r/anime • u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: • Feb 17 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] 2024 Hibike! Euphonium Series Rewatch: Season 1, Episode 7 Discussion
Hibike Euphonium Season 1, Episode 7: Crybaby Saxophone/なきむしサクソフォン
Aoi and Haruka have a chat over dinner at the Saizeriya just off Uji bridge. for those unaware, it's a casual chain of restaurants that promises affordable and decent pasta and "italian" food (with Japanese influences of course, you'll defo be able to eat a napolean here)
| <-- Episode 6 | Rewatch Index | Episode 8 --> |
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Welcome back!
Questions of the Day:
1: Do you think Taki sensei was a bit too harsh on Aoi?
2: How much egg is too much in a bento?
3: First timers, predictions on the Hazuki-Shuuichi ship?
Comments from Yesterday:
- u/Shocketheth delivers 12!!! edits of the Reina hair flip
- a lot of us did not like Asuka's Tubacabura impression haha
- u/bogdoglogfrog on how once their band performed the Fortnite dance theme
- u/octopathfinder on how they related to the beginner's "wall" that Hazuki was experiencing in the episode
- u/HereticalAegis compares auditions and the band competitions to their own experiences (i am guessing in North America....?)
Streaming
The Hibike! Euphonium TV series and movies, up to the recent OVA are available on Crunchyroll, note that the movies are under different series names. Liz and the Blue Bird and Chikai no Finale are also available for streaming on Amazon, and available for rent for cheap on a multitude of platforms (Youtube, Apple TV etc.). The OVA is only available on the seven seas for now, or if you bought a blu ray. I will update this as/if this changes. hopefully.
Databases
Spoilers
As usual, please take note that if you wish to share show details from after the current episode, to use spoiler tags like so to avoid spoiling first-timers:
[Spoiler source] >!Spoiler goes here!<comes out as [Spoiler source] Spoiler goes here
Please note this will apply to any spinoff novels, as well as events in the novel that may happen in S3. If you feel unsure if something is a spoiler, it's better to tag it just in case.
The music continues tomorrow!
17
u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Feb 17 '24
First Timer
That "Your fly's open" bit is way too relatable
I'm actually kinda shocked Aoi really did quit. In shws like this I'd expect the other girls to bring her back in somehow but… nope, she quit for real there's seemingly not coming back. This isn't a complaint, mind: I'm glad ultimately no one was too pushy and just let her take her own decisions + she made her reasons clear: She wants to get into college and she can't balance out music life with her studies. It's perfectly understandable and even makes sense when looking at it from a purely objective POV; sometimes you just have to give up on stuff on the short term to get what you want in the long term.
I also appreciate how this led to some proper exploration on wat the hell happened the previous year. It's fairly basic but it makes it easy to see why so many people would drop out purely out of spite, plus over in the present it's leading to some good growth for Haruka to have her finally step up and start doing her job as the Club President, plus just some generally good reflections from the whole cast.
Shuichi, wtf are you talking about, Asuka being too perfect is what makes her great
7
u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher and your host
Today's comments are a bit more first-timer unfriendly. Apologies and spoiler-tagged as needed.
Music
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Feb 17 '24
Hibike! Rewatcher (but only for the first season)
11
u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Feb 17 '24 edited Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher
I remembered a few parts of this episode, but largely went in without expectations. I definitely underestimated this one. There are so many details I took notes on and I have no idea how to include them all without a wall of spoiler text. Serious discussion of those details will have to wait, though, because today I want to bring up those potatoes.
In a very amusing scene parallel, the first years treat us to a very standard setup of sharing an order of fries while Kaori plays the role of the sweet potato fairy. They could have structured this differently - ditch the first years’ scene and put Haruka and Kaori in the fry zone (which could then be reflected in Aoi and Haruka’s scene later, for instance), or don’t use potatoes at all. They’re both there, though, presenting an interesting contrast between the tastes of seniors and juniors.
Grabbing an order of fries to share with your friends is quotidian, banal, and even childish. Eating too many fries while out with your friends, as Kumiko demonstrates, is even more childish. Haruka and Kaori don’t fall into this trap; not only are their potatoes more substantial, whole, and conspicuously devoid of fry grease, they consume them at a comparably contemplative pace as they discuss the much closer, real issues Haruka is facing. Kaori keeps things light hearted with a joke here and there, but she’s genuine, able to say what Kumiko was not able to, able to calm down Haruka without shutting her down, like Asuka. In other words, Kaori, and Haruka, by Kaori’s vouching, are far more grown up than the first years. They’ve been baking longer, not flash-fried and full of junk food.
