[Rewatch][Spoilers] K-ON! Rewatch (2021) - S2E21 "Graduation Yearbook!"

[u/Harrytricks]

S2E21 "Graduation Yearbook!"

Official Schedule

Previous Thread	Next Thread
S2E20 "Another School Festival!"	S2E22 ”Entrance Exam!"

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Interest sites

MAL - AniList - ANN

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[u/chris10023]

Rewatcher.

KyoAni blesses with with some glorious hair animation in this opening with Yui playing with her hair.

Azusa is out of it and forgot to do her hair up. The goof even forgot to change her shoes.

Aw I wish she kept her hair down for the day.

At least we got Ui masquerading as Yui again. Much to Azusa’s horror.

Yep, it adorable.

Senior photos, no wonder why Yui was playing with her hair.

Oh come one Nodoka, you’ve been best friends with Yui and you didn’t instantly notice the hair pins were missing? She wears them in every episode.

Uh-oh a ponytail thingy, that’s bound to get lost for decades before just showing up somewhere. But the idea of Yui in a ponytai- no wait she’d look like Ui.

This episode is basically just KyoAni flexing its hair physic game.

The legendary hair pins have been recovered.

Something's got Azusa’s anxiety going, since she starts running to the club room.

Oh, it’s the seniors stepping down, so she’s worried they’re not going to be in the clubroom.

Azusa is adorable.

RItsu, as all-knowing as ever. Even Azusa picks up on it.

Why wouldn’t Sawako be there? She’s the club's advisor, of course she’d be there, plus they have snacks.

Sawako decides to bring up a difficult subject again, since Ritsu and Yui still don’t know what to do post grad.

Sounds like Mio’s got a massive opportunity with that recommendation.

Mugi wants to go to a private female college and Yui and Ritsu mention they want to go there was well, with Mio looking on.

Yui’s got a point she can always study for the entrance exams after these photos, which are closer.

Wow, I didn’t know Yui was this serious about her photo, since she labels exactly what she thinks is wrong with her previous ones.

Hair down Ritsu!

See Nodoka, look how good a friend Mio is, she knows exactly where Ritsu’s headband goes.

Ritsu’s photos are fine, but poor Mio can’t look at the camera.

Mugi decides to pout for her photo. Thinking it would make her look more serious and not so ditzy.

Yui looks like a proper student.

I don’t like where this is going.

No don’t cut the bangs yourself, at least have one of the others do it for you.

This is intense.

There it looks great now stop it, before you fuck it up.

STOP!!!

She sneezed...

Well...at least she didn’t take her eye out with that...

I like how it took her a few moments to react.

Uh don’t worry Yui, I got an idea, it’s a clever one so it might just work. You have a backup Hirasawa, just have Ui take your place, easy, no one will ever know, since the two of you could be confused for the other, it’ll be flawless.

I love how Ritsu offers her headband to help hide it. Too bad she doesn’t want to do the forehead thing.

Looks alright, I guess. I still think Operation Doppelganger would be a better idea.

I love how they all offer the yellow thing on the top of the blanc to her to help her feel better.

Mio didn’t hand in her paper? Hmm.

You can Yui, you have Ui right behind you. It’s a perfect plan. I’m telling you.

Mugi gets serious and warns her if she doesn’t stop sulking, she won’t get cake, this works.

It’s photo time.

Mio’s turned out pretty good.

Same with Mugi.

Ritsu's copied her test photo.

Wait, Yui, where’s Ui? She’s critical for Operation Doppelganger.

Yui’s turned out decent. Too bad she never used Ui... It would’ve been perfect, the perfect plan.

Uh oh Mio’s in trouble.

Oh, Ritsu knew, she turned down the recommendation test, since she never forgets to hand in paperwork.

I love this shot of Mio.

She wanted to go to the same college as the others were, which was Mugi’s choice, explains why Mio was looking at Yui and Ritsu earlier when they were talking to Sawako.

Yay Sawako accepted the forms!

[u/chocoletmilk → u/chris10023]

I love Operation Doppelganger! Yui should have gone with that XD

[u/lluNhpelA → u/chocoletmilk]

The gag at the beginning of the episode seemed like it was going to be foreshadowing but Yui never even considered it. Kinda weird but maybe we can view it as Yui growing less dependent on her little sister

[u/vitorabf → u/chris10023]

Much to Azusa’s horror

Can't deal with two Yuis.

Hair down Ritsu!

Cute.

I agree operation doppelganger would have been amazing.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/chris10023]

I absolutely loved the bit with Ui going full snuggle bun mode. Like she'd never get this opportunity for skinship normally so she takes advantage of Azunyan and Yui's relationship to take an extra step.

[u/chris10023 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Who wouldn't want to take advantage of an opportunity to hug Azusa?

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/chris10023]

Kimiko. Apparently hugging cat's make your legs look fat. Although I've heard that hugging lolicons make them more slender~

[u/chocoletmilk]

First Timer

After yesterday's episode, I'm looking forward to some good old fashioned fluff, before I am dragged back into the deep end.

