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What is the meaning of happiness?

Happiness, content, satisfaction, the feeling of fullness in your heart. Whatever you decide to call it. It is a timeless inquiry, one that has endured throughout the ages and transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.

I Had the Same Dream Again by Yoru Sumino is a coming of age story about an elementary student Nanoka Koyanagi. She is too clever for her own good and leads to social isolation. Being the blunt and straightforward person she is, she does not hesitate to tell them off when she feels the need to. This only drives the wedge between Nanoka and her peers ... deeper, but she pays no mind, as she is able to find solace in her conversations with three older women, who imparts valuable lessons onto Nanoka, and helps discover her own definition of happiness. Through Nanoka's journey of self-discovery, Sumino explores the complexities of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

Spoiler Territory:

The artful plot twist in which Nanoka's three older friends are revealed to be her future selves, offering guidance and support throughout her journey, was a masterful stroke of storytelling. Upon this stunning realization, my appraisal of the novel skyrocketed from a respectable 7.5 to an incredible 8.8, as it illuminated every prior interaction with newfound significance. The shared interests, common struggles, and the peculiar cat companion all coalesced into a powerful revelation. Looking back, it seems quite obvious, and I am left to ponder why I had not caught on sooner.

For the longest running trope in literature (seriously, even kids use it for school work) , I thoroughly enjoyed this "it was all a dream" plot. Nanoka's odyssey of self-discovery as she grappled with the fundamental question of "What is happiness?" was nothing short of enthralling. Her childlike sense of wonder and innate bluntness and directness provided a thought-provoking commentary on the human yearning for companionship and the cognitive dissonance that arises when one staunchly insists they need no friends. Through Nanoka's journey, the author deftly explored the nuances of human relationships and the intricacies of personal fulfillment. I was thoroughly captivated by this tale, and it left me pondering my own pursuit of happiness.

The three older women that Nanoka met, notably "Minami-san" , the high schooler writer who harms herself as a coping mechanism for having no friends, and "Skank-san", who spends her days aimlessly with no motivation for life, gave Nanoka a glimpse of what kind of future holds for her if she continues down this path of self-isolation, believing that wit and cleverness is all she needs to succeed.

By the end of the novel, Nanoka learned that Minami-san truly had a talent for writing wonderful stories, but had no one to share them with, and even though Skank-san was a kind and caring person, she had been shunned by society due to her self-destructive past and bad decisions along the way. Through the intricately crafted dialogues, Nanoka discovered that "Happiness wasn’t something bestowed upon you from without. It came from within. You chose it and created it with your own hands."

The universal feeling of isolation and fighting against the world is one that resonates with many individuals. This sentiment is masterfully explored through the journey of Nanoka Koyanagi. Utilizing the unique concept of time paradoxical dreamscape, Sumino presents a thought-provoking tale of a young girl's self-discovery and ultimate realization of what true happiness entails. Nanoka's candid and relatable character makes her the perfect vehicle for Sumino's introspective work of fiction.

As a reader, I found myself captivated by the intricately crafted storyline, the vividly depicted characters, and the beautiful messages interwoven throughout the novel. Even if one does not fully agree with the message of the story, it cannot be denied that this is a well-crafted novel that leaves one with a complex mosaic of emotions. It is difficult to describe the exact feeling that lingers after reading this book - is it happiness, confusion, or perhaps a bit of everything? Regardless, "I Had the Same Dream Again" is a literary masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on any reader.

Not only does this novel provide a thought-provoking commentary on happiness, but it also portrays serious and dark themes such as self-harm and isolation from an oddly optimistic perspective. Despite this, the novel manages to fill your heart with genuine interactions between Nanoka and the people she meets. Even if you don't extract any meaningful lessons or morals from the story, you will undoubtedly find joy in witnessing Nanoka's candid but nuanced approach to life.

In comparison to "I want to eat your Pancreas", Nanoka Koyanagi in "I had the same dream again" is a much more nuanced and fully realized character. Her quirks and personality traits are highly realistic for someone her age, with her sharp wit, self-centeredness, and blunt honesty. Unlike the protagonist in "Pancreas" (who are, admittedly, kind of just spectators), Nanoka is an active participant in her own story, unafraid to ask difficult questions and grapple with complex issues.

