Episode three of My Dress Up Darling, Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru, is called “Then Why Don’t We?”. I watched on VRV / Crunchyroll. In this episode, Gojou is feeling self conscious since some of his classmates think he is dating Kitagawa, and he believes their comments implying she’s out of his league. He feels like a burden towards her. Meanwhile, Kitagawa couldn’t care less about the opinion of others, and searched high and low for Gojou since he’d been avoiding her. They were able to talk and resolve that awkward situation, and go…shopping!
I love the whole concept of cosplay; of temporarily embodying a beloved character, and paying homage. I’ve only done Ms. Joke from MHA, but it’s fun to portray a character you admire. For me, since I love making people laugh (improv class is a hoot – I totally recommend trying one out, and a great public speaking course at my job taught by my friend Michele, enabled me to properly roast some dear colleagues for a retirement and farewell), that aspect of Ms. Joke resonated with me. Plus wanting to help others! I’m a fan of Aizawa too! I agree with her choice for a potential husband – haha! I’ve also enjoyed meeting character fans that run up at events, and talking to people who like Ms. Joke as much as I do. All that to say, I can understand Kitagawa’s desire to cosplay, and wanting to pay tribute to her beloved character. So it’s great Gojou is helping her achieve her dream!
Now, I am nothing like Gojou, and I am definitely worse than Kitagawa when it comes to creating costumes. Years ago, during home ec, I was trying to fix my project, and was so behind. I alone, was using the sewing machine, while everyone else who had finished their projects got to watch the Robin Williams film, Flubber. As an adult, I’ve taken some workshops to improve my skills, but I need a remedial class. Maybe Joanne’s or Michael’s can help me out. My dear sister has the power and skill to create beautiful costumes, and outfits. I am on the opposite end of that spectrum that she and Gojou are on. So I am glad I have Kitagawa to relate to.
Kitagawa is in wonder and astonishment at Gojou’s eye for detail and his drawing skills. As they shop for items for her cosplay, they discuss everything they’ll need.
I can’t wait to see how their creation turns out! This episode was fun, and it was great seeing Gojou break out of his shell. Despite the horror of everyone standing in line waiting for their ramen, overhearing that one conversation. Also…maybe watch the first five minutes of this episode alone. Might be less awkward. Did you watch this episode? Let me know your thoughts!
Sometimes the illness can be emotions, trapped, and unable to express themselves. Memories that are suppressed. Or behavior that needs to be faced honestly. Using unconventional methods, Dr. Ramune, enables his patients to face their challenges and heal themselves. They are able to make the connection between their condition, and their life choices. And they gain insight and strength, to make healthier choices going forward. Their body is communicating a message, that Dr. Ramune helps them decipher.
I agree with the VRV/Crunchyroll commenter KhakiBlueSocks. This show is a good mix of xxxHolic and Mushishi. I enjoyed both of those series. This show has humor and heart. The positive messages are just as applicable to our daily lives. Well-being is to be healthy physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
This anime ended with an episode that updated us on Dr. Ramune’s patients, and emphasized all the healing he helped them with, and how his empathic nature is a blessing. This show also touched upon self-care, and how it’s vital that he take care of himself, so he can continue helping others.
I watched on VRV / Crunchyroll. I do recommend this show, I really enjoyed it. It was interesting to think of underlying behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that contributed to the seemingly odd illnesses. But it was most insightful, seeing the patients come to their own conclusion for healing, and how their quality of life improved.
Acceptance is a wonderful idea. To be received, and included, as you are. This message resonated with me, as I hope people in my life feel accepted. The idea of acceptance, is explored in the anime My Dress Up Darling, Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru. I just watched the first episode on VRV / Crunchyroll. It’s also on Funimation.
Wakana Gojou, helps with his family’s business, which involves the tradition of making Japanese Hina dolls. Gojou puts a lot of effort and passion into designing the dolls, and has become proficient in sewing and creating their traditional costumes. He wants to improve his skill with making their detailed faces, like his grandfather, who is an expert at making them. He’s been in the business for 48 years!