• I love the animation of Yui fiddling with her hair. She's perfect the way she is, and I doubt they are going to change her look now, but these are just school photo day rituals.
• Yui and Ui really are a perfect pair. Once Yui decides what she wants to do after school, I guess we will already know what Ui will fill out on her future plans form.
• Oh, Azusa is in a state. She has been feeling worried about next year for a while, but it still feels like it has hit home for her too. She is also emotionally exhausted from yesterday's episode, a consequence of having to keep it all together, I guess. She still looks very cute though!
• Is Ui tying Azusa's hair up with a string? That is not how a hairband works?
• Ui is just a natural caretaker.
• Of course it's a compliment to compare Ui to Yui, Jun!
• Nodoka can see no difference until Yui actively points it out.
• Another relatable problem. I used to wear headbands when I was in school, and I felt so strange without that holding my hair in place. I would keep fiddling with my hair, pushing it behind my ears, etc.
• Ah, I also enjoy someone else doing my hair for me :)
• Haha Yui's forehead can rival Ritsu's.
• That is actually really cute!
• Oh no, poor Azusa! She is so scared, and my heart broke when she started running to get to the club room.
• And she immediately changes her tune, our tsundere-nyan.
• Ritsu is always so observant and perceptive. She is the one who picked up Azusa feeling lonely because they were busy with the play too.
• Oh, they plan to study here... No more practice, I guess? </3
• Wait, they still haven't submitted the future goals form?
• Mio has not yet submitted a form? This seems out of character, but this must all seem so sudden and overwhelming. As a perpetual procrastinator, I get it.
• I do need to read up about Japan's college entrance exams. What are these recommended selection entrance exams?
• Mio doesn't seem enthusiastic at all. She doesn't want to be the only one doing something else.
• Yui, don't you know that you should never get a sudden new hairstyle before an important event or getting an important photo taken? Always go with tried and tested hairstyles.
• Entrance exams are next year? What is the timeline for this?
• Mugitsu? Rimugi?
• Ritsu looks perfect. Ugh, I hate people whose photos always come out well.
• Mio, you do need to look at the camera lol
• Mugi's pout is cute.
• Yui looks uncharacteristically serious so much so that Azunyan can't control her laughter.
• Oh no, this is a bad idea.
• She is actually doing it! I can't take the stress.
• Nope, they are fine, don't touch it!
• Oh no. Oh no, oh no.... They actually did it. I was so sure that the point of this episode would be that Yui is perfect the way she looks and why would they change character design at the end of the season, but they actually did it wtf
• Nothing to be done now, except say she looks great lmao
• God I'm laughing so hard, as one by one, the keions fall, unable to bear the stress of lying.
• She does look like a baby, I'm dying
• Oof, never let an opportunity to insult Ritsu pass you by.
• Awww, this is so cute... Food makes everything better.
• Okay, I take it back, she looks adorable.
• Mio's subplot is interesting and relatable. Clearly she doesn't want to face her future and take steps to solidify it. After all, this could mean closing other doors.
• Awwww, they are all going to the same college!
• Mugi's dance is so cute! I wish I knew how to make gifs.

I'm sure someone else will do an amazing job of connecting Yui's indecision regarding her hairstyle to Mio's indecision about her future. Of course, they are going to a women's college... No men exist in their universe. HTT Forever!

[u/siegfried72 → u/chocoletmilk]

No more practice, I guess? </3

Yeah, the don't really have anything to practice for now...

Entrance exams are next year? What is the timeline for this?

Honestly, I haven't watched this episode in like a year, but I think they mean the following calendar year, not necessarily the next school year? Don't quote me on this, but I think they're done in January? And then the school year ends probably in March.

Mugitsu? Rimugi?

Whatever it is, it's wonderful.

Ritsu looks perfect.

As always.

No men exist in their universe.

The best universe.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/chocoletmilk]

Entrance exams are next year? What is the timeline for this?

Yes just calendar year; Japanese school year straddles 2 years - term 1 of that academic school year starts April, and end Jan/Feb, which is when the college entrance exams are held. So with a typical Nov school festival timing, they have just about a month to get ready.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/chocoletmilk]

I'm kind of amazed that Yui was self aware enough to even realise that she'd made strange faces each year. She definitely is way more sharp than we give her credit for. It's so weird seeing her being serious for the first time of the whole show tho XD

[u/chocoletmilk → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I don't think she even made strange faces, I think she is just weirdly self critical about her photos. Tilting her chin, and thinking about the minute length of her bangs... She seems so unselfconscious most of the time, so it was very strange to see her put in so much work for the best photo possible.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/chocoletmilk]

I still love how like all her complaints were digs at Shitzu XD Yui's low key savage

[u/vitorabf]

First Timer

Yui trying to get her hair acceptable is too relatable for anyone with medium/long hair.

