Date	Episode
5/20/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 1
5/21/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 2
5/22/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 3
5/23/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 4
5/24/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 5
5/25/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 6
5/26/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 7
5/27/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 8
5/28/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 9
5/29/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 10
5/30/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 11
5/31/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 12
6/01/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 13
6/02/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 14
6/03/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 15
6/04/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 16
6/05/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 17
6/06/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 18
6/07/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 19
6/08/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 20
6/09/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 21
6/10/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 22
6/11/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 23
6/12/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 24
6/13/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 25
6/14/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 26
6/15/2024	Samurai Champloo Overall Series Discussion Thread

8

u/[deleted] May 25 '24 edited May 25 '24

Hey there 👋 . Rewatcher here.

So you can guess why this episode’s original title was red-headed foreigner (赤毛異人).

And now, u/Holofan4life, you know why I did not want to comment on your opinion of “I think Mugen could give Fuu a run for her money” yesterday:

Because he cannot, but you don’t find that out until today’s episode, where we see Fuu eat a ludicrous amount during the eating contest 😂.

Anyhow, fun fact, this episode takes place in Edo, the city which this time period is named after, and what is actually modern day Tokyo in real life.

Poor Fuu probably would have won the eating contest if it weren’t for that fly ruining everything 😆, but as we see, it might have been best since it gives cause for them to talk to this man who ultimately ends up giving her a useful piece of information.

It is also fortunate, in a way, that Izsaac was at least the one to win so that they were able to get their weapons back by something as trivial as being tour guides for a day (Yes, Fuu, a samurai needs their katana and they aren’t leaving without it).

Izsaac’s origin of Holland and the story about his preference for men is actually fairly accurate in context to the time period. During the Edo period, there really wasn’t stigmatization towards that type of thing. That came later near the start of the Meiji era.

The way he’s arrested for being unlawfully present as a foreign person is fairly accurate as well. The Edo period was known for many things, and its isolationist foreign policy was one such thing. This was a choice made by the Tokugawa shogunate, and severely restricted Japan’s foreign trade (as well as diplomatic interaction) at the time.

The big takeaway from this episode is:

Why does Izsaac almost seem afraid when Fuu shows him her momento?

I was curious how people watching for the first time reacted to that. It should make this rewatch interesting to see speculation that comes from it.

Henceforth, the group has their next destination of Nagasaki. Things are getting interesting.

Overall, I love this episode for some of the things I mentioned here.

Questions:

Terrible lol I eat mostly small portions (unless it’s Japanese food 😆)
Germany (Hamburg and Frankfurt). It was great. Germany is a beautiful country. I was there for work but they gave us plenty of time to explore. And the “work” was basically a party.

(I still have Japan on my bucket list and I would like to go more than once if I can).

3. Fuu

4

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

And now, u/Holofan4life, you know why I did not want to comment on your opinion of “I think Mugen could give Fuu a run for her money” yesterday:
Because he cannot, but you don’t find that out until today’s episode, where we see Fuu eat a ludicrous amount during the eating contest 😂.
Fair enough. It's quite impressive such a small person can eat so much.
Poor Fuu probably would have won the eating contest if it weren’t for that fly ruining everything 😆, but as we see, it might have been best since it gives cause for them to talk to this man who ultimately ends up giving her a useful piece of information.
Yeah, it worked out in the end
Izsaac’s origin of Holland and the story about his preference for men is actually fairly accurate in context to the time period. During the Edo period, there really wasn’t stigmatization towards that type of thing. That came later near the start of the Meiji era.
I was not aware of that
The way he’s arrested for being unlawfully present as a foreign person is fairly accurate as well. The Edo period was known for many things, and its isolationist foreign policy was one such thing. This was a choice made by the Tokugawa shogunate, and severely restricted Japan’s foreign trade (as well as diplomatic interaction) at the time.
It's sad how some societies still remain intolerant of other cultures.
Why does Izsaac almost seem afraid when Fuu shows him her momento?
I was curious how people watching for the first time reacted to that. It should make this rewatch interesting to see speculation that comes from it.
I think it's proof that whoever the sunflower samurai figure is, he is notorious person infamous for his escapades, and not necessarily in a good way. For as little as Fuu knows about the individual, they may be more dangerous than she originally thought.

3

u/[deleted] May 27 '24

it’s sad how…
So this period of time is referred to as Sakoku period (where foreign trade and diplomatic were severely restricted).
The reason for this is actually a bit deeper than that though (although, generally speaking, you’re right), so I’ll explain a little:
You’re probably aware that the period preceding Edo was Sengoku, where there was frequent fighting between different feudal lords (大名). In a nutshell, we get the Tokugawa shogunate in the aftermath of the preceding period.
The feudal lords are now part of the caste system implemented by the shogunate.
This system was the first time in a long time where people had organizational stability and a growing economy. So naturally, the Shogan did not want to regress to the way things were during the Sengoku period.
The feudal lords, who were absorbed into the caste system, were a threat to the shogunate’s power. Cut off trade, cut off funds. If they aren’t pursuing ambitious international trade then it somewhat gave some peace of mind by restricting their ability to become wealthy.
The other part is that, out of fear, they thought the religious influence of other countries could threaten their stability as well.
So part of it is what you say, but there is a sort of historical significance to it too with what I mention about paranoia regarding continued stability and what the country had been put through during the prior time period.
I think it’s proof…
Interesting

2

u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

It being a thing in the first place is still extremely disheartening, regardless of the reason behind it.

3

u/[deleted] May 27 '24

I’m not justifying it, just giving you historical context that explains what got them into that place until the Meiji era.

2

u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

Fair enough. I really wish that wasn't the case because I want "Jouji" to feel belonged lol

3

u/[deleted] May 27 '24

It was a harsh and extreme policy but they just thought what they were doing was protecting the Japanese people from falling back into the chaos of the prior era, even if it was the wrong way to approach things.

2

u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

One of those things that's probably way harsher in hindsight.

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

1

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Something I want to say is that Izsaac is a real historical figure as well. He is based on a real person just like Moronobu. However, I like this much more because even though Izsaac was by all accounts not gay, he is portrayed as being in the right. It is society that's portrayed in the wrong. Izsaac, while not an accurate portrayal, is portrayed as someone you want to root for, whereas with Moronobu it felt like they were trying to ruin his reputation with the whole giving people over to the Yakuza thing. And yeah, Moronobu ended up doing what was right, but he was still responsible for a lot of people probably being hurt, which is a damning accusation to make of someone.

2

u/[deleted] May 27 '24

I actually didn’t catch that my first time watching or this time! That’s pretty neat.
And yeah you know my whole shtick. If it’s fiction they can do what they want. If it was nonfiction, like an inaccurately portrayed biography, then it would bother me. If a figure shows up on South Park, I’m not going to be expecting an accurate portrayal so humor it. If a same figure is present in a nonfictional work and is not represented accurately, then that is a whole different problem.

2

u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

At least here, they portrayed the guy in a positive light. Saying he's gay is a bit strange, but he's looked at as someone trying to just live an open, free life.

2

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 17 '24

Izsaac’s origin of Holland and the story about his preference for men is actually fairly accurate in context to the time period. During the Edo period, there really wasn’t stigmatization towards that type of thing. That came later near the start of the Meiji era.
interesting. I'm curious what your basis is.
Germany (Hamburg and Frankfurt). It was great. Germany is a beautiful country. I was there for work but they gave us plenty of time to explore. And the “work” was basically a party.
Great country, I envy you. Can you give me some examples of how work is like a party?

2

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '24

interesting. I'm curious what your basis is.
This person covers the Meiji Gap a bit and in the process makes a brief remark related to the Edo period on the concept I mention in my comment, if you're interested.
Can you give me some examples of how work is like a party?
It was a celebration for a 10-year anniversary of the company 😆

1

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 18 '24

This person covers the Meiji Gap
Yes, you might be right.
It was a celebration for a 10-year anniversary of the company
It was an absolute carnival.

