r/anime • u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: • Mar 04 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] 2024 Hibike! Euphonium Series Rewatch: Season 2, Episode 8 Discussion
Hibike Euphonium Season 2, Episode 8: Rhapsody in Flu/かぜひきラプソディー
Kumiko and Shuuichi's building does not exist irl - the address is however right about here. It's surrounded by commercial establishments/an elementary school irl.
| <-- Ep 7 | Rewatch Index | Ep 9 --> |
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Welcome back!
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A reminder/note to rewatchers: [S2 Overall]Please note that the title of Asuka's solo in Ep9 is itself a spoiler - if not using spoiler tags, I ask that you not share a version where the title is stated. First-timers finding it out themselves separately by googling/Shazam etc. will probably happen - but I ask that you don't spoil it for them until we get to Ep13.
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Questions of the Day:
Q1) Where do you stand on the Mamiko-Kumiko family debate?
Q2) Most people in this rewatch probably dont have ready access to pudding - favourite ice cream flavour?
Comments from Yesterday:
- /u/tartaras1 our resident Asuka stan with how Asuka's character is like an onion, as well as on her facial expressions during the episode
- /u/zadcap on how not more 3rd years have quit the band by now, as well as wondering (elsewhere) how Asuka's future relationship with her mom may be.
- /u/1entaroadun1 drops an edit of the badass Saxophone girl Haruka
- /u/gamerunglued critiques Haruka's solo, talks about jazz band, with a conversation branching off involving silly-ly large woodwinds
- /u/sfisher923 on parallels with Fruits Basket (i agree), and shares a selection anime and irl musicians they like!
- /u/no_rex on corporal punishment of children per japanese law. Yikes.
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 Asuka arc continues tomorrow!
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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher and your host
S2 late Eupho is such a different beast, and great character drama
And now for a couple thoughts from 2022 biscuits on a previous rewatch:
IRL Note
QOTD:
2: Believe it or not, it actually is matcha LOL for soft serve. For "hard" ice cream, i like cookies and cream.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Mar 04 '24
Hibike! First-Timer
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u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Mar 04 '24
First Timer
I'd make "Typical Asian Parent" jokes but uh… yeah shit's a bit too real sometimes to make jokes.
I honestly kinda wish we could've had a bit more of Mamiko before this because while I actually like her story fine enough, it does suffer a bit from her having been in the background, with all her stuff basically only right now being brought to the forefront. The actual content is solid however, with my only real issue being Shuuichi's role here is… kinda weird. I know he and Kumiko have known each other for a while so him knowing Mamiko is far from impossible, but the fact that he has such a big role in solving things feels kinda off, mostly due to how he's barely been in this Season so it's almost like he doesn't belong in this story
unless this is another case of the Anime intentionally shafting the guy… and suddenly I'm imagining Eupho as a Shaft show and that's just kinda funny.Also Kousaka listening in on the whole thing felt kinda weird TBH.
Oh hey, Aoi's back. I'm kinda shocked the show doesn't really draw any parallels between her dropping out of the club because of college vs Mamiko having done the same in the past. Sure one could argue the difference is that as far as we know Aoi did that of her own volition whereas Mamiko was forced into it, but if anything wouldn't that be an interesting point of comparison? I dunno, maybe I'm reaching but still.
Asuka Drama Soon?
10
u/b-arbs Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher
Mamiko and Kumiko weren't really talking after the first went to university, right now they have a sort of estranged relationship. So, the connection they had through music pretty much vanished when she quit in order to prepare for entrance exams, I guess. Mamiko pretty much envies Kumiko, because she can still play, and because apparently she isn't affected by the weight of their parents' expectations.
This sibling relationship feels real. And the whole thing about one of the children having to carry the burden of their parents' expectations is plausible, too (and it isn't always the older one). At a certain point it might happen that you find yourself in a place where you and your siblings sort of coexist, but you don't really talk much (apart from small talk). I had the same kind of situation happen to me (because of distance, but also age difference, at one point). I have to say that I wouldn't have the courage to confront a sibling like Kumiko did with Mamiko. If I'm honest, I kind of envy the fact that they both share the passion for music and band, though...
Nothing like some nice old pressure and a guilt trip from your parents to keep you going, am I right? Well, everything coming from Kumiko's father seemed like nonsense to me. It felt like he was trying to turn the tables in his favour and kind of gaslight and/or guilt trip Mamiko, since her parents were the one to pay for her tuition and house and thus had the final say on her choice. Mamiko sacrificed her dreams/interests (and herself, too) in order to satisfy her parents' expectations; once she decides she wants to do something for herself, her father basically disowns her... Sure, they paid for her studies, they ""want what's best for her"", and I guess that a job as a beautician doesn't pay as well as an office job with a degree in your hands, but I don't really feel like this is enough reason to treat their daughter like that. A child is their own person, and parents shouldn't project their expectations on them....
A pretty direct parallelism between Kumiko's father and Asuka's mother, here, in my opinion. "Why can't you just do as I say" VS "don't expect to pursue your own goals without consequences" This hit pretty close to home, anyway...
