Onimai: I am Your Sister, a new comedy anime series depicting a Gender Change experience, has kind of caught the attention of people seeking greater transgender representation in anime as the Winter 2023 Anime season officially begins.
Despite being Studio Bind's second production following the commercial success of Mushoku Tensei, the anime series doesn't skimp on the quality of the animation. On social media, the show is being criticized for a variety of reasons.
Onimai Anime Story Plot
"Onimai: I'm Your Sister", tells the story of Mahiro, an Otaku who has not left his house in the past two years and rarely leaves his home.
He is living his shut-in ‘Hikikomori’ comfortable lifestyle. But one day his Mad Scientist Little Sister decides to perform the experiment on him and turn him into a girl.
Mihari works to support and guide Mahiro as she struggles with her new identity, eventually assisting her in leaving the house and making Mahiro feel better about himself.
Why Onimai: I Am Your Sister Anime Is Already In Controversy?
Onimai: I am your sister, produced by Studio Bind, was met with criticism from some fans upon its initial release.
this is not what we meant when we asked for trans representation in anime! https://t.co/CWM4d9kggO
— uxie (@uxiedust) December 30, 2022
While the show's animation quality was not the source of the criticism, it appears that the show did not appeal to every anime fan.
This was made clear in social media comments, as several viewers expressed dissatisfaction at the lack of trans representation in anime.
Others questioned why they couldn't obtain the kind of image they needed and pondered why they were always sexualized.
"This is not what we meant when we called for trans representation in anime", as one internet user remarked on Twitter.
Some netizens said, "OMG, why can't trans girls receive any form of representation without it being sexualized?" and "I refuse to respect anime fully because of this."
Some fans appear to have anticipated a coming-of-age tale with a trans character, but what they got was an excellently animated Ecchi Anime.
It's unclear what to expect from the series even after watching the trailer and reading the synopsis, which may have led to some viewers' uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
In conclusion, the issue of trans representation in the anime community has long been up for discussion among fans.
Others have critiqued the way trans characters are presented in various shows, while some have asked for a more varied and nuanced representation of trans characters.
The industry must keep hearing the opinions and worries of fans and work toward a more respectful and inclusive representation of trans characters in anime.
It's equally vital to acknowledge that not every show will appeal to every fan and that it's acceptable to have varied tastes and viewpoints.
My Opinion on This:
The manga for this was fantastic to read.
I fail to understand how it relates to trans people at all, as it is a manga trope that is frequently magically converted magically to the opposite binary gender.
And that's a fantastic, inventive story; I enjoyed it.
If they want their own distinct flavor of "representation" then make anime with their desired representation with their own money.
If not, enjoy it for what it is and not for what it isn't so as not, and don't spoil its experience for others.
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