@Machi: I see. (This is in reference to the manga, right?)

@reika: I’ve always thought that Madara was linked to Reiko somehow, and that he’s protecting Takashi out of sympathy or a lingering sense of responsibility. I’m sure Madara isn’t just doing this just for his amusement (haha), and nothing more. He was sealed away, after all…

My suspicion is that madara might have been a sort of ‘closer’ friend with reiko, or even might have been bonded to reiko somehow, given how well he seem to know reiko. His name might even be on the yuujinchou, though that is less likely.

I’m anticipating the next episode. The manga is way ahead of the anime, and none of my two fav. character from it has been introduced, though one’s appearing next episode. I wonder when’s the other going to turn up? [lol the one with her reiko-fixations, for those who read manga, and we'll finally see something not "within obvious gender-constraints"]

I noticed one thing about Kiyo’s name though and I posted this on my review of the episode as well. it sounded alot like the phrase “suki yo” she was repeating to Akifumi when he could no longer see her. Those were the words that flowed in to Natsume’s dreams as well. Pretty symbolic eh? =)

NY gives off a stronger emotional feel. I understand where Maipeisu is coming from when he says Mushishi leaves you amazed. Like something that you’d give an extra glance at without evoking emotion just because it’s so amazing. NY has the “wow” factor but also adds a bit of emotion, like in this episode, lost love. The audience walks out with a feeling and not just shock from outstanding writing.

Natsume Yuujin-chou is my current “emotional” joyride and not a replacement for Mushishi.

@Martin: Yes the spiritual mythology is quite interesting. Lately I’ve been wondering what kind of secrets characters like Madara can impart, y’know, since they’ve (apparently) been around so damn long. The melancholy is rather nicely balanced, too. In that sense, NY is a bit different than Mushishi I think. Mushishi often seemed to have happy endings, or episode endings that would just leave me amazed – neither happy nor sad, just amazed, full of wide-eyed wonder. NY, on the other hand, has a more of an emotional tint, but it never uses hard-edged sadness to elicit the tears. It’s always much more gentle. That, I like as well.

@Vin-nii: Which forums?? Take me to them!! I must have it now!! @_@

@amoeba: Quite touched here too :’-)

I

NY is in many ways Mushishi-esque but as you said there are some moments that leave a lump in your throat – it’s literally a laugh-a-minute but the endings to the episodes are quite sweet and moving. It’s a good balance I think, and I’m really enjoying the spiritual mythology the series creates around itself.

The cat rules too.