Kimi ni Todoke (Reaching You) [Anime]

[Kirarakim]

And you're not making any sense by stating that everything will be fine after everything, really then why the hell are you complaining? It's not the destination we're interested in, it's the journey to get there that makes it worth sticking around.


I am not complaining I just don't like how this episode was presented. However just because I am unhappy with this episode does not mean I am writing off the whole series. Which is why I also stated I am pretty sure everything will be okay in the next episode. But just because I might be happy with the end result does not mean I have to be happy with the way they are getting to that end result.


Also it is the number of times a character (not just Sawako) misunderstands something in this episode that I find unrealistic. But you are free to disagree.

[Last Sinner]

Okay first we have Yano and Yoshida hear Sawako say to the other girl they are not her friends (and then they walk away before they can hear the rest of what she says)

Then when they ask her if she likes them she can't say it. And all 3 of them misunderstand.

Then Sawako overhears the girls talking in the bathroom and she misunderstands and makes the situation even worse by thinking its best to avoid Yano, Yoshida and KKazehaya which makes the situation worst. Maybe one of these things would be realistic but all of them one on top of the other is forced unrealistic drama. But you are free to disagree

No, I've known of friends or relatives that had relationships in real life either end or be severely tested by circumstances like that.

It emphasises the point that teens need to properly communicate how they feel. It is one of the biggest learning curves from going from being a teen to adulthood - to be able to say how you feel and not hold it in or let fear/doubt hinder you from saying it. Personally if the issue was resolved so simply, I'd find THAT to be an unrealistic scenario because it would make the characters seem too perfect. The fact they do struggle with this misunderstanding shows how human the three girls are and makes them so much more worthy of empathy. And the scenario also shows that verbal abuse (as in those who were starting the rumours and helped to spread it) is something females are very proficient in and is the main issue of bullying in female high schools and in the workplace. I think Karuha Shiino tackled it very well and that Production I.G. remained faithful to her intended message.

[orion]

Also it is the number of times a character (not just Sawako) misunderstands something in this episode that I find unrealistic. But you are free to disagree.

Hey, I'm there with you. Hearing parts of a conversation, not letting her finish a sentence, not telling her the rumors. Forced misunderstandings to drive a plot.

The only one who might know how she feels is Kazehaya. At least they got that part right for a real life female. :heh:

Personally if the issue was resolved so simply, I'd find THAT to be an unrealistic scenario because it would make the characters seem too perfect. The fact they do struggle with this misunderstanding shows how human the three girls are and makes them so much more worthy of empathy. And the scenario also shows that verbal abuse (as in those who were starting the rumours and helped to spread it) is something females are very proficient in and is the main issue of bullying in female high schools and in the workplace. I think Karuha Shiino tackled it very well and that Production I.G. remained faithful to her intended message.

Actually if it stretches for too long, it's unrealistic imo as people nowadays are more brutal in relationships. Cut losses and move on. That's why I said that attempting to clear it up first with the future boyfriend is realistic as that's what most girls would do imo.

This communication stuff and backbone development is learned in middle school as this is where the clicks and dating starts. Sometimes those clicks start in elementary school too. High school is not the place to be learning this. The reason why she is not being abused as much is prob because of those 2 girls and Kazehaya. That rumor is prob spot on imo.

This title is feeding off of nostalgia of being in high school rather than real life imo.

[Last Sinner]

The idea that at 15, people are through most of their emotional development - is not true at all. That is a common misconception. Basic psychology will tell you don't finish it until around 25 or even 30. The current generation is somewhat inept at communication, even once they're adults. To think that development is mainly done during middle school years is a bit far-fetched. 9th-11th grade are the years both genders go through major physical and emotional development. Communication is not something you get the hang of that easily. The rules change over and over again the older you get. Each rung of the social scale has different standards and slangs to it.

Those aspects click at different times for different people. Sawako's emotional development is not as progressed as that of the people around her, so it's only natural that she's only just beginning to reach those aspects. Besides, dating at that age is more about getting virginal issues out of the way, having a partner to show off or a form of rebellion. Hardly any relationship from that age ever lasts. As for brutal relationships - I'm too familar with them. Frankly, that pretty much sums up every friendship or such I had in high school. I did cut my ties quickly every time.

Anyways, Karuha Shiino stated form the outset that Sawako was going to be this way. You're just going to have to take your lumps as they come if you take issue with who Sawako is. Frankly, for a cynical person like myself, the somewhat sweet nature of this series gives me pause and I like to think that maybe there is a couple of a group of friends somewhere living something like this out, because optimism and love die too quickly in this day and age. It's nice to be able to dream a little.

[Master Chibi]

Also it is the number of times a character (not just Sawako) misunderstands something in this episode that I find unrealistic. But you are free to disagree.

Dude.

High school girls.

Enough said.

[orion]

The idea that at 15, people are through most of their emotional development - is not true at all. That is a common misconception. Basic psychology will tell you don't finish it until around 25 or even 30. The current generation is somewhat inept at communication, even once they're adults. To think that development is mainly done during middle school years is a bit far-fetched. 9th-11th grade are the years both genders go through major physical and emotional development. Communication is not something you get the hang of that easily. The rules change over and over again the older you get. Each rung of the social scale has different standards and slangs to it.

Anyways, Karuha Shiino stated form the outset that Sawako was going to be this way. You're just going to have to take your lumps as they come if you take issue with who Sawako is.

High school survival states otherwise. :heh:

Sure you're going to make mistakes but backbone development, proper self esteem is encouraged prior to high school. High school and junior high school is where the "victims" are found and abused. If you don't want to be a victim, then you toughen up. Sawako would not survive high school without stronger friends if she does not harden her spine fast imo. She prob had Shino in middle school to help her out imo.

Those rumors are doing the right thing. Separate Sawako from the others and then pummel her into oblivion.

[Kaoru Chujo]

This is an episode that I wasn't that thrilled with, either. I know such misunderstandings can take place in real life, but it still seemed to stretch things a bit. And the process took too long, for me. But I didn't feel so negative about the same thing in the manga, so maybe it's just because I have read this part of the manga and am impatient to get on.

The best thing about the episode, for me, was Yano and Yoshida. I guess that's two things, lol. They are even better in the anime than they were in the manga. I think Sawashiro Miyuki and Sanpei Yuuko are really hitting their stride. And the toughness and sensitivity of the two characters gives them a lot to work with.

Sawako wanting to see Kazehaya's forehead was also golden.

[Last Sinner]

High school survival states otherwise. :heh:

Sure you're going to make mistakes but backbone development, proper self esteem is encouraged prior to high school. High school and junior high school is where the "victims" are found and abused. If you don't want to be a victim, then you toughen up. Sawako would not survive high school without stronger friends if she does not harden her spine fast imo. She prob had Shino in middle school to help her out imo.

Those rumors are doing the right thing. Separate Sawako from the others and then pummel her into oblivion.

We're just going to have to disagree on this one, because that's far too simple a view on things for me to agree with. However, I agree on the 'harden up' aspect.

[orion]

We're just going to have to disagree on this one, because that's far too simple a view on things for me to agree with. However, I agree on the 'harden up' aspect.

Perhaps I had experience with this type of stuff. Hear it also from my sister who is a teacher. This is just nostalgia. Both genders seek out "victims" nowadays.

But it's not like I didn't know the nostalgia feel to this title. You can tell from the music and coloring used.

[Last Sinner]

Perhaps I had experience with this type of stuff. Hear it also from my sister who is a teacher. This is just nostalgia. Both genders seek out "victims" nowadays.

My mother has a Ph.D in psychology and also teaches. And I went through all of this and then some in high school. I received anonymous death threats for 2 years and had several people say to my face that they would gladly kill me, along with half my grade more than willing to beat me up simply for kicks. I also had several teachers that straight out admitted they didn't like me. Most of this was simply based onmy skin colour or that I wasn't as wild or promiscuous as most guys in my grade were and because I wanted to do well in high school. I didn't play the victim. If anything, come the final year retreat, nearly every single one of them came up to me or wrote in my comment book and said 'We're sorry we were jerks to you, because you didn't deserve it at all. We honestly don't know how you were able to tolerate us without going bad.' I'm more than aware of the stupidity and evil that resides within high school. And I'm also well aware that most people at Sawako's age are still nowhere near being mature or socially/emotionally developed. And teachers I speak to these days say that more than ever. My mum teaches people that are young adults and she finds most of them on the same level as middle/high school people.

That's why I can't agree with you, because I know what you said isn't true for everyone. High school isn't as simple as some people want to believe. What happened to that 15 year old girl in San Francisco is proof of that.

And I go back to my earlier statements from a few pages back - Karuha Shiino wrote darker, more realistic stuff in Crazy For You. Kimi ni Todoke is the product of her wish to write a postiive story about a positive girl who doesn't look it. It's supposed to be sweet and fun. Let's not ruin it by getting too serious/cynical over it. It's meant to be taken somewhat lightly as well as somewhat seriously.

[Guardian Enzo]

Finally, some halfway decent sturm and drang - like an oasis in a desert of fluffy pink niceness. That was the best ep so far, for me, just because there was a little more shading on the emotional palette. The misunderstanding felt fairly feasible to me, given the age of the parties involved.

Plus, I really dug the job Renton did as Yoshida...

[Master Chibi]

Plus, I really dug the job Renton did as Yoshida...

I was hoping I wasn't the only one.

:heh:

[Sinestra]

As i suspected would happen this episode produced a hefty amount of different opinions. Though the episode was good i could not help but to feel something missing which is odd because the anime and the manga are spot on. Maybe it just appealed better to me in the manga.

Testing friendships was pretty much the theme here and the made sure to use a large amount of that high school drama mix. Misunderstandings, missed chances and just crappy communication is what lead to this. We all know Sawako has a hard time expressing herself which is why in the manga and the anime the way she phrased what she wanted to say made sense to me (anime only viewers will hear it next episode). Yoshida and Yano basically cut her short in the classroom instead of listening to her thoroughly but what more can you expect of adolescent high school girl.

This episode actually shows pretty much what happens in high school everyday. When you take bunch of unstable elements like teenagers who are socially and emotionally developing and force them together for several hours a day your are going to get situations like this. I felt this part of the story so far was the most important for Sawako, Yoshida and Yano's character development it was a must to show how fragile yet beautiful friendship can be. Its actually very simple to figure out. Yano and Yoshida have what we could call a normal sense of friendship Sawako who has been withdrawn and alienated for so long does not perceive situations the same as they do. She is not presumptions she feels there needs to be more or verbal confirmation that she is their friend. Where she can watch Yano and Yoshida together and see how much they care for one another there friendship is very visual. Which is why when she said 'Friendship' is how you would describe Yano and Yoshda's relationship, right? When I see those two, I can tell they really like each other. That's why, I would not be so presumptuous to call myself their friend yet. But, I....really like both of them. Once Yoshino and Yano can see things from Sawako perspective and vice verse the misunderstandings will correct themselves.

Though i see some discontent im hoping that viewers wont forget the overall theme of Kimi ni Todoke. It still heading in the proper direction in my opinion we get to watch Sawako grow as a person through her trails and tribulations.

Was anyone else on the floor when Pin was describing his night of drinking. I seriously lost it when he said " When i went out drinking last night. I saw hundreds and thousands of midgets running around my saucer. They ran around and around and around and then they took turns jumping into the saucer" OMFG what the hell was he drinking that night, either Pin was chasing the green dragon or he got deeper issues and too make it worse hes telling this to a student LMAO

[Master Chibi]

Is the music for the ending out yet?

:3

[suka-pon-tan]

The official website suggests the schedule will be fairly normal - next week won't be skipped, and episode 5 should only air ten minutes later than the usual. On the other hand, what Syoboi Calendar has to say on the episode is " 野球中継のため無制限に追加繰り下げあり ", and I believe this means that baseball is likely to push the series even later at night (depending on the outcome of the matches, I'd assume)?

Yes, it will air next week. Sorry people, I actually belived rumor...

[monir]

Realism is the least of worries for this show. Nothing realistic here. It's a fiction meant to appeal certain group of fanbase who can consider and/or relate to certain situation that are brought under the limelight. Sawaka's character is super exaggerated and so are the rest of em'. No, the fun part of the show comes from (as far as myself is concerned) is the ability to recreate a hypothetical situation with least bit of realism involved. The shows selling point is that people are generally good in nature. Most culture and society around the world, of course, knows better. So criticizing the show based on its inability to recreate a plausible realistic situation automatically falls flat considering the fantastic premises this show is based upon which is the telling of this Cinderella story. It's Sawako's coming out party the audience are to take part of.

And yet I can relate to the posts that found the portion of the misunderstanding frustrating. It was! I was able to overlook that portion once episode 4 established at the first few seconds into it that the two girls in questions won't be fooled for long,...... that they are given the ability for constructive reasoning and deduction. The mere eavesdropping to recreate the misunderstanding and the subsequent stalemate at furthering their friendship with Sawako which deepened after her inability to answer a really difficult question, "do you like us"..... that just a reminder for the general audience that this show is still catered to a specific kind of audience.

I, personally, don't like most shoujo series. (I've got my reasons. :)) I'll endure with this one because of Sawako and there are characters like these two girls along the way. I was very impressed how Sawako was unable to give a simple, "yes or no" answer those two girls were seeking to the question if she like them. Sawako considered the question a very difficult one. That's why she told that other girl that she didn't think she was friends with those two girls,.... yet. She also observed that those two girls are friends with each other. Friendship is such a venerable and precious label to Sawako that it can't be thrown around just like that. It shows how much she thinks about matters most of us won't bother with in life. Hence, the show wins points from me in episode 4.

This show is also not trying to recreate any of our typical high school life we've been through, nor is it a realistic portrayal of "high school girls." Anything but! So I don't buy into the counter argument how mentioning of "high school girls" would automatically explain away the frustrating portion some posters found about this episode which dragged on the misunderstanding. I also think those posters would have been okay with this episode if they had the access to the resolution which probably comes in episode 5.