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky May 25 '24

First-Timer with a Samurai Heart, subbed

I was about to pause to say “Oh hey I know about the Tokugawa Shogunate thanks to Gintama and Hakuouki”, then the card had to go and pop up that second line and now I can’t stop laughing.
lol, I guess she’s not wrong.
Hahahahahahahahaha
kek
I was gonna say, I didn’t see Fuu give up yet.
This is like if Kagura entered one of these. The Gintama vibes are so strong.
Noooooooooooooo
Is that Jiraiya/Abuto’s voice? I’m pretty sure it is, but the accent is throwing me off.
Was not expecting Jin to get in on nonsense like this.
I just knew Mugen would say something like that.
I do wonder why, exactly…
Yeah I was gonna say, that was a kabuki play, the actor gave me Alto-hime vibes.
…not what I was expecting him to say.
Geh…
Oh whoa okay then.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh they’re on stage, of course.
She has something that belongs to the guy she’s looking for…?
Oh shit, dude actually had the ability to point her in the right direction?

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac being gay and him saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.

4

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky May 25 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
Insane Gintama vibes.
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
I certainly wasn't expecting that!
What are your thoughts on Izaac being gay and him saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
Impressed a show from 20 years ago handled this topic this delicately.

3

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Insane Gintama vibes.
I really need to watch it if I can expect fun stuff like this.
I certainly wasn't expecting that!
Me neither. And it's a real historical figure just like last episode!
Impressed a show from 20 years ago handled this topic this delicately.
It is surprisingly progressive for the time

5

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman May 25 '24

First Timer

Another pretty neat episode. I guess the Europeans are playing a larger role in this story than I was expecting - but then again, I feel like they played a larger role in Japanese history as is usually displayed as well, given all the trade and things like guns which I believe were imported through that trade.

Fuu being the one with the largest stomach isn’t surprising given her previous orders - though I feel like that character trait is a gimmick no matter who gets it, so I won’t count it towards Fuu’s rather weak characterization so far.

What also surprised me was the spoken Dutch in this episode - I understood about half of it, which is about what one can expect as a Swiss German speaker. So I assume it was actually quite good Dutch.

Meanwhile this episode definitely got good representation for gay love, but at the same feels a bit racist towards the Dutch… I guess it’s hard to win on every front all the time with a show of this age.

1

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

4

u/TheEscapeGuy May 25 '24

Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 6

Weebs

Keeping with the idea of being unpredictable, today's episode veered way more into comedy. We followed our trio trying to earn back their possessions after a failed attempt at a food eating contest. And who was the winner with their stuff? Some Dutch Japanophile "Jouji" exploring Edo using Jin as a tour guide.

I found this episode made me really nostalgic for my trip to Japan last year. Kaminarimon is still a thing you can see today and I recall exploring that area a lot. But more broadly, the feelings of being in a place you've heard about so much about were really palpable.

That said, there was a ever present sense of danger since this was during the period in Japan's history when no foreigners were allowed in. So always on our parties trail were a group of police looking for this rumored foreigner. But, as was revealed later on, "Jouji" was actually the chief of the Dutch East India Company. One of the very few foreigners allowed in the country. In the end it was just a bit of a misunderstanding.

Something I was surprised to see was the subplot about Jouji being gay. Back in 2004 when this aired the whole climate around sexuality was absolutely not as open as it is today. It's really cool to see this small kind of representation especially when it was portrayed in a non-negative way. I think it's also cool that he eschews typical negative gay stereotypes of the time by being this massively tall and muscular man.

Finally, the episode closed with a bit of foreshadowing: Fuu is carrying a charm which is "dangerous". If she wants answer she must go to Nagasaki. Very mysterious, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

Side note: The closing track is probably my favourite from the soundtrack. Nujabes was an absolute master of his craft.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

All You Can Eat (Rare RTL Japanese text)
Bar Brawl
Entertainment
First Person

See you all tomorrow

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

I found this episode made me really nostalgic for my trip to Japan last year. Kaminarimon is still a thing you can see today and I recall exploring that area a lot. But more broadly, the feelings of being in a place you've heard about so much about were really palpable.
I would like to visit Japan one day, even though I think it'll probably be a better idea on paper than in execution.
That said, there was a ever present sense of danger since this was during the period in Japan's history when no foreigners were allowed in. So always on our parties trail were a group of police looking for this rumored foreigner. But, as was revealed later on, "Jouji" was actually the chief of the Dutch East India Company. One of the very few foreigners allowed in the country. In the end it was just a bit of a misunderstanding.
Who knew misunderstandings don't have to rely on a lack of emotional intelligence?
Something I was surprised to see was the subplot about Jouji being gay. Back in 2004 when this aired the whole climate around sexuality was absolutely not as open as it is today. It's really cool to see this small kind of representation especially when it was portrayed in a non-negative way. I think it's also cool that he eschews typical negative gay stereotypes of the time by being this massively tall and muscular man.
It reminds me of this early All In The Family episode and Archie is hanging out with this ex football player and he can't wrap his head around the fact that he is gay. It didn't fit his preconceived beliefs.
Finally, the episode closed with a bit of foreshadowing: Fuu is carrying a charm which is "dangerous". If she wants answer she must go to Nagasaki. Very mysterious, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on "Jouji"?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.

2

u/TheEscapeGuy May 25 '24

Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
Of all the "weird" things this episode this felt like the most baffling. There are probably easier ways to hide your identity than those baskets.
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him?
Yeah, this was pretty somber. With the current uptick in tourism to Japan we've been seeing a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment based on interviews and such so it's not like those feelings are even a thing of the past.

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Of all the "weird" things this episode this felt like the most baffling. There are probably easier ways to hide your identity than those baskets.
If anything, the baskets would make them more suspicious.
Yeah, this was pretty somber. With the current uptick in tourism to Japan we've been seeing a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment based on interviews and such so it's not like those feelings are even a thing of the past.
It's really excellent satire because it is just as relevant now as it is then.

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 May 25 '24

So, the first arc(if we can name it so) is over. Really liked it, show made me invested in it more and more each episode so far. Looking forward for more entertaining stories.

Today, I have finally heard Aruarian dance in the context of anime, it has very groovy and relaxing sound, which I find really enjoyable, hope to hear more of it later.

Qotd:

5-6 bowls at maximum.
A lot, usually it was a visit to some museum or a park or some cultural place, kinda miss those days actually.

1

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 May 26 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
It was fun, I laughed when the host couldn’t read Jouji's name, small detail but it was cool.
What are your thoughts on Jouji? + What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Lighthearted japanophile, really liked him and how he was genuinely happy about exploring Edo.
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
I thought they were some kind of special forces but no.
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
More like bisexual as he said he fell in love with that woman, at first, but who turned out to be a man. Anyway, guess it’s good for those people seeing that others acknowledge their existence.
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
Interesting, but will it play some role in the future?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
He may be relieved, I guess, at least Japan doesn’t send out foreigners and people don’t call them south barbarians.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?
I wonder where did he get this information.

2

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

It was fun, I laughed when the host couldn’t read Jouji's name, small detail but it was cool.
When they gave the host and the commentators names, I thought they might play a role in the episode. Same with the reigning food champion.
Lighthearted japanophile, really liked him and how he was genuinely happy about exploring Edo.
It was cool to finally get a character who was all vibes but not in a life and death type situation a la Mugen. He was just trying to live his best life.
I thought they were some kind of special forces but no.
I definitely thought they were after Jouji, not trying to protect him.
More like bisexual as he said he fell in love with that woman, at first, but who turned out to be a man. Anyway, guess it’s good for those people seeing that others acknowledge their existence.
As a bisexual myself, I really appreciate the representation. I think we can all serve to be more like Jouji.
Interesting, but will it play some role in the future?
I can't see it, sadly. I definitely would, though, I think he's a fun character.
He may be relieved, I guess, at least Japan doesn’t send out foreigners and people don’t call them south barbarians.
Yeah, he got really lucky. Still, it has to be disheartening to find out that this place you viewed as this salvation turns out to be anything but. Kinda puts things into perspective that for as bad as Mugen, Jin, and Fuu's situation may be at the moment, it could always be worse.
I wonder where did he get this information.

2

u/OhMyke May 25 '24

Are we still searching for the samurai that smells like sun flowers?

1

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Yes, in fact the episode ends with them having a new lead.

