I just watched Isshuukan Friends / One Week Friends on DVD. Although I enjoyed it, and blew through it very quickly (I started it last night and just finished), the ending didn’t bring the romantic closure I was hoping for. It is evident Kaori Fujimiya and Yuki Hase have feelings for each other. Hase makes a concerted effort to reconnect with Fujimiya every single week. Fujimiya writes in her journal daily, knowing it will help her continue her relationship with Hase. Researching online, it sounds like the manga did not bring romantic closure either. I enjoyed the characters, especially Saki Yamagishi and Shogou Kiryu. If you decide to watch it, it’s an interesting exploration on friendship, what draws us towards people, and the level of effort we put into those relationships. But if you’re looking for romance, temper your expectations before watching.
“Reset” by Taichi Mukai, the beautiful sunset, and Haiji Kiyose’s dog, all contribute to this being one of the most peaceful end credits I’ve seen. A commenter on the video link below pointed out the snow scene was a metaphor for Kiyose’s injury and bouncing back. This anime has a lot of beautiful artwork. Check out Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru / Run with the Wind on VRV / Crunchyroll or on DVD (Sentai).
Ahmaud Arbery
Upon reflection of how peaceful this scene is, and how Haiji Kiyose is enjoying his run, I thought of Ahmaud Arbery. Ahmaud did not get to enjoy his run, or the fullness of his life, due to the ignorance, racism, and bigotry of others. He, and many other people, do not get the privilege of enjoying a peaceful run. Or a peaceful life. Simply thinking, “Well, I’m not racist” is not enough. For people with integrity and character, turning a blind eye is not okay. Have the difficult and uncomfortable conversations with your family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. Challenge old ways of doing things if they’re born of ignorance and hate. If you feel your words don’t carry weight, or your words are unable to reach them, inspire others with your actions. How you treat other people. How you respect others who may be different than you. Contribute to a cause or volunteer with an organization that will uplift and unify communities. Shine your light. Share love with the world. Your inner circle, I hope, is full of loving people who truly embody and radiate positive energy and support. I pray people will open their hearts. And I’m not perfect. No one is perfect. But we can do better. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
On other platforms I’ve spoken about #blacklivesmatter, but inspired by Scott’s post on https://mechanicalanimereviews.com/ I feel it’s pertinent to share that here as well. When black lives matter, then the statement all lives matter will hopefully, finally, be true. Everyone should be free to live their lives, and enjoy all of the freedom we are supposed to have as Americans, without concern that they’ll be targeted due to the racism and bigotry of others. And running without fear should be one of those freedoms.
Isrunning great? Several years ago my very supportive friends Ken and Jose encouraged me to run. With their help and support, plus those of my other friends like Linda and Matt, I trained for and completed my first 5k. Later I did the Army Ten Miler and two half-marathons. After getting sidelined with a fracture (learn from me, don’t let a small dog with a big bark distract you, lose your footing, and then tumble down a hill and have a very disgraceful landing), running didn’t feel the same, like my mechanics felt off. I should point out, that the doctor first told me it was a sprain, and later I saw a specialist who told me it was actually a fracture. More recently I started walking/jogging in bootcamp classes and I continued during quarantine trying to get outside for fresh air. I’m starting all over, in terms of getting my body acclimated, but it does remind me of the parts of running I enjoyed. I liked feeling accomplished after I hit a distance I wanted to cover, or when I could run straight for longer periods of time. I enjoyed feeling light on my feet. And shockingly, thankfully, my legs and muscles responded really well to running, and I lost weight. Watching Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru / Run With the Wind, reminded me of those pleasant memories. The memories of running when it was great.
I’m watching Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru / Run with the Wind on VRV / Crunchyroll. The DVD is also available from Sentai.
Akihiro Hirata tells Yukihiko Iwakura, that running has helped him prioritize his health. Hirata noticed he was short of breath while running so he quit smoking, and to keep his hands busy he has been creating wire figures.
What makes someone a runner? Is it enough to just enjoy it? Do you have to always be training for the next event or goal? Maybe running is different things to different people. Haiji Kiyose leaves an impression upon Kakeru Kurahara, that running is something that all people can participate in, and enjoy. It isn’t reserved solely for the elite.