[Last Sinner]

There is about 5 volumes worth of translated manga around certain circles. Viz are being somewhat slow with their releases, with only 2 volumes out thus far and opting for 1 volume every 3 months, but that kind of makes sense when you realise the 9th volume only just came out in Japan recently and that a 2 month release rate would catch up to that by the end of next year and leave very little leway, particularly if Karuha Shiino were to suffer a major illness. Hope she doesn't, it's been bad enough that Ai Yazawa has had 2 major illnesses over the last 3 years which has slowed down the NANA series considerably. So it'll be a while before the translated releases catch up, but considering there's probably still a fair way for that title to go, not a problem.

Hopefully this title will get the sales in the anime format. Kimi no Todoke has been selling in the 500k-650k range for the last few volumes of manga, which is only being outdone by One Piece. It's rating comparatively well to other series in the October season. But Production I.G. needs this to sell well on DVD/Blu-Ray. Eden of the East rated fairly well and was critically applauded, but its sales were surprisingly low and didn't deliver the financial payoff the studio needed. So Kimi ni Todoke needs to sell well for two reasons - to provide the financial security for the studio, which would then in turn give a green light for more of KnT to be made in anime form.

And on funny scenes in ep4, I screenshoted a few. The exaggerated slapstick is just brilliant. Hilarious visuals and the seiyuus are doing a great job with their range of tonalities and conveying character emotions in funny and tense moments.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Last-Exile/therumourscenario.png
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Last-Exile/WTFRumoursAboutME.png
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Last-Exile/yanoyoshidasmug.png
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Last-Exile/sawakoconfused.png

[orion]

.
That's why I can't agree with you, because I know what you said isn't true for everyone. High school isn't as simple as some people want to believe. What happened to that 15 year old girl in San Francisco is proof of that.


That would be called a totally preventable incident if she had used her noddle especially for someone living in San Francisco. She's technically not suppose to be drinking anyways. She was probably set up. It also goes back to the point about certain types looking for "victims".




Was anyone else on the floor when Pin was describing his night of drinking. I seriously lost it when he said " When i went out drinking last night. I saw hundreds and thousands of midgets running around my saucer. They ran around and around and around and then they took turns jumping into the saucer" OMFG what the hell was he drinking that night, either Pin was chasing the green dragon or he got deeper issues and too make it worse hes telling this to a student LMAO

I was thinking "What a loser." He has nothing better to do than to tell a high school student who couldn't care less about himself getting drunk. He's prob jealous that Kazehaya can get a girl and he's still single and unattached.

[Nochgo]

Both genders seek out "victims" nowadays.


That's a way too general statement. You say both genders, meaning practically everyone alive? Personal experience or couple of incident on the news doesn't really justify this statement, IMHO. Personally, I believe this is a very minor occurrence, varying depending on the region. (of course, I have no basis on this either)

It was a bit heart wrenching watching this episode. Can't wait till the misunderstandings are cleared up.

[gaffer7]

Just picked up this series after having read the manga and some opinions on the series and am greatly enjoying it, although this episode like many have said did frustrate me somewhat. There's only just so much dramatic irony I can take before I start groaning in my seat over the misunderstandings that arise due to either fate or a lack in communication. I am expecting however for things to resolve nicely next episode, so even though I don't really like cliffhangers, I still enjoyed the episode. Yano and Yoshida are awesome friends, and it was great watching them try to get to the root of things and caring so much about what their new friend thinks of them, some of the nicer side characters I've seen in a long time.

[BarbecueSauce]

Is the music for the ending out yet?

:3

It's not yet out. Release date is on November 18.

[Shiroth]

This is an episode that I wasn't that thrilled with, either. I know such misunderstandings can take place in real life, but it still seemed to stretch things a bit.
I really don't see what was 'stretched' in this episode. If you take in how much this is effecting Yano and Chizu, then their reactions to this matter are very realistic. Yes they should have listened to everything Sawako planned to say, but they didn't because of how they're feeling because of what's going on. That's a very realistic portrayal of human emotion if you ask me.

[Haak]

I just can't help but get the feeling that I'm watching an Idiot Plot here. If only Yano and Chizu had just let her freaking finish. I mean they already know that she said "They aren't my friends" and Yano already said that they should first get the full meaning. So why did they tell Kuronama to stop just because she didn't say yes immediately? Surely they already knew she wouldn't say yes immediately. That's why they asked her, right? To get the full story.

[xKeen]

Kuronuma was hesitating,so they rushed her? And you can't expect much from a friend you just knew for a few days...

[Sinestra]

I just can't help but get the feeling that I'm watching an Idiot Plot here. If only Yano and Chizu had just let her freaking finish. I mean they already know that she said "They aren't my friends" and Yano already said that they should first get the full meaning. So why did they tell Kuronama to stop just because she didn't say yes immediately? Surely they already knew she wouldn't say yes immediately. That's why they asked her, right? To get the full story.

Yoshida and Yano's personality respectively are the answers to your questions.

Kuronuma was hesitating,so they rushed her? And you can't expect much from a friend you just knew for a few days...

Its been longer than a couple days enough time has passed for the class to go through their seat rearrangements.

[Azuma Denton]

Eps 4 makes me wanna cry...
So sad being Sawako who holds all her emotion herself.
Sawako, why are you so pure despite your 99% resembling appearance with Sadako... :(


Nice seeing a good synergy between Yano and Yoshida...
Enjoy their conversation...

[Haak]

Yoshida and Yano's personality respectively are the answers to your questions.

Er...they're impatient?

[Sinestra]

Er...they're impatient?

Correct They are both nice girls a little rough around the edges, but are also very impatient and rash they figured we have heard all we need to hear because if we hear anymore it will be too painful. Which is why the next scene is of them walking to school obviously having cried all night. Yes we could rationalize that they should have given Sawako the time she needed to get what she wanted to say out. But the fact is they are teenagers and acted accordingly so.

Thats just my opinion i had no problem understanding the scene in the anime nor the manga. Just think of this way most of us dont like to hear bad news and we think we already know the answer to a painful question rarely to we want to hear the rest of it.

[Last Sinner]

There was probably a 'heat of the moment' element to it as well. Pin pulled them away whe they heard Sawako's opening sentence. They were already tense and angry from being pulled away at the critical moment and couldn't think clearly at the time. So they acted too swiftly and didn't think of Sawako's behavioural traits at the time, expecting a simple and quick reply. They're human, they'll learn from it.

[kyouray]

Eps 4 makes me wanna cry...
So do I.
It has splitted my heart and I don't really care about these unrealistic/realistic things.
Heh I feel like a fluffy girl :(

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[Tsukou]

Actually if it stretches for too long, it's unrealistic imo as people nowadays are more brutal in relationships. Cut losses and move on. That's why I said that attempting to clear it up first with the future boyfriend is realistic as that's what most girls would do imo.

This communication stuff and backbone development is learned in middle school as this is where the clicks and dating starts. Sometimes those clicks start in elementary school too. High school is not the place to be learning this. The reason why she is not being abused as much is prob because of those 2 girls and Kazehaya. That rumor is prob spot on imo.

This title is feeding off of nostalgia of being in high school rather than real life imo.

I think you also have to consider cultural differences, because frankly, you can't make a generalization that people are more brutal nowadays. I'd like to think people, especially kids, don't just cut their losses and move on the moment a relationship goes sour.

And perhaps you've never known people like this, who didn't exactly socialize quite as normally as others, thus growing late when it came to talking with people. Because I do know a couple people like that, from both my age group, someone 10 years older than me, and someone who's still a kid. Like I don't think it's an uncommon phenomenon where they didn't quite make friends growing up, and thus when they made friends in high school, they didn't quite know exactly how to act. I met someone in college like that, who was still awkward, and didn't quite understand boundaries.

You may say that it's nostalgia driving this story, but I feel like it's your own personal history that's driving that argument.


Anyways, I'm late to the show, and while I really enjoyed the manga, and people can disagree with me, but I didn't like Sawako's VA, I mean, don't get me wrong, I think she does a good job on some points, and she's prolly growing on a lot of people, just the initial moment her "scary voice" where she kind of lowers her voice, is more awkward than anything. Also when she's trying to teach herself something new about how to act, that voice just doesn't fit into what I heard reading the manga. And while she does the more touching moments right, to be frank, there's a lot of seiyuu's out there that could do the same. Just like how I really enjoy Pin's VA, but at the same time know it's a role that could be done by a couple different people. And it's kind of unfortunate from my viewpoint because those are the times I thought were important to Sawako's character. But oh well..

Yano and Yoshida also have their moments, but also kind of miss at times. Guess I gotta wait till the next couple of episodes to make any conclusions.

[Kirarakim]

I also think those posters would have been okay with this episode if they had the access to the resolution which probably comes in episode 5.


I would have been more okay with all the misunderstandings if they had resolved the situation in episode 4 not left it to episode 5. But I do expect to enjoy the resolution in episode 5. But as I said earlier even if I like where the events might lead doesn't mean I have to like everything that leads up to the final resolution. I am only judging this episode not the whole story.

Although I do think some people (when talking about realism) do not understand the complaints. I do think it is realistic for high school girls to have trouble with communication and yes misunderstandings are part of life. And I certainly think high school girls can be cruel.

However this episode created several misunderstandings in unnatural ways: making sure Yoshida and Yano only heard a part of what Sawako said, not allowing Sawako to continue what she is trying to say, Sawako not actually hearing the real rumors when she overheard the girls talking in the bathroom. Clearly these moments were not just added to show us what high school girls go through but to also add drama to the story. To strengthen this drama they even ended the episode on a cliffhanger instead of resolving it by the end of the episode. This is the type of drama I don't really appreciate. That doesn't mean I have issues with how the characters themselves behave. Personally I feel the misunderstandings are not really the characters' fault at all but the plots.

Although despite the fact that I just wrote a book of explanation I really don't have that many issues with this episode because I do expect everything to be patched up quite nicely in the next one.

[Shiroth]

OP PV:

Ob3lk42brzQ

I really do love this song, though i kinda prefer the version which is used for the shows OP then the one for this video.

@kyouray - Thanks a lot for the fanarts. I checked pixiv the other week, though it's good to see a large selection of pieces since then.

[Kirarakim]

I really do love this song, though i kinda prefer the version which is used for the shows OP then the one for this video.


Yeah it is one of my favorite opening sequences in recent times. I love how it is both very cute and stylish. As for the song I can't wait for the single to be released.

[kyouray]

@Shiroth : you're welcome. I like sharing nice works of artists but I noticed not enough people do the same in this kind of thread (fanarts are kinda lost between mass of text). Only sub-forums have the chance of having selections of these passionate drawings.

This OP is also one of my favourite. I don't feel much difference on the first part but I also still prefer the one used for the anime.
Maybe the great visuals of the opening directed by Shouko Nakamura help a lot for this belief...
I also love the ending and specially the beginning.

[Noe]

Rumors sure can negatlvely alter the relationships of people.

[rabbitking]

I just watched episode 4 yesterday. Wow. This show is very unrealistic. People in the real world jump to conclusions and believe whatever they hear. There's no way those two girls would have believed the rumor wasn't spread by Sadako. People in the real world just aren't very smart.

[Vexx]

heh, maybe you should re-examine which people in the "real world" you hang out with :)
Sweeping generalization...

[Willen]

Anyone else get some Haruhi Suzumiya vibes from that OP PV?

[orion]

I think you also have to consider cultural differences, because frankly, you can't make a generalization that people are more brutal nowadays. I'd like to think people, especially kids, don't just cut their losses and move on the moment a relationship goes sour.

And perhaps you've never known people like this, who didn't exactly socialize quite as normally as others, thus growing late when it came to talking with people. Because I do know a couple people like that, from both my age group, someone 10 years older than me, and someone who's still a kid. Like I don't think it's an uncommon phenomenon where they didn't quite make friends growing up, and thus when they made friends in high school, they didn't quite know exactly how to act. I met someone in college like that, who was still awkward, and didn't quite understand boundaries.

You may say that it's nostalgia driving this story, but I feel like it's your own personal history that's driving that argument.
.

My personal history is quite benign as my family taught me to have a backbone early. Common sense and a healthy dose of " If you screw up, you're dead." also did the job. :heh:

It's not a generalization. It's an observation.

We can agree to disagree.

[DragoZERO]

Just watched episode four. This is some powerful stuff. I started to tear up a little at the end too.

The shoujo monologue started to get to me in the beginning though. Sawako was just repeated what he had heard her say many times before. Gets repetitive.

[khryoleoz]

In a crowd of many favorites, Kaleido Star, CCS, Fumoffu, Escaflowne, Magic User's Club, Macross, SHnY, Trigun, Dual, Dokkoida, Galaxy Angel, GitS TV, Kare Kano, Itazura na Kiss, Nodame Cantabile, Minami-ke, ROD, Ruroken, Scrapped Princess, Cowboy Bebop, all of which I continue to watch over and over again and love so much that I'm hard pressed to pick a single one as my favorite, I have finally found my favorite anime of all time.

[GreatTeacherKen]

My feelings towards this episode can be summarized as:

LEAVE SAWAKO ALONE!!!!! :T_T: You rumor-mongering bastards! :frustrated:

Anyways, another solid episode; I was a bit uncertain while watching the first episode, but the show has been steadily growing on me.

[Shiroth]

Anyone else get some Haruhi Suzumiya vibes from that OP PV?
No not really. I don't think of Haruhi Suzumiya at all when watching that PV.

[orion]

My feelings towards this episode can be summarized as:

LEAVE SAWAKO ALONE!!!!! :T_T: You rumor-mongering bastards! :frustrated:

Anyways, another solid episode; I was a bit uncertain while watching the first episode, but the show has been steadily growing on me.

