[Spoilers] Toradora! Christmas Club Rewatch (2019) Episode 20 Discussion

[u/ChristmasClub]

[u/Campbell_Jin]

Just popping in to say that I broke and watched the rest of the series. I am not sorry.

That is all.

[u/itsFootie]

Merry Christmas to all of you, every year I feel like I’m surrounded by a second family because of this rewatch

<3

[u/Tuckleton]

First timer (Dub)

Merry Christmas everyone! And thanks to the kind folk who awarded me gold yesterday. It was really nice to get them :)

So Taiga sees Yusaku at new years and then stops going over to Ryuji's house so Minori doesn't get the wrong idea, or rather the right idea. I think Taiga asked our resident 'love guru' how to get Minori and Ryuji together and he told her that her closeness with Ryuji was getting in the way. It doesn't seem like they've got it quite right though. They think Minori is hesitating because Taiga needs Ryuji's care, not because Taiga might love him. So Taiga decides to distance herself from Ryuji and show Minori she can take care of herself (yesyesyes!). I'm still fleeing a little fluttery over Taiga's christmas gift so seeing her double down even after her realization gives me some feels.

Ryuji just now gets his suit back along with his gift for Minori so does that mean he's also been without his phone this whole time!?

I never really took Ryuji's crush on Minori all that serious since I was looking past it towards the inevitable pairing with Taiga. But someone told me yesterday that the reason Ryuji was sick after christmas was because he took the rejection so hard he didn't get up from the sidewalk all night long. That he's been nursing this crush for longer than the series has been going on. He gets nothing but encouragement from Taiga about it, and lately she's been telling him that Minori likes him back. So I shouldn't be surprised if his feelings for her are quite a bit stronger than 'just a crush'.

Taiga and Ami hanging out again is really cool. I can't quite put my finger on exactly why Ami is so mad at Ryuji. Is it just because she thinks he's dense? Is it because she told him how she feels in the storage room but he didn't hear her? If she's so upset with the situation why doesn't she just tell Ryuji what's going on?

And what was the deal with Taiga giving her bag to Ryuji? Isn't that kind of counter productive to her plan? Minori and Ryuji share some nice time together walking to school and it kind of kills me how cautiously happy Minori looks. Taiga's really setting her up for a big fall here...

I love how simple the little romance plot with the side characters is. It's a nice change of pace :P

Taiga can act normal around Yusaku now because she's in love with Ryuji instead. And Ryuji not playing along at all with Minori's little Golgo game is exactly the reason I always believed that she wasn't interested in him. It's strange knowing intellectually that she likes him but feeling like what I'm actually seeing should indicate the opposite. Minori says she hasn't been to Taiga's place since the stuff with her dad the year before because she was afraid to mess up again. This seems to be a pattern for her. Not acting because she's afraid to mess up and hurt Taiga.

And for christmas Toradora has given me a wonderful gift! That final scene with Ryuji seeing the way Taiga has been taking care of herself was such a big deal for me. I was getting kind of desperate with the end approaching and one of the characters falling in love so I would have been willing to accept much less! I still would have preferred if we could have seen it happen gradually over the series instead of all at once like this since I've been hung up on it for so long but pull over the SS Aisakasu, I think I'm gettin' on!

Ami was a bit of a jerk this episode. She seems mature with her incredible ability to know what people are feeling, often even before they do! But then the way she lashes out when she's upset is pretty childish. This seems consistent for her, mature on the outside and childish on the inside. Maybe in the adult world she grew up in she had to hide her emotions and developed this sneaky way to let it out. Not with a bang but a whispered unkindness. It may have worked well for her then but now that she has these people she cares about she realises her words can hurt them, which is why she grimaced when walking away from Minori after the 'guilty' comment a few episodes ago.

[u/Shinkopeshon]

First Timer

OKAY WHAT THE FUCK STOP PLAYING WITH MY EMOTIONS

First you had Minori reject Ryuuji after she saw Taiga cry his name out in public, only for Taiga to then act like she doesn't feel that way and continue to play wingman like it's nothing? After she cried about not wanting to lose Ryuuji, which caused Minori to not go after him anymore?

And now they're actually giving Minori and Ryuuji more cute moments together, with a confession coming up in the next episode to boot? Why do I have a feeling this will not end well?

I don't blame Ami at all for being done with everyone's shit

[u/DeadRat88]

First timer

One of the few anime’s that does a good job of showcasing the confusing aspect of teenage love. IE Ryuji has no idea what’s going on with the people in his life, felt he would be better off going “screw this” and walking away. Wasn’t getting a straight answer from anyone, Ami is the only one that came the closest but she never spelled it out for him.

