Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan

Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan (Japanese: うらみちお兄さん, Hepburn: Uramichi Onii-san, "Big Bro Uramichi") is a Japanese comedy manga series by Gaku Kuze. It has been serialized online via Ichijinsha's Comic POOL digital manga magazine since May 2017. Chapters have been collected in six tankōbon volumes. The manga series has been licensed in North America by Kodansha USA. An anime television series adaptation produced by Studio Blanc aired from July to September 2021.

Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan
Cover of Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan volume 1 by Ichijinsha
GenreDark comedy[1]
Manga
Written byGaku Kuze
Published byIchijinsha
English publisher
MagazineComic POOL
DemographicJosei
Original runMay 12, 2017 – present
Volumes9
Anime television series
Directed byNobuyoshi Nagayama
Written byTouko Machida
Music byKei Haneoka
StudioStudio Blanc
Licensed byCrunchyroll
Original networkTV Tokyo, BS11, Wowow, HTB, Animax
Original run July 6, 2021 – September 28, 2021
Episodes13

Synopsis

Uramichi Omota, a 31-year-old former professional gymnast, works as the leader of the exercise segment of the children's show Together with Maman (a parody of Okaasan to Issho). Despite keeping an upbeat persona on the show, he can't help but reveal his true, jaded, worn-out personality.

Characters
Uramichi Omota (表田裏道, Omota Uramichi)
Voiced by: Hiroshi Kamiya[2] (Japanese); Adam Gibbs[3] (English)
The Gymnastic Onii-san of children's show Together with Maman, he is usually simply called "Uramichi Onii-san." Uramichi is a 31-year old former gymnast who is physically well built with a refreshing smile, but is actually mentally unstable. Despite keeping an upbeat personality on the show, he can't help but reveal his jaded, worn-out personality, often telling the children the sorrows of being adults. He is a smoker and heavy drinker, and his only hobby is muscle training, but hates this being pointed out.
Tobikichi Usahara (兎原跳吉, Usahara Tobikichi)
Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita[2] (Japanese); Ray Chase[3] (English)
Tobikichi is a 28-year-old man who plays a rabbit mascot called "Usao" in Together with Maman. Along with Mitsuo, he was Uramichi's junior in college. As a running gag, he is often caught about to bad-mouth Uramichi.
Mitsuo Kumatani (熊谷みつ夫, Kumatani Mitsuo)
Voiced by: Yūichi Nakamura[2] (Japanese); Howard Wang[3] (English)
Mitsuo is a 28-year old man who works under a bear costume called "Kumao" in Together with Maman. Along with Tobikichi, he was Uramichi's junior during college. Kumatani has a soft spot for Iketeru, often protecting him from pranks.
Iketeru Daga (蛇賀池照, Daga Iketeru)
Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano[2] (Japanese); Brandon McInnis[3] (English)
The "Singing Onii-san" of Together with Maman who is also a former musical actor. Despite being good-looking, Iketeru loves childish dirty jokes and is apparently unable to read analog watches. Although he can be dense he possesses a lot of hidden skills such as acting ability, drawing and ping pong.
Utano Tadano (多田野詩乃, Tadano Utano)
Voiced by: Nana Mizuki[2] (Japanese); Jessica Calvello[3] (English)
A 32-year old "Singing Onee-san" of Together with Maman. Utano is an elite graduate of a music college, but due to bad luck and timing she keeps changing jobs from idol, enka singer, and jazz singer. She is currently living together with her boyfriend of 6 years, who is an unpopular comedian.
Hanabee Kikaku (木角半兵衛, Kikaku Hanabee)
Voiced by: Ryōhei Kimura[4] (Japanese); Johnny Yong Bosch (English)
Saito Uebu (上武裁人, Uebu Saito)
Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura[4]
Matahiko Nekota (猫田又彦, Nekota Matahiko)
Voiced by: Daisuke Ono (Japanese)[4] (Japanese); Jacob Hopkins[5] (English)
Yusao Furode (風呂出油佐男, Furobe Yusao)
Voiced by: Shin-ichiro Miki[6]
Tekito Derekida (出木田適人, Derekida Tekito)
Voiced by: Kenyu Horiuchi[6] (Japanese); Eric Vale[3] (English)
Eddy Edei (枝泥エディ, Edei Edi)
Voiced by: Natsuki Hanae[6] (Japanese); Kevin Thelwell[3] (English)
Kayo Ennoshita (縁ノ下カヨ, Ennoshita Kayo)
Voiced by: Minami Takahashi[6]
Ikuko Heame (辺雨育子, Heame Ikuko)
Voiced by: Rina Satō[6]
Furitsuke Capellini (カッペリーニ降漬, Kapperīni Furitsuke)
Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai[6]
Amon (アモン, Amon)
Voiced by: Kenjiro Tsuda[7]
Mabui Daga (蛇賀眩衣, Daga Mabui)
Voiced by: Yōko Hikasa[7]
Sayuri (小百合, Sayuri)
Voiced by: Sayuri Sadaoka[7]
The Voice of God (神の声, Kami no Koe)
Voiced by: Hōchū Ōtsuka[7] (Japanese); Kent Williams[3] (English)