That being said, there are moments where Nanoka's philosophical musings feel somewhat out of place for a child her age, but overall, her interactions with the other characters are heartwarming and genuine.

As much as I enjoyed “I Had the Same Dream Again'', I must admit that it is not without its flaws. While the novel offers a deep commentary on life, happiness, fulfillment, and companionship, it struggles with the balance between showing and telling (Sumino sensei seems to prefer tell not show). There are moments where Nanoka's emotions and introspections could have been better illustrated through her actions and surroundings, rather than being explicitly stated.

Moreover, as someone who had recently read and adored "Wait For Me Yesterday in Spring," I found the first six chapters of this novel to be less engaging in comparison. I couldn't help but feel that there was a lack of buildup in the early parts of the story, although it's entirely possible that I was simply not perceptive enough as a reader. Nonetheless, these nitpicks do not detract from the overall power and impact of the novel's message.

Regardless of my amateur criticisms, I thoroughly enjoyed this work of literature, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a self contained, fulfilling, and immersive story that evokes existential crisis.

8.8/10

Quotes:

“There are some bitter parts to life, but there’s plenty of sweet happiness stuffed into that same cup. People live for the sake of that sweetness. Thank you, little miss. I’ve just remembered something, all thanks to you.”

“Talking about painful things hurts as much as experiencing them, but it also has the
mysterious power to open up your heart, in the same way as deep breathing.”

“They had all come to save me. And I, a little girl, was able to save them in return. That was probably why we met.”

“Life is something that belongs to you right now, while everything shines with hope.”

Premise (spoiler-free):
At the tender age of 17, Kanae, a high school student, returns to his former residence on Sodeshima Island after an extended two-year absence. Upon arrival, he sees his childhood idol Akito, who once saved him from a group of bullies. This childhood idol also happened to be his first-love’s older brother. On his first day on the island, he is mysteriously transported to 5 days later, with a gaping void in his recollections of the intervening time period. He later learns that Akito died 4 days ago. After conferring with his childhood love and best friend Akari, Kanae discovers that he is afflicted ... by the "Rollback phenomenon" and is charged with a daunting mission - to prevent Akito's untimely demise by traveling back in time to the fateful day.

Initial Thoughts (spoiler-free):
This light novel perhaps has the most insane premise I have ever encountered. Although the concept of time travel is nothing new, the “Rollback” mechanic is such a unique concept that I must give props to Hachimoku Sensei for even attempting it. As someone who both loves being teased with information that will be revealed later down the line, as well as being eager to find out what happens, this literary work strikes an exquisite balance in gradually unraveling the mysteries of the plot. The angst and stress I experienced whilst reading this novel is quite unprecedented, albeit in a good way. For devotees of romance, suspense, mystery, and time travel, this book is an essential read.

From here on out is spoiler territory.

Rollback Phenomenon:
This novel presents a fresh and captivating interpretation of the well-worn time-travel trope. The protagonist, Kanae, makes his arrival on the island on April 1st, only to find his consciousness abruptly whisked away to April 5th at 6 PM. In a peculiar twist, every 24 hours, he is transported back 48 hours, effectively reliving his lost memories of the past four days, but in reverse chronological order. The ingenious execution of this labyrinthine mechanism creates a rich and engrossing experience, which often leaves both protagonist and reader bewildered as to how Kanae finds himself in this perplexing situation. With each passing day, he gains a deeper comprehension of the outcome and his final destination, yet remains uncertain as to the process that led him there. While admittedly challenging to follow at times, I found this book immensely enjoyable and engrossing.


Informational Asymmetry:
Segueing from the last section about the rollback phenomenon, an informational asymmetry was often used to keep me on my toes. Everyone that the protagonist interacted with knew of what Kanae did, except for Kanae himself. This knowledge imbalance creates a palpable sense of tension, as Kanae must tread lightly and refrain from prying too deeply, in order to avoid arousing suspicion. Consequently, he is often left in the dark, with only oblique hints and cryptic suggestions to guide his way. The most prominent informational asymmetry occurs with Akari, Kanae’s best friend and first love. Because she was fully aware about his rollback phenomenon, she was able to feed him certain information (but not all). Allow me to use this point to transition to my next.

