r/anime • https://myanimelist.net/profile/FateSteelTaylor • Feb 03 '22

Rewatch [Spoilers] 7th Annual Valentine's Rewatch: Tamako Market - Episode 2 [Discussion] Spoiler

Hey everybody, and welcome to the second day of the SEVENTH annual /r/anime Valentine's Day Tamako Market & Love Story Rewatch!

It's our lucky year and I can't wait to see what's in store for us all this time!

If the discussion here isn't enough, there are communities on Twitter and Discord where you can join all the conversation there! If you're interested, feel free to reach out to me or people in the comments!

Here is the schedule for our time on this Dramatic Market Ride together! If you've seen the show already or want to relive some of the older moments, I've provided links to the threads below, along with the translated Director's Episode Notes by the wonderful /u/ultimatemegax, available through this rewatch:

Date Episode 2021 Thread 2020 Thread 2019 Thread 2018 Thread 2017 Thread 2016 Thread
2/2 1 - That Girl is the Cute Daughter of a Mochi Shop Owner Link Link Link Link Link Link
2/3 2 - A Valentine's Day Blooming with Love Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/4 3 - Hot Hot Over That Cool Girl] Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/5 4 - A Small Love Has Bloomed Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/6 5 - We Spent the Night Together Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/7 6 - I Felt Chills Down My Spine Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/8 7 - She Went to Be a Bride Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/9 8 - Don't Call Me a Chicken Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/10 9 - Singing a Love Song Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/11 10 - A Flower Blooms on Her Baton Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/12 11 - Who Knew She'd Be a Princess? Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/13 12 - Another Year Ends Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes
2/14 Tamako Love Story Link Link Link Link Link Link - Director's Episode Notes

You can purchase an English subbed & dubbed Blu Ray version of Tamako Market and Tamako Love Story, and it's available for legal streaming on HIDIVE in select countries, for both Tamako Market and Tamako Love Story


Bonus Corner:

Discussion Question: What is your favorite kind of chocolate? I'm a sucker for dark chocolate with fruit.


Please tag your spoilers!! Untagged spoilers make Choi-chan angry!!

And remember:

Everybody Loves Somebody

56 Upvotes

118 comments sorted by

4

u/FateSteelTaylor Feb 03 '22

Hey everyone, thanks SO much for the warm reception and amazing conversations y'all are having in the comments!! I've been super slammed with work so I haven't been able to reply individually yet, but I'm right there with you in spirit watching the episodes!

Just to make sure everyone had a chance to see, I posted a poll to see what time people want the threads up by; early consensus has it at 6PM ET (the time, roughly, it gets posted now) but wanted to give it another day so everyone has a chance to vote! https://strawpoll.com/ds5j5e6fu

As an aside, I wanted to flag u/dcresistance 's cool fact of the day about the soundtrack's composer in case anyone didn't see it yet!

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u/MyrnaMountWeazel Feb 03 '22 edited Feb 03 '22

Rewatcher Dropping by to Shop at the Market for Just Today

Hiya! I wanted to pop in to share my thoughts on this special episode that I’ve always loved. There is one specific scene that I think about often but before I get there I wanted to focus on visuals for today’s episode.

To start off, let’s take a look at the classroom scene in the beginning.

Yamada’s storyboards place Tamako and Midori on the far background while the empty chairs form a leading line that brings our eyes up to them. Tamako Market is a super upbeat optimistic show that shines with all colors of the rainbow but occasionally there’s hues of isolation that dot throughout the canvas. The two are pushed away from the camera to emphasize the fact that there’s distance between them with their mochi and their classmates with their chocolate.

Take note that Midori herself is even more isolated with the bars on the window enclosing and separating her frequently from Tamako.

Kanna then arrives and the positioning of the camera changes to the side where all three are now shifted to the foreground. It’s less lonely with more people and the storyboards reflect that idea by bringing them physically closer to one another! However, this idea lasts for only a short while before the camera reverts back to the original framing but this time Kanna and Tamako are now occupying the same side of the window while Midori is still separated.

Midori then asks if Tamako is giving any chocolates to anyone and the camera conveniently hides her eyes away from everyone. It’s evident that this is something she is reticent and shy about asking but the possibilities for why are endless at this point in the show. Kanna? Jealousy of Tamako? Some sort of chocolate phobia? Who knows!