Media

Manga

Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan is written and illustrated by Gaku Kuze. It has been serialized online in Ichijinsha's Comic POOL digital manga magazine since May 12, 2017.[8] Chapters have been collected in seven tankōbon volumes. During their Anime NYC 2019 panel, Kodansha USA announced that they had licensed the series.[9]

Volumes
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 September 27, 2017[10]978-4-7580-1575-2December 8, 2020[11]978-1-646-51114-3
2 April 27, 2018[12]978-4-7580-1597-4December 8, 2020[11]978-1-646-51114-3
3 January 29, 2019[13]978-4-7580-1628-5January 19, 2021[14]978-1-646-51140-2
4 October 29, 2019[15]978-4-7580-1666-7January 19, 2021[14]978-1-646-51140-2
5 May 29, 2020[16][17]978-4-7580-1693-3 (regular edition)
978-4-7580-1694-0 (special edition)		February 22, 2022[18]978-1-646-51261-4
6 June 21, 2021[19][20]978-4-7580-1722-0 (regular edition)
978-4-7580-1723-7 (special edition)		February 22, 2022[18]978-1-646-51261-4
7 January 28, 2022[21]978-4-7580-1756-5May 2, 2023[22]978-1-646-51752-7
8 October 19, 2022[23][24]978-4-7580-1778-7 (regular edition)
978-4-7580-1779-4 (special edition)		May 2, 2023[22]978-1-646-51752-7
9 July 21, 2023[25]978-4-7580-1825-8——

Anime

An anime adaptation was announced in a promotional video of the fourth volume of the manga on October 25, 2019.[2] The television series is animated by Studio Blanc and directed by Nobuyoshi Nagayama, with Touko Machida handling series composition, Mizuki Takahashi and Yusuke Shibata designing the characters, and Kei Haneoka composing the series' music. It was scheduled to premiere in 2020,[26] but was delayed to 2021 due to "production issues".[27][28] The series aired from July 6 to September 28, 2021, on TV Tokyo and other channels.[29][30] Mamoru Miyano and Nana Mizuki performed the opening theme song, "ABC Taisō" (ABC Exercises) as their respective characters, while Miyano also performed the ending theme song "Dream on".[6][7] Funimation licensed the series.[31] Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.[32]