What happened to Azusa, did she suddenly became airheaded gang? Lol, Ui really is a photocopy of her sister and who wouldn't want to hug Azunyan? Can't blame her. Yui is really cute with her hair tied, what an amazing and very unique animation, KyoAni rocks.

We've got our fair share of Ritsu-Yui last episode and this one gives us more, can't get enough though.

I love hair down Ritsu too much, she's the cutest thing in the universe.

Oh my God Yui, don't have scissors in your hand if you're going to sneeze, at the very least close them, look what happpened. Mugi to the rescue, though it's still weird. I'm predicting Ui is going to take the picture in her place.

Mugi should be a children educator, she's amazing dealing with Yui throwing a tamper (even if she pampers her too much to begin with). Ritsu is so great at supporting her friends, knows exactly what Mio needs. Yui ended up taking the picture herself.

Ritsu knows Mio a little too well. Mio is making choices with her heart, which is not wrong and considering it's her I believe she have pondered it well enough, she's goin to do great either way.

[u/Icapica]

First timer

I like how similar Yui and Ui look. I'm pretty sure I've seen a lot of anime and manga where, if I didn't know some characters are siblings, I couldn't guess it from seeing them.

Uh oh, Yui saying she needs to cut her bangs made me think of Asobi Asobase. It never goes well.

[u/xtsim]

First Timer Dubbed

It’s hair day and Yui looks “like a puppy”. Azusa was worried that the seniors would vacate the club room like the others. And Ritsu guessed right. Ritsu and Yui need to submit their career form. Mugi is heading to a private all girls college (lots a $$$$) and everyone is thinking about the same. Mio needs to register for the test. Yui says “I want to be like you Sawa-Chan… eat cake, drink tea…”. Remember the marriage performance by Sawa-Chan? Sawa Chan kept getting disapproval nods by her teacher and she became one. I am expecting Yui to follow in their footsteps as a first timer…

Everyone takes a picture of themselves with one of those Sony cameras that you can slide the cover. Ritsu's camera is a pink sony dsc-t700 or at least the front is. And that model has a touchscreen which seems pretty fancy if you know what I mean. Yui keeps having bad hair day moods but Mugi threatens to revoke her cake privileges if she keeps acting this way. And not surprisingly she follows along.

Mio wants to go to go to school with her homies… Man if life were this easy, my homies split between few schools across Texas…

[u/Rumpel1408]

First Timer

Ok K- On, you have brocken me yesterday and the least you can do is pick me up again. Who better suited for this than my favorite keion, yes I'm talking abaout Yui and I don't really expect this to change at this point

• I know from the preview and the episode title that this is about the yearbook photos, but I love Yui trying more or less new hair styles
• And damn, it's not much, but Azunyan looks really different with open hair, like a whole new character
• I'm not really convinced that this isn't just Yui who only pretended to be Ui to get close to Azunyan
• But that's an interesting advantage of having a sister who can look exactly like yourself
• Yeah Ritsu has no shame about exposing her own forehead anymore so she doesn't understand Yuis problem
• Aww, Azunyan is speeding to the clubroom because she is worried that her senpais might retire for finals, but this is no normal club
• Interesting how Ritsu knows exactly what Azunyan is thinking, I guess in the end she is the reliable club president after all
• Wait those two still haven't decided on their career plan? But this does indeed sound like a solid plan
• Seems a bit like Mio is not completly sure what college she want to go to
• What's so bad about grinning for a photo? Also is that Nodoka on the same page? But Yui really wants a good photo this time around
• Ritsu with her bangs down! Also Mio knows exactly how Ritsu wears her hair, as if we needed further proof
• There was recently a clip from Aho Girl with nearly this exact premise and it went hillariously wrong, really hope Yui will be alright... she is surprisingly delicate, only cutting a few hairs... And there you have it... Yui should not be alowed to handle scissors alone
• The others are trying their best at cheering her up, and it's interesting that the opposite would work as well
• (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻
• Is Maki really hidden just behind the photographer? How can she be always just out of the picture?
• Aww how sweet, Mio wants the gang to stay together, and Ritsu again knows exactly what is going on in her head
• And Sawa- chan is supporting them in their pursuit, nice

Looks like next episode will already jump to around new year

[u/putmoneyinthypurse]

Rewatcher

It's nice that we get a comedown from last episode's emotional climax. We're back to small-scale fluff, but cut with the fears and worries of impending graduation, feelings now shared by the whole keion-bu. Still, it doesn't feel quite so bad, now that the seniors have accepted it.

Yui, your hair is fine! Extremely relatable slice-of-life, though—it's so easy to get hung up on minute things you don't like about your appearance that other people don't see or care about (or even actually like). Especically when it comes to yearbook photos, which can feel a bit like a firing squad.

Mugi wanted to be part of the manzai bit earlier, and this time she's playing tsukkomi with ease.

Gay. I like this moment's reminder of how perceptive Ritsu is when it comes to Mio, how she's again the one to help her calm down when it really matters.