An unpleasant childhood experience, made Gojou feel that his passion for doll making was not acceptable to his peers, so he’s since withdrawn and prefers to keep to himself. He feels awkward around other people and doesn’t want to be judged.
The first few scenes show a memorial alter for Gojou’s parents, and his grandma. He and his grandpa live together. Families can be all sorts, as long as they love and support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and help each other as they go through the challenges of life.
Over breakfast, Gojou and his grandpa talk about doll making. Gojou’s grandpa wonders if he is lonely and asks if he has friends. Wanting to assuage his concern, Gojou tells a fib.
Almost choking on soup, leads the viewer to think the answer is no. Which is confirmed moments later.
Gojou and his grandpa both mean well. But, at the moment Gojou does not have friends.
The animation in this series, is vivid. Looking out the window, you can see how incredibly detailed the tree is.
This beauty is in Gojou’s life, right outside his classroom window, but it seems he can’t see it. He’s missing it. Which makes this next moment, even more heartbreaking, as he thinks it would be better if he didn’t exist. You don’t have to “do” anything to feel worthy of life. Your presence is a unique imprint upon this world, that only you can bring to this realm. Your soul expression is one of a kind.
Gojou is having unhealthy thoughts. If he was someone in real life, I’d encourage him to talk about his feelings. And there are resources too, and websites like https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ that can help.
However, Gojou is distracted by a loud ruckus. Looking up, he sees his classmate Kitagawa flying in from stage left and then banging her head on his desk. I was worried she’d fly right out the window if it wasn’t for his desk there.
She said his name, which means she knows who he is. Kitagawa was concerned for his well-being, even checking his arm. My first impression is she seems pleasant, and is a ball of energy. As Gojou continues his observation, we learn she’s his complete opposite.
Kitagawa’s friend shares a story about them getting their hair done, and a cute guy waited after his appointment, for an opportunity to talk to Kitagawa. He was unsuccessful in winning her heart, but we the viewers, got to learn more about her character.
Quick pause here: Her friends imply she never hangs out with them after school because she always runs off somewhere, so I’m curious where she goes!
I like that Kitagawa has a strong sense of self, is confident, and holds her own. Despite the feedback she gets from her friends regarding the incident, she knows it was the right action for her.
If Kitagawa is an ice queen to people who hit on her, why is that? Is it the type of guys that tend to approach her? Is it their manner? Doesshe have an ideal type? Or does she question their motives? Do they seem shallow?By accounts so far, she is cheerful and approachable. I’m curious why she has a different demeanor with others. But the same could be said for most people. I wouldn’t be as relaxed around strangers, or people I just met.
True. I wonder if he was trying that “negging” approach? Although I am guilty of roasting people, but only my nearest and dearest. Never to someone I just met, and surely not as a flirting attempt!
This moment, really resonated with Gojou. Although he is sitting in the back of the classroom, he is able to hear their entire conversation. Gojou was judged in his youth, for his affinity for dolls, and it’s affected his ability to interact comfortably with others. Meanwhile Kitagawa, seems to be taking a different approach when being judged for her preferences. Why? Is it because she’s older? Versus Gojou being a younger child when he had the experience? Does this happen to Kitagawa often, so she’s developed a tough exterior to handle these situations? Or is it because she’s an attractive female, so society treats her differently? Or could it be a different scenario, where Kitagawa is hit on often, and she finds holding a firm line is the best way to handle it so she’s assertive in establishing a boundary? Sometimes we want to protect our hobbies and passions. Keeping it to ourselves might keep the energy around it more positive, or we assume that to be the case. Less judgement, less defending, less explaining. Other times, we want to share our passions, and spread the good word! Haters be damned. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes here. Have you ever had a judgement against a hobby or passion you had? Or did you find a supportive environment, or community? Was the reaction based on external factors? Maybe it changed over time. Why do people react the way they do? Do they think the hobby is too consuming? Perhaps they dislike the attention it takes away from them in your life. Maybe it adds to the quality of your life. Perhaps they just don’t understand.