Yeah, that's one chatty school. :heh:

[Sinestra]

Anyone else get some Haruhi Suzumiya vibes from that OP PV?

I dont feel that vibe at all. Could explain where you see the similarities?

[HotTanCakes]

Yeah I don't get a Haruhi vibe at all. I really like the OP though I'm going to grab the single as soon as its released! and the art throughout this entire show is just absolutley stunning to me! I really am falling in love with this show! :)

It was really great to see Yano and Yoshida's characters in this episode really blossom. Since I haven't read the Manga I wasn't sure if they were going to be major characters, but I can see clearly now that they definitely have big roles. It was great to see how they didn't doubt Sawako, But I love the fact that there was still this awkward unsurity of it all. I think one of my favorite quotes that episode was when Yoshida said "I really want to believe she isn't someone who would do that, and I hate myself for doubting her for even a second..." It really shows how much they really do care for her. And it totally killed me when Sawako didn't wave back to Kazehaya, ahh next episode needs to come much much sooner!

Also, to me, Pin never disappoints. Anytime he is entered into the story he cracks me up! Haha why the heck would Kazehaya even care if he saw little men running around his cup when he was drunk?! Then asking Kazehaya if he made out with Sawako, with that blank sheepish face of his and making Yano and Yoshida take that Secret Baseball Training Menu to Ryu just because hes so lazy! Haha I love it!

Well thats enough from me, clearly everyone knows I am a huge fan of this show already :D

[Strange]

It's just a beautiful show. The OP is stunning and it's one of those few openings where you wouldn't mind showing it to non-anime fans. I mean, I don't think I'd show Kampfer or Nyan Koi to someone who's new to anime. :heh:

[mellomarie]

Anyone else get some Haruhi Suzumiya vibes from that OP PV?

not really, but i'm definitely getting young suga shikao vibes =)

i also find the show extremely frustrating and there was hairpulling aplenty but i find that is a sign of a well written show with real depth we can all relate, thus explaining such a response. normally something unrealistic (or inane) doesn't cause people to go WHRRRY lol.

[NaweG]

Well, having read the manga (and owning the volumes that have been published in the US so far), I knew I was going to want to "delay" watching until this episode and the next one can be marathoned. It's bad enough that the manga resolution gave me a Clannad moment. I don't need to add the agony of waiting a week to see if the Anime is just as powerful!

[Last Sinner]

Okay, comparisons to Haruhi and Clannad... :eyebrow: Completely different females and males, different emphasis. And KyoAni is like the polar opposite of Production I.G.

Only thing I can see that's similar is Kare Kano - tome some degree - with its plot twists, some of its character types. There may be other shoujo titles to compare it to.

[rabbitking]

Anyone know why Yano and Yoshida met with red eyes like they were about to cry. It couldn't have been over Sadako. Feelings like that don't magically manifest in such a short time. And don't take this out of the story by saying it was a way to build character, even though that's probably all it was.

[Shiroth]

Anyone know why Yano and Yoshida met with red eyes like they were about to cry. It couldn't have been over Sadako. Feelings like that don't magically manifest in such a short time. And don't take this out of the story by saying it was a way to build character, even though that's probably all it was.
It was over Sawako.

[rabbitking]

That was never said by either of them. I don't care much of baseless assumptions.

[HotTanCakes]

That was never said by either of them. I don't care much of baseless assumptions.

Its clearly about Sawako. Its almost blatantly obvious. Are you being serious?:twitch:

They both laugh at each other saying how it looks like they've been crying all night and then immediately after that they start talking about Sawako. Plus take into account what happened the day before.

[rabbitking]

Then you must be right. This is another highly unrealistic anime.

[Strange]

Then you must be right. This is another highly unrealistic anime.

So stop watching it? :heh:

[HotTanCakes]

Then you must be right. This is another highly unrealistic anime.

Well do you usually watch anime for its remarkably realistic qualities? Although this is a slice of life shoujo, and I don't think its highly unrealistic. What makes it so incredibly unrealistic for you?

[NaweG]

Okay, comparisons to Haruhi and Clannad... :eyebrow: Completely different females and males, different emphasis. And KyoAni is like the polar opposite of Production I.G.


I meant, and obviously didn't make it clear, that I meant I had some feelings after reading the resolution in the Manga that were similar to how I felt after certain parts of Clannad. I was NOT suggesting the stories had anything in common... though I suppose you COULD stretch the comparison with Nagisa learning to have friends again and Sawako doing so... but that would be a REAL stretch.

FWIW...

[Vexx]

Well do you usually watch anime for its remarkably realistic qualities? Although this is a slice of life shoujo, and I don't think its highly unrealistic. What makes it so incredibly unrealistic for you?
His assertion fails without some substantive support... almost *all* dramatic entertainment can be dismissed as "highly unrealistic". Shakespeare didn't write "realistic" entertainment either. Drama relies on shorthand to convey plot, feelings, character development, and emotion.

So far I've seen very little that I've not seen in some aspect in real life experiences, so it goes. As far as the value of this series to me... I think a few more episodes are warranted before I can make any decisions.

[rabbitking]

His assertion fails without some substantive support... almost *all* dramatic entertainment can be dismissed as "highly unrealistic". Shakespeare didn't write "realistic" entertainment either. Drama relies on shorthand to convey plot, feelings, character development, and emotion.

So far I've seen very little that I've not seen in some aspect in real life experiences, so it goes. As far as the value of this series to me... I think a few more episodes are warranted before I can make any decisions.

I think you missed my point. There seems to be a pattern of shows that are popular and have high ratings because they are more realistic in a way that people can relate to the characters. Or because the events in the show seem more probable than in other shows. I'm not going to go into detail. But these are shows like Nodame Catabile and Eden of the East. This doesn't mean I dislike the show either.

[HotTanCakes]

His assertion fails without some substantive support... almost *all* dramatic entertainment can be dismissed as "highly unrealistic". Shakespeare didn't write "realistic" entertainment either. Drama relies on shorthand to convey plot, feelings, character development, and emotion.

So far I've seen very little that I've not seen in some aspect in real life experiences, so it goes. As far as the value of this series to me... I think a few more episodes are warranted before I can make any decisions.

I know what you mean, I feel like almost everythign in this show could've happened, sure its exaggerated a bit through the characters, but I think its all part of this show. I bet you'll end up liking this show :)

[rabbitking]

I know what you mean, I feel like almost everythign in this show could've happened, sure its exaggerated a bit through the characters, but I think its all part of this show.:)

I think you meant to quote me.

[HotTanCakes]

I think you missed my point. There seems to be a pattern of shows that are popular and have high ratings because they are more realistic in a way that people can relate to the characters. Or because the events in the show seem more probable than in other shows. I'm not going to go into detail. But these are shows like Nodame Catabile and Eden of the East. This doesn't mean I dislike the show either.

I disagree, I love Eden of the East. But I can't relate to it much at all. The story of it was very intruiging, and the characters were really fun. But I wouldn't say I could relate to the characters.

[Willen]

I dont feel that vibe at all. Could explain where you see the similarities?

I should clarify: I'm talking specifically about the PV (music video) since the OP (opening credits) is nowhere similar to any Haruhi OP.

My comment sprung from the fact that the girl in the PV was doing what I expected Haruhi to do during Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody. Although in reality, it was Kyon making the lines on the field. And it was mentioned that in middle school, Haruhi once moved all the desks in her classroom into the hall. Though in the video, the girl takes them all the way to the field.

EDIT: Here's the OP that Shiroth linked to again, for easy viewing.

Ob3lk42brzQ

[FuzzyWuzzy]

While I agree that some of the situations and drama in this anime seems forced, I do not believe they differ that much with the norm.

A lot of stories are unrealistic. As a novel reader and writer, I can tell you guys with absolute certainty that a lot of the situations and characters in ALL of literature are unrealistic. But that is not really important. What's important is creating BELIEVABLE characters that real life people can relate to.

Creating BELIEVABLE characters do not have to be realistic, they just need to have real life people's emotions and characteristics. The main hero or villain of the story can sometimes alter their emotions or beliefs but most sub characters will only have one type of cliche character traits and it will stay on them for the whole story.

Sub characters in a story are one of the biggest examples why literature and characters in literature are unrealistic. For example, HINATA in Naruto. She will stay timid and shy for all eternity whenever she meets Naruto. Same thing with Jiraiya.

[rurupeceaue]

The authors,whatever medium they specialize, would usually create the 'fictional characters' based on some of the people that they know. They'd just alter some of the persona to give them character...
It's not a matter of 'realistic' or 'non realistic'. That's not important, because even in real life, you gotta admit that they are some crazy people in the real world.
Think like Haruhi, If you think it's possible(even if it seems like it's not), it is. :D

[aulzon]

Misunderstandings galore.

I really raged when she couldn't get her point acress, I guess that's the whole theme of show, felt a bit soap opera-ish but still entertaining nonetheless.

[Arina-desu]

I totally love Kimi ni Todoke!! *__* && I love the manga too!
Sawako is so sweet to everyone, I wish more people would like her! :(

[rurupeceaue]

Go Sadako Sawako!
I'm rooting for you!

[klare]

already predicted there will be drama like this, cant expect them to get along happily till the final eps

i think i can guess who is the one setting up Sawako

[Pellissier]

A very beautiful (imho) Sawako wallpaper.

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4411/419031.th.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/i/419031.jpg/)

[Shiroth]

Not bad seeing the outstanding smile shot from episode three as wallpaper material.

[Last Sinner]

Hmm, I just realised one small scene from the manga at the start of the rumour saga wasn't included.

The one where Ryu goes 'If Chizuru was in juvi, I would have know about it. Yano, on the other hand, I can't vouch for.' Wonder if they intentionally missed that to try and disguise the fact that Ryu likes Yoshida a bit longer, since he admits it in the 4th manga volume?

[Shiroth]

You should at least label that spoiler with future manga spoilers. Or even better, delete it because they're not allowed in this thread.

[Last Sinner]

I said it was excluded and put it in a spoiler tag. Didn't think it needed to be spelt out that it was a spoiler...fine, I'll change it...

[Starry Dust]

Gah! I just want to strangle everyone.

Communication. Communication is the key :eyespin:
My parents dug that into my head to always explain myself when misunderstandings occur. I'm just alittle baffled that Sawako's friends jumped to conclusions like that without letting Sawako finish and I'm baffled that Sawako didn't investigate any further on what the hell was going on. She jumped to her own conclusions as well.

And oh boy, do I hate gossip. There was alot of it in my middleschool, not so much highschool, for me at least.

Other than that, love the music that played during the sad parts.
Very haunting.

[wandering-dreamer]

Gah! I just want to strangle everyone.

Communication. Communication is the key :eyespin:
My parents dug that into my head to always explain myself when misunderstandings occur. I'm just alittle baffled that Sawako's friends jumped to conclusions like that without letting Sawako finish and I'm baffled that Sawako didn't investigate any further on what the hell was going on. She jumped to her own conclusions as well.


This. I really hate it when everyone is too chicken to go ask someone if the rumors or true or not. I confronted people several times in high school about rumors and even though I did feel a little silly when they turned out to be false it was so much better to make an ass of myself then rather than later on. But I have a feeling that such a direct and brusque manner is much more Western than Eastern in behavior. Maybe it's also because I developed a "I will not take this sort of crap," attitude by the end of high school but it's so infuriating to see people dilly dally and let their imaginations get the better of themselves in these situations. Gah, I wanna strangle them too!

[mellomarie]

This. I really hate it when everyone is too chicken to go ask someone if the rumors or true or not. I confronted people several times in high school about rumors and even though I did feel a little silly when they turned out to be false it was so much better to make an ass of myself then rather than later on. But I have a feeling that such a direct and brusque manner is much more Western than Eastern in behavior. Maybe it's also because I developed a "I will not take this sort of crap," attitude by the end of high school but it's so infuriating to see people dilly dally and let their imaginations get the better of themselves in these situations. Gah, I wanna strangle them too!

i can see why sawako and her friends jumped to those conclusions. remember that her friends didn't believe the rumours but only started questioning things when they misinterpreted sawako so i can see why they'd be like, yeah sawako doesn't like us because it's SAWAKO and hearing her saying "dislike" probably shocked them. i was frustrated too though, don't get me wrong. but i later thought about it and i don't think i really blame them for that.

as for sawako, she simply doesn't seem the type to go off and start confronting people. period. she'd sooner blame herself than others. of course i'm not a manga reader so maybe she'll get later development in the manga but at this moment i'm not seeing that.

[wandering-dreamer]

as for sawako, she simply doesn't seem the type to go off and start confronting people. period. she'd sooner blame herself than others. of course i'm not a manga reader so maybe she'll get later development in the manga but at this moment i'm not seeing that.

Very true, wondering why her friends settled for a vague answer however instead of having a complete one. If they have that much faith in their friend then they should let her finish her thoughts!

[Starry Dust]

But isn't that what the development of Sawako is about?
Confronting people?

I mean she did it clearly infront of her class about her and Kazehaya just a couple episodes ago to clear the misunderstandings. Why can't she confront for her friends? I feel like her character is going backwards.

And she was doing so well too.
I know it'll probably be cleared up soon as well but I'm just saying.

[Searcher]

Only 1 more day to wait:heh: and the last day is the hardest:eyespin:

[Last Sinner]

Oh boy, a mate and I decided to start playing this at the local anime club. Oh the reactions tonight to Episode 1 were just hilarious:

'Mmm...Ring face...hehe'
'Ooh bubbles....'
'Awwwww.....'
'Wait, was that a REAL backgorund just then?!'
'This had better have a happy ending or I will hurt someone!'
'Wait, is Kazehaya doing this because he's already slept with the rest of the class?'
'Skip to Episode 8!'
'Hmm, maybe he's looking for a tree to hang himself'
'BUSTED!'
'It's shoujo, after all'


Ah...the joys of unleashing a shoujo series onto people who are too used to excessive action and mind-numbing moe of late. :D I'm gioing to love seeing people having to cope with something that is actually good and not tailored to baby-feed them. ^^

And yes, highly anticipating episode 5.