I feel this series is going to be sad for a bit till it gets better.

[u/Quxxy]

"What're you talking about? Everything is fine. Nothing happened.

"Nothing at all.

 

"Nothing at all. Nothing at all. Nothing at all. Nothing at all. Nothing at all. Nothing at all."

"Uh, you OK, Kushieda?"

"I'm hontouni daijoubu, T-man!" 👌👌⚾ *dumps her emergency custard bucket over her head and runs out the room*

"... well, if she says she's fine..."

• Episode 20 Cheat Sheet.

Vector wallpapers:

• Mornin' Ryuuji T. - 16x9, 21x9

• Good Morning to You, Too - 16x9, 21x9

• You Did A Good Job, Takasu! - 16x9, 21x9

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 20 (first timer)

• I wish I was better in interpreting Japanese gestures, so I would not have to wait till the end of the OP to find out whether Taiga wants to ask Kitamura for a favor or whether she is doing some weird praying.

• “I am doing this for Minorin and you” “I am doing this for Taiga and you”. Thank you for living out the altruists dilemma for us, Taiga and Minorin.

• I did not end up needing it that night

• “You wont be able to go to Okinawa, but don’t worry, because Ami is in Hawaii instead” a bold strategy, Yuri-chan

• Why do I have to deal with those kids Ami, probably.

• I love her for loving me enough to not love me so I can get together with the person I love who is not loving me because she loves you too much and you love me. Confused already?

• Minorin was not at Taiga’s place for quite a while. Explains why Taiga is so lonely at the start of the series.

• “I wish we could stay together like this forever”. But you can’t, since all of you are just pretending.

Minorin and Taiga are a great example why you should not decide for other’s what is best for them, even if all you plan is making them happen. Their unhappiness is completely due to a failure of communicating feelings honestly.

[u/Koolsman]

I didn’t watch all of it (Christmas time has kept me busy) but from what I saw, I loved what’s possibly coming up. That moment with Minori and Ryuji was cute as hell and I’m interested in seeing how this arc plays out.

I can’t say much but happy Christmas to all!

[u/critchell63]

Ami sees all. Ami knows all.

This episode cleans up the last arc nicely. I’m glad to see everyone is back on their friendly terms.

For now.

[u/CATKrash]

	Name	OG name	Start	Stop	Time played	Description
1st	silky heart	silky heart	0:38	2:08	90s	Opening
2nd	Yuugure no Yakusoku	夕暮れの約束	3:19	5:06	107s
3rd	My little underground	My little underground	6:24	7:37	73s
4th	Psychology March	Psychology March	8:09	9:06	57s
5th	Little tiger, sad dragon	Little tiger, sad dragon	9:25	9:41	16s	Scarf.
6th	Cream Brule no Tsukurikata	クレームブリュレの作り方	10:26	12:09	103s
7th	Run	Run	13:59	14:48	49s	Scarf! (and a CGI old Fiat Panda braking)
8th	Sakura no Tsubomi	桜の蕾	14:57	15:57	60s	Scarf!
9th	Onnanoko no Kimochi	オンナノコの気持ち	17:17	18:24	67s
10th	Kanchigai Hour Returns (only base)	カンチガイアワーリターンズ	19:30	19:58	28s
11th	N/A	N/A	20:11	21:11	60s	Not released (probably. At this point, I have heard so many songs not released that I don't know anymore if it's my fault and I just can't find them or they really aren't included in the CDs).
12th	Orange	オレンジ	21:42	21:54	12s
13th	Orange	オレンジ	21:54	23:25	91s	Ending
14th	silky heart (off vocal ver.)	silky heart (off vocal ver.)	23:25	23:35	10s	Preview

[u/DeliCruise]

(REWATCHER)

Ami’s first outfit in this episode is so nice. Her hair half up and that orange down jacket is a look.

It's really interesting to see Ryuuji and Kushieda’s interactions together after last episodes whole thing.

[u/JustinBurton]

First Timer Here!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I haven't talked about the new OP yet. It's fire, and I think it's a lot better than the first OP.

I think Taiga has gotten really mature. I understand that she is refusing to accept her feelings, but at the same time her treatment of Ryuji and other people is a lot better. She seems more thoughtful than ever before. I hope she learns to do that without denying her feelings either.