Mystery Boxes:
A mystery box is what I like to call it when authors intentionally plant something that will be revealed later on in the story (a perfect example of it being the basement in Attack on Titan). Hachimoku sensei planted multiple mystery boxes of varying sizes throughout the story, each one a puzzle piece that the reader must decipher to unlock the larger mystery at play.. From the outset, the reader is left with a series of unanswered questions, each one beckoning to be solved: What is the rollback phenomenon, and how did Kanae become entangled in it? What happened in the missing four days that Kanae cannot remember? As Kanae relives each day, we are left with even more mysteries to ponder - what was he doing before this moment? What was the Kanae of the previous day thinking?

For example, he spent one of the days helping out Hayase (Akito’s ex-girlfriend) run her festival stall without any explanation as to why. It was later revealed that he offered to help in exchange for information about Akito’s downfall, something that he vaguely overheard about AFTER he finished helping her at the festival.

One of the most compelling examples of this technique was the recurring avoidance of Akari in discussing the day of Akito's death. Despite being Kanae's closest friend and confidante, Akari is visibly distressed when pressed for details about the fateful day. Her cryptic responses only served to heighten the tension, leading the reader to wonder if she might have had some involvement in Akito's demise. These clues, coupled with the slow unraveling of Akari's past and Akito's character changes, create a captivating web of intrigue that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. In short, the expert utilization of "mystery boxes" is a testament to the author's masterful storytelling ability, making this novel an absolute delight for readers who relish the art of unraveling a good mystery.

Flashbacks:
The author's use of interlude chapters in between every day of the story provides readers with a deeper understanding of Akari's past and mindset. These flashbacks, which are presented chronologically, cover pivotal moments in Akari's life, from being bullied to falling in love with Kanae, and the hardships she endured after his departure to Tokyo. Ultimately, these interludes reveal what happened on the day of Akito's death, which pushed Akari to her breaking point. Throughout the story Kanae as well as the readers are led to feel empathy for Akito, but the flashbacks provide much needed context behind the complex and depressing homelife that Akari had experienced for two years. With all the necessary puzzle pieces, Kanae finally learns the real nature of the once-great, now abusive and scummy Akito, and arrives at a moral crossroad that forces him to second guess his initial goal of saving him. While the main plot revolves around Kanae's attempt to save Akito, these flashbacks shed light on Akari's complex and difficult homelife, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles. Moreover, they give us insight into the development of Akari's character, her motivations, weaknesses, and regrets, making her a more well-rounded and relatable character. Unlike other stories that use flashbacks as a detour from the main plot (ahem Omori), the interludes in this novel serve a crucial purpose in building a more complete story, and each one is executed with meaning and purpose. Additionally, these flashbacks are essential in understanding Akari's behavior surrounding her brother's death and the reason for her reluctance to discuss it. Ultimately, the interlude chapters enhance the overall narrative by providing crucial context and character development.

Regret (Akari):
Akari's character in the story embodies the theme of regret in multiple ways. Throughout her flashback, readers get glimpses of the missed opportunities she had to express her feelings to Kanae. These moments are believable and elicit sympathy and pity from readers, including myself. Akari's story highlights the difficulty of finding the right time to be honest, and how taking a leap of faith can be daunting. Unfortunately, in Akari's case, she never had the opportunity to do so, leading to two years of loneliness and suffering.

This theme of regret is foreshadowed early on in the story, when Akari pleads with Kanae to prevent Akito's death and "take care of her past self." Later, we learn that Akari deeply regrets her selfish decision to let Akito die. Plagued by difficult choices with no clear answers, Akari continues to suffer throughout the story. As readers, we can only hope for her eventual happiness, which she ultimately achieves.


