(L) Katanagatari

[Anh_Minh]

Thinking about it... Yeah. The very end didn't make a lot of sense. I didn't mind because of all that preceded it, but Shichika dying after killing the Shogun would have been much more logical. He said it himself - after his fight with Emonzaemon, he only had strength for one more. Killing the shogun would have been him choosing Togame's vengeance over his own. The only good thing I can say about the end is that, as the voice over said, I didn't really wish for Shichika's death.

[technomo12]

and here i though that guy with the scabbard would die then it suprised me he is jsut knocked out >_< ther is some morals in this anime

thoguh the ending maybe a bit vauge still it was nice and perfect

it was a good show it would stay with me till the end of times

and now curtains is closed time to move on >_< it was fun till i lasted

[ars89]

wow, don't have words, just great ep and great series on a whole

[omimon]

Originally Posted by Anh_Minh

Not really. The end was only days away, and nobody else had figured it out in years. The shogun still didn't know when Shichika attacked.

The thing is, I think Togame's death, and Shichika's rage, were part of Shikizaki's plan.

No, they found out in episode ten and the last episode was two months later. Togame was REALLY good at hiding who she was but Shichika wasn't. Hitehime couldn't risk having him flinch in front of another person.

Of course then again like you said it could be Kiki's plan.

[Kunagisa]

You are all heartless!

I teared the first time I read Togame's death, but from the last couple of posts most seemed not as affected by the scene, which made Vexx's point earlier debatable. The Chinese forums were filled with emo posts and everyone here just seemed to find the long, long death speech rather boring. My somewhat sadistic anticipation of people's rage toward this ending was rather disappointed, though the English community's rather simple acceptance served to make 2ch's hatred for the ending even more hilarious (then again, what doesn't 2chn hate). I wonder if this is just the farewell scene was treated poorly (wonder what Shichika actually said, which is an anime original), or just that TAKE's design is that much win that as long as you look pretty you're forgiven.

There's also the issue of plot, which I do agree with Daniel Lind that is the weakest and most BS element in this story, was barely debated here at the end. Or did everyone just ended up being super thrilled by Shichika's Boss Rush? I think Nisio should've just changed Shichika's attitude to Hiteihime in the end to that of "You killed my waifu, so I'm taking your body as payment" for maximum trollage effect.

One thing's for sure though, WHITE FOX has gotta be the most loyal company in creating adaption from novels, whether that is a + or - is up for debate.

[Janifuu]

Spoiler for My thoughts on the final episode:

I'm not sure why some people are saying that Shichika had basically "ended up" with Hitehime simply because she's chosen to join him on his journey (a map journey that he had originally planned to go on with Togame). It's pretty evident that even after Togame's death his love and devotion for her had still remained intact, and to be honest I find that extremely remarkable about his character. I pretty much agree with what was posted earlier saying that Shichika's number one person in his life always has been and always will be Togame. I just can't imagine it any other way really.

I'm not sure if I'm a minority or not when I say that I wish Togame would have somehow survived the ordeal and she and Shichika could have continued on their next journey together (since some people seem to enjoy these sort of events with someone dramatically dying), though even so this episode was quite amazing and left some emotionally deep and long lasting aftereffects. What struck me was how Shichika proclaimed his realization after Togame's death that maybe he wasn't necessarily fighting for Togame all along, but for himself - because he loves her. In essence, I think this was his way of saying "I'm the one who's selfish Togame, not you, and it's because I love you. Let me continue to be selfish". What also touched me was Togame's last words, which I'm surprised to hear that some people found it either boring or it lasting too long. Sure she claimed to have lied about some things to Shichika initially, but I didn't completely buy that everything she said was a lie, and I don't think Shichika did either. I think she was using that as a means to help Shichika do the impossible and move on after she dies, which of course didn't entirely work. I'm happy though that she finally came out and acknowledged that her feelings were not lies, and that she really did fall in love with him (though I think it was always evident anyway and we didn't need her to say it to know that she did).

Anyone else find it interesting that, from what it appeared to me, Shichika pretty much spared Hitehime's life particularly because she admitted to not dislike Togame the way she claimed she always had? I guess it's hard to say whether or not Shichika would have actually killed Hitehime, but it came to show that so long as you didn't have any vendetta against Togame, then you'd more than likely be on Shichika's good side.