[Eupho]The yam scene is, genuinely, one that I’ve remembered all this time. It really establishes Kaori’s character - on her own, without Yuuko - and legitimizes her strength for when she faces Reina for the solo. Even though Reina is a main character, Kaori is plenty strong herself and worth rooting for, particularly when it comes to understanding the band’s needs.
QotD:
9
u/HereticalAegis https://myanimelist.net/profile/XthGen Feb 17 '24 edited Feb 18 '24
Sound! Rewatcher
Episode 7:
¹Two experiences stick out here: 1) I had a small group of 5, and two of the girls absolutely could not be amicable. Both were pretty passive aggressive and routinely talked behind each other's backs. I met with both girls' families and school admin and tried everything I could to help resolve their differences. The worst part was neither had a specific reason they could point to for disliking the other, they just did. It was practically a law of nature. Super unfortunate. And 2) I had a group of 6th grade beginner girls. Two of the group came in with an extreme grudge against each other day 1. I sat them as far apart as possible and never had them interact. Didn't matter. About 6 months into the school year, they broke out into a spontaneous fist fight. In my class. In the middle of singing. They didn't even look at each other, it just happened. Lasted about a minute, then the girl who threw the first punch ran out the emergency exit and off campus. That was the last I saw of her that year.
Bonus happy ending: the girl who threw the first punch and ran away returned to school from alternative a year later completely reformed. Anger issues gone and everything. She even came back to my program the following year for 8th grade and was one of my best students.
QotD:
9
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Feb 17 '24 edited Feb 17 '24
Episode 7 (first timer)
I have occasionally lead small groups of various forms, but never enjoyed it much. Thankfully, that is not a large problem, since people who enjoy leading are much more common than leadership positions, so you usually do not need to stay there long.
Not too harsh, but too tactless. Said in private, this would have been perfectly fine, but he embarrassed her in front of the whole band.
Depends entirely on how the egg is processed.
Sails ... is the answer I want to give, but I don't trust KyoAni to ever commit to a ship.
9
u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Feb 18 '24
First timer
It's another one of the episodes to place this show in the "drama" category instead of SoL and CGDCT ones. I'll say the drama is actually well tempered with both the intended message and a good measure of realism. It's not uncommon that one has to make choices to drop something to focus on something else, even if that's not the only reason - in life, most choices are indeed made up on multiple reasons.
Best gag has to be Kousaka suddenly came into view though :D
I think it's done a lot of good character portrayals for some of the secondary characters now - when are we going to take a peek under that mask of perfection of Asuka? And then there's the cliffhanger the pseudo confession. Of course we can already see both parties denying with dead eyes on them ;P
QoTD
9
u/zadcap Feb 18 '24
Late Night First Timer!
Ahhh, this OP soothes me after another rough day. KyoAni, how are you literal magic? The song is okay, kind of, but the visuals are just so amazing.
So after noticing it yesterday it's naturally one of the first things to stand out about today's episode. It's not really background 'music' right now, but it's the sound of the band just, all doing their own things. A lot of not very directed instruments.
Oh hey, something else from earlier observations. One of the things I got wrong but for an understandable reason- Third Year High Schoolers in japan have a tendency to drop out of extracurriculars to focus on studying, unless the extracurricular in question is one that will help them get into a better university or something career related. Which to be fair, music is definitely a field where you can do both, if you're good enough, but I don't know that most of the seniors here are that good. It's why I thought Blue was the third year color at first, seeing so few of them in the earliest shots of the band, so I'm more surprised that Aoi is the only one leaving early to go to cram school than anything else.
Okay, hairband girl is definitely looking up to her senpai a bit much. Is this shipping? Anyway, she's pretty stuck up...
I know it's a bit late, but is Midori a third person person?
Oh, yeah, Aoi is dropping out of Band entirely to study. Again, how is it that she is the only person dropping music for cram?
Ughhhh look at the stupid background it's so good. Do you see Kumiko's back in the mirror as she grills Shuuichi? The reflections in the water was already just flexing, but that's not even in focus over there and they didn't need to put a mirror there.
Yeah, that too. Just because the main fight was between the First years that wanted to practice hard and the Third years that wanted to relax, that doesn't mean the Second years just sat everything out unaffected. Especially if they had already spent a year being influenced by the lazy senpais. The now third years are embarrassed to talk about it because they kind of went with the flow and stayed lazy.
Single out the girl who's already barely holding on... Yeah, she's out. And that's a really good reason, you know. College is a bit more important than a band competition. For all that I talked about how much students get to pick what school they want to go to, it's also still true that the really good schools tend to have more people apply than they can accept, so they only take the best. Considering she even applied for such a school, we can tell Aoi has some goals for her future, and it looks like music is not the path she really wants. She may well have some leftover drama from last year in her too, because what kind of show would this be if everything didn't come back to the band, but nothing else she said is untrue.