In this scene Kitagawa attempts to explain her anime passion, and her love of this particular character, so her friends might understand.
In Gojou’s eyes, he lives in a world where he is not accepted for who he is. He even continues to hide his ink mark on his arm, while sitting at his desk. But he imagines the world that Kitagawa lives in, where she is accepted as she is, must be really comfortable.
Gojou runs into Kitagawa later that day. He is stuck with clean up duty, and his classmates who were supposed to help, have bailed on him. All except for Kitagawa. She can sense his true feelings, and calls him out for not standing up for himself. But she does it in a way, that reminds him, he is worth standing up for and his feelings matter. Kitagawa’s integrity and inner strength reminds me of Hori, from Horimiya.
It’s awesome that Kitagawa sees Gojou, can sense his true feelings, and also encourages him to be authentic. You can already tell she’s the type of friend you’d want in your life, someone who encourages you, and lifts you up. But also tells the truth, even if that may be uncomfortable at times. Because ultimately, she wants you to be happy. Her words stay with Gojou, and he reflects upon it later, as he’s working.
There’s something to be said for the people in our lives, that see things as they truly are. The ones that see behind our forced smiles, our eyes that don’t shine as they normally do. They give us permission to let our guard down, to be ourselves. We never needed their permission, but their presence, and their words, were the reminder we needed.
I’m so excited to see where this show goes, and I hope these two have a lot of growth, fun, and friendship in the future! Also, I guess the mystery of where Kitagawa goes after class has been solved! If you’d like to watch My Dress Up Darling, check out VRV / Crunchyroll or Funimation.
I just started watching My Senpai is Annoying on Funimation. Futaba Igarashi is a hard working adult, yet she’s viewed differently due to her height, and youthful appearance. She works diligently to earn the respect of her colleagues and to be taken seriously. Harumi Takeda, is her Senpai, and takes excellent care of her as a mentor. He is patient, and helps her grow in her career. There is an inkling of romance in the first episode. Takeda has appeal as the male lead; he is good humored, generous, kind, and reliable. After seeing our girl put herself out there (after having a few beers, maybe too many beers), and receiving this response…well, I hope she’ll get out of whatever zone this is! Because YIKES! That sounds like a solid rejection. Here’s hoping they find their happy ending.
Qingqing should focus on work, and not daydream about her co-worker! If you’re curious to see how these two end up, give Feel the Fairies a watch. It’s on the IQ streaming site, but proceed with caution, as I’m not sure if it’s a legitimate site, but hopefully it is. This show was recommended to me after I watched Psychic Princess.
In addition to romance, this show has supernatural appeal, and humor. The episodes are short, around ten minutes or so. It’s ongoing, but the episodes I’ve watched so far were entertaining.
It has slice of life elements, with work scenes.
This show also has a cute cat.
Having a cat means winning at life? Good to know!
There’s Qingqing’s roommate, a Merman.
If you’re looking for an amusing show, that is a quick watch, you may like the Chinese Anime (Donghua), Feel the Fairies!
After watching Psychic Princess, I received a recommendation for My Demon Tyrant and Sweet Baby. It is a Chinese anime, or Donghua. This show had romance, cuteness, comedy, and all the makings of a rom-com with a splash of (unnecessary) drama. There are episodes on YouTube, and this streaming site called IQ (I don’t know anything about this site, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it, so proceed with caution – it looked like a legit site, and I hope it was).
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
There are awkward/funny moments between the female lead (who is a nanny) and the child’s uncle.
There are funny moments when the Dad sees the difference in how his daughter treats him versus her nanny (don’t worry it all works out in the end!)
Mia, the little girl, thinks the nanny is her mom.
And this moment when Mia didn’t want her Dad’s ornament near theirs, and it was relegated to the bottom of the tree.
