Meet the Minami sisters, three girls living on their own and doing their best to make it through life's little snags and adventures. Kana, the middle sister, has far more energy than common sense; Chiaki, the youngest, is more reserved, but her sharp tongue and devious mind often cause trouble for others; and Haruka, the eldest, acts like a mother to the other two, is beautiful and kind, but has a fearsome stern streak. Together, no obstacle can stand in their way, be it school, romance, or even cooking.
Asu and Kyo are two orphaned sisters; their mother passed away some time ago, while their father abandoned them due to gambling issues. Asu and Kyo now live in a rundown apartment complex. Asu, the younger sister, is responsible for all of the housework while Kyo is in charge of living expenses; and together, the two sisters work hard to live a comfortable and enjoyable life. Looking to one another for support, Asu and Kyo experience the hardships of daily living, but are still able to welcome each day with a smile.
Trying to get along with your sister is not the easiest thing in the world, but if that is all the family you have then it is that more important. Minami-ke and Binbou Shimai Monogatari take on just this situation with sisters trying to rely on one another with the deaths of their parents. These series are all about supporting the ones you love no matter what happens.
Although Read or Die has a more unrealistic plot with detectives being able to magically manipulate paper the characters are similar to the ones in Minami-ke in which, just as in Read or Die, three sisters are trying to make a living and survive the circumstances that life presented to them.