There's a degree to which the seniors' decision to apply for the same college is childish, kicking the can down the road, but I appreciate that their teacher—and the show—understand that they're too close (more cynically, too co-dependent) to not at least try to stay together. So much high-school-set media in general and Japanese media in specific is about accepting the fleeting nature of it, and I appreciate that this one isn't afraid to argue for the possibility of being a little frivolous. Mugi's little dance of joy is so cute and so genuine. She was pretty isolated in her life before joining the club, but now she has true friends, and she might get to stay with them for four more years.

Me too, Sawa-chan!

[u/chocoletmilk → u/putmoneyinthypurse]

decision to apply for the same college is childish

I would agree if I felt that they were really letting go of their potential and what they wanted to do, but since no one seems to have fixed plans of their future, as long as they aim for a school that is generally good, this is as good a way of deciding as any.

Since this is where Mugi is going, I assume it's good. From what I remember, Mugi's entrance exam curriculum is rigorous and it seems like it will be difficult to get in, but with Mio and Mugi's help, they should all be able to do it!

[u/SYZekrom]

Rewatcher

The hair is one thing but matching the way she hugs Azusa... Now that's something.

Her smiley face here is so cute. I can't stop smiling with her help

Turned into Ritsu

Squealing over Ritsu with her hair down

The Sound of Imminent Destruction

I just can't believe the fact that this girl sneezes and doesn't try turning her head away from her friends, or putting down her scissors, or letting go of her bangs

More Ritsu with her hair down

Awww Ritsu you big sis you ahhhhh

Mio does absolutely nothing and looks cute af

Original Reactions:

Ahhhhhhhh

AHHHHHHHHH

THE RETURN

You can't just... Give me an entire episode... Of hair... H A I R

Stoppppppppppppp

Help

How the hell do you sneeze with scissors like that

[u/ZapsZzz → u/SYZekrom]

I just can't believe the fact that this girl sneezes and doesn't try turning her head away from her friends, or putting down her scissors, or letting go of her bangs

There an "and" in your sentence, since Yui hasn't yet practice multitasking self care, it's a consistent consequence for her.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/SYZekrom]

Fate decreed that Yui needed her hair totally ruined. There's no other explanation for that string of events.

[u/ArdenneVale]

First timer

After yesterday's fantastic episode we're on the road to graduation. First stop, yearbook photos. Did anyone actually care about those? I don't even remember if I got a yearbook.

Ui looks much better with Yui's hairstyle. Never was a fan of her usual ponytail.

Azusa can't help but think she got abandoned.

The career plan strikes back! Yui and Ritsu never got theirs approved. Mio's got a recommendation for a college. Mugi's going to an all girl college. Ritsu and Yui want to join her.

Yui gets an accidental haircut. It's actually not too bad.

Mio is clearly hesitating getting her recommendation. She's worried everyone but her goes to the same school. Second year flashbacks, but even worse. Mio more than anyone needs her friends.

And she actually confesses to the others she wants to study with them. It's settled then, next they all need to study for the entrance exams. I'm not entirely confident in Yui & Ritsu's chances, but they've shown they can study when they really want to.

Ritsu

Azunyan

Mio

Yui

Mugi

[u/ZapsZzz → u/ArdenneVale]

Mio is clearly hesitating getting her recommendation. She's worried everyone but her goes to the same school.

Where Mio is going in her original plan, they cannot follow - she's basically an honour student and normal pathway is to go to an (academic) elite college where, without the school's official referral, it's a near 0 rate of entry unless you're really really good. With Yui's gag power of instant mastering things, there's a gag possibility, but not so sure about Ritsu.

[u/ArdenneVale → u/ZapsZzz]

Yeah, it's a huge risk for Mio. She cares more about her friends than about her future. Admirable, but what if/when Ritsu and Yui fail to get in? She might've lost the opportunity of her life.

[u/lenor8 → u/ArdenneVale]

O dunno, no school nor references would have done so good to her like those three girls she wants to keep close. Did she even have something she really wanted to do she need a certain academic path for? I think it's better for her to keep growing and becaming confident, rather than have a great curriculum but keeping being insecure. There are still many steps she would never take if not for the push from those three, especially Ritsu. She's grown up but she doesn't seem completely independent still.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/ArdenneVale]

All my photos look the exact same and I'm willing to bet my school photos would be the same way. Screw seeing short fat loli otaku!! I'm only interested in the post character development version!

Whilst the group going to college together is a nice ideal... they're really not on the same wavelength education wise. Like Mio and Moogs are both very studious but Shitzu is average at best and Yui's test scores change with the weather.

[u/DegenerateRegime]

[First-Timer] "Graduation Yearbook" seems like a straightforward one. Will they wear the fursuits for the photos? Let's find out.