[mellomarie]

yes, i do agree that it would be easier and probably more understandable if she did confront her friends...but then again it's her friends; friends she doesn't even think she's worthy of. it's probably a lot more easier to blame herself. i'm sure her being able to confront people--friend, foe or simple acquaitance--will be a later development that will probably be acquired naturally.

i don't really find the regress all that unnatural.

[Last Sinner]

I'm sure hindsight and experience and fully developed brains and bodies make it much easier to understand those situations than we would have as teens. Hormone shifts and brain re-development makes quite a difference at that age. I'd be lying if there were things I didn't say rashly or actions I didn't do prematurely at that age. But it's incidents like these which can really bind people and show whether people really are friends.

[orion]

But isn't that what the development of Sawako is about?
Confronting people?

I mean she did it clearly infront of her class about her and Kazehaya just a couple episodes ago to clear the misunderstandings. Why can't she confront for her friends? I feel like her character is going backwards.

And she was doing so well too.
I know it'll probably be cleared up soon as well but I'm just saying.

But being shoujo we have to have a bump in the road to trip her up. It is a slight regression but you can't expect someone who hasn't spoken up much often before to suddenly do it every time. She also has to learn to confront and clear things up with being confrontational. Unfortunately for us, it's an adult skill so we have to watch her bumble thru it. :heh:

[Katapan]

Me: Oh god. We're finally getting that scene.
"sono sora ippai no kamihikouki..."
Me: NOOOOO!

Seriously, how dare they end the episode right there! When I had spent most of the episode wondering if we'd get there or not... :heh: but I had been checking the clock so I knew it'd be cut short & I wasn't too disappointed when the ending started playing. At least we know just what to expect next week.

Anyway, I'm so glad everyone got their chance to shine in this episode. We didn't get much Chizu & Yano screentime in the first half, but that quickly changed and their scenes were nothing short of great. I also got an even better impression from Ryuu's first 'long' scene than in the manga, thanks to the lovely voice work while really brought that scene to life (I hadn't thought too much of it in the manga really). Too bad this was the scene with the most simple art of the whole episode!

I was just a bit surprised by the acting during Sadako's breakdown in front of Kazehaya - it was a bit more... comedic? than what I'd imagined. Maybe the impact was a bit lessened... but this is a minor complaint just because I already had a precise image in mind. Shouldn't have re-read the corresponding chapter last week. :p

Shiro, it's your turn. :D

[Shiroth]

Shiro, it's your turn. :D
:p

About half way into this episode, i just knew it was going to end the way it did. It's a good thing i didn't prepare myself to see the scene this week, or i would be going crazy right about now. :p

[Searcher]

Damn you, people who post spoilers before I can watch the new episode:mad:

do you people know how much willpower it takes not to check the spoilers.
I know that if I check them out, I will want to watch the new episode even more than before.

[orion]

That's cruel imo. Saying "that scene" and not telling us what it was when the raws aren't readily available yet. Just saying...

Relax Searcher, they didn't say too much in the spoilers.

[Shiroth]

That's cruel imo. Saying "that scene" and not telling us what it was when the raws aren't readily available yet. Just saying...
Well, you wouldn't know what we were on about even if we did say it. :p

[Sinestra]

:p

About half way into this episode, i just knew it was going to end the way it did. It's a good thing i didn't prepare myself to see the scene this week, or i would be going crazy right about now. :p

havent seen the episode yet but i quite sure i know what your talking about Shiroth which means i am going to be on the edge of seat and wanting to beat ass afterwards.

[orion]

Well, you wouldn't know what we were on about even if we did say it. :p

That's not the point. The point is that saying something when the rest of us don't have access to look even if we wanted is cruel imo.

Raws are accessible now.

[Shiroth]

That's not the point. The point is that saying something when the rest of us don't have access to look even if we wanted is cruel imo.
Well i don't like to speak about future manga events even in spoiler tags, and that's what it is.

[orion]

Well i don't like to speak about future manga events even in spoiler tags, and that's what it is.

Okay, understand now.

[pseudonhym]

the ending song keeps playing on my head... non-stop... I can't wait to hear the full version of the song.

[McMilk]

the ending song keeps playing on my head... non-stop... I can't wait to hear the full version of the song.

The ending's full version should be coming out on November 18th.

Just watched the raw (but the freaking subs were out by the time I was watching :frustrated: ) and turns out it's exactly as I expected from this episode... minus the stupid cliffhanger. Hate cliffhangers.

[MeoTwister5]

RAW? Subs have been out a while...

[Daniel E.]

Another great episode! :)

Really want to see how that scene at the end turns out. >_<

[xKeen]

That last scene,I was like *oh yeah shes gonna punch her*just to find the ending song playing after that.Kazehaya is a really nice person,and he understands Sawako's thought and feelings quite well.
Was that guy jogging Ryuu or a childhood friend? Looking forward to the next episode.

[MeoTwister5]

I just realized that Sawako sure does have a lot of internal monologues.

Learning how to be lonely. I guess at some point Sawako convinced herself that if she's just going to be alone anyway, might as well learn how to deal with it. I once told myself that more than 10 years ago. And just like her I realized that you never really learn how to be lonely because once you've felt companionship, loneliness feels like nothing but pain, and no matter how learned you are you never want to go back there again.

"The only Kuronuma I care about is the Kuronuma [I see for myself]". I think I grew hair on my chest, more than what I have already anyway.:eyespin:

That was some surprising advice from Sakurag-errr Pin. Yano and Yoshida just realized that because of Sawako's experiences she tends to be a very naive, impressionable yet very earnest person. She's easily influenced by what they say and is easily affected by them. As Pin and Ryuu(?) said, they aren't going to figure anything out by moping around. They have to talk it over. Properly.

I predict next week to be one of the following:

1. SAWAKO PUNCH!
2. Bitchslap
3. Yano and Yoshida happen to overhear and a catfight ensues. A very brutal one.

[Haak]

My thoughts on episode 5


KiCK HER ASS SAWAKO. KICK HER FUCKING ASS!


*episode ends*


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :frustrated:

[Shiroth]

Really want to see how that scene at the end turns out. >_<
Believe me, it will not disappoint. What's going to take place in episode six is one of my favorite scenes from the manga. Knowing how perfect this adaptation has been since the beginning, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about next weeks episode. It's going to be brilliant.

Was that guy jogging Ryuu or a childhood friend? Looking forward to the next episode.
That was Ryuu.

[Reckoner]

Over the last couple of episodes I've been feeling like this series has lost potential? There is something just underneath this thick coat of sugar, and I just know it, but the series wants to keep it away from us.

It has all the ingredients to do what I want it to do, but I feel it is not really quite meeting any of my expectations.

Wasn't a terrible episode, but it played out so typically I didn't feel like I was watching something special at all. This show has great art/animation... But I am just expecting something more special.

My expectations for IG might be starting to kill this for me. That or perhaps this is extreme shojo...

[orion]

Wasn't a terrible episode, but it played out so typically I didn't feel like I was watching something special at all. This show has great art/animation... But I am just expecting something more special.

My expectations for IG might be starting to kill this for me. That or perhaps this is extreme shojo...

Too shoujo. No way. That is something I reserve for Peach Girl. This is just about right imo. A smile that is permanently planted on my face during the episode. Watched it three times so far.

Loved the episode. Kazehaya stepped up to the plate again. Pin giving good advice. Ryu being supportive. An abundance of strong males in this title is heartwarmiing to see.

Sawako's getting jacked up in the girl's restroom. Realism intrudes into the anime. Oh no! :joke:

Go get'em Sawako!

[Sackett]

My expectations for IG might be starting to kill this for me. That or perhaps this is extreme shojo...

You mean you missed that this show is the shoujo-y shoujo-ist of shoujo shoujo-ism?

I picked that up pretty quickly.

I actually really liked this episode. First because I could completely relate to Sawako trying to adjust and go back to being alone after being used to having friends. I've been there.

Second because Kazehaya told Sawako off for trying to make decisions for him.

That's right! Girls do that all the time, deciding that they shouldn't hang out with you because otherwise they're leading you on, or some other rigmarole which really comes down to them doing what they think is best for you instead of talking to you about it, and then letting you decide what is best for yourself, (or at least have some input into the decision).

I was really happy to finally get a good dose of testosterone in there, and without depicting the guy as some jerkish cartoon of machoism like shoujo usually does. Just some good old fashioned manly (yet kind) reasoning there- cutting through the female's irrational emotionalism. :rolleyes: (This is sarcasm, sarcasm... mostly... it's not my fault this scene fits so neatly into certain stereotypes about men and women:uhoh:).

Anyway, the point is that Sawako was being very stupid, and instead of just letting her have her way and pretending she's right, or behaving like a jerkass, Kazehaya told her off, and then smiled to make it clear they were still friends. You know, like normal good people do when their friend is being stupid.

[Kirarakim]

While I would have preferred if things were all resolved in this episode I did like this one much more than episode 4. Although everything wasn't solved things are obviously moving forward. And I thought there was a lot of development for not just Sawako but also Yano & Yoshida (I am really starting to love those two) which was very nice.

I really hope Sawako tells those evil girls in the bathroom off. Anyways I am looking forward to episode 6.

[Master Chibi]

Over the last couple of episodes I've been feeling like this series has lost potential? There is something just underneath this thick coat of sugar, and I just know it, but the series wants to keep it away from us.

It has all the ingredients to do what I want it to do, but I feel it is not really quite meeting any of my expectations.

Wasn't a terrible episode, but it played out so typically I didn't feel like I was watching something special at all. This show has great art/animation... But I am just expecting something more special.

My expectations for IG might be starting to kill this for me. That or perhaps this is extreme shojo...

Stop thinking.

I'm serious. It's a story of a girl figuring out her emotions and what comes along with it. It's supposed to be sugary, fluffy, goodness. The 'drama' isn't supposed to revolutionary or amazing. It's well executed. I don't understand what you're searching for when they're already giving it to you on a silver platter.

That being said, the first time she started crying in this episode plucked the fuck out of my heart strings. Poor girl, I hope things are patched up soon.

Keep at it Sawako!

:D

[orion]

Anyway, the point is that Sawako was being very stupid, and instead of just letting her have her way and pretending she's right, or behaving like a jerkass, Kazehaya told her off, and then smiled to make it clear they were still friends. You know, like normal good people do when their friend is being stupid.

Okay, what Kazehaya did was not tell her off imo. He just voiced his right to also have a say in associating with her and said that he wanted to. It's still her ultimate decision as to letting him do so which she basically wanted in the first place and verbalized.

That's a particularily chatty school so his rep could take a beating imo. Just talking to her during that test of courage sparked rumors.

@Reckoner: Just think of this series as "The Empowerment of Sawako". It's a feel good shoujo title. Even Skip Beat! was into the empowement of Kyoko. It's sad that the good romantic part never got animated. Hopefully, this title gets to the "good stuff" in the anime.

[Starry Dust]

My thoughts on episode 5


KiCK HER ASS SAWAKO. KICK HER FUCKING ASS!


*episode ends*


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :frustrated:



This pretty much summed up what I felt about the episode :heh:

I thought it was alittle weaker in the comedic department but then again, this group of friends are in quite a troubled situation atm.
I totally loved the part where Sawako b'awwwwed infront of Kazehaya though. The voice-acting and everything was simply great. I played that part like 3 times already lol.

And Ryuu intrigues me. So he really does care about some "things" huh ( while he gave off a total nonchalant vibe a while back )

Darnit, cliff-hangers are evil.

[Last Sinner]

My fears were confirmed...they took the rumour saga into a 3rd episode.....ARGH!!!!

Goddammit, the manga material was 2 episodes worth at most. I don't get how they've stretched it out to a 3rd, especially when they trimmed down on Sawako's monologues and Kazehaya's poses. This is my first disappointment. Karuha Shiino didn't leave people on a cliffhanger - why the hell are they doing another cliffhanger?

The only jusitification I can possibly envisage is this:

That after the bathroom scene, they go straight to everyone hanging out at Ryuu's place. But I just get the feeling they might make the bathroom scene take up at least half of episode 6...I'm beginning to worry...

Even that doesn't justify it.

That said, I did like the episode. I really like the use of colours in the scene where Kazehaya confronts Sawako in the lush area - it was gorgeous. The Yano-Yoshida discussion had an appropriate feel to it, they brought that across well, plus I really like how they dressed the two. My favourite moments were the brief ones Ryuu and Pin were in. Although why on earth Ryuu is suddenly wearing an RHCP cap in the anime, I'm kind of bewildered by? Ryuu as a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan...?

I really hope they don't linger too much in Episode 6. I'm now getting the feeling the guys at the local club might not have the patience to see this through, particularly since we vote on series after the 5th episode...a cliffhanger like that could really tick them off. -_-

Still, it's the only thing I'm going to watch this season and I'm enjoying it. All I can ask for, really.

[chinaboat]

So it is following the manga? Interesting. I felt as though the last episode was mostly time killing/filler not too much new just mostly a rehashing of the same doubts and questions; slightly rephrased. On the other hand this episode had a considerable amount of information and moved the plot right along. The conversation between the two girls Yano and Yoshida was excellent. This is one of the best of the current crop, imo.

Great cliff hanger ending.

[Reckoner]

Stop thinking.

I'm serious. It's a story of a girl figuring out her emotions and what comes along with it. It's supposed to be sugary, fluffy, goodness. The 'drama' isn't supposed to revolutionary or amazing. It's well executed. I don't understand what you're searching for when they're already giving it to you on a silver platter.

