Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai - Light Novel Discussion

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by evil|plushie

Being a tomboy doesn't automatically make you an outcast though. I mean, there are plenty of popular tomboys in school. Her standoffish nature and sarcastic attitude seem to be the main cause but again, it doesn't seem like she had that sort of nature 10 years ago. So really, what changed?

I think this is a natural evolution of her childhood personality, with the understanding that, for whatever reason, she wasn't able to fit in with the crowd. We see at the start of the show that she's extremely resentful of the beautiful and popular girls. I don't know if I necessarily buy that there was some other additional trigger that necessarily set her down that path. I think her current attitude is a defence mechanism to prevent her from being hurt even further. And now that she actually has some people that she could interact with, she's behaving in the way she became accustomed to. In either case, she definitely has some major trust and self-esteem issues that need to be worked out.

Originally Posted by evil|plushie

And no, she wouldn't be accepted in some foreign cultures any better -_- It's not that she's individualistic or strong of will or anything. It's that she can be a very huge bitch a lot of times. Unless you're saying the two are directly related for females, which i would have to disagree.

Again, following the above concept, I suspect Yozora is only a "bitch" (as you say) because she stopped caring about getting along with "normal people" at some point along the way, likely after being burned one too many times. So this may be what prevents her from getting along with people now, but I don't think that was always the case. As you said, "something happened", but I think it could be as simple as not fitting in. Ten years is certainly enough time to become bitter and cynical, particularly now that she's a teenager. This all has little to do with being female, though -- anyone can get jaded if they feel like they can never fit in.

(And that aside, I've known a lot of popular girls who were not so dissimilar to Yozora, honestly. It really all depends on whether you can find a group of friends who can accept you. Popularity just grows from there.)

Originally Posted by evil|plushie

As for Kodaka understanding her cause of foreign blood...uh, no don't think so. To be honest, I think Sena understands her the most because a lot of the girly subtext seems to be partially lost on Kodaka. Plus Sena has foreign blood too.

I'm not sure if you're actually disproving my point, though. A big message of the show is that it takes an outcast to really understand other outcasts. The fact that Sena, Kodaka, and Kobato all share some foreign blood is just one of the links that separates them from the crowd and makes them outcasts (because they're "not like other people"). Yozora, too, has always been "not like other people", and perhaps that's why she was able to become friends with Kodaka back in the day. I guess how literally or figuratively you take this particular connection is up to you.

[surerman]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

I think this is a natural evolution of her childhood personality, with the understanding that, for whatever reason, she wasn't able to fit in with the crowd. We see at the start of the show that she's extremely resentful of the beautiful and popular girls. I don't know if I necessarily buy that there was some other additional trigger that necessarily set her down that path. I think her current attitude is a defence mechanism to prevent her from being hurt even further. And now that she actually has some people that she could interact with, she's behaving in the way she became accustomed to. In either case, she definitely has some major trust and self-esteem issues that need to be worked out.

Again, following the above concept, I suspect Yozora is only a "bitch" (as you say) because she stopped caring about getting along with "normal people" at some point along the way, likely after being burned one too many times. So this may be what prevents her from getting along with people now, but I don't think that was always the case. As you said, "something happened", but I think it could be as simple as not fitting in. Ten years is certainly enough time to become bitter and cynical, particularly now that she's a teenager. This all has little to do with being female, though -- anyone can get jaded if they feel like they can never fit in.

(And that aside, I've known a lot of popular girls who were not so dissimilar to Yozora, honestly. It really all depends on whether you can find a group of friends who can accept you. Popularity just grows from there.)

