Gimai Seikatsu

Don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, don't judge an anime by its title.

The title of this anime can be very misleading to modern anime watchers because, let's be honest, when was the last time you saw an anime with "sister" or "stepsister" in its title that wasn't about a brother trying to fuck his sister, or vice versa? The same goes for me, and boy oh boy, was I surprised.

Right off the bat, one of the first things I noticed was how calm and serene the atmosphere in this anime is. No yelling, no pumpy music, just two characters monologuing ... with a melancholic background song. It really threw me off guard, especially when I went in expecting an Eromanga Sensei-type of story.

They also portray the whole stepsibling situation in a grounded and quite realistic way. None of them suddenly fall in love with each other and gushing genital juices all over but at the same time, they don't actively try to kill each other either. Their interaction is rather awkward, short, and very minimalistic, to say the least cause let's be honest, if you hypothetically got a stepsister in a very sudden way, and she happened to be your age and in the same class as you, you wouldn't be happy or sad but either confused or just "Oh... cool, I guess?",cause when you live your life used to being alone and suddenly you're not alone anymore, you can't just instantly adapt to it. It takes time, sometimes even more than you think.

Another refreshing part is the fact that their parents are actually... THERE. They're not going overseas to work for the whole anime or suddenly dying in a freak accident like in some anime. They’re pretty much normal people. None of them actively try to hook up their children with each other, and none of them act like manbabies. They actually feel like adults. Even better, they contribute to the story instead of just being plot devices or simple fanservice for hag lovers.

As for the animation, I can't say much. It's decent, or better put, average. Nothing special, but it could be better.

The music, on the other hand, is amazing. The scoring and background music are used effectively to emphasize the calming tone of the anime, and the OP song is amazing. Fhána never fails to make an amazing anime song; they just can't fail. Even in this anime, they ate and licked the plate clean.

Overall, if you are into a slow-burn romance with subtle conflict and narrative and dialogue-driven anime, this is a must-watch.

Ah yes, an anime called "Days with my Stepsister" accompanied by the infamous Romance tag. What could possibly go wrong? Let's see if my predictions for this dumpster fire will be correct as usual.
First, we'll have the socially awkward and generally introverted MC, denser than a black hole, with nothing going for him besides being a nice guy! Actually no. He's just a normal teenager with normal teenager issues. Okay... then definitely we'll have the Tsundere or Gyaru or maybe even the rarer Kuudere type stepsister that instantly falls in love with the MC and has no personality of her own! Nope. She's also pretty ... normal and doesn't fit any of the common female character traits. I might be 0 for 2 but I won't be 0 for 3. Surely (fingers crossed) the plot is filled with cliches and weird romance tropes that we get all the time, for instance: the boring supporting cast that adds nothing of value to the plot or that one scene where the girl blushes because the MC is super nice or even the "hyaaa ecchi *slap*"scene in the shower. Nothing. Literally, there isn't even a hint that any of this is going to happen. 

The short paragraph you hopefully read above is a recollection of my thoughts after watching the first 3 episodes of Gimai Seikatsu aka Days with my Stepsister. As you can see, I was deeply confused and pleasantly surprised. The best way to summarize this show is simple, normal with a focus on realism. It covers the day to day life of two high school students, practically strangers to one another, who coincidentally became stepsiblings after their parents remarried. They slowly begin to grow closer to each other, not necessarily romantically as one would guess, but as regular people living in the same space. They have their problems, conflicts, gradually revealing background stories, maybe even some past trauma just like any person would have. The whole plot is built purely on this "realism." That's why there's no tropes to be found. Sure, the "stepsister suddenly moves in" plot has been done countless times, but Days with my Stepsister honestly does it the best. It's a story that takes this "tropy" situation and makes it feel real on a personal level.

As for the production quality, there aren't any big names in the voice acting cast but the atmosphere they created (in combination with the OSTs) fits the story well. Animation wise, Studio Deen has never disappointed anyone in terms of  quality and they seem to be keeping things fairly consistent. Then there's the one and only fhana doing the opening which, as usual, was a banger (though yes I am in fact biased for her music). Overall, nothing stood out as "bad." Production wise everything was mostly average to above average. However, If you're looking for the next animation masterclass it is better to quit while you're ahead because this isn't it.

TL;DR - Personally I really enjoyed watching the first few episodes of Days with my stepsister and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a character drama with a realistic and serious side to it. There hasn't too much focus on the romance yet but that will likely change later on. All in all, I picked this up expecting to watch one episode, count the tropes, boost my fragile ego and leave without looking back. Thankfully though I sticked around long enough to prove myself wrong. I hope you make the same choice!

