Library War (Toshokan Sensou) Episode 5 – The War of the Parents!
Kasahara Iku is an officer working under the Task Force. She has never truly buckled under the immense stress faced in her work. Kasahara is a heroine, being the only female officer who is good enough to be under the Task Force. However, her biggest challenge ever is arriving right to the doorstep of her work place.
It’s time for World War III to happen. Or in other words, her parents are coming. What kind of ammunition will she use to defend herself? By the way, the three preview shots are just so cute, huh? Oh, my fansub decided to drop Library war, but since Menclave is doing such a good job, there’s no need for another group.
Episode summary
The others are looking at the report of Odawara in the latest copy of the Library magazine. Kasahara’s conservative parents are finally here for the visit, as Kasahara clearly freaks out. There is a real likelihood for her to be forcefully brought back, and her image in that magazine did not help. It can be shown from her stammering speech with her parents while the others looked on. Her mother is worried about a check from the Media Purification Brigade and also asked to tour the base.
Kasahara asked Dojo to make some excuses to reject the tour, but he told her that it’s impossible since they have passes. Kasahara tried to ask Dojo and Shibasaki to accompany her in the tour. Eventually, Kasahara bribed Shibasaki with a mega meal for her to tag along. Her mother quipped about the base, but Shibasaki says that the roar of a supervisor is scarier (a dig at Kasahara). At the canteen, Genda nearly leaked out the truth, but Dojo dragged him away in time.
However, Genda said he prepared housing for Kasahara’s parents. On their way to the man’s dormitory, Kasahara’s dad notices that Kasahara has a lot of trust in Dojo. Dojo is surprised, but her father said that Kasahara looked at Dojo for help first. Kasahara’s mother visited Kasahara’s room. Thanks to Shibasaki, the presence of her Task force uniform was covered up as Shibasaki’s boyfriend’s uniform. Later in the bath, her mother complimented Shibasaki’s femininity but noticed Kasahara’s scratched arm. Shibasaki can also tell that Kasahara is stressed out by the ordeal.
The next day, Tezuka asks whether she is fine. Kasahara is lining up the books when Komaki noticed that Kasahara’s mother was grabbing the magazine with Kasahara in the Inamine abduction incident. Her mother wondered about the incident, and her father told his wife to read up on earlier volumes. Kasahara tried to take the book away, but was reminded of the 2nd article of the Library Act: all users have the freedom to all the information they want.
Dojo tells her that the latest edition is hot, and Kasahara can try to distract them before they picked up on that edition. Her father also tested her, and asks why she is so incompetent, compared to Dojo and Tezuka. At that time, a man tried to escape with a book. He manages to shake off a library officer, but Kasahara manages to subdue him. However, that revealed her not-so-simple role in the Library. That night, Dojo tried to lie about Kasahara’s real job to her father. Kasahara’s father asked Dojo about Kasahara.
Dojo told him that Kasahara is poor at administration work, but is very reliable in protecting books and is an indispensable member of the Library. The next day, her parents are clearly worried, and her mother wanted her to withdraw. Surprisingly, Kasahara’s father supported Kasahara’s decision. When Kasahara told them about her reason to be here, they agreed that it’s a good reason. As they left, Kasahara cried and felt sad that she lied to them.
This episode is dead hilarious. Some of the comedy scenes have to be watched to laugh at. There’s really no time for me to describe them. So, I hope that you guys get to watch it soon. If anyone did not watch the first four episodes of Library War, they would have thought that this show is all about the comedy (which is a partial truth, but I digress).
It’s a very light hearted episode that gives a bit of character development for Kasahara. She is clearly growing up and has gained the confidence to face her parents truthfully. She might not grow at all as a library officer, but she has grown as a person. I really think she cries a bit too much for my liking, but it is clear that behind her strong headed character is a girl who is quite unreliable and needs tender care for growth.