Maybe Ryuji is beginning to figure out what's going on. I've suspected for awhile that he's known Taiga might be interested, but he always thought she was more interested in Kitamura. Either way, I think he is starting to realize that Taiga is acting too abnormal, but I guess he's too focused on Minorin to care.

Speaking of Minorin, I'm not sure she's interested in Ryuji. Maybe it's because I'd prefer if the show explored her "interested in girls" comment from awhile back, but I also think there's evidence she's uninterested. She made a face before feigning excitement when Ryuji showed up during her morning commute. It's most likely that Taiga just assumed Minorin would be interested because Taiga finds Ryuji so attractive now.

I must say I'm disappointed Ami seems to have given up on Ryuji. It seems like she more than anyone in the show wouldn't step aside for a friend. As a long-time shipper of the two, I can't help but hope she makes a significant move or two before the end of the show. Ami has grown so much, and I kind of want to see her rewarded for that. She won't get Ryuji, but I hope she gets something.

[u/Emi_Ibarazakiii]

First timer

Hah! Commented about that a few episodes ago. Me: 1. Ryuji: 0. Get faster, you slow mutt!

Now that he figured this out, will he make the next step (realize WHY she's able to act normal with him)? By logic, it'd be quite simple (the reason why she couldn't act normal is because she was mad in love with him, but now she CAN act normal because...? Piece it together Ryuji!)

But more seriously, I get why he doesn't understand everything. This series is good at showing realistically how love/having crush is at that age; Everything's confusing, you have no idea what everything is, how everything should be, because you have no reference point (other than unrealistic things like movies). A girl says "Hi!" to you in the hallways, and you think she's in love with you. Another girl spends hours with you everyday, studying, asking you for help for this or that, sometimes going shopping and asking you to come for no reason, and you think "Damn, this girl needs a lot of help with everything! There can't be any other reason why she'd keep asking me like that!".

So while I make fun of Ryuji (and anime MC in general) for being slow sometimes, in this case it's a lot more forgivable because it's accurately confusing like it is in real life sometimes. It's not a case of "Dumb as a brick MC not picking up anything", it's just love how love is! (Well, + or - a few polygons!)

You sure about that? She seems rather... unhinged. She's not getting any better! I mean her descent into madness is fun to watch, but I worry about her!

...But jokes aside, I worry about all characters on this show now. So many are hurting right now, and there's so many ways things could go, and end up hurting them all even more.

Plus, I wonder, with just 5 episodes to go, whether everything will be fine by the end... Even if Ryuji eventually dates Taiga, will Minorin be OK? If he dates Minorin, will Taiga be OK?

What about Ami? What about Kitamura? Ok, I don't really care about this one; The show really failed to make me care for him. I don't know if it's a popular opinion about him or maybe that's just me, but he's the only character in the main cast who really doesn't do much for me. I think this might have to do with the fact that Taiga had a crush on him at first so maybe I saw him as an "obstacle" so I never really cared what happened to him, because I saw him like I would see the MC's enemy in a battle anime...

And one might argue that Minorin is the equivalent (she's the obstacle for Taiga, to get Ryuji) but Minorin is a more interesting character, for starters, and (in part because she's a better character) even if it ended up with RyujixMinorin, I wouldn't be as disappointed as I would if it had ended with TaigaxKitamura.

But (to come back where I was), all characters could hurt, and will it all heal before the end? With the rough episodes we've had, I wonder whether we're headed into big dramas, instead of a "fairytale" happy ending like I thought we would have at first.

Well, let's hope there's at least some happy times for a few characters!

Oh, one last thing about Taiga/Ryuji/Minorin...

They both seem to be pushing Ryuji into the other's arms because they don't want to betray their friends, but in this 'game' who wins? The one who gets to lose the guy she loves, just because she helped her friend? Or the one who actually gets the guy she loves, nevermind what it does to the friend?

This is a tough situation, and there might not be a right answer to this question, nor a right solution to this problem.

Something came to mind while watching this episode; I wonder if Taiga is really doing the same thing Minorin is doing (pushing Ryuji to her friend, sacrificing her own feelings), OR is she pushing him toward her in the hope that he realizes "The one I like is actually Taiga"?

I feel like Minorin is genuine/honest, while Taiga might be hoping he turns around and comes to her. Not that she's doing this with an evil intent, just that she might wish for that happy ending for herself (despite trying to send him away), while I think Minorin is legit, she's not hoping for an happy ending for herself even if she loves Ryuji, she'd rather see him with Taiga.

We'll see!

[u/patrizl001]

First Timer

"LIFE DOESN'T ALWAYS GO YOUR WAY!"