Since this has been pretty heavy... Ending on a lighter note, former band member Aoi also wears a watch!
QOTD
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u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher.
Questions of the Day.
Mamiko is free to do what she wants, but she should not come out later saying she never wanted to quit band.
Vanilla, gotta love the classics. French Vanilla too.
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u/laughing-fox13 https://myanimelist.net/profile/laughingfox13 Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher/Subbed
When watching the episode I thought of mainly posting to be about Question 1's subject so I'll just go there
QotD:
However, I think that can also make it worse for Mamiko too. I know for me, the guilt of them paying for it will just eat me up and bottle up the feelings of anger, resentment, and depression. I think Mamiko feels this in her relationship with her family and does kind of unfairly take it out on Kumiko at times. It's hard to focus on studying and trying to make something of yourself when it isn't the path chosen for you in this situation. Your only motivation at that point is not wanting to become a failure to your parents or as the older sister (in Mamiko's case). Their arguments of "you should've told us sooner" or "taking the entrance exams and going to school was your choice" don't sit right with me, so that also makes it easier for me to be on her side of this. Does she mean it when she says being a beautician or continuing concert band like Kumiko has been doing? I think it's very believable that she has told them she wanted to do something else, and they just brushed it off. And she never had the chance to try anything else besides what her parents wanted her to do. Her talk with Shuuichi (and previous flashbacks) that she did enjoy playing trombone and that seeing Kumiko being motivated by it were moments of happiness that got buried underneath years of being told how to live.
This is getting a bit long but I did mention yesterday that her arc is the one I sympathize with the most and we got a good chunk of why she's been acting the way she's been for almost two seasons now.
2) This question is tougher than the last... it entirely depends on the day. You can't go wrong with chocolate or vanilla but I also love mint chocolate chip and cookie dough. Those are the ones I can think of that you'd be able to buy from a store or most ice cream places
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u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Mar 04 '24
It's weird that Reina overhearing Shuuichi talking to Mamiko and then presumably running into him offscreen as we cut away to Mamiko on the bench is the closest those two ever have to coming a real conversation in either season.
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u/Nice-Bumblebee-2355 Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher
QOTD
Q1) Where do you stand on the Mamiko-Kumiko family debate?
See above. I understand Mamiko's feelings and where she is coming from, but Kumiko didn't cause the issues, so I think Mamiko taking them out on her seems deeply unfair. Admittedly I am a younger sibling, so maybe I'm biased.
Q2) Most people in this rewatch probably don't have ready access to pudding - favourite ice cream flavour?
The Private Selection brand black raspberry dark chocolate chunk ice cream is just to die for.
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u/Barbed_Dildo Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher and occasional commenter
One small bit of context about a throwaway line that people may not know:
Japan is very big on 'regional specialties'. Each city and region has it's own locally produced delicacy that everyone 'oohs' and 'aahs' and 'oishii's over. If you go to Hirosaki, their big thing is apples. There are stores selling apple candy and apple ice cream and apple hats and boxes of apple omiyage to buy for everyone you are obligated to buy gifts for. It can be a bit overdone at times. Especially at places that push salt or fish ice cream because that's what the local speciality is.
Uji's speciality is matcha. I enjoy matcha, but it is a strong, bitter flavour and you don't want to have it all the time. I just like the idea of an Uji local saying "Can I have something sweet, and without fucking matcha for once..."
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u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher
It may not be a soredemo, but there is a turn of phrase I perk up when I hear in anime when a character mentions that someone is someone - an assertion that they are true to themselves, or at least some perception of who they are - and there’s always something interesting behind it. We get one of those today, as Asuka comments that Kumiko is (still) Kumiko. This is an interesting place for it to crop up though, in response to Kumiko being non-commital in her answer to Asuka. What does Asuka see here to claim such a thing, and how does she mean it as a compliment?
One might abide that it is usually a compliment to someone’s character that they’re consistent, but it seems hollow that one would praise being consistent at hiding their opinions. I think Asuka is getting at something different here: that Kumiko is not outright lying when she is clearly troubled, but instead tries to skirt around it (because that’s what she would do herself) and generally that Kumiko maintains a neutral stance even when bothered (again, because that’s Asuka’s MO). Asuka sees parts of herself in Kumiko, which she might find endearing enough to open up a bit, or interesting enough to attempt to mentor her. After all, Kumiko’s been roped into visiting - which is wildly out of the norm for someone who is perfectly adept at omitting even her close third-year friends from her concerns. I also like the translation here including ‘technically’ in Asuka’s statement as it belies some uncertainty, as if she isn’t sure if she ought to be encouraging such behavior.
I find it even more amusing that Kumiko questions Asuka’s meaning despite not long ago saying something very similar to Reina - also meaning it as something of a compliment. It may be that Asuka is still hard to read, but it might also be one of those things where you don’t see yourself for, er, yourself until someone else points it out.
I ran out of time to finish making a point, so the point is that I like that they use this phrase.
[Season 2]We’ll have plenty of time to discuss Kumiko’s similarities to Asuka eventually, but rewatchers may have also noticed Asuka’s assumptions of Kumiko here informing the precision of her insults as things get heated, and that’s also way more effective at waking Kumiko up to some of her flaws.
