Note: We will have a new blogger coming soon by the name of Reslez…..EXCITEMENT!!!!!

Hmm, is is just me but Shouko is getting cuter and cuter as the episodes run by. I do not know but this screenshot really makes the sleeping Shouko look so darn cute.

Eh….Ok, i will talk more about a certain disturbing thought that I have later. I swear that it has gone through all your heads as well, but it only hit me completely now.

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Episode summary

It was a normal morning as Hiro went for work, while Shouka went to buy daily needs for the household. After they left, Tetsu went over to the Hiro household and met up with Karada in adult form at the door. He could not recognise her and asked where Karada went, only to get the same answer that “Karada” was at a relative’s house. He then went around still to look for Karada, while Karada followed him around as he walked around asking shopkeepers and the children in the playground.

As she peeked through her position, Tetsu disappeared as she went to lie on one of the giant trees. Tetsu then asked her why she was following him and she made some lame excuse that he needed an adult to take care and protect him. Tetsu also mentioned how he could feel that Karada was still here. Eventually, Karada tagged along with Tetsu as he went over back to the school.

As they reached their class, he explained how Karada was so small sized and often could not see the board. He also teased the nervous Karada when she checked her shoe box, saying that Karada could not hide there even though she was small. We also saw that flashback where Karada teased him in class during an egg breaking cooking lesson and how Tetsu used too much strength all the time and messed up the whole situation. That was when he was given the nickname “Crispy Amino?” for that strength.

As they reached the bridge, he mentioned how he tried to find Karada during the firework in the festival as he assumed many people would be there. However, he was also slightly surprised how Karada was in fact similiar to the “loli Karada” in her actions, especially when she reacted to the firework festival as though she had been there herself. As they ran up to a temple area, Karada was caught out of breath as she went to get a drink in the resting area. Tetsu then guessed that Karada was Hiro’s girlfriend and she simply gestured to agree.

After that, she asked why Tetsu was so concerned about her and whether it was because she was unreliable. He said it was the fact that he just needed to protect her and he felt that Karada was way more reliable and capable than him. He did miss her a lot. They then went through a dark forest, with Karada having the feeling that she was here before. In fact, at a slope, she fell, with Tetsu extending a hand to her and calling Karada’s name.

The flashback came with Karada actually visiting this place before. As Tetsu realized what he was doing, he pulled back his hands. They then went through a sealed tunnel and found a peaceful clearing, where the source of water at the temple was. Karada then added that he should bring Karada here when she came back and she would love it.

As Karada returned, Shouko and Hiro were waiting for her as they were worried. At night, Karada asked how she could make up with a friend if they could not meet. Eventually, she sent a letter to Tetsu, talking about the “trip” she had, making Tetsu feel good, with him smiling happily over the postcard.

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Thoughts

I apologise but when I first watch this episode, a really really strange thought came to me. I was thinking if they do not go back to normal, Karada pairs up with Tetsu, and Shouko pairs up with Hiro, would it not be a lolicon paradise since Karada and Hiro are technically paedohpiles.

…

I told you it’s a weird thought, no?

However, to the episode proper, I really fully enjoyed the episode. The idyllic and slow pace of the show makes me feel that Aria feeling, where there is nothing happening, yet it could still touch you deeply. Of course, the way that Aria and Asatte no Houkou touches the human psyche is very different. However, it still stems down to the fact that it portrays comfortable feelings toward people that are as similar as us, yet facing problems that were out of their capabilities.

I do not know why but I am starting to love the lifestyle of this show, so much so as another anime blogger that has inspired me to start this blog, Garten.

I quote him saying…

“Although nothing much happens in this episode, it’s hard not to be charmed by the simple and laidback lifestyle of the characters. I think this is partly why I like the series. It’s easy to get immersed in the wonderful background paintings created for the series. It feels as if you’re actually in Kanouchou as well, looking around the temple and the waterspring. When I went to Japan last year, I lived in this small town called Okazaki. I think that was one of the best times in my life. I really wish I could do it all over again. There is nothing more fulfilling than biking around a quiet neighbourhood where there are still many trees and vegetations. Speaking of laidback lifestyle, I must once again commend the soundtrack that is composed by Mitsumune Shinkichi. Most of them do a very good job in conveying the feel of laidback lifestyle. The first one that appeared in this episode also reminds me of farming RPG like Harvest Moon for some reason.”

From Garten in Memento

It is really true. I feel that the simple and sweet melody of Asatte brings you more intimately to the world of these characters, making it much easier for you to accept the things that have happened. Even though nothing seems to happen in the physical, many different things had in fact happened for everyone in this show.

The strong concern and feelings that Tetsu had with Karada is with a pure heart and it is really hard not to feel a bit of sympathy for him. It is yet heartwarming that both Tetsu and Karada has maturity that was way beyond their assumed years and it is pretty impressive.

I also like the trusting relationship that is growing between Karada, Hiro and Shouko. I feel that all three of them have to learn to accept what their wishes entail before the ending provides a beautiful ending where they are finally restored to how they were at the start. That is what I feel to be possibly one of the most fulfiling conclusions that Asatte no Houkou can take: the epitome of the human spirit in action.

Will we see that? I hope so.

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