"I often hear the name Osomatsu-san, but what kind of anime is it?" "There are too many characters, I don't know what's interesting about it..." If you have such questions, this is the perfect guide to the charm of Osomatsu-san. In this article, we will explore the origins of Osomatsu-san, which has evolved from the Showa era masterpiece Osomatsu-kun to the present day, the hilarious story structure, and the unique characters of the sextuplets that will make you want to find your favorite.
In addition, it covers famous episodes that beginners can easily get into, real opinions from fans, and the latest information on the series, so it's perfect for those who are just starting to watch it.
Through the reasons why it became a hot topic on social media and the "essence of the fun" that fans who are actually hooked feel, you should be able to enjoy the world of "Osomatsu-san" more deeply and enjoyably.
First, let's find your "oshimatsu" and jump into that world together!
What is Osomatsu-san? Birth and Background
"Osomatsu-san" is a TV anime that began broadcasting in 2015, and is based on the masterpiece "Osomatsu-kun" by Fujio Akatsuka, a gag manga artist representing the Showa era. The sextuplets, who were once elementary school students, are revived in the present day with the shocking setting that they remain NEETs even as adults.
This anime is not just a remake, but a bold reconstruction as a slapstick comedy about trashy adults living in modern society. Characters from previous works are also arranged in a modern style, providing new appeal to fans of the old works.
Since the beginning of the broadcast, its outrageous development and strong parody sense have become a hot topic, and it has gained explosive popularity mainly on SNS. It has gained many fans, especially among young people, and movements such as "Oshimatsu culture" and "○○Matsu girls" have been born.
The series has aired up to the third season so far, and has been a rich media mix, including a movie version, merchandise development, and a live-action film. Further new developments are expected in 2025, and the series continues to evolve.
Relationship with the original work "Osomatsu-kun"
The basis of "Osomatsu-san" is the classic gag manga "Osomatsu-kun" created by Fujio Akatsuka in the 1960s. "Osomatsu-kun" gained immense popularity, especially among elementary and junior high school students, as a comedy about the daily lives of the Matsuno sextuplets.
At the time, the sextuplets were all drawn with almost the same faces and personalities, and the characters around them, such as Iyami, Chibita, and Dekapan, were more distinctive and stood out.
On the other hand, in "Mr. Osomatsu," the sextuplets are given individuality, and each character's depth and differences are clearly defined. For example, the eldest brother, Osomatsu, is a gambling-loving, irresponsible leader, Jyushimatsu is a high-tension baseball fanatic, and Todomatsu is a cunning younger brother who tries to impress the girls. The characters are so distinct that you can choose your favorite.
In addition, the supporting characters that appeared in the previous work have been remade in a modern style and are making a comeback. Iyami's "Shee!" has been recognized as a famous gag that is still popular with the Reiwa generation, and is loved by many fans. In other words, "Osomatsu-san" is an evolved form that has been boldly updated while firmly inheriting the world view and characters of the original. The exquisite blend of nostalgia and newness is one of the reasons why it is loved by generations.
Reasons for popularity: Points that became a hot topic on social media and in the media
The reasons why "Osomatsu-san" has attracted so many people includeits compatibility with social media and its high evaluation in the media. In particular, it has been trending on Twitter since the beginning of its broadcast, and famous scenes, famous lines, and reaction GIFs have spread in the blink of an eye.
For the SNS generation, content that allows them to find and talk about their favorite characters is particularly attractive, andthe fact that each of the sextuplets has their own personalityhas become a hot topic.In addition, female fans, in particular, have been passionate about their love for the characters, and fan activities such as illustrations, discussions, and derivative works are also actively carried out.
Anime magazines and media have often featured it as a "gag anime that has become a social phenomenon,"andit caused nationwide excitement at voice actor events and when the movie version was released.
Character individuality created by a luxurious voice cast
When talking about the popularity of "Mr. Osomatsu," one thing that cannot be left out is the super luxurious voice cast.
The voice actors for the sextuplets are a lineup of popular voice actors representing the anime world, includingTakahiro Sakurai, Yuichi Nakamura, Hiroshi Kamiya, Jun Fukuyama, Daisuke Ono, and Miyu Irino. These talented voice actors breathe life into the sextuplets, who look the same but have completely different personalities.
