“I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!!” Season 1: A Deep Dive into a Polarizing Anime That Pushes Boundaries

“I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!!” (Japanese: Oniichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!!), often shortened to OniSuki, is a 2011 anime adaptation of Kouichi Kusano’s seinen manga, serialized from 2008 to 2016. This 12-episode series, produced by Zexcs, dives headfirst into controversial themes, blending romantic comedy, ecchi, and sibling dynamics in a way that’s both provocative and perplexing. Season 1, aired between January 9 and March 27, 2011, has sparked heated discussions among anime fans for its bold approach to taboo subjects, uneven execution, and a cast of characters that oscillate between endearing and infuriating. This article offers a fresh, unfiltered, and comprehensive analysis of the series, exploring its narrative, themes, cultural context, and reception without any promotional gloss, delivering insights that go beyond typical reviews.

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The Premise: A Risky Dive into Taboo Territory

At its core, I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! centers on Nao Takanashi, a junior high school girl with an obsessive affection for her older foster brother, Shūsuke. The title is a tongue-in-cheek misnomer, as Nao’s feelings are anything but dislike—she harbors a brother complex that teeters on the edge of romantic desire. The story takes a pivotal turn when Nao discovers she’s adopted, a revelation that frees her from the societal taboo of incest, at least in her mind, since Japanese law permits marriage between adopted siblings. This twist sets the stage for Nao’s increasingly bold attempts to win Shūsuke’s affection, often through provocative means, while competing with other girls vying for his attention.

The series doesn’t shy away from its controversial premise. Nao’s actions—such as flashing her underwear or sneaking into Shūsuke’s bed—are played for both comedic effect and fan service, but they also raise eyebrows for their explicitness. Shūsuke, a self-proclaimed pervert with a stash of adult magazines, is both a foil and a reluctant participant in Nao’s schemes, creating a dynamic that’s equal parts awkward and intriguing. The show introduces a colorful supporting cast, including Iroha, Shūsuke’s childhood friend with her own obsessive tendencies, and Mayuka, the class president with a penchant for boys’ love manga, adding layers of chaos to the romantic entanglements.

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Narrative and Pacing: A Rollercoaster of Intentions

The narrative of I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! is a mixed bag, oscillating between moments of genuine emotional depth and stretches of aimless fan service. The first episode sets a bold tone, with Nao’s discovery of her adoption serving as a catalyst for her unapologetic pursuit of Shūsuke. The show initially seems poised to explore the psychological complexities of a sibling relationship strained by hidden truths and forbidden feelings. However, it quickly pivots to a more formulaic harem structure, introducing rival love interests and leaning heavily on ecchi tropes—panty shots, suggestive scenarios, and exaggerated comedic reactions.

The pacing is one of the series’ most criticized aspects. The adoption reveal, a potentially game-changing plot point, occurs in the first episode, leaving the remaining 11 episodes to meander through repetitive gags and romantic misadventures. While some episodes, like the Akihabara trip in episode 9, inject cultural flavor and self-aware humor (with references to other anime like Kiss x Sis), others feel like filler, recycling the same sibling flirtations without advancing the story. The show’s refusal to fully commit to its incestuous undertones—likely a hedge against alienating viewers—results in a narrative that feels caught between daring provocation and safe comedic retreat.

Yet, there are moments where the series shines. Episodes focusing on Nao’s internal conflict, such as her struggle to reconcile her feelings with societal norms, hint at a deeper exploration of identity and belonging. Shūsuke’s occasional attempts to be a “good older brother” by vowing not to “betray” Nao add a layer of complexity, suggesting he’s aware of the moral tightrope they’re walking. These glimpses of emotional authenticity are fleeting but impactful, making the viewer wish the show had leaned more into its dramatic potential.

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Themes: Navigating Taboo, Comedy, and Coming-of-Age

I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! grapples with themes that are both universal and deeply controversial. At its heart, the series is a coming-of-age story about Nao, a young girl navigating her identity after learning she’s adopted. Her obsession with Shūsuke can be read as a desperate attempt to anchor herself to a family she fears she doesn’t fully belong to. This subtext, though underexplored, adds a layer of poignancy to her character, elevating her beyond the “perverted little sister” archetype.

The show also toys with the taboo of incest, a recurring motif in anime (Yosuga no Sora, Oreimo) that often serves as a vehicle for exploring forbidden desire or societal boundaries. Here, the adoption twist sidesteps biological incest, but the series still courts controversy by portraying Nao’s aggressive advances and Shūsuke’s conflicted responses. This dynamic is both the show’s biggest draw and its Achilles’ heel—while it attracts viewers intrigued by boundary-pushing narratives, it risks alienating those uncomfortable with the subject matter, especially given the characters’ young ages (Nao is in junior high, Shūsuke in high school).

The comedic tone, rooted in ecchi and harem conventions, undercuts the show’s more serious themes. Characters like Iroha, who stalks Shūsuke with night-vision goggles, and the cosplaying “Princess Leila,” who puts Shūsuke through bizarre trials, inject absurdity that sometimes clashes with the story’s emotional beats. The series’ attempt to balance raunchy humor, romantic tension, and heartfelt moments creates a tonal whiplash that can feel disorienting.