In addition, Shibasaki is surprisingly getting my attention with her coy but intelligent demeanor. As much as she likes to make fun of Kasahara (a lot), she also protects her whenever it becomes somewhat dangerous. Point-in-note is the uniform where she calmly states that it’s hers. Then, she folds and tells Kasahara’s mother to keep a secret as it is her boyfriend’s clothing. I just think that she is so cool to manipulate simple-minded Kasahara, but it is not a fake friendship. Shibasaki truly cares for Kasahara. No, not in the yuri style.
On the plot this episode, I thought that her father is the type that deals with the facts. He knows that Kasahara is in good hands with Dojo. Dojo is really impressive as a superior, in any father’s eyes. I can understand why he can rest assured with Dojo around. He’s cool, he’s reliable and most of all, he cares about her daughter. There’s still no romance, damn it, but he rocks. No, I am not fanboying him. I am just stating about the plot.
So, in all, wonderful episode after some rather intense episodes. It’s not really filler, but a good way to slow down the pace a little.
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Can’t wait until this gets subbed! I love comedies, so I hope you and I have the same sense of humour
question… was kasahara’s father the one who folded the corner of the page where kasahara’s picture was?(though i believe it is but i just wanted to be sure)
@Blissmo: I think good humor is universal. You will laugh a lot at the true 20-faced assassin: the laughing assassin of the Library!
@Kaz3phyrous: It is never stated. However, during that scene, Dojo seems to hint that it is Kasahara’s father who folded the corner. The words that Dojo uttered roughly meant, “Oh, this is a real headache”. Considering the scenes of Dojo and Kasahara’s father, I can say with 90% confidence that you are right.
I found it touching that everyone pitched in to help Kasahara’s charade, especially Shibasaki and Dojo. The both of them had been trying to make Kasahara own up to her true role, but in the end, they decided that it was up to her to make that decision. They’re great colleagues to have.
Kasahara doesn’t give her parents enough credit. Her Dad is much more understanding than she knows while her mother genuinely cares for her safety. I think it’s obvious that Kasahara inherited her romantic streak from her mother.
Kasahara’s father is nobody’s fool. It’s pretty clear he knew she was in the Task Force by the end of the episode, but chose not to confront her about it, nor reveal the truth to her mother (she would have freaked out). Heh, in light of what we’ve seen, Kasahara is truly an “idiot of a daughter”. Thankfully for her, her father has already forgiven her.
She’s lucky to have such parents.
thank you for the summary… it made my raw watching so much easier
but yes, part of the magic of this anime is the dialogue. i’m still waiting for the subs to come out soon.
the first thing in mind that came to me when i saw her parents is that her mom married a chibi. that chibi comment seriously stuck with me.
actually, i was really surprised to find out that with the exception of shibasaki, tezuka, komaki and dojou were willing to help her out with her parents. i was actually half-expecting komaki to just giggle away, tezuka not lying but not giving out too much info to damage her and dojo to flat-out tell her to just be straight-forward to her parents.
are the menclave subs THAT good??? i was watching the other subs and thought they were ok. but if the menclave version are way better, i might as well pick those up instead.
“I really think she cries a bit too much for my liking”
Oh god… tell me about it…
and I thought she was supposed to be this headstrong girl…
@TinyRedLeaf: The amusing thing is that most children do not give their parents too much credit. They always want things their way. When they are told something different, they will defy them.
In a way, Kasahara probably knows that they are right in some way, but she is way too headstrong with her interest with the Library to go anywhere else. In addition, her awkward character means that she often has problems expressing herself when it is required.
I can somewhat empathize with her since I have a similar relationship with my professor and parents sometimes. For example, I know that he is right at pointing out my mistakes but my stupid pride cannot accept it. In addition, he seems to feel like my brother (intimidating) so I always don’t concentrate enough to listen. Too occupied by fear that it will be rejected no matter what I say.
I really think that Shibasaki is a very important person. Without her, Kasahara would have crumbled long ago. A mischevious but extremely reliable friend.
@Biankita: Glad to do so. Hey, Shibaaki also are willing to help out with her parents. The uniform thing is a clear way of being a smooth operator. She could just gloat, you know.
Menclave is a pretty decent fansub and have some reputation. I will think that they are good.
@Sara: She is headstrong. However, being headstrong does not mean that she is strong at heart. It just means she has a strong-willed stubborn streak. It does not conflict with her “frail emotional state”.