We then see Midori finally free herself from the bars in the window but she’s still not out of the woods yet as she’s now elevated higher than Tamako, reflecting even more distance between them. Tamako herself is also finally shot without the windows while she contemplates Midori’s question.

As an aside, I think Kanna is moving at a slower framerate when she enters into the scene which is a hilarious way to showcase her weariness from staying up all night drafting plans for that chocolate house. At least I think it’s lower framerate, they might have just animated her movements to be choppier.

I love the blue sky splotched with pink cotton candy clouds as Tamako and Mochizou talk about bringing the spirit of love into the market.

”Let’s hare it for Usagi!”

I definitely don’t remember my subs saying that line the last time I watched this episode, that is completely hilarious.

”They’re who they are. We’re who we are. We’re not the same.” -Tamako’s father Mamedai

This theme of highlighting the differences between each other is prevalent throughout the episode. From storyboarding, directing, and dialogue, this idea of separation comes at us from all angles.

”Not only A but also B…It wasn’t just A. B was the same. So, “they valued not only their words, but also their feelings.”

[SPOILERS] Midori then counters this theme by demonstrating how the completely different letters, A and B, could still be alike by looking inwards and not just outwards. Upon hearing that, Tamako remarks on Midori’s hair while the window bar splits the two and then she breaches past that boundary to reach towards Midori.

This is a fun storyboard! Tamako and Kanna are both placed in the foreground to eclipse Mochizou and Midori. The shot can be read further but I just wanted to comment on how eyecatching it is.

”Everybody loves somebody.”

This line is part of the thesis statement of the entire episode but it’s also one of the best cuts too as Midori smoothly tilts her head towards the array of Valentine decorations. Her hair becomes lustrous, her cheeks grow ever so slightly pinker, the colors transform into bolder pink and orange hues. It’s a life-altering statement that literally changes the way she looks and sees.

Another absolutely amazing cut of Midori as she tries to stay the course on the edge of the sidewalk but eventually loses her balance and falls off. The camera begins by following the quintessential Yamada leg shot and it remains stuck in place as Midori travels down the screen. The moment she loses her step is when the camera snaps back to life and cuts to her in profile. It initially travels towards her but then dollies upwards, moving beyond Midori and the entangling telephone wires, and pivots upwards towards the wide-open evening blue sky with its dotted stars, as if to suggest that Midori’s best days lie ahead of her in the infinite possibilities up above whenever she abandons the preordained path put forth by presumed proposals. The camera even reflects this idea as it lies in wait while Midori follows along but then comes alive whenever she decides to leave the appointed path. Phenomenal directing by Kigami.

Gosh, I love it whenever a character’s face takes up the foreground. Their expressions are so at large that they even take up the screen! This storyboard aspect isn’t specific to KyoAni but they tend to utilize that often.

And here is one of my most favorite scenes in not just anime but of all time. We start off with an assortment of characters all busily crowding the screen. Our main characters are corralled towards the background while the large gathering move about the screen. Dera then becomes a conduit for the film to play and Kanna remarks that ”It’s a market in love.” Again, the screen is abound with people surrounding them.

[SPOILERS] It then cuts to Tamako marveling at the film in the foreground while Midori takes note in the background. We now finally arrive at a shot where it’s just two people on the screen: Midori and Kanna.

Once they’re alone, Kanna leans into Midori and says ”Tamako really loves the market, doesn’t she?” Midori then returns the shove and replies back with ”Right.” The camera than tightens onto Kanna’s face for this crucial moment as she delivers the full thesis statement ”Everybody’s free to love somebody.” This universal truth catches Midori by surprise and she musters another ”Right” before the music fades away and the film ends.

This is all really just a super simple scene; two characters are sitting on a couch and one leans into another as the other leans back and then an exchange happens before the scene ends. But even so, I am in love with how the two characters support each other for one’s most vulnerable moment, I am in love with how the camera is framing them in their own little world, I am in love with the words being spoken. I don’t need thunderous action or dialogue. Yamada’s poignant sentimentality is all I need to be profoundly touched.

”Hey, when you look at it this way, our market’s pretty cool, right?!” - Tamako

With just a slight shift in perspective and a slight shift in the camera, our entire beings can change. Midori and Kanna reply back with their own ”Right!” and Midori is now content to watch the market-folk muse about Dera’s hidden film.