Kanae and Akari:
Every character in this captivating story is portrayed with depth and humanity, each possessing their own distinct ethical code and motivations that shape their actions in believable ways. The romance between Kanae and Akari is reminiscent of Anzu and Kaoru from Hachimoku Sensei's first novel, Tunnel to Summer, in that it is rife with angst and suffering. The author's penchant for inflicting emotional turmoil upon their protagonists is evident in this work as well, and while Kanae and Akari's individual journeys are equally well-written, their struggles have hardened them in a way that highlights their vulnerability as young people in search of comfort and security in one another. Despite their obvious love and care for each other, they are frequently faced with uncomfortable choices that challenge their relationship (such as Akari's decision to keep the truth about her brother's death from Kanae, or Kanae's insistence on saving Akito despite Akari's objections). These difficult decisions make for compelling storytelling that further highlights the characters as individuals, rather than simply a couple destined to behave in a predictable, one-dimensional manner (as is often the case in poorly-written romance stories, which is certainly not the case with Hachimoku Sensei's work).

Plot:
I found the novel's plot to be thoroughly enjoyable. The premise of traveling back in time to prevent someone's death was already intriguing, but the author took it a step further by adding multiple factors that made this decision increasingly more difficult, which was truly impressive. When comparing it to Tunnel to Summer, I would easily give this novel the win. It's clear to see how much Hachimoku sensei has improved since his last book. The insane rollback phenomenon, the flashback chapters, the informational asymmetry, and the mystery boxes were all skillfully combined to create a highly compelling plot that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Concluding Thoughts:
As someone who loves sci-fi, mystery, and exploration of the human psyche, this novel was an easy 10/10 for me. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked, so much so that I devoured it in a single day (I even found myself sneaking in a few pages during work!). As a fan of Hachimoku Mei Sensei's work, this book was the nail in the coffin for me - I am now officially a fan for life.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way Akari refused to tell Kanae what happened on the day of her brother's death. This intentional plotline kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. I couldn't help but wonder: why would someone who loves Kanae so much lie to him? These out of character behaviors were a great way to raise questions and keep the story interesting.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and mystery, and I highly recommend giving it a try!

Not long after we said our goodbyes, the six o’clock chime rang out over the island - the melancholy notes of Greensleeves reverberating in harmony with the sorrow I now felt inside my heartbeat.

Does the overwhelming feeling of grief rob one’s capacity to love, leaving behind a hollow and vacuous existence?

Natsu e no tunnel, sayonara no deguchi tells a melancholic, heartfelt, and bittersweet tale filled with angst, anxiety, and romance. The protagonist, Kaoru Touno, lives in a hopeless family situation after losing his little sister Karen at a young age. Plagued by guilt and bitterness that stems from the circumstances surrounding his sister's death, Kaoru simply exists without much regard for his own life and dignity. However, his chance encounter with a girl, Anzu Hanashiro, who seems unfazed by adversity leads to a blossoming romance and their individual ... journeys towards achieving their goals.

In the town of Kozaki, where the story takes place, there is a mythical "Urashima Tunnel" that is said to grant wishes to those who enter, at the cost of their lifespan. However, the reality is that time moves differently inside the tunnel, slowing down and allowing the world to pass by. Spending two days in the tunnel equates to eight years in the real world, but the person inside only feels the passage of two days. Furthermore, instead of granting wishes, the tunnel returns what has been lost.

The narrative touches on multiple profound themes that warrants a comprehensive analysis - grief, guilt, resentment, hollowness, trauma, insecurity, longing, anxiety, perseverance, and love.

Grief: Kaoru's family was plunged into a completely pervasive downward spiral after the death of his sister. His mother abandoned them, leaving his father to become an abusive alcoholic, a mere shadow of his once benevolent and nurturing self. Our protagonist, Kaoru, who was particularly close to Karen, shouldered the weight of her death and internalized the belief that he was personally responsible for her demise due to his presence at the time of her fall. Each character in his family coped with grief in their own deleterious manner, with some electing to abandon them (mother), some succumbing to its engulfing power (father), and some merely losing the ability to derive enjoyment from life, seemingly anhedonic (Kaoru).

