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Dec 7, 2016 7:12 AM
#1

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THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE.
----------------------------------------
So there's still a tense feeling whether Asuka can return to the band for competition as there's a deadline.

Kumiko and Mamiko's relationship is still the usual stuff with some talk about themselves and family. Interesting buildup for the remaining episodes considering where they are now. Kumiko's talk with Asuka got pretty tense but glad to see that she came back!
Stark700Dec 7, 2016 12:12 PM
Dec 7, 2016 8:10 AM
#2

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Kumiko, my baby, cried a lot in this episode. First she cried for her sister and admitted that she would be lonely without her around and then she cried for her Senpai because she wanted to play alongside her Senpai in the Nationals, she wanted to hear her Senpai play more. Both were really emotional moments in the episode.

The sisters talk of this episode was adorable as it can be seen that both of them are willing to acknowledge each other. The banters were there as Kumiko said she was better than Mamiko at least in preparing meals. At the same time, she didn't forget to remind Mamiko how their mother always used to praise Mamiko more.

Loved it when Mamiko honestly said she was jealous of Kumiko. And loved it how she seemed determined to see through her troubles. But then she playfully asks Kumiko if she would miss her sister, Kumiko of course, due to her cynical nature, said she won't. But Mamiko reminded Kumiko that she would miss her little sister, even if it's for a bit! And just before she left to take a nap, she reminded Kumiko to not have any regrets.

Kumiko's cynical nature came back to haunt her as she wept like a 5 year old in the public when she realized how much she adored her sister, who is now gone so far away from her. It all came rushing back to her, how much she wanted to play with her sister, how much she admired her sister, how much she has learned from her sister. It was so beautiful as she tried to hide the fact that she was crying but failed miserably from the onlookers on board the train.

Then we came to the second half when she confronted Asuka. When everything seemed out of her control, she let her emotion take over her completely as she let Asuka know how much she cared for her. She shot down every bit of diverting comments (love confession, acting like a child and so on) from Asuka with her determination to let her Senpai know how she felt.

Some may think that Kumiko's collapse in front of Asuka was just her admiration of Asuka, but it was more than that. She didn't want her Senpai to go through the same thing her sister did. "To not have regrets" those words were the trigger. Besides, she was already very weak emotionally after letting it all out for her sister, so when she faced Asuka, who was dead set to meet the same fate as her sister, she just couldn't keep up her mask of a goody-two-shoes anymore. Kumiko has come a long way. From someone uninterested in people around her, to someone genuinely caring for those around her. While she kept her emotion in check from her sister, she let it all out in front of her Senpai. Her character development was immense within this episode.

Shuuichi was just there to deliver the sweets from his mother to Kumiko's place. But he did not stop from asking about Mamiko. His part may look insignificant but it is not. He knows better than anyone how much Kumiko's sister meant to her. It was a small but powerful moment in the episode for the fact that we now know for sure that Shuuichi is very close to Kumiko's family and above all, he understands Kumiko better than anyone else. He knows that Kumiko wouldn't show it in her face and will act rebellious. The gesture he made was not because Kumiko avoided his question. It was because he knows she is hurt but she wouldn't let it show on her face. I love the fact how much he cares about Kumiko. Colour me grey, but I love him and I love how much he loves Kumiko.

And while it seems that Asuka's problem is resolved for now as she makes a return, we get into Reina's situation. She has started to avoid others yet again even ignoring Kumiko's messages. She's even shown averting her eyes away from Kumiko by the end of the episode.

I think I need to mention how Hazuki was quick to invite Reina. Isn't she sweet?
I think I also need to mention Yuuko standing between Kaori and Natsuki in her way to protect her precious senpai. Her obsession for her senpai is gold-tier.
I think I also need to mention Natsuki stopping Asuka from feeling bad as she apologized to her after returning, which effectively ruled out Natsuki's chance to perform in the Nationals. She is an angel.

5/5
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Dec 7, 2016 9:48 AM
#3

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Ooohhh~ When Kumiko just couldn't hold in her emotions anymore and she burst out in tears, I almost cried with her! I just want to tell her everything will be alright in the end.

shanimebib said:
Kumiko has come a long way. From someone uninterested in people around her, to someone genuinely caring for those around her...Her character development was immense within this episode.