Now that the group is adjusting to their two-a-day training, they look forward to learning even more, and taking their training to the next level. Some are more excited than others. I didn’t expect him to run with a notebook, but I guess Takashi Sugiyama came prepared.
If you like sports anime, or are curious how running is portrayed in anime, you might want to check out Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru / Run with the Wind. I’m only a few episodes in, but so far I’m enjoying it!
I’m watching the DVD of Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou / His and Her Circumstances. The season was available at a great price at the used bookstore 2nd and Charles. Check it out if you haven’t watched it yet!
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
The first episode had me laughing out loud. Yukino Miyazawa reminded me of Umaru Doma from Himouto! Umaru-chan because she has a secret side at home. Miyazawa lives and thrives off the praise of others. She studies hard to earn top grades, she practices the piano, trains for sports in secret, is obsessed with her appearance, and hides her true self and her true opinions. She thinks presenting a version of herself that is admirable to others, will earn their respect and praise. However, Soichiro Arima has beaten her top score, and he easily earns the accolades of others, without even trying. Her competitive nature has her pushing herself harder than ever to try and beat him. She is jealous of him. She dislikes him immensely. He is her competition. His feelings towards her are quite different.
At earlier stages in my life I could see how I had elements of Miyazawa. People pleasing. Not wanting to rock the boat. Feeling that you have to look a certain way to be accepted. Being obsessed with exercising (and for aesthetics not for the health aspect). Always wanting to be the best. Working as hard as you can. I still have a workaholic streak. I want to prove I’m reliable, hard-working, capable, driven, and smart. That I add value. In addition to wanting that self-esteem boost that comes from the praise of others, I think it’s also wanting people to be at peace, and happy in your presence. Not that being vain is helpful to anyone, but the part that wants to please others. Wanting to feel accepted and worthy. Eventually I got to a place, where I don’t let the opinions of others sway me. At the end of the day I have to be at peace, especially if I want to sleep at night. You don’t need to be a bulldozer just speak your truth and hopefully your intended message is received. Getting on the other side, is totally worth it. It’s relaxing and liberating. Peaceful. Wanting to be healthy for yourself, pursuing hobbies that you enjoy, and owning your personality, just being your authentic self regardless of who is around you. I love to laugh and had a passion to do comedy, I’ve done a few roasts at work and improv classes, they’re a lot of fun. Earlier in my life I felt that bringing attention to myself would bring ridicule (and not the kind of laughs I wanted), so I’d keep quiet. Sometimes it is appropriate to be more reserved, but hiding your true personality is draining.
I think it is so funny that Miyazawa’s family rags on her for being such a phony!
Oh yes if I didn’t say it earlier, I should come clean and say I am very much like Umaru and Miyazawa. As soon as I get home, and after I shower, I’m in yoga pants or jammies and watching anime or reading a book. I am relaxing. It could be perceived as laziness. But when I’m not at home, I’m going full throttle! I need time to recharge.
Okay yes I’m pretty stubborn. BUT stubbornness and pride have saved me from many potentially awkward and embarrassing circumstances so, at least that!
I understand completely! In life you need energy and zest to do your best and to be competitive. You need time to recover.
She has a valid point.
Ah you too Mom? LOL
Dad. Ahhhh.
That looks like a lot of effort to have a fake persona.
Surely once Miyazawa beats Arima for the top scores she’ll be happy right?
People pleasing is a never ending carousel ride, and not the fun kind. Get off! Reclaim your life and your sanity. Live authentically. Establish boundaries. Don’t rely on others for your self-worth.
So after all of her hours of studying, hard work, and effort to beat Arima’s top score, she thought it would bring her happiness, but it didn’t. Feeling deflated, she’s shocked to get a love confession from him.
Miyazawa wanting to keep her true self a secret, refuses Arima. And goes on an ego trip. Later she realizes the error of her ways, thanks to her younger sisters.
Ugh yes I’ve made that mistake myself. I’m sorry. Sigh.