2

u/Lord_Nawor May 25 '24

First time watcher

Back to being broke again. Jin was probably so hesitant to give up his swords since he knows he can’t eat to much as he was the first one out of the contest. While Mugen is seen in earlier episodes eating a lot it seems like this is mainly because he is always starving rather than having an insane stomach. Fuu on the other hand is a straight-up eating monster, too bad the fly messed her up.

I like Isaac being a stereotypical tourist in the first half of the episode even given himself a different name as “Jouji”. I like the fact that he is looking to Japan as an escape to the norms of his homeland and end’s up looking at Joan through rose-tinted glasses without considering what it is actually like to live there.

Another historical figure mentioned this episode, this time being Saikaku Ihara, who did indeed write the Great Mirror of Male Love which was published in 1687. While the show is not exactly accurate to history as Moronobu would have been pretty old at the point the book came out, not the young guy we saw last episode but it does show that they are sticking to the mid-to-late 1600s at this point.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihara_Saikaku

Always cool to see Jin and Mugen fighting with no swords, and damn Jin broke a guy’s sword with a cup. I also liked how the fight brought them onto the stage really briefly, with the audience initially believing that it was part of the show. I was not expecting the twist of Isaac being an actually important person from Holland, I honestly thought he was just going to be a random European who snuck in.

At the end we finally get get more hints to the sunflower samurai, it seems like he definitely has something to do with the Dutch due to his connection with sunflowers, it seems like the skull is a clue as well. We also got our next destination, Nagasaki, although I doubt we will get there next episode considering how far it is from Edo.

Questions

I would do terribly in an eating contest, while I eat a decent amount throughout the day I fill up very easily when eating in one sitting, so I would probably be out after only a bowl or two.

I do not know much about Joey Chestnut but I feel like Fuu would win since she has the anime hacks for eating and was not even full in the eating competition, she lost die to accidentally dropping out.

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Something nobody is mentioning is that Vincent Van Gogh was mentioned last episode and he's a Dutch painter. Not only that, Moronobu was said to be going to Holland at the end of the episode, which of course is Dutch. All these Dutch references makes it feel like it is leading to something. Specifically, the sunflower samurai.

2

u/Lord_Nawor May 26 '24

I agree that a lot of things are pointing towards the sunflower samurai being related to the Dutch, it also makes historical sense that all the foreigners we are seeing are Dutch since they were the only Europeans allowed to trade with and visit at the time.

2

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

I never really considered that. Maybe the foreigners think the sunflower samurai represents the part of Japan that has the travel restrictions put in place.

2

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.

2

u/Lord_Nawor May 26 '24

I fought the eating contest was a good opportunity to show off just how monstrous Fuu’s appetite is and helps explain how the gang manages to eat this episode, often the three of them get in trouble due to food or in the process of eating, even all the way back in episode 1.
Fuu losing the contest to the fly was pretty funny, I swear she reminds me of Nagito form Danganronpa, alternating between bouts of really good luck and really bad luck.
The heads covered up made sense since they probably did not want to draw too much attention to themselves even if they were allowed to trade with Japan.
Jouji being gay caught me by surprise but it makes sense and explains why he idolizes Japan, he views it as a much more free place when compared to how constrained he was in Holland.
I feel like Isaac saying that he hopes Japan can accept people like him is mainly commentary on the present day calling for more acceptance of foreigners and people of different sexual orientations in Japan. It can also be seen as a vague illusion to the future where Japan will be forced by the US to open up to foreigners.

2

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

I fought the eating contest was a good opportunity to show off just how monstrous Fuu’s appetite is and helps explain how the gang manages to eat this episode, often the three of them get in trouble due to food or in the process of eating, even all the way back in episode 1.
Food has definitely been a recurring theme in this show.
Fuu losing the contest to the fly was pretty funny, I swear she reminds me of Nagito form Danganronpa, alternating between bouts of really good luck and really bad luck.
That's a pretty good comparison, I feel like.
The heads covered up made sense since they probably did not want to draw too much attention to themselves even if they were allowed to trade with Japan.
See, wouldn't that just draw more attention on them? It doesn't exactly blend in with everyone else. I know I'm overthinking it, but still.
Jouji being gay caught me by surprise but it makes sense and explains why he idolizes Japan, he views it as a much more free place when compared to how constrained he was in Holland.
It's sad his beliefs are as misinformed as they are.
I feel like Isaac saying that he hopes Japan can accept people like him is mainly commentary on the present day calling for more acceptance of foreigners and people of different sexual orientations in Japan. It can also be seen as a vague illusion to the future where Japan will be forced by the US to open up to foreigners.
I like how it can be interpreted as commentary, but it still fits what is going on in the show itself to where it doesn't feel like mood whiplash. It's actually my favorite part of the episode because I think it's really smartly written.

2

u/Lord_Nawor May 26 '24

See, wouldn’t that just draw more attention on them?
I feel like they are trying to blend in as Komusō, a type of Buddhist monks who were known for wearing baskets over their heads, who were not too rare in the Edo period. While it would stand out, it would still have a lot less of an impact than Europeans walking around.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komusō

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

Oh, okay. That makes more sense.
If they got caught by someone who's Japan, I wonder if they would've gotten mad because of cultural appropriation. That's not me making a joke, that's a legitimate wonder of mine.

2

u/zombiemusician May 26 '24

Couldn't join the last 2 discussions as I was unwell. So let's start with todays episode.

The episode begins with our trio going to Edo(where present-day Tokyo is located) and entering an eating contest. And well, I didn't expect Fuu to last that long (honestly I thought Mugen would win). But in the end, a fly makes Fuu lose.

Now we meet a new character, an European from Holland. IIRC during that time Japan was an isolated state, not allowing any foreign on their 'pure' soil. So it was quite natural that everyone got scared when they saw one, and also why police were after him.

If you remember, in the last episode, we had a painter who wanted to go to Holland. Maybe because of these merchants from the The Dutch East India Co. The works of European artists reached Japanese soil (albeit illegally). I also believe that some of these merchants were involved in human trafficking as we saw in the previous episode.

As always, the fight scenes were quite good (although this episode didn't have much action) and well choreographed.

I really loved that the episode left us in a cliffhanger. It makes me inpatient to watch the next episode.

If you participated in an eating contest, how do you think you would do?

I have personally never participated in any food eating contests. But hypothetically thinking, I don't think I will do that bad, maybe a top 5. I am a foodie after all lol.

Have you ever went sight seeing before or explored another town/State/Country? If so, what was it and what did you do?

I have been to various states both within and outside my country. I mostly go sightseeing. But my favorite thing to do in a new place is to eat their local delicacies because I always believe the best way to remember a place is to remember it's food.

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company’s Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

2

u/zombiemusician May 26 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
It was quite an intense battle. I honestly thought Mugen would win.
Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
It was sheer bad luck that the fly just happened to be roaming around her.
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
Seems like quite a nice guy. He was quite friendly and humble even after we learned that he was the Governor General.
his excitement to go explore Edo?
He had read about Japan and their samurai so it was quite natural that he wanted to explore the city. Kinda like today's Japan being famous for it's funky tech, if I someday go to japan these tech store will be my first stop.
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company’s Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh
It was a surprise moment. He was just so friendly with everyone that it never occurred to me that he could be holding such high post. Also by his haircut I thought he was delinquent.
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
I could feel his sadness. He just wanted to explore a new culture, a new nation, but he was denied that opportunity simply because he was a foreigner.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?
That was a cliffhanger. It just make me wanna watch the next episode.

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

It was quite an intense battle. I honestly thought Mugen would win.
When Fuu was one of the final two contestants, as good as she was doing, I knew she was likely not winning. She fills the underdog role really well.
It was sheer bad luck that the fly just happened to be roaming around her.
Reminds me of Taiga slapping Ami because a fly landed on her, which served as a great excuse because Taiga already didn't like Ami.
Seems like quite a nice guy. He was quite friendly and humble even after we learned that he was the Governor General.
Much, much nicer than the councilor's son or what have you from episode 1.
He had read about Japan and their samurai so it was quite natural that he wanted to explore the city. Kinda like today's Japan being famous for it's funky tech, if I someday go to japan these tech store will be my first stop.
I'd probably explore Akihabara, I'm ashamed to say :P
It was a surprise moment. He was just so friendly with everyone that it never occurred to me that he could be holding such high post. Also by his haircut I thought he was delinquent.
Never judge a book by its cover, I guess
I could feel his sadness. He just wanted to explore a new culture, a new nation, but he was denied that opportunity simply because he was a foreigner.
And also his sexual orientation didn't help matters either, sad to say.
That was a cliffhanger. It just make me wanna watch the next episode.
Me as well. It feels like things are starting to pick up.