^This. I wouldn't have imagined Kumiko of all people would cry in public at the beginning.

I wonder what is wrong with Reina though.

"to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." -a magnet
Dec 7, 2016 10:08 AM
#4
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Finally Kumiko shut Asuka up with her stupid facade.

I'm a big fan of the execution and direction of this Asuka arc, but i'm not really with Asuka herself. That doesn't stop me from praising Kyoto Animation here.
Dec 7, 2016 10:28 AM
#5

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This was one of the best Arcs!
Kumiko broke down Asuka which was awesome, but Kumiko also broke down as well. As others in here have mentioned her character development was improved with this episode.
I felt for a while that Kumiko and Asuka had a sisterly relationship and it makes sense for Asuke to have somewhat the same flaws as Kumiko's sister.
Asuka is still best girl though.

Man they're doing my man Shuuichi dirty! Guess he's gonna go the rest of the series as a loner T_T

Oh man I sense some Animosity between Reina and Kumiko though...BUT WHY!?!?! The ending of this episode was great until that STARE DOWN! You could feel the tension. Well done Kyoani.
SoraSenpaiDec 7, 2016 10:36 AM
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Dec 7, 2016 10:32 AM
#6

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The sisters made up fully and in the end Mamiko's advice was one of the triggers to the great bursting speech from Kumiko. That was such emotional scene so i nearly teared up myself in the end. Expected conclusion that Asuka is back but the execution was amazing.
Another 5 seconds of "fame" for Shuichi ...
I assume that Reina found out about Taki-sensei and seems like she isn't amused that Kumiko kept it secret. Welp someone got another problem on her shoulders.
Only now realized that there's only 2 episodes left and i think those will be the complete ending, well i will be gladly wrong if there's a lot more to go.
Little edit, assumed that it was 12ep as it is usually nowadays + shouldn't it be already confirmed 2 cour for now.
allenjkeDec 7, 2016 10:42 AM
Dec 7, 2016 10:36 AM
#7
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shanimebib said:
Kumiko has come a long way. From someone uninterested in people around her, to someone genuinely caring for those around her...Her character development was immense within this episode.

Shuuichi was just there to deliver the sweets from his mother to Kumiko's place. His part may look insignificant but it is not. He knows better than anyone how much Kumiko's sister meant to her. It was a small but powerful moment in the episode for the fact that we now know for sure that Shuuichi is very close to Kumiko's family and above all, he understands Kumiko better than anyone else.


Daisuki said:
Ooohhh~ When Kumiko just couldn't hold in her emotions anymore and she burst out in tears, I almost cried with her! I just want to tell her everything will be alright in the end.^This. I wouldn't have imagined Kumiko of all people would cry in public at the beginning.

I wonder what is wrong with Reina though.


I enjoyed this episode. I didn't except Kumiko to cry like that but it was nice to see how she cares about her sister and Asuka. She has indeed a good development in this episode.

Shuuichi wasn't there a lot but we understand that he really cares about Kumiko and what's happening with her sister. He knows how she deeply feels and knowing that Kumiko wouldn't talk about that he doesn't insist, good guy :)
I'm also happy that we can see him, Hazuki and Sapphire more than Reina for once in this season.

Lol I don't care about Reina, I don't like her and with this episode she's even worse than I thought. I mean she doesn't reply to Kumiko's messages, and she took her eyes away from her at the end. Bad girl.
Dec 7, 2016 10:37 AM
#8

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CR's mistake with translations continues "I think we three will have to catch her, to properly talk to her" when it should be "As I thought, we have to make an opportunity (catch up) for the three of us to have a proper talk."

But that aside, was that intentional showing Haruka making mistakes on her note while talking with Kaori? KyoAni is very particular when it comes to English words in their shows so I think it was intentional, just like how Mizore was showing missing all her taps on her phone during the camp. Look how she spelt "personality" wrongly in the final column as she talked with Haruka. I didn't catch it when I watched it raw as the texts were blurred in the streaming.