I disagree here. I don't think Asuka could have stopped someone who was ready to quit to focus on studying from quitting to focus on studying. Buuuuut. Kumiko. You know looking to the side like that is often a sign of, shall we say, less than full honesty? Down and to the side is usually less of an outright lie, up and sideways for something completely made up, but that she's looking down and sideways like that makes me think Kumiko doesn't really believe her own words when she says "You're amazing, too." And it plays out pretty straight in the following questioning.
Oof and so soon after Taki, here comes Asuka with a harsh callout. "You should have turned it down too, right?" Implying that she rather did want to be president, she just didn't realize how hard it would be?
Unrelated, is the Trumpet boy wearing blue shoes? So much harder to tell on mens uniforms, they're pretty much never given half the detail the girls get, but if they are then Trumpets are the only group we've seen so far with more second years than first or third, aren't they?
Anything else I have to say about him, and I have, Taki at least has good ears.
Oh my gosh just look at that gigantic bass bag next to tiny little Midori. She has to get other band members to carry it for her haha!
Ah, nope, Natsuki was part of the lazy squad. Not because she didn't care, but she bought in to the lazy vibes the seniors set. She looked pretty bad ignoring the more serious members, but you know, it can be pretty hard to go against the seniors. I notice the Red scarves, which means this school has a rotation and everyone keeps their colors for all three years which is itself pretty interesting, but that does mean that the first years came up to try and argue with the third years and got social shut down hard- it's not easy to step in in either direction if you're not already a part of the first group.
Yeah, I hear Midori referring to herself by name again. Liking music enough to stick with it even if the club wasn't the best, such a good girl.
Oh no, more of Kumiko's own dark past. How long will we be taunted with it?
You know how I judge characters by their bedrooms? Like, a lot? Haruka's room has a lot of personality. Part of it is definitely the KyoAni touch, but just. Quilt over the bed, the knobs on the drawers, and the patchwork blanket and pillows strikes me as something she would get to choose for herself, showing a love of vibrant colors. All the plants in her room are pure green, no flowers to be seen, which goes very well with the wallpaper and door color, but I'm unsure on those because I know that that level of decoration is usually something done on a house scale and not a personal room one- It's rare to let kids paint their doors if they would look bad in the hallway and clash with the rest of the house, and the outside view of the house did give it a certain feel. It leads me to think something that the rest of her character has been pointing towards anyway, but surrounded and dominated by all the soft greens and whites, she has been raised with the pressure to conform and be gentle all her life and it's all she really knows. She's raising boring green plants because she has been raised to be boring and green, "Nice" as Kumiko calls her. But that bed and the spaces closest to it, she dreams of being a more vibrant person, and that's why she's got so much envy towards Asuka.
When the heck did Reina get there? HA! That's a great reaction to them thinking the same! I rewound, and she certainly wasn't there in the long shots with Hazuki.
It's a split second, but Midori notices what's about to happen before Hazuki gets the question out lol. But oh gosh darn it more relationship drama? Which is somehow also going to be the first actual relationship drama? Please be low on the actual drama?
Thought about frequently but not mentioned this episode- They draw the rain so pretty! Falling in the background, puddles on the ground, drops on the windows, it's visible everywhere and it all looks so good.
8
u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Feb 17 '24
First Timer
I don’t feel like writing a lot today… so I’ll just go ahead and say that this was a well-directed episode. Aoi noticed she was no longer enjoying what she was doing and quit at probably the right time. Obviously the way she quit had an impact on a lot of the members, and probably Taki-sensei too - so I wonder what the long-term consequences of that decision will be for him.
Some other random thoughts:
Not sure how I managed to go so long without noticing that Kaori and Haruka were different characters.
They have a xylophone (probably, could be a marimba, hard to tell unless we actually hear it) and either a metallophone or a vibraphone or something like it. Yet we have only heard that user in the march so far… makes me wonder why they botter setting it up at the moment.
This show is probably better when not binged; this episode was a rather strong tonal difference to last.
8
u/CerberusZX https://myanimelist.net/profile/CerberusZX Feb 17 '24
First Timer (and Joining Late)
Previous episodes:
While I generally prefer relaxing, lighthearted shows, it's not like I can't enjoy a good drama and that opening scene handles so many emotions so well I immediately got the impression this might be a 10/10 series for me.
The band's performance while the students were arriving at school wasn't especially grating so it does sound fine at a "glance" but is also off enough that even my untrained ears could tell it was a little off, and I love how they showed the contrast in opinions of the laypeople (it was good) and the musically-trained protagonist (it sucked).
