Minami Ke - Haruka neesama always wins. Chiaki was adorable!

January 16, 2026 · 5:01 AM

Minami-ke (みなみけ) is a 13-episode anime series released in 2007, adapted from a manga of the same name written and illustrated by Koharu Sakuraba. The manga is still ongoing, with 28 volumes to date (2004–present). The anime also spawned multiple sequels and OVAs. I recently rewatched this very first season.

The story is a slice-of-life comedy that follows the daily lives of the three sisters of the Minami family: Haruka Minami (the oldest), Kana Minami (the middle), and Chiaki Minami (the youngest). The narrative is told through short skits that do not follow a specific timeline or have a grand overarching plot.

Haruka always wins! I told you so.

Chiaki being harsh with Kana never gets old.

Haruka is in her second year of high school and acts as the "adult of the family" because their parents are absent (it is never fully specified whether they are dead or simply away). She appears reliable and mature, but this is just a persona she adopts in front of her sisters to make them feel secure. In reality, she is incredibly lazy when she is by herself.

Kana is in her second year of middle school and is considered the "stupid" one in the family when it comes to studying. She is impulsive and often acts without thinking of the consequences. She is a terrible cook and is obsessed with trying to get Chiaki to treat her like a proper older sister.

No, he had to do it. Kana is just that stupid.

Just what are you trying to do Kana?!

Chiaki is in her fifth year of elementary school. She is highly intelligent, which causes her to overanalyze situations that would otherwise be very simple. She hates irrational people and those who act without thinking, which constantly puts her at odds with Kana. She adores Haruka and is often seen idolizing her, regardless of what is actually happening.

I remember being a huge fan of Chiaki back when I watched this series for the first time. However, during this second watch, perhaps due to aging, I found myself liking Haruka more and more. I actually find it endearing how she tries her best to be a good older sister to the others. My opinion of Kana has not changed at all; she is still exactly the same.

As usual Haruka is really stunning. I wonder if the other two will grow out to become like her. View video page

The scenes alternate between multiple environments, but most of them revolve around the Minami house or the classrooms of each of the three sisters. There are occasional outings, such as the obligatory swimsuit episode, but these are quite rare.

There are many side characters that appear frequently in the series, too many to mention them all. Generally, you can expect a set of recurring characters that gravitate around each of the siblings, mostly classmates or friends, with the occasional extra character from outside their usual circle.

Haruka when she's not sure how to answer some more loaded question...

Trying to change the topic.

One of the comedy skits that remains imprinted in my mind is definitely the drama TV show the three sisters frequently watch at home. It follows a romance between a teacher (Sensei) and a student (Ninomiya). The show often ends in disaster as it parodies the typical dramas of that era. It even has a video game adaptation that Keiko owns.

I just learned that a fifth season was announced in 2024 with an undisclosed release date, so I really need to get going and watch them all again to prepare myself. If I have enough time afterward, I will buy the manga volumes to try and catch up with all the content.

Yes Chiaki, we need to find a way to clear the skies!