I also noticed the words she is trying to learn "Involve. Statement. Observe. Personality." Pretty good choice of words there haha, given the situation they were in! ;)
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Dec 7, 2016 10:40 AM
#9

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Very emotional and heartfelt episode, Excellent overall.
Totally did not expect all that emotion.

I really liked the conversation between Kumiko and Mamiko, It was really nice to see Mamiko realizing that what's important is to always follow what you want to do no matter who goes against it. The whole live without regrets advice she gave Kumiko reminds me of Ace advising Luffy in One Piece.
It was also nice of Mamiko to tell Kumiko that she'd miss her.

Damn, I totally was not expecting Kumiko to cry like that on the train. Despite all the buildup, I totally did not expect that to happen at that moment. Still I'm glad she realized that she'd miss her sister. :(

Asuka fired some insane shots at Kumiko, Holy Shit!
I really like the parallel drawn here betweem Mamiko and Asuka. Both of them acted too mature for their age, Trying to put some higher good or some public opinion of 'correct' before their own feelings. I love how Kumiko's earlier conversation with Mamiko about all the regrets her sister faced influenced her in setting Asuka straight. To be honest, I've never thought there's anything wrong with being childish. This whole ordeal between Asuka and Kumiko reminds of one of my favorite sayings from Gintama, "The best way to live a full life is to be a child, no matter your age".
Hmmmm, Perhaps my real enjoyment of this episode came from how the little messages in this episode were similar to two of my favorite shows.

Also, There better not be anything wrong with Reina. It'll break my heart if I see her cry.
Lelouch0202Dec 7, 2016 10:56 AM
Dec 7, 2016 10:46 AM
*hug noises*

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Well this arc has had some of the most cringey drama I've seen in the last year or so. Compared to the wonders KyoAni used to be able to pull off in terms of tearjerkers, this is so lackluster in comparison. Granted that's probably more because of the source material's awkward writing rather than KyoAni's fault I reckon

Still waiting for KyoAni to deliver another memorable anime, it hasn't happened in about 4 years now :/
(well I guess Koe no Katachi is probably good given how the manga was but I haven't seen the movie yet)
Dec 7, 2016 10:48 AM

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All that drama when it was obvious that Asuka was never really leaving the band. Hibike really loves their fake dramas.
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Dec 7, 2016 10:48 AM

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Lelouch0202 said:
This whole ordeal between Asuka and Kumiko reminds of one of my favorite sayings from Gintama, "The best way to live a full life is to be a child, no matter your age".


Absolutely off topic and please don't get me started on Gintama in a Hibike! Euphonium thread. That *** has some of the best lines in any anime. It's a shame that there are those who don't get the power of words used in that anime. Sorachi is a master of words. "Ironic, isn't it? Those who have things there for granted don't realize what it means to not have them." :')
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Dec 7, 2016 11:02 AM
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5/5 episode but.. Reina, what's going on?! Hope we see a Reina episode next week.
Dec 7, 2016 11:07 AM

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Nice episode.

Sad to see Kumiko cry on the train after her sister left.

LOL Asuka "Are you gonna confess your love for me?"
So proud of Kumiko to let it all out & tell Asuka what she really thinks.
She really wants her in the band.

Glad Asuka is back. Getting closer to Nationals.
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Dec 7, 2016 11:32 AM
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Omg, this show usually has so many quiet voices and Kumiko is the quietest of all. Asuka really got her good. It's true, even with Reina. She didn't tell her at all that she knew all this time about sensei's deceased wife. They better give some yuri to make up for all this lack of Reina. They have a special relationship you know. They really need to give us some good Kumiko love to Reina.
Dec 7, 2016 11:37 AM

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Aw, poor Kumiko. That train scene got me.

Well, I guess someone finally called out Kumiko on the way she handles things, and I did kinda expect it to be Asuka. Their scene was heartwarming though

Wonder what's up with Reina. Really hoping it doesn't have to do with Taki-sensei >_>

Dec 7, 2016 11:47 AM

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I'm impressed how many characters in this show changed/improved so much. Kumiko finally acted like the main character and showed her full potential instead of watching from the side (or hide on an open wall, you know what scene i'm talking about)
I liked how Kumiko not only made up with her Onee-chan but also her words resulted her going full-force on Asuka. 2 character arcs connecting wonderfully.

