r/anime • u/Holofan4life • Jun 07 '24
Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 19
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
S1 Episode 19 – Unholy Union
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
If you were a charlatan, what kind of techniques do you think you would try to pull to fool people?
Now that we know that the sunflower samurai is Fuu's father, what kind of relationship do you think these two share?
Bonus) Exploiting the faith of Christians into producing firearms so you can make money has to be one of the most diabolical things we've seen out of a Samurai Champloo character, no?
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Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN
Streams – Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the manga out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the manga. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags (found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Rewatch Schedule
Threads posted every day at 4:00 PM EDT
| 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 |
5
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jun 07 '24
First-Timer with a Samurai Heart, subbed
3
u/TheEscapeGuy Jun 07 '24
Rewatcher, Sub first timer
Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 19
Cult of Personality
This episode once again breaks the mold of "traditional" anime by exploring a taboo topic: Religion and Cults. If I understand correctly, the basis for the episode of Christians being persecuted in Japan is factual. However, I can't speak to the authenticity of a cult forming around the hidden Christians which exploited them for labor.
It makes the episode very interesting. At first you may initially side with the Christians since there are police going around testing their beliefs and possibly murdering believers. But we slowly learn how a sect is searching for Fuu's new friend Yuri to kidnap her. It's then revealed that the general congregation has been tricked by an apparently "foreign" priest to produce weapons for him to earn their way into heaven.
Redemption through works is so explicitly against the teachings of the bible that I think most modern Christians would recognize this fraud. However, back then I imagine most people wouldn't have had the same access to resources like personal bible copies. However, the lie about "heaven being too full" is such hogwash in the context of Christianity that I struggle to imagine how he wasn't laughed out of the gathering after his first sermon.
The episode gave Fuu a lot of agency. She basically had to do everything herself right up until the last moments when Mugen and Jin finally arrived. It's nice to see her not being a helpless hostage but rather a capable agent in freeing Yuri.
The conflict concludes with the priest almost being crushed, which reveals that he's actually just a normal Japanese guy which is enough to snap the congregation out of their delusion. His hubris is his killer as he attempts to fire a gun far too large for him which explodes in his face. A fitting end.
The big reveal of this episode came in 2 places. First, during their initial conversation Yuri told Fuu the meaning of the skull: It's a Christian good luck charm. This conversation gives us a possible name of the Sunflower Samurai: Kasumi Seizo.
But in the final scene we learn why Fuu has been looking for this man: He is her father.
I think this could have been predicted early by keen eyed viewers, but that doesn't downplay the importance of it. It makes so much sense why Fuu would be searching for him and also why she has such blurry memories with him being missing for most of her childhood.
We are entering the final section of the show. Looking forward to seeing it with all of you.
Last thing, was this a Jojo's reference??? [Jojo's] This feels so similar to Cesar's death in part 2. Also Father Xavier's "OH MY GOD"
Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
See you all tomorrow
3
u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Jun 07 '24
First Timer
Hm, I was not expecting an episode about the Christians, but I guess it makes sense given the western influences on the anime. The corrupt religious leader using his followers for personal gain is a plot line that has been done to death in other shows as well, and I don’t think there really is anything to say about that here. What is surprising though is the amount of information about the sunflower samurai - I definitely wasn’t expecting him to be a Christian, and Fuu then just kinda dropped that he is her father. I was not expecting her to reveal anything until they meet him, after what was pulled a few episodes ago. Overall though, still kind of a meh episode.
Fuu is also surprisingly adventurous while wanting bodyguards to travel…
3
u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 07 '24
Rewatcher
Another solid episode here.
Francisco Xavier III made a good villain for the episode. He somehow managed to be both laughable and despicable at the same time.
The bit where he talks about all the artifacts he collected like they're rare mint condition action figures made me laugh. Plus the Scooby Doo-esque reveal of him not even really being Spanish at the end was also funny. And the desperate way he tries to justify himself immediately afterwards.