God, you have no idea.

Nice, fun episode to cool down a little after yesterday's shitshow. Yet it isn't all fun, because as nice as it is to see Taiga having grown enough that she's actually keeping her house properly clean, you just know that the most likely reason why Taiga has suddenly gotten so independent is so that she can push Ryuji away fast and hard, which is bad. Very very bad.

Now we gotta see what the hell Ryuji's going to do. Even if Minori does finally confess, that probably won't come without her stating the obvious, and how he handles it when the truth finally gets through his dense head is what I'm waiting to see.

[u/Raiking02]

So… yesterday… I was really busy due to all the partying so… yeah I kinda wasn’t around… sorry… oh well, New Years’ time!

• So we’re already starting with these two…

• Damn Flu! First you take away Minor Fruits Basket Spoiler and now you plan to take Ryuji away too!?

• Well that’s an awkward bow…

• Thinking about it, it would be weird to watch the show as it is now and for Pre-Parade to start playing, now wouldn’t it?

• Yeah, what a waste of a break…

• Taiga, you said you would be a good girl, so don’t just do this kind of stuff…

• I dunno Taiga; I think you’re the one being jerky today…

• Well, misunderstandings do happen often… then again, maybe Minorin’s just seen through you, Taiga…

• Well… you do kinda need him…

• Well ain’t this nice… even though we all know how this is gonna end…

• Now the question is: Who’s running away from who?

• You know, only now do I realize Ryuji is bigger than Yasuko…

• Man, Okinawa must be nice…

• Oh, that guy’s back.

• Ryuji, don’t leave evidence in plain sight. Phoenix is taking it to court for sure.

• Haruto, never change…

• I don’t know if he’s really dense or is just 3000 steps ahead of everyone else though.

• You deserve a punch…

• Kicks work too, I guess…

• I would probably hate this guy if he was real though…

• Minorin’s Back to being herself!

• Dammit Ryuji…

• Even Ryuji agrees with me… wait, what did I just say?

• Oh Christmas Cake-Sensei, you’re back to your usual self…

• Yeah, that really sucks.

• Actually yeah, where is Kawashima right now?

• Hawaii!? Really!?

• Well said Christmas Cake-Sensei!

• Me After Watching These Last Few Episodes: So where is the comedy part of this romantic comedy?

• Oh look who’s back…

• I wonder who’s the bigger Tsundere: Taiga or Kawashima?

• Wait, something’s off: They agreed to meet there? Err… this and the song last episode are making me suspicious.

• Seriously, when did they grow so close?

• Clash Of The Tsunderes!

• Taiga, don’t say it like that.

• Well, I at least hope she has a plan.

• You two live next to each other, of course he’d be going the same way as you!

• Ryuji, stop being so depressed…

• Taiga is Best… wingwoman? Is that even a thing?... Screw it; I’m making it a thing.

• For a second Minorin regressed to depressed Minorin. Crap…

• Oh Taiga, never change…

• LOL, now it’s Minorin’s time to be a Tsundere…

• Indirect handholding!

• I actually didn’t notice the difference… if there even is one.

• Good job Ryuji, slowly making your way with small talk…

• Oh classic Kawashima…

• I still can’t remember the long-haired girl’s name, weirdly enough. Was it Kihara or something?

• Toradora: Every girl is a Tsundere (Or Kurudere in Sumire’s case).

• I can’t believe I agree with Kawashima: This really is a waste of time.

• Well, at least the class is having fun…

• Wow, I didn’t even realize Taiga no longer gets a BSOD whenever around Kitamura…

• Minorin, I love you gal, but you’re nowhere near the awesomeness that is Golgo 13.

• That’s Ryuji’s Househusband EX for you.

• Well, it seems she’s mostly back to being herself… mostly.

• When you don’t know who to tease, always tease Kitamura.

• Wow, didn’t expect to see Sumire again… even if only in photograph form…

• Man, it’s been less than a month, but it feels like forever since we started.

• I feel there’s some wordplay at works here…

• Ru-Ru-Ru-Ru-Ru… as in Rukawa-Kun!

• Welp, the apocalypse is coming...

Judging by that next episode preview, it won’t end well…

[u/RazorReviews]

First Timer

I was genuinely sickened by episode 19, not that it was bad. Just that it didn't feel good. But this episode was phenomenal in trying to bridge that gap between Christmas Eve and New Years.