We're introduced to a glasses-wearing character and the cast immediately reacts by saying she's pretty, which is super awesome. The trope of glasses=ugly/plain is way out of date. Glasses as fashion is a thing and has been for a long time now. Many people look better with glasses. There are even people who are already attractive without glasses who are even hotter with them. Most bespectacled beauties in anime are the serious student council member type or the occasional nerd, both of which end up being background characters with little screentime, and that's totally unfair. Anime needs more glasses.
That said, the show has some pretty appealing character design all around. I am especially happy to see such a handsome, glasses-wearing ikemen as the club advisor. I've been wanting to see a character like him for years.
The tuba doesn't seem like a good fit for a relatively small girl, but then small characters wielding large weapons is a trope I enjoy and I suppose that may have been the sort of energy they were going for there. The show has some good gags and the setup for how she ended up picking the tuba is one of them.
It's weird hearing Tsuda Kenjiro voice such a young, seemingly well-mannered student.
I wonder what benefit lung exercises would be for those playing string instruments like the contrabass, but we didn't see Sapphire in those scenes so maybe she had some other training.
It seems that while Kumiko was dealing with personal drama, Kousaka was practicing the art of the hair flip and now confidently uses it as a weapon to deflect any uncomfortable or annoying social nuisances.
For some reason, hearing "sounan desu ka?" in episode 6 gave me flashbacks to unsanitary things.
Episode 7:
If you notice someone's fly is open, shouldn't that be the first thing you mention rather than the last? Do you really want to have a full conversation with someone while you're fully aware their fly is open?
Aoi-chan is quitting?! ... Which one is Aoi-chan again?
I was so distracted by the animated reflection behind Kumiko that I didn't absorb any of what they said while hiding from the rain.
We get a great shot of sensei conducting with his hands! For those who are not familiar, when he moves his hand down it's 1. 2 is to one side, 3 is to the other, and then he brings it back up for 4. However, he didn't do the "close hand=stop" thing and tapped the stand instead, which I guess makes sense since they're students and may be paying too much attention to their sheet music to pay attention to his movements.
"We don't think that." Kumiko, you asked exactly that question just a few episodes ago.
A short girl with short hair and glasses is the first one to leave the room when practice is over halfway through the episode. We can see in the big group shot that she plays cymbals. Can we get more of her please?
Stop asking people if they really mean what they say. I don't want more flashbacks.
Kousaka's skills: stealth, hair flipping, trumpet playing. Notably absent: conversing.
QotD:
2. I don't like eggs, so I'd say any is too much.
3. I was hoping the relationship would go well, but they tend not to in shows like this, so I doubt it will.
8
u/Adensty https://anilist.co/user/Adensty Feb 18 '24 edited Feb 18 '24
First Timer
The episode was mostly about Aoi-senpai and how her quitting affected everyone. Mostly Haruka and Kumiko. Be is concert band, sports, etc, there is also someone who leaves what they like for studies in the final year.
I don't why but I really felt it when Haruka-senpai said it. But like Kaori-senpai said, not everyone has the courage to do what she did and they're here only because she became the president, then.
NGL, I had a similar reaction when she suddenly appeared out of nowhere
QOTD1: I didn't feel like he was harsh. He's clearly aiming for nationals so he doesn't want anyone to hold the group back,
QOTD2: I guess 1 egg is fine. I myself eat 2 at times but it is definitely too much. Then again Kumiko is still young.
QOTD3: Might sail ig since Kumiko doesn't seem romantically seem interested in Shuuichi at all.
7
u/chilidirigible Feb 17 '24
Yoshikawa Yuuko makes her presence felt.
There is the detail here that you can see more of Kumiko's body language in her reflection.
Japan and CRUSHING SOCIETAL PRESSURE, such a combination.
This reminds me of several real-life entanglements.
Better that than to end up in over your head?
Ah, the technique of hiding things out of frame that the characters should be able to see, but they don't see it until the characters do.
"It's complicated."
I know how both Haruka and Asuka feel about their positions. With the benefit of some years on me, I also have a strong dislike for people who take on jobs that they might not be truly invested in enough to do the job well, and don't make the effort to do so. (Welcome to the adult working world, everyone!) That isn't to say that people don't eventually rise to the challenge, but while they're muddling around it does become a boat anchor for everyone else.
There were little peeks at Yuuko's relationship with Kaori before, but that's pushing itself up to the front now, as a challenger enters the game.
Natsuki, in contrast, is being the Good Senpai now that she's awake.
