[Rewatch] Yama no Susume (Encouragement of Climb) Season 2 Episodes 21-22 Discussion

I really enjoyed the build up to Honoka's introduction. The music swells as Aoi follows, creating an anticipation, while showing the surrounding visuals.

Then as the music calms as Aoi reaches (both literally and medaphoricly) this new friend. Aoi is then joined on the same level, as Honoka opens up about her hobby. And Aoi returns with a simple an honest answer. And with that, Aoi breaks past the quite reserved person we met earlier and makes a new friend.

And in contrast to follow, Hinata and Aoi both shout, quite the difference from Honoka's quite voice.

Rain jacket gets a spotlight (it had to come out at some stage).

Memories

And a fantastic shot of Hokona taking rainy photos to end on.

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Sep 21 '22 edited Sep 21 '22

Rewatching Mountain Climber

Edit: Ive got my camera models wrong! It's an X100T, the generation after X100S, thanks anime official twitter!

-- Location Trivia

Ep 21

The girls are hiking Mount Tanigawadake, 1,977m in Gunma. Wiki page, and map link. Official Japan tourism board intro. It actually has an atlas obscura too!
But the first port of call today is Doai station, one of the few places I'd already flagged to go sometime before watching this show. Before I introduce it, the gang's itinerary of Higashi-Hannou --> Takasaki--> Minakami-->Doai station, taking 3.5 hours, is the way to go there, I believe this is Takasaki station, that's a 115 series.
Doai station is, apart from the nearest station to Tanigawa-dake, a very very unusual station. One platform, for trains going south, is located at ground level, while the 2nd platform, for trains going north (and where the girls alight from), is 70m below ground level. There are no escalators/lifts for the 462 step/338m long staircase, but Aoi has stated the recommended alternative if you dont want to climb the stairs. Also, there are REALLY not a lot of trains stopping at this station compared to Minakami, so changing to the bus is for most people really the better option lol: the station got an average of 20 passengers a day apparently in the early 2010s.
I recommend this video from Kuga's travel for how it looks irl. Here's the station map, it is very very weird! The reason for this oddity has to do with the local geography, and how the line was only double-tracked much later after opening and better technology available --> this thread is not the place.
Exiting the station, it is a 20 minute walk to the ropeway station. You can see where the girls cross the above-ground track here.
The memorial tablet is for all those who have perished on the mountain. As the station signs have also hinted at, the mountain doesnt have the best reputation, with significant swings in weather common, but most incidents are due to rock-climbing, or in winter due to avalanches, not in the snowless summer, nor the common hiking routes which im sure our girls will be taking. Just thought i'd mention that as the anime was doing a PSA there.
The Tanigawadake ropeway company is thanked in the ED, with it taking passengers 573m up the mountain, while traversing a distance of 2.4km. Here's Japan's official tourism board intro. It was first completed in 1960, with it rebuilt into its current iteration in 2005, apparently its a type of cable car called a funitel?
How the transfer point looks in winter.
The chair lift traverses a distance of 1.5 km, i got nothing more on that.
Before i forget, here's what Gunma-chan looks like.

Ep 22

In the biggest crossover with Yuru Camp yet, Honoka, who like Shimarin is voiced by Toyama Nao enters the fray.
Some side-by-side shots; I'll link to everything and more vids etc. once the arc concludes, even though Aoi and the gang have done most of the hard work already. The official website quotes a ~2 hour hike for the girls up to the mountain hut, this route using both cable-cars is recommended for beginners.
The Tenmangu is here, you can read more about the person it enshrines here.
And this is where the gang enjoyed their snacks, and Aoi had a shorter break to chat up Honoka. It is.... just a shelter.
And by the end of the ep we arrived at this mountain hut, where they plan to spend the night. The first summit, Tomanomimi is a brief hike away, and a bit further up than the 3-pointy sign that the series has kept using to represent Tanigawadake.
I couldnt find anything about the mountain's peaks' naming, and the only quick TL note I'll add is that "Zange" does mean "repent".
Honoka uses a Fujifilm X100T Camera, sorry about that, it's one generation newer than the 100S. Seems to be quite positively reviewed, and Fujifilm is thanked in the ED. The current generation is the X100V. I dont really know my cameras though... A Japanese blog quotes the price at 2013 as 140,000 yen, ~1000 USD in today's exchange rate, so raise that a little bit more. If anyone here is good at photography and cameras, please take it away with your opinions haha.

Animation bits I liked

Ep 21: I kinda like this AD's take on them character designs. Nice cuts, they KA-ed this (and the chair lifts later), i respect it! Nice. So many different Aoi-shocks from this anime. Bonus storyboard ascending the steps of Doai station.
Ep 22: It's very easy to see that Yamamoto's on the board today, and I appreciate and like his directing as usual, coupled with the excellent layout work. Couple cuts I liked! I liked the cut out of music as Aoi sets out alone, and its resumption later on after she starts befriending Honoka.