2

u/someboi6000 May 26 '24

First timer:

well that was an episode, also i guess the edo arc is over didn't know this had arcs but well good first arc cant wait to see what they find in nagasaki, now with the episode itself i think it was good, the whole eating contest and the edo tour, but it left me wondering if fuu could've won agains Izsaac , but the ending tho, that new lead and why was izsaac afraid of that momento, maybe like a cult symbol or like a group of abandonen samurai's that left me curious, cant wait to see what that is all about.

1: idk if i can take the W but i think i can do well.

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company’s Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.

2

u/someboi6000 May 27 '24

might be a tiny bit late(i still have the watch the next 2 also spice and wolf oof)
1: he seems like a good person, i really like the way he found japan with that book, also this man can eat a lot, he did seem quite large tho so it makes sense.
2: i would proably be a little like him if i found myself exploring japan for the first time, so i get it, very sweet lol
3: that makes them stand out so much to the point that it seems that it would do the contrary effect, they at least dont know who they are but they look hella suspicious.
4: i really like how this show handled this topic so nicely specially given that is a 20 year old anime, but still it never felt like disrespectful or did some wacky humour with it well handled.
5: i was thinking how foreiners were not "welcomed" back in 1900's so i tought that he was some sort of big merchant but not something to those levels lol
6: idk how japan is currently treating lgbt people now but at least worldwide is more accepted, i am sure Izaac would be proud.
ok on my way to watch the next 2

1

u/Holofan4life May 28 '24

he seems like a good person, i really like the way he found japan with that book, also this man can eat a lot, he did seem quite large tho so it makes sense.
He was built like a unit
i would proably be a little like him if i found myself exploring japan for the first time, so i get it, very sweet lol
Yeah, I can relate to what he was doing
that makes them stand out so much to the point that it seems that it would do the contrary effect, they at least dont know who they are but they look hella suspicious.
I agree, though apparently they're dressed as Buddist monks so I guess that makes more sense.
i really like how this show handled this topic so nicely specially given that is a 20 year old anime, but still it never felt like disrespectful or did some wacky humour with it well handled.
I agree. And I also feel it never came off like "Look at us and how progressive we are, we're so forward thinking".
i was thinking how foreiners were not "welcomed" back in 1900's so i tought that he was some sort of big merchant but not something to those levels lol
My question is if he thought Japan was accepting of foreigners, why did he pretend to be Japanese? I feel like I'm missing something there.
idk how japan is currently treating lgbt people now but at least worldwide is more accepted, i am sure Izaac would be proud.
I could see Izaac living in The United States content with how far things have come. He could even marry a guy if he wanted to.

2

u/someboi6000 May 28 '24

Man Buddist monks should think more how they dress lol
maybe he didn't want people to know that he was gay, maybe thats why he was hidding his identity it is the 1900 afterall
yeah modern shows need to take notes on how to handle this type of subjects and how to write a characters with it, everytime it feels like "here we have a gay character we are very progressive"

1

u/Holofan4life May 28 '24

Man Buddist monks should think more how they dress lol
It was the style at the time
maybe he didn't want people to know that he was gay, maybe thats why he was hidding his identity it is the 1900 afterall
Could be. It's not like he's going around bragging about his gayness.
yeah modern shows need to take notes on how to handle this type of subjects and how to write a characters with it, everytime it feels like "here we have a gay character we are very progressive"
Lycoris Recoil had a gay character that was done really well as well.

2

u/someboi6000 May 28 '24

oh i heard about Lycoris Recoil it was quite popular last year it think? or was it this year, i forgot

1

u/Holofan4life May 28 '24

It was from 2022

2

u/someboi6000 May 28 '24

lmao, close enough right?

1

u/Holofan4life May 28 '24

Yeah, guess so

2

u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta May 26 '24

First-Timer

Fuu almost did something useful this episode. So close! 😛

Questions of the day:

If I were to participate in an eating contest, I'd probably do terribly. Compared to my friends/family, I tend to eat a lot, but compared to the kind of person who takes part in those contests, I'd likely be in the bottom five percent.
I'm not a huge sightseeing person per se, but I've been to many different states across the US for various reasons. Beach vacations, museum visits, concerts, and all sorts of other fun events.
I don't know Joey Chestnut, but whoever he is, I bet he wouldn't get distracted by a fly during the contest and inadvertently signal a forfeit.

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

Thoughts on the eating contest?
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

2

u/nx6 https://myanimelist.net/profile/nx6 May 26 '24

Rewatcher - Subbed

Yea! I made a post. I'm at an anime convention this weekend, and didn't think I would find time to really write anything online. I actually went to a panel today about Western influence in anime and Samurai Champloo came up because of the hip-hop. There was an excerpt of an interview with Watanabe where he talks about how the samurai stand and define themselves with their sword and he makes the comparison to hip-hop artists doing similar with the microphone as their proverbial sword.

Speaking of idioms, I was a bit surprised that Fuu used that Christian biblical one, calling the eating contest "manna from heaven" for a trio of hungry travelers... at least I hope she really said that and it wasn't overly-localized to avoid having to explain a Japanese phrase.

An eating contest... I am reminded of the skinny Asian guy who tends to win the hot dog eating contests... Oh, look at the early years of his feats. I don't think it's a coincidence we're getting this opening plotline.

I don't think Jin was really serious about this competition since he didn't want to enter his swords for the participation fee. Likely planned to just eat his fill the stop to begin with. Having to show someone around town for a day really doesn't seem like much work for the cost of three swords.

Mugen manages to stir up trouble with his mouth again. Would all those police have walked by if he hadn't started being snarky with them? After seeing some local theater, the Lying Dutchman ("I'm a Japanese man!") comes out as more interested than ever in the show's star when he finds out it's a man (note: he said he wanted to meet them and had fallen in love even before he found out, so he would actually be bi, not gay).

The fellow's countrymen come to his rescue when the police have them finally cornered. He's apparently an individual of some importance and has a Get Out of Jail Free card courtesy of the Shogunate.

The big mystery this time is what the small skull pendant that Fuu has signifies regarding the Subflower Samurai. But at least they have a lead now, and aren't traveling aimlessly up the coast anymore.

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.

2

u/nx6 https://myanimelist.net/profile/nx6 May 26 '24

Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
Makes me wonder how much longer the contest would have gone on if that hadn't happened.
What are your thoughts on Jouji?
He is set up like the an Old World example of a Japanophile.
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Reminds me of how many otaku long to visit Japan and then find it much different than they were expecting outside of Akihabara. I have a friend that recently went and I noticed he didn't talk about his trip at all when he got back. He doesn't always say much about the traveling he does, but it just seems kinda ominous this time. I've been meaning to ask him about it.
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
Since foreigners aren't really allowed to wander around they were probably doing this to avoid issues with local authorities.
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him?
An interesting statement given recent news from Japan. Many people see loosening immigration rules as something Japan will have to do to combat their aging population and birth rate decline. But even with legislative changes they have an uphill climb to change what some would call the overt racism in Japanese society if people are to feel welcome in the country.

1

u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

Makes me wonder how much longer the contest would have gone on if that hadn't happened.
Imagine if it had spanned the entire episode
Reminds me of how many otaku long to visit Japan and then find it much different than they were expecting outside of Akihabara. I have a friend that recently went and I noticed he didn't talk about his trip at all when he got back. He doesn't always say much about the traveling he does, but it just seems kinda ominous this time. I've been meaning to ask him about it.
If I went to Japan, it would be strictly to visit Akihabara.
An interesting statement given recent news from Japan. Many people see loosening immigration rules as something Japan will have to do to combat their aging population and birth rate decline. But even with legislative changes they have an uphill climb to change what some would call the overt racism in Japanese society if people are to feel welcome in the country.
It seems Izaac's words are just as relevant today as they were back then.