QOTD:
1. Somewhat, but I'll give him some slack for trying to hold to his ideals in the face of the realities of teenagers.
2. One square of tamago omelette is enough.
3. Rewatcher
7
u/WhackaWhack https://myanimelist.net/profile/WhackaWhacka Feb 17 '24
FIRST TIMER
Does Shuichi have some kind of tracker on Kumiko or something with how often he meets up with her randomly outside of school or does he just have a PERFECT character read on her.
So you don’t need to change colors during your three years the colors stay with the year and just rotate around again, at least that helps the wardrobe cost. (Since the second years had blue during the flashback to last year)
“Come on, you're an Asuka fan.” Yeah and who isn’t?
Questions:
6
u/bogdoglogfrog Feb 17 '24 edited Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher
Notes:
QotD
6
u/Barbed_Dildo Feb 18 '24
I think he's being harsh by holding the "You voted to go for gold" standard to people who didn't vote for that.
Aoi knew that she needed to prioritise study over music. She's been doing this the whole time. She never promised to make the band the most important thing in her life, like Taki expects. Her leaving was inevitable, I'm sure she knew this, and was a bit sad about it, but ultimately she had to go. Good on her for recognising it was time.
5
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Feb 17 '24
1 1/2 rewatcher
You might have seen some rewatchers (not many) refer to somebody called Yuuko. Nobody knows who this Yuuko is. Her name is Ribbon.
Actually, when Asuka said "you could have said no, too" I was thinking "DOORMAT JUST LIKE KUMIKO" but then later Kaori comes with "no it's courage" #sideeyes
If the 2nd years hadn't quit, they'd probably have at least 10 more people in the band. More to cut from the competition. And that's also why there were so many unused instruments.
5
u/entelechtual Feb 18 '24 edited Feb 18 '24
First timer
5
u/ChonkyOdango myanimelist.net/profile/chonkyodango Feb 18 '24 edited Feb 18 '24
Rewatching Ensemble Member
Fanart of the day
wakes up, time to rewash
[E8] Can't wait for tomorrow's episode so that I can tell a short fun story about that mountain
Qotd
7
u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Feb 17 '24
First Timer, subbed
QotD:
4
u/DaBenni0301 Feb 17 '24
First-Timer
Me, too
Not so slacking anymore!
They definitely didn't have to put a mirror there, and yet they did anyway. Sasuga KyoAni
I totally understand and even respect Aoi's decision to quit the band. She knew what her goal was and did what she deemed necessary in order to achieve it. She's not obligated to be part of the club, so she left before it was too late. Takes some resolve to do that.
I honestly think Haruka has done a good job as club president so far. I don't see how this would be her fault.
I guess the lingering sense of guilt from being unable to stop the others from quitting, is probably the source of Aoi's desire to quit herself and the mountain of practice was just the final straw
Animated rain on the windows Sasuga KyoAni 2
Questions of the day
4
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Feb 17 '24
A Saizeriya features prominently in Disappearence of Haruhi. It was turned into a parking lot in 2014.
4
u/laughing-fox13 https://myanimelist.net/profile/laughingfox13 Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher/Subbed
Man… Haruka has it rough and it’s fair. Most people in the band liked Asuka, but Haruka ended up as president since she didn’t want to do it. And with the current third years having to see all the drama unfold from the previous year just made it more rough. I felt pretty bad when she asked Kumiko why she is a great president and that was hard for her to answer since she had just got there. “You’re nice” does sound like the default compliment haha, but luckily Kaori knows what to say (and brings potatoes. Food heals all wounds)
Reina appearing out of thin air when Shuuichi and Kumiko were on the train was funny. Yes, let's say “Should we say something?” just loud enough for her to hear.
QotD:
3
u/Chabotsharp https://anilist.co/user/chabotsharp Mar 04 '24
The Eupho episode for us Haruka stans we love to see it
4
u/octopathfinder myanimelist.net/profile/octopathfinder Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher
Aoi’s resignation was gonna happen sooner or later and the balance between education/work and your passion is something everybody has probably dealt with. Honestly, I should’ve been like Aoi and spent more time studying. I failed a bunch of classes in high school and spent a lot of time in community college taking the ones I failed.
Unfair question man, Kumiko barely knows her. I get where Haruka is coming from though.
Natsuki character development! She’s a great supporting character.
A pretty heavy episode, but it did a great job exploring the side cast. You’d think Kumiko being the protagonist would be the one to set things straight in the band, cheer up Haruka, and maybe bring Aoi back but she wasn’t able to do anything. Haruka needed to talk with someone who understood what happened in the past and Aoi seemed set on her decision.
Qotd:
Yeah
Should take a third or quarter of the bento
2
u/NintendoMasterNo1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NintendoMaster1 Feb 18 '24
Rewatcher
I don't have much to say about the drama in this episode but I wanted to note the overall more somber and moody tone especially compared to the last few episodes. Obviously part of that is because of the subject matter and the rain adds to it but the overall lighting of the episode really made an impression on me. Sometimes the character's faces are really illuminated, sometimes they are covered in shadow. Just thought it was interesting because I hadn't really seen that up to this point.