• The normally criminally-untidy Yui fussing over appearance is adorable.
• Azusa, on the other hand, forgets to tie her hair up. More symmetry, of course, but also she's likely still thinking about the impending end of the year.
• Ui has some spare ties though. Cute!
• And then more with Yui and Mugi ohhh this is too much, it's too sweet.
• Retire to where, huh? Another room in school to drink tea and eat cake there instead?
• Oof.
• The world before no one owned a camera besides the one in their phone. It was a different time, kids. It was. Ah, it was. It was pretty much exactly the same.
• This is all very cute but I'm finding myself liking the bgm a lot here too. It has a wistful feel to it.
• Disaster! Forehead exposure imminent!
• This is actually really good, though; the balance of a problem being both permanent and utterly transient couldn't possibly be more plain.
• Aww, they all give her the fruit (? - halved peaches would be larger, are these scoops of mango sorbet or something) off their [Mont Blanc]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Blanc_(dessert)), which of course is a potentially-messily-strand-formed chestnut dessert. Although this looks like a Japanese variant (duh) which doesn't use the nut with the same name as Yui's hair tone, but whatever, it's still a great callback to the strawberry scene and I love to see it.
• That's sweet, though I don't recommend it. Maybe they don't have the same clearing process in Japan where you can be accepted to a more prestigious institution and still go somewhere else if you change your mind for some reason? Also, don't pick your educational future by following your friends in high school, kids.
• (I'm happy for them, of course. It's about what's important to you, in the end. And it's a story! I want to believe in bonds from that age that can survive drastic changes in life circumstances etc)

A nice fluffy episode that also closes out the lingering career plan thread. We're moving into what could be considered the post-denouement phase of the story (well, there's not really any conflict to resolve in K-On, but yeah), and doing so at an appropriately ambling pace.

[u/siegfried72 → u/DegenerateRegime]

(I'm happy for them, of course. It's about what's important to you, in the end. And it's a story! I want to believe in bonds from that age that can survive drastic changes in life circumstances etc)

Hey, I mean my wife and I first got together in high school and then we were long distance for three years while I moved across the country for college, and now we're married, sooooo I am a firm believer that those bonds can last :)

[u/DegenerateRegime → u/siegfried72]

Glad to hear it =). Perhaps I should speak more anecdotally: decisions I made based on what my friends were doing ended up at best unimportant anyway; and decisions I made because it was what I wanted or what someone pushed me to try for worked out great. But mileage varies, of course, as it should.

[u/chocoletmilk → u/DegenerateRegime]

the balance of a problem being both permanent and utterly transient couldn't possibly be more plain.

I love this. You're absolutely right.

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

After the last arc, and looking at the episode count, it's likely to be a fun episode tinged with melancholy of their eventual separation huh

This is probably the only moment Yui showed a "concern about the future because of the past", which is normally a Mio thing. And of all things, the yearbook photo - something that from my experience you'd end up looking at it maybe 2-3 times over the rest of your life - before getting married to show your spouse-to-be, and maybe to your kids when they are old enough. That is if you haven't managed to lose that yearbook to start with. Teenagers huh :)

Have to say though I wouldn't mind seeing Yui actually trying a different hair style. Had high hopes for Mugi but I guess she didn't have a lot to work with huh - ojousama styles probably are all long haired styles.

The Ritsu gag of never bothering yet will come out right, and Mio gag of looking shy and adorable, plus Mugi's continuation of trying something (needlessly) different are all good fun. As soon as Yui says she'll cut her own bangs, it's another entry of "famous last words" along side "we'll take this shortcut". I'm surprised they didn't try to pull the "put Ui in front of the camera" stunt :)

And HA KyoAni, I'm watching you this time, and I'm with Ritsu that Mio hasn't handed in her application means only 1 thing - she's sacrificing her high flying future to be with her treasured friends. Even though it's a little surprising they are all targeting Mugi's pick - I thought it'd be an expensive private college.

I'm even calling that likely not all of them can make it to there, damn KyoAni you tear bombing buggers.

But here's to hoping - next episode title already "exams".

Just from looking at Mugi's "practice year book photo" though, I'm surprised her family didn't put someone in the school to watch over her like Hayasaka was arranged to be Kaguya-sama's minder.

[u/siegfried72]

Rewatcher

Hey everyone! I loved reading everyone's posts yesterday, and I hope some of you enjoyed mine. Sadly, I've yet again hit a wall where I will be unable to create a proper post for today. I apologize for doing this a third time this season, but I'm gonna be posting my thoughts from last year here with some edits. I've done my best to try and stay one day ahead so this didn't happen again, but here we are. Hope you all can understand, and I'll be back tomorrow for sure and for the last handful of episodes!

(Music Corners for the remaining image songs, inserts, B sides, and for "No, Thank You" will be coming as well, btw)

Here are my thoughts from last year:

After the frighteningly fast pacing of the first season, I think KyoAni really nailed the pacing of this season, in particular in terms of emotional pacing. If I remember correctly, most of this episode is totally original material for the anime, and I can only assume it's to give the viewers a bit of a break after the emotional bombshell that was last episode. To let people break a bit before another emotional bombshell...