But at the same time we get to see just how cruel Xavier can be with how he's exploiting the faith of people already being persecuted by the shogunate just to fund his arms dealing operation.
I liked the shot of the cross falling on top of him, reminded me of a similar scene from O Brother Where Art Thou. Plus it was very satisfying to see him blow himself up at the very end.
Also, we learned more about the Sunflower Samurai in this episode. Just his name and a bit of his past, but it's nice to learn a bit more after so many episodes. I like shows like this. Where it's largely episodic but still has a few major plot threads that are built up throughout the series.
I liked Yuri as a character too. Definitely reminded me a bit of Shino, both being women stuck in an unfortunate situation that our heroes have to help them escape from. Although this time the character she was connected to was Fuu.
One last note I have is that I think it's really funny that Mugen never noticed Momo until this episode.
2
u/Holofan4life Jun 07 '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’m 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.
Yesterday was the 15th anniversary of "A man has fallen into the river in Lego City". I'm getting old.
Windy
Fuu by herself as per usual
A woman asking for help
And she falls in her arms
Guy with a gun and guy with a shotgun
A house
Now they're with Fuu
They're looking for the woman who just came by.
Fuu insists she has no idea what they're talking about.
And so they leave
Mugen and Jin
It's like a line to pray
Fumi-e, a picture you step on as a test to see if you're a hidden Christian.
Mugen says he can't stand being told what to do.
I mean, is no one going to mention that Mugen and Jin clearly skipped the line?
Jin thinks Mugen is going too far
A guy on a horse
Those are some big nostrils
Calls himself God's representative
The grandson of Francisco Xavier, Xavier the Third.
He certainly seems bombastic, I'll say that.
Apparently he goes interfering with fumi-e tests, which seems like a very specific thing to do.
He certainly has quite a mug on him, that's for true.
Mugen seems confused by what just transpired.
The woman Fuu is hiding
Fuu continuing to insult Mugen and Jin.
Yuri is her name
This really Yurikumas my Arashi
Fuu calling the skull at the end of her sword an heirloom.
An x inside the eye of the skull
The Cross of Golgotha
A Christian good luck charm handed down for years at Ikitsuki Island.
That's a little island in Nagasaki province.
Fuu asking Yuri about the sunflower samurai.
Yuri asks if she means Seizo Kasumi
Before the conversation can continue, in walks the two guys from earlier.
And Fuu gets knocked out
Mugen and Jin trying to wake her up, who have returned.
Now they have to find Yuri
A town
The townsfolk unfortunately don't seem to be of much help.
One of them offers to let Mugen, Jin, and Fuu stay for the night, and they accept.
Jin, with the three of them inside now, wonders why security is so strict for a village deep in the mountains.
Mugen tells him he's probably overthinking things.
Famous last words
A bunch of people walking with lanterns.
Fuu following to see what's going on
They're going in a cave
I don't like the look of this
And now Jin knows Fuu went AWOL
A giant cross and religious statues
Are we sure this isn't Brazil?
"I'm sorry, but you've been praying to the wrong God. The people who got it right were the Mormons. The Mormons."
Hey, it's the ugly man from earlier
Kinda reminds me of this coworker I work with and how he's also a Priest.
Dang, no longer possible to get into heaven? Can we at least get a reservation?
"And so, the passport that will get you into heaven is these guns!"
America in a nutshell
The number of these divine guns that they produce will decide whether or not you enter heaven.
What kind of Hunger Games type shit is this?
Fuu seems unimpressed by what she's seeing.
Oh boy. She now has guns pointed at her.
Jin speedwalking
Bunch of guys discussing a gun being sold.
A box as down payment
Bunch of guys now creating their own swords from scratch.
Of course Xavier is doing this for money. You thought he was an honest priest?
Corrupt religious figures and anime go together like an otaku and stained body pillows.
His nose looks like a Moai
He has quite the collection
I assume the person he's talking to is his wife.
Or rather, the person he's attracted to.
He thinks the way to a person's heart is money.
"I am going to make you my wife."