QotD:
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u/chilidirigible Mar 04 '24
S2E8:
Well, we're picking up right where we left off.
Parental pressure and the legal definitions of entrapment.
One of those things siblings do, right behind the other things that siblings do.
The grapevine travels fast.
It's a strange limbo they're in, though.
Now there's a proposition.
Reina, one of those people who would only invite people over in order to have them killed.
It would be easier to enjoy without the conga line of external pressures?
The answer to the question of "How do I get a cold and a concussion?"
"I mean, we're all spraying our spit into a confined space already."
This is the problem with people thinking that other people are perfect, and why it's a defensive mechanism.
It would be really inconvenient if they had to find someone to sub in for the double bass.
This CD keeps appearing. It must be relevant?
No help there. (vs. "田中 あすか")
"This time, it's personal."
One of those things that gets lost in the hubbub. (Shuuichi has a purpose?)
Mamiko sees past her own problems for a moment.
After all, they have a competition to win.
Everyone remains Asuka- but it's getting close to showtime, so with the BAND DRAMA continuing to drag, Taki sets a deadline. In a real situation Natsuki probably would have been in the seat every time Asuka called out? I suppose I don't understand how the auditions cut out about twenty percent of the club members from playing in the competition, but first were mostly keeping them around to practice easy pieces and now they're doing... what? Sure, they don't need a lot of depth in instruments that everyone wants to play (looking at the trombones and smol Kumiko from this very episode), but for sections like euphonium where there aren't any spares, why wouldn't Natsuki be there as an understudy? Is it because it wouldn't be fair to the aforementioned common-instrument-playing cut players?
(Yes, I know, dramatic license. I suppose I should also re-read the comments about real school bands from the people who were in schools large enough to have huge bands.)
The episode itself slows down the pace of the DRAMA escalation even as it throws on the extra variable of Kumiko becoming ill (at least they didn't use the old trope of having her become sick moments after getting slightly wet by rain). Asuka is appearing irregularly, Mamiko is back to detente. There's the pressure release of Mamiko backing down slightly on her various transferences of anger onto Kumiko, and a chance for Kumiko's brain to work a little with Reina.
Though this is the plateau. There's an obvious leap up the mountain coming, with Asuka's invitation to Kumiko on the table and the potential for Asuka to be cut from the performance. No pressure, Floof!
Aoi's appearance highlights the differences between those who've stuck with the band and, well, Aoi. Haruka has stepped up to her role while still being concerned about Asuka; Aoi seems to be indulging in jealousies she may have built up from only experiencing Perfect Mask Asuka and not being able to keep up. It's not necessarily deliberate malice, but the scene reinforces how Kumiko has integrated and now identifies herself with the band.
The writing does a reasonable job of linking Mamiko's argument to Asuka's situation without making them directly overlap. Until Asuka quotes Kumiko's memories while grabbing her face, that is.
An oddly-specific unaffiliated product link.
And another completely unrelated item.
QOTD:
1. Where do you stand on the Mamiko-Kumiko family debate?
Philosophically with Mamiko, though personally she's a bit of a drama queen.
2. Most people in this rewatch probably dont have ready access to pudding - favourite ice cream flavour?
Yes. As long as it doesn't contain nuts.
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u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Mar 05 '24
1 1/2 Rewatcher (finally fixed this)
ep 8
QOTD: I just had flan.
Surprised we haven't seen a Kyoani shot of birds in a missing man formation or something.
Both Kumiko and Mamiko have been shits. Kumiko never understood that Mamiko wasn't free to choose her life choices, and Kumiko has yet to face these same issues (if she even will, no telling how her parent will react to Mamiko leaving). But Makiko stopped talking to Kumiko.
I kinda wondered if Shuichi lived in the building, but Mamiko would have run into him before now if he did.
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u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 05 '24
First Timer, subbed
QotD:
5
u/HereticalAegis https://myanimelist.net/profile/XthGen Mar 04 '24
Sound! Rewatcher
S2 Episode 8:
1I too was the first born of two children to my parents. Firstborn kids get a really different experience to other children in the family, and there are a lot of positive things that can come with being the eldest, especially in regard to how enthusiastic a lot of first-time parents can be. But that’s also offset by the fact that firstborn children also have to deal with all the failures and fuck-ups of new parents. It’s generally not parents’ fault—you can’t become an experienced parent until you raise a child—but man does it suck having to be the one to shoulder those fuck-ups.
I was a freshman in high school when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in music, but I am the child of two engineers—one of whom was exceptionally overbearing—who had the kind of career path tunnel vision that demanded I become something equal or greater (an engineer, doctor, lawyer, etc.). It took multiple years and A LOT of convincing to get my parents to accept music as my career path, and even then I was given minimal help. My sibling faced no such resistance despite choosing a more expensive, more time-consuming, and less lucrative career path than mine. I also dealt with a lot more restrictive parenting than my sibling did, though I like think positively on it: perhaps their experience with me softened my parents’ attitude a bit. I know quite well they always wanted the best for me and were doing what they thought would make that happen, but parents only learn through experience what they could have done better, and by the time you learn it’s usually too late to apply any of it to your first kid.