The tempo of the dialogue, the cleverness of the dialogue, and the unique acting make the characters many times more appealing, and are a major reason for the support from fans.
Modernizing Fujio Akatsuka's sense of comedy
The charm of "Osomatsu-san" is that it updates the world of nonsense gags created by the original author Fujio Akatsuka to a modern style.
The content, which is so extreme that it is hard to believe it is a TV anime, such as dirty jokes, social satire, industry parodies, and meta comments, has caused controversy, butit has monopolized the topic as an "aggressive anime".
The first episode of the first season in particular was full of satire on the anime industry, with jokes that bordered on broadcasting codes bursting out right away. Fans were saying it was "too crazy from the first episode," and the show's overly free-spirited style became the driving force behind the creation of an enthusiastic fanbase.
Charms and Features of the Sextuplets
Osomatsu, the Eldest Son (CV: Sakurai Takahiro)
Second son Karamatsu (CV: Nakamura Yuichi)
A narcissist and full-blown chuunibyoucharacter, he has his own unique worldview, wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses. Even though he thinks he's cool, his brothers treat him like a "pathetic guy."
However, despite such treatment,he is undeterredand his confident and haphazard appearance is endearingand he has a loyal fanbase.
Third son, Choromatsu (CV: Kamiya Hiroshi)
He is the most sensible of the sextuplets. He loves idols and has an otaku temperament, and often tries to take charge of situations with serious remarks, but in the end he tends to be influenced by the other siblings.
He also has a logical and quick-tempered side, and his exquisite position as "the straight man but not normal" is appealing.
Fourth son Ichimatsu (CV: Fukuyama Jun)
A mysterious being with a dark side, who is gloomy, shy, sarcastic and negative. He likes cats and sarcasm, and is generally quiet and avoids eye contact.
However, many fans are attracted to the gap between his shyness and kindness that he occasionally shows. Among the six, there is a fanatical fanbase called "Ichimatsu Girls".
Fifth son, Jyushimatsu (CV: Daisuke Ono)
A super hyper character whose excitement is always at its maximum. He disrupts the situation with his unexpected words and actions, and is a "natural bomb" whose thoughts are hard to read, making him difficult to handle even for his brothers.
He loves baseball, has extraordinary physical strength, and is the type whose unpredictable behavior is addictive. His portrayal of his growth from the second season onwards has been particularly popular.
Youngest brother Todomatsu (CV: Irino Miyu)
Of the sextuplets, the youngest brother Todomatsu is the most cunning, tactful, and conscious of how to appeal to girls. He is good at being spoiled, and is known for getting by in life by using his older brothers well.
He is a representative of modern people who love smartphones and use SNS well, and is popular among fans as a character who is both cunning and cute.
Great episodes recommended for beginners
"Osomatsu-san" has a wide variety of episodes, from one-episode comedy episodes to touching and touching episodes. Among them, we will introduce some great episodes that are recommended for beginners and will get you hooked!
All of them are great episodes that will give you a good understanding of the charms of each character and the worldview, so if you are just starting to watch, be sure to check them out!
Season 1 Episode 2 "Osomatsu's Melancholy"
The second episode is a surreal comedy that satirizes modern society.
The meaning of work" and "anxieties about becoming an adult" are depicted in the sextuplets' own way, and amid the laughter, there is a sense of real sadness.
Osomatsu's struggles with being a NEET have been well received by young people, and the episode has become a popular hidden gem.
Season 1 Episode 5 "Esper Nyanko"
Ichimatsu and the mysterious character "Esper Nyanko" unfolda fantastical and mysterious atmosphere.
In a comedy-centered work, the strange silence and visual beauty attracted attention.
This is a touching episode that fans must see, carefully depicting Ichimatsu's inner thoughts and loneliness.
Season 1 Episode 9 "Jushimatsu in Love"
This emotional episode, which is overwhelmingly popular among fans, depicts Jushimatsu's love.
Jyushimatsu, who had been super high-spirited up until now, suddenly changes and shows a sensitive side that is confused about love. Many viewers were moved to tears by the contrast.
