“The love between brother and sister. The love between man and woman. That which is most forbidden is most unyielding. The two sons and five daughters of the Shiunji family shine like brilliant gems, each with intelligence and beauty in equal measure. And with the pedigree of their wealthy father behind them, how could they not be the talk of the town? Eldest son Arata has spent his life being tossed around by the whims of his colorful sisters, yet a little teasing won't stop him from valuing his family over anything and anyone else. But when his youngest sister turns fifteen, their father reveals a long-hidden secret of the Shiunji “siblings” and knocks Arata's world off its axis…” (Yen Press)
Are you a deviant? Ashamed of your search history, which includes the term ‘family' in every combination? We are not here to judge (even though we are behind your back), but we will say we have a manga for you.
Joking aside, the harem genre is only going to appeal to those who already have found charm with the often awkward setup of one man with a plethora of women throwing themselves at him. It is a common masturbatory fantasy in anime, manga, and other less-savory forms of media. Reiji Miyajima furthers this concept by evoking another ‘fantasy' in discovering a hot sibling was adopted. Those siblings are now willing to commit their feelings and bodies for the shot at romance with the once ‘big brother.'
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Despite the rather salacious premise of “The Shiunji Family Children,” which is easy to poke fun at, Reiji Miyajima crafts a pretty engaging comedy that is not necessarily as pervasive as alluded to. Yes, you have siblings hitting on each other and awkward interactions that allow for fan service. However, Arata is a reserved and sensible protagonist who does not openly embrace the fantasy before him. If this dynamic changes in later volumes, it could undoubtedly alter the tone. Still, for now, the manga has the right amount of teasing and pleasing with sharp comedic wit to keep one engaged without feeling like they need a cold shower afterward.
If anything, the humor remains consistent and engaging, making “The Shiunji Family Children” work better as a comedy than a lewd indulgence. The dramatic elements are also expertly handled, giving a reprise to learn more about the character's struggles between flirtatious moments. Consequently, each sister fits a ‘type,' but in no way do they feel underdeveloped or just there to be gawked at, a bonus when approaching the harem genre.
The art, which includes support from Reiji Yukino, is not overly impressive, yet remains engaging. This is predominantly due to the expressive characters and the knack for comedic timing, with Arata often showing embarrassment at the sexually suggestive scenarios presented to him. The fan service elements are ‘serviceable' (pun intended), with the erotic element not overly striking yet skillful enough to scratch that itch. This is not a deterrent, given the series balances comedy, drama, and hedonism. However, the limitations compared to titles that focus solely on the sexualization of their characters are noticeable.
Those hesitant to approach the harem genre may find value in the more comedic and drama-focused approach of “The Shiunji Family Children.” This also applies to existing fandom that want some variety in approach. The manga certainly fits a complementary niche; it is just a matter of whether the reader enjoys the mix.