Another praise to Natsuki-senpai. When I first see her character back in first episodes she was just a girl who likes to look outside the window listening music so i thought "oh OK this is the -lazy 2nd year- type of character they were talking about and probably she will fail because she's a slacker bla bla.." then ... whoa! Since the episode she talked Kumiko while treating her a milkshake and writing to her notebook she became one of my favorites.

So what's up with Reina seriously? She's gona confess to Taki-sensei or something? no.. right? I suspect something about that photo on his desk. They especially showed it during the prologue before OP.

Teary episode both for Kumiko and me... that "tadaima"..
Welcome back best girl...
GurushDec 14, 2016 11:10 AM
Dec 7, 2016 12:00 PM

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Btw, this is the first episode in the entire run where Reina didn't have a single dialogue. Don't push my Reina behind the curtains. She is so cute.

Anyways, reflection corner:

Mamiko looking at awe at her "little sister" preparing the same meal she failed as an older sister. Perhaps it was the moment she realized Kumiko is not the same little Kumiko. It's amazing how they have used just an expression of awe to convey that message.


Mamiko grabbing the sponge with all her might, as if reflecting her determination to hold on to her goals.

The stained pot after attempting to clean it with all her might was a reminder that things would not be easy in her life from here on either no matter how hard she struggles, but the smile that followed gave an indication that she has already accepted life as it is and ready to move on. The stain can also be considered as her time lost in the college as she decided to quit it just before her graduation.

Mamiko peeking at Kumiko's face just to see her reaction when she asked her whether she would be lonely once Mamiko leaves. It was her way to try to catch any glimpse of emotion that Kumiko might let loose even though she knows Kumiko has mastered it to keep her feeling hidden within her, something stems from her personality that she is not honest with herself.

Kumiko's surprised face shows that she already gave up that her sister might come to see her. It also shows she reacts with a complete shock on her face when something is very important to her but she doesn't want to admit. Kumiko wanted all along that her sister would come see her play.

Kumiko's a bit down look towards her father was in the wake of her concern of Mamiko who said she would be trying to make up with their parents. It was captured pretty honestly: Kumiko doesn't know whether they made up or not, she is not ready to find out either, yet her concerned face showed she would want them to make up.
shanimebibDec 7, 2016 4:06 PM
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Dec 7, 2016 12:07 PM

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a crying kumiko = a crying me.
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Dec 7, 2016 12:16 PM

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Hey hey! It's Halloween! Well the first half with the sisterly reconciliation was quite nice. Asuka second half was uninteresting garbage as usual. She came back...hurray! -_- Reina drama to close us out?
Dec 7, 2016 12:17 PM

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The episode was pretty good. Don't give up until you have done everything you can. Please don't make choices that you know you are going to regret. Most touching words I heard that is really related to everybody. Too bad we are going to Reina's drama now. And we all know or could guess what that one is.
Dec 7, 2016 12:21 PM

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SchwingBoner said:
All that drama when it was obvious that Asuka was never really leaving the band. Hibike really loves their fake dramas.

You must had parents that neglected you if your acting like that.
What a poor baby.
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Dec 7, 2016 12:23 PM

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Kumiko...I already loved her a lot and she was my best girl but this ep she transcended even that. The crying scene in the train and the Asuka preaching T^T
Dec 7, 2016 12:26 PM

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stop giving tsukamoto screen time!!!!
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Dec 7, 2016 12:31 PM

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The Asuka-Kumiko confrontation was probably the best this series not just for the great emotional impact and execution but because it ties with episode 2 of season 1 (one of the best episodes of the series) perfectly and you could see Kyoani going for it with Aoi's short appearance at the end. The way Kumiko has changed since that episode is evident in how she conveyed her emotions not just for Asuka but also the band. In the beginning she felt distant from the band but now she attempts to speak for everyone's feelings. It shows just how much she has become a part of the band and the band a part of her.