Thank you very much for reading.

I feel that I harbored thoughts that were similar to most people that read the title of this anime. I was a bit apprehensive when considering giving it a chance due to the typical brother/sister romantic trope that we see time and time again. Gimai Seikatsu seems to have a different feel about it.

There is an overall serious tone throughout the story. I feel that the sense of seriousness coupled with the lack of lightheartedness and humor allows the viewer to appreciate the characters on a deeper level and makes for an interesting and thought-provoking story. This tone also provides a more mature feel ... to the anime, so this may not be for everyone.

The creativity that was invested in Gimai Seikatsu is also very apparent. The color choice in certain situations of the story as well as the fact that each frame looks like it takes place on a canvas is very interesting and adds to the uniqueness of the anime. I enjoy the melancholic/ambient choice of music that can be heard throughout each episode. I also feel that the lack of music that sometimes accompanies dialogue between the main characters is an aspect that should be acknowledged as it places more emphasis on these conversations.

The main characters both seem to be very well-written. Each episode provides the POV of both Saki and Yuuta, which allows us to gain a better understanding of their logic/morality. The anime also seems to focus mostly on the relationship between the main characters, so we seldom see interactions between other characters.

This was honestly a pleasant surprise.

Considering the slop that usually comes with any anime that even includes the word "step" in the title, a viewer would usually be apprehensive towards even watching an episode of this anime. Likely a garbage, slice of life, co-habitation, rom-com (with a fair amount of fanservice) as two step-siblings journey together, exploring the 'spark' of romance in their highly muddled, and confusing relationship (which is borderline incest).

But please, please, please, give this a chance.

This is not the average romance, with tropes and gimmicks. This is a fresh, realistic approach on the step-sibling 'genre'. The main characters actually feel real. Instead of male leads with density ... levels about as equal as the sun's core, and female leads as interesting as drywall; we have teenagers who realistically express themselves, and interact with each other emotionally without it feeling like an exchange between elementary school children. The romance between the characters, also being based in reality, proves that it doesn't have to be like two emotionally unintelligent people that are trying not to tread around spikes near each other.

This anime is slow. Most shots are still and even then very slow at the most. The length of most shots linger for longer than most slice of life, and it takes it at a pace that is uncommon in most slice of life. There will be times where there will be silence, except for perhaps some background noise and an OST in the back. The OST itself being mostly calming and sometimes slightly upbeat in various interactions. It takes an unconventional, though seen before, approach to slice of life and it doesn't feel awkward or strange.

This anime could be a diamond in the rough, and it has a chance of being one of the best anime of this season.

Do NOT let the title fool you. Don't let this become a hidden gem!

What shocked me the most about this anime is the presentation; very subdued, atmospheric, full of abstract and emotive imagery. The music is absolutely gorgeous and the sound design is incredibly intimate. Personally, I think it's brave to direct a show to be so slow-burning and spacious, I think it might put a lot of people off. But for me, this somber and ambient energy is really quite stirring.

The drama is very simple, the circumstances are very simple, the stakes are very low. It's essentially two strangers, who are slightly broken ... and cold, becoming closer. However, the mature writing and excellent directing makes it compelling, somehow. I'm very excited to see it continue.

8/10

A different romance, finally something different away from the usual with a deep, slow and steady narrative.

Honestly given the direction and the way the show progresses I had high expectations on it, it seems to be one of those shows that speak for themselves and you have to give them time to get involved in their story, the main characters are the best of the show obviously and with a realistic perspective they manage to communicate and form a relationship first as step-siblings, although the idea may seem strange, after the last episode and the way they delve into the protagonists, you come to the ... conclusion that they are very similar people and gradually you can feel that genuine bond, possibly raise my score but I have to say that I was quite impressed and exceeded my expectations with only 3 episodes, I will have to see how it will develop from now on and how the protagonists will overcome their adversities, I must say that the direction of the program is majestic although I would like your animation or character design was better, even so it is very enjoyable thanks to being one of those works that depend more on its narrative and characters than its animation itself, very surprised with the program and I hope it continues to improve.

I considered giving it a 9 but I think it's too early, if things continue as well as they have so far I will raise my rating, highly recommended if you want a different romance with a realistic perspective and narrative that promises to be interesting and deep.