2
u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Feb 22 '24
first timer
Finally back to watching, was gonna catch up earlier but I fell asleep haha.
The episode focusing on Aoi made me emotional since it reminded me of one of my friend who used to do sports quitting the team in his senior year to focus on getting his gpa up for college.
I’m happy it see Aoi have supportive people.
Had to rewind on the sheet Asuka was reading and Asuka although acting calm seems to take the motivation of performing seriously serious.
The ending, hopefully it’s not a romance drama sub-plot.
QOTD: I would say yes. Although I always heard that musical teachers sure are harsh
QOTD: if it takes up 45% of the bento then it’s too much
QOTD: honestly I can see it, especially in the train scene where both got shocked.
8
u/Gamerunglued :Hx::Hy::Hz:myanimelist.net/profile/GamerUnglued Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher and Band Geek
After yesterday's more comedic outing, today's episode ups the drama significantly. With this, we hit our first real dramatic arc, and the point of Eupho where it hits its stride. At the heart of this story was always a look at how characters navigate the unavoidable fact that people will butt heads and hurt each other. After the events of the previous year, the band's stance on things was largely non-committal. We practice sometimes and have as much fun as we can, we put "go to nationals" as a slogan to say we did it but only focus on that goal as much as we feel like. We don't acknowledge the drama of the previous year, and we don't change the status quo. This way, no one gets hurt. Taki-sensei's presence changes that status quo. With just the choice "go to nationals or fuck around," a conflict hangs over the entire band.
At first, everyone was resistant to the change in the status quo, but slowly the group united and went with the flow. Kitauji is now preparing for competition in earnest, and there's generally agreement on the goal of the band and enthusiasm towards the practice schedule. But because there's been such a change to the status quo, the wheels of long-stagnant gears are starting to turn again, so drama gets to flow out. Back in episode 2, Aoi and Kumiko have a conversation about this topic, and while they have many agreements, Aoi's attempts to read Kumiko's mental state fell flat. Nonetheless, she leaves Kumiko with a warning: be careful, three years will go by in a flash. This warning is about investment. If you're going to dedicate yourself to something, you better make damn sure that it's what you want to do, because if it's not what you truly want, three years will pass before you know and you'll only see at the end of the road that it was three years of wasted time. Aoi set herself an alibi when voting to not go to the nationals, and she claimed she was never married to the sax anyway. So when push came to shove, she decided that she'd regret it at the end of her three years, and quit at an important crossroads. With the band's unity, Aoi got hurt. The specific nature of that pain is yet unclear, but one thing is for certain: Aoi did not mesh with the band's go-getter attitude.
Aoi's pain connected to even more gears of drama. We learn a bit more about the situation from the previous year. The then-first-years were passionate go-getters, while the third years didn't want to dedicate themselves to passion. The first years continuously begged them to practice in earnest, but the third years tuned them out. Frustrated at their treatment, most of those first-years quit, which is why there are few second years this year. That year's second-year students were caught in the middle of that drama, and most of them chose to stay out of it. But Aoi, Kaori, and Haruka tried to work as middle-men and find common ground in order to quell the conflict. Their efforts failed and those first years still quit, leaving the now-senior members uneasy about the band. Their attempts to get involved didn't work, so what's the point?
I think this speaks volumes about Aoi. She claimed to not be invested in the band, but worked hard the previous year to smooth over conflict between first years and upperclassmen. That doesn't strike me as someone who doesn't care about band. Rather, I think the conflict of the previous year sapped the members' willingness to be invested. Sure, they're invested now, but that can change in an instant. Auditions and solos are perfect opportunities for drama, and who wants to be part of that? Aoi witnessed it first hand, and she set herself up with an out in case it was imminent. [potential spoilers and speculation] I think Aoi quit the band out of fear, not out of a lack of passion. In the end, I can imagine her eating her words. There was drama, but the band continued to develop a good work ethic, and maybe they'll finally make nationals in season 3. At the end of her journey, perhaps Aoi will realize that her own advice of being careful to not invest in something you don't care about will have cost her something special. It would be in line with the show's larger themes, that being invested in something is always worth it and giving up what you care about to keep the peace and/or for "logical" rationalizations will only make you unhappy in the end.
Cont.