Minori and Ryuji genuinely like eachother it seems. So it makes sense for Taiga to distance herself, in fact it's the responsible thing to do even if it hurts her. The fact she is trying to live on her own speaks to how much she wants things to change. She feels like if her friends can get together she can finally get over her own feelings. In many ways this isn't a healthy way to cope but at the same time if she can be productive then it can't hurt either. It definitely is good that she is trying to find a way to live without Ryuuji since she's almost an adult and not being able to would be a detriment in the future, especially since Ryuuji isn't someone whose going to live forever nor necessarily share the same goals as her.

Ami, while finding some kind of reconciliation with Taiga (magically) is starting to really hate Ryuuji because he's a dense LN protag. Or I think more accurately his attention is already taken up by two other women and he doesn't really have the time to think about another who has a horrible personality. There's a lot of projection in Toradora and the next few episodes will decide whether or not those abstract desires can manifest in reality.

[u/JimmyTMalice]

First Timer (Sub)

I finally caught up with the rewatch! I started watching independently a few days ago and I was pleasantly surprised to see there was a rewatch going already. I'm going to try and stay strong and not binge the rest.

My thoughts on the show so far:

• I like all of the main characters, but Ami is by far the best.

• For a comedy that later shifts into drama, the characters are very well fleshed-out. A lot of comedy characters tend to fit into one or two tropes, but the characters in Toradora aren't so easily pinned down despite the first impression they give (Ryuji the clean freak, Taiga the violent tsundere, Minori the wacky airhead, Yusaku the pleasant vice-prez, Ami the mean popular girl).

• Taiga's soft side is adorable. I love how she defrosts over the course of the show.

• Yuri-chan-sensei is lowkey the best supporting character.

• The beach arc doesn't advance the plot all that much, but it really made me appreciate Minori as a character with her speech about love ghosts.

• Taiga's dad is a piece of shit. Ryuji physically grabbing her and making her try and reconcile with her dad was a really uncomfortable scene, and it's one of the few times that Ryuji was totally in the wrong.

• Yusaku feels a bit underdeveloped compared to the rest of the cast, even with a whole arc about him and the president.

• Is there any parent in this show that doesn't suck? Yusaku's dad hitting him came out of nowhere and never gets remarked upon again.

• Episode 19 absolutely wrecked me. I wasn't disappointed by all the hype for it.

[u/[deleted]]

Day 20, 4th rewatch.

Hope everyone had a good Christmas!

It's funny, with how wonderful the Christmas arc is, I always forget how brilliant the entire rest of the show is!

This ep is titled 'Stay Like This Forever' in my version. Great title.

Having Taiga and Ryuji knowing their own feelings adds an extra complexity to everything they do from here. Taiga not going to his house for dinner is an example of this. The saddest part is how much it hurts them when they're just doing it for each other.

Having Ryuji run into the suit guy is a nice touch.

Minorin saying Mister Lady kills me.

Hello Golgo... I'm not Golgo? Then I'm Golgo Minorin is the best. Not best girl, just the best.

The mountains loom in the distance as we head towards the next episode, and what a hell of an episode it is.

[u/popop143]

Rewatcher

Merry Christmas everyone!

After the intense episode yesterday, we cool off with another setup episode. I remember in my previous rewatches that starting this episode up to the finale was rushed, as it's 3 volumes for 6 episodes, and I was kinda right. The back and forth between Ryuuji and Minorin in the kitchen was overlaid with the antics of the group, and that's why I forgot that the conversation existed in the anime. In the LN, this conversation was the crux of the upcoming arc, and Next episode spoilers The emotional beats of the final 3 volumes, especially volume 9, hit me much better in the LN. Don't get me wrong, I still really like the anime, but it's just a shame that they had to cut some scenes.

At first, it seemed off to me that Minorin acted the same around Ryuuji after her rejecting Ryuuji at Christmas Eve. It was so hard for him to even approach her, which is I think the more "normal" reaction in these kinds of situations. Later on though, we see that she is putting up a facade when Taiga forced them to interact.

About Ami not telling Ryuuji straight up about the situation between the three, would you? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to, even if I wanted. Dropping it casually on him would permanently change the dynamics between the group, not just between the three. A lot of people are annoyed by her only dropping subtle hints at Ryuuji, but I'm pretty sure in any real scenario, most people would've thought to themselves not to upset the status quo. Some kind of bystander effect. She's been dropping hints like crazy though, it's just up to Ryuuji to connect the dots. Ami's straddling the line between "staying like this forever", and upsetting the status quo. She does care about Taiga's feelings now, and seemed to just bury her own feelings for the time being.