Yes I agree! Why go out to a large party or crowded event when you can relax at home? That’s probably why adjusting to quarantine was not as challenging for me, as it was for others. You know the people with a social life.
So you already know what’s coming right? Yes of course, the jig is up and her secret is out. (PSA: always look out the window before answering the door).
If the rest of the season is like the first episode, I am excited to see more!
Daily Lives of High School Boys is a comedy/slice of life that I’m watching on VRV / Crunchyroll. Usually the boys find themselves in funny or awkward situations. But this episode was more serious and heart-felt. Tadakuni has a little sister, and she has a problem. She goes to her brother’s friends to ask for help. A boy confessed to her, she refused him, said she was lippy to him, and then he hit her. Regardless of whatever she said, he should not have hit her. However, having watched the previous episodes, I know the little sister hits Tadakuni and his friends all the time. They never hit her back. Be that as it may, when she asks for help from Tadakuni’s friends, even though they’ve been on the receiving end of her blows, they go straight into Papa Bear mode. They even break their mugs they’re so irate that someone would hurt her.
Little Sister asks for their help since the boy wants to meet with her again. I think it was good she asked for help and told someone. It is a potentially unsafe situation. Motoharu wants to go. Karasawa thinks the problem would be best solved if Little Sister addresses it herself. I understand where Karasawa is coming from. Neither boy looks happy as Little Sister leaves the room.
As we see below, she can actually count on all of her brother’s friends, not just Karasawa.
She meets with the boy and addresses the issue directly. Despite her anxiety and tummy troubles, she goes. The boy doesn’t cause her additional harm. He apologizes for his behavior.
If the situation had gone south, she had a host of bodyguards waiting in the wings. I love that they each went there on their own, to make sure she was safe. Afterwards they realize that the other guys each had the same instinct. Yet, her own brother didn’t know. Maybe she didn’t feel comfortable talking to him about it. The fact that the friends each showed up on their own accord, shows how much they care for her, it wasn’t a favor to their friend. When you have good friends like that, their family can feel like your family too. So of course you’d want to protect them.
I’m watching Season Two of Hozuki’s Coolheadedness / Hoozuki no Reitetsu on VRV / Crunchyroll. Sentai is having a great sale, a lot of their anime is 95% off including Hozuki, so you may want to take a look at their site. In this episode of Hozuki, the gang assists the tengu police with an investigation and goes on a search for the inhabitants of Ogre Island.
I used to work in retail. Back when I was in college I worked at one of my favorite stores, the Gap (when I was little and I watched those ads of everyone dancing they always cheered me up). I met the greatest people and had such a blast working there. It was so easy to fold jeans, or work on the khaki wall, while chatting with your co-workers! I enjoyed doing the cash register because I could easily knock out long lines. I was not a big fan of the fitting room because people did really gross things in there and no matter how much I cleaned it always felt dirty. Yet I’d often get assigned there because I was, “good with customers.” It was fun doing window displays and floor sets. The few times I was assigned to shipping or the stock room it was always a good time. It was like an assembly line and we always worked diligently while enjoying each other’s company. I also liked the music they played at Gap. And songs you thought you hated, would grow on you after hearing them repeatedly in an eight hour shift!
Where am I going with this and does it relate at all to anime? Lol well I was watching Hozuki’s Coolheadedness / Hoozuki no Reitetsu on VRV / Crunchyroll and there was a scene that reminded me of a very funny moment I had at Gap. Don’t read this and think I’m fishing for compliments. I truly did find it hilarious and of course I couldn’t resist teasing the person who told me.
It was a busy day, and I ran into the Gap stockroom looking for an item for a customer. As I entered I was greeted by one of my pals who has a great sense of humor. It was just us in the stockroom. He looks at me, and with great enthusiasm and gusto, he announced; “Look! It’s the girl voted best personality at Gap!” Okay so in a second I’ve gathered that my dear friends, maybe just the guys, have been chatting and they’ve given me this great distinction. But as as you read this, your first reaction may be the same as mine.
