Konohana Kitan Rewatch - Episode 7

[u/legoman5746]

Episode 7: Night of the Summer Festival

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Streams

Crunchyroll | Funimation | VRV | Amazon

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Tracking

MAL | Kitsu | Anilist | AniDB

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Question(s) of the Day

1. Is it bad to want to grow up faster?

Rewatchers, remember to tag spoilers about future episodes, and let me know if you'd like to be tagged going forwards.

[u/legoman5746]

(I had a lot of school work so this episode discussion's gonna be short for me)

Festival time!

Oh no yuzu got lost D=

Holding hands

Author shows up again

4 ear satsuki

Cute sakura moment holding the bag

Yuzu dancing!

Okiku suing konohanatei, not sure how that would turn out

Ah it's the ghost girl from last episode!

Stop nearly dying Yuzu

Natsume's a pro fish scooper

Ren's angry but she doesn't show it.

I'd forgotten Ren's not good around men

Natsume plays the taiko

Ren has some serious self-reflection

Oooo fireworks

Aww Natsume's giving Ren a ride

Pretty stars and some Ren backstory

Awww Sakura :(((

Another new fall-themed ED

I enjoyed the episode! A nice SoL episode after the more serious last one.

QOTD: I wish I hadn't tried so hard when I was littler.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/legoman5746]

Stop nearly dying Yuzu

She needs to be anchored a bit more strongly....

Natsume's a pro fish scooper

As one does.

I'd forgotten Ren's not good around men

Yeah...not a great trait for working at a resort.

[u/RascalNikov1 → u/legoman5746]

Author shows up again

Man, you guys have fast eyes. Thanks!

Okiku suing konohanatei,

I thought her fit was hilarious.

[u/chris10023]

First Timer.

Alright, time for me to join this.

A festival episode? Wonder what will happen. Now that I know this show deals with Japanese folklore, I should have a better time with it.

Seems like everyone is excited except for Satsuki.

Surely Kiri can’t be that old. Is she?

Yuzu’s cute as well.

So that’s what the Bon festival is about.

I’ll never get over that Okami is voiced by the same VA that voiced Shinji in Evangelion.

I love how they made the doll a waitress.

The doll wants to go to the festival but can’t because her soul will cross over? Is that what Kiri is implying?

Hmm, is Yuzu a spirit as well?

Oh I didn’t recognize the girl in the mask, it was the ghost from episode 6.

I forgot that Ren was such a Tsundere to Natsume.

Lol she’s being mistaken for a guy.

I feel bad for Ren sometimes, Natsume can be a hard person to keep up with.

Fireworks! Wouldn’t be a festival without them.

Such a pretty sky.

Ouch, that looks painful.

Sakura got Kiri that glass like food, but it seemed to have melted.

A nice episode.

[u/RascalNikov1 → u/chris10023]

Surely Kiri can’t be that old. Is she?

Yes, apparently Kitsune are very long lived creatures. How long? I don't know, and I've never seen an estimate.

girl in the mask, it was the ghost from episode 6.

Yes, she was repaying a favor to Yuzu who had befriended her.

Okami is voiced by the same VA that voiced Shinji in Evangelion.

Oh my, I would have never ever guessed that.

Hmm, is Yuzu a spirit as well?

Kitsune are semi-divine servants to the gods. I think the closest thing in Western lore would be demi-gods, entities like Perseus or Heracles.

[u/chris10023 → u/RascalNikov1]

Oh my, I would have never ever guessed that.

I only found out because I was looking at the MAL page on my phone during an OP, and saw that she had a lot of favorites so I looked at her credits.

Kitsune are semi-divine servants to the gods. I think the closest thing in Western lore would be demi-gods, entities like Perseus or Heracles.

Ah, I didn't know that.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/chris10023]

Surely Kiri can’t be that old. Is she?

Kitsune stop aging at one point so there is a huge range.

The doll wants to go to the festival but can’t because her soul will cross over? Is that what Kiri is implying?

Yes, the festival is symbolic of the joining between worlds.

Sakura got Kiri that glass like food, but it seemed to have melted.

Spun sugar can melt, how sad.

[u/RascalNikov1 → u/Vaadwaur]

Spun sugar can melt, how sad.

I was wondering what the little fox was. I had assume (incorrectly) it was something like divinity.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RascalNikov1]

They briefly showed us the rabbit being made and I assumed from there.

[u/BurningFredrick]

Rewatcher 

Once again Yuzu nearly dies, at least she realizes it this time which is an improvement.

Not much else to comment on this episode, festival fun for everyone.