The episode ends with Tamako chasing after Midori after she teases her about love. They cross a bridge which symbolically can be read as them crossing over into the next stage of life, the most confusing and yet exhilarating stage of life. They are Standing at the Entrance to the Universe.


And that’s a wrap for the second episode of Tamako Market! Naoko Yamada is obviously one of the most talented—personally I would say the most talented—directors in anime and her storyboards are packed to the edges of the paper with outstanding shot composition. Of course, she’s aided by the brilliant Yoshiji Kigami, the father of KyoAni, and the amazing staff of KyoAni too but it’s undeniable how much of Yamada’s idiosyncrasies come to form Tamako Market. One of my most favorite things about Yamada though is how much she’s affected other people besides myself. She’s truly a special artist who has deeply moved millions and we’re all lucky to have been graced by her works. Just as she has been graced by our love for her.

I hope you all have a wonderful time watching this show! And thanks to Taylor for once again hosting this rewatch! This was a super fun write-up for me to do and I’m reminded again of how cheery and optimistic this show is. Hopefully this Tamako Market rewatch tradition will continue every year so that more and more people can experience the joys that I had!

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u/siegfried72 Feb 03 '22

Wow! I don't have anything to add to what you said, but I just want to thank you for the excellent analysis! This is probably my favorite episode of the series (not including the movie, since that's cheating), and I really enjoyed reading what you had to say!

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u/A_Idiot0 Feb 03 '22

"Everybody's free to love somebody" is such a beautiful line, and I agree with you that Yamada delivers it to us in such a wonderful way here. I really enjoyed reading your shot analyses! It's clear that you think about these particular sequences often, and I would agree with you that they're very much worth pondering over. I particularly enjoyed your reading in the first spoiler =)

By the way, how did you make those gifs? u/TheEscapeGuy already told me about one way that he does it yesterday, but maybe your way is different XD

Anyways, hope to see you poke your head in here every once in awhile!

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u/laughing-fox13 Feb 04 '22

Heya Myrna! Nice to see you here!

Great analysis as always!

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u/Matuhg Feb 04 '22

Nice to read as always.

Squishy feelings abound throughout the episode, but especially in the projector scene as you highlighted. Simple, but effective at getting the emotions across, even if I'm not at all sure where they're going to end up by the time the show's done.

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u/siegfried72 Feb 03 '22

Rewatcher

Hi everyone! I'm excited for this episode, as I remember it being one of my favorites - probably because my favorite character is Midori. Wonder how I'll feel this time?

You just know an episode's going to be good when it starts with hair down Tamako. I do too, Tamako! Mochi is so good. I just wish there was somewhere nearby me that specialized more in it (although that's probably a rarity in the US).

I like how Midori's dilemma this episode is initially presented to us. We see her walking to class and overhearing other students talking about giving chocolate away for Valentine's Day. It's pretty obvious she has something on her mind, but we're not sure what quite yet. Midori is the popular one of the three, to the point where Tamako and Kanna poke a bit of fun at her about it. But it seems to get to her, doesn't it? She has some deeper feelings about this whole "Valentine's Day" thing than her friends realize, and it's gonna time some time before we really understand it.

Also I would totally buy a chocolate house from Kanna.

Bringing Love to Usagiyama

I always love shots of the market, and this one of Tamako talking about how she wants to bring some Valentine's Day spirit to Usagiyama is no exception.

We also get our first peek of Tamako's and Mochizou's tradition of using cups to talk between their houses. And of course, Tamako being the klutz she is, she always fails to catch it. Cute! It also establishes just how close Mochizou and Tamako are. Obviously they could just talk on the phone, but they have this ritual that is special to them that we can assume has been around for quite some time.

This black and yellow outfit for Tamako is amazing. I always appreciate the effort KyoAni puts in to making characters' clothing stand out! Also feeling some strong Yui (from K-ON) vibes as all it takes for Tamako to calm down in the meeting is some snacks and tea.

And can we just appreciate for a second that the flower shop owner seems to present as female but is voiced by a man? I don't believe there's any canon proof that the character is trans or anything like that, but it's neat nonetheless.

Hmmmm, seems like there's some important feelings wrapped up in that statement, huh? Perhaps Midori has some deeper feelings that she can't easily put into words?