I know he is being sincere, and I do truly take it as a compliment. I enjoy conversations with people and making them laugh. I’ve had boyfriends, some serious, in my lifetime. I don’t think I’m a complete troll. But I also get what’s on the other side of this coin. And if you know me, you know I cannot resist a perfect opportunity to give people sh*t.
“Really, Tobias*?”
I get a blank look. He meant it as a compliment. I have a feeling the others don’t know he told me. And if they suspected he would tell me, they would’ve told him not to. Not because they didn’t mean it, but because they know how it sounds. And they know I like good-natured teasing.
I say thank you and give a little mischievous grin. I go back to looking for my customer’s item.
After a few minutes I ask him about his weekend. We chat a bit. Then I ask, as I’m still searching for this item, “Hey I have a cousin you might like! You should meet her.” You already know what’s coming. His reaction is enthusiastic and positive, and he asks…drumroll…”What does she look like?” I reply with, “Well she’s got a great personality.” THE LOOK. Maybe briefly let down? Maybe a flutter of dejection?
I cannot hold it in anymore. I am laughing so hard I almost bust a gut. I look at my walkie and headset to make sure I’m not live, otherwise all the other Gap employees will ask me what’s going on because they want to laugh too. A manager might also come looking for me, maybe to yell at me, and to ask what in the world is so funny.
Tobias has a look of confusion and bewilderment.
“No I don’t have a cousin for you! I was trying to make a point about what you said about me having the best personality!!!”
Now he realizes what it implies. Now he’s laughing. He says it’s not how it was intended! I always take into account various things when I interact with people. How they seem, their mood, body language, vibe, pattern of behavior, etc. And being friends with him, and the other employees for so long, I know it’s not anything meant to offend. If this sounds like a humble brag it was not my intention. I am honored they think highly of me. Plus the girl who was voted prettiest (because I already knew that had to be a point of discussion) was who I would’ve picked too! So I’m not even upset about that. Maybe if they had picked someone I disagreed with I could’ve been offended lol.
We could go into a whole dialogue of looks shouldn’t matter, you can’t help who you’re attracted to, things that seem hypocritical, society pressures, cultural elements, etc. but I personally just viewed this one moment, this one interaction, at a job I loved, with friends I adored, as something that made me laugh. And I was reminded of this when I laughed at the scene below from Hozuki’s Coolheadedness / Hoozuki no Reitetsu.
*Name has been changed to protect the innocent(or guilty? you decide lol)
I also included some vintage Gap commercials just because I like them.
Even Kodama, who looks horrified, knows what that implies!
I just saw Tokyo Godfathers. Fathom Events had tickets. There was a touching intro before the movie and after the film they showed us behind the scenes on how they did their animation (like taking photos as they walked to really capture the often overlooked nuances of streets and alleys). I am so glad I saw it! Without giving away any spoilers, what I appreciated about the film was the important messages it had; how friends can become our family, facing your past, overcoming challenges, faith, outlook on life, and doing the right thing even if it isn’t the easy thing. It also showed different dimensions to characters, like even if an act or behavior seems inexcusable (and it may be!), there are other aspects of that person that may be good. At the end of the day are we doing what’s best for our loved ones? Do the ends justify the means? Are we just out for ourselves? People run away from their pasts or avoid looking at the parts that are painful, but why? If someone numbs themselves with an addiction or literally runs away from it, whatever they’re hiding from is always with them. Ripping off the band-aid in one swoop is often the best way to deal with things (easier said than done, I know), or going to a therapist if needed, but at least acknowledging the situation is a step in the right direction.
Another reason I enjoyed this film, is it showed underrepresented groups like the homeless and the transgender community, just as people. The film did show instances of ignorance, like when a character was attacked because of his way of living. It was infuriating watching the scene. But the film, by letting us understand the characters to such depth, it let us empathize with them in a way that we felt their pain but also their hope, love, and search for forgiveness. The main characters Gin, Hana, Miyuki, and Kiyoko could easily be passed by on a street unnoticed. But why is that? Is it because they fade into the background so easily, or is it because we, and society, fail to see? And if so, why? This film did a remarkable job on making the invisible, visible, and being unapologetic about it.
Empath Meets Anime 
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