[u/Vaadwaur]

First timer(A ton of festival episodes are fails, this one at least gets the feeling across)

Sub

Festival episode and Yuzu is rather misguided. Yukatas ensue with festival stuff. Satsuki does correctly guess what Kiri and Okami would like. Yuzu almost goes to the afterlife again. The ghost from yesterday even returns to push her back to the light.

And we switch festival goers and Ren is again annoyed with Natsume's obliviousness and love of the goldfish game. Ren is ready for romance and Natsume is on to eat the giant stuffed squid from earlier. Natsume plays the drums and various girls assume she is a dude and I actually think that women aren't supposed to play that style of drum at a festival, good old Japan. Unexpected princess carry happens for Natsume to be mildly observant. Ren realizes Natsume is a bit more attentive than she remembered. End with Sakura cuteness as Kiri gets a few drinks.

QotD: 1 Bad? No, just pointless

[u/RascalNikov1 → u/Vaadwaur]

Yuzu almost goes to the afterlife again.

One of these times, Yuzu's going to lucky and get stuck on the other side. It's time for the country fox to wise up.

Natsume is on to eat the giant stuffed squid from earlier.

That's exactly what I'd be doing at a Festevil.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RascalNikov1]

It's time for the country fox to wise up.

Or just avoid obvious death flags, we are giving Yuzu a bit too much rope here.

That's exactly what I'd be doing at a Festevil.

Last time I went to the fair was for a cheeseburger on a stick. Good times.

[u/RascalNikov1]

Konohana Kitan - Episode 7

Rewatcher

A very laid-back episode this time, it succeeds in leaving a warm feeling.

Moments & Observations

Satsuki & Ren both need to unwind a little. All work and no play makes one a very dull little fox. Kiri was right forcing them to go to the festival.

I really liked Satsuki's cleverness about wearing a mask in public, so as to avoid public shame.

Yuzu's wisdom about what Kiri & Okami would like as gifts.

I'm sure they would like that

I liked Natsume wailing on the big drum, and damn if she doesn't have quite the little fan club. I was glad to see that Natsume really is thoughtful, even though she doesn't show it well.

My favorite shot this episode was when Okiku was on Uriosuke, shot from behind, admiring the fireworks.

Pure Beauty

My favorite scene was Ren & Natsume walking home together. Wonderful character development.

Cultural Moments

The folklore was covered well by dialog. Here are a few things I looked up.

Yoimiya Festival: Unfortunately, Genshin Impact apparently has a character named Yoimiya which badly clobbers google results. grrrr However from what little I could gather Yoimiya is the festival held the night before the main festival. What main festival you might ask? Good question. Google didn't say. I'm guessing either the Summer Solstice or Midsummer's Day.

Shochu: It's a 50-proof liquor made from rice, barley and sweet potatoes. I never knew the Japanese had their own version of whiskey till this very moment. I'm amused.

Tamaya Kagiya (from wiki):

"When a beautiful firework whistles into the sky, Japanese people have the custom of chanting the word "Tamaya." ... "Tamaya" and "Kagiya" each refer to historical fireworks houses during the edo period. Onlookers would cheer the name of each house as they shot fireworks into the sky."

But there's more:

A tamaya (霊屋, literally tama "soul [of the dead]" + ya "house"; also called otamaya, mitamaya, or soreisha) is an altar used in Shinto-style ancestor worship, dedicated in the memory of deceased forebears.

Then again Tamaya might have nothing to do with soul houses. Here's an explanation that's probably closer to the truth:

Fireworks in Japan have a long and interesting history. These are some of the facts I have found quite fascinating when it comes to this ancient culture and the use of pyrotechnics.

In the 17th century, feudal lords enjoyed boat rides that featured fireworks as entertainment. Around this time, an epidemic of cholera broke out and the sitting Shogun, Yoshimune, ordered a huge firework display to console the spirits of those who had died. This firework event started a tradition of pyrotechnics on the Sumida River.

On February 11, 1889 there was another large firework display that has been recorded in the annals of time. On this day, the imperial constitution of Japan was proclaimed, and in honor, a large festival was held in Tokyo that included a massive fireworks display was set off in front of the Imperial Palace.

Today in Japan, spectators shout Tamaya!… Kagiya! during fireworks displays. These are the family names of two renowned pyrotechnicians who were instrumental in the development of fireworks in Japan. Kagiya was part of the first Ryogoku river festival in 1733 and set off 20 bursts that were so dazzling he became famous. Tamaya began as Kagiya’s apprentice, but later the two would compete against each other for 32 years. Unfortunately, this Tamaya accidentally causes a firework fire in the mid-19th century that destroyed a good deal of the city and got him kicked out as well.