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Characters: A Mixed Cast of Quirks and Contradictions

The characters are the heart of I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!!, for better or worse. Nao Takanashi is a fascinating protagonist—her tsundere facade (pretending to dislike Shūsuke while obsessing over him) masks a vulnerability tied to her adoption and memory loss from a childhood accident. Her actions, while often played for laughs, reflect a deeper need for validation and connection. However, her hyper-sexualized behavior can feel jarring, especially given her age, raising questions about the show’s target audience and ethical boundaries.

Shūsuke, voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga, is a flawed but relatable lead. His perversion—evident in his porn collection and panty-shot obsession—makes him an imperfect hero, yet his moments of restraint and protectiveness toward Nao suggest a moral compass. His chemistry with Nao is the show’s emotional core, but his passivity in the face of her advances can frustrate viewers hoping for more agency.

The supporting cast adds both chaos and depth. Iroha’s stalkerish tendencies and childhood connection to Shūsuke make her a compelling rival, though her over-the-top antics border on caricature. Mayuka, the class president with a secret love for BL manga, brings unexpected humor, particularly in scenes where she ropes Shūsuke into her fantasies. Other characters, like the eccentric home tutor and the cosplaying Ran, feel more like plot devices than fully realized personalities, contributing to the show’s cluttered feel.

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Cultural Context and Reception: A Polarizing Experiment

I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! emerged during a period when anime was increasingly experimenting with taboo themes. The early 2010s saw a rise in “sibling romance” narratives, with shows like Oreimo and Yosuga no Sora testing the waters of audience tolerance. OniSuki fits squarely in this trend, using its adoption twist to skirt the edges of acceptability while leaning heavily on ecchi humor to soften the controversy.

Reception was mixed. On Anime News Network, the series has a weighted mean rating of 6.016 (out of 10), with 463 user ratings, ranking it #7508 among anime as of 2025. Fans praised its bold premise and vibrant animation, with some appreciating the manga’s fidelity (the anime closely follows the source material). However, critics like those in the Winter 2011 Anime Preview Guide noted its reliance on “creepy” fan service and lack of narrative focus, with one reviewer calling it a “pass” compared to the more charming Oreimo. On Goodreads, manga readers echoed this sentiment, with some enjoying the artwork but finding the story lacking depth or overly “pervy”.

The series’ handling of its incest theme drew particular scrutiny. While some viewers found the adoption twist a clever way to explore forbidden romance without crossing ethical lines, others felt it exploited a sensitive topic for cheap thrills. The show’s refusal to fully embrace either a serious romance or a purely comedic tone left many feeling unsatisfied, as it neither shocked nor fully entertained.

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Art and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Mixed Bag

Visually, I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! is a product of its time. Zexcs delivers colorful, expressive character designs by Madoka Hirayama, with fluid animation in comedic scenes and detailed backgrounds (especially in the Akihabara episode). The ecchi elements are rendered with exaggerated flair—think close-ups of Nao’s skirt or Iroha’s suggestive poses—that cater to the genre’s fans but can feel gratuitous.

The soundtrack, composed by Tomoki Kikuya, is serviceable but unmemorable, with a generic pop opening (“Taste of Paradise”) and ending (“Ari Ari Mirai”). Character songs and a mini-CD soundtrack were released, adding to the show’s marketability but not its artistic weight. Voice acting is a highlight, with Eri Kitamura’s Nao striking a balance between playful and obsessive, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga’s Shūsuke conveying both sleaze and sincerity.

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Why It Stands Out (and Why It Doesn’t)

I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! is a fascinating artifact of early 2010s anime—a time when the medium was pushing boundaries with provocative themes. Its willingness to tackle a taboo subject, even if imperfectly, makes it a bold experiment. The adoption twist offers a unique lens on family dynamics, and Nao’s character arc hints at deeper psychological stakes. Yet, the series’ reliance on ecchi tropes and inconsistent pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s neither as emotionally resonant as Yosuga no Sora nor as charmingly self-aware as Oreimo, leaving it in a strange middle ground.

For viewers, the show is a litmus test. Those who enjoy boundary-pushing narratives and don’t mind fan service may find it a guilty pleasure. Others, particularly those sensitive to its themes or turned off by its juvenile humor, may struggle to connect. Its legacy lies in its audacity—a series that dares to ask uncomfortable questions but doesn’t always have the answers.

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Final Verdict: A Flawed but Intriguing Curiosity

I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother!! Season 1 is a polarizing entry in the anime canon, a show that swings big but doesn’t always connect. Its blend of comedy, romance, and taboo themes makes it a unique watch, but its inability to balance these elements leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity. For fans of ecchi or sibling-centric anime, it’s worth a look for its bold premise and occasional emotional depth. For others, it may be a curiosity best left to the archives.

Rating: 6.5/10 – A daring but flawed experiment that entertains as much as it frustrates, offering a glimpse into anime’s riskier side without fully committing to its own ambitions.