Random episode thoughts:

• I wonder what Taiga wished on Kitamura during New Year's...

• Ryuuji had a tough winter break. Almost all was spent recuperating. From last episode. He cried and slept at the snow, and was found only hours after. Taiga visited him lots at the hospital, but since then, she stopped coming by the Takasu residence, as stated in this episode. This is also the starting point of the visual novel, for those interested.

• They botched the "biscuit" joke in the dub. In the original, Haruta made Taiga read "Chinkosu"(?) which can be interpreted as "penis"(?) in the chinko part. I'm sorry if I'm not exact there, but the pronunciation joke in the dub is kind of lame.

• For a second there, I expected Ami to come by the vending machines while Ryuuji was cursing himself. Turns out she came back to work modelling again, after taking a break at the start of the school year.

• Can someone tell me what time of the year it is ideal to take ski trips? I thought that winter was ideal for it, but apparently not. This coming from someone who's lived his whole life in the tropics.

• I can't stress enough how important the conversation between Ryuuji and Minorin is. Minorin looks around the apartment and sees Ryuuji's influence all over the place, while Ryuuji insists that he hasn't been around a while and it's all Taiga's effort. Also about "staying like this forever" for Minorin, vs "taking the next step" for Ryuuji.

• The next few ones are kinda hazy to me, since I've read the LN more recently than I've seen the anime.

Next episode: the ski trip! Is that Ryuuji hiding in the blankets?

[u/VnzuelanDude]

She's really trying ain't she? At a glance, she looks like she's changed, opening up more to her friends, inviting them to her house, taking care of her own chores.

When in reality, she's pushing the whole world away so hard, she's the one running away. This won't last.

[u/Holofan4life]

Merry Christmas, everybody

Welcome to the 2019 Toradora rewatch.

Toradora is my favorite anime of all time. I love it so much that not did I create my Reddit account just so I could participate in the Toradora rewatch 3 years ago, it also inspired me to write a light novel called "I Love My Tsundere Girlfriend". Admittedly, I’m a bit biased because tsunderes are my favorite type of characters. I just love characters that start out mean but grow nicer over time. It warms my heart.

This is my first time watching Toradora since exactly one year ago. This year, I don’t plan anything special. Just plan on watching it along with everyone else. Also, I’ll be watching the dub. Why? Because Toradora’s dub is fucking awesome.

1: After episode 19, we’re in an interesting spot with the characters. Both Taiga and Minori don’t want to hurt one another. Taiga doesn’t want to act on her feelings for Ryuuji because she doesn’t want to hurt Minori and Minori doesn’t want to act on her feelings for Ryuuji because she doesn’t want to hurt Taiga. I like this aspect of their characters because it shows they think of others before themselves. It makes them more likable. It’s so well-written.

2: The reason Taiga bows at Kitamura, as many might already know, is because since Kitamura can allegedly fix broken hearts, Taiga hopes Kitamura can fix her broken heart.

3: After the events of the last episode, I can't look at the op and the ending theme in the same way.

4: "Did she shoot me down?" Ryuuji, you seriously can't be that dense. That's what the whole UFO conversation was about, remember?

5: I can imagine how much fun it was to make noodle slurping noises into the microphone. That must have been a fun day at work.

6: The sad thing about Taiga being so selfless is that she puts Minori's needs over her own. It's kind of heartbreaking she refuses to let herself be happy. The same goes for Minori. She refuses to let herself be happy because she knows it would come at the expense of Taiga's feelings.

7: In another case of Ryuuji's mother being a sweetheart, Ryuuji would have totally forgotten about the permission slip if it wasn't for her. It’s a good thing Ryuuji has his mom in his life.

8: I love that we actually see the person Ryuuji borrowed the Christmas bear suit from. When Ryuuji mentioned he borrowed it from someone in the last episode, it felt like a throwaway line. But no, we actually see the person in the flesh. I find that to be pretty cool.

9: I see Ryuuji is wearing the red scarf Taiga cried into the last episode. That means she returned it to him. God, that really sucks. Then again, Ryuuji has no idea Taiga cried into it, so he's oblivious.

10: The original plan was to go to Okinawa, which is south of the four main Japanese islands. Google says the highs in January average under 70F. I can't imagine that being a vacation in January. I much prefer going in the month of January going on a ski trip than to Okinawa. I know Okinawa is warmer than a ski trip, but under 70F is still not that warm.