I'm not sure if you're actually disproving my point, though. A big message of the show is that it takes an outcast to really understand other outcasts. The fact that Sena, Kodaka, and Kobato all share some foreign blood is just one of the links that separates them from the crowd and makes them outcasts (because they're "not like other people"). Yozora, too, has always been "not like other people", and perhaps that's why she was able to become friends with Kodaka back in the day. I guess how literally or figuratively you take this particular connection is up to you.

objection!
She become friend with Koala is because she's presenting herself as what she want (in the past and present) She want to be manly and dressed like a boy, joining Koala brawl and befriend him. In the present she pretend to not recognized him in the class room until she get rightful shower of dirty water bucket at summer festival, and cut her hair after realize her chance to keep Koala for her self is almost slip to other girl.

One always can choose to be what ever she/he want in her/his life, whomever he/she is, but in this bitch case she choose to be ..well...bitch, that make me want to give her my Full Force Chi - Kungfu punch or plunged some Sledge Hammer like Mjolnir on her face.

GRRRAAAAHhh!!!! *Rage of the Titans meter increased*

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by surerman

One always can choose to be what ever she/he want in her/his life, whomever he/she is, but in this bitch case she choose to be ..well...

(formatting adjusted)

I'm not saying that I think she's blameless or a victim that we should only feel sorry for. But, at the same time, I don't think she's a villain that deserves nothing but anger and blame either. She's a sympathetic character in this story, just like all the rest of the flawed cast.

[evil|plushie]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

I think this is a natural evolution of her childhood personality, with the understanding that, for whatever reason, she wasn't able to fit in with the crowd. We see at the start of the show that she's extremely resentful of the beautiful and popular girls. I don't know if I necessarily buy that there was some other additional trigger that necessarily set her down that path. I think her current attitude is a defence mechanism to prevent her from being hurt even further. And now that she actually has some people that she could interact with, she's behaving in the way she became accustomed to. In either case, she definitely has some major trust and self-esteem issues that need to be worked out.

I agree that she needs therapy. Serious therapy. Followed by Yukimura.

In actuality, I'm hoping she doesn't end up with Kodaka in the LN because her character doesn't need love/romance. She already has trouble with NORMAL friendships, let alone romantic relationships. She needs some therapy and then maybe after a few years, she can consider romance. If she does end up with Kodaka and then everything turns out hunky-dory then well... -_- it's one of those cliche powaaaa ooooof laaaaabu endings, which really depends on how well it's written.

Again, following the above concept, I suspect Yozora is only a "bitch" (as you say) because she stopped caring about getting along with "normal people" at some point along the way, likely after being burned one too many times. So this may be what prevents her from getting along with people now, but I don't think that was always the case. As you said, "something happened", but I think it could be as simple as not fitting in. Ten years is certainly enough time to become bitter and cynical, particularly now that she's a teenager. This all has little to do with being female, though -- anyone can get jaded if they feel like they can never fit in.

Yeah, I was wondering at what point did she stop. Because at age 7, she seemed like she would be popular with people.

[mironicus]

Too much thinking about Yozora will get you even more confused.

Well, the story is written from the perspective from Kodaka and not from Yozora.

The past is the only remaining link she has with Kodaka and that's a trigger she always try to push to get closer to him. And this is somehow sad, because as long she still pushes this trigger she is not able to form any new relationships at all. She will become an outcast within a group of outcasts. There is nothing much more else to say about her based of the infos at the end of Vol 7.

However in Vol. 8 that topic is not important any more because this new volume focuses mainly on Kodaka and how he is able to step forward.

Spoiler:

Kodaka entrusts himself to Rika and they become friends. Sena confesses to him. He also starts to interact with people outside the club, helping Yusa Aoi and the student council in their works. He feels accepted and while he was unlucky at the beginning of Vol. 8 he feels happy now and more self confident and enjoys himself being a high school student at the end. He is becoming fulfilled. Story-wise that is a huge step because for Kodaka being fulfilled should conclude the story. He even thinks "Sora is not here any more" and he is mentally ready for starting a romance.

[potchip]

The positive reviews on Amazon was mostly on the renewed focus on relationships and introspection (from Kodaka). Mironics, I think you tend to focus more on 'events' rather than the messages that these events manage to bringing across.