No , there are people there in this world , this is how their life is being , taking everything in their life step by step , slowly
yeah , it's realistic for me and for the people like me and for the people who just take everything in their life slowly because they don't want to be failures , they fear about sad , they care about everything so they take slow steps to make sure , everything is going to be okay , just okay , for you isn't realistic . so your life is just a ... roller coaster
and advise , don't underestimate other life's people, there are people there feel like this , lives like this , fear like this , feel like this , talk like this, so don't underestimate this
if you want to watch it or not. it's your choice
but I promise you. you will lose new experience if you didn't watch this anime , mark my word
This anime , realistic, calm , drama , romantic, story I have ever read or see in animation show , yeah it's the dark horse of this season , with great atmosphere, direction, music, animation , and drawing
Great job studio Dean in this show, we appreciate you , and we encourage you to continue this perfection in this show , with another seasons too for this show , with the same music studio citoca, great job too on the music, best beginning and ending music this season, And best soundtracks too
, the show is great , and I love the slow building in their sequence relationship
Sometimes love comes from first sight, and other times love is taking time to progress
This show and this story are taking the second option. So where is no realistic? If you didn't see , don't rush and judge before you see , I don't speak about the show only , I'm speaking in general about life .
My rating for Days with my step sister
is 10/10

Gimai Seikatsu.

I hesitated to watch this, as the typical step-sister romance trope is overplayed.

However, the first thing that struck me—and I don't think I've mentioned this before in a review—is that the music and sound design are phenomenal, and the art direction is exceptionally well done. It has been a long time since I really noticed the audio setting tones for conversations and just immersing all your senses into a show.

The premise revolves around two people brought together by their parents' marriage, forced to live together. Both are socially reserved and have goals, such as striving for self-sufficiency, but they find themselves drawn ... to each other.

This is a serious toned anime that digs deep into their thoughts and motivations, with a strong focus on character development,

If you want a slapstick comedy, this is not for you, but if you want a romance that is a little different from the rest, you will enjoy this one.

It's the dark horse anime of the season :P

Anime mid-season update:

This has to be one of my favorite animes this season. They avoid the Ecchi fan service or the typical troupes and really hit home on an emotional, character-building series, and I LOVE IT.

I've been watching less and less anime these days, switching over to manga. However, 'Gimai Seikatsu' is an exception.

It's mostly due to how the series has been directed. Given the limited budget, it's nothing less than fascinating how much of a mellow arthouse feel you get watching this.

Quite a few people would have issues with the pacing and overall lack of dynamism here. Probably I would have felt the same, considering how the characters sometimes go bonkers with their tangential conversations. The anime alleviates this problem and smoothens out the awkwardness thanks to a blend of well-balanced and thought-out shots backed up by a soothing, ... introspective OST.

The characters aren't something groundbreaking or out of the ordinary. Neither do they need to be. 'Gimai Seikatsu' works well exactly because it introduces mundane personae in an everyday situation sans the explosive drama. Which to some might seem boring, but to me works extremely well.

Should you watch it?

Sure, if you're into a slow burn that's not too deep, yet psychological enough; not too dramatic, yet emotional enough; not too artistic or expressive, yet artsy enough. It's a decent 8/10 and a formula that's been present in many other works, but never in such a mellow, down-to-earth way.

Finally a anime that offers realist characters. (Don’t be turned of by the title)

The characters are honesty extremely refreshing when compared to every romance anime ever as they are not hyperactive and most importantly feel human, there are some annoying side characters but the main characters are spotless in my opinion.

Characters 9/10

Like the characters the story doesn’t move at a million miles and hour and feels as if it could be real I will admit it is more of a slice of life with romance elements , this should however not be a turn of as it is not boring as some slice of ... life anime tend to be.

Story 9/10

The art style compliments this anime perfectly as it’s very soft and not flashy, which helps with the calm environment of the anime.

Art 9/10

Overall this anime is an amazing anime with room for improvement that stands out of all current anime by finally offering some uniqueness even if it’s just in small places it’s a good start and something I hope spreads into the larger anime industry as everything just feels very bland at the moment.

Honestly I went into this anime with the title giving me expectations of a low rent stepsister sex comedy, but to my extreme surprise although 8 episodes in it does have some low key stepsibling romance elements, this has been one of my favourite shows of the season due to how relaxing it is, and the mature dialogue. If you don't like slow paced, calm animes without a ton of dramatic elements this show isn't for you, but what it does have is cozy relaxing, slice of life vibes, interesting characters, and if you ignore the tiny splash of stepsib romance, a story that focuses ... on getting to grips with suddenly having a step family at a teen age and having to adjust your life accordingly. My rating is based on my personal tastes as are most ratings, but regardless it's definitely above the average for the anime i've seen.

Gimai Seikatsu offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between step-siblings Yuta and Saki, who are not blood-related. Unlike typical anime that rely on upbeat, conventional tropes, this series employs artistic techniques often seen in art films.