Guilt: Displayof Kaoru's guilt manifests itself throughout the story, but becomes apparent when he is confronted with the sister that the mythical tunnel bestowed upon him. He articulates his feelings as though he does not deserve the right to love another person (alluding to Anzu, the female MC). To which Karen writes him a "Love Permit", a symbolic representation of the very person who inadvertently deprived his ability to love, returning it back to him. By directly confronting his late sister, he was able to deal with his grief and physically (as well as metaphorically) move on from the shadow cast by her passing.

Resentment: Flashbacks reveal that Karen was an emotionally intelligent child who would cry and ask to go to the aquarium when her parents were arguing, in an attempt to get them to reconcile. As if she were the glue holding them down, Kaoru's dysfunctional family completely collapsed when the sister passed away. As the father, not only was he not there to emotionally support his vulnerable son, he practically abused Kaoru. This dynamic caused Kaoru to journey into the tunnel with absolutely no regard for his father, demonstrating his deep-seated resentment. When Kaoru unexpectedly ran into his mother during the festival, he was overcome with panic, anxiety, and was on the verge of collapsing and throwing up. Fortunately, Anzu was there for Kaoru to lean on, acting as a much needed beacon of light in his life. Despite the happy ending for Kaoru and Anzu, neither parents have made the effort to repair the relationships they have with their son and chose to pursue their own happiness, leaving the resentment unresolved.

Hollowness: the concept of a tunnel that leaves everything one loves and cares about behind is a frightening thing for anyone. For Kaoru to take that journey without a second of lingering thought is proof of his hollowness in his heart that can only be fulfilled by seeking the sister he lost. As someone who has experienced difficult periods in life but was able to hold on due to the support of loved ones, I can empathize with Kaoru's desire to abandon everything in search of what he desires most. However, the key difference is that Kaoru believed he had nothing left to lose until he came to terms with his love for Anzu, who had been waiting for him on the other side of the tunnel for a grueling five years.

Trauma: Let's shift gears and talk about the female MC, Anzu Hanashiro, who was essentially abandoned by her parents, the very same people who extinguished her childhood dream of becoming a manga author during her formative years. Nevertheless, in stark contrast to Kaoru, she harnessed her traumatic experiences to bolster her determination instead of succumbing to despondency (although it should be noted that their circumstances are worlds apart). The divergent responses to trauma between these two characters led to a poignant and emotive narrative within this novel.

Insecurity: The third character, Kawasaki, is a girl who, in her attempts to mask her own insecurities, bullies and intimidates others. Her sense of self-worth is fundamentally linked to her relationships with others. When she was humiliated in front of everyone, she lost all her friends. Initially I despised her character, but after the conversation she had with Anzu, Kawasaki expressed her admiration for Anzu and voiced her desire to be more like her. Although the focus on Kawasaki was brief, I felt her character arc to be believable. Her inclination to feel superior over her peers as a coping mechanism for her personal insecurities is indicative that toxicity may arise from factors beyond family issues (her mother is shown to be a very understanding person) or trauma (unexplored), and rather, social hierarchies and a small, insular community may mold an individual's character.

Longing & Anxiety: I have put these two intimately connected themes together in the same paragraph. Both Kaoru and Anzu exemplified their respective themes of longing and anxiety during the final act of the story. Kaoru's decision to abandon his previous life and undertake a perilous journey to locate his sister, despite the absence of any guarantees of success, embodies his longing for the life he once knew, in which his sister was still alive, as well as his profound anxiety that he may fail to achieve his objective, leaving him with no purpose. His journey in the tunnel hit me especially hard because for many people like myself, it is evocative of the motivating power of having a singular goal. Kaoru had no idea where the tunnel would lead, but that did not stop him from reaching his goal. Although he did not succeed in finding his sister, he discovered something that he was unaware he longed for - the capacity for love. Meanwhile, almost parallel to Kaoru's journey, Anzu waited for his return outside the tunnel. In the 5 long years, she forged a successful career as a manga author. Despite her achievements, her mind remained fixated on Kaoru, and her emotions were consumed by longing and anxiety. Even after five years had passed, she remained steadfast in her hope that Kaoru would one day return, her anxiousness and apprehension holding her back from departing Kozaki town. She did not know where he was, when he would return, or if he returned but left without a word.