I want badly to give this episode some docked score for the sheer fact that Togame died (I was pretty heart broken over it honestly), but it was so well done and executed that I still have to give a 10/10. Shichika and Togame, in death or not, are simply inseparable in my eyes, and I think that's one of the things that this episode, and the series in general, had successfully conveyed.

[Thoguht]

Has it really been getting on for a year now? What a journey, and such a tragic ending (in the classical sense of the word). Are Shichika and Hitehime "together" now? I don't think so. Shichika still wears items of Togame's clothing and a lock of her hair (not to mention the cross-shaped scar he bears by his left eye that echoes Togame's "magic eye"), and Hitehime still wears Emonzaemon's mask in her hair. They are both very much alone, but just happen to be traveling the same road.

[Mr. Anime]

we arent heartless stoupidget BUT i think most of us already knew about togames death ebfore the episode aired (I knew it since november and after that i was depressed for 2 weeks, but now i was prepared for what was about to happen).
I have to express my praise to the company that realized this anime, every animation studio should do the same (I AM TALKING TO IMAGIN OR BRAIN BASE OR WHICHEVER STUDIO WANTS TO DO IT BUT WE NEED THE COMPLETE spice and wolf novel IN ANIME FORM, you did a good job til now but we need moooooore)

well, what is there to say besides EPIC CHEERIO !!!!

the rest was nicely said by Janifuu in my opinion^^
i hope we get to see another anime of this caliber in the near future

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by stuopidget

You are all heartless!

It's not all of us actually.

[shichi-chan]

Not that I thought Togame's speech was boring, I liked every minute of it, and it showed all her worries in a way towards the end, and that she actually did love Shichika, maybe not by directly saying but, I didn't want her to die, but it laid me at peace.

But I just found Emonzaemon's death sooo heart wrenching... Guh, I am a but upset that Hitei-sexy didn't take much importance to it, but she really did honour the guy since she wore his mask as a relic.

And then the last scene showing togame standing there was just.. unbearable. ;_;

[omimon]

Originally Posted by stuopidget

You are all heartless!

I teared the first time I read Togame's death, but from the last couple of posts most seemed not as affected by the scene, which made Vexx's point earlier debatable. The Chinese forums were filled with emo posts and everyone here just seemed to find the long, long death speech rather boring. My somewhat sadistic anticipation of people's rage toward this ending was rather disappointed, though the English community's rather simple acceptance served to make 2ch's hatred for the ending even more hilarious (then again, what doesn't 2chn hate). I wonder if this is just the farewell scene was treated poorly (wonder what Shichika actually said, which is an anime original), or just that TAKE's design is that much win that as long as you look pretty you're forgiven.

There's also the issue of plot, which I do agree with Daniel Lind that is the weakest and most BS element in this story, was barely debated here at the end. Or did everyone just ended up being super thrilled by Shichika's Boss Rush? I think Nisio should've just changed Shichika's attitude to Hiteihime in the end to that of "You killed my waifu, so I'm taking your body as payment" for maximum trollage effect.

One thing's for sure though, WHITE FOX has gotta be the most loyal company in creating adaption from novels, whether that is a + or - is up for debate.

In the novel she was crying too so that's why people who read the novel cried. Besides its the thing with the medium. Collectively the anime gave us around 600 minutes of Katanagatari while it might take you that long just to read one novel if you are a slow reader. People felt a lot more close to the characters when reading. Also I'm with you on this one about people over here being a little less emotional than anticipated. The Chinese community was really into it.

[Kunagisa]

Originally Posted by Mr. Anime

well, what is there to say besides EPIC CHEERIO !!!!

This!!! Especially watching it with comments on and have the entire screen fill with Cheerio was so freaking awesome.

And Hiteihime's triple negation (嫌いじゃなくなくもなかった) were the best lines in this episode (you're totally just as tsundere <__<). Way to totally live up to your name.

EDIT: I keep forgetting to ask, OST when!?!?