It’s an obvious romance anime, with a happy predictable ending, but I love those! Some secondhand happiness is always appreciated.
I just started Psychic Princess on Amazon Prime. It’s also on VRV / Crunchyroll. It seems the older outcast sister, had to take the place of the younger sister, in an arranged marriage she didn’t want to be a part of. Quan Yunxi is the outcast sister, who now finds herself married to Prince Ye. Yunxi lived on a secluded mountain with her spirit friend, who closely resembles a famous ghost called Casper. Her friend’s name is Mochi. Yunxi finds herself in a dilapidated home, and asks for his assistance in fixing it.
Not even one, Mochi?!
After all the donkey work….
***SPOILER ALERT***
The first episode got me hooked. While we haven’t met the prince officially yet, we can surely guess who she is doing the tango with, when she was in search of a midnight snack with Mochi! If Prince Ye hadn’t banished her to “Serenity Pavilion” (aka the haunted and run down shack on the palace grounds), without even meeting her, maybe she wouldn’t have to sneak around for food! Although I can’t really blame her for hiding under the table, when he walked in. Hopefully this will be a romantic comedy with a happy ending!
Wow. Really Mochi.
I see what you did there.
Moooochi!!!
Edit: I just finished the first season. I loved it!I hope there will be a season two! Some moments captured below. If you’re a fan of comedy, romance, and the supernatural – check it out on VRV/Crunchyroll or Amazon Prime.
Wait a minute, what does beinghandsome have to do with this?!
I’m watching Wise Man’s Grandchild (Kenja no Mago) on VRV / Crunchyroll. It follows the adventures of Shin Wolford, the adopted grandchild of Merlin Wolford. Shin has a natural magic ability, that has grown under his grandfather’s tutelage at their secluded home in the mountains. The relationship the two share, is full of love, support, and appreciation.
He also learned the art of sword fighting from Mr. Michel, and how to enhance his gear from the grandmother figure in his life, Melinda (it says “Melida” in the subtitles for some reason). At 15, it’s decided that he will attend a magic academy, so he can learn to socialize with his peers, integrate into society, and practice constraint with his abilities. Shin and his grandparents move, so they are closer to his school. He meets Sizilien and is immediately smitten with her.
Later, when they’re doing a joint exercise with the knight academy, you can see how frustrated Shin is seeing the other fellows fawning over her. But lucky for him, he can take his frustrations out on the demons they have to battle!
Wise Man’s Grandchild, has supernatural elements, romance, humor, family, and friendship. It highlights character traits like humility, integrity, and loyalty. Shin is a very likeable character, and his relationship with his grandparents is touching. Below are scenes from the hot springs episode, where they thank the students for becoming friends with Shin.
Yes, I wanted to hear her tips too! Apparently it’s the treadmill lol.
I’m halfway done with the season, and I’m enjoying it. If you’re looking for a fairly wholesome watch, definitely give this one a try!
My Mom loves The Ancient Magus’ Bride / Mahoutsukai no Yome. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I gave it a chance, and I’m so glad I did. It has elements of magic, mystery, and the supernatural. I’m only on episode three, but it was my favorite episode (so far!).
Chise, through life circumstances, finds herself with Elias. He makes her his apprentice, and she learns about magic, and more about herself. What felt like a curse, is becoming a strength, as she’s now with people who support and nurture her abilities. Before living with Elias, the Magus, Chise felt isolated, depressed, and unloved. As I’m only episode three, we haven’t learned much about her, but most of what we’ve seen has been painful. While working on Mage matters with Elias, Chise meets a dragon named Nevin. We only know him a brief time, but the anime does a wonderful job of connecting us to him. As a being who has lived hundreds of years, Nevin gives us guidance to reflect upon. Chise’s vulnerability, and the inadvertent sharing of her pain, make Nevin’s words even more poignant. Because we don’t get the hundreds of years Nevin does, it makes our human lives that much more precious. His final dream, which he shares with Chise and us, is beautiful, and a reminder of how wonderful the world can be.