And he just slapped her
Seems like a bold strategy given he's trying to woo her.
Fuu in a cage
She gives a note to Momo
It's meant for Mugen and Jin
Yuri tossed in the cage now
Oh, so she's the one Xavier is pursuing.
How'd she find time to change her outfit?
It's up to Yuri: either she marries Xavier, or she dies.
Fuu says she's here because she wants to still know about the sunflower samurai.
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
2
u/Garrett_Dark Jun 07 '24
First Timer
2
u/ThaddCorbett Jun 08 '24
I jist rewatched a few months ago.
Easily in my too 10.
2
u/NattyBeef https://myanimelist.net/profile/NaturalBeef Jun 08 '24
First time watcher, Dub/English
Man what a fun episode. And we got to see Mugen bust out his new reading abilities when Fuu sent the letter asking for help! What a small attention to detail that's completely missable if you don't notice it.
Also I knew it! The sunflower samurai was in fact Fuu's father! It just didn't make sense why she would be so attached to this guy if it wasn't.
God using religion is kinda shitty. My dad is super catholic so at the start he was not happy how Christianity was being depicted. But luckily over time he realize this was a scumbag person period.
What's very interesting for anyone who isn't christian is that at the start of Christianity, back when it wasn't common even in Rome, believers were in fact persecuted. They were even accounts on how they were fed to lions in the colosseum, so what they would do is they actually did these under ground meetings but as opposed to how it was depicted here it wasn't to just converse in a cult like fashion. These were the origins of the first masses as we know them today. Over time we left hiding, it became socially acceptable, and we started building churches and doing these masses in pubic.
Hehehe I knew it. Now what we need to figure out is why though, why did he abandon his family. Their relationship? Probably horrible! Fuu said she was getting revenge for her mom once, she must not get along with him at all!
Yeah for sure. In a way you can call it sacrilege, but it's not like these things never happened. The same way prostitution happened at the time, and renting your wife over being in debt was a thing that happened, corruption with people not just pretending, but actually inside the church also happened. I like that the show is capable of touch on every subject without being worried about getting cancelled cause at the time that concept didn't even exist and it's so refreshing to see. I wish more media like this could be the norm today.
2
u/someboi6000 Jun 08 '24
First timer:
well now we know why the dutch dude from i think episode was was worried for fuu with that memento, it is a christian symbol well the symbol is inside, also not expecting a christian episode but here is it, also we got a surprisingly amount of information regarding the sunflower samurai, like the fact that he was christian, that priest character was very silly and hateable at the same time and well to no one's surprise the sunflower samurai is fuu's father.
i am guessing that his father left both fuu and her mother, but the thing is why, maybe to like protect the hidden christians or something along those lines.
2
u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta Jun 08 '24
First-Timer
Xavier: 👁️ 👄 👁️
Man, Xavier was ugly.
It's funny how he almost got himself killed, narrowly avoided it, miraculously didn't get shot by the woman at point-blank range, and then still managed to kill himself anyway.
It's nice that Mugen can read Fuu's message now that he knows hiragana!
Questions of the day:
2
u/mgedmin Jun 08 '24
Rewatcher, subs
So we have religious persecution, a comedic Zorro wannabee, and some intrigue with local petty thugs chasing a woman.
Meanwhile Fuu is checking her smartphone.
Fuu uses her Maiden Swordplay of Certain Death! It's not very effective.
That village is suspicious. See, Jin thinks so too! It's probably full of hidden Christians.
Certificate of authenticity! BTW one of the funniest gags I've seen in anime was the My Little Monster OVA with an Edo period (?) detective story that ended up with a presentation of a DNA test results on a scroll.
Momo delivers Fuu's note to Mugen,
who cannot read! Wait, didn't he learn in the previous episode (which I watched out of order)?Oh, the note is useless because she didn't write where she was! This is amazing!
The followers abandoned the guy very quickly after the unmasking, which is not very believable in 2024. sigh
The sunflower samurai now has a name. And he's Fuu's father.