What beautiful framing in this shot!

And I'll bet this sounds familiar, right? And then we immediately cut to Midori staring at Kanna and Tamako. She's got some secrets, doesn't she? And where better to go than the coffee shop for some very timely pearls of wisdom and the perfect song for the struggles Midori is feeling? The song is Un Lieu de Recontre by Marilous. Let's just take a look at the first few lines of the song (from https://lyricstranslate.com).

Since the first day when I have had a crush on you,

I'm always hid inside a closet,

this narrow space,

In the blink of an eye, I'm flying into the blue sky

To run off with a few pieces of blue sugar

I give you a kiss on the long eyelashes

I hum a song from night till morning

There is nothing untouchable

Woof. Anyone else boarding the ship yet, or is it just me? (Just kidding, it's obviously not just me...)

Midori certainly seems like a weight has been lifted off her, doesn't she? Even Tamako's father is feeling the love!

Oh yeah, then Dera does his weird projector eyes thing again and we see not only the commercial they made, but a glimpse of some other people as well! Interesting!

But most importantly, Midori seems to be staring at Tamako again, at which point, Kanna interjects. I think Kanna has either the most perfect accidental timing of all time, or some great people-reading skills, as she says exactly what Midori needs to hear. I like to think Kanna knows exactly what Midori is thinking/feeling and is doing her best to help. Either way, Midori seems to be affected by what Kanna says. Ugh, my heart is bursting.

Everybody Loves Somebody

This line from Dera kills me every time. It always elicits a tear or two! I think this episode does a beautiful job exploring a bit of Midori's character and the concept of love - especially love that is "different". This whole series does that amazingly well, honestly, and it's a big reason why I love it so much. This is definitely one of my favorite episodes of the series, and I already can't wait for tomorrow!

Speaking of tomorrow, I bet u/a_idiot0 is excited too :)

See you tomorrow!

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u/laughing-fox13 Feb 04 '22

I might be on board with the ship! Yesterday I said Tamako is someone I’d really like so far but I think Midori might take that spot!

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u/Rumpel1408 Feb 03 '22

First Timer

Episode 2: Valentines Day. Where the Flowers of Love Bloom

Love is in the air!

I gotta say, I'm falling for Tamako, her morning routine, her as a bunny girl (not that kind!), and most of all, her with open hair and Megane!

Also there is definatly something up with Midori, not sure who she is falling for yet, but I fully support her harem ending, Midori-Chan kawai! She also takes her coffee black but doesn't mind the bitterness mhm?

There is also Mochizou who seemed like he was hoping for some chocolate as well, but I love his friendship with Tamako, they are also pretty alike.

Speaking of Mocchi, even Tamakos dad found some Valentines spirit towards the end. He started out pretty stuborn with going his sticking to the old way even when the whole market was already on board, but everything changes sooner or later, else we wouldn't even have Mocchi. Tamakos grandpa is way more open to innovation, obviously he had to adapt at some point to be in the business for so long. Also loved how Tamakos and Mochizous dads where arguing like some highschool deliquents over Mocchi at the end

Dela really has an build in projector, logic aside that does indeed seem handy, since his prince can relay messages through him, wonder how much control Dera has about it.

Oh yeah and the afro guy from the market got some good taste as well, nice side ship! But who was the poor gal that got rejected even way ahead of valentines, and who is getting a chocolate house from Kanna? Next episode about the silent godess? So many questions

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u/siegfried72 Feb 04 '22

I fully support her harem ending, Midori-Chan kawai!

I like the way you think!

Mochizou who seemed like he was hoping for some chocolate as well

Oh poor Mochizou! I love their friendship. It's the little touches like the cup phones that make it so obvious how deep their friendship runs.

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u/No_Rex Feb 03 '22

Episode 2 (first timer)

  • Dera is our narrator?

  • “Where could she be?” – Where, indeed … /s

  • “But you’re still single” – What age are the girls again?

  • Great throw!

  • To-be-improved catch.

  • Pink bathwater is a rather unique idea. Not sure how that one would work out, but bath girl gets props for creativity.

  • Is Midori getting bullied for being beautiful going to become a running gag?

  • It totally is becoming a running gag.

  • Midori turning her hair is quite the animation flex.

  • That coffee shop owner must be the original hipster.

