Himoto Umaru chan author Sankaku Head has shared a heartbreaking personal story behind the creation of his hit series, revealing that the real life inspiration for Umaru Doma was his younger sister, who has since passed away.
The revelation was made on the author’s YouTube channel, where Sankaku Head opened up about memories he had kept private for years. According to him, Umaru’s famous contrast between her flawless public image and her lazy at home personality was directly based on his sister.
In public, she was refined, talented, and admired by others. At home, she relaxed completely, acting spoiled, playful, and carefree. Those everyday moments, along with the time they spent drawing manga together as children, became the foundation of Umaru’s character.
Sankaku Head also revealed that during the height of Himouto Umaru chan’s popularity, around the time the first anime season was airing in 2015, his sister was diagnosed with a serious and incurable illness.
While he initially believed she might recover, her condition worsened, and she eventually passed away. The loss left him devastated, and he admitted that continuing a lighthearted comedy manga centered on a character modeled after her became emotionally overwhelming.
One of the most touching details shared in the video was a hidden tribute within the manga itself. Sankaku Head revealed that in volume 11, the photo included in the author section featuring a person wearing a shirt is actually his sister.
He chose to include her quietly as a final way to keep her close to his work, without drawing attention or altering the tone of the series.
He explained that he kept this truth secret for a long time because he did not want to change how readers viewed Umaru chan as a fun and comforting comedy series.
By sharing the story now, he hopes to be honest with fans and ensure that the person who inspired Umaru’s personality is remembered as the true heart of the series.
Himouto Umaru chan is a Japanese comedy slice of life manga written and illustrated by Sankaku Head. The title combines himono onna, referring to someone who is polished in public but lazy at home, with imouto, meaning little sister.
The story follows Umaru Doma, a high school girl admired for being beautiful, intelligent, and athletic, who secretly transforms into a chibi, junk food loving otaku at home. Her patient older brother Taihei Doma supports her daily life, while friends like Nana Ebina, Kirie Motoba, and Sylphinford Tachibana add to the series’ charm.
The manga began as one shot chapters in Miracle Jump in 2012 before being serialized in Weekly Young Jump from March 2013 to November 2017, running for 12 volumes. A short sequel series, Himouto Umaru chan G, followed shortly after. The anime adaptation by Doga Kobo aired its first season in 2015, with a second season released in 2017, along with two OVAs bundled with manga volumes.
Source: YouTube