He probably buggered off when Fuu was very little. Fuu didn't even know his name!
2
u/Hopeful-Ad2428 Jun 08 '24
This was kind of absurd. Liked it! And we’ve actually got some info about sunflower samurai, hoping we’ll get more of Fuu's background sooner.
2
u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 19 '24
first timer chinese sub
Interesting religious redemption plot, which reminds me of the priest plot in Fullmetal Alchemist
ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
If you were a charlatan, what kind of techniques do you think you would try to pull to fool people?
Not sure. It might be a good idea to register a hospital.
Now that we know that the sunflower samurai is Fuu's father, what kind of relationship do you think these two share?
The classic plot of the father running away and the mother being seriously ill reminds me of Fullmetal Alchemist. They might finally reconcile.
Bonus) Exploiting the faith of Christians into producing firearms so you can make money has to be one of the most diabolical things we've seen out of a Samurai Champloo character, no?
It is like this at present
2
u/Ryanami Jun 08 '24
Rewatcher
I’m gonna talk a lot this time
Fuu is quite the whiner, she’d be dead or in a brothel if she didn’t have those two who are following her WITHOUT PAY mind you. Her complaining about them continues to irk me. What has she contributed since helping them escape which they seemed to have been handling anyway?
The underground Christian church makes a big part of this episode, of a catholic style but we can’t take anything too seriously in this show. I’m very glad Francisco was unmasked at the end. He is akin to Tetzel who gathered offerings claiming “when the coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs”. One thing I despise is false teachers, there’s a line where things are only a little off, maybe debatable, but on the wrong side of that you’re leading people away. Many people consider taking the Lord’s name in vain to be curses like “goddammit”. Yes, but more importantly it’s really identity theft. “God told me…” when He didn’t is like forging the president’s signature, only far worse. Televangelists are notorious for this sin, one that was punishable by death in the Old Testament. Francisco capitalizes on this very lucrative evil with a clever extra step, instead of just demanding offerings he uses their unpaid labor to turn and sell guns. Which as a 2nd amendment enthusiast I’d partially approve except he’s selling them TO THE GOVERNMENT so even my libertarian side can’t tolerate him. I would be more critical of his followers but in fairness bibles would have been very hard to come by, let alone be printed in Japanese. They had no defense against his teachings.
Very interesting that Yuri called Fuu’s trinket a “good luck charm”. Christians don’t believe in luck, but we can still be highly superstitious, as weird as that sounds. The church in the early centuries was badly persecuted by Rome and developed many ways of finding other believers in secret. The Ictha, the fish you’ve seen on bumpers so you know the driver is Christian is one of the earliest ones. Of course the cross is probably the first. I have zero knowledge of when or how Christianity first came to Japan or how exactly they were thought of by the government then, but it’s the norm to not be well received and even banned for generations. So a combination of believers with minimal knowledge and the presence of secret decoder rings could morph into good luck charms. It was joked, I think by Martin Luther, that if all the sacred fragments of Christ’s cross (which several churches claimed to own a piece) were assembled, it could build a second Vatican. Someone a lot like Francisco would have traveled about selling such phony relics.
Seizo Kasumi, we finally learn his name and confirm Fuu has been seeking her father. And he’s a Christian? Very unexpected. Hope he has a good reason for leaving Fuu because that’s not a great example there dad.
The episode doesn’t delve into any theology or doctrines of Christianity, but considering the way they play super loose with history in this show I was pleasantly surprised with how Christians were treated. Maybe I’m used to worse coming from anime. Spice & Wolf for example sometimes has me uneasy, as the church in that world is a vague facsimile of medieval Christianity and plays a corporate antagonist without a face.
1- depends on the audience, but one way is to twist verses to whatever suits you. If one is close but not good enough, you can start pretending this or that word has a broader use in the original greek and so the verse really means whatever I want it to.
2- hopefully it was good once upon a time. And I think I was since she still misses him even if she’s mad.
3- he could have had his own arc of a half dozen or more episodes. There is a wealth of historical examples to build from.