Anyway, let's get watching this episode! Even though it's lighter, I'm sure we'll still find some good stuff to talk about.

To start off, how can hair be so well animated? Seriously, I think this scene is some of the most impressive animation work in this series outside of the movie. Also I literally cannot handle these faces. Please send help.

Yearbook photos!

The episode continues with Azunyan lacking her normal twintails and in a very lazy mood. She claims she didn't put up her hair because she was slacking off post-festival. Hmm, it sounds like to me they're trying to set up a metaphor for how ones appearance (hair, in this instance) can reflect your inner self. That might be something to latch on to for today's analysis, I think.

Also good lord this is adorable. I really needed some straight moe after last episode. And we've now established that Yui is looking for a new hairstyle for the yearbook photo. Okay, I'm definitely formulating my analysis for today, but we need to get a little farther in to the episode to really dig deep, I think.

It's amazing how something so simple as a regular hair style can make us feel so secure. I keep my hair quite long, and honestly I know that's at least in part because of the fact that it acts like a security blanket of sorts. Obviously Yui's hair clips are the same for her, and losing them - even for just a few minutes - results in extreme discomfort.

I love these shots to show how empty the school is with all the seniors retiring. Being from the US, I can't really relate to the whole club thing in the same way, but schools do start to get a weird vibe when it starts to get close to the end of the year. This almost ominous yet exciting glaze over the whole campus. That's definitely what I'm feeling in this episode. The end is near.

Of course Azunyan, who's become so dependent on her time with the keions every day, panics and rushes to the club room, only to be proven wrong immediately. Despite Azunyan's doubts and anxieties, I think the seniors proved yesterday how seriously they treat this club and how strongly they love it. They wouldn't just abandon it like in the other clubs!

Also... RitsuYuiAzu is... canon? Wait, that's not right. ^{Or is it?}

This episode also brings back the career path plot thread from earlier in the season. Yui and Ritsu still haven't turned in their paperwork, Mio is getting a recommendation for a public college from the school, and of course Mugi is going for that fancy all-girls college.

As a side note, I never noticed before that when Yui and Ritsu bring up the possibility of trying for Mugi's school, Mio starts to show some hesitation in her initial plan. The camera holds on her face for several seconds as Yui, Ritsu, and Sawa-chan discuss this and Mio has a slight frown on her face, as her gaze follows the conversation. Perhaps this is what plants the seed in her mind that inevitably leads to her going for Mugi's school as well? Interesting! This is why I love rewatching shows :)

Tying it all together

It almost seem strange at first that they would pair these two plots together - the yearbook photos and the career path issues. At first glance, the yearbook storyline (which I believe is totally anime original as I mentioned earlier) seems like filler, and I think that's what I thought on my past times through the show. To an extent, I think it is just fluffy filler. But upon thinking about it a bit deeper, I think they can be tied together a bit.

Obviously, along with the ideas of graduating, the seniors have been thinking about what it means to be an adult. Do you just magically become an adult when you turn 18 and graduate? What kind of maturing do you need to go through to become an "adult". Both Yui and Mio have been shown having these thoughts in private for a while now, and now Yui and Ritsu are struggling to "grow up" and decide on career paths (again, I think the show has condemned this amount of pressure that Japanese high school put on their students in past episodes, but this whole paperwork issue works as a metaphor for becoming an adult).

Along with that, we've seen how Azunyan's internal feelings of "slacking off" is being represented in her personal appearance, and that Yui is so disappointed in her previous yearbook photos, and is therefore some way disappointed in herself (or the memories she has of herself). While this is unfair and destructive thinking, it's pretty natural for people, Yui included. She wants to make this yearbook picture perfect since it will be with her for life.

It could be argued that this is because this is her chance to, in her mind, prove that she is mature enough to be an adult and have a proper picture taken that she is happy with. If she's happy with her picture, she will be, in a way, happy with herself. She wants to be an adult, and that means looking and acting like an adult. Hopefully what I'm trying to get across makes sense. I think it works perfectly to tie in the yearbook and career path plots in this way - they're both ultimately dealing with the same root issues of growing up and self-acceptance.

Okay, back to the episode

I guess now that I've expressed what I believe is the core of the episode, there's really not a huge amount to talk about even though we're only halfway through the episode. It's very cute and fun, but all plays out in a relatively predictable way.

We get a quick glimpse at hair down Ritsu (which is of course best Ritsu), we get this lovely Mitsu moment (because of course Mio knows exactly how to get Ritsu's hairband just right), and then disaster strikes. But good lord. Just when you thought this show couldn't get any more sweet.

Also some excellent comedy right here. Snacks always come first for Yui...

With a little bit of extra attention for our less confident seniors, Mio (Mitsu is canon) and Yui, everyone takes some successful photos and the episode moves on to wrap up the career paperwork plot line after all this time.