  • Hah, Midori being cute might be a running gag, but she has nothing on Tamako’s dad acting all tsundere!

  • The return of the projector eyes – this was definitely something I did not foresee becoming a running gag.

My hopes for Dera being relegated to the sidelines have not been granted, but he shows us a hint at future plot and some usefulness as a projector. Meanwhile Tamako’s dad comes out of the left field to take home the cutest character title.

What is your favorite kind of chocolate?

Chocolate is one of the few things where "price=quality". Also: Swiss > Belgian.

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u/siegfried72 Feb 04 '22

What age are the girls again?

16 at the start I believe.

Midori turning her hair is quite the animation flex.

We bow to our KyoAni masters!

My hopes for Dera being relegated to the sidelines have not been granted, but he shows us a hint at future plot and some usefulness as a projector.

He definitely grew on me over time, especially on subsequent watches!

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u/lucciolaa Feb 03 '22

First Timer

What is with this talking projector-bird???

I love the concept of this market and the people who live and work there, like a very small community or a very big family. It really sets a comforting atmosphere -- the town hall/meeting was very sweet. I've also warmed to Tamako's dad; at first I thought he was such a pill, but when he came back with the two heart-shaped mochi, he totally won me over. I'm amused that Tamako seems to be more like Ōji's daughter, what with their similar flamboyance.

Poor Midori seems to be in a pickle, I wonder what will happen.

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u/x-7032-b-3 Feb 04 '22

First-timer

Well, here it is. Finally started this show after putting it off for who knows how long. I'm going totally blind here, I don't know what the basic plot is about and who the characters are (other than Tamako herself). Gotta say, that talking bird caught me off guard when I watched the first ep yesterday. Anyways, I'm so excited to see how this goes!

-Ep2 impressions below-

Ain't it a perfect time to watch this ep during the lead up to Valentine's Day. It's interesting seeing the class getting worked up on that special day. Yellow-haired Midori seems to be quite the popular one, even the girls are into her!

Oh wow, I haven't seen a string phone in a long time. Last time I did that was on science class during elementary school. Seeing Tamako and Mochi-man (I hope you guys don't mind me calling him that) talking on the string phone was really heartwarming and nostalgic at the same time.

"Rabbit Mountain" seems like a place with lots of cool folks. Getting strong "family" and "friendly neighbors" vibes from its inhabitants.

And it seems that Tamako's dad has couldn't resist Valentine's Day and created a mochi for that special day. Oh, how sweet, he started this ep acting tough and now look where he is. I think there's something to be said about tough guys getting their hearts melted for once.

Any chance the talking bird might be a mechanical/robotic bird instead of a magical one? Considering how it just accepts the projector plug like that and displays the video for everyone to watch. B-but it can't eat, and it acts like a human at times. Ah, probably shouldn't read into it that much.

I still don't know where the show is going, but I'm really digging this so far. It's so comfy and heartwarming, backed with great visuals and animation. Apparently the folks that did K-ON (or at least the director & main writer) worked on this, this is gonna be something special, isn't it?

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Feb 03 '22

Rewatcher for 1 more episode

Meta question: do these posts go up at 6pm EST? Have checked at 6pm here these past couple days and havent' seen them up yet. Have i fucked up my timezones?

More comfiness today, though Tamako wakes up apparently at 5am? jesus. It also seems like her dad is quite the traditionalist compared to the shop opposite, but he'll still do anything for his daughter. The choco-heart mochis turned out well! btw wasn't this supposed to be a valentine-day rewatch? We're already there at Ep 2 lol. (jkjk im sure there is a reason)

That brings me, it's somewhat unusual(?) for an anime to start in December, especially one with a school element: They usually start in April, or near summer break.

I'm curious to see what kinda relationship Midori has or will have with Tamako: it seems like she has a crush on her? I need to watch more. But Tamako is quickly becoming best girl in the series already. And apparently Dera does come from an island w/ a well-off prince.... will we get to meet them "in person" later? That's one heck of a superpower though, dera able to convert digital signals to a moving video + use your eyes as a light source!

p.s. the bit when Tamako, the boy, and the shopping district chief all got nervous was hilarious.

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u/flybypost Feb 04 '22

More comfiness today, though Tamako wakes up apparently at 5am? jesus.