Episodes
No.Title [33][lower-alpha 1]Directed by [33]Written by [33]Storyboarded by [33]Original air date [35][lower-alpha 2]
1"Uramichi-oniisan"
Transcription: "Uramichi Onii-san" (Japanese: うらみちお兄さん)		Ryōsuke ShibuyaTōko MachidaYoshinobu NagayamaJuly 6, 2021 (2021-07-06)
2"Senpai and Kohai"
Transcription: "Senpai to Kōhai" (Japanese: 先輩と後輩)		Hidetoshi TakahashiTōko MachidaAkihiro SaitōJuly 13, 2021 (2021-07-13)
3"Wash Your Hands and Gargle"
Transcription: "Tearai Ugai wa Taisetsu ni" (Japanese: 手洗いうがいは大切に)		Yūsuke ShibataMisaki MorieYūsuke ShibataJuly 20, 2021 (2021-07-20)[lower-alpha 3]
4"Long, Hot Summer"
Transcription: "Endoresu Mōsho" (Japanese: エンドレス猛暑)		Ryōsuke ShibuyaRie UeharaRyōsuke Shibuya, Kanae Aoki,
Tomari Kōki, Kazuya Ishiguri		July 27, 2021 (2021-07-27)[lower-alpha 3]
5"Once This Concert Is Over…"
Transcription: "Kono Kōen ga Owattara" (Japanese: この公演が終わったら)		Yūsuke Shibata, Kazuya Ishiguri,
Kanae Aoki, Tomari Kōki		Tōko MachidaYoshinobu Nagayama, Kazuya Ishiguri,
Kanae Aoki, Tomari Kōki		August 3, 2021 (2021-08-03)[lower-alpha 3]
6"That Thing That You Can't Remember the Name Of"
Transcription: "Omoidasenai Rei no Are" (Japanese: 思い出せない例のあれ)		Tomari Kōki, Kazuya IshiguriRie UeharaAkihiro SaitōAugust 10, 2021 (2021-08-10)
7"I Can Do It by Myself"
Transcription: "Hitori de Dekirumon" (Japanese: 一人でできるもん)		Yūsuke Shibata, Tomari Kōki,
Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri		Misaki MorieYūsuke Shibata, Tomari Kōki,
Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri		August 17, 2021 (2021-08-17)
8"Servility and Conscience"
Transcription: "Sontaku to Ryōshin" (Japanese: 忖度と良心)		Tomari Kōki, Kanae AokiMisaki MorieTaizō YoshidaAugust 24, 2021 (2021-08-24)[lower-alpha 4]
9"Young People These Days"
Transcription: "Saikin no Wakai Ko" (Japanese: 最近の若い子)		Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri,
Tomari Kōki, Ryūta Yamamoto		Rie UeharaTaizō YoshidaAugust 31, 2021 (2021-08-31)[lower-alpha 4]
10"Subzero Spiral"
Transcription: "Gokkan Supairaru" (Japanese: 極寒スパイラル)		Ryōsuke Shibuya, Kanae Aoki,
Kazuya Ishiguri		Rie UeharaRyōsuke Shibuya, Tomari Kōki,
Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri		September 7, 2021 (2021-09-07)
11"Fateful Encounter"
Transcription: "Unmei no Deai" (Japanese: 運命の出会い)		Takayuki MurakamiTōko MachidaGorō KujiSeptember 14, 2021 (2021-09-14)
12"Awkward Smile"
Transcription: "Bukiyō na Egao" (Japanese: 不器用な笑顔)		Tomari Kōki, Kanae Aoki,
Kazuya Ishiguri		Misaki MorieYūsuke Shibata, Tomari Kōki,
Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri		September 21, 2021 (2021-09-21)
13"Together with Maman Forever"
Transcription: "Fōebā "Maman to Tugyazā"" (Japanese: Forever『ママンとトゥギャザー』)		Yūsuke Shibata, Tomari Kōki,
Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri		Tōko MachidaYūsuke Shibata, Tomari Kōki,
Kanae Aoki, Kazuya Ishiguri		September 28, 2021 (2021-09-28)

Reception

In 2017, the manga won the Next Manga Award in the web manga category.[36] Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network published a positive review of the two omnibus editions of the manga in 2021. She wrote that: "Simply put, Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan works because it melds absurdity with a dash of realism while reminding readers of their own experiences with children's programming. It does take a while to get going, but by the end of the second book, it has achieved just the right mix of humor and cynicism."[37]

The anime adaptation's first episode garnered mixed reviews from Anime News Network's staff during the Summer 2021 season previews. Richard Eisenbeis praised the portrayal of Uramichi being more "depressed and disillusioned than [as] an asshole" and the treatment of the other characters' predicament being "equal parts funny and sad", saying that fans of Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei will enjoy this series. Caitlin Moore was critical of the inappropriate humor said towards young children and the comic timing being "a little bit off" and diminishing the impact of the jokes. James Beckett felt the show didn't "play[s] up the absurdity of its central joke enough" to offset the lack of other jokes throughout the runtime, despite giving praise to the "understated" delivery and Mamoru Miyano giving a "naturalistic" performance as Iketeru. Lynzee Loveridge wrote that the series will appeal to people who enjoy its brand of dark humor, saying that: "If you find this funny, it also probably says something about you and your personal life experiences, your outlook on the world at large." Silverman found the early parts of the episode unfunny because of the focus on Uramichi's bleak outlook but was hopeful of his supporting cast balancing the humor, concluding that: "[T]he contrasts between the colors of the show and Uramichi's dark moments are good, and I like the vocal cast's delivery, but I'm having a hard time getting behind this episode in general. It does get better, but getting there could be a schlep." Nicholas Dupree said that despite a few gags landing its spot, he felt the premiere was hampered by its structure of shorter segments undercutting Uramichi's comments and lacking in quality punchlines, concluding that: "It's a pity, because this past year has had me in the mood for darker humor more than ever, but so far Uramichi Oniisan just hasn't delivered."[38]