That being said, the first time she started crying in this episode plucked the fuck out of my heart strings. Poor girl, I hope things are patched up soon.

Keep at it Sawako!

:D

I always think when I watch a series. I like shows that make me think usually. The thought processes of the Sawako are overly simplified for my tastes.

You mean you missed that this show is the shoujo-y shoujo-ist of shoujo shoujo-ism?


I liked Fruit's basket a lot, being shoujo doesn't necessarily mean I won't like it. But this is a different brand of shoujo perhaps that I did not anticipate fully? Still, the feelings of this girl are very simple-minded. It provides little interest to the viewer other than perhaps a bunch of viewers fawning over how cute the main character is?

[Last Sinner]

So Sawako is finally finding herself in life. What is so wrong about that? That's why I'm watching it. I'm not fawning over her. The girl is going from a loner and the outcast side of the school environment to discovering what it's like to have friends, a social life, be part of the group. An untainted person reacting to a tainted world and the unique reactions/aftermaths that follow.

Consider it soul food for an infintely cold cynic like myself. And a very refreshing change from the genericness shoujo has become. Screw the formula. This is different and I freaking love it for that.

[Rhyel]

Two new signatures. :)

http://h.imagehost.org/0649/kimini_01.jpg

http://a.imagehost.org/0545/kimini_02.jpg

Free to use. :) I am back! :D

[Willen]

Dammit, this week, first Cross Game ends just as it was getting good and now Kimi ni Todoke does too. :frustrated:

At any rate, this show, like the better examples of the shoujo genre, does a good job at tugging at your emotions. When Sawako started crying during the test, I wanted someone to give her a hug. And when Yano and Yoshida were talking on the bridge about Sawako and their feelings about her, I wanted to march them up to Sawako's house and have them talk it out there. Oh, and the end of the episode...

I loved when Kazehaya hands Sawako a drink, she places it in her lap and you see her rummaging in her bag. What happened after is classic. :D

[frostieyes]

I didn't like this episode as much as the previous ones. I found this episode's pace a bit too slow (especially since I expected the arc to end here). The interactions between Yano and Yoshida + Ryu were great, though. I guess I'm starting to tire of the sugary sweet and rather uneventful Kazehaya-Sawako relationship. I'd hate to see them go through hardships, though, now I'm attached to them already.

[orion]

I didn't like this episode as much as the previous ones. I found this episode's pace a bit too slow (especially since I expected the arc to end here). The interactions between Yano and Yoshida + Ryu were great, though. I guess I'm starting to tire of the sugary sweet and rather uneventful Kazehaya-Sawako relationship. I'd hate to see them go through hardships, though, now I'm attached to them already.

I was expecting it to end in this ep also. Sawako's empowerment is a slow process. :heh:

[Shiroth]

My fears were confirmed...they took the rumour saga into a 3rd episode.....ARGH!!!!
Like i said two weeks ago, there was no way they could fit this story into two episodes. Make it three, and the pacing is spot on, together with that great cliffhanger.

[Last Sinner]

Like i said two weeks ago, there was no way they could fit this story into two episodes. Make it three, and the pacing is spot on, together with that great cliffhanger.

If people like it, good. I'm just worried about what 20-odd guys in my neck of the woods are going to do when they have to vote on that series right when that cliffhanger hits them....

I can't see how it would be three...20-odd pages as one episode is not going to happen....half an episode at best. It should lead up to what happened in the first chapter of the third volume.

[Joe_fh]

I really liked this episode. This anime sure has a nice way of triggering emotiones in the viewer. It again showed that you have to share your feelings with the people who are pecious to you. Oterwise things might end up way worse than this and since the real world tends to be harsh they might never go back to normal.
I mast say the pacing of this episode and the previous one was really well done. They took their time showing us how each character feels and what their true feelings are. It served as great development for them.

And that clifhanger was so great. The only bad thing about it is that we'll have to wait for a whole week to see what will happen.

[orion]

If people like it, good. I'm just worried about what 20-odd guys in my neck of the woods are going to do when they have to vote on that series right when that cliffhanger hits them....

I can't see how it would be three...20-odd pages as one episode is not going to happen....half an episode at best. It should lead up to what happened in the first chapter of the third volume.

At least they sat down to watch it. Shoujo is not a recommended category in my club. :heh:

[Last Sinner]

At least they sat down to watch it. Shoujo is not a recommended category in my club. :heh:

They had no choice...the leaders refuse to play anything else from October. I suggested KnT 2 months ago. Graudally people realised there was no other option. I have hope, because in last year's poll, Kurenai and Kamichu were tied for 3rd. So they're not heartless. But they're not patient...there was qutie a bit of whinging going on already, of which I detailed a page ago. But like I said...I am loving watching some of them squirm and others gradually get into it. There's more to anime than moe and instant gratification. Unfortunately, getting some of them to see that is a real trial.

[Sinestra]

Anyone have a stash of good artwork from the series? im looking for something to use for a signature i havent been able to find any worth using.

[Shiroth]

Anyone have a stash of good artwork from the series? im looking for something to use for a signature i havent been able to find any worth using.
The only official artwork there is are from volumes and chapters. I shall link you to a few sites that have them.

[Daniel E.]

Dammit, this week, first Cross Game ends just as it was getting good and now Kimi ni Todoke does too. :frustrated:

While I am certain you meant 'the end of this episode', I actually had to go and check the episode count just to make sure things didn't end up next week. :meh:

[Starry Dust]

Two new signatures. :)

http://h.imagehost.org/0649/kimini_01.jpg

Free to use. :) I am back! :D

*lurks*

I'll be taking this one >.>

*lurks*

[Master Chibi]

Like i said two weeks ago, there was no way they could fit this story into two episodes. Make it three, and the pacing is spot on, together with that great cliffhanger.

Yeah I thought the same thing really, if they had shoved in her fixing everything this episode I would have thought it was rushed instead.

[NaweG]

Well, now I have a dilemma. Sounds like the scene I've been waiting for is in the next episode. So do I wait for it to come out and marathon 4-6, or do I go ahead and watch 4 and 5 now and have to live with the cliffhanger for a week... decisions, decisions :D

[germanturkey]

i actually found her crying towards the middle more hilarious than dramatic. possibly because of the way she cried. but at least she made amends with Kazehaya. now, two more to go...

Ryu is pretty great. he'll probably play a larger part in a later arc. quite obvious what's going to happen next episode based on the preview, but that's for later..

[Last Sinner]

I have to say when Sawako cried in that episode, that was the most I've ever been torn up inside by an anime character crying. For once, I was really moved and felt the pain, because it was legitimate and character-defining. Sawako is the kind of girl you just want to see being happy and prospering.

Maybe I should watch the episode again to see how the pacing was. I did see this going into a 3rd episode but I'm just wondering how much material they will cover in 11 episodes. Maybe 4 manga volumes worth?

[Master Chibi]

How about you stop worrying about all that and just sit down and try to enjoy the show?

[Guardian Enzo]

I sympathize with some of the frustration I see here. KnT just isn't willing to make anything hard on the audience - they have to spell everything out in terms of audible thought bubbles, and they always tamp down the angst before anything gets too unpleasant. But maybe there's something to be said for just abandoning all hope of challenging material and enjoying it in the abstract. One thing they definitely did get right, as I said a while back - girls in HS are a lot meaner to each other than boys are.

[Haak]

One thing they definitely did get right, as I said a while back - girls in HS are a lot meaner to each other than boys are.

In my school, the guys were just as much gossiping bitches as the girls were. Granted I went to a private school but still...

[mikoo]

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0897/1257504683970.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0897/1257504683970)

[klare]

Ryu is pretty great. he'll probably play a larger part in a later arc. quite obvious what's going to happen next episode based on the preview, but that's for later..

i was surprise to see him in this eps like that too, since he was sleeping all the time in class...

[NaweG]

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0897/1257504683970.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0897/1257504683970)

ROTFL! So perfectly done too!

[Sinestra]

I have to say when Sawako cried in that episode, that was the most I've ever been torn up inside by an anime character crying. For once, I was really moved and felt the pain, because it was legitimate and character-defining. Sawako is the kind of girl you just want to see being happy and prospering.

Maybe I should watch the episode again to see how the pacing was. I did see this going into a 3rd episode but I'm just wondering how much material they will cover in 11 episodes. Maybe 4 manga volumes worth?

I feel you when she broke down crying saying she cant say something she doesn't mean it felt like my heart was being ripped out my chest shes such an honest and caring girl seeing someone like that cry would break anyones heart. One could see how upset she was over this entire situation. Even when no one talked to her she still said good morning but during this episode she said nothing at all thats a big change for her.

Sawako's journey is not only that of self discovery but a journey we all must take to find out place in the world. As she understands her self more in turn she will start to understand others feelings as well. Her feelings have become numb being so isolated. She literally needs things spelled out for her sometimes. So after Kazeheya explained a few things to her she started think how Chizu and Yano might be feeling.

I figured it would take at least 3 episodes to get this rumor arc completed. In order for it not to feel rushed and have the emotional impact it did in the manga i believe its the right amount. It ended right where it should have imo but damn was it painful. Just like in the manga i had the urge to shove those girls heads in the toilet and flush.

After the rumor part is done i think Sawako's next adventure into high school life is going to be emotional rollarcoaster for everyone. So far i am completely satisifed with how the anime is proceeding.

[DragoZERO]

I don't know how much of the shoujo inner dialogue I can take. It gets to be way too much. Way too repetitive too. Other than that, great stuff.

Ryu is awesome.

[Zwei]

Did anyone else notice the '666' shirt friend B was wearing? lulz

[Last Sinner]

I think it may be sponsor related. In the manga Yoshida was wearing a T-Shirt that said 'Microphone Sportswear.' Hehe...

[Pellissier]

A few avatars and signatures, freebies.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7968/kiminitodoke5sawako1.gif http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7843/kiminitodoke5yano1.gif http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/3884/kiminitodoke5kazehaya1.gif http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/879/kiminitodoke5sawako2.gif http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8868/kiminitodoke5sawako3.gif

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2377/kiminitodoke5sawako1s.png http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5328/kiminitodoke5sawako4.gif http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4628/kiminitodoke5sawako5.gif http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/5340/kiminitodoke5sawako6.gif http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3010/kiminitodoke5sawako7.gif

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7439/kiminitodoke5kazehaya1s.png http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7568/kiminitodoke5yoshida1.gif http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3442/kiminitodoke5yoshida2.gif http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5219/kiminitodoke5yano2.gif http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/589/kiminitodoke5yano3.gif

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2809/kiminitodoke5sig1.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9504/kiminitodoke5sig2.jpg

[Shiroth]

I just love those avatars and sigs. Pretty tempting to changed, especially for that adorable friendship sig.

[xKeen]

Yoshida looks good when she is serious.

[Daniel E.]

A few avatars and signatures, freebies.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2809/kiminitodoke5sig1.jpg

Mine! :D :D :D

[frubam]

Honestly, I felt the emotional impact as far as the Sawako crying scene in the manga, but as far as the anime goes, i was too busy paying attention to HOW she was saying it. It was SOOO ridiculously cute, I just wanted to jump in the monitor and hug her to death! I never knew Makiko Noto could make such a voice D:.

[Starry Dust]

A few avatars and signatures, freebies.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5219/kiminitodoke5yano2.gif



Thankies :)

[Mushi]

I'm totally captivated by this series. That cliffhanger in ep. 5 was every bit as good as any action/drama/suspense series.

[Cyrus17]

Yeah, very nicely executed cliffhanger, I agree ^^

[Last Sinner]

I'm totally captivated by this series. That cliffhanger in ep. 5 was every bit as good as any action/drama/suspense series.

Glad that you're enjoying it it, Mushi. ^^

[Katapan]

The cover of the first DVD is now available:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qktqv28SL._SS500_.jpg

It'll be released on December 23rd for 3,900 yen, and will contain the first three episodes. I don't import that many R2 DVDs (hell, my last complete series is Oofuri, which dates back to 2007 - early 2008), but this one is about to pre-ordered for sure. I'm fairly disappointed there's no BD release at the same time, though.

[Shiroth]

Heh, i rather like how the DVD cover is very similar to the first volume manga cover. Nicely done.

& yeah no Blu-ray is a shame, because i was prepared to start buying those. Ah well, will just go with DVD's.

[Mushi]

Episode 6 should be airing today. Hopefully we'll have a fansub in the next 2 or 3 days.

It's funny, I doubt I would have looked into this series if someone hadn't mentioned it to me (thank you Last Sinner ;)). I'm enjoying several of the series this fall, as I have a fairly wide range in tastes, but I'm feeling more anxious about the next episode of Kimi ni Todoke than any of the other series.

[Shiroth]

Episode 6 should be airing today. Hopefully we'll have a fansub in the next 2 or 3 days.
It is airing today, in a few hours actually. Also the subs have been coming out the day after.

[NaweG]

It is airing today, in a few hours actually. Also the subs have been coming out the day after.

Thank goodness! As I've alluded to earlier, I've held off watching for the last few weeks so I can get through this arc all at once. But my remote control is giving my palm an itching feeling... ;)

[The Chaos]

A few avatars and signatures, freebies.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2377/kiminitodoke5sawako1s.png
I'll take this one Pelly-san ^_^

[Shiroth]

Gaaaaaah, it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. The piece of music used for Sawako's confession as to what she thinks of Yano and Chizu was just so beautiful, and really brought how the heart in her words. This is what i want to hear from S.E.N.S., and it did not disappoint. This is my favorite scene from the manga upto now, and i can easily say that it surpassed it.

The scene where all three of them admit their true feelings was very heart warming, just like it was in the manga. This is truly the kind of material that makes you cry such happy tears. Very moving, and very touching.

I'm glad the 'main theme' was used for the scene following that. It felt very perfect during the adorable smile scene between Sawako and Kazehaya.