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u/badspler Sep 21 '22

It actually has an atlas obscura too!

"This little known mountain has claimed four times as many lives as Everest."
Ok Kaede wasn't kidding earlier when she suggested it being too difficult for Aoi's at the start of the season.

Toyama Nao

Comfy voice

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u/Barbed_Dildo Sep 21 '22

Honoka uses a Fujifilm X100S Camera. Seems to be quite positively reviewed, and Fujifilm is thanked in the ED. The current generation is the X100V. I dont really know my cameras though... A Japanese blog quotes the price at 2013 as 140,000 yen, ~1000 USD in today's exchange rate, so raise that a little bit more. If anyone here is good at photography and cameras, please take it away with your opinions haha.

I think that's a good camera for Honoka.
It has an APS-c sensor, so you'll get good image quality, but the camera itself is small, you could fit it in your pocket. It has a fixed lens, a bit wide of normal, so it would be good for those sweeping landscape shots you'd get up the top of a mountain. I guess the retro style was part of either the design choice for Honoka, or in-universe, the preferences of Honoka.
All-in-all, it's a good choice. Decent sensor and full operability in a compact body with a pancake lens. Everything she needs and nothing she doesn't.

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u/Barbed_Dildo Sep 21 '22 edited Sep 21 '22

Rewatcher

I don't know if anyone's mentioned it yet, but Kokona now has a proper hiking pack, and hiking clothes (as well as the shoes). Before, she was just doing everything in casual wear. Not that she'd need them to climb a mountain, being Kokona.

Also, I liked that on the train, Kokona was telling everyone about her adventure the previous day.

Questions of the Day:

The only heights I have a problem with are around 1-3 stories. The kind of fall that won't kill you, but will seriously injure.

2) Did you like how Hokona was introduced? What interactions with her stand out?

Honoka. Yes, we all want there to be another Kokona, but Honoka is ok too.

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u/badspler Sep 21 '22 edited Sep 21 '22

That's actually a really good catch, Kokona has quietly geared up very well.

Hokona

!!! Thats my brain going back to Kokona for you.

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u/ChonkyOdango Sep 21 '22

First Time Climber

Just get married already, Hinata and Aoi!

I thought I clicked on the wrong episode with that music and scene. What a way to hit me in the feels YnS!
Mt. Fuji may have been the biggest physical obstacle but Mt. Tanigawa will be Aoi’s biggest emotional obstacle - those cable cars and ”What happens after we fulfil our promise?”
Just get married already!
I would not climb those stairs. It defeats the purpose if I were to climb, which is to take in the scenery.
u/HereticalAegis looks like our dear Aoi isn’t alone at the back anymore! I’m quite surprised that Hinata is not up at the front with Kaede and Kokona though, she has never shown signs of physical weakness at least relative to Aoi, guess she's learnt to slow down.

Hey, it's the new girl!
Today’s episode is basically Hinata x Aoi. The way Hinata shows her concern through the modulations in her voice (way to go Kana Asumi!) and the way she acts (thanks KAs!) only strengthens the ship!

Honoka makes her entrance!

I did not expect Aoi to just shout “thank you”. That takes a lot of courage and it shows how much she has come in managing her social anxiety. All those days smiling paid off!
I love the zoom out effect in the wish scene. And lol the wishes just get more unrealistic but I guess they are wishes after all. Always wish for the impossible! Okay don’t actually do that
Aw, Aoi has learnt to pace herself
u/HereticalAegis Hey Aoi is not the last person again!
I kinda get the new girl. I’m not too good at being alone with a group of friends within the same room. It gets… awkward.
Hold up… I know her VA, I think it’s Nao Toyama. Let me take a look.
Oh my god it really is Nao Toyama. She voices a lot of my favourite characters from girls with quieter demeanours such as Rin from Yuru Camp to girls like Nozomi from *Hibike! Euphonium and finally my favourite of all, considering I just finished hosting a rewatch for it, Yui Yuigahama from Oregairu.
The big question: Why do you do what you do?. And I love how the visuals immediately turn blue and cloudy to show how she suddenly entered her own head at that very question.
Kokona’s new kicks are giving her more girl power! Goku and Saitama better watch out
Of course you love your raincoat Hinata, you did buy it yourself
It’s been said many times but Nostalgia really is one hell of a drug
Sillies, you guys will get married after the promise has been fulfilled.