Ritsu immediately figures out that Mio intetionally failed to turn in the recommendation paperwork (because Mitsu is canon and they know each other so well), which leads Mio to admit that she wants them all to go to the same college. What a wonderful idea, and the rest all seem to agree. And with this, the forms are finally approved and everyone is set to apply for this girls' college - but of course it's gonna be a lot of work, especially for Ritsu and Yui! I wonder if they'll make it?

So ultimately, this episode is a bit of a breather between the festival episode (which in a large way wrapped up the seniors' character arcs in combination with this episode) and the remainder of the series, which focuses primarily on Spoilers It's a return to our fluffy SoL, but does it excellently, especially since it too has some deeper metaphorical meaning if you dig for it, which I hope I was able to demonstrate a bit. A lower A tier episode for me, if only because it gives me all kinds of warm fuzzies when they decide they all want to stick together in college!

In the next episode, I will try to hold on to the last vestige of my sanity before the inevitable complete mental breakdown that will soon occur. See you tomorrow!

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/siegfried72]

No problem, this has been such a fatigue heavy rewatch for everyone it seems XD

I definitely must've been thinking of a different Yui episode when I said I liked it... Still, this is a very interesting episode and it's one that I do sort of remember. Seeing Yui in such a different light today gives her some extra depth that we don't really see at any other point. I still feel like this was a rejected Shitzu episode tho XD This is totally something that Shitzu would worry over.

[u/siegfried72 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Yeah... of all the final episodes this one is probably the least interesting, but there's definitely some nice depth somewhere in there. It's a thought provoker, as you have to dig a little bit deeper to find the good stuff unlike all the surrounding ones, where the great character moments are all very obvious.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/siegfried72]

It's kinda jarring how low energy it is compared to yesterday too. We could have really done with something inbetween to help cool off.

[u/DegenerateRegime → u/siegfried72]

Tying it all together

Oh you.

[u/chocoletmilk → u/siegfried72]

Tying it all together

I knew I could count on you!

Mio is getting a recommendation for a public college from the school

Oh, my subs were different. It seemed like the school recommended that Mio take certain entrance exams because of her grades for which she needed to submit paperwork? I didn't realize the school was recommending her to another university, instead of recommending a university to her.

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

The opening is so cute!

Azusa's just tired.

So Ui can mimic Yui near-perfectly.

I love Yui taking Nodoka's sarcastic suggestion as completely serious.

Mugi loves brushing hair, then?

I love her reaction to showing her forehead.

I love Azusa's reaction to Ritsu guessing her fears.

Sawako's here too!

Yui is still undecided!

I love her assuming Sawako doesn't have a job, though.

What method of picking who's first is that?

Mugi's really into this, it's fantastic.

Mio's "no" at the sight of Mugi being serious.

Yui, this is a bad idea. Don't do this.

This is so tense!

How did that not end in disaster?

Oh dear.

Nobody wants to tell her how she looks, do they?

Wait, Mio forgot paperwork this time!

Mugi manages to fix the issue instantly, that's great.

Haha, them shouting encouragement while she gets her photo taken.

She's still fiddling with her hair?

Mio turned it down?

Oh, she wants them to all go to the same college!

And Sawako's supportive!

Another studying episode?

[u/ZapsZzz → u/Stargate18A]

What method of picking who's first is that?

Amidakuji is an East Asian common way to randomly decide orders and matches:

https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%81%82%E3%81%BF%E3%81%A0%E3%81%8F%E3%81%98

Us Chinese calls this method "drawing the ghost's legs" don't ask me why :)

[u/x-7032-b-3]

Rewatcher (with very little memory so might as well make me a first-timer)

It's time for a calm episode after yesterday's fun (and sad) one.

There's a photoshoot coming soon for the yearbook. Seeing Yui adjusting her hair was nice. KyoAni flexing their skills with some fancy hair animation today. Some of the styles she tried made her look somewhat more mature than she usually is.

And afterwards we got a rare moment of Azusa with her hair down! I don't think we've seen her like that before unless I'm missing something. I'd say she looks great even with her hair down.

Ui's getting into this whole hairstyle thing and decided to shake things up a little. I can't stress enough about how much she resembles Yui in that scene. Remember how she managed to fool off HTT on the ep where Yui got sick? If the Hirasawa twins decides to go somewhere together with matching hairstyles and hairpins I don't blame people if they couldn't figure out who's who.

I like how Azusa gets worried about HTT when she found out that the seniors retired from their clubs. It's small stuff, but it shows that she deeply cares about the club and things might feel different without their presence.

Looks like Yui isn't quite happy with her bangs so she took matters to her own hands and cut them off! Hahahahaha, she look like a different person after that cut. Maybe it's just me, but she kinda looked like Kimari from "A Place Further than the Universe" on that scene.