I like how they started this episode with the flashback to Sawako's childhood. Very unexpected, though i really like this placement.

Oh, and we finally hear Hirano Aya!

That was quite possibly the most heart warming 22 minutes of my life. Katapan, it's your turn~

[Katapan]

And everything's now resolved. I'm actually really glad because I think the series only gets better from this point onwards. I've always thought of this part of the story (ep. 4-6) as a strong build-up for the girls' friendship, and the best has yet to come now that they've bonded so closely. But I shouldn't hint at the upcoming stuff any more, it's best not to anticipate it too much.

Anyway, I really liked the few additions here and there, mostly regarding the toilet girls, and Kazehaya hinting at hating them for spreading worthless rumors - not only were they interesting to see a bit more, but the pacing also wasn't too slow thanks to this. Then Miyuki Sawashiro and Yuuko Sanpei did a fantastic job for the most important scene. Ayane hugging Sawako was just lovely.

The staff needs to stop teasing us with these short Kurumi appearances though. :heh: Fortunately, the story won't allow them to do that anymore.

Edit: hey, I missed you posting before me! I blame my re-re-rewatching of the key scene to tear up even more before posting. :D

[Shiroth]

Edit: hey, I missed you posting before me! I blame my re-re-rewatching of the key scene to tear up even more before posting. :D
I was rewatching it (and i still am) while writing my post, so i don't blame you. :p

You know, if that piece of music used during the key scene isn't called 'friends', i'm gonna go crazy. :heh:

[Sinestra]

The cover of the first DVD is now available:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qktqv28SL._SS500_.jpg

It'll be released on December 23rd for 3,900 yen, and will contain the first three episodes. I don't import that many R2 DVDs (hell, my last complete series is Oofuri, which dates back to 2007 - early 2008), but this one is about to pre-ordered for sure. I'm fairly disappointed there's no BD release at the same time, though.

I love the first DVD cover its so appropriate. I dont know how they managed to make Sawako look so damn cute when shes embarrassed but it makes me all warm and fuzzy on the inside whenever i see her smile.

Cant wait to see episode 6 from Shiroth's and Katapan's post it looks like they stayed pretty faithful to the manga.

[Shiroth]

Cant wait to see episode 6 from Shiroth's and Katapan's post it looks like they stayed pretty faithful to the manga.
It's faithful, though at the same time surpasses the source material. You're gonna love this episode, like myself and Katapan have.

[Mushi]

It's faithful, though at the same time surpasses the source material.
That's a refreshing thing to hear. Manga readers usually seem to be disappointed in most anime adaptations. Can't wait for a fansub to come out.

[McMilk]

I'm not going to talk much about what happened in episode 6 because Shiroth and Katapan already did :heh:, so I'm just going to keep it short.

Best episode so far. Yeah. VERY VERY touching and sweet.

... and omfg HIRANO AYA finally talks!! But seriously, stop it with the short Kurumi appearances!

[orion]

I'm not going to talk much about what happened in episode 6 because Shiroth and Katapan already did :heh:, so I'm just going to keep it short.

Best episode so far. Yeah. VERY VERY touching and sweet.

... and omfg HIRANO AYA finally talks!! But seriously, stop it with the short Kurumi appearances!

But that character was the cause of all the problems imo. The sooner that character is gone the better imo.

[Shiroth]

But that character was the cause of all the problems imo. The sooner that character is gone the better imo.
Every character deserves their shot at character development. :)

[Last Sinner]

Every character deserves their shot at character development. :)

She's a big part of why Kimi ni Todoke is different from a lot of other shoujo titles. And I think her antagonism makes the title better.

[Sinestra]

But that character was the cause of all the problems imo. The sooner that character is gone the better imo.

I disagree the character in question is instrumental to Sadako's growth as a person. Even though it was not intended this person helped Sadako over come one of short comings and helped her understand more about herself and her feelings. Also eventually Sadako will help this person overcome some emotional problems of her own just by Sadako being Sadako. Every character has part to play in the bigger pictures and the over progression of the story.

[McMilk]

But that character was the cause of all the problems imo. The sooner that character is gone the better imo.

If she's gone so soon then there wouldn't be much of a story, and judging from the preview,

Kurumi's going to stick around for a loooooong time.

I just hope they won't drag on the Kurumi arc for the rest of the episodes... it wasn't the most exciting story in the manga after all.

[orion]

If she's gone so soon then there wouldn't be much of a story, and judging from the preview,

Kurumi's going to stick around for a loooooong time.

I just hope they won't drag on the Kurumi arc for the rest of the episodes... it wasn't the most exciting story in the manga after all.


I kind of figured it out. Shoujo has to have one of them to fester a relationship. We have her.

[xKeen]

Wonder how you guys watch 1 episode in advance =/ Afraid to click on the spoilers...
I had a little tears in this episode,either I'm being gay or noto's voice acting is good,along with the expressions.Ryuu's actions always catches my attention,I wonder what is he plotting...maybe its just me.

[SageGaiGar]

Subs are out for ep 6 but... the stream I was checking was messed up. The audio was too fast. Hopefully the source's fine.

Confirmed. Subs fine. ^^

[Last Sinner]

Those referring to what's happening next ep have read the manga well forward. 9 volumes of manga have been published. The 11 episodes being amde will cover around 4 volumes worth.

[MeoTwister5]

I really wanted a SAWAKO PAWNCH but hey a speech from the heart works just as well if not better, as well as Yano and Yoshida coming in to help bail her out. Granted it a felt rather cheesy but it was very effective and touching. Still I chuckled a bit during some lines that were in fact cheesy, damn I'm a jaded bastard.:eyespin:

Maybe I laughed because while I completely understand where she's coming from, I didn't have the more extreme experience she had to go through. Also she's a bit paranaoid during the entire ordeal, which is understandable considering where she's coming from.

I think it was directed really well. It could have easily degenerated into a completely sappy melodramatic sobfest but the director managed to keep it out of the danger zone. Also if it hasn't been made completely obvious, everyone should know by bow that Pin is completely off the proverbial rocker.:eyespin:

Kazehaya is a complete wad of putty clay whenever Sawako smiles at him it's hilarious. If I had to make a comparison with say CG, Ryuu is the Azuma to Kazehaya's Kitamura, though Kazehaya still has a long way to go to reach that level of awesomeness. As it stands, Kazehaya is still the least developed one among the cast but it's almost onviously because he's being saved for last since the Sawako-Kazehaya relationship is obviously the central issue for tackling towards the climax. To me that visage of eternal optimism is a mask that will be revealed towards the end if my prediction is correct.

Is it just me or does Sawako look like she's getting more beautiful in subtle but noticable ways with every episode. At least one smile in epiosde 6 is downright enrapturing (sp?). I might actually give my ED of the year to KnT if I don't give it to Spice and Wolf or K-On.

BTW I seem to be one of the few posters in this thread who actually call her Sawako with a "w"...

[Haak]

Aaah, I was so hoping Sawako would get a bit angry and show them up but in the end she needed Yano and Yoshina to back her up. Not that that wasn't awesome in itself. When they both talking at the same time was definately a Crowning Moment of Awesome. Unfortunately i'm not into the whole mushy stuff afterwards.

Props to Kazehaya for knowing not to get involved. But don't be selfish Kazehaya! Learn to share! Sawako has a life of her own you know! (well she does now.)

And Pin is just awesome as always. I love that guy.

I'm also very intruiged with Ryuu. I was thinking he might have the hots for Yoshida. He certainly seems like an important character.

Also wondering who the new girl was at the end.

[wandering-dreamer]

I guess I'm in the minority since I'm still not head over heels in love with this series. Part of it was the large use of flashbacks in this episode and part of it is that the characters strike me as being excessively passive. Maybe it's because I adopted a "I will not take crap from you and WILL call you out on it" attitude in high school, but the bathroom scene felt so forced with Sawako doing nothing except sounding like a broken record. Maybe it's also a Japanese versus Western culture thing, in the west you are expected to stand up more for yourself while in Japan you don't disagree as pointedly. I really don't know, this episode just struck a bad note with me and having to watch almost half an episode of Sawako doing nothing (she should have figured out by now that simply saying it was a misunderstanding is not going to change those girls' minds) and then see even the other two girls hesitating to get involved.
Hopefully I'll like the next arc better, maybe this is why I don't watch more shojo.

[Mushi]

I think it was directed really well. It could have easily degenerated into a completely sappy melodramatic sobfest but the director managed to keep it out of the danger zone.
I agree. This episode was very well done, and very touching. Didn't strike me as mushy at all. I was very moved when Yano went up to Sawako saying "...you must have been the one who was hurting." Sawako's reaction to being hugged by her was wonderful and that was a very endearing moment. But then, as you say, the "group hug" took things back to the sillier side of the story and the sobfest was avoided.

I thought Sawako was very courageous for standing up to that group of girls. Even when she got pushed around, she still tried to stand up for her friends.

Hearing the two girls call her Sawako at the end was nice.

Is it just me or does Sawako look like she's getting more beautiful in subtle but noticable ways with every episode. At least one smile in epiosde 6 is downright enrapturing (sp?)
Sounds like a good time for some screenshots.

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/Sawako_06-01.jpg

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/Sawako_06-02.jpg

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/Sawako_06-03.jpg

[FuzzyWuzzy]

I like the episode. A+

I'm wondering who that blonde girl is. I hope she isn't a villain. Hopefully an ally of justice.
Although she is the number 1 suspect for spreading the rumors.

I guess I'm in the minority since I'm still not head over heels in love with this series. Part of it was the large use of flashbacks in this episode and part of it is that the characters strike me as being excessively passive. Maybe it's because I adopted a "I will not take crap from you and WILL call you out on it" attitude in high school, but the bathroom scene felt so forced with Sawako doing nothing except sounding like a broken record. Maybe it's also a Japanese versus Western culture thing, in the west you are expected to stand up more for yourself while in Japan you don't disagree as pointedly. I really don't know, this episode just struck a bad note with me and having to watch almost half an episode of Sawako doing nothing (she should have figured out by now that simply saying it was a misunderstanding is not going to change those girls' minds) and then see even the other two girls hesitating to get involved.
Hopefully I'll like the next arc better, maybe this is why I don't watch more shojo.

I will comment on the western culture thing. Sorry, that isn't true. There are many bullies and wimps in my high school days. Teasing and rumors are always happening. In fact, the bathroom scene happened in my life. A friend of mine was bad mouthing this guy, and it turns out, he was in the gym bathroom also. He didn't say anything. He just walked by with his head looking down like a dog with his tail behind his legs.

As I grew up, bullying and wimps are still everywhere. But the way people bully each other has changed. It is now through money. The bully is the one with money. He dictates all the rules like who gets a pay cut and who gets a promotion. If the employee doesn't have any other skills or really needs money, he can't do anything about it.

Now, for the anime. It is a rumor. So Sawako is trying to stop it or clear everything up. Even though she was getting bullied, her words were getting through that the rumors were false. Keep in mind, no one knows whether the rumors were true or not. So any words from her have the power to clear up all the misunderstandings and misconceptions since Sawako is in the center of all the rumors.

[NaweG]

I'm so glad I waited and marathoned 4, 5, and 6. I don't know HOW y'all made it through a week of waiting after episode 5. I was so sure when I saw her ball up her fist that they were going to screw up the story... or worse yet use that as the starting point for turning this into a female TTGL... although as I say that it would be kind of interesting to see that...

Anyway, I like how they did this, and I feel much better after throwing out that package of Kleenex that somehow got wet... must have left it out overnight or something :D

[Mushi]

I'm wondering who that blonde girl is. I hope she isn't a villain. Hopefully an ally of justice.
Although she is the number 1 suspect for spreading the rumors.
That's my guess. She was the one standing in the hall, around the corner from the stairs, in episode 3, eavesdropping on Kazehaya telling Sawako how she was "moving him."


Episode 3

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/KimiTodo_03_girlinhall_01.jpg


Episode 6

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/KimiTodo_06_mysterygirl_01.jpg

Mystery girl hiding in shadows, hearing some intimate talk between Kazehaya and Sawako, then nasty rumors being spread? Sounds suspicious to me. Especially after the talk of how popular Kazehaya was and how some girls followed him to that school.

[Kunagisa]

I'm cried like a baby AGAIN.

Read the manga, bawwllll for a good long moments. Watched episode 6, teared up for like the first good 15-20 minutes.

@___@ Sadly， I think that's the height of the anime for me. Rest of it will probably go downhill if it's a faithful manga adaptation.

Kazehaya's hilarious near the end.

[Kirarakim]

I guess I am in the minority but I found this episode a bit too sappy for my tastes. That being said I did love when Sawako said she didn't like Yano & Yoshida but loved them. I definitely like that this series is focusing so much on friendship.

[Master Chibi]

Sawako smiling makes my day.

<3

[Kaoru Chujo]

I still feel Noto Mamiko is overdoing it. But I did have tears in my eyes for the last few minutes of episode 6, so maybe I shouldn't complain, lol.

[Master Chibi]

In the case of this show, somehow overdoing is a good thing, me thinks~

[Last Sinner]

Watched Episode 6 just now. And in all honesty, I did think this episode was overdone. A lot of mini-flashbacks, lot of moments that felt like they were drawn out about 5 seconds too long. Around a dozen scenes that weren't in the manga. Don't get me wron, I liked the episode. The scenes involving Sawako, Yoshia and Yano were spot on. But those involving anyone else were drawn out too long, for me at least. I don't think that what took one single chapter of manga should have been drawn out to a full episode. For the first time while watching this series, I felt a bit irritated. I still went 'Awww!' at the sweet moments, laughed at at Yoshida's antics in the aftermath. But the episode as a whole had less impact on me than the manga version did. And that's the first time I've ever felt that. Up until now, I had found the anime to be a tad better. This time, I think the manga was ahead by a fair bit. Still a good watch, but it was overdone for me. I hope 'Saturday Night' is done well.