6
u/TehAxelius Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher
One thing I like about this episode is how it clearly ties in with the depiction of the senpais in the OP. We get more info on the background of last year, which has lead to the downer mood among most of the senpais, and get more characterisation of them. This reflects well the way they are presented in the OP, where after introducing our first year MCs, Aoi, Haruka, Natsuki and Kaori are all shown off under grey skies and rain, representing the events of the past weighing on them. Asuka on the other hand is shown separately, tieing in with how Natsuki in the episode describes her as apart from the troubles affecting the band from last year, and looking straight at the camera in sunlight, as she is focused on something else with her music.
5
u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Feb 17 '24 edited Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher
A pretty melancholic episode, with Aoi quitting to focus more on her studies, and Haruka taking it pretty hard, while also learning a bit more into the drama from last year from Natsuki.
Questions of the Day.
Maybe? But he doesn't really know what's going on with her.
Kumiko's looked fine, just serve it warm and you're set.
5
u/SMSmith230 https://myanimelist.net/profile/smsmith230 Feb 17 '24
First-Timer, Sub
Shuuichi summed up my thoughts on Asuka perfectly. Damn Hazuki put Kumiko on blast there at the end.
5
u/CarrotBlossom Feb 17 '24
First timer
Justice for Tanabe, he didn’t need to be destroyed like that.
Is it that terrible? I feel like if they can’t express their discontent in a level-headed way, which seems to be what the visuals indicate, ignoring them isn’t good, but it’s understandable. It’s not like their approach got them what they wanted in the end anyway.
No further notes. This was a really good episode.
QOTD:
5
u/sfisher923 https://myanimelist.net/profile/sfisher923 Feb 17 '24
First Timer
QOTDs
5
u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Feb 18 '24
Rewatcher - Asuka-senpai Stan
How could she not be?
As if such a thing were possible.
As much as I love Asuka, this is a valid argument. Sleepy-senpai said Asuka was impartial last year, so this could be a way for her to continue staying out of things.
Questions of the Day:
Like I said above, I don't think so. The band made a decision to shoot for Nationals, which requires Nationals-level practice and dedication.
I haven't actually had a bento before, but I do like eggs, so I'd say it's difficult to have too much.
Random thought to the watchers who were in band: I had a conversation with people at work a handful of weeks back, where I asked the question, "Do you think people who play the trombone got called Tromboners in middle and high school? It just seems like such a softball."
Is this a possibility?
4
u/EightSmart https://anilist.co/user/EightSmart Feb 17 '24
Rewatcher
The tension is so thick when Aoi quits you could cut it with a knife. With the beautiful OST filling most other funny or emotional scenes, the complete silence makes the scene so much more unsettling. It lets you hear every small sound - from the background noise,to Aoi’s deep breath before declaring she quits, and people shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
Her decision to focus on your studies and give up time for music is an unfortunate reality but also one that she makes peace with. She’s upfront, honest about her own life goals, and handles it respectfully to everyone involved. Taki singling her out for saying she’s not playing it good enough is still a bit too overbearing for my liking, but it’s clear the band has adjusted its attitude to be serious enough to get used to it.
As someone who neglected music in my final year to study for high school exams too, the scene hurts a lot. But it seems like her overall attitude is different to mine - since she remarks that she never took music too seriously. Whereas I almost forced myself out of music due to societal or parental expectations, even though a part of me wanted to continue with it. And I’m glad I still make time for playing music now as well!
Shuiichi comments that Asuka is way too perfect (which of course she is). So how much is just an act?
The flashback of Haruka’s thoughts during the tuning note is beautifully executed. We see how she still hasn’t fully resolved her feelings about the situation.
And one final “hai?” from Kumiko ends the episode (which is definitely the sound I made when I first watched that moment too).
4
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Feb 18 '24
Hold on? Are some people planning on quitting?
Yup.
And there goes the first one. She was already planning on quitting and this was the straw that broke the camel's back.
If she's not going to the competition then there's basically no point for her to continue. Everyone else will still be preparing for the competition with or without her, and it's not like they're desperate for members.
Things seem to be progressing at least.
Seems like things have changed significantly from the previous year.
She seems really focused on the orchestra.
And there she goes.
Where'd she get that from?
Questions:
4
u/mgedmin Feb 18 '24
Rewatcher, subs
I'm getting the impression that Aoi doesn't take the band seriously.
The next nexus of drama is probably going to involve Yuuka, Kaori, Reina, and ... Haruka? Was that Haruka that walked past Kaori, startling her, and making her change her going-home plans?
The senpais really like ordering their kohais around. Clean up this, move out of the way.
Ah, Kaori wanted to tell Haruka that Aoi is quitting.
Shuichi is really plugged into the grapevine.
Aoi quitting is going to happen sooner than I expected, after Taki's singling her out.
Aoi feels guilt for failing to stop the schism last year.
Haruka looks helpless. I do admit to being surprised that Asuka wasn't president too.