Silverman reviewed the complete anime series in 2022 and gave it a B– grade.[39] While finding fault in the "limited animation", the portrayals of Derekida and Capellini, and the limited appeal of its central premise, she praised Uramichi and Together with Maman's programming for making up "a winning combination" for one of the series' best jokes, the "solid vocal performances" from the cast and the subtle details in the characters' past and background jokes, concluding that: "I do think it may work a bit better in its original manga form, but no matter how you experience it, this is probably a love-it-or-hate-it kind of show."[39] The series was nominated for Best Comedy at the 6th Crunchyroll Anime Awards, but lost to Komi Can't Communicate.[40][41]

Notes
  1. All English titles are taken from Funimation.[34]
  2. Episodes are released every Tuesday at 12:00 a.m. JST on d Anime Store and Hulu Japan, an hour and 30 minutes before the original air time on TV Tokyo.
  3. This episode aired at 1:40 a.m. JST, 10 minutes after the original air time on TV Tokyo.
  4. This episode aired at 1:35 a.m. JST, 5 minutes after the original air time on TV Tokyo.

References
  1. Davidson, Danica (March 5, 2021). "Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan is a Dark Comedy About Being an Adult". Otaku USA. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  2. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (October 25, 2019). "Gaku Kuze's Uramichi Oniisan Manga About Children's TV Show Host Gets Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  3. Friedman, Nicholas (August 21, 2021). "Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan English Dub Announced, Cast & Crew Revealed". Funimation. Archived from the original on August 21, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  4. Sherman, Jennifer (May 26, 2020). "Uramichi Oniisan TV Anime Casts Ryohei Kimura, Kenichi Suzumura, Kensho Ono (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  5. Jacob Hopkins [@HopkinsJacob5] (December 20, 2021). "And another one! Check me out as Nekota on #LifeLessonsWithUramichiOniisan! Watch it today @Funimation!😊 More announcements in the near future🔥" (Tweet). Retrieved December 21, 2021 – via Twitter.
  6. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (March 19, 2021). "Life Lessons of Uramichi-Oniisan TV Anime Reveals More Cast, Opening Theme Artists". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  7. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (April 3, 2021). "Life Lessons of Uramichi-Oniisan TV Anime Reveals More Cast, Ending Theme Artist". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  8. Web新連載「うらみちお兄さん」、よい子のみんなに大人の闇をチラ見せ. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 12, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  9. Mateo, Alex (November 17, 2019). "Kodansha Comics Announces 12 Digital Manga Licenses, 4 Manga Print Releases". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  10. うらみちお兄さん (1) (in Japanese). Ichijinsha. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
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  12. うらみちお兄さん (2) (in Japanese). Ichijinsha. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
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  17. うらみちお兄さん (5)特装版 (in Japanese). Ichijinsha. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
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  23. うらみちお兄さん (8) (in Japanese). Ichijinsha. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  24. うらみちお兄さん (8)特装版 (in Japanese). Ichijinsha. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  25. うらみちお兄さん (9) (in Japanese). Ichijinsha. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
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  36. Sherman, Jennifer (August 27, 2017). "Gaku Kuze's Uramichi Oniisan, Aka Akasaka's Kaguya-sama: Love is War Win Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
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  40. Coats, Cayla (January 19, 2022). "Meet the Nominees of This Year's Anime Awards!". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on March 14, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  41. Goslin, Austen (February 9, 2022). "Attack on Titan Final Season Part 1 wins top prize at Crunchyroll's Anime Awards". Polygon. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
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