This episode is different from the usual slapstick,and has a gentle and sad story that will stay in your mind.
Season 1 Episode 13 "Accident?"
A gag episode full of chaos that condenses the essence of "Osomatsu-san".
The story loops over and over, and the series is full of unpredictable developments,shattering viewers' common sense, which has become a hot topic.
It's perfect for people who just want to laugh, and is popular as one of the most "crazy" series.
Season 1 Episode 24 "Letter"
The eldest son, Osomatsu, reexamines his relationship with his brothers after receiving a "letter"A classic episode.
The sextuplets are usually always messing around, but it's heartwarming to see them so directly express their bond and love for their family. If you're looking for a tear-jerker, this episode is a must.
Notable episodes of the second season
In the second season,the characters' growth and in-depthprogressed, and the story unfolded in a more emotional way.
| Episode number | Title | Highlights |
| Episode 9 | "Campaign in action!" | A dark humor episode with social satire. Adult matters are the subject of the story. |
| Episode 19 | "President Dekapan" | An unusual parody episode. The structure is similar to a foreign movie, which has become a hot topic. |
| Episode 25 | "Hell's Osomatsu-san" | The final episode, one of the darkest in the series. The conflict between brothers is depicted. |
The second season had an excellent balance of comedy and drama overall, and the final episode in particular is still talked about among fans as the "shocking ending."
Notable episodes of the third season
The third season will be centered around short skits,and the power of laughter that returns to the origins will be fully unleashed.
But even among those, there are plenty of emotional episodes that show the inner side of the characters.
| Number of Episodes | Title | Highlights |
| Episode 1 | "Resignation" | The meta begins with a surprise cast change. It's a hot topic. |
| Episode 7 | "Ichimatsu Radio" | The structure that delves into Ichimatsu's inner world is excellent. A must-see for fans. |
| Episode 25 | "Free Time" | An episode that leaves you with a sense of relaxation and a lingering impression, fitting for the final episode. |
In the third season, the excellence of the little jokes that focus on the characters' "daily lives" stands out, and watching the whole series makes it even more enjoyable.
Deep themes hidden in the story
"Osomatsu-san" tends to be focused on its gags and parodies, but in fact, there is a surprisingly deep theme hidden deep inside.
While watching and laughing, you'll notice that there are scenes that touch your heart and sharp satires of modern society, making it a story that goes beyond just comedy.
Family love and bonds with friends
Although the sextuplets look the same,they have different personalities and often fightbetween them.
But, one way or another, they choose to be together and support each other, which is what makes them so appealing.
Sometimes they protect their siblings, sometimes they subtly encourage those who are feeling down, and their awkward yet strong bond is depicted throughout the story.
In particularly touching episodes, the family love is carefully expressed,
"Even if we are useless adults, there is meaning in being together" is a strong message that is conveyed.
In addition to the siblings, there are also scenes in which you can see a glimpse of the trust and "affection" of friends in the relationships with the surrounding characters such as Iyami and Chibita,and the warmth spreads throughout the work.
Abundant satire and parody elements
The greatest weapon of "Osomatsu-san" is its sense of satire and parody.
The anime industry, entertainment industry, social media, politics, black companies, popular culture, and other modern society's "common things" are packed in and poked fun at in a unique style.
Moreover, the sextupletsperformwith all their might,there are many moments that will make you laugh and take your breath away.
There are also many homages to classic anime and movies from the past,
If you are an anime fan,there are many scenes that will make you grin and say, "I know the original!"
The combination of this meta-playfulness and the creators' "spirit of challenge" has led to the series' success in establishing itself as an anime that doesn't end with gags.
How to enjoy related products and merchandise
The appeal of "Osomatsu-san" is not limited to the anime itself. Due to the popularity of the characters, a wide variety of goods and collaboration projects have been developed, and there are many elements that fans can enjoy in real life.
Here, we will introduce the appeal of the particularly popular apparel, collaboration cafes, and events.
The appeal of apparel and collaboration cafes
"Osomatsu-san" has developed a large number of collaboration products with numerous apparel brands and miscellaneous goods manufacturers.