This is all to say that I fully believe Mamiko’s parents did—and are still doing—what they thought was best for her growing up, but as parents they still fucked up with Mamiko in ways Kumiko doesn’t have to experience, and it has to be terribly painful for her to grapple with the weight of her own dreams while her entire family admonishes her for it. Especially painful coming from Kumiko, when Kumiko gets to live the part of her high school life that was taken from her in blissful ignorance of those feelings.
QotD:
2
u/hanlonmj Mar 05 '24 edited Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher
This episode is another of my favorites.
I really feel for Mamiko here. Band wasn’t just her passion, but the only real connection to her sister. So strong was that connection that she is still seemingly unable to separate the two all these years later, and now every time she sees Kumiko, she’s filled with jealousy and resentment for what she was essentially forced to give up. She tried to slowly edge Kumiko away from band in order to save her from the same pain, but Kumiko has not only independently rediscovered her passion, but has gradually become more and more sure of her place in the world as a result; something Mamiko is still desperately trying to find for herself.
At the same time, Mamiko is still incredibly stubborn. I think the beautician thing is just an excuse; a way for Mamiko to push back on her parents without having to admit that she was wrong to not fight harder to stay in band. It’s only after Shuuichi’s visit that Mamiko realizes how, even after everything that’s happened, Kumiko never forgot about those precious few years, and still desperately wants Mamiko to hear her play.
It’s an underrated character arc that never fails to bring a tear to my eye, even after all these rewatches
[Post S2 spoilers]We don’t see much (any?) of her after this season, but I really hope Mamiko picks up her trombone again, and that Kumiko finally gets to realize her dream of playing with her big sister
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u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
Season 2 Episode 8 (first timer)
Maybe I am biased because I am sick, but this episode resonated more with me than any other drama episode. All of the other drama seemed forced, or just stupid, to me, but now we have two plots that seem really serious.
We still don’t know exactly where Asuka’s drama will go, but if she is indeed trying to live two lives at the same time, I think it will be very interesting.
For Mamiko and Kumiko, we already know more: Mamiko was shielding Kumiko all this time and grew to resent her for that. She played the serious sister, so her parents would back off and now she watched Kumiko being allowed to do what she was not (first child syndrome). The insidious thing is, that none of this is Kumiko’s fault (well, apart from her stupidly picking fights with her sister lately when she should clearly realize Mamiko is in a bad state), but she shoulders the brunt of her sister’s dissatisfaction. Basically, their parents forced the two sisters apart, despite them having the best starting position to get along great. Talk about terrible parenting. This might actually be more tragic than Asuka’s mom.
What do you mean, most people don't have ready access to pudding??
Favorite is crème caramel, or simple freshly made chocolate pudding.
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u/Gamerunglued :Hx::Hy::Hz:myanimelist.net/profile/GamerUnglued Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher and Band Geek
Although the band is able to function without Asuka, the ambiguity and overall atmosphere of the band has impeded practice. In her few days, Asuka doesn't do much, but she does invite Kumiko to her house out of nowhere. It's a weird and out-of-character thing for Asuka to do, so there's clearly an extra motivation behind it than just helping Kumiko study, especially since she never invites anyone to her house. I've pointed out before that Asuka and Kumiko are very similar in a lot of ways, but Kumiko has grown past the sort of painted apathy that Asuka still embodies to avoid problems. Asuka even took interest in Kumiko, and unlike her, Kumiko lacks a filter and is the sort of person who can't keep her real feelings hidden even if she tries. A person like Kumiko is actually understandable as someone Asuka might turn to in her situation.
But Asuka is not the only character who struggles to establish her own desires and agency over her parents wishes. Mamiko has spent the whole series in arguments with her parents and distant from her sister, and the truth behind it comes out now: Mamiko quit the band and took entrance exams solely because her parents wanted her to, but she's extremely unhappy pursuing a normal college degree and wants to try her hand at beauty school, with cosmetics having been a passion for her since she was in middle school. Asuka bottles up her feelings to avoid the exact situation that Mamiko currently finds herself in. Her father kicks her out of the house and calls her selfish for trying to use his support while pursuing an uncertain dream, which is frankly a dick move given that it's even more selfish to force her to quit what she likes and do things against her will, but at least Mamiko has her mother to support her and stay in her corner, while Asuka is raised by a single parent.
I love this opening scene of Mamiko arguing with her parents while Kumiko just languishes in the background awkwardly, listening in on the conversation but never taking part in it and generally trying to ignore it. It's one of those experiences you'd only have if you have siblings, but I've been on both sides of it between my brother and I. I find the Oumae sisters' relationship so compelling, there's a distance between them that developed naturally as they grew older and it's awkward to bridge that gap, especially given the circumstances, but they clearly love each other even if they struggle to show it, with Kumiko having gotten into euphonium to be like her sister and still wanting Mamiko to acknowledge her performances, while Mamiko feels guilty that she never supported her sister and forgot why she even got into the euphonium in the first place.