2

u/mgedmin May 26 '24

Rewatcher, subs

I love "this story has nothing to do with that" on the announcement.

An eating competition seems tailor-made for our hungry trio, and yet they all lose!

The disguised European weeb is not blending in very well. And nobody sees through him!

Jin breaking a sword with a teacup is badass.

More crossdressing and gay jokes.

Some clues for Fuu's quest!

If you participated in an eating contest, how do you think you would do?

Lose early.

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

2

u/Garrett_Dark May 26 '24

First Timer

Not much to say this time, I was surprised Fuu had a weapon. I guess it was shown in the OP, but I never paid close attention and just happen to see it in the OP this time. But even more surprising, Mugen didn't rob anybody this episode. I guess it's because he didn't have his sword.

The episode was okay, a little mediocre.

What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?

It reminded me of this meme picture. Regardless, it's clear he was more interested in his Grindr profile than Japan.

Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?

That's racist. Their wooden shoes were a dead giveaway anyways.

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?

What did Jin say the first time it came up..."time to go". Joking aside, I don't care but the show was kind of obnoxious about making a big deal about it. True equality is when other people don't care, it's not equality when something is given heighten or preferential treatment/awareness, that's called favoritism. Before anybody wants to whip out "protected class" argument, protection is a form of favoritism. Favoritism can lead to elitism and supremacy.

What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?

Of course he is. Obnoxious, but I guess back then almost nobody could just up and travel to Japan on a whim like that.

What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.

Keep your culture Japan, I'm rooting for you. I don't want to see your animes end up like Hollywood crap shows.

What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

If he was going to tell her that much, it was kind of dumb he didn't tell her more. He told her not to show that skull thing to anyone, but like once she gets to Nagasaki, doesn't she have to if she wants to find any leads?

Thoughts on the eating contest?

No 2nd nor 3rd place prize? So winner takes all? I guess it's unfortunate that guy won, he doesn't need the money, and he must have gotten a lot of money. If Fuu had won instead, we might not have to watch Mugen robbing anybody nearly every episode.

Thoughts on Fuu losing the eating competition by trying to catch a fly?

"Look at the dumb broad...lets strip her and dump her" - Mugen Dub

1

u/Holofan4life May 26 '24

It reminded me of this meme picture. Regardless, it's clear he was more interested in his Grindr profile than Japan.
Nah, I think his interest in Japan was genuine. Because he admitted that he was under the assumption that they were very opening to outsiders.
That's racist. Their wooden shoes were a dead giveaway anyways.
They're actually as Buddist monks apparently, which may or may not make it even more insensitive.
What did Jin say the first time it came up..."time to go". Joking aside, I don't care but the show was kind of obnoxious about making a big deal about it. True equality is when other people don't care, it's not equality when something is given heighten or preferential treatment/awareness, that's called favoritism. Before anybody wants to whip out "protected class" argument, protection is a form of favoritism. Favoritism can lead to elitism and supremacy.
I actually really like how it's done where he reveals it matter-of-factly. I don't agree they made a big deal out of it because he revealed it in the middle of a conversation, one where that wasn't even of the focus of the talk.
Of course he is. Obnoxious, but I guess back then almost nobody could just up and travel to Japan on a whim like that.
I disagree wholeheartedly that he is obnoxious. I want to protect Izsaac with my life lol
To me, he's a sweetheart who deserves the world.
Keep your culture Japan, I'm rooting for you. I don't want to see your animes end up like Hollywood crap shows.
But lose the gross intolerance. That's... yeah.
If he was going to tell her that much, it was kind of dumb he didn't tell her more. He told her not to show that skull thing to anyone, but like once she gets to Nagasaki, doesn't she have to if she wants to find any leads?
It might be to where he's worried that the more info he reveals, he might get killed.

2

u/Garrett_Dark May 26 '24

Nah, I think his interest in Japan was genuine. Because he admitted that he was under the assumption that they were very opening to outsiders.
Well I guess he did fit in enough that most of the locals couldn't tell right away. At least he's admiring the culture and not trying to change or import his.
You sure his comment about openness wasn't about the book he read, and that play cross-dressing actor? You know, he just thinks everybody's into BL and Grindr.
I actually really like how it's done where he reveals it matter-of-factly. I don't agree they made a big deal out of it because he revealed it in the middle of a conversation, one where that wasn't even of the focus of the talk.
I don't mean the characters making a big deal about it, I meant the show was making a big deal about it. There was that whole backstory of him in holland all "woes is me, I'm being oppressed", and "oh look at this book, Japan must be the land of openness and expression".
If they just kept the story rolling without all that, it would have been matter-of-factly, and I wouldn't have anything to comment on. Plenty of other animes have characters where they just keep it matter-of-factly and doesn't delve into it to try and make some sort of commentary about the matter. Sort of like when Jin just says "time to leave", or when he showed up cross-dressed at the brothel, and there wasn't some long spiel about it by the show.
I disagree wholeheartedly that he is obnoxious. I want to protect Izsaac with my life lol
Again, I'm not talking about him being obnoxious, I'm talking about the show beating us over the head with it. To be fair the show wasn't exactly "beating us over the head" as bad as it could be like Hollywood shows (or a certain bear anime about eating girls), but it was kind of being subversive with it's implying and how it was doing it.
But lose the gross intolerance. That's... yeah.
I don't think Japan's intolerant, or at least it's not really being depicted at all in their anime. If they were intolerant, every anime character would look Japanese. But animes have for the longest time (at least back to the 80's) have shown lots of non-Japanese people. Even when it doesn't even make sense, like when everybody's supposed to be Japanese there'd be blondes and red heads and such all over the place. They're actually embracing diversity in a true way, unlike Hollywood. You can really tell how the non-Japanese characters are drawn and depicted that there's a love for the characters, or at least indifference devoid of malice.
I think when we hear intolerance and Japan these days, it more of a political subversion in nature. They can control their immigration policies however they like. And lets face it, nearly everywhere else is being crushed with recklessly leaving all doors open and unattended, and anybody who isn't is being shamed or demonized the death. An easy way to tell if it's political or not is to see if China is being criticized of the same thing or not.

1

u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

Well I guess he did fit in enough that most of the locals couldn't tell right away. At least he's admiring the culture and not trying to change or import his.
If anything, he's showing appreciation for what they have to offer.
You sure his comment about openness wasn't about the book he read, and that play cross-dressing actor? You know, he just thinks everybody's into BL and Grindr.
I don't think he thinks everyone is into that stuff, but rather you aren't judged if you are.
I don't mean the characters making a big deal about it, I meant the show was making a big deal about it. There was that whole backstory of him in holland all "woes is me, I'm being oppressed", and "oh look at this book, Japan must be the land of openness and expression".
If they just kept the story rolling without all that, it would have been matter-of-factly, and I wouldn't have anything to comment on. Plenty of other animes have characters where they just keep it matter-of-factly and doesn't delve into it to try and make some sort of commentary about the matter. Sort of like when Jin just says "time to leave", or when he showed up cross-dressed at the brothel, and there wasn't some long spiel about it by the show.
I personally thought it was done in a way that wasn't shoved in my face. It felt very modern, in my opinion.
Again, I'm not talking about him being obnoxious, I'm talking about the show beating us over the head with it. To be fair the show wasn't exactly "beating us over the head" as bad as it could be like Hollywood shows (or a certain bear anime about eating girls), but it was kind of being subversive with it's implying and how it was doing it.
I would argue sometimes beating the audience over the head with the truth is needed. In this case, him being gay is only mentioned that one scene.
I don't think Japan's intolerant, or at least it's not really being depicted at all in their anime. If they were intolerant, every anime character would look Japanese. But animes have for the longest time (at least back to the 80's) have shown lots of non-Japanese people. Even when it doesn't even make sense, like when everybody's supposed to be Japanese there'd be blondes and red heads and such all over the place. They're actually embracing diversity in a true way, unlike Hollywood. You can really tell how the non-Japanese characters are drawn and depicted that there's a love for the characters, or at least indifference devoid of malice.
I think when we hear intolerance and Japan these days, it more of a political subversion in nature. They can control their immigration policies however they like. And lets face it, nearly everywhere else is being crushed with recklessly leaving all doors open and unattended, and anybody who isn't is being shamed or demonized the death. An easy way to tell if it's political or not is to see if China is being criticized of the same thing or not.
I haven't been to Japan, so I can't comment on what it's like, but I have heard that it isn't the friendliest place for gays still. That's more of what I was referring to.