Hoodies, T-shirts, and accessories that incorporate the image colors of Oshimatsu have many designs that are easy to wear on a daily basis, and they are also attractive because they can be enjoyed as fashion.
In addition, the collaboration cafe will offer food and drinks with a character motif, and fans will be very satisfied with the cuteness and playfulness of the food and drinks.
The store is decorated and limited edition goods are on sale, making it a space where you can enjoy the fulfillment of "oshikatsu".
In particular, there are many special developments such as limited time and limited quantity, and it is a popular content with many posts on SNS saying "I went there!"
Fan community gets excited about events
"Osomatsu-san" regularly holds anime events, stage greetings, voice actor appearance events, etc., and many fans are excited by participating in the event or watching the live broadcast.
These events are packed with must-see content for fans, including live dubbing, talk shows, and exclusive footage screenings.
In addition, the events also provide a place for fans to connect with each other by talking about their love for "Oshimatsu" and the series.
In addition, collaboration events (e.g. tie-ups with amusement parks and aquariums) allow you to experience the world of the work, making you feel like you're going out with your favorite character, which is another reason for its popularity.
In this way, through merchandise and events, ``Osomatsu-san'' has become an entertainment work that can be enjoyed as a real experience, and a big attraction is that you can continue ``supporting your favorite character'' even after you've finished watching the anime.
Real voices of Osomatsu-san fans
The popularity of Osomatsu-san is not just a passing fad at the time of its broadcast, but it continues to receive strong support even today. One of the reasons for this is the passion and diversity of its fans.
On social media and event sites, the voices of "serious fans" towards each character are sent out daily, as well as sympathy and attachment from a wide range of age groups.
Here, we'll look at the real voices of our fans and explore why Osomatsu-san continues to be loved so much.
Ardent fan for each character
The biggest feature of "Osomatsu-san" is that each hexaptt has a core fan.
Names such as "Ichimatsu Girl" and "Karamatsu Girl" have become established on social media, and culture and trends of each favorite pine tree can also be seen.
For example, Ichimatsu fans tend to sympathize with the dark side of people who are introverts, and many of them support Jushiromatsu fans as being bright and cheerful.
One of the charms is that each character has completely different personalities and excitement, so fans can easily compare their values and personality.
"I can feel like one of the sextuplets too."
"It's fun to hear other people's stories about their favorites"
Many people say that they are like , and their appeal as content that allows you to talk about your favorites is highly praised.
Reasons for being supported by a wide range of age groups
Osomatsu-san looks like a work aimed at young people, but it is also characterized by its popularity among a wide range of people, from teens to 30s.
Young people have said, "I feel like I can relate to" and "I'm so free and the best way to be at ease," and
On the other hand, from in their 20s to 30s, some people said, "Watching it when you're tired from work makes you feel soothed" and "I'm grateful for the laughter that will help you escape from reality."
Also, from the generation who learned about the Showa era masterpiece "Osomatsu-kun," they said
"A strange feeling that mixes nostalgia and newness"
"I never thought the work I watched as a child would come back like this!"
There have also been comments such as
In other words, Osomatsu-san is a unique gag anime that can be enjoyed by anyone of all generations, genders, and backgrounds, and there is a solid reason for it to be loved for a long time.
Summary | Experience "Osomatsu-san" packed with laughter and personality
Osomatsu-san is more than just a gag anime.
A slapstick drama woven together by characters with all six characters with unique personalities that are the lead is packed with deep themes that are filled with laughter, tears, and sometimes thought-provoking.
Evolution from the original work "Osomatsu-kun" and has gained a new appeal through modern anime expressions and a gorgeous voice actor, this work is also recommended for beginners of anime.
Osomatsu-san's big attraction is that it makes it easy for fans to connect through social media and real events.
It's also a strength that you can enjoy things that go beyond just watching, such as apparel, cafes, and merchandise.
If you haven't seen "Osomatsu-san" yet, first check out the episodes of the first season
You'll surely find your favorite "favorite matsu" and you'll be completely hooked on the world of this work.
Now is the time to experience "Osomatsu-san," which is packed with laughter, personality, and sympathy!