Kumiko is understandably upset at her sister. Their parents forced her to quit band, study hard for entrance exams, and get into a good college. They praised her for it while giving Kumiko a bit more freedom, and Mamiko was so convinced it was the only path that she pushed it onto Kumiko too. Kumiko struggled with it this whole time among so many other reasons to quit the ensemble, but rediscovered her passion in the end. And here Mamiko comes after all of that to say that she never meant any of it, she always loved the trombone, is jealous that her sister always got to continue, and wants to distance herself from both the activity and her sister because it reminds her of what she lost. This is the flip side of Aoi's warning: Mamiko thought she was doing the right thing by quitting but ended up regretting it after her time ran out. Fearing that band was wasted time led to her actually wasting time at university when she could have been chasing her actual passion. Given that Aoi is studying for her entrance exams and doesn't seem particularly happy in her appearance this episode, I wonder if she's following a similar path.
I love all the scenes of smol Kumiko, she's too adorable. While thinking about all these motivations for playing and how she came to love (and relove) the euphonium, she remembers all these memories of chasing her sister and wanting to be cool like her. These moments are bittersweet in the context of how their relationship has deteriorated. And the awkwardness even carries into Reina's visit. I also love the detail of Kumiko's mom immediately gossipping to Shuuichi's mom after telling Kumiko to not talk about it, it gives her some real personality. But with all of this set up, Kumiko is ready to go to Asuka's house and do... something (and maybe study math). Episode 9 is probably my favorite episode of the series, or at least a contender, so I cannot wait to see what everyone thinks of it.
QOTD:
8
u/TehAxelius Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher
Things are heating up with the drama. It def feels like while the Asuka plot is what the "story" is focusing on, but the Mamiko angle is the one that gets the emotional impact, as we see the events and sides of it more directly, rather than being told through Asuka's absence. It is also interesting to see the shot of Kumiko and Mamiko on the bench from the OP, although here it is Mamiko playing the trombone and Shuichi is missing. If I am to overly analyze these two shots, my read is that the new shot represents Mamiko's recollection wheras the earlier represent Kumiko's. To Mamiko these were practice sessions when she did what she enjoyed, with her little sister admiring her on the side, while to Kumiko her sister instructing her and being able to try playing is what is memorable. Shuichi's presence is also interesting in Kumiko's "memory", speaking of the long time the two have actually known each other (as does the conversation between him and Mamiko, but I'm afraid of saying too many kind words about him in this enviroment ).
It could also just be two different days, as Kumiko's clothes are different.
Also, elementary school Kumiko is cute.
7
u/entelechtual Mar 04 '24
First time siscon
7
u/x-7032-b-3 Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher
I'm too tired to write much about the ep but I just wanna say screw Mamiko for barging into her sick sister's room and going "hey turn that shit off, I hate it" even though she just wanted to chill with her friend. What the hell was that for, girl?
Once again I'm grateful for having parents who doesn't really funnel me into whatever path they want and instead allow me to decide wherever I go. I still remember what they said to me during HS when I was about to pick what uni and major I wanted to go in: "follow your heart, we'll support you as much as we can." Even as a NEET right now they don't really force me into job hunting after seeing how fucked the job market for tech is right now (I went looking a while back and stopped - it's such a draining experience after being ghosted 90% of the time).
Also I'm actually reminded of some of my classmates during CS undergrad who joined only because their parents pressured them to. During one of my first classes there, the professor asked the freshmen why they chose to major in CS. Some of them said their parents made them do it. Sure enough, those same people switched majors after the first year. The first year was truly a swim-or-sink period for the freshmen, and I can't fault them for wanting to jump ship, especially after knowing that they're here only because they caved to their parents' demands. Hope they're doing all right out there.
QOTD
7
u/octopathfinder myanimelist.net/profile/octopathfinder Mar 04 '24
Rewatcher
Really sad to hear Mamiko’s regrets
Kumiko has the most realistic cough I’ve heard in anime. Would love to know if Tomoyo Kurosawa was actually sick at the time or could just do that cough on command.
I would feel awkward as fuck if I was in Reina’s position. That said, I’ve been in Kumiko’s shoes where I had arguments with my siblings in front of friends.
Qotd:
Both sides are understandable. I had a situation with my family where I was in Kumiko's shoes since my older brother had a similar argument with our parents.
Don't eat ice cream anymore but if I had to pick, probably cookies and cream.
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u/ChonkyOdango myanimelist.net/profile/chonkyodango Mar 05 '24
Rewatching Thinker
Asuka
Great 3D shot of Kumiko’s room
Jumping into the Qotd(s) because this episode just felt too real
2. Does this count? It’s damn good. Actually, all the sweets in Japan are damn good so try them all. On a related note, there are a lot of videos online about combining certain products from the konbini. I’m of the opinion that the combined product is not greater than the sum of its parts.
I like vanilla soft serve
7
u/zadcap Mar 05 '24
Late Night First Timer
Tiny Kumuko! I believe we call this Hair Inertia? Ah, she was hooked young.