Best line of the episode-

"They just gave up on me because I have no promise." Ahhhhh Kumiko...Isn't that all of us? :)
Dec 7, 2016 12:43 PM

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Reflection corner continued:

The moment Kumiko recalled she wanted to play with Mamiko and that has always been her goal since she was little, she realized how important Mamiko has been in her life, how much she wanted to catch up with her. Someone she admired, someone she wanted to acknowledge her, someone who was inspirational in her life, yet everything she has worked towards won't meet her most cherished dream of all, that is playing next to her beloved sister because they have now parted ways.


As she wept, KyoAni put two sisters in that moment amongst the people on board. It was a wonderful touch. Given the similarities between the two of them, it becomes apparent that they are indeed sisters and probably have the same age difference as Kumiko and Mamiko. It was an indication that these two sisters might come to a point in life when they would have to part ways, but looking curiously at the weeping Kumiko, they wouldn't realize what their future might hold.

Asuka for the first time realized that there wasn't anything fake about Kumiko's feelings for her. Her intention was genuine. It was right after she threw terrible words towards Kumiko, regarding her position in Asuka's matter, regarding her role as a spectator. Yet, she finally realized seeing teared up Kumiko that there are those with genuine intention.

Kumiko's outburst turned into anger as she wouldn't let her feelings be mocked at anymore. She realized her mistake with her sister, only to realize it was too late for both of them. She wouldn't want the same thing to happen to anyone else she holds dear. Kumiko's voice actor nailed it the way we could see all her raw emotions poured into this scene. Simply amazing performance and it beats everything we have seen from her till now.

And it continued.

After unveiling her own mask, Kumiko wanted to get even with her Senpai. She wanted to see the face she was wearing at that very moment. I think it was really honest of her.

What more can I say about this guy. I have not seen another male lead in any other show this much ignored yet everything about him is so genuine that it's almost criminal. Don't go assuming he is sad because he is ignored. He is sad because he knows Kumiko is hurt. If he was just a random guy, he wouldn't know about Kumiko's most important feelings.

Match that smile of the person who you thought were wearing a mask like you do, Asuka!

And in the next shot it was made far more obvious, as Asuka realized there are people who are genuine. Her blushing look made her realize how wrong of her questioning Natsuki's intentions, and perhaps she found Natsuki well worthy of admiration and respect.

And then the Ice Queen Reina is back? Way to connect to the next episode: Soshite tsugi no kyoku ga hajimaru no desu.
shanimebibDec 7, 2016 4:14 PM
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Dec 7, 2016 12:46 PM

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Asuka made it to top 30 of best grades in Japan, that's my girl.
Dec 7, 2016 12:48 PM

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Trouble in Paradise?



GangsterCat said:
stop giving tsukamoto screen time!!!!

but he is Kumiko husbando:)
Dec 7, 2016 12:57 PM

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animefan8800 said:
Hey hey! It's Halloween! Well the first half with the sisterly reconciliation was quite nice. Asuka second half was uninteresting garbage as usual. She came back...hurray! -_- Reina drama to close us out?


I haven't seen anyone but only you hating on Asuka over nothing lol, now I call that dedication
---------------------------

that aside, the episode was really emotional, glad to see Asuka back, and that scene with Kumiko's Sister was priceless... no matter how much you aren't related to your siblings, you will miss them a lot if they're gone

I thought that this time Tsukamoto would magically appear and calm Kumiko and then forcing a relationship from nothingness... glad it didn't

and at the very end... is Reina jealous or she just figured something? :O
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Dec 7, 2016 1:03 PM

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Man! That voice acting. I've got a goosebumps.
Dub = fake crap. Always.
Dec 7, 2016 1:12 PM

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A lot of tears were shed in this episode.

Finally the whole thing with Asuka's resolved. It took a while, but it's over. It was a decent arc in my opinion.


Dec 7, 2016 1:15 PM

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this asuka arc was great and finally someone that could make her show even the little bit of emotion that part was really amazing but now with this arc over moving on to the other that will deal with Reina from what it looks like she saw that picture and been weird ever since and then also that look at the end made it look like she was a bit jealous imo but anyway

cant wait to see what happens next ep
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Dec 7, 2016 1:20 PM

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Btw, there was another mistake in CR's translation last week.