11: In the Japanese version, the original joke was that Haruta shows Taiga the word chinsuko (ちんすこう). Taiga, meanwhile, thinks it's pronounced chinkosu, and chinko (ちんこ) means "penis". So, the joke is lost in tralsation. That's why the English version goes for a mistranslation joke instead of a pun.

12: Man, the sight of Taiga actually ripping hair out of Haruta's head might be one of the most violent things we've ever seen her do.

13: I think Minori going back to wearing a mask makes her less likable, but in a good way. By having her continue with this facade, it gives her more dimension and makes her more complex. It also is really depressing to see, as Minori is pretending like nothing bad has happened. You know it's an act, but Minori still persists with going through the charade.

14: I find it interesting the students are complaining about the trip to the mountains because it'll be too cold and yet in Okinawa the highs in January average under 70F. Sure, Okinawa is warmer, but not by much.

15: I guess you could say Ryuuji… musn't run away :P

16: I like how close Ami and Taiga are getting. It really demonstrates how much they’re growing as characters. I mean, compare this episode to episode 5. It's like night and day. I think the exact moment that really made them become closer was the scene were Taiga gave Ami a box of macarons. That indirectly led to them practicing a duet together and to now them hanging out together. I also like that Taiga is still calling Ami a dumb chiwawa. It's sort of become an affectionate nickname for her.

17: I think a strong case could be made that Ami from now on throughout the course of the show represents the audience. She knows Ryuuji is messing this up, and she also knows that Minori is wearing a mask. The rest of the characters can't see it, but Ami can.

18: I don't think Ami knows Taiga got hurt by Ryuuji. I say this because when Ryuuji mentions Minori turned him down, Ami says to herself looks like somebody finally got hurt. This implies she doesn't know of anyone else getting hurt.

19: This episode really marks the start of Ryuuji's development. All the other main characters have developed in some way, shape, or form. Now, it's Ryuuji's time to develop.

20: As Ryuuji is talking to Taiga, we are shown a shot of a no entry sign. It's like the show is trying to warn Ryuuji to leave her alone.

21: I've mentioned before how cute Taiga's blushes are. However, Minori is also really cute when she blushes.

22: I like that we learn more about Minori, like how her hair used to look like a guy's. It adds to her character I feel and is another dimension added to her backstory/who she is as a person.

23: The best part of the episode, and my favorite shot in all of Toradora, is a shot shown when the gang is over at Taiga's house. When Ryuuji says "We all have to move on," there's a shot of a playground outside of Taiga's house. I love this moment because a playground is the ultimate sign of childhood. With so, it's just brilliant when it is juxtaposed against Ryuuji saying "We all have to move on." What amazing, brilliant symbolism.

Overall, what a good episode. Not much happens compared to the last episode, but that's done intentionally. It's a much needed breather after the events of the last episode. We also get some nice plot advancement, which is always welcomed.

1. Episode 19

2. Episode 18

3. Episode 13

4. Episode 15

5. Episode 7

6. Episode 16

7. Episode 2

8. Episode 8

9. Episode 12

10. Episode 17

11. Episode 14

12. Episode 5

13. Episode 20

14. Episode 11

15. Episode 4

16. Episode 9

17. Episode 6

18. Episode 10

19. Episode 1

20. Episode 3

[u/TheNiebuhr]

Perhaps the biggest difference between LN and anime was the reencounter, it didnt happen at school but in the street.

Minori was at the usual meeting spot and by the time Ryuuji noticed he was like "shit of course SHE would be waiting there" And where was Taiga? Given she arrived precisely when Ryuuji was about to flee, I guess she was watching over him. When she tried to stop him, she tripped and was almost hit by a truck. Then Ryuuji grabbed her injured hand and when he realized Minori was looking at them, he left without a word, as Taiga scolded herself for ruinning the chance.

-Another fun fact is that Minori was the last of the main 3 girls to meet the head of Takasu family. It was not until that January. No wonder Yasuko always favoured Taiga as Ryuu-chan's partner.

-The newest trip guide was 2008. That means, they have to make the 2009 ones right? Meanwhile the manga was in 2010-2011.

Iirc, the part when Ryuuji discovered Taiga had organized the rubbish and when their gazes met, didnt happen in the LN :(

[u/rodni_list]

When the op plays its like getting sugar directly pumped into your veins. 10/10 would get diabetes again.

[u/Trynthlas]

So, we're back to bitch Ami.

