A popular Twitter user has drawn attention to a notable phenomenon in the current anime season, Summer 2024 (July-September). According to the user, this season stands out for the presence and popularity of characters representing younger sisters, known as “imouto”. The user offered four prominent examples from this season: Yuki Suou's “Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian“, Kaju Nukumizu from “Makeine: Many lost heroines!“, Anko Koshi from “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan“, and Saki Ayase from “Gimai Seikatsu“.

The “imouto” archetype has historically been popular in anime for a number of reasons. Younger sister characters are often portrayed as adorable, innocent, and often as figures who add a touch of tenderness or comedy to stories. These types of characters can also serve to explore family dynamics and interpersonal relationships in a captivating way. The “imouto” often acts as emotional support or a source of motivation for the main characters, which helps to strengthen the narrative.

The popularity of this archetype this season has been reflected in the comments from the fan community. Below are some of the comments that highlight this trend:

• «Ayase is great!».
• «I really like the two above».
• «They are all too adorable».
• «It's Yuki Suou, the best».
• «Don't you know that soon true talent will arrive among the characters I support?».
• «More than sister characters, Tsukihi Araragi-chan is missing».
• «I like Anko Koshi».
• «I think this season feels like a set of happy sisters, they all complement each other very well.».
• «I'm hesitating between the first and the last, I'm serious».
• «Wow, this season is full of 'little sister attributes'!».

The 2024 summer season is proving to be a celebration of the “imouto” archetype, with a variety of characters that have captured the hearts of fans and added a special charm to this season's stories.

Source: Hachima Kikou