Reina: I'll catch you and peel your mask ('fake' skin) off.
Kumiko: Asuka-senpai's, too?

It should have been:

Reina: I (it makes me) want to seize (or catch) you and peel that skin (fake i.e. mask) off.
Kumiko: Asuka-senpai, too?

It changes the entire context when you replace Asuka-senpai's, too? with Asuka-senpai, too?. Kumiko clearly says "Asuka senpai mo?" and not "Asuka senpai no (kawa) mo?"

As Reina explained why she wants to peel of Kumiko's mask, Kumiko asked Reina whether Asuka-senpai felt the same too (i.e. wanting to peel off Kumiko's said mask). CR's translation would mean whether Reina wanted to peel of Asuka-senpai's mask too.

Thought I should put it here. Since it is directly connected with how Asuka peeled off Kumiko's mask in this episode.
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Dec 7, 2016 1:44 PM

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I've always loved Asuka, but this episode was really fantastic. I really empathised with Asuka this time and it was great to see her finally back.

I did not expect so much development with Kumiko neither! Kumiko and Asuka may be really awkward, but I feel like they could definitely become very true and close friends. It was great how Kumiko finally managed to break through Asuka's facade.
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Dec 7, 2016 1:52 PM

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Nitos said:
>>Yuri on Ice icon

IheartC2 said:
You must had parents that neglected you if your acting like that.
What a poor baby.


An ad hominem attack? Your arguments must be really strong. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
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Dec 7, 2016 2:05 PM

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And the Oscar goes to... Really to see Kumiko just let it all out like that was simply amazing. Her tears for her relationship and fondness with her big sister and her standing up to Asuka. How far she truly has come as a character now. She's always been very calm and collected but here she just let it all out.

Terrific voice work by Tomoyo Kurosawa she's amazing in this role that I can't regret the first series not getting a dub by Ponycan USA (and if this hits Bluray I'm sure it won't either).

Seems there's a parallel between her relationship with Mamiko and Asuka. Kumiko wanted to play with her big sister and she admired her but with their relationship growing cold (now starting to show signs of warming up) she's found the same relationship with her upperclassman, Asuka and finally she's going to get to play along side her.

Little shot of Asuka's knees trembling but we don't get to see her face, she always has to put on the brave face. Asuka still tries to put up the big perky attitude of it all being okay but she's been hurting for her time away from the band.
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Dec 7, 2016 2:12 PM

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It's been a long time since I last saw such marvelous direction in anime. A stunning episode that really cannot be objectively rated below 5/5.


Dec 7, 2016 2:32 PM

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30th in all of Japan? Wow! She's really a genius, Asuka!
Please, Kumiko, be kind to Shuuichi and look at him when he talks to you! ;)

Excellent episode as usual.
I wonder why Reina looks annoyed
Dec 7, 2016 2:46 PM

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D-don't make my baby Kumiko cry!
it breaks my heart seeing her crying ; ;

Reina looked so annoyed, I wonder if she found out about Tanaka, or if it's something else... either way seems like Kumiko is in troubles
Dec 7, 2016 3:01 PM

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HaXXspetten said:
Well this arc has had some of the most cringey drama I've seen in the last year or so. Compared to the wonders KyoAni used to be able to pull off in terms of tearjerkers, this is so lackluster in comparison. Granted that's probably more because of the source material's awkward writing rather than KyoAni's fault I reckon

Still waiting for KyoAni to deliver another memorable anime, it hasn't happened in about 4 years now :/
(well I guess Koe no Katachi is probably good given how the manga was but I haven't seen the movie yet)


Even if you don't like the writing, and I also think it can get melodramatic, KyoAni is doing amazing work with this anime you'll have to agree. The art, animation, and sound is top-fucking-notch. The directing is very good too, as is the voice acting.