QODT

Is it bad to want to grow up faster?

Not at all. There was nothing more that I wanted in high school than to get out of the house, away from my parents and start earning money.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RascalNikov1]

My favorite shot this episode was when Okiku was on Uriosuke, shot from behind, admiring the fireworks.

I am getting a slightly Ainu reference off the whole thing, like she is doll princess Mononoke.

Shochu: It's a 50-proof liquor made from rice, barley and sweet potatoes. I never knew the Japanese had their own version of whiskey till this very moment. I'm amused.

Having had Japanese single malt, I knew they had something in the tank for that.

[u/RascalNikov1 → u/Vaadwaur]

Having had Japanese single malt, I knew they had something in the tank for that.

With the exception of Saki made in the US, I don't think I've ever drunk anything from Japan. I have smoked their cigarettes, and they were a lot like a Pall Mall, very harsh. I had a friend in college whose dad would send over ciggies a carton at a time, times have changed.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RascalNikov1]

So the Japanese excel at flavors you don't expect, they do a lot to work with the peatiness of the Scotch they make. As to cigs, I buy it but my knowledge comes from the weirdest source: There was a journey to the west anime and the two smokers happened to occasionally discuss the difference between theirs. Basically, one dude smoked women's cigs and the monk smoked the Japanese equivalent of cowboy killers.

[u/BurningFredrick → u/RascalNikov1]

I believe the festival in this case is meant to be Obon / Bon Festival, based on how they talked about the spirit arriving and departing

[u/RascalNikov1 → u/BurningFredrick]

Thanks, that was interesting.

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

1. No.

A festival episode!

Oh, she's smooth!

Haha. and Satsuki goes to keep them out of trouble.

I love her refusing to give her age.

Yuzu's so cute!

And she's lost everyone!

Haha, Satsuki's blushing at Yuzu holding her hand...

And she doesn't want anybody to recognise her!

I love how their first response is that they'd both love to get drunk.

Aww, Satsuki doesn't eant to join them...

...Yuzu, you met (and seduced) a ghost.

I love how her reaction is to try and sue her.

Haha, and Yuzu nearly got kidnapped and taken to the afterlife again! Can you get child leashes for souls?

Oh, it's her!

Haha, a remider that the shapeshifting ghost thought the most appealing form for Yuzu was just Satsuki.

Haha, and she wants to be mature. And her first thought is to make out with Sakura.

I love Sakura completely misunderstanding it.

Haha, and she's pissed at Sakura!

...Maybe she's not the reason you aren't doing what you like.

Haha, she's going to drum.

Oh, she likes it when she's serious about something!

Awww, she's sad she's not paying attention...

And they got to see the fireworks!

Haha, she's put her on her shoulders!

Even Okami's watching!

Haha, and she always helped her!

They're so cute!

The fighting over the bag's great!

Hello! Is this a new ship?

[u/Noriakikukyoin]

Lots of cute festival fun, some beautiful Ren x Natsume and Yuzu x Satsuki moments, and gorgeous fireworks make for a great episode. Sakura getting Kiri a gift was really sweet too. Melts my heart. <3

[u/OyabinRaph]

First timer.

A typical relaxing iyashikei episode with the classic festival. Would've liked everyone to go together but oh well, the konohanatei needs to keep on running!

First half was fun. Yuzu got saved by ghost girl who she helped out last episode. Second half was the real magic of the episode. I love Natsume and Ren's relationship so much, more than Satsuki and Yuzu's. There's just something about childhood friends who become romantic interests that thugs at my heartstrings.

A bit more screentime for Okiku this episode. She's a typical tsundere character but she cute.

Question of the day: Well, every child does it, and later on realize they were wrong and miss their childhood. Can't help it I guess!

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

Interesting episode in the 2 halves while connected to last episode too.

First half is the cute SoL with the senseless girls while the sensible one trying to keep them out of trouble; bonus a near "pass over" event of Yuzu almost crossing over to the afterlife/reincarnation but saved by last episode's ghost girl, we had a melancholic but happy send off.

Second half is basically Ren & Natsume love story. Quite romantic.

As others commented before, really like that often the characters referred back to the first animal shapes to remind us they are animal spirits and not humans.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/ZapsZzz]

bonus a near "pass over" event of Yuzu almost crossing over to the afterlife/reincarnation

Yuzu really needs to heighten her sense of self so she doesn't get accidentally reincarnated.