[HandofFate]

about to watch episode 6 now.
a little late comment.
but i loved the shot at the end of episode 5 for when Sawako clutched her hand...i'm a big fan of fist clinching (is that the term?) in anime..

[GreatTeacherKen]

While I thought making Sawako super deformed during the moment when she's pushed down by Yuuka clashed with the bathroom confrontation's otherwise dramatic mood, I am grateful to this episode for giving me a warm and fuzzy feeling and an increase in Sawako smiles. :)

[Shiroth]

I still feel Noto Mamiko is overdoing it. But I did have tears in my eyes for the last few minutes of episode 6, so maybe I shouldn't complain, lol.
I'd like to know how Noto Mamiko is 'over doing it', is a bad thing. Personally this has become my favorite role by her, because it's very rare that we have Noto getting so much into a role like this, and hearing what she can truly do as a voice actress, instead of just the same old voice from start until finish.

[Daniel E.]

I really wanted a SAWAKO PAWNCH but hey a speech from the heart works just as well if not better

If you ask me, that girl actually got "punched" as she was leaving and Kazehaya rubbed it on her face about how he doesn't like ridiculous rumors. The fact that she cried at the end just goes to show how the whole incident was likely fueled by jealousy on her part.

[Last Sinner]

If you ask me, that girl actually got "punched" as she was leaving and Kazehaya rubbed it on her face about how he doesn't like ridiculous rumors. The fact that she cried at the end just goes to show how the whole incident was likely fueled by jealousy on her part.

True, but

the real issue/jealousy is the girl from the last 5 seconds of that episode. She's the brains/trigger for it all.

@Shiroth: Would just like to clarify that for me, personally, I'm loving Noto Mamiko's voicing of Sawako and I think she is doing it appropriately. What I found to be overdone were the moments in between the most gripping ones or the comedic ones or the sweet ones.

As for ep7, time to see everyone in casual wear away form school! ^^ *cheer*

[KaneDragon]

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2289/snapshot20091112182019.th.jpg (http://img121.imageshack.us/i/snapshot20091112182019.jpg/)
This character feels like trouble, somehow. Besides just as a potential love rival, I mean. :heh: I can tell from some of the flowers and from having seen a few troubles in my day.

It isn't like anyone else has claimed credit for starting those rumors.

[rabbitking]

The fake drama and fake friendship in episode 6 was too cheesy for me. I was thinking I'd be watching a more realistic show. Never will this pass as even realistic fiction. If they keep this up I'll be dropping this series.

[orion]

The fake drama and fake friendship in episode 6 was too cheesy for me. I was thinking I'd be watching a more realistic show. Never will this pass as even realistic fiction. If they keep this up I'll be dropping this series.

We're not watching this for realism. Realism would have meant a girls rumble in the restroom.

I'm watching this and Kobato for my sugar fix. I need a feel good title to counter Darker than Black and Blue Literature.

Sawako to me is another character in the long line of Yamamoto Nadeshiko (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_nadeshiko) in anime. Only this time YN gets isolated in school.

[KaneDragon]

The fake drama and fake friendship in episode 6 was too cheesy for me. I was thinking I'd be watching a more realistic show. Never will this pass as even realistic fiction. If they keep this up I'll be dropping this series.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7955/snapshot20091112214119.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/snapshot20091112214119.jpg/)
Sawako's cuteness isn't enough for you? :cool:

[mpt37]

I loved ep 6, just finished re-watching it with Eclipse subs and I can't believe I missed that...

...Yano and Yoshida called her Sawako at the end.
Aria will always be my favorite anime when it comes to delivering touching and heart warming scenes but Kimi ni Todoke is right up there with it.

[DragoZERO]

Episode 6: 20/10! Awwesome, oh man. I had a smile on the whole time and almost tear up too. They are doing a superb job with this. And not that much shoujo sparkle either, :heh:

Oh, and Ryu is awesome and Kazahaya is one stand up guy. To know that he should let the girls handle it, top notch right there.

And when they said "Sawako" instead of "Sadako" I was really happy since its been bugging that they are calling her that still.

It is airing today, in a few hours actually. Also the subs have been coming out the day after.Eclipse has been releasing two days after lately. :(

Those referring to what's happening next ep have read the manga well forward. 9 volumes of manga have been published. The 11 episodes being amde will cover around 4 volumes worth.That's it? Oh man, I hope they do the rest of the series if they can. Its so good so far.

That's my guess. She was the one standing in the hall, around the corner from the stairs, in episode 3, eavesdropping on Kazehaya telling Sawako how she was "moving him."


Episode 3

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/KimiTodo_03_girlinhall_01.jpg


Episode 6

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s352/mushianime/2g-m/kimitodoke/KimiTodo_06_mysterygirl_01.jpg

Mystery girl hiding in shadows, hearing some intimate talk between Kazehaya and Sawako, then nasty rumors being spread? Sounds suspicious to me. Especially after the talk of how popular Kazehaya was and how some girls followed him to that school.And I thought she'd be meaner looking, talk about deceptive! And to be voiced by someone who has done such good innocent characters too! This should be really good.

[McMilk]

The fake drama and fake friendship in episode 6 was too cheesy for me. I was thinking I'd be watching a more realistic show. Never will this pass as even realistic fiction. If they keep this up I'll be dropping this series.

I agree on the "fake drama" part... actually no, I'd call it unrealistic drama. But "fake friendship"... seriously?! :confused:

I find it pretty realistic though. Wouldn't you stand up to your friend if she gets ganged up on? Also, I'd be really happy if I found out that the people I hang around with (assume that I'm a transfer and I'm not really good at communicating) really like me. Same case here; Sawako hasn't always been good at communication and whatnot, so there's really no surprise that she's acting like a oblivious duck :eyebrow:.

So uh, yeah, I don't really agree with you on the "fake friendship" part. Unless, of course, you mean something else. :heh:

[germanturkey]

i teared up at the resolution of the bathroom scene. so beautiful. then Kazehaya ripped the wrong girl apart. new challenger appears again! but yeah, looks like next ep is Kazehaya x Sawako development. so i'm all for it.

[Vexx]

The fake drama and fake friendship in episode 6 was too cheesy for me. I was thinking I'd be watching a more realistic show. Never will this pass as even realistic fiction. If they keep this up I'll be dropping this series.

Right... you've been saying this since the first few episodes. Why are you still watching? Sheesh, the most I give a series is 3-4 episodes.

But for discussion, how about some specifics about what you find unrealistic? You've never really said exactly *what* you find so "fake" or "unrealistic". What do you consider a "realistic" series? I can think of some possible examples but the ball is in your court. Almost all anime can be dismissed as "unrealistic"...

[Daniel E.]

The fake drama and fake friendship in episode 6 was too cheesy for me. I was thinking I'd be watching a more realistic show. Never will this pass as even realistic fiction. If they keep this up I'll be dropping this series.

It is always risky to assume much about the anime we decide to watch. Even if we are familiar with the source material, there could always be changes to the pacing of the story, characters and the overall feel of the show.

Personally, I feel that (at this point) the show has already shown all it's cards and what we are getting now is likely what we are going to get through the rest of the season.

And with regards to the unrealistic bits of the show....

I find it a bit strange that (so far) only one dude at the school finds Sawako to be attractive. She is pretty, kind, innocent and even funny; How come only Kazehaya has noticed this so far? :p

[Master Chibi]

You're watching a cartoon and you're complaining about realism?

You know what's hard to believe, that an entire classroom can hang on the whim of someone like Kazehaya or that everyone is afraid to go near Sawako. Even now I'm still saying to myself: "Holy shit, that classroom is full of complete assholes", but shit man, it's anime. Sit back and enjoy it.

[MeoTwister5]

I find it a bit strange that (so far) only one dude at the school finds Sawako to be attractive. She is pretty, kind, innocent and even funny; How come only Kazehaya has noticed this so far?

Everyone else has horrible taste in women?:eyespin:

[Daniel E.]

You're watching a cartoon and you're complaining about realism?

Oh dear, I guess that smiley at the end was not as obvious a clue as I though it would be. And yes Chibi, I was joking with that comment. :p

Why not try to relax a bit while you are reading posts here.

Just sit back and enjoy the show........... and the comments about it. ;)

Everyone else has horrible taste in women?

That could be it. :p

[Master Chibi]

My reply was not to you, but someone else. Apparently I did not quote him like I believe I did.

:S

[Vexx]

"Everyone else has horrible taste in women?"

Actually, I find that to be the case more often than one might think.... but then you listen to many of the men in question and see why.

(edit: yeah, Chibi was caught by the flying posts problem :) ).

[Spectacular_Insanity]

ZOMG I just saw episode 6. And it was awesome. Actually, come to think of it, I've loved every episode so far. I'm such a sucker for the mushy drama stuff. :p

I just can't seem to watch this show without tearing up at least once per episode, for various reasons. I know the idea of the entire school being full of rumor-spreading jerks is a bit beyond the normal suspension of disbelief, but the show is so very diabetes-inducing that I hardly care. :heh:

[MushroomSamba]

I always wondered how girls could spend all damn day in the bathroom like that. The drama...who knew?

But yeah, the whole scenario was way over the top for my tastes. I hear schoolgirls can be quite brutal with their passive aggressiveness, but to this extent? Really? It just feels to me like none of the characters acted like any real person would in those situations. Not sure if that's a bad thing or not, but it didn't click with me personally.

[Spectacular_Insanity]

I always wondered how girls could spend all damn day in the bathroom like that. The drama...who knew?

But yeah, the whole scenario was way over the top for my tastes. I hear schoolgirls can be quite brutal with their passive aggressiveness, but to this extent? Really? It just feels to me like none of the characters acted like any real person would in those situations. Not sure if that's a bad thing or not, but it didn't click with me personally.

I understand. It tends to be very borderline in that people either buy it or they don't. There's no middle ground, really.

[Shiroth]

Eclipse has been releasing two days after lately. :(
It's a good think i wasn't talking about Eclipse's subs then. :p

I find it a bit strange that (so far) only one dude at the school finds Sawako to be attractive. She is pretty, kind, innocent and even funny; How come only Kazehaya has noticed this so far? :p
Have you forgotten Sawako's past image already? I mean there's a huge reason why most guys wouldn't even think of looking at her in that way. Kazehaya is special, and we already know that.

[Daniel E.]

Have you forgotten Sawako's past image already? I mean there's a huge reason why most guys wouldn't even think of looking at her in that way. Kazehaya is special, and we already know that.

I already said I was sorta joking with this.... but whatever. :p

I do agree about Kazehaya being special in his own way and I do remember how Sawako's image started to get shaped back in her elementary school days. Nevertheless, If the guys around Sawako are not looking at her as a pretty girl just because of some old rumors, then I am going to think of that as something a bit strange.

At least in the sense about almost all of them doing it at the same time.

So yeah, I wasn't being seriously serious with that comment, but it is something I noticed and something I feel like posting about. ;)

[Shiroth]

Even if you were joking with that comment, 1) i don't see how i'm supposed to know that when your post saying you were joking didn't give any reason for me to believe it was aimed at that, and 2) i don't see what's wrong with myself answering a question, even if you were joking about it. :)

[Daniel E.]

i don't see what's wrong with myself answering a question, even if you were joking about it. :)

Oh, no problems at all with that. I apologize if I somehow ended up sounding too defensive there.

I just wanted to make sure my comment was not taken too seriously, since I had originally planned for it to be a joke of sorts. :p

[Vexx]

This thread seems to be almost as full of misunderstood cues as the series is :)

[DragoZERO]

i teared up at the resolution of the bathroom scene. so beautiful. then Kazehaya ripped the wrong girl apart. new challenger appears again! but yeah, looks like next ep is Kazehaya x Sawako development. so i'm all for it.Well, that girl did make a lot of trouble so it wasn't wrong girl per say.

Have you forgotten Sawako's past image already? I mean there's a huge reason why most guys wouldn't even think of looking at her in that way. Kazehaya is special, and we already know that.That's what I'm saying, he's a stand up guy!

This thread seems to be almost as full of misunderstood cues as the series is :):heh: Good one.

[ElizLestrad]

I am kind of confused on one particular point in regards to both the anime AND the manga.

The girl who always talks to Sawako early on, and is the one who Sawako tells "Their not my friends" (in regards to Chizu and Yoshida). In Ep 6 Sawako is excited and states "My very first friends" (Chizu and Yoshida), and at the end of the episode when the girl walks up to Chizu and Yoshida she states "I'll leave her in your hands" and walks away.

So my question is: Who the heck is she then? I figured she was a friend from Sawako's old school or something...and then was she implying that she didn't feel she needed to be friends anymore now that Sawako had Chizu and Yoshida?

[Cyrus17]

To me, the problem with the arc wasn't that it was mushy or sappy, - it was okay in this regard, - but it was kinda oversimplified for my taste. Eps. 1-3 had better scenario imo, they had some non-standard, fresh moves. Maybe the content of the arc was too big for three episodes, so we didn't get any nice scenario freebies, heh :)

Anyway, Sawako got some serious character development! I mean this:I thought Sawako was very courageous for standing up to that group of girls. Even when she got pushed around, she still tried to stand up for her friends. Was nice to discover that side of her :)

Also, Ryuu spoke! I'm looking forward to see more of him :) Well, Kurumi looks fun too, hehe :D

[DragoZERO]

To me, the problem with the arc wasn't that it was mushy or sappy, - it was okay in this regard, - but it was kinda oversimplified for my taste. Eps. 1-3 had better scenario imo, they had some non-standard, fresh moves. Maybe the content of the arc was too big for three episodes, so we didn't get any nice scenario freebies, heh :)How complex should it have it had gotten? Rumors between friends are easy to fix, they just communicate.