Just a quality production overall, probably the most well-produced anime series I've ever seen.
Dec 7, 2016 3:11 PM
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This one seemed a bit lacking in excellent directing at the beginning, especially when the previous episode was just so incredible in this regard from start to finish. Thankfully, that changed about half way through. Kumiko's talk with Mamiko was wonderful. Simple facial expressions and strong animation made the conversation deeply personal and revealing. The banter between the two felt natural for them, but the best part was watching Mamiko display just how much she admires her little sister and watching Kumiko react to that. While Kumiko jokes that she won't miss her big sister, Makiko says that she will definitely miss Kumiko, even if just a little bit.

This of course, lead to my favorite scene from this episode, and possibly one of the best in the show. Kumiko thinks back to just how much she actually loves her sister, and that even with her cynical joke she will miss Mamiko. This leads her to cry uncomfortably in public, a scene that is heartbreaking and also shows just how much Kumiko has changed as a person. From not really caring about people or the world, the girl who picked her school because she liked the "sailor uniforms", now realized that she cares deeply for her friends and those who support her, and the progression felt totally natural and subtle.

This idea finally culminates with a heartbreaking conversation with Asuka at the end, where for the first time Kumiko breaks down in front of her Senpai, who she respected for being so mature and cool-headed. Asuka makes some pretty harsh jabs at Kumiko, but not wanting Asuka to face the same path of regret as her sister, Kumiko totally breaks down and tells her exactly how she feels. When she asks to look at Asuka's face after their embrace, Asuka doesn't let her but you can see a sparkle from behind her hair: She was tearing up and was clearly inspired when finally, she convinces her mother and is able to rejoin the band.

I do feel like Asuka settled her issue too quickly and suddenly to feel as much of an emotional connection to her coming back, but at least we will finally get to see her perform with everyone, and hopefully confront her father at the National competition. Finally, I'm curious to know what is going on with Reina. My guess is that she is nervous now that she gets to compete at the highest level and she doesn't really know how to deal with it, something which seems in line with her character and which has happened in my own band experience as well. I'm excited to see the final stretch for this show. Definitely one of this years best, and one of my all time favorites.

4/5
Dec 7, 2016 3:17 PM
*hug noises*

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May 2013
31405
BlueBalls said:
HaXXspetten said:
Well this arc has had some of the most cringey drama I've seen in the last year or so. Compared to the wonders KyoAni used to be able to pull off in terms of tearjerkers, this is so lackluster in comparison. Granted that's probably more because of the source material's awkward writing rather than KyoAni's fault I reckon

Still waiting for KyoAni to deliver another memorable anime, it hasn't happened in about 4 years now :/
(well I guess Koe no Katachi is probably good given how the manga was but I haven't seen the movie yet)


Even if you don't like the writing, and I also think it can get melodramatic, KyoAni is doing amazing work with this anime you'll have to agree. The art, animation, and sound is top-fucking-notch. The directing is very good too, as is the voice acting.
KyoAni's animation has always been amongst the best in the anime industry, no one would argue with that. It's just that in the last few years they've kept picking so many obscure series to adapt and it hasn't really turned out very well in general. So I just wish they had better source materials to work with, like they used to in the late 2000s

I don't really think the music performances are that great in Hibike though tbh, probably because I really like instrumental music a lot and listen to it frequently so I'm just used to way higher standards than what these girls can put together. Though considering that they're supposed to just be high schoolers playing in a band rather than professionals, I guess plot-wise that's pretty understandable
Dec 7, 2016 3:27 PM

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May 2015
5878
Finally this overdramatic Asuka story is over. Now get to the real action.
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Dec 7, 2016 3:33 PM

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Feb 2008
605
With the last two episode performances, Tomoyo Kurosawa wins a place in my favorite voice acting list. Have to update that soon. Haven't heard such performance in a looong time. I have always liked the way Kumiko acted, so indifferently but always worrying indirectly about the band and her personal stuff.

Her role as main protag is so strong she made Reina jealous now. Have they confirmed the number of episodes this season? Can't imagine in my head that Reina's gonna get two episodes about her situation.

Really loved how they handled Mamiko's jealousy into what made Kumiko talk to Asuka, therefore crying twice the same day. Truly, the best character this season. I know the music theme has gone to a second place these last three episodes, but this has been way better than the weak Mizore's drama. Though, I admit, I have to rewatch these episodes to recall Kumiko's presence in them. Felt underwhelming.