Perseverance: The main characters in the novel showcased a profound sense of perseverance, each pursuing their individual goals with unwavering tenacity. However, almost as if wielded by fate, their desire for each other acted as an unyielding force that compelled them to find one another, ultimately leading them to a long-awaited reunion deep within the tunnel, a massively rewarding payoff. As a reader, seeing them act individually was heartwarming to see, but seeing two characters that I've grown to love as a pair be separate from each other was excruciating. The moment when they finally saw each other overwhelmed me with emotions, reminiscent of the climatic scene in the film “Kimi no Na Wa”.

Love: The center theme of the story. This novel explored different avenues regarding love. The familial love between Kaoru and his sister, the love lost between Kaoru and his parents, the platonic love between Anzu and Kawasaki, and of course, the romantic love between Kaoru and Anzu. Throughout the novel, while Kaoru was aware of Anzu's feelings and reciprocated them, he believed that he did not deserve the right to love another person, having lost his family to tragedy. It was only after confronting his grief and trauma, and reuniting with his sister within the tunnel, that he was able to move past the shadow of her death and wholeheartedly dedicate himself to the one he loved - Anzu.

Personal thoughts:The exploration of romantic love has been a recurring theme in various media formats, yet Natsu e no Tunnel stands out as one of the few works that weaves it in with the themes of grief, creating a beautiful harmony between two contrasting emotions. The depth and complexity of the narrative in this light novel left a lasting impact on me, as it portrayed the exploration of various themes with finesse and grace. Readers seeking a story that is both emotionally charged and uplifting will find Natsu e no Tunnel a compelling read.

Tunnel e no Natsu, Sayonara no Deguchi, a six-chapter short story spanning 300 pages, defies the "light" novel label, delving into the heavy topics that can profoundly resonate with readers. This story moved me deeply, as the compelling characters' likability and the engaging plot heightened the tension and anxiety, particularly in the sci-fi setting that imbued me with both hope and dread. The characters' growth, personal struggles, hardships, and compelling love story are all fascinating tales in their own right, culminating in an emotionally satisfying resolution that made me root for them despite their brief appearance.

“So please, Hanashiro, don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Live your life while you can, because tomorrow’s never a given. Especially when you have a chance to be someone right here, today.

Go out there and live like you mean it. And no matter what you do, don’t ever end up like me.” - Kaoru Touno, after he entered the Urashima Tunnel alone.

This is the longest review I've ever written for a novel, so if you have read the entire thing, Thank you.

Suzume no Tojimari is MaGOATo Shinkai’s latest film. Although I have seen many people voice their complaint about the movie, mostly about how it uses the same repetitive formula as Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko, I personally enjoyed it a lot. For me, the movie worked really well in ways I did not expect it to.

plot: 10/10
- Easily the strongest part of this movie. Suzume no Tojimari takes a complex premise of closing doors all across Japan in order to beat this earthquake causing worm and simplifies it to understandable levels for its audience. Even though Kimi no Na Wa is my ... favorite anime movie of all time (and one of my favorite movies, period), I got to admit that Suzume no Tojimari is probably comparable to it in terms of plot. The movie dives into protagonist Suzume's family trauma of losing her single mother at a young age as well as her complex relationship with her aunt. Regardless of your background, Suzume's story of longing for her mother and healing is bound to bring tears to you as it did for me. On top of that, the idea of abandoned locations being the cause of earthquakes is a very unique idea that takes inspirations from Shinto religion and is bound to hit different for certain people who are personally affected by earthquakes or just knows about the Japanese mythology background. Much like Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko, Suzume's journey across Japan romantizes the mundane and brings joy to viewers like me.

