Himouto! Umaru-chan is a comedy manga by Sankaku Head, serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2013 to 2017.
Set in the suburbs near Hachioji, Tokyo, the story follows perfect high school girl Umaru Doma, who transforms into a lazy "himouto" at home, shocking her diligent brother Taihei Doma.
It's packed with parodies of famous works and subculture, blending slice-of-life and hilarious daily antics.
The manga received two anime seasons, several spin-offs, video game adaptations, and a strong fanbase, with over 3 million manga copies sold by 2017.
If you love quirky characters and otaku humor, this title is a must-watch!
Himouto! Umaru-chan was created by manga artist Sankaku Head.
It began serialization in Weekly Young Jump in 2013.
The author brought fresh comedic elements and relatable sibling relationships into the slice-of-life genre.
Sankaku Head based the setting on the everyday life of Japanese students, and infused unique otaku and gaming culture throughout the series.
The success of the manga resulted in additional special chapters and spin-offs published in Miracle Jump and Jump Square.
The story takes place in the suburbs near Hachioji City, Tokyo.
Umaru Doma lives in "Yoshida Apartments" with her older brother Taihei Doma.
The school featured is the prestigious Arayada High School, which has both regular and special advancement classes.
Everyday locations like convenience stores, arcades, and local parks are core to the setting, giving a realistic Japanese urban feel.
Umaru's dual lifestyle—outstanding student outside, ultra-relaxed at home—is made visually stunning by her dramatic body transformation when she relaxes.
Umaru Doma is a famed beautiful and talented high school girl, admired by peers and excelling in everything.
But once home, she transforms—literally!
Her head grows round, limbs shrink, and she dons a hamster-hooded blanket to reveal her true self: a lazy, junk food-loving, video game-obsessed "himouto" (slacker little sister).
Her brother Taihei is a responsible office worker, often exasperated by her antics but loving nonetheless.
The series follows their daily misadventures: from Umaru's schemes to get snacks, online gaming escapades, to sibling squabbles and heartwarming moments.
Other key characters include shy Nana Ebina, introvert Kirie Motoba, competitive Sylphynford Tachibana, and mysterious genius Hikari Kongō.
Watch as Umaru juggles her three lives—her public persona, her secret “UMR” gaming identity, and her himouto mode—all while making friends and navigating school.
- Himouto: A slang term for a little sister who is an exemplary beauty and student outside, but a lazy, spoiled otaku at home.
- UMR: Umaru’s incognito identity used for gaming or when shopping for otaku goods.
- Yoshida Apartments: The building Umaru and Taihei (as well as Nana Ebina) live in.
- Jumpu: A parody of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine, reflecting the series’ playful references to real-world otaku icons.
- Arayada High School: The elite school Umaru and her friends attend.
Manga
The original manga ran for 12 volumes, with a sequel "Himouto! Umaru-chan G" and spin-offs like "Himouto! Umaru-chan S" and "Akita Imouto! Ebina-chan."
Spin-offs explore side characters such as Nana Ebina, Kirie Motoba, and others in both original and alternate universes.
Anime
The anime was produced by Doga Kobo and aired in two seasons (2015 and 2017).
It features vibrant animation with comedic timing and original extra scenes, alongside adaptations faithful to the manga.
OVA episodes were included with the special manga volumes.
Games
There are two main console games:
- "Himouto! Umaru-chan: Himouto! Raising Project" (PS Vita, 2015) is a simulation game focused on raising Umaru.
- "Himouto! Umaru-chan: Lazy Puzzle" (Nintendo 3DS, 2017) is a puzzle game with characters from the series.
- Manga Author: Sankaku Head.
- Animation Studio: Doga Kobo (renowned for lively and cute slice-of-life shows).
- Director: Masahiko Ohta.
- Series Composition: Takashi Aoshima.
- Character Design: Aya Takano.
- Music: Yasuharu Takanashi.
- Production involved various collaboration projects, among them, cross-promotions with mobile games and other anime franchises.
Season 1
- Opening: "Kakushinteki☆Metamaruphose!" by Umaru Doma (Aimi Tanaka)
- Ending: "Hidamari Days" by the four main girls
Season 2
- Opening: "Nimensei☆Uraomote Life!" by Umaru Doma (Aimi Tanaka)
- Ending: "Umarun Taiso" by the SisterS (Umaru, Nana, Kirie, Sylphynford)
All the songs are upbeat and echo the playful duality of Umaru’s character.
The manga quickly became a massive hit, selling over 3 million copies by 2017.
Umaru became an internet meme for her incredible switch between flawless student and ultra-lazy otaku.
The series’ parodies of everyday nerd culture and sibling dynamics resonated with fans in Japan and worldwide.
Nana Ebina, in particular, became especially popular among fans.
Both anime seasons were praised for their humor, relatable characters, and energetic music.
Official merchandise, collaboration events, and café pop-ups further solidified the franchise's status in otaku culture.
- The series launched several official Twitter accounts, real-life collaborations (including themed cafés), and even had costume endorsements with idol groups.
- Umaru’s hamster hoodie and her cult-favorite catchphrases ("Umaruun!") became widely recognized snacks at anime conventions.
- Official soundtracks, art books, and character goods enjoyed strong sales.
- The series often lampoons gaming, manga fandom, and the otaku lifestyle.
If you're a fan of vivid characters, sibling hijinks, and nerdy jokes, Himouto! Umaru-chan is the perfect cozy chaos!
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