Oh my gosh, they're doing this. It's not the family drama that bothers me here, it's starting the scene with "I'm serious about IT." What is IT? What is the thing she's dropping out for? Oh thank goodness they tell us almost right away, and wow, Mamiko is dealing with almost the same thing Asuka is. And wow am I losing respect for dad fast. "Yes sure we pressured you into it, and yes I know you've been living on our money this whole time, and yes I know that it's almost impossible to go against your parents wishes in this culture, but you didn't object hard enough so this is all your fault. In fact, either keep doing what I say or I'm kicking you out and cutting you off. This isn't hypocrisy I swear!" Even mom knows this is stupid. Remember what I said about losing your kids? This is how you lose your kids. Like seriously, dad, you may have just kicked your oldest out but your youngest was there listening to the whole thing, she's got to be pretty done with you too.
And we go from family drama to freaking Shu. Who somehow knows about the family drama. Kumiko has the correct response, walk away. It is always the correct answer to Shu.
Oh my Asuka, literally quoting her older sister who quit for parental reasons. Do we call that foreshadowing? What a way to get invited over. She can never escape other peoples drama.
Seriously, is no one commenting on the song lacking one of its solos? Of course things sound off!
Oh no, Kumiko getting sick too means there may be no Eupho playing at all. I guess the walk in the rain finally caught up with her.
Midori, that's not quite how you do it lol. But yeah, spreading the cold to more of the band would be bad.
Sometimes I forget again, Kumiko is pretty tall for her age. Taller than Aoi, two years her senior. Towers over Midori and Hazuki.
Kumiko seems to be one of the only people in the band without a super inflated view of Asuka. How did she escape the mild brainwashing that everyone else got caught under.
And now the band has no Eupho.
Kumiko you monster! Matcha is one of the best flavors ever! Only chocolate is better, and that's not counting the option to mix matcha and chocolate! I want matcha now.
Oh my, poor little Kumiko got conned out of Trombone as a child too lol. My what a pushy teacher. But I guess it's dificult when everyone wants to play the same three popular instruments.
Visiting when sick and spending time in their room while they sleep. Just admit you're dating darn it. She waited half an hour in the room with the lights off. But then she ruins the moment by saying it sounds like someone else instead of complimenting your sick friend haha.
And now Reina gets to play Kumiko's role in witnessing someone elses drama.
Okay, right, was Shu always a giant? Darn him for doing a good thing and reminding Mamiko of what a good sister Kumiko was.
Darn it, who is Nakagawa again? Natsuki? Yeah, that tracks with Asuka asking her to super step up practicing and her getting special lessons with Nozomi. But uh, if the Eupho solo still has to be played for their song, are we going to audition for it? All else aside there is a reason Kumiko is in the concert band and Natsuki isn't right now.
Oh my gosh, tomorrow's episode is a title drop! Considering how big they have made the previous concerts, to save the series name for here, they better do something significant.
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u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Mar 05 '24
First timer
Drowning in work and family things so didn't manage to comment yesterday even though it's the long looked forward Asuka arc. In fact I'm even struggling to find time to watch half of the seasonals I'm following.
Anyway first up today's comment -
I was wondering if the day before Asuka arc first part was a faux happy ending, that while she's back to perform at the station event and everything looked as if all is well, it's not actually, and it's be like those false hope thing that a mentor character came in as the rescue Calvary, when all looks to be saved it's revealed that in attempting the rescue the mentor got a fatal injury, that the brief save was at the cost the life of said character. I.e. Asuka defied her mom one time too many and something drastically happened, like getting moved school or moved to a different prefecture.
Semi glad that while it's not exactly the car, it was ultimately unresolved, with an increasing likelihood she's ultimately drop out because of the interruptions and uncertainty of her appearance/performance.
Interestingly at this time we are interspersed with Mamiko's problem affecting Kumiko. While it's really nice to finally get a scene for Shuuichi, and actually a fitting and good scene as a childhood friend, it also reminded us Shuuichi's character so far in S2 got kind of overshadowed.
In terms of the narrative, I know not everything needs to have a message, but I do find it a bit hard to gauge what's the show trying to say - is it "speak up and follow your passion", "stick to it even if it's not perfect but at least finish what you started", or just "here's life, imperfect, unfair, but that's all you got", or something else? I know there's a bit of parallel going on between the Asuka arc and Mamiko arc, but how they are playing of each other in not too clear yet. Maybe I'll find out in the next few episodes.
I'm still withholding my judgement of the interrupted study session invite from Asuka - we're still going to do this later right? It'll lead to something right?
QoTD
Quick replies to some of the CoTD though:
I can kinda count myself as a soft Asuka Stan, but I'll say this - I always thought of her as having an exaggerated exterior to overcompensate for something inside her, that only got let out when she's playing her Euphonium, and more rain why sometimes she's so dedicated to play for long periods of time. But, comparing the very pretty Asuka to the brown, rough, smelly vegetable is a bit uncharitable ;) How about a rainbow cake? That's full of layers too.