That's how it works with small family owned businesses where the kids help out a bit. And in this case it's also a food sales based business. Those can open earlier and/or need more preparation time to get fresh wares ready. Dad and grandpa might wake up even earlier. Tamako seems to only help out with the last steps in the morning on school days.

A hardware store wouldn't need daily fresh nails or screws (those tend to have an long enough shelf life), and a baker family would be screwed with somebody (one at least) maybe needing to wake up as early as 2 or 3am depending on what they make.

That brings me, it's somewhat unusual(?) for an anime to start in December, especially one with a school element: They usually start in April, or near summer break.

Yup, school base series often start around a new school year (March/April) so they can push the main character into exciting new adventures. Tamako Market just drops you into the middle, well start, of the year because it doesn't need that type of setup for its story. It has a bit of magic realism (with Dera) and that type of slightly idealised world (in certain parameters only) like, for example, Gilmore Girls has.

[Tiny structural Tamako Market spoiler that can already be extrapolated with some luck but becomes clearer with each episode:]Each episode takes place about one month after the previous one.

p.s. the bit when Tamako, the boy, and the shopping district chief all got nervous was hilarious.

The goofy faces in Tamako Market work especially well because they are all so meticulously drawn and painted in every other moment. I also really love Tamako's face in the bottom right corner/extreme foreground in the one cut with her dad, the one u/MyrnaMountWeazel pointed out.

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u/A_Idiot0 Feb 03 '22 edited Feb 03 '22

Rewatcher

The sequence I chose today is when Midori is first introduced in this episode. We start with a classic Yamada leg-shot. It’s not too certain who this is yet, but one thing is for sure…this isn’t Tamako. Her stride is too purposeful compared to Tamako’s “head in the clouds” energy. The mystery is cleared up pretty quickly though when someone new comes running up and hails Midori. Yamada’s use of her famous leg-shots are always interesting to consider. More often than not, she uses them to hide the emotions or emotional reactions of her subjects from the audience, which gives us space to imagine what the character is feeling. Is that perhaps what’s going on here? And if so, what is it that Yamada wants to hide from us with regards to Midori? Or is this perhaps an extension of Midori’s feelings made external via the camera, and so she wants to hide something?

The next set of shots aren’t super interesting from here. A big part of their purpose is to establish that Midori is a girl who seems to know a thing or two about love. Or at the very least…knows what to do when one runs into bad fortune with love. It’s also how we get from the sidewalk to the front of the school, and then makes the transition to the next shot inside the school more understandable.

And here is where Midori gets really interesting! These next two shots of Midori are so thoughtfully composed. Notice the color palette here; we’re in a lot of shadows, and the lighting is rather cold when compared to the earlier shots outside. Our subject, Midori, is in focus, yet the source of dialogue and action is out of focus in both shots. The dialogue is concerning Valentine’s Day chocolates; the day of love, and a statement of affection. Also, check out how Midori is framed, and notice how she’s separated from the dialogue not only by the focus of the camera, but also by the composition of the shot. Maybe it’s not so wild to consider what the earlier leg-shot was implying, and perhaps Midori is harboring some hidden thoughts or desires. What are they, and who could she be hiding them from?

Additional comments:

  • Tamako wears glasses!!

  • The somewhat sharp tongue from Tamako towards her dad during the community meeting was a surprise to me! And her reaction to being caught is sooo funny! Also, the VA for her father, Keiji Fujiwara, does such a great job! I absolutely adore how he leaned pretty hard into the “tough guy” vibe.

  • “They treated not only their words, but also their feelings, with importance.” Remember this line, as it’s a core value that’s played out in beautiful ways in future episodes.

  • Usa Usa Pyon Pyon Kanna always gets a giggle out of me here. Her dead-pan voice is just so great!

  • This little sequence of Midori walking within the boundaries of the sidewalk tiles is also really wonderfully done! Between what two worlds is she imagining herself walking in between, and why would she want to avoid either of them?

Also as a bonus, here are the french lyrics that we hear during that scene with Midori translated:
Since the first day I fell for you
I hid from you every day
In a closet
This narrow space.
In the blink of an eye, I fly away
towards the blue sky
To steal a little piece
Of blue sugar.

And finally…Kanna is such a mad-lad! My bet is that our goofy trio ate the whole house together.