What makes life worthwhile? How does one build resilience and perseverance for the challenging times? Or the ability to overcome pain? I have regret, and pain I’ve inflicted upon others I wish I could take back. Hopefully those sides of ourselves can find peace and healing, as well as those we may’ve hurt (intentional or not). Why do the important parts of life get buried in the day to day affairs? How do we stay present, so we don’t miss the good stuff, the stuff that truly matters? If the ultimate goal of a happy life is to give love abundantly, and to be open to receiving it in return, why does it seem like a challenge in some ways and easy in others? And why is it sometimes difficult to show that love to ourselves? Not the materialistic status symbols many people chase after, but the authentic, and healthy, uplifting connection to oneself (and others).
I’m watching The Ancient Magus’ Bride on VRV / Crunchyroll. If you decide to watch this episode, it may be a good idea to have some tissues on hand.
The other weekend I blasted through Demon Slayer. In the past, I tried watching it, but it was gorier than the anime I usually enjoy. What made me decide to ultimately watch the season, is seeing clips of humorous scenes online, and growing curiosity. I gave it another chance for the moments of levity. I’m glad I did! Most of the cast is multi-dimensional, we see signs of growth for each of the main characters, and we even get insight into the experiences of the villains. Tanjirou is as pure-hearted as they come, he reminds me a lot of Deku from My Hero Academia, and he works diligently to become a demon slayer so he can keep innocent people safe, and work towards a cure for his sister’s condition. Along the way he meets an inspiring mentor, learns from past students, and overcomes a lot of trials in his journey to become stronger. Zenitsu and Inosuke round the cast out nicely, along with Tanjirou’s sister Nezoku. In addition to the humor of Demon Slayer, what drew me in was the depth of relationship Tanjirou has with his family, and the way the show displayed friendship and family in a non-traditional sense. The ways that people connected to one another, and how some relationships were supportive and nurturing, while others were detrimental, manipulative, and harmful. How friends can be the family we choose for ourselves, and the ways relationships change over time.
Recently, I watched the Violet Evergarden movie, and it was the first film I’d seen in the theater since the pandemic. I felt safe in that theater, it was very clean, and the patrons were very spaced out. However, the theater I saw Demon Slayer in was not that way. Unfortunately, when I bought my ticket online, there were only three other people who had bought tickets. And the day of the showing, most of the crowd came in during the previews! So I couldn’t adequately gauge the size of the group beforehand. Thankfully I was in a corner away from the bulk of the attendees, but I do not plan on returning to that particular theater anytime soon. It was not as clean as I would like, and I suspect they over sold tickets.
That aside, I enjoyed the movie. Some thoughts I had while viewing it;
-How funny that Inosuke ended up chasing his dream invader! I’m sure she was not expecting that. And up a mountain! Why was his subconscious such rough terrain?
-Inosuke has accepted Nezoku! Well as one of his minions at least.
-Even in his slumber, Zenitsu came to Nezoku’s aid! His dream invader also was not expecting his persistent inquiries about his trespassing. Or that his biggest qualm was that it wasn’t a lady!
-Tanjirou knows how much his family loves him, and that they would only speak kind and loving words. That, among other factors, like his Father’s advice, helped him keep his focus and helped him persevere. If the dreams were what the villain intended them to see, how did his Father’s sage advice sneak in there? Or perhaps, Enmu only planted aspects of their dream, and it was up to their subconscious to create what that entailed?
-What was the benefit to Enmu fusing his body with the train? I get that it’s a movie, but I’m not sure I see the benefit. Especially because his neck is where most people would’ve guessed.
-SO. MANY. TEARS. I cried so much, that my face mask got soaked.
If you are a fan of Demon Slayer, and enjoyed the series, definitely check out the movie! But, given the crowd I saw, you may want to wait for it to be released on streaming platforms, or on home video.
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