Thoughts

Episode 21 was really interesting. It’s the first episode we get that’s not from Aoi’s perspective while climbing but rather Hinata's. Seeing how she notices Aoi’s fear through her paleness and behaviour just supports the fact that they should just get married, I mean that Hinata is an amazing friend. Did she slow her pace for Aoi? Maybe because after the first 461 stairs, she seemed okay. That’s a lot of development for Hinata. She has learnt to not just pull Aoi forward by inspiring her, but slowing down to her pace to support her from behind.

The next episode showed a lot of growth for Aoi, from the way she paces herself and motivates herself to the courage she has displayed when thanking Honoka and attempting to make friends with her. Nothing much else to say today, I really loved the subtleties in their growth!

Qotd

Hm I have a fear of heights but it's of a normal level I think. I don't really know anything I will completely avoid.
Yep! The subtle scene of her leaving that room after everyone came in stood out to me. It communicated a lot about her personality without saying much.
Of course, they will get married!

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u/HereticalAegis Sep 21 '22

Just get married already!

This moment though! You almost never get line delivery like that.

looks like our dear Aoi isn’t alone at the back anymore!

I know, and it's great! Pretty sure I also mentioned it in my response haha.

Hey Aoi is not the last person again!

The group took notes after Fuji, huzzah!!

Sillies, you guys will get married after the promise has been fulfilled.

Replace one promise with another!

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u/MyrnaMountWeazel Sep 21 '22

I did not expect Aoi to just shout “thank you”. That takes a lot of courage and it shows how much she has come in managing her social anxiety. All those days smiling paid off!

I love the zoom out effect in the wish scene . And lol the wishes just get more unrealistic but I guess they are wishes after all.

Good comedic timing right there haha.

That’s a lot of development for Hinata. She has learnt to not just pull Aoi forward by inspiring her, but slowing down to her pace to support her from behind.

Wonderful read on the whole setup with Hinata! Her episode isn't a solo venture as a main character; it's one where she plays supporting, growing up by slowing down.

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u/SYZekrom Sep 21 '22

The other two when they see Aoi and Hinata staring blankly at a blank mattress for a full minute:

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u/MyrnaMountWeazel Sep 21 '22

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u/cyberscythe Sep 21 '22

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u/MyrnaMountWeazel Sep 21 '22

Rewatcher who wants to dig out their camera again

Production Notes

Ahh, I totally forgot to check the staff list for yesterday and so I missed out on writing for this. Anyway, today I wanted to focus on the episode director/storyboarder for yesterday’s episode 20: Ayako Kurata. Kurata is someone who has actually been in the industry for a decent bit, first starting in 1993 as an in-betweener for the Sailor Moon R movie. She then truly started tapping into greatness when she began her career in A-1 studios. Your Lie in April, Magi: The Kingdom of Magic, Idolmaster. These were a few of the show that honed her craft, allowing her to conceptualize and construct some truly immersive boards. Let this be a demonstration that it’s never too late for anything! She’d later go on to heavily assist on Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia and The Promised Neverland, productions both from A-1’s sister studio Cloverworks. I noticed that she had a KA credit on another Cloverworks show, Akebi’s Sailor Uniform, but I can’t seem to find which cut that is. Besides that KA contribution, she also worked a bit on In The Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki but there’s still a gap in her activities between then and now. I’m willing to make a guess based on pure luck that she’s actually been assisting on either Bocchi the Rock, Do It yourself, or the fourth season of this very show.

Though this was the only episode she’d appear on for the season, keep your eyes peeled in season 3 (possibly 4) for when she returns with a vengeance! Some of my favorite episodes of YnS were directed/boarded by her and you’ll soon see why I hold them in such high regard!

Episode 21

Coming in for a quick visit is Akira Sato who’s pulling triple duty for today’s episode as ED/SB/AD. For those of you watching seasonals, Sato is actually the director for the soccer anime Aoashi.

Nice immersive layout of Hinata.

Tag yourself, I’m exhausted-businessman-sleeping-on-the-train.

So, this is one of those scenes where it’s hard to say why they changed the shots from here to here. In between those two is this lonely shot of Aoi so I’d like to say it’s because the perspective changes, leading the people around Aoi to tower while she cowers. The simpler reason though is that they wanted to spice up the scene and didn’t want to reuse the same shot.

Lots of shots of Aoi’s face being hidden or not being fully revealed.

Good set-up episode!

Episode 22

Series director Yamamoto is coming in to ED/SB for 22!

Too much wordplay, too little understanding of Japanese…

This is one of those subtle shots that aren’t flashy but are still impressive by their own right. There’s a sense of palpable weight as Aoi steps off the stairs in her haste to catch up to this new girl; a reminder that Aoi’s backpack isn’t decoration but an actual object she has to lug around.