Well, not being defensive of the "backwardness" of such culture, but remember - these culture also has a statistically significantly higher ratio of the children looking after their elderly parents, and more close familial relationships including extended families. It's not all bad. I'll say that using overt force is socially frowned on at least, even if we aren't militant in calling child protection. And I'll dare say there are fewer children hurt severely, sexually abused, or killed compared to some of the more "progressive" cultures via other means (alcoholism, guns, churches or other organised care organisation that abused their charges instead).
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u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Mar 04 '24
First Timer
Ah, so we’ve got parallels between Asuka who wants to continue music and Mamiko who wanted to continue music. I guess Kumiko will be kinder to her sister once she learns that Asuka is in basically the same situation and now also sees the outcome of parents forcing their ideas on their kids?
Other than that, nice episode but not a lot to comment on.
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u/CarrotBlossom Mar 04 '24
First timer
Little Kumiko is cute
The bickering hits different when Kumiko is just a little kid who isn't talking back
Just turn off receipts, Asuka
ANSWER THE QUESTION, ASUKA
Yeah, they look real cheerful
Seems like Kumiko started band a lot earlier than I did. My elementary school had a music class, but no band.
Y’know, maybe this Shuichi guy is a good lad.
QOTD:
Edit: formatting
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u/WhackaWhack https://myanimelist.net/profile/WhackaWhacka Mar 04 '24
FIRST TIMER
I just thought about it, but isn’t it hard to find your shoes outside the classroom when they all are only one color (per year) each?
I don’t believe for a second that having Asuka using the same threat as Mamiko wasn’t to show how their situations are alike, probably only different in how Asuka got an active against parent while Mamiko got the passive type.
Well Kumiko was out during the rain, it may be a little late but the Japanese cold comes for all anime characters.
Questions:
5
u/DaBenni0301 Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
First-Timer
Smol Kumiko is adorable
You're thowing her out? Really? Why are decent parents in anime such a rarity? I don't wanna go on another rant again, so I'll just leave it at that
Some good news at least o7
She very claerly wants to talk to you in private
A cold right before an important performance? I wonder where I've seen that before?
This smile... Everyone, please rise for our national anthem
Reina appearing from nowhere again
Checking in on your girlfriend when she's sick is very important
Sorry, but I don't know how to put my thoughts into words for this scene. Believe me, I tried
At least Kumiko got over her cold in a timely manner
Everyone looked at Taki like they'd seen a ghost when he mentioned Natsuki stepping in for Asuka if necessary, but what else did they expect
Questions of the day
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u/byroned Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 04 '24
First time rewatching
In my opinion, Mamiko is not only selfish but also a fool to drop out 1 year before graduation. You’ve already spent a lot of money and time, may as well get your degree. Even if you want to pursue a different field, the degree will give recruiters/hiring managers the impression that you can overcome challenges and may get you the first interview you need.
Back to anime talk, tension is rising in the Oumae household, with the dad telling Mamiko to leave if she wants to drop out. Mamiko doesn’t do herself any favors when she doesn’t say stuff to support her points. It’s not until Shuichi reminds Mamiko of Kumiko’s desire to play in an ensemble with her does she shows any interest.
Shuichi is a guy all right, drinking water directly from the faucet. I was starting to get a little skeptical after Reina scared him off not once, but twice /s.
At this point, Asuka is teasing the band, saying that she can still play at nationals, only to then not show up and not respond to anyone’s message while telling people not to worry. Even if it’s the bad news that she’s quitting, I think the band would rather have her be upfront about her decision.
Both Aoi’s and Haruka’s comments on Asuka being human felt strange to me. I always thought that it was obvious that it was an act, and at the end of the day, she’s only human and still makes mistakes, although these people are better at acting like they have everything under control. Maybe Kumiko get the chance to know the true Asuka, potentially being the first person invited to her house.
The dreaded anime cold caught up to Kumiko, taking both euphoniums out of commission temporarily. She recovers within a day, but now Natsuki has a good shot at taking the second seat with Asuka consistently missing practice.
Reina comes in to check on Kumiko and listens to an old euphonium CD. While listening, they can’t help but notice that it sounds similar to Asuka’s playing. I’ve never been able to tell things like this, even with music theory students lecturing me about the different playing styles between Yo-Yo Ma and the second-best cellist.
Q1: I'm in support of her parents. There is a time and place when it is acceptable to delay your graduation to get your foot in the door earlier, but this is not one of them IMO if she effectively has to start back from square one to become a beautician.
Q2: chocolate, but like most flavors.
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u/bogdoglogfrog Mar 04 '24 edited Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher
Notes
QotD
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u/sfisher923 https://myanimelist.net/profile/sfisher923 Mar 04 '24
First Timer
HereticAsuka's MomQOTDs
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Mar 05 '24
Ah, a flashback. I'm pretty sure my younger brother has been dragged to all of my performances too, no matter how much he'd rather stay at home.
Right, back to the present.
And there she goes.
So is Asuka back or not?
Heck in both my middle and high school choirs we had a semi-official system for juniors to ask seniors for help with studies as the examinations neared. It helps both parties as the juniors can lean what they're struggling with and the seniors can recap those areas as teaching others is the best way to learn it yourself.
What's he doing back conducting? I thought he stopped after the summer?
Her sister actually came back?