[Kismet-chan]

I think now that I've seen it subbed and understand everything, I can appreciate this episode a lot more -- like the fact that Togame's dying speech proved to me that all this time, she was, in fact, extremely wise beyond her years, in MY opinion. (Not that I ever thought her stupid. I just didn't anticipate her intellect to outbalance her lust of revenge and self-centered, cold-and-calculating ways.) To admit the things she did, to realize the things she did, and overall, to grow the way she did; I found that to be reminiscent of deep wisdom. Not Higaki Rinne wise, but wise in her own way.

I also agree with some people that parts of the ending are a little... odd, rushed, and/or have the feel of a cheap cop-out. But Nisio did it well. If you're going to make a mistake/do some bad writing, do it like Nisio. The overall presentation was good, so I won't complain. It's probably better than anything I'll EVER write.

And I must say, Shichika's character development was quite enjoyable. And his seiyuu just helped to make that even better. (Let me just take this time to say that the cast, as a whole, was just stellar. All star acting all around. Truly phenomenal.) There are some kinks in it; I would never say it was a perfect character development, of course. But an entertaining one nevertheless.

But more than anything, Katanagatari, at it's base, and like a LOT of Nisio's work, was mostly about finding one's self, understanding one's self, and growth in one's self. Excellent adaption of a novel by an excellent author. Gems like this don't come around often enough.

10/10 in my book. Best anime I've seen since the Spice & Wolf series.

Originally Posted by shichi-chan

And then the last scene showing togame standing there was just.. unbearable. ;_;

Seriously. Actually, all of the narrator's final words were tear jerking for me. And the music SO didn't help, lol.

Speaking of music, kick-ass soundtrack. It'll be a long time before I see another anime with a story, quality of animation, voice acting, OP and ED themes, AND BGM that are ALL fantastic. It's all so good I feel as if I've been spoiled by Katanagatari. XD

[Forsaken_Infinity]

...

You know, I don't know what to say. I have become so used to epic stuff ending that I didn't even flinch when the ending rolled over. My reaction was more along the line of, "wait, that's it?" than anything.

Regardless, it was definitely a good show; not even close to the best ever, but still a very good epic. And the ending manages to boost the entire show up imo.

Also, I love the fact that Hitei Hime ended up following Shichika around. From what I can tell, he doesn't particularly mind it either. So, in a sense, Shichika did follow through with Togame's wish and Shikizaki Kiki lost to Togame (and her Dad for that matter). Well, if he had indeed planned for history or whatever to be altered anyway. I personally think he didn't wish for anything and everything that was done was just for trolling purposes, playing with everyone including himself.

As for Togame dying, I don't see why I am expected to cry by other fans o.0 The only characters I hated the deaths of were Nanami and Maniwa Houou. Their deaths were much more ridiculous and sad compared to Togame's.

[kache]

Finished.

Sad, but very nice.
Masterpiece for me.\

[shichi-chan]

As for Togame dying, I don't see why I am expected to cry by other fans o.0 The only characters I hated the deaths of were Nanami and Maniwa Houou. Their deaths were much more ridiculous and sad compared to Togame's.

I agree with that.

[Kakkou]

This 12 month journey finally came to a rest and what an end it was. Definitely one of my favourites this year. While I think they could have done a much better job dropping a few subtle hints about Togame's true self, I still think it worked out well in the end. Feels like episode 10 probably served as the main hint about Togame's dying words. In the end she came of as a very pitiable person and made her death quite sad imo. The whole weight of the ending didn't strike me hard until the narrator delivered the epilogue. That was top class narration right there, coupled with how lovely and suitable her voice was for such a role. Major props to the narrator and cast, especially Shichika's VA this episode. I even grew a soft spot for the Maniwani despite being the cannon fodder they were till the very end. I'm not so sure what else to say other than the overall presentation, story, art, animation and music made Katanagatari a wonderful ride. I pray White Fox continues to deliver their stellar work at adaptations and I expect good things from Steins;Gate. When they're done with that please get to Zaregoto~ >_<.

Finally, I really liked how Take's illustrations keep getting incorporated into the episodes one way or another. I immediately choked at the epilogue when they showed all the past sword bearers and had to pause and refer to the artbook. It was a great touch having their shots taken directly from the group picture done by Take.

P.S. Shichika vs Hakari's new owner was possibly the funniest moment in the whole series.

CHEERIO!

