Asatte no Houkou episode 5

Don’t you want to help her?

Shouko is really cute. It’s almost disturbing how this Shouko-centric episode is so funny. I found myself in stitches in some of the scenes, even though Asatte should not be a show where I am laughing so hard. Still, there has been a sense of development in this episode, as we see how the three people are trying to change their lives to adjust for their new selves.

Episode summary

They went back to the house, with Karada preparing breakfast for the two sleepyheads. As Hiro went to work, Karada and Shouko stayed at home, with Karada doing all the housework. Karada seemed to worry for Shouko, taking all the work from her. Shouko then went out to the library, trying to find out more about the stone and the likes. As she returned home, she saw some kids playing “Catch the monster” which is a childhood game that I played (and enjoyed).

A new girl, Kotomi, who just moved in from town saw Shouko who was sitting on the bench, looking at the kids play. She then tried to get Karada to play, but Karada took her leave, since she had bad experiences when she was young and denied the opportunity to play with them. She was probably a loner kid. She then ran away, with the kids looking at her.

With that, we see that this Kotomi girl is in fact an acquaintance of Touko as she was at his house, talking to her mom. She then criticized Touko to do what was required to be done, rather than being fickle minded about the whole issue. At home, Hiro did a simple meal for the other two, the first time he had done it since a week ago when they changed bodies. Shouko was about to clean the dishes when Hiro pointed out the “promise” paper that Karada stuck to where the person who did not cook had to clean the dishes.

As they slept, Shouko continued to think about the relationship and trust between Karada and Hiro as they slept together. The next day, Karada was about to help Shouko arrange the dishes but Hiro stopped her, telling her to allow Shouko some responsibility. As Hiro left for work, Karada wanted to pick a rice from his shirt but Hiro moved back, shocked at the boobs of his sister…(ermm yea). Shouko took the hint and picked it instead. They then left together, with Hiro thanking Shouko for being a mediator. Shouko was angry because she felt she was there for being there but was not honest about it.

Shouko is then in the park again, as the children played. One of the girls asked Shouko but she had the same experience where the boy said that “she does not want to play with us”. She was about to turn when the girl moved one more step and tapped her as a monster. Shouko then played with them and actually enjoyed it. Karada was however nervous when Shouko did not return, finally finding her and giving a hug. She was clearly worried.

At the end, Touko realized about Karada being “found”. It was in fact a lie to Touko’s sister about Karada going to a relative’s house.

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Thoughts

Well, I am thinking whether Touko’s sister knows the truth. Chances are that she in fact knows what the hell is happening and that there was something suspicious about the three of them holding hands. In one of the scenes, she did show Hiro holding hands with Karada and Shouko and I just have that feeling that the sister is way smarter to detect it completely.

It is also clear that Shouko is finally coming to terms with her identity. It might seem to me that she has unconsciously wished to restart her life once again, even though she would not admit it. She seems to be a person that often rejects the truth in order to display a strong side. She is practically not honest about her feelings and it is clear from the reactions she had with Hiro. I bet if she just flared up and revealed her emotions, the bind on her will immediately disappear.

With that, I must point back that there is this very natural flow of things with this show. Nothing really dramatic happens in the show but there is just this strange charm that gets you back wondering why you enjoy it so much. It is just the dynamics of the three characters that intrigues me and I must admit that i am happily enjoying this little piece.

Is it me who is slow but I see a pattern. It seems that each episode is actually a character-centric one. I mean, we have Karada last week, now is Shouko and next week seems to be Karada once again. I do not know why they did it, but the flow of the story feels so good with this switching of perspectives.

I think this is good honestly because i am quietly surprised how this little story has captured me whole heartedly. I would also add that I find the relationship between Touko and Karada to be rather interesting and it seems that they will explore this next week.

Sigh, the agony of waiting and exams coming ^_^