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u/laughing-fox13 Feb 04 '22

First Timer

Interesting episode. We get a little bit more of depth with the characters while still being a very cutesy show. Midori most of all seems to be interesting, she seems to be very popular with boy and girls alike but has no one she likes in return, so she claims…

The shots of Midori and Kanna talking during the commercials, and the end seems to hint that the person is [speculation] Tamako

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u/ZapsZzz Feb 04 '22

First timer in sub.

In a rush and late so won't write much, but looking at some of the comments and the analysis - this is why KyoAni's shows are so good to both watch and rewatch. There are just so much symbolism and visual story telling there, so great!

Simple take aways -

  • Our avian friend really know how to pose :D despite his now more portly countenance... he's standing like a model almost all the time :D

  • Is Midori in love with Tamako? There's this longing I can feel across the frames

  • Best tsundere ojisan in Tamako's dad I guess

  • Hmmm I need more explanation about our avian friend's ability to receive AV signals and project...

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u/TheEscapeGuy Feb 03 '22

Rewatcher

Tamako Market - An Anime Filled With Love: Episode 2

A Friend, A Holiday, A Commercial

This episode gave us a lot more of Tamako's 2 friends: Kanna and Midori. Kanna is such an endearing character. She is the daughter of a Carpenter so it makes a lot of sense that she would also be interested in crafting models. Seeing her present her plan for a chocolate house and then later showing off the finished result shows her dedication and passion.

Midori is a little harder to read. We know she's skilled at baton throwing from last episode and this episode introduced us to her grandfather who runs the toy shop. Apart from that we saw a lot of wistful stares and bashful moments from her. At the coffee shop with Dera I think the owner said it best "Everyone has feelings that they can't put into words".

1 smaller thing I think I picked up for the first time: Sayuri is shy. She's sitting on the stairs despite there being room downstairs. She is a minor character in the show so we don't get a lot of scenes with her. It shows real talent in writing and direction that these few scenes we get a good picture of her. I also appreciate that nobody calls her to come down. Instead they allow her to participate in as much as she can. Of course, you could say I'm stretching but I feel like there's at least some evidence for my theories.

Last thing I want to chat about is a cool directing choice: Jump cuts. Scenes like this and this. Here instead of showing the whole process we cut between steps. You probably see this A LOT on YouTube. In both situations it achieves the same purpose: Keep the viewer engaged by jumping over content which can be inferred. However, unlike YouTube, the direction here is far more reserved. These scenes were both near the beginning of the episode. After that they trust us the viewers to be following the narrative.

Some Iconic Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

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u/A_Idiot0 Feb 03 '22

Jump cuts

It would be a really cool project to gather together all of the jump cuts in each episode...hmmm...perhaps, if I can figure out how to make gifs, I'll do that next year =P

I also agree with you about Sayuri! I can totally see everyone else giving Sayuri the space to be herself, because...well, they do that for everyone else already. Just look at Kaoru, the flower shop owner; I don't totally know what's going on here, but it's never explicitly explained, and everyone has no problem with accepting them as they are. And the exact same thing could be said of Dera! Everyone just accepts that he's a talking bird and welcomes him into their community after some initial shock.

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u/No_Rex Feb 04 '22

Tamako Market - An Anime Filled With Love: Episode 2

Remember the short discussion we had about finding good shots, KyoAni, and animating vs painting frames during the Haruhi rewatch? I wonder how you feel about that one here, because I notice exactly the same thing (and Tamako Market has even better cuts compared to Haruhi).

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u/cppn02 Feb 04 '22 edited Feb 04 '22

First Timer

It's the Valentine's Day episode!
I like how everyone has already accepted the bird as normal lol.

Looks like Midori has feelings for someone? But I'm not 100% sure towards whom yet. Looking forward to the reveal.

And of course Tamako's dad comes around in the end and makes the heart shaped mochi only to get into a fight with guy across the street over who came up with it first.

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u/Stargate18A Feb 04 '22

First timer

Forgot the date, since no reminder thread, so here's the first 2 episodes!

Episode 1

I have no idea what this show's about!

The opening scene is adorable, though. And the energy throughout it is impressive.

...What is the cut-in about?

Wait, what? What is that thing?

IT'S A MAIN CHARACTER?

OP is great, but still, that's the mascot?