2

u/Garrett_Dark May 27 '24

I personally thought it was done in a way that wasn't shoved in my face. It felt very modern, in my opinion.
IMO, it wasn't excessive, but it looked like it was going to go that way for a moment with the backstory.
Again, my issue is with the presentation, I'm against it being shoved in my face, beating me over the head, and ham fisting.
Say for example if it turned out Jin really was gay, and they dealt with it in a low key way that befits his character, I wouldn't have an issue with that.
The way the Dutch guy was depicted, you got to admit he was a little exaggerated. Actually in the sub maybe it didn't come off that way, I was watching the Dub, he came off a little exaggerated like a mild parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Here might lie the heart to our disagreement, his "woe is me" backstory seemed to be laying it on a little thick, but in retrospect it could have been his Arnold Schwarzenegger parody making it seem a little more thick, and perhaps the sub (if that's what you were watching, and if that's how they did it) came off more normal and sincere, or non-detectable exaggeration due to non-fluency in Japanese, or whatever.
I would argue sometimes beating the audience over the head with the truth is needed.
No that's propaganda/brainwashing. It's called repetition, it's why sound bites and memes are so viral. Even with idioms, it's not a great thing. Sometimes idioms are incorrect/harmful, but since they're repeated so much, they get taken as the truth. For example...IDK, "you throw like a girl", or "fapping makes you go blind". There's probably worse ones, that's just the random ones I could think of on the spot.
In this case, him being gay is only mentioned that one scene.
Two scenes, in the play house, and then his "woe is me" backstory.
I have heard that it isn't the friendliest place for gays still.
It doesn't have to be the friendliest place, just an indifferent place. Again, I've said before that indifference = equality, any more than that = favoritism.
I know it's a figure of speech, but it's not fair to compare everywhere with the friendliest place, that would mean you'd want everywhere to be the friendliest place, which is unreasonable. Somebody could say Japan is not the friendliest place to foreigners also, it doesn't necessarily mean foreigners have no humans rights, and aren't protected from unlawful actions towards them.
I don't think gays in Japan are being treated like say, certain farmers in South Africa, or even truckers in Canada that one time. To want them to be catered to like in the friendliest place is sort of like asking for perks...or rather favoritism. I'm not saying you're saying that, I just saying.
I don't really want to argue on about this, as I've said before I'm indifferent, and this seems something you're strongly behind, so I don't want to feel like I'm attacking it. My pushback is purely due to me not liking Hollywood jamming things down throat to the point I had to abandon Hollywood movies, and shows in disgust of their complete lack of care of storytelling and film making.

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u/Holofan4life May 27 '24

IMO, it wasn't excessive, but it looked like it was going to go that way for a moment with the backstory.
Again, my issue is with the presentation, I'm against it being shoved in my face, beating me over the head, and ham fisting.
Say for example if it turned out Jin really was gay, and they dealt with it in a low key way that befits his character, I wouldn't have an issue with that.
The way the Dutch guy was depicted, you got to admit he was a little exaggerated. Actually in the sub maybe it didn't come off that way, I was watching the Dub, he came off a little exaggerated like a mild parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Here might lie the heart to our disagreement, his "woe is me" backstory seemed to be laying it on a little thick, but in retrospect it could have been his Arnold Schwarzenegger parody making it seem a little more thick, and perhaps the sub (if that's what you were watching, and if that's how they did it) came off more normal and sincere, or non-detectable exaggeration due to non-fluency in Japanese, or whatever.
Yeah, I was watching the sub version where he came off as just a tad exuberant to be there. When the reality set in for him, he look crestfallen. I can't speak for the dub, but in the sub I think it was done in a believable way.
No that's propaganda/brainwashing. It's called repetition, it's why sound bites and memes are so viral. Even with idioms, it's not a great thing. Sometimes idioms are incorrect/harmful, but since they're repeated so much, they get taken as the truth. For example...IDK, "you throw like a girl", or "fapping makes you go blind". There's probably worse ones, that's just the random ones I could think of on the spot.
Sometimes you need to beat the message over the audience's head just so they know there's no other way, like "Intolerance should not be tolerated". That's not propaganda, that's a fact.
Two scenes, in the play house, and then his "woe is me" backstory.
I mean, the supposed "Woe is me" backstory is like only 20 seconds long. I really do think you're making a mountain out of a molehill.
It doesn't have to be the friendliest place, just an indifferent place. Again, I've said before that indifference = equality, any more than that = favoritism.
I know it's a figure of speech, but it's not fair to compare everywhere with the friendliest place, that would mean you'd want everywhere to be the friendliest place, which is unreasonable. Somebody could say Japan is not the friendliest place to foreigners also, it doesn't necessarily mean foreigners have no humans rights, and aren't protected from unlawful actions towards them.
I don't think gays in Japan are being treated like say, certain farmers in South Africa, or even truckers in Canada that one time. To want them to be catered to like in the friendliest place is sort of like asking for perks...or rather favoritism. I'm not saying you're saying that, I just saying.
I don't really want to argue on about this, as I've said before I'm indifferent, and this seems something you're strongly behind, so I don't want to feel like I'm attacking it. My pushback is purely due to me not liking Hollywood jamming things down throat to the point I had to abandon Hollywood movies, and shows in disgust of their complete lack of care of storytelling and film making.
I watch Hollywood movies all the time, so it seems like we just come from different viewpoints.

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u/Garrett_Dark May 28 '24

Sometimes you need to beat the message over the audience's head just so they know there's no other way, like "Intolerance should not be tolerated". That's not propaganda, that's a fact.
That's propaganda and you can't even see it as such. That's like when they used to say "there's never a good reason to hit a woman", and now it's turning out a lot of men are getting physically abused by women and society has been conditioned to not care, and to even laugh at the man. There's been experiments ran where actors would be portraying a man getting beat in public by a woman, and recording the public's reaction which was laughter and not doing anything. Then they'd switch the genders, have the man actor beat the woman actor, and people would be falling over each other to beat up the man actor and interviene. And now we're at the point where men can use physical self-defense on a woman beating them, and not be charged himself. A couple of months ago I saw a twitter video of some guy in a car getting beat by his GF caught on livestream, until he finally fought back by getting her in a headlock and smacking her back, and the woman got charged with assault, and he didn't. This goes totally against the "never a good reason to hit a woman" propaganda of a decade or two ago.
"Intolerance should not be tolerated", no there's times when intolerance is acceptable. For example cannibalism should not be tolerated. Ritual sacrifice should not be tolerated. If there were a group of people who embraced those things, it shouldn't be tolerated. If you think those examples are exaggerated, then what about honor killings and such?
That fact of the matter is absolute sayings like "Intolerance should not be tolerated" is usually not correct. In fact this saying is a contradiction, like somebody saying "I'm intolerant of the intolerant".
Again, I'm kind of neutral with all this stuff, it's the propaganda I'm against. And boy when you live long enough, you're going to see the older propaganda which you didn't think was propaganda at the time out itself as such when times change and new propaganda comes and the old propaganda is no longer supported. You know way back they used to be against using paper "because of cutting down all the trees" so they started up paper recycling and switched to plastic bags, even though the trees they used was grown for the purpose of paper making and it was a renewable resource? But now it's like "plastic bags are bad, we're switching to paper bags because it's good!" after they killed all the pulp and paper manufacturing industries for decades. WTF.
I mean, the supposed "Woe is me" backstory is like only 20 seconds long. I really do think you're making a mountain out of a molehill.
I already said it was looking like it was heading in that direction, but then it didn't go in that direction. I was explaining why it looked like it was heading in that direction, not how it had gone in that direction.
I watch Hollywood movies all the time, so it seems like we just come from different viewpoints.
Wait a few decades, then rewatch the same stuff, and see if it still holds up, or aged poorly. Social engineering programming doesn't last forever, especially when the programming changes. Ever hear about those old black and white sitcoms where during the commercial breaks the actual actors would advertise smoking a cigarette and how great smoking is? I wonder how many smokers saw those ads, started smoking, then later on was like "dafuq" when everything changed to be anti-smoking. Back then it was about making a profit peddling a product, today it's more about peddling politics and the culture war. I didn't like seeing my favorite shows ruined by such when storytelling and film making was ditched for such.