Spoiler for impression up to ch5:

So far much of the content is re-affirming earlier speculations about character traits and the increased awareness of the 'friend' status. May disappoint mironicus in that Sena rated barely a mention thus far and whilst Rika and Kodaka got the 'event' happening, plenty of hints are dropped about a changing Yozora as well. And apparently both Kodaka/Rika are aware of Yozora's intention in creating the club. Traits of Kodaka & Yozora not seeking feedback from others is confirmed. And Rika is also surprisingly maiden (just with an extreme fetish that skewed her view)

[mironicus]

Spoiler for impression up to ch5:

So far much of the content is re-affirming earlier speculations about character traits and the increased awareness of the 'friend' status. May disappoint mironicus in that Sena rated barely a mention thus far and whilst Rika and Kodaka got the 'event' happening, plenty of hints are dropped about a changing Yozora as well. And apparently both Kodaka/Rika are aware of Yozora's intention in creating the club. Traits of Kodaka & Yozora not seeking feedback from others is confirmed. And Rika is also surprisingly maiden (just with an extreme fetish that skewed her view)

Spoiler:

How should I be disappointed? If Sena is barely mentioned that does only mean she is no problem for the group and for Kodaka himself. It's just Yozora. And if he is aware why she created the club that's just even better. He understands and he does not have to feel pity and responsible about her. If he talks about that with Rika then this new friendship just triggers that Kodaka can finally separate from Sora and his thoughts about the past. His friendship with Rika and also his helping with the student council gives him the opportunity to get out of Yozora's range. As long as he only stays within the Neighbour Club, he is always under the supervision of Yozora, which hinders him actively to find friends on his own.

[evil|plushie]

Need...translations...of...vol...8....heck, i'd be happy if vol 7 was finally finished >_<

That or I need to get myself a cheap copy somehow

[mironicus]

Quoted from the Vexed Scans homepage:

"Haganai volume 8 (There will be enough bricks shat to build enough homes for a small African village after I get around to releasing this)"

We should collect money so he changes his occupation for only translating for us.

[NaweG]

Originally Posted by mironicus

Quoted from the Vexed Scans homepage:

"Haganai volume 8 (There will be enough bricks shat to build enough homes for a small African village after I get around to releasing this)"

We should collect money so he changes his occupation for only translating for us.

I've often thought that this would be an interesting use of Kickstarter - to donate to get a book translated. Perhaps setup so the money is paid to Yen or someone on the condition they employ said translator. Just a thought...

[sky black swordman]

Kodaka can finally separate from Sora and his thoughts about the past

The question is will Yozora let him .

Need...translations...of...vol...8....heck, i'd be happy if vol 7 was finally finished >_<

Be patient. And please dont take this the wrong way and I am sorry if I offend you this , but comment can irritate translator's.

I don't know if I necessarily buy that there was some other additional trigger that necessarily set her down that path.

For me I think there may be but then again thats me .

I am very curious about her home life and her life after Kodoka left.

[mironicus]

The question is will Yozora let him .

Yes. No one should underestimate the influence a girl can have over a boy.

Spoiler:

I can imagine: Kodaka may be happy for a short time, he may experience a date (all just turned out in his favour, like a miracle it's just to good to be true) but at the end he just falls back again saying to himself "I just don't deserve such a fulfilled life", breaking up right at the moment where he has a chance to achieve complete happiness, switching back to his old behaviour feeling unlucky again and coming back right into Yozora's cage.

This could be good plot twist for a possible Sena ending. Kodaka rejects Sena, she becomes herself unlucky and does not attend the school any more. Kodaka himself is depressed and becomes unmotivated. There comes Rika and now she confronts Yozora that she is the main factor why Kodaka is unlucky. Yozora don't want to hear this but Rika is so persistent and makes things very clear towards her. Yozora finally understands. Kodaka and Yozora meet again at the place where they last met ten years ago as Sora and Taka. They make a proper farewell, a very moving scene. After this Kodaka runs to Sena's mansion and he finally proposes to her, which is not so easy of course, he tells what he feels about her and that he wants to marry her. She believes him. Yozora herself is now also free from her past and is finally able to move forward.