@Biankita: I have tried some of the other subs, but I think I prefer Menclave’s version so far. Episode 4 or 5 I noticed had some dialogues untranslated, and am currently trying to d/l Menclave’s subs, to see the difference. The ending of episode 5 with Dojo’s “beat” translation left me confused – did Dojo mean he was beaten by Kasahara’s dad because he seemed to figure the truth out when they tried to not reveal Kasahara’s identity? I am still not sure what it meant.
I think I will definately know which sub I prefer after Menclave release their version of 5.
I think Kasahara is a pretty strong character. Sure she cries easily, but when the situation calls for it, she can strengthen her heart too. I personally think she cries because she feels hurt, but reflects on her actions, consequently becoming stronger in the process. I think the kidnapping incident would be a good example of this. Also, the incident where she couldnt get the library tasks right, somewhere in episode 2 or 3. I like her a lot actually ^_^
I’d like to see the other characters come intoplay a bit more. Or have more of their personality/background made known. Especially Dojo’s always laughing friend. I think he’s pretty amusing. I’d love to know how these two became friends.
I hear this series is only 13 episodes long (unbelievable). Does anyone here know how much of the novels/manga is covered so far? Thank you
Ok, I’m going to invade this space and answer some novel-related question
@VSky: the past 4 episodes covered the entire volume 1 (and obviously, quite a large portion was omitted, especially in episode 3), getting past both the shoujo and shounen mangas at that. Episode 5 covers the first chapter of the novel if I’m not mistaken. so there.
*goes back to her burrow* XD
Thank you usagigen ^_^
I guess they have to omit chunks off if they have to fit the anime within the scheduled times. Pity though. I followed Ghost Hunt anime, but I believe some of the more humourous/character development bits were omitted from the novels T_T
I would love to read the novels for Ghost Hunt, Seirei and this series – but it’s a pity the novels arent translated into English…
May I also please ask you, if you know where I may find some summaries for the novels of Toshokan Sensou? Thanks
@VSky: God, I have been so tired from real life work lately (and fansub work) that I hardly visit the blog at all. It’s so meh not to be able to respond to my readers, particularly the few that bothers to leave a comment on the blog.
I think that you are right that he is beaten by Kasahara’s Dad simply because he knew it despite their attempts to keep it a secret. In a way, I thought that it is a very cute gesture. Going on Blissmo’s entry on Library War 5, he mentions how he enjoys the characters that bullied Kasahara, but protects her when she is in need. Completely awesome.
Komaki clearly needs more attention. I wish to see more of his serious side compared to the side that goes lololol whenever Kasahara x dojo goes on their lover’s spite.
I dont blame you Impz. Hope your presentation and dissertation are coming out okay ^_^
Yep. Komaki – thats the name… it escaped me the first time ^^;; I really hope they show more of him – I saw the preview of episode 6 in the ED (want very clear) but I think it had Komaki and Kasahara in trouble of sorts. So we can hopefully see what he’s like too.
I agree with Blissmo
I think thats what makes the chemistry between the characters so interesting.
I laughed hard when Kasahara’ mom elbowed her own daughter. He he. XP
@VSky: The bad thing is that it might not come out well. Nonetheless, the conference presentation is in 7 days. Let’s hope for the best, heh. Komaki is actually a very efficent and excellent squad member. However, all we see of him is that he laughs at misfortunes. He is less mean compared to Shibasaki, but give him props for always breaking up the quarrels despite SERIOUSLY enjoying it.
@Ominae: She did??? when? For what? I don’t remember @_@
I think that was the one where Kasahara tried to get her mom not to read the magazine with her face plastered on it. Yeah, that was with the ambulance part from last episode.
I…love…this…anime! One of the few animes that actually show people with feelings! Not to much (like crying a sea over some guy)but just enough… and not too many fillers like a certain show…N…A…R…U…T…O.
It takes a little while for them to sub, but it’s fun to watch the other episodes until then. The characters actually seem real.
Yes, it was kasaharas father who folded the page. The words Dojo said were “I’m beat”