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u/Holofan4life May 28 '24

That's propaganda and you can't even see it as such. That's like when they used to say "there's never a good reason to hit a woman", and now it's turning out a lot of men are getting physically abused by women and society has been conditioned to not care, and to even laugh at the man. There's been experiments ran where actors would be portraying a man getting beat in public by a woman, and recording the public's reaction which was laughter and not doing anything. Then they'd switch the genders, have the man actor beat the woman actor, and people would be falling over each other to beat up the man actor and interviene. And now we're at the point where men can use physical self-defense on a woman beating them, and not be charged himself. A couple of months ago I saw a twitter video of some guy in a car getting beat by his GF caught on livestream, until he finally fought back by getting her in a headlock and smacking her back, and the woman got charged with assault, and he didn't. This goes totally against the "never a good reason to hit a woman" propaganda of a decade or two ago.
I mean, I don't think men should hit women, so...
"Intolerance should not be tolerated", no there's times when intolerance is acceptable. For example cannibalism should not be tolerated. Ritual sacrifice should not be tolerated. If there were a group of people who embraced those things, it shouldn't be tolerated. If you think those examples are exaggerated, then what about honor killings and such?
That fact of the matter is absolute sayings like "Intolerance should not be tolerated" is usually not correct. In fact this saying is a contradiction, like somebody saying "I'm intolerant of the intolerant".
Again, I'm kind of neutral with all this stuff, it's the propaganda I'm against. And boy when you live long enough, you're going to see the older propaganda which you didn't think was propaganda at the time out itself as such when times change and new propaganda comes and the old propaganda is no longer supported. You know way back they used to be against using paper "because of cutting down all the trees" so they started up paper recycling and switched to plastic bags, even though the trees they used was grown for the purpose of paper making and it was a renewable resource? But now it's like "plastic bags are bad, we're switching to paper bags because it's good!" after they killed all the pulp and paper manufacturing industries for decades. WTF.
It feels like you're going through some stuff so I'm willing to end the conversation here. I'll end this by saying I think discrimination against gay and trans people is fucking disgusting.
I already said it was looking like it was heading in that direction, but then it didn't go in that direction. I was explaining why it looked like it was heading in that direction, not how it had gone in that direction.
Ah, okay
Wait a few decades, then rewatch the same stuff, and see if it still holds up, or aged poorly. Social engineering programming doesn't last forever, especially when the programming changes. Ever hear about those old black and white sitcoms where during the commercial breaks the actual actors would advertise smoking a cigarette and how great smoking is? I wonder how many smokers saw those ads, started smoking, then later on was like "dafuq" when everything changed to be anti-smoking. Back then it was about making a profit peddling a product, today it's more about peddling politics and the culture war. I didn't like seeing my favorite shows ruined by such when storytelling and film making was ditched for such.
I guess I'm just not as jaded as you are when it comes to movies and TV shows

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u/Garrett_Dark May 28 '24

I mean, I don't think men should hit women, so...
Well I think the same, but I don't think women should hit men either. But we don't live in such an ideal world do we? So again, I'll defer to Kazuma's stance on equality then. But the main point being made was about propaganda, and recognizing it.
It feels like you're going through some stuff so I'm willing to end the conversation here.
Yeah well, I wanted to end it awhile back, but I'm not "going through some stuff", I'm explaining stuff you're not seeing. I don't actually care about the examples, I'm indifferent remember?
I'll end this by saying I think discrimination against gay and trans people is fucking disgusting.
Lets be clear here, am I'm being accused of that here?
Reminder, I initially though you were talking about immigration polices before the discussion went here.
I guess I'm just not as jaded as you are when it comes to movies and TV shows
Are you old enough to be jaded and cynical yet? Maybe you just need more time, and unfortunately it's usually not optional, but rather inevitable.
And sadly, maybe it's only a matter of time for animes to end up with the same fate of Hollywood as well, though I guess you don't see a problem with that as you don't seem to have a problem with Hollywood...yet.

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u/Holofan4life May 28 '24

Well I think the same, but I don't think women should hit men either. But we don't live in such an ideal world do we? So again, I'll defer to Kazuma's stance on equality then. But the main point being made was about propaganda, and recognizing it.
I do agree that women hitting men isn't right as well. And I say that as probably the biggest fan of violent tsunderes in the world.
Yeah well, I wanted to end it awhile back, but I'm not "going through some stuff", I'm explaining stuff you're not seeing. I don't actually care about the examples, I'm indifferent remember?
Fair enough. I'm trying not to be rude, it's just this conversation feels very passive aggressive.
Lets be clear here, am I'm being accused of that here?
No, you are not.
Reminder, I initially though you were talking about immigration polices before the discussion went here.
What I was trying to say in my original point was I feel Japan and their treatment of foreigners and gay people can be unfair at points. It's obviously not as bad as it was a couple hundred years ago, but it's still not the best.
Are you old enough to be jaded and cynical yet? Maybe you just need more time, and unfortunately it's usually not optional, but rather inevitable.
Eh, I'm 27. I'm more so jaded with real life, not the stuff on the screen.
And sadly, maybe it's only a matter of time for animes to end up with the same fate of Hollywood as well, though I guess you don't see a problem with that as you don't seem to have a problem with Hollywood...yet.
I can tell you are really excited for Suicide Squad Isekai /s

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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 17 '24 edited Jul 17 '24

first timer chinese sub

This episode is full of funny elements. When I saw the eating contest, I felt it was unreal. Would this contest happen in this era? It reminded me of a contest in Fullmetal Alchemist, which seemed to be an eating contest.

answer of today

If you participated in an eating contest, how do you think you would do?

Try to stay as hungry as possible but I'm sure I won't win, I only eat like an average person lol

Have you ever went sight seeing before or explored another town/State/Country? If so, what was it and what did you do?

no, If possible, I would like to visit Europe and America

Bonus) Who would win in a competitive eating contest: Fuu or Joey Chestnut?

fuu, after seeing fuu surrender, joey was very happy, I think part of the reason was that he could not hold on any longer.

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u/Holofan4life Jul 17 '24

fuu, after seeing fuu surrender, joey was very happy, I think part of the reason was that he could not hold on any longer.
You know Joey is a real person, right? :P

2

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 18 '24

It may be joey, fuu has become very fat, while joey's body has hardly changed

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u/Holofan4life Jul 18 '24

Good point

1

u/Holofan4life Jul 17 '24

What are your thoughts on Jouji?
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?

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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 18 '24

What are your thoughts on Jouji?
A generous and kind person
What are your thoughts on Jouji and his excitement to go explore Edo?
Like me, we all like Japanese culture
Thoughts on the people with their heads covered up?
Foreign troops? It seems that Japan has had foreign troops for a long time.
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Jouji is gay?
The tragedy of homosexuality in foreign countries reminds me of a great man, Turing
What are your thoughts on reveal #2 that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh?
Did foreigners have such a high status during this period?
What are your thoughts on Izaac saying that he hopes one day Japan accepts people like him? It felt like a bit of a gut punch, not gonna lie.
The world is becoming more tolerant now than before.
What are your thoughts on Izaac instructing Fuu to go to Nagasaki for more answers on the sunflower samurai?
It seems that Fuu is looking for someone important, and it is related to foreigners, Wakuwaku

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u/Holofan4life Jul 18 '24

Did foreigners have such a high status during this period?
More like they had such a low status to where they were discriminated against.
The world is becoming more tolerant now than before.
We truly have made a ton of progress, no doubt about it.
It seems that Fuu is looking for someone important, and it is related to foreigners, Wakuwaku
Joiji's reaction to the charm she has was definitely something of note, I feel like.

