, a well-known figure from Akito's past who cannot let go of their history. Then there’s Ginbei Haruomi Sawatari, who holds a long-standing friendship with Akito and refers to him as 'Master.' Arisa Takanomiya, the dormitory caretaker, takes interest in Akito for peculiar reasons. Lastly, Kaoruko Jinno, the student council president who tends to be authoritarian, also finds herself inexplicably drawn toward Akito.

In this melting pot of female characters, each with their own unique traits and attachment to Akito, OniAi maintains a consistent concoction of comedic, dramatic, and romance elements. The story employs an episodic format where each episode unfolds different situations and misadventures linking the characters, thereby widening their relationship arc and complementing the main narrative.

The protagonist, Akito, struggles to maintain a peaceful life and manage his writing career amidst the swirling chaos of peculiar relationships. His strong moral compass and compassionate nature often land him in humorous and sometimes uncomfortable situations, enhancing the comedic twist to the storyline. The series also delves into each girl's backstory, providing a more profound perspective on their emotional bonds and individual motivation towards Akito.

Adding to its narrative charm, OniAi flawlessly assimilates vibrant and detailed artwork that compliments its school setting, and complex character designs that align seamlessly with their expressive personalities. Moreover, the animation employs a vivid color palette that accentuates the comedic and whimsical aspects of the show. This colorful demeanor is evenly reflected in both, the visual narrative and the comedic elements, creating a cohesive aesthetic experience.

Complementing its engaging visuals, OniAi's soundtrack effectively underscores the show's sprawling emotional spectrum, adding depth to the characters' experiences and the narrative's comedic and dramatic moments. Tailored to amplify every sequence's emotional weight, the music ranges from light and jolly tunes that tickle laughter during the comedic scenes, to more subtle and tender melodies that capture the characters' feelings during more intimate moments.

Despite its often outrageous premise, OniAi offers viewers a hearty measure of laughter and offbeat romance. It's a show that doesn't shy away from pushing boundaries and embracing its weirdness, steadily capturing viewers' attention and leaving them eager for the next unpredictable twist.

In a nutshell, OniAi is a lively, gesalt anime series that weaves a story ladened with humor, romance, and plenty of surreal surprises. It encourages viewers to suspend reality for a short while and immerse themselves in the eccentric, charming world of Akito and his unusual companions. Whether you're a fan of harem-centered anime or seeking a good dollop of laughs, OniAi is a lighthearted amusing romp with generous servings of colorful characters, quirky situations, and twisted love triangles.