[evil|plushie]

As it is right now, Yozora's circumstances can only get worse before it gets better.

[cyberdemon]

LOL! I found hanagai characters in the LN Kono Naka ni Hitori Imouto ga Iru

[sky black swordman]

Originally Posted by cyberdemon

LOL! I found hanagai characters in the LN Kono Naka ni Hitori Imouto ga Iru

What in the world!? Who Yozora or Sena? Who is it?

[cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by sky black swordman

What in the world!? Who Yozora or Sena? Who is it?

Yozora, Sena (complete with butterfly hair piece), Maria (though only her back), and Rika. I thought my eyes were tricking me for a moment but they were really there. lol. You can find the image in volume 5.5.

[mironicus]

I just tried to read the afterword of Vol. 8 (if's safe, no spoilers needed).

The author mentioned that he is ill, having a pancreatitis. He has problems with breathing, so simple tasks like going 100 meters to the next supermarket is troublesome for him, his stamina is down. The following characters are from the last page.

著者
平坂読(ひらさか・よみ)
100メートル先のスーパーに行くだけで息が切れます・・・・・・。歳ではなく病気で
体力が落ちているせいだと思いたい。
イラスト
ブリキ
夢の中でも息が切れます・・・・・・歳ですね。

[Miraluka]

Wow, that is pretty bad .

[mangamuscle]

Originally Posted by Wilfriback

Wow, that is pretty bad .

As long as it is pancreatitis due to alcohol intake he should be ok if stays away from the stuff, but if the cause of his pancreatitis is pancreatic cancer *cough* satoshi kon *cough*

[mironicus]

Google translation about the desease. So it was a gastroenteritis and not a pancreatitis they twittered some months ago...?

一ヶ月ほど急病で入院しました。夜中にお腹が超痛くなって眠吐も酷く胃液しか出なくなっても治まらず、どう にか朝まで我慢して近所の病院に行ったところただの胃腸炎と診断され薬を出されたもののまったく効かず、ど う考えてもこれはヤバいと思い救急車を呼んで大きな病院に搬送され、最重症の急性膝炎で極度の脱水症状を起 こしててマジ超ヤパいと判明し即入院となりました。駆けつけてくださった編集長と担当さんによると、顔が真 ?日で死んでるかと思ったそうです(笑・・・えない) 。入院中は点滴いっぱいで身動きできず、退院後も普通の生活に戻れるまで非常に時間がかかました(今は元気 です) 。皆さんも健康にはくれぐれも気をつけてください・・・いや本当に、いのちをだいじに。あと、ヤバいと思っ たときはちゃんとした設備のある大きな病院に行くべきです。最初の医者を信じてあと数時間救急車を呼ばない でいたら多分アレだったそうで・・・(笑・・・えない) 。-この一年ほどずっとやっているゲlムやアプリなどの「監修』の仕

Was hospitalized with sudden illness about a month. Not effective at all, but does not go away is no longer only gastric juice badly also vomiting sleep it hurt super stomach in the middle of the night, was issued a drug are diagnosed with gastroenteritis just place went to the hospital in the neighborhood to be patient until the morning somehow , which is conveyed to a large hospital in an ambulance I think dope, now hospitalized immediately turned out to physicians Yapa ultra-serious has been caused dehydration of extreme flame knee severe acute highest by any stretch of the imagination. According to the editor in chief who's in charge and rushed, so I thought that is dead in the Sun? True face (not ET · laughs). Was very time in the hospital can not be written down in the full drip, to return to normal life after discharge (this is fine). Really hate to health · Please be careful earnestly, to cherish life too. After you believe that dope should go to a big hospital with proper facilities. (No ET-Emi) · · · so maybe I was not called Ares an ambulance a few hours to believe the first doctor. - Specification of "supervision" such as systems and applications gain l is doing much about this one year