The use of meticulous cinematography, wide shots, and panning shots effectively captures the realistic and grounded nature of human interactions within a household. It avoids fan service, respecting the intelligence of viewers who appreciate this storytelling style.

The plot seamlessly intertwines with slice-of-life scenarios, exploring the psychological dynamics between the protagonists as they navigate their new relationship. This unique and thoughtful approach to a rom-com may not appeal ... to everyone, but for those seeking a distinctive experience amidst the usual rom-com fare, Gimai Seikatsu is a must-watch.

At first, I wasn't particularly interested in stories centered around step-sibling relationships, but the narrative presented in this anime truly captivated me. It has become one of my favorite sources of entertainment, especially during those moments of exhaustion after a long day. There's something soothing about the atmosphere it creates, from the soft background music to the sincere and profound dialogues. Every time I watch it, the anime seems to transport me into a peaceful world, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The interactions between the characters are incredibly simple, yet they carry an extraordinary depth of meaning. Each conversation, though not ... complex, always leaves a lasting impression. I've grown to love this anime, including all of its characters. The dynamics between them feel so realistic, almost as if they're depicting real-life daily interactions. They don't just focus on themselves but genuinely support and help each other. Their presence in the story represents an ideal balance, where everyone has a valuable place and role.

This anime stands out from others in many ways. There are countless elements that make it special in my eyes. The unique camera angles, the slightly muted color palette, the subtle facial expressions, and the precise intonation of the characters' voices all contribute to its distinctive appeal. These elements blend together seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that is unforgettable. Even though I can't fully explain why, this anime truly makes me feel at ease, and I find myself wanting to watch it again and again. Among all the anime I've seen, this one stands out as one of my absolute favorites.

Additionally, despite its occasional flaws, this anime possesses a quality that keeps drawing me back to it. I feel that it has the ability to touch an emotional chord that is rarely found in other anime. It's not just a form of entertainment; it offers a deeper experience, one that leads to self-reflection and provides a kind of solace for a weary heart. When the world feels overwhelming and full of stress, watching this anime is like finding an oasis, offering the tranquility and joy that I desperately need.

Overall, this anime has succeeded in restoring a sense of happiness and calm within me. It offers a space for those who are tired of the world to rediscover peace in solitude. For me, it serves as the perfect escape for a soul that has grown weary.

if you judge the anime by its title and just don't watch it then its ok move but that also means you are"judge the book by its cover" person LITERALLY!!

after watching till right now released episode 9 i realized something, its like the director/creator of this anime was like closest friend of this 2d main anime characters and im starting to get suspicion that this story might be real, my first suspicion actually was watching their ending visual song then after watching episode 9 my suspicion is rising even further.

my technical take on this anime:

-Passion on creating this anime was through the roof

-low budget in ... terms of animation, lots of real scenery and video based on anime standard of showing real scenery BUT they going creative move on this one its like making it blend to their drawings just to make sure tell us "Don't focus on animation, Just focus on the story" which is very good and every effective.

-Story-telling based anime like LITERALLY!

-Slow paced plot but its a good way, their might be people who get sleepy on this take but this one is not for me

-Pure/Solid Romance on Deep level, if ever you still know your in real life and you know this is anime then your good to go on loving the romance in this anime cause this one is no shot legit pure/solid romance.

this year's season anime was all about people talking sisters related shts, like oshi no ko memes about fcking their blood related sister or alya's anime about yuki is the best and funny sister but in reality not many people talk about this Gimai Seikatsu cause its the most literal one so most people avoid watching this anime lol,

ngl i was happy this season's anime is blooming with romance cause last season was kinda meh 30/50 romance animes released and the bad thing is not really much a "Good romance anime", its more like anime standard's of "Romance anime" which is kinda half assed on my opinion but in return this season was a lot of of them, robot romance(might be 2 of them), twin double whooper sister's romance, mahou shoujo romance, love triangle about gay/straight/lesbian, losing heroines romance and etc...

BUT OUT OF ALL ROMANCE ANIME THIS SEASON, THIS ONE IS THE BEST IN MY OPINION! AND I RECOMMEND YOU TO WATCH IT!


p.s still can't decide wether to rate this 9 or 10 so for now 9 cause its not finish yet

Most relaxing show I ever watched. I already read the LN which also is a great read (still ongoing) and wasnt hoping for much since the LN is 90% inner monolog and I couldnt imagine how to imply this into a Anime. While the animation is good enough the voice acting (at least of the two leads) and music is excellent and makes a zen like atmosphere. Overall maybe more a 9 as the score but the average rating is so bad that I want to boost the show a bit. Its just sad that so many trash isekais have a higher rating than this ... show. A 7.4 rating is just unfair for such a great show.