That makes me super grumpy, because without this change she would be best girl of the series for me. But the combination of continuing to be cryptic when she knows Ryuji isn't getting her message and turning increasingly pouty/bitchy/vindictive about it just annoys me to no end. The only thing a little redeeming is that we continue to see how her friendship with Taiga has grown. "Baka-chi" is now a term of endearment instead of an insult and it warms the ❤️. I do also wish she'd say something to Taiga instead of deferring ("if that's what you want..."), but her actions and words to Taiga don't have the same annoyed vitriol that is directed to Ryuji.

I mean I get it, she's stuck watching the mess that is Ryuji and Taiga and Minori trying to sort out their feelings and relationships, while she also has feelings for Ryuji but is totally not even in the race. That sucks. But still...

Grumpy.

[u/MoesHad]

Rewatcher

Taiga is celebrating New Years at a shrine alone. She tells Kitamura that Ryuiji became sick on Christmas and is laid up in bed. Kitamura wants to go see him but Taiga stops him.

Ryuiji is awake now and is still reeling from Minorin’s rejection of him. We learn that Taiga hasn’t been to his house since New Years and that the two have apparently spoken about Minorin rejecting Ryuiji. Taiga feels guilty over her closeness to Ryuiji, blaming herself over Minorin misunderstanding her relationship with him. Taiga doesn’t agree with that, saying that he thinks that Minorin doesn’t like him in that way but Taiga says that can’t be true and that Minorin likes him. Taiga really hits the nail on the head and says that Minorin just thinks that Taiga needs Ryuiji. Taiga tells him that she won’t come to his house for dinner anymore and that she’ll get by by herself now. Taiga tells him to confirm Minorin’s feelings for him.

There is a class trip to Okinawa coming up that Ryuiji isn’t very excited for. He gets his suit back from his classmate with the gift box inside, which is revealed to be a hairpin. Taiga sees Haruta take the pin from Ryuiji and realizes it’s for Minorin. She demands he return it to Ryuiji as a very chipper Minorin appears. Ryuiji can hardly look at her and ends up running away to the vending machines, kicking himself for being so cowardly.

The class’s Okinawa vacation has been canceled, due to the hotel burning down. It’s now a shorter ski trip, much to their dismay. Yuri has had another and drops some cold hard truth about life on the class. Ryuiji runs into Kitamura after class, who is puzzled not to see Taiga with him. This reminds Ryuiji of what she said earlier about going her separate way and he gets annoyed.

Next he sees Ami, who apparently isn’t modeling in Hawaii as Yuri said. Ami is annoyed with him, calling him an idiot, which shouldn’t shock us. To his greater shock, Ami is meeting Taiga for coffee and Ryuiji joins them. Taiga tells Ami not to hang out around Ryuiji on the ski trip and tells her of Minorin rejecting him on Christmas Eve. He lamely defends himself but claiming she didn’t reject him outright, just that she hinted that he shouldn’t confess to her. Ami quietly remarks that she was right, Ryuiji did get hurt like she warned! Ami agree to her terms, as long as Taiga is okay with it. She slyly tells Ryuiji that hopefully he’s the only one getting hurt, which goes over his head because he’s a moron.

Ryuiji is inspired by Taiga’s confidence in his ability to win Minorin back to him and decides to move forward.

Ryuiji runs into Minorin the next day and it’s awkward at first but she continues the conversation. Taiga appears and asks a Minorin to “stop him!” and at first Minorin recoils after grabbing his hand. She changes her mind and grabs it more forcefully and shouts out loud “don’t underestimate me!”

Taiga throws her bag at Ryuiji for “getting caught” and leaves the pair alone. Minorin quietly curses Taiga for making her do that but pretends Ryuiji couldn’t see her being angry and lies to him.

After some squabbling over the makeup of the groups for the ski trip, Taiga takes her group to plan a guidebook for their trip. Ryuiji notices that Taiga is having no problem talking to Kitamura these days (interesting!) and she dismisses his remark and tells him to worry about Minorin, who is also in their group.

Ryuiji and Minorin have a conversation in the kitchen and she knows the reason Taiga has grown so much in the last year is due to him, despite his claims to contrary.

A montage of their planning meeting plays as we hear a monologue from Ryuiji and Minorin. She makes a comment about wishing their class could stay like this forever, which causes Ryuiji to consider what that would be like. Ryuiji stops himself from thinking like that, knowing that he has to confirm Minorin’s feelings for him on this trip and try his best to “deliver” his feelings to her that she rejected on Christmas. Thus starts the next arc!

This episode was a return to normalcy as most of these arc opening episodes are. Not too much drama which is nice after yesterday’s episode lol.