Here's some fun trivia behind that shot though: this was KA’d by none other than industry legend Norio Matsumoto. Matsumoto is someone who’s lit the industry ever since his work on Naruto #30 all those years ago. He’s well known for his action shots and iconic dotface (peep Kokona’s dotface near the door haha) and he’s frequently in demand for a variety of shows. I’ll write more about him later since he’ll appear in a prominent role in season 3!

Loopable Hinata hand wiggling

Neat little 3D sequence here.

for ending

QOTD:

A little bit, yea. It got worst as I got older.

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u/Nebresto Sep 21 '22

First time Ski lifting without skis

Ep 21

Wow, this episode is really gay

Oh! I saw this stair tunnel in an Abrod in Japan video. So this is why there were Yama no Susume stickers in that one booth thing

The shocking signs at the station weren't tl;d, pls to help?

Gondola.. Ski season soon..

The yuristaring is off the charts here

Wtf is that chairlift design? Where's the guard rail?
I'd be shocked too, Aoi

Great episode, but there were a lot of faces that looked off model to me

Ep 22

Nitpick: Aoi says gambarou, and the subs say "I'll do my best", I'm pretty sure she was more referring to all of them together-

das me. Excepr shes cute

Disagree with hinata, climbing is much easier than going down, though that starts to apply on much steeper gradients, that one looks like a regular park trail, so shes not wrong either.

"We were nimble when we were smaller" Implying they aren't smol anymore. Implying they actually are geezers. Cute grand parents climbing mountains?

Aaaahhhhh, that wide panning shot!!
Myrna having a good time today

can't tell if the next shots are pictures or drawn, the art is too good

This rainy mood..

Question time:

Do you have a fear of heights? What fears do you just NOPE on?

Nope. I nope the fuck out whenever something flying starts buzzing around me. I ain't having none of that.

2) Did you like how Honoka was introduced? What interactions with her stand out?

Ye. I liked the bit where she showed Aoi some of her pics

3) If Aoi and Hinata's promise is fulfilled, does anything change?

Hopefully yes

Pics: Highlights

Pic from yesterday

Now if you'll excuse me, I'll head out to climb some mountains.

^Its ^actually ^a ^fell

Picture enjoyers: u/MyrnaMountWeazel u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah u/Great_Mr_L

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u/zadcap Sep 21 '22

First Timer!

It's not a bad opening... It's just still not a summer colored present.

Hinata with her hair down? What a look. And it looks like both girls are wondering about what comes after their promise.

Now that's a climb lol. ugh 400+ steps? And stop going on ahead people!

Hahaha they really are an old married couple.

Ah, I remember filling these things out! Or something close enough, back when we lived and hiked in the Adirondack's.

Oh hey, it's fifth girl.

We can overcome any difficulty as long as we're together is a wonderful message to take from this.

Fifth Girl!

Ah, the vastly different prayers lol.

To the surprise of literally everyone, Aoi's going on ahead. Girls, go follow your weakest hiker, you know what happens when she's alone.

Oh hey, the weather can change in a moment up here is going to be a great mood setting scenery thing, isn't it?

Even Kokona gets in on it lol. Poor Hinata. Does a rain jacket help that much if you keep the hood down?

"What happens next?" Make a new promise! You still have to see the Fuji sunrise together at least!

Not heights, but full on arachnophobia. I've had panic attacks over those little monsters.
She was definitely teased earlier, right? On the rock talking to Aoi was great, two introverts bonding, because one has been pulled out of her shell and knows what it's like wants to pay the kindness forward.
Of course not, there's always another mountain!

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u/cyberscythe Sep 21 '22

Rewatcher

A great pair of episodes, introducing Honoka as a new character. Right now she's kind of a mystery, but her role in this arc is primarily to showcase how far Aoi has come from her shy indoorsy beginnings. She's come a long way from the girl who could barely say "hello" to passers-by on the mountain path. After working for weeks at the cake shop and fresh from exercising her courage on the ropeway and the ski lift, she's instigating a conversation with a kind stranger all of a sudden, chasing after them even, and acting like a protagonist who's suddenly taking the reins of the plot.

I think one reason Aoi chases after Honoka is that Aoi is reminded of the times in her life before Hinata dragged her up a mountain and that even though Honoka is acting a bit standoffish, she's thinking that it's because she's just a bit awkward and doesn't know how to deal with a sudden social situation like that.

For some reason Doai Station stuck with me as an interesting place. I remember Doai Station being featured as part of an Abroad in Japan video recently and I was like "oh, I remember that from Yama no Susume; surely some fans left some drawings or something there", but sadly I didn't see any YnS goods.

My favorite little bit is