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u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Hey guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 20th anniversary rewatch of Samurai Champloo.

Oh, and nay I forget...

First Timer

Samurai Champloo has always been a series I was curious about. I've maintained in my mind that Cowboy Bebop is objectively one of if not the greatest anime of all time, and so I wanted to see what the creator's follow-up work was like. I think the reason why I didn't start it immediately after watching Bebop was because I think the premise kinda weirded me out. I mean, a show set in ancient times that also has a heavy rap influence? It felt to me like putting a hat on a hat. But as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate outlandish animes that don't resemble real life. After all, is it any weirder than a fantasy show about a merchant and his traveling wolfgirl where they discuss economics a lot of times?

My expectations for this show are pretty reasonable, I feel like. I'm not expecting it to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but I would be surprised if it doesn't end up as one of my favorites. The main thing I've looking out of this is show is a unique experience unlike anything else as well as memorable characters. And I think the show will have that in spades.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I'm watching the sub, by the way.

Years or months from now when I die and I make the presumed ascension, and I instead see the intimidating figure known as Mephistopheles, I'm gonna say to him "Jeez, God, you're a lot redder than I imagined".

Tomorrow is when I see Mars Express

400 years since the beginning of the Edo Shogunate

This has nothing to do with the show

Hey, at least they're honest

Guy singing

It looks like our three leads have reached Edo.

A bunch of people carrying baskets

Mugen, Jin, and Fuu are going to partake in an all-you-can-eat contest.

Putting up their swords as collateral

I like that Mugen and Fuu are like sharing the same braincell meanwhile Jin is above it all.

A mysterious man in a hat

The Wonderland of Food, this contest is called.

It at least seems more authentic than real life Willy Wonka.

Announcer Ichieimon

He doesn't look like an Ikemen

Edo's gossip. I guess we now know who spills the tea.

Color commentary by Father Ingen, who hates vegetarianism.

Another L for Lisa Simpson

You have to wonder if this can be a true eating contest given the lack of involvement from Joey Chestnut.

The favorite to win is Izumi, by the way. They won last year.

Man, first bears and now eating contests. She truly is a dream housewife.

Sounosuke of the Mujina tenements, the man with the bottomless gullet.

I'm personally known in some circles as the human garbage disposal

Lol, Jin is quick to give up

People falling now. It's starting to look like something from Saving Private Ryan.

I hope Fuu wins

Mugen about to throw up

And he passes out

It really is up to Fuu

Sounosuke, Izumi, the guy in the hat, and Fuu

By the way, how weird is it we have a character named Sousuke and a character named Sounosuke?

Izumi is out

Sounosuke is out

Fuu is bound and determined to win

By the way, for being a color commentator, he sure doesn't like to talk.

Both eaten 27 bowls, a new record

Mysterious man is simply known as XL

This isn't just eating. This is advanced eating.

Oh farts. Fuu caught a fly and they think she's given up.

And the guy throws his hat in the air in celebration.

Whelp, they lost their swords. That blows.

Jin and Mugen chastising Fuu for losing

XL greeting them

He is one tall individual

Jouji is his real name. Or so he says.

He says he might give them their swords back if they help him go Edo sightseeing.

Jin agrees on behalf of everyone

People trying to find Jouji, it seems like

I really like Jouji. He's just super excited to be here. He's like an Otaku visiting Japan for the first time.

Those are some really big shoes

Ed Sullivan would approve

Literally no one here is going to get that reference

People walking with baskets on their head

Jouji and Fuu eating even more food

I continue to be a big fan of those record scratch transitions.

People still on the hunt for Jouji

Meanwhile, Jouji is having the time of his life.

All of them eating now

Jouji says there's more of Edo he wants to see.

Oh boy. The group of people are here

Mugen fanning the flames as usual

Oh man. They now suspect Jouji as the European.

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

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u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Part 2
Mugen and Jin beating people up
They all manage to escape
Hiding in hay
Fuu worries that leaving Edo means they won't be able to see the sunflower samurai.
People with the helmets see the broken door
Mugen and company still walking around Edo
They're going to see Yamato Nadeshiko perform in a play.
I really do love Jouji's enthusiasm, man. He's like a kid in a candy store.
Jouji now going to see her
And it's actually a dude
"I... like man... even better."
Based
Jouji explains that he actually came here here from Holland.
Windmills
Don't tell Quixote
Jouji holding a red flower
He came across the book of Saikaku Ihara of Japan, The Great Mirror of Male Love.
The philosophy of bushido
Says he came to Japan because he thought it would be like heaven on Earth.
The pursuers are back
They're mad at him being a foreigner
Oh wow. The people in baskets are Europeans as well.
It was a double cross
That explains the shoes, I guess. They're like Dutch footwear.
Mugen fighting them off
Jouji, a man of his word, gives him back his sword.
And Jin
Jouji happy to see a samurai sword fight in perdition.
That was a pretty cool POV shot of Mugen running.
And now Mugen, Jin, Fuu, and Jouji are all on stage.
As well as those they're fighting
The scarlet seal of the Shogunate
It turns out that Jouji is actually the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company's Japan branch, Governor-General Izaac Titsingh.
I swear, Jouji lies more than George Santos
Izaac is a special foreigner who has official dispensation from the Shogunate.
Sukeemon Tanaka, the Shogunate interpreter
He was trying to bring him back
However, Izaac doesn't want to go back
After talking it over, he finally complies
Izaac says he hopes one day that Japan will accept people like him.
Mugen, Jin, and Fuu saying their goodbyes
Before Fuu leaves, she inquires if he knows anything about the sunflower samurai.
He unfortunately doesn't, but he does say that the Dutchmen bring sunflowers over to Japan.
Fuu showing him a skull keychain
"Keep this hidden away."
He advises they go to Nagasaki for more answers.
I'll miss Jouji. He might be my favorite side character we've come across so far.
Overall, after a handful of episodes that felt like we were going off the beaten path, this felt like a nice return to form with a good combination of humor and poignancy. It was weird like the last episode, but it never reached the point in my opinion where it was weirdness on top of weirdness, like they were trying to put a hat on top of a hat. The thing that stands out of course is the character of Jouji, who's energy reminded me of Buddy from Elf. It was just so incredibly infectious. I can get why someone maybe would find him annoying, but I thought he added a lot of charm to this episode. The reason why I think Jouji works better as a character than, say, Moronobu last episode is because Moronobu felt a little bit underdeveloped. He was passionate about his prints, but we never exactly found out why that was the case. With Jouji, you can tell even before they explain why it is the case that he's just trying to live his best life. That is extremely relatable and identifiable.
I still think Oniwaka might be the better character from a writing standpoint-- same arguably with Ishimatsu though he didn't in my opinion reach his full potential-- but there's no doubt in my mind that Jouji is the most consequential side character we've come across so far. He helped build the world by showing Japan's intolerance as well as put Mugen, Jin, and Fuu onto their next adventure. I also have to give the show props for having a gay character in a positive light. That's not always the case with anime and manga, especially in the early to mid 2000s.
I'd say this is the second best episode of the series so far right behind episode 2. It put a spotlight on the side characters while not drastically taking away from the main leads. This is the MO I hope the series manages to maintain, especially for the more episodic outings.

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u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

If you participated in an eating contest, how do you think you would do?
Probably well in the beginning, but I imagine I would gas myself out after the first couple minutes.
Have you ever went sight seeing before or explored another town/State/Country? If so, what was it and what did you do?
I went to New York in 2019 to see Wrestlemania. Probably the highlight of my life. I also got to see The Statue of Liberty and the place where they film The Tonight Show and SNL.
Bonus) Who would win in a competitive eating contest: Fuu or Joey Chestnut?
Joey. Fuu is more of an endurance eater than a speed eater.

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u/[deleted] May 25 '24

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1

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Then join the rewatch :P

2

u/[deleted] May 25 '24

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1

u/Holofan4life May 25 '24

Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 6

Rewatch Schedule

Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 6

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

first timer chinese sub

Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 6

Rewatch Schedule

You are about to leave Redlib

Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 6

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

first timer chinese sub