characters: 9.8/10 (the missing 0.2 is Souta having the character complexity of a chair)
-Every character in this movie was fairly likable, with the exception of Souta (surprisingly, considering he is the male lead), and his grandfather, who seemed unempathetic about his grandson. While I do understand that his grandfather holds certain expectations for Souta and understands that as door closers, they are bound to this destiny, but it still irked me a little bit. Suzume made many friends along the way, including Chika, Rumi, and Serizawa. All three of them are kind, caring, and endearing in their own ways. Chika and Suzume were the same age so they got along immediately and their quick but temporary friendship was so heartwarming to see. Rumi took Suzume in without a question and gave her a place to stay and food in exchange for labor. Finally, Serizawa was the surprise star in this movie. His presence on screen brought such joy and innocence to a movie that had pretty heavy undertones (Suzume and her mother's death + Suzume and her aunt's conflicts). His singing made me laugh out loud a lot, and I did not get the same reaction from the humor in Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko. Suzume's aunt Tamaki had this one scene where she lashed out at Suzume, likely due to pent up frustration, exhaustion from traveling all day, and Sadaijin's presence enhancing her negative emotions. Although that scene might make some people mad, I think it demonstrates that she's only human. Just as Suzume's chair is her memento of her mother, Suzume is probably Tamaki's memento of her sister (on top of being her adopted daughter). So losing Suzume would hurt Tamaki that much more. As for Souta, I came into the movie expecting him to be important, but he was kind of sidelined as a chair and wasn’t all that important to the development of the plot and mostly served as Suzume’s motivation to move forward.

And finally, the star of the movie, Suzume. She is probably the best written character out of Shinkai’s last three movies. Her struggle with dealing with her mother’s death even 12 years later brought forth some very touching moments. I can’t lie, I had so much tears on my face when she finally confronted her 4 year old self in the Ever After, telling herself that she will meet lots of people who love her and that she will be okay, even after losing her mother. One thing that Shinkai does very well with his characters is that they are often just ordinary humans thrusted into extraordinary circumstances, and Suzume is no exception. She has a wide range of emotions that really shows that she’s only human after all. Although one flaw that I have to pick with her character is her seemingly unrequited infatuation with Souta, but then again, she is a high school girl with no experience in romance and is probably down bad, so I give her a pass, but I will talk more about the “romance” part of the movie more later.

visuals: 9.5/10
-As always, Shinkai’s newest movie has absolutely stunning visuals. Although this movie did not show off the animation as well as Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko, it was still a joy to see beautiful scenery with butter smooth animation on a big screen. I’d like to describe Shinkai’s movies as “best case scenario being a cinematic masterpiece, worst case scenario being a nice piece of eye candy (ft. radwimps)”

music: 7.7/10
-Speaking of Radwimps, they did another movie with shinkai! They seem to be Shinkai’s go to band for theme songs since Kimi no Na Wa’s success. Suzume’s trailer theme was so beautiful it caught the attention of many, including myself, and I expected to be hit with OSTs similar to that of Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko. However, music was definitely the weakest part of Suzume. I feel like the scores were not utilized at its fullest, and no memorable songs were used to amplify important scenes like it did in Kimi No Na Wa (Mitsuha’s theme just brings back memories of melancholy that I felt when I watched it). Nevertheless, Suzume’s theme is still a banger, just not used to enhance the movie very well.

enjoyment: 10/10
-I enjoyed that movie so much, just not for the reason I thought I would. Upon seeing the trailer, I expected a catastrophe fighting main plot, with a romance subplot between the main two, like in Shinkai’s past 2 movies. However, Suzume’s relationship with herself, her aunt, and her late mother really hit me like a truck, and the door closing main plot was kind of outshined in my opinion. Of course, Suzume hearing the voices of the people who used to live in the abandoned areas was nice, but I enjoyed her story with her mother way more. Now onto the “romance” part of the movie, which I frankly think was unnecessary. For starters, I, like many others, felt almost no attachment to Souta as he wasn’t all that interesting except being hot. I personally think if Souta had a more outgoing and cheerful personality like Chisato from Lycoreco, we as audience would get more attached and look forward to him returning to being human, as he wasn’t all that different as a chair vs. as a human. Additionally, if they had made Suzume’s motivation to save him be purely platonic, or simply made Souta another girl, I think the plot would have worked a lot better. As we could see, Suzume had a much easier time getting along with girls, and the movie makes a point throughout to say that “boys are a pain in the ass” (which is true). However, all these complaints are just nitpicks and Suzume’s family trauma storyline was so enjoyable to me that I would still give enjoyment 10/10

overall:9.4/10
-Definitely would re-watch and see if my opinions change!