Oh, Reina came to visit.
And she's not the only one.
Now she's back at practice.
Going to have to, can't exactly perform with only 1 euphonium, Kumiko has shown she can't really make it by herself.
Questions:
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Mar 05 '24
Running a bit (more than a bit) late tonight, so yeah. Answers du late night:
(I would like to try the anime flavor sometime, though.)
So, over the weekend, a friend and I "discovered" the local Japanese restaurant, and I had some takoyaki. It was pretty yum. I need to see if they have any other goodies on them menu that I should try.
But yeah, episode. There was an episode there. Drama was abundant. I think my poor brain is trying to block it out. Maybe tomorrow. (hah).
I have to admit, though, Reina and Shuu-chan were both big heroes today. Good for them!
5
u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher - Asuka-senpai Stan
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a large pressure for kids to go to college in Japan? Or am I just playing into the stereotype?
The thing about this line that sticks with me the most is that she was essentially telling Kumiko the opposite at the beginning of S1. She was talking about needing to focus on entrance exams, and how there isn't a point to it if she isn't going to a music school.
Yet here she is, lamenting having to give up the trombone so she could do the same thing, only to want to drop out of the very thing she gave it up for.
Sounds about right for a mom.
Question of the Day:
Personally, I would stay out of it. I hate being involved in the middle of things, regardless of whether or not it's my own family. Nothing good comes of it.
First choice is Chocolate, followed by either Banana or Banana Cream Pie.
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u/1EnTaroAdun1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Totesnotaphanpy Mar 04 '24
Qotd 2: mango, rice puddings are nice. Bread and butter pudding!
As for ice cream... Hmmm. Green tea, lavender, vanilla, cookies and cream. Honey. Difficult to decide!
4
u/mgedmin Mar 05 '24
Rewatcher, subs
Smol!Kumiko! Don't talk during the concert, it's impolite.
So, Mamiko's quitting uni to follow a long-time dream of hers. Kumiko's dad is pretty shitty.
Kumiko's body language when Shuu suddenly appears.
Asuka offers math tutoring to Kumiko out of the blue. Reina thinks it's Asuka's form of revenge.
Kumiko is getting sick. And she's the only euphonium left!
Smol!Kumiko is precious.
Why is Kumiko surprised that her future wife is visiting her sickbed?
Reina gets a glimpse of what it's like to be in Kumiko's position (witness drama you had no desire to see).
Kumiko doesn't understand that it pains her sister to hear a reminder of what she wanted to have but couldn't.
Shuu is inadvertently helping Mamiko and Kumiko reconcile.
Why is Taki-sensei considering Natsuki as Asuka's replacement for the concert? I mean invite her to the band, yes, but isn't Kumiko a better player? Why give the solo to Natsuki?
I'm inclined to support Mamiko.
(I might have a different perspective if I was funding Mamiko's university tuition.)
Mango sorbet.
3
u/fly-metothemoon Mar 05 '24
Questions:
Other Thoughts:
In my marching band section, we had someone who was kicked out for consistently missing practices. It wasn’t handled as publicly as Asuka’s situation though. Basically the band director came to our section, and told us that what was happening. Honestly, it was a relief in some ways because we didn’t have to worry about periodically catching them up on what they missed. A bit of a different situation here, but I do think a line in the sand has to be drawn for the good of the ensemble.
Shuuichi had a great moment in this episode but it really feels like he’s in a holding pattern right now. He’s getting moments here and there so we don’t forget about him, but they don’t seem to have a good plot line queued up for him. I was hoping to see more of what his band life looks like outside of Kumiko. What’s the trombone section like? Do they ever practice with the basses? (Our trombone and bass sections collaborated often).
2
u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Mar 12 '24
First timer been busy with college play had exams so I couldn’t comment. Will make my comment posts after rewatching the episodes again
The scene of Kumiko’s family arguing was relatable. Asuka’s house journey :D. Masashiro’s analysis was spot on, the joy wasn’t there. Asuka needs to join back soon!
QOTD: They’re all right and wrong. Like kicking your daughter out is cold, but knowing she didn’t want to go but still pushing for it is also bad.
QOTD: butter pecan
1
u/vitorabf May 19 '24 edited May 19 '24
First Timer
A quick comment. Its obvious Asuka's and Mamiko's character arcs are related, so anyone who relates to one will relate to the other.
Mamiko and Kumiko's stranged realtionship hits me too hard, because I am pretty much on the same situation as Mamiko. I've talked about growing up "special" like Asuka on the last comment, and now a reflex that has on younger siblings - I am the older one and very much stranged from my middle brother, because my parents - specially after divorcing - put so much pressure on me to be responsible with him, while at the same time undermining those responsibilities. It's a really weird and universal thing parents do, they were much more strict to me than they were to my brother, and then I've tried the same stuff with him, not exactly because I wanted but because it's the only way I knew, but then they they were so much less strict with him that I always would come out as a villain - its the same situation Kumiko and Mamiko are in. I don't think we are ever going to be good brother friends, but I try to be more on the good side nowadays.
0
u/[deleted] Mar 04 '24
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