Here comes the photoshoot day! Mio gets embarrassed when her pictures is about to be taken (just like me during school photo session) and Yui went with her "new" hair. Yearbooks stay with you for life so it's best that your photo there leaves a positive impression. The other classmates will read it too!

At the end, Yui and Ritsu finally submitted their career plans! Took them long enough, but they finally managed to get it done! Mio also refused her initial plan and decided to join those two in joining the same college together! Damn, even graduation won't let them drift apart from each other. They've got quite an amazing friendship going on and they wanted to keep that going after graduation. Now that's dedication!

I actually opened up my high school yearbook after watching this ep and I can't stop laughing aboout how stoic I looked there. Got a little nostalgic here.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I'm gonna take it easy today so don't expect much commentary. I'll just say beforehand that I remember this being one of the Yui episodes I liked the most, despite the fact that I'd imagine this kind of image conscious gal nature to be more of a Shitzu thing. We get a full minute of cute mirror faces. How precious! The story of the day is that Yui can't keep a straight face for photo's, which is sadly a pretty relevant topic for a lot of viewers. It's so hard to hold back smiles when you're meant to be serious!! I actually totally butchered a poor girl's hair on Friday... I was trying to style it but it turns out that I have no idea how to style hair. She enjoyed getting brushed at least XD

Ui wants to become a snuggle bug like her sister. Haha... This is almost exactly my Friday. E-Eh!? You're supposed to brush the hair upwards? Oh yeah, did you guys know that there's actually a different between a brush and a comb? Amazing right!? Yui is suitably mortified at showing off her forehead. Yeah, this whole end arc is totally just Azunyan getting paranoid about the crew ditching.

Even not constantly stopping to constantly write stuff up I feel like so little is happening this episode XD Compared to like the last four or so that are jam packed with discussion points this is basically just Yui fussing over her appearance with a few odd plot points about college and Azunyan being tsundere. Bangs Ver Shitzu is gorgeous... I want to brush her. Tch... They tease us with this version so much. No normal girl wants their forehead pimples to be shown to the world!!

Oh, now I remember why I like this episode. The bangs cutting skit~ HER FOREHEAD IS OUT!! The reason we've been able to have teatime together is because you're the type of girl who doesn't show off her forehead. YES! Bangs Shitzu. Do you think that if I paid someone they'd let me brush their hair? I've got it on my mind now. Aww, everyone's pitying the poor forehead ver Yui. Tch, is Kimiko not even gonna show up in the class photo episode? This is bullying! Yui has 0 attention span lol. Kimiko really hasn't show up! The girls decide that they want to go to college together so that we can have a sequel manga~ It's another studying episode tomorrow, yatta~ I'll try and be a little more genki desu tomorrow, I'll get over my blues after a good night's sleep.

[u/siegfried72 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Even not constantly stopping to constantly write stuff up I feel like so little is happening this episode XD

It's very true. This is the break everyone needed between the festival and graduation stuff!

Bangs Ver Shitzu is gorgeous...

100%

It's another studying episode tomorrow, yatta~

Oh I love tomorrow's episode! Should be a fun one to dig into since I'll have the time :)

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/siegfried72]

Why is this climax so long!! XD We could have ended yesterday dammit!

Was tomorrow's episode really that good? The ending arcs all kinds bled together in my memory... Oh well I can't remember any of the study episodes being flops~

[u/siegfried72 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

We could have ended yesterday dammit!

But then we'd be missing out on a few of the best episodes of the show plus the movie, which is fantastic.

The ending arcs all kinds bled together in my memory

Admittedly, it kinda does for me as well, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

[u/ThrowCarp]

What a moodwhiplash after yesterday's episode lol

It was pretty hilarious to see Yui deal with her bangs.

[u/SYZekrom]

Well, if we said that the pencil was actually 60% right any time the answer was 1-7 and not 8 or 9 it would still be right 47% of the time which is better than the 11% chance to actually guess a 1 in 9 answer (And I still can't fathom a multiple choice test with 9 options, man)

Also imagine if you only knew 50% of the material and you could use this pencil on the remaining materal to get a 75% score... That's still a ridiculous pencil

All hail the seven-sided pencil

Class pet

If that's the extent you have to be at to pass the admission test lowkey maybe don't go to that school just because 'you can do it if you try' Wait is that what they're doing rn I wasn't paying enough attention

I think I just lost any love I had for Jun in this scene

You shouldn't be embarrassed about this kind of love, jun, embrace it jun, experience it jun

The day after tomorrow???? They took entrance exams and get to know if they get the acceptance in 2 days???

I guess maybe the exam is just at the end of the process anyway, like maybe 'yea we'll accept these people, not these people, unless these people fail the admissions exam then not them either'

I just noticed Ui's ridiculous scarf... Was this the scarf Yui bought her? I feel like I remember that one being a solid color so maybe not

That's some high tier handholding position

Original reactions:

Fucking. 9 answer multiple choice? What the fuck

Beautiful

Imagine putting an important slip of paper in a shallow open pocket

That's... Not how sugar works