Also, Ryuu spoke! I'm looking forward to see more of him :) Well, Kurumi looks fun too, hehe :DRyuu is a sleeper in more than just sleeping on his desk, he'll observe everything and make sense of it. He knew when the girls were troubled and I think he knows how Kazahaya feels about Sawako too.

[EFrules]

I am kind of confused on one particular point in regards to both the anime AND the manga.

The girl who always talks to Sawako early on, and is the one who Sawako tells "Their not my friends" (in regards to Chizu and Yoshida). In Ep 6 Sawako is excited and states "My very first friends" (Chizu and Yoshida), and at the end of the episode when the girl walks up to Chizu and Yoshida she states "I'll leave her in your hands" and walks away.

So my question is: Who the heck is she then? I figured she was a friend from Sawako's old school or something...and then was she implying that she didn't feel she needed to be friends anymore now that Sawako had Chizu and Yoshida?

No they are just acquaintances.. She's the one whose responsible for the "Sadako" name.. Since she made a mistake back in Elementary school, she accidentally called Sawako, Sadako.. the opening scene in episode 6. In the manga it also mentioned that the girl felt responsible to talk to Sawako since no one talked to her after that incident.. So on the early episode she's the only person who talks to Sawako asking her if she made friends or not.. I also think they are not in the same class.. It looks like they are friends but the girl is looking/rooting for Sawako to make friends constantly asking her.. Especially when she asked her feelings for Ayane and Chizu in the Rumor arc.. So at the end when she saw Sawako with Chizu and Ayane she's happy for Sawako and told Yano and Chizu (btw Chizu and Yoshida is one person..) to take care for her from now on..

I like her character though...

[Starry Dust]

...this episode was pretty "meh".

But the one part that got me the most was when Sawako came to the realization of "OMG?! THEY'RE MY FRIENDS?!!!"

Excuse me while I facepalm.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f10/BunnyCakes/Funny/th_originalvmpbl-1.jpg (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f10/BunnyCakes/Funny/originalvmpbl-1.jpg)
I just ended up laughing at the rest.

Last episode of this arc was kind of weak to me. If it wasn't for Pin, I would've gone crazy.
I love that guy so much. He brings in so much energy to the scene xD
Also I just love it when Kazehaya gets all blushy and jealous.

So yay, Sawako offcially has friends now.
I think I need to go watch something with action...

[Haak]

No they are just acquaintances.. She's the one whose responsible for the "Sadako" name.. Since she made a mistake back in Elementary school, she accidentally called Sawako, Sadako.. the opening scene in episode 6. In the manga it also mentioned that the girl felt responsible to talk to Sawako since no one talked to her after that incident.. So on the early episode she's the only person who talks to Sawako asking her if she made friends or not.. I also think they are not in the same class.. It looks like they are friends but the girl is looking/rooting for Sawako to make friends constantly asking her.. Especially when she asked her feelings for Ayane and Chizu in the Rumor arc.. So at the end when she saw Sawako with Chizu and Ayane she's happy for Sawako and told Yano and Chizu (btw Chizu and Yoshida is one person..) to take care for her from now on..

I like her character though...

To me that just doesn't make any sense. If she cared so much for Sawako why didn't she just become friends with her? It seems like a natural thing to do. Does being in different classes really make that much of a difference?

[Sinestra]

To me that just doesn't make any sense. If she cared so much for Sawako why didn't she just become friends with her? It seems like a natural thing to do. Does being in different classes really make that much of a difference?

In school animes its pretty constant for friends to drift apart when they are in different classes. Which is why when you see the beginning of a school year in an anime and students are seeing what classes they are in they are kind of distressed if they don't have anyone from their previous class with them. There are not that many chances to see students from different classes, students stay in the same classroom and teachers move from class too class unlike US schools where it is opposite. Also, a lot of the time students also each their lunch in the classroom. If you notice students from different classes only really associate in the halls and outside of school but when you spend less time together its easy to grow apart. So yes it can make a bit of difference i think its more cultural.

[orion]

To me that just doesn't make any sense. If she cared so much for Sawako why didn't she just become friends with her? It seems like a natural thing to do. Does being in different classes really make that much of a difference?


It didn't make much sense to me either. I guess this ain't Lucky Star.

[Vexx]

As Sinestra points out... it really is fairly difficult in many Japanese schools to interact with people in other classes. That's one reason school clubs are almost obligatory just for the change of scenery if naught else.

Kagami (Lucky*Star) was pretty unusual for what she did but OTOH she was going to eat with her twin sister, so competing protocols deferred :)

[Zetsubo]

Remember that Japan is a "group based society"

Which group you belong to is VERY important.

Ergo, this socialisation is taught from school years.

When you are in class 2b, that is your group and you don't dare wander to another lightly.

So your friends in 2a are still important, but your group (like in the past a martial arts school clan ) must take priority.

In companies, groups are important also... and also you do not dare move from group to group.

As an electrical engineer for sub-station C you may have friends from Substation K but Sub-station C takes priority.

You go drinking with your C sub-station group and not with your old friends from K

You maintain freindships across groups by emails, phone calls and doing things together when you are not on "group time".

The thing is, Japanese kids always have their time MAXIMISED... especially with things like cram school and clubs.

So free time is rare and precious... seering your friends from your old class 2a is going to be hard.

Japan is a society where consenus and HARMONY are foundation principles and you as an individual must never willing desturb the group consensus and group harmony.

I hope this makes sense.

[EFrules]

To me that just doesn't make any sense. If she cared so much for Sawako why didn't she just become friends with her? It seems like a natural thing to do. Does being in different classes really make that much of a difference?

Well first thing, I went to school Asia and our school system is not that far from being the same as Japan. Since Sawako and the "girl" belong to a different class they have a hard time having conversation since they would mostly hang out with their classmate in that same class.

And its very important to note that once class is set up in the beginning of school term you are stuck with that same classmates for that whole year. You don't get mixed up with other students. So you are bound to have a strong bond and relationship to your classmates..

The girl has her friends on her class so thats why its really hard for her to be friends with Sawako. So when Sawako finally made friends she can now peacefully leave her to their care.

I mean if you are going to say she can definitely hang out, then it'll be another story since she didn't intend to be friends with her in the first place. She only felt responsible to look after Sawako because it was her fault that the whole "Sadako" started.. The girl is nice enough to be caring and took responsible for her "mistake"..

But yeah the bottom line is you socialize more and create a strong bond of relationship and friendship to the student in your class than from different "section" I should say.. Just like "Zetsubo" mentioned.. 1A 1B 1C etc...

[orion]

.
<snip>
I mean if you are going to say she can definitely hang out, then it'll be another story since she didn't intend to be friends with her in the first place. She only felt responsible to look after Sawako because it was her fault that the whole "Sadako" started.. The girl is nice enough to be caring and took responsible for her "mistake"..
<snip>

This part is prob more applicable to me.

When she heard that Sawako had someone else to rely on, she dumped the poor girl without feeling guilty. :heh:

[EFrules]

This part is prob more applicable to me.

When she heard that Sawako had someone else to rely on, she dumped the poor girl without feeling guilty. :heh:

Lol she felt guilty of course, but she was just relieved when Sawako finally made friends. But yeah she finally can moved on.

[Noe]

Glad they cleared up the whole rumor mishap.

[Haak]

Values Dissonance strikes again.

[Nikkan]

I didn't care much for the OP when I started watching, but now I can't stop listening to it!
Anyone know what I mean?

[hollowification]

does anyone have gif for this anime like sawako hiding behind the tree in episode 1 or her smiling scary kinda way anything like those or more please i would like to see it


i love this anime its very good..

[miroku2192]

Man i got all teary watching the last 3 episodes together (4, 5 and 6)...I really like this series a lot. She's wayyy too cute/innocent! Makes me want to go find someone like her :X and help her out hehe

[Haak]

I didn't care much for the OP when I started watching, but now I can't stop listening to it!
Anyone know what I mean?

Yeah happens to me all the time. But not this OP unfortunately.

[Lostdreams]

Remember that Japan is a "group based society"

Which group you belong to is VERY important.

Ergo, this socialisation is taught from school years.

When you are in class 2b, that is your group and you don't dare wander to another lightly.

So your friends in 2a are still important, but your group (like in the past a martial arts school clan ) must take priority.

In companies, groups are important also... and also you do not dare move from group to group.

As an electrical engineer for sub-station C you may have friends from Substation K but Sub-station C takes priority.

You go drinking with your C sub-station group and not with your old friends from K

You maintain freindships across groups by emails, phone calls and doing things together when you are not on "group time".

The thing is, Japanese kids always have their time MAXIMISED... especially with things like cram school and clubs.

So free time is rare and precious... seering your friends from your old class 2a is going to be hard.

Japan is a society where consenus and HARMONY are foundation principles and you as an individual must never willing desturb the group consensus and group harmony.

I hope this makes sense.

I swear that sounds something similar to communism...

[Vexx]

I swear that sounds something similar to communism...
Heh... no, its more a form of community collectivism. Unless you're going to start labeling all forms of tribal or village behavior as "communism".... :P

Humans are inherently collective as a social animal... tribes and groups survive better. How that is implemented varies... but the Ayn Rand "man as island" noise is just utter bullshit.

[Haak]

I swear that sounds something similar to communism...

Well...you could say Individualism sounds similar to Fascism too.

[Mushi]

Remember that Japan is a "group based society"

Which group you belong to is VERY important.

Ergo, this socialisation is taught from school years.

When you are in class 2b, that is your group and you don't dare wander to another lightly.

So your friends in 2a are still important, but your group (like in the past a martial arts school clan ) must take priority.

In companies, groups are important also... and also you do not dare move from group to group.

As an electrical engineer for sub-station C you may have friends from Substation K but Sub-station C takes priority.

You go drinking with your C sub-station group and not with your old friends from K

You maintain freindships across groups by emails, phone calls and doing things together when you are not on "group time".

The thing is, Japanese kids always have their time MAXIMISED... especially with things like cram school and clubs.

So free time is rare and precious... seering your friends from your old class 2a is going to be hard.

Japan is a society where consenus and HARMONY are foundation principles and you as an individual must never willing desturb the group consensus and group harmony.

I hope this makes sense.

The girl has her friends on her class so thats why its really hard for her to be friends with Sawako. So when Sawako finally made friends she can now peacefully leave her to their care.
I knew about the "group mentality" of Japanese culture, but it's nice to have these kind of insights to understand how deep that conditioning goes.

When the girl says she leaves the care of Sawako in the hands of her new friends, it's easy for a gaijin like me to just brush that off as some kind of common courtesy. It's good to be reminded that there's a lot more to it than just that.

I'm glad I read AnimeSuki forums. :D

[Haak]

^ Yeah me too. I already knew about Collectivist societies but i never thought it would extend that far in Japan.

My Psychology teacher told me that Japan had a somewhat mix of collectivist and individualistic views.

Anyone?

[Zetsubo]

I find that watching Japanese Movies and Anime becomes mentally easier when I study things on Japanese culture, society and history.

Right now I am reading the Book of 5 rings... very deep stuff.

[orion]

Man i got all teary watching the last 3 episodes together (4, 5 and 6)...I really like this series a lot. She's wayyy too cute/innocent! Makes me want to go find someone like her :X and help her out hehe

In the US, someone like her would need alot of help as she would be constantly labeled as a "person to be taken advantage of".

[Daniel E.]

I didn't care much for the OP when I started watching, but now I can't stop listening to it!
Anyone know what I mean?

I love the combination of both the music and the animation that goes along with it. :)

And yes, it is quite common for me to start liking intros and endings more as the episodes go by.

[miroku2192]

In the US, someone like her would need alot of help as she would be constantly labeled as a "person to be taken advantage of".

I'm sure that you'll find that to be the case in not just the US. Im sure even in Japan she'll be labeled the same way if this were FOR REALZZZZ. But it's not, and we can all dream about an idealistic world where people like her won't be labeled that way.

It's a sad truth, our world sucks.

[durack]

Remember that Japan is a "group based society"

Which group you belong to is VERY important.


The US is, too, it's just that we are more hypocritical about it. :)

[orion]

The US is, too, it's just that we are more hypocritical about it. :)

Most places are like that but Japan takes it to another level from what I hear online imo.

[durack]

My Psychology teacher told me that Japan had a somewhat mix of collectivist and individualistic views.

Anyone?

This would be really OT and we can certainly move this discussion to another part of the forum if there is interest.

[orion]

So how fast is the adaptation going? What corresponding chapter are we at right now?

[durack]

^ Yeah me too. I already knew about Collectivist societies but i never thought it would extend that far in Japan.

My Psychology teacher told me that Japan had a somewhat mix of collectivist and individualistic views.

Anyone?

For some reason cannot add to my post.

This would be a good place to start.

http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/research/events/conferences/povertyandcapital/chang.pdf

[Mushi]

This would be really OT and we can certainly move this discussion to another part of the forum if there is interest.
There is a Japanese Culture thread...

http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=24135

[EFrules]

So how fast is the adaptation going? What corresponding chapter are we at right now?

Oh! I can definitely answer this... The next episode, which is episode 7 its chapter 8 from the manga. I will never forget this chapter since this is the last chapter that was scanned by Entrophy.. Looking forward for the episode!

[chinaboat]

Those who think the drama in this episode was "unrealistic" probably have never had to try talking their way out of being beat up by a bully backed up by 4 or 5 sycophants in a highschool bathroom, that part was definitely very realistic. As was Pin telling them, in humorous frustration, to start exchanging blows. I also agree about the girl who felt she owed a debt. Think back to your school days, how many good "friends" from one year did you basically stop talking to the next year because you had been placed in different classrooms? The only thing that might be somewhat "heightened" was girly-boy Kazehaya's jealousy when she left with Yano and Yoshida. But, then again, this is a high school romance, he's supposed to be girly sensitive.