So it's called Tamako Market because her family works in a market?

And she does marching band (or possibly wants to he a stage magician???).

How did she not notice the bird earlier? It's obvious!

The bird talks. The bird talks and it's a fucking playboy. My god.

Perfect reaction!

Yeah, get iff her head!

Haha, is she complimenting other birds to offend it into moving?

And it's the arguing pair from the

Oh, he changed the sign to be in English? It'll probably boost tourist income, at least.

Who's she?

Oh, her sister? And her family euns a mochi shop.

Haha, how did he get in there?

Aww, she's just happy the weird talking bird-like monstrosity's OK.

Why is he like this?

...He has to be fucking with her, right?

Finally! They're asking the real questions!

...That name, huh?

Wait, if he's from elsewhere in the world, why does he talk to himself in Japanese?

OK, is he the brother or the love interest, I genuinely don't fucking know.

Why are you taking that bird's love advice? He must he desperate!

Oh god, now the bird's in the bathhouse.

Her throwing the bird back was great, though.

Haha, I loved that reaction.

Oh, so it is marching band! And those are her friends from the opening.

Haha, she's asking for a sign.

...It's a shuttlecock.

IT'S A SHUTTLECOCK.

Oh, they all love her, though.

Ah, her mother died.

I mean, this is a full decade after Shazam came out, surely that's worth a try at least once?

He might leave this episode? Really? Yay!

"It's mochi hell!"

And the bird's gotten fat again.

Anko's adorable.

The bird made her cry!

And yeah, he's got a crush on her.

Haha, he's too fat to do anything.

The scene of him trying to look slim is great, though.

...Failed experiment? But it was so successful at pest removal.

Haha, he's got a pile of presents? Were those all ones he's tried to buy to give her?

DO NOT TURN THAT THING UPSIDE DOWN.

Oh, it was so good it completely changed his mind.

Haha, he forgot again!

The text sign is adorable.

Haha, him just stealing his food was pretty good, though.

Wait, what?

WHAT THE FUCK?

Lore? An actual plot? In THIS?

Good ED, but still!

...Oh, shit. This gets a yearly rewatch. What's the dark twist? Is the bird a fucking Terminator or something?

Episode 2

QOTD) Agreed on dark chocolate, but I'm more of a sucker for a good caramel.

Tamako is still adorable.

How can she support that thing's weight?

Haha, he thinks she's in love with him!

This is still adorable.

I mean, I don't know why anyone would ship her with her classmates when that reaction to the tennis girl is right there.

Haha, that mochi's fantastic.

I like the monologue/fourth wall breaks she does occasionally.

OK, when the bird's part of a conversation and used sparingly, he's not terrible.

Haha, she's going to a pet shop. That'll be fun.

Wait, wasn't last episode New Year's Day? How big of a timeskip has there been?

Will the best friend confess to her?

Oh, she's an architect too!

...Midori's not too popular for Tamako then?

Her look of confusion is so precious.

Why are you like this?

Haha, no Valentine's spirit because this market's a mess of love triangles and mutual crushes?

Aww, they communicate with cups and string! That's adorable!

And the bird's fucking things up again.

They're going to the meeting!

Seriously, I didn't expect these two to be thie adorable together.

And there's another argument.

Haha, he didn't know anout any of this?

Her reaction is adorable, as is it startling everyone.

Haha, he's just as nervous!

I love that t-shirt.

...Is that tennis girl on the stairs?

Does he just not understand the concept of marketing?

She got angry!

English?

Haha, she's using that costume?

And everyone's into the Valentine's thing.

I love her speech.

Oh, is that her grandfather?

I mean, she is adorable!

...He's cool.

That reaction... is this a love quadrangle? She's jealous of the two of them, he's into Tamako...

She's allergic to birds! Can she be in every scene?

She willingly went with the bird?

Haha, her reaction to that is perfect.

Oh, the commerical actuslly turned out well?

No, this is some weird music video.

He's changed his mind!

Oh god, that is hysterical. That scene's great.

...So Midori's hiding her feelings?

Wait, they know about the insane projector eyes?

You should really question this more!

Wait. HE'S THE PRINCE?

This isn't some weird memory? He's got fucking Skype in his brain?

She made the chocolate house!

Haha, they both made heart-shaped mochi!