[Nosauz]

Tragedy is really not so great to describe this series, eventhough the "love" story is ever evident it's not as deep and impactful as I would have thought it was going to be, it's an interesting tale, but the whole your lover dies as she's about to realize her dreams is really no where near tragic as some more sobering works that don't have a I win lolz cannon on their side.

Togame's death was pretty obviously going to happen, true tragedy would have been more on the lines of Togame having to transform Schika into a "weapon" and not the "person" he really is, sacrificing his humanity for her goal and his love for her happiness yet is also the thing that she loves about her. Her death is just cruel but to say it's tragic really is to say that it is abrupt and the development leading up to especially in monthly installments doesn't make it as impactful.

Still an excellent series, I think the final episode really made up for the overall lack of animation through out the first episodes but still I feel a little dissappointed how "quickly" Shichika had moved on from the incident, the lack of the brokeness of the blade was somewhat disappointing, the quick resolution didn't really evoke the pain shichika must have felt.

Unfortunately, Nisio's writing was so limited that he need to have Togame explain verbatim how shichika changed her, it's all about this notion of showing not telling, and here we get a heavy dose of it. I just don't feel like the death soliloquy for Togame was as poignant as some you do, in fact I find Shichika's interjections even more heartbreaking, because even as she describes the effect of Shichika we realize in the end she hasn't developed she as calculating as ever, unable to escape, if you view her life in tragic sense then yes, she is the folly of her hubris but in the sense of the stories over arching tragedy, there really isn't much, because the fall is not as dramatic or profound, especially with vengence exacted in the next 15 minutes.

The more and more I think about this episode and over arching story, the more I feel like the punishment is life, that Life is the trial we must go through, and that death is the resolution of that trial, see if we have weathered it's obstacles, that death is the escape and ultimately the meaningless part. That living takes strength. I dunno this and the scar face homage in Panty Stocking has really gotten me thinking.

[thundrakkon]

I am a bit depressed from watching Togame's final moments. You can tell she was lying when her eyes changed to strategy mode. It indicated that she was strategizing a way to lessen the burden of Shichika's pain. She really wanted him to live a happy life. It pains me to see two people so much in love be separated in ways that can never fulfill their happiness.

Great story, but sad ending. I guess all the strong warriors in Japan are now gone, so I wouldn't know how they will continue a story like this. Maybe they might bring back Togame from the dead, ala Inuyasha.

[Decagon]

Originally Posted by stuopidget

You are all heartless!

I teared the first time I read Togame's death, but from the last couple of posts most seemed not as affected by the scene, which made Vexx's point earlier debatable. The Chinese forums were filled with emo posts and everyone here just seemed to find the long, long death speech rather boring. My somewhat sadistic anticipation of people's rage toward this ending was rather disappointed, though the English community's rather simple acceptance served to make 2ch's hatred for the ending even more hilarious (then again, what doesn't 2chn hate). I wonder if this is just the farewell scene was treated poorly (wonder what Shichika actually said, which is an anime original), or just that TAKE's design is that much win that as long as you look pretty you're forgiven.

There's also the issue of plot, which I do agree with Daniel Lind that is the weakest and most BS element in this story, was barely debated here at the end. Or did everyone just ended up being super thrilled by Shichika's Boss Rush? I think Nisio should've just changed Shichika's attitude to Hiteihime in the end to that of "You killed my waifu, so I'm taking your body as payment" for maximum trollage effect.

Echoing earlier sentiments, Togame's last words scene could have had more sadness/regret on her part but personally this may have been the direction they intended to take if you assume Togame did not want to look weak or regretful in her last moments with Shichika. She's been portrayed as being cold, calculating, and single-minded in pursuing her goal since the begining of the series though she has changed through her interactions with Shichika. She was a strong and noble character who died a rather ignoble death which can probably be seen as penance for how she's used people over the years. I thought Togame's filial piety was very admirable and that the deep romance between lord and vassal (not talking about love romance here) between her and Shichika came to fruition when he chose to storm the castle seeking a place to die.

See, I would have been fine if Shichika died too. That would have been accomplishing his goal and if he achieved Togame's goal with that I'd have considered it a happy end. For me Togame's last words were an appropriate enough ending that I didn't care much for what happened afterward because we know she was able to be open with him and that their love was mutual.