Waiting for Monday... for dat preview.
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Dec 7, 2016 4:17 PM

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Jul 2015
940
HaXXspetten said:
BlueBalls said:


Even if you don't like the writing, and I also think it can get melodramatic, KyoAni is doing amazing work with this anime you'll have to agree. The art, animation, and sound is top-fucking-notch. The directing is very good too, as is the voice acting.
KyoAni's animation has always been amongst the best in the anime industry, no one would argue with that. It's just that in the last few years they've kept picking so many obscure series to adapt and it hasn't really turned out very well in general. So I just wish they had better source materials to work with, like they used to in the late 2000s

I don't really think the music performances are that great in Hibike though tbh, probably because I really like instrumental music a lot and listen to it frequently so I'm just used to way higher standards than what these girls can put together. Though considering that they're supposed to just be high schoolers playing in a band rather than professionals, I guess plot-wise that's pretty understandable


I also like classical but I meant the way they've recorded different audio for outdoor and indoor scenes, changing accoustics and a lot of attention to detail.

They've outdone themselves with this one tbh but I feel you, I also think their talent is kinda wasted on some of the projects they take on.
Dec 7, 2016 5:01 PM

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Jan 2011
6474
Oh boy poor Kumiko on that train with the water works


i've loved all the character development for everyone this episode guess they really wanted to have a dramatic moment to shown how Kumiko has grown but from the start it always looked like Asuka was doing it her own way and it turns it she was lol jesus top 30.


end of the day Kumiko's efforts weren't for nothing since she managed to break through Asuka's mask !


back into the fray though Reina is pisssed lets keep this drama train going!
Dec 7, 2016 5:12 PM

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Nov 2007
9158
HaXXspetten said:
Still waiting for KyoAni to deliver another memorable anime, it hasn't happened in about 4 years now


Forget KyoAni. I think it's one of the best anime in years (definitely KyoAni's best since Nichijou) and season 1 easily made its way in to my all time top 10. I haven't missed a single KyoAni anime in the last two decades (except for Munto TV). As an overall anime, I think no anime can match the level it has achieved in the entire calendar year except for the final 17 episodes of Gintama that aired this year — which I still consider has been the best.

The only other anime I thought that were really well done this year (apart from this and Gintama) are Assassination Classroom 2, Haikyuu S2 and Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu.

With all the hype anime popping up like Boke Dake (preposterous - dropped), Re:Zero (turned out okayish after a very good start), Yuri!! on ICE (meh, it wasn't the gay thing that was a put off, it was the way I couldn't see any passion for ice-skating in that anime - dropped), Gate 2 (p.a.t.h.e.t.i.c - I regret finishing this one), Kabaneri (get me a doctor, get me a knife - dropped) I think none of these can hold a candle for the much better shows that aired this year, like ReLIFE, KonoSuba, Grimgar, Hero Academia, Amanchu or Shokugeki S2 (not as good as the prequel, but enjoyed it nonetheless) let alone the top tier anime that I mentioned earlier. And Hibike! is around the top of the top tier anime.

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Dec 7, 2016 5:27 PM

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Dec 2014
1316
Asuka-focused episode again. Some nice conversations here and there.

And Asuka's back in the band. Nice to know.
Dec 7, 2016 5:36 PM
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Aug 2014
360
Finally an episode without yuri bait.
Dec 7, 2016 7:28 PM
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Feb 2014
31
I think it's clear that Reina is upset about Taki-sensei having a wife.

She saw the picture on his desk, and she figured out the truth, either through inference or from asking Taki-sensei directly.

I imagine she also found out that Kumiko knew about it; maybe Taki-sensei made some offhand remark like "Oh, didn't Kumiko tell you?" or maybe she just figured it out a different way.

I'm not totally sure yet, but I think in the end it boils down to Reina is upset with Kumiko for not telling her about Taki-sensei's dead wife. They made a point of showing Reina discovering the picture on Taki-sensei's desk so I feel like that has to be it. There's no other explanation that isn't an asspull.

I'm interested to see what this drama has looked like from Reina's perspective.
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