The relationships between siblings are some of the most treasured close bonds a person can have. Despite the unavoidable differences and complications, good siblings stick together through thick and thin and always have each other’s back. Familial bonds play a pivotal role in anime, exploring different types of sibling relationships, ranging from adorable and supportive to toxic and unhealthy.
Sisters in anime are particularly popular, with various prevalent archetypes and tropes categorizing them, from strict yet caring oneesans, or big sisters, to energetic and carefree imoutos, or little sisters. And while their relationships may have ups and downs, these anime siblings absolutely adore their sisters. Between these sibling pairs, love is unconditional and all-encompassing.
10 Kyousuke Kousaka Loves His Little Sister, Kirino, A Bit Too Much
OreImo
Kirino Kousaka from OreImo rightfully holds the title of the imouto queen, kickstarting the little sister craze in the anime community. And while her relationship with her older brother, Kyousuke, wasn’t always ideal, she is still adored by him. Kyouske is even willing to sacrifice his well-being for Kirino’s sake.
After he uncovers his sister’s secret otaku persona, the two grow closer, even overstepping the boundaries of a familial relationship. And while this aspect of OreImo is controversial for many fans, there’s no doubt that Kyousuke loves his little sister deeply.
9 Tanjiro Is The Model Of A Caring Older Brother
Demon Slayer
Heartfelt sibling relationships are a rarity in shonen anime. Yet, Demon Slayer makes the familial bond between its two protagonists the series’ soul. Tanjiro’s entire character motivation relies on his desire to save his little sister, Nezuko, after she gets turned into a demon.
His quest is to find a cure for Nezuko, saving people from suffering the same fate along the way. And even if his sister is changed permanently by her transformation and deemed a dangerous creature by society, Tanjiro remains by her side, prepared to give up his life for Nezuko’s sake.
8 Shimura Shimpachi Doesn't Care That His Sister, Otae, Overpowers Him
Gintama
According to Gintama’s protagonist Gintoki, Shimura Shinpachi’s love for his older sister, Otae, borders on a sister complex. However, Shinpachi passionately disagrees with this statement, believing that he simply wants the best for his frightening yet caring sister.
Orphaned from a young age, the Shimura siblings grew up relying only on each other. And while Otae can clearly stand up for herself, being one of the strongest human characters in the entire anime, her little brother can be overly protective of her, seeing his duty in looking after the one person who raised him.
7 Koyomi Araragi's Little Sisters Double His Brotherly Responsibilities
Monogatari
The unreliable narrator of the Monogatari series, Koyomi Araragi, might have an entire harem of girls surrounding him. Yet, he always holds a special place in his heart for his two younger sisters, Karen and Tsukihi.
While the Araragi siblings constantly tease each other, they only bicker in good faith. When a situation really gets dire, and Koyomi’s beloved sisters become involved in one of the countless oddity cases that seem to follow the boy around, there’s nothing Koyomi wouldn’t do to protect his siblings.
6 Wei Wuxian Couldn't Protect His Sister, Jiang Yanli, From An Untimely Demise
Mo Dao Zu Shi
Despite not being related to Wei Wuxian by blood, Jiang Yanli from Mo Dao Zu Shi eagerly took on the role of his big sister after he was adopted by the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. Her little sworn brother gratefully accepts Jiang Yanli’s kindness, treating her with utmost respect and adoration.
When the whole world turned its back on Wei Wuxian for practicing forbidden Demonic Cultivation, his sister refused to tolerate her brother’s mistreatment. Unfortunately, Jiang Yanli’s love for her banished little brother came with a devastating price as she passed away, sacrificing her life for Wei Wuxian.
5 Hirasawa Ui Doesn't Mind Caring For Her Older Sister, Yui
K-ON!
While the older sister is usually the responsible one in conventional sibling relationships, the Hirasawa family dynamic is a special case. The airheaded protagonist of K-ON!, Yui, might be older, but it’s her little sister’s duty to keep her in check.
Despite her age, Ui is mature and levelheaded. And while Yui might be far from the role model older sister audiences are used to seeing in anime, Ui still loves her dearly, supporting Yui’s musical ambitions and keeping her from getting into too much trouble.
4 Sora And Shiro Make Up A Powerful Duo Together
No Game No Life
Sora and Shiro from No Game No Life share a similar passion for video games and a distaste for social activities, which made the two bond and become an undefeatable team. This overpowered sibling duo can’t even function without each other. Yet, together, they are unmatched in intelligence and strategic abilities.
Sora is extremely protective of his closed-off and socially inept younger sister, seeing her as his only indisputable ally. Despite not being related to Shiro by blood, her older brother loves her more than anything else in the world.
3 Killua Is The Only Person Who Can Make Alluka Smile
Hunter X Hunter
Brought up in a ruthless household of assassins, Hunter X Hunter’s deuteragonist, Killua Zoldyck, didn’t see much love from his family. The only other Zoldyck Killua wholeheartedly adores is his little sister, Alluka.
The rest of the family neglects their daughter, scared of her uncontrollable powers and unsure if she’s even capable of feeling emotions. However, the girl transforms into a sweet and affectionate person around her beloved brother, the only family member to ever show Alluka compassion and treat her with respect and kindness.
2 Kinomoto Touya Hides His Love Beneath Playful Teasing
Cardcaptor Sakura
Sibling relationships can be complicated, with brotherly love often taking on the form of teasing and mocking. The love-hate dynamic is prevalent in Cardcaptor Sakura’s sibling duo, Touya and Sakura Kinomoto.
While the heroine’s older brother always pokes fun at his little sister, deep down, he genuinely cares for Sakura’s well-being. Their playful fights never mean any harm and are presented as a roundabout way to show affection. Even after Touya discovers his sister’s magical powers, he keeps them a secret, trying his best to help Sakura whenever he can.
1 Akari Kawamoto Gladly Makes Sacrifices For Her Little Sisters
March Comes In Like A Lion
Becoming the head of the household at a young age is no easy task. Yet, Akari Kawamoto’s love for her little sisters fuels her determination to be there for her family. With the only other adult present being her elderly grandfather, Akari from March Comes in Like a Lion had to raise Momo and Hinata herself.
Despite all that, she never saw her little siblings as a burden. Akari is the definition of kindness and compassion, valuing her family as the most important thing in life. No matter how much tragedy life throws her way, Akari always picks herself up for the sake of her beloved sisters.