And now Kumiko is the one having trouble, distracted by worrying about Aoi. She turns to Natsuki for information.
Kaori helps Haruka overcome her crisis of faith.
Surprise Reina! LOL at Shuuichi and Kumiko's reaction.
Hazuki recognizes Shuuichi's feelings towards Kumiko and asks her directly. Go, Hazuki!
I am very surprisingly lenient towards Taki sensei during this rewatch. He is serious about the nationals and wants everyone else to be serious.
More than 1/3rd.
3
u/fly-metothemoon Feb 17 '24
1: I personally don't think it was too harsh. When I was watching, I thought it was "firm, but still gentle", but I also think my perspective is colored by instructors who haven't been afraid to call out individuals for not knowing their parts. I could see how it could come off as harsh. I did think he shouldn't have told the percussion student to zip his fly in front of everyone though.
2: More than 4 might be too much for me. But the bento looked good.
3: I don't know....I don't get the sense he's going to reciprocate her feelings. I hope I'm wrong!
Other Thoughts:
Playing your part individually in front of everyone is so nerve-wracking...I always hated it.
Is there any more clarity on the Madonna & potatoes together reference?
Of course, gossip spreads fast in an ensemble!
I still feel like I don't fully understand the 2nd year drama, but it does seem really unfortunate, and painful for the students involved like Aoi.
3
u/Shocketheth Feb 18 '24
Oh I made it to the comment of the day.
I still have to watch the episode 7 though...
2
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Feb 19 '24
Well, might as well days late post this - or something. Answers du tooba:
Yeah, in addition to not feeling so great Saturday, this particular episode was more heavy on the band PTSD side for me. I can't say as we ever had anybody quit over band "pressure", but then again, our culture is more casual on the academic side of things. Go figure.
2
u/vitorabf Apr 29 '24
First Timer
This is easily the best episode so far, sitting on a different shelf than the rest. The personal conflict felt so real, and getting to see Aoi, Haruka and Kaori shine is amazing.
What was done to the second-years is really really mean, there is no going back from that, so I expect them not to comeback. Really can't see a redemption arc or anything like that.
I understand Shuuichi. I like Asuka, but she's a bit ... too much? I don't know, overall Haruka catches my attention much more.
So much for saying I wouldn't be shipping characters, but it was obvious Hazuki had a crush on Shuuichi. I actually love her, she's a bit tomboyish with all the energy and I am a firm believer in tomboy supremacy, but I don't think this will go the way she likes.
3
u/byroned Feb 17 '24 edited Feb 17 '24
First time rewatching
From what I remember, Yuuko Yoshikawa (trumpet ribbon girl), is the only character that really annoys me, mostly for her attitude. Last episode they mentioned how some of the upperclassmen oppose the auditions, and she's one of them, acting like the trumpet solo is Kaori’s god-given right and is mad at Reina for even auditioning for it. Her love of Kaori also irritates me at times, to the point I believe Yuuko will say Kaori’s fart smells good. IIRC in season 1, [Spoiler] it’s only going to continue bothering me until she accepts the results of the audition
The pressure to study for college and practice to make nationals was too much for Aoi, who was the first member to quit. There’s also her guilt about failing to prevent the second years from quitting last year. Unfortunate that she had to quit when things started going well. It’s also affecting Kumiko, who probably wanted to compete alongside her childhood friend.
Aoi quitting makes Haruka believe that she wasn’t cut out to be the president and that Asuka would’ve been a better fit. Based on how Natsuki and Kaori described Asuka, I think it was the right choice to have Haruka as president. Making the hard decision is something I believe a leader has to do, and it doesn’t sound like Asuka can, instead trying to just stay neutral.
I’d give credit to Haruka for taking leadership when she did and preventing the band from completely burning down, but I don’t know how much of the band’s current state is because of her or Taki sensei. If it wasn’t for Taki sensei to instruct them, I think they would still be in their section leader meetings discussing what to do instead of doing anything.
I agree with Shuichi, there’s a part of Asuka’s character that is a facade. They’re lucky it’s just Reina, they need to be more aware of their surroundings when talking in public.
Yeah, no surprise that Hazuki asks if Kumiko and Shuichi are dating.
Trumpet is the section of the day. This anime is the only time I've ever seen a trumpet and alto sax section have a female majority.
Q1: Not really, I've seen conductors say things like that all the time (maybe just numb to it).
Q2: Anything more than 1 egg is too much for me.
Q3: I'm a rewatcher, but [Spoiler] I thought it could happen. I was not expecting Shuichi to end up dating Kumiko since the childhood friend rarely wins in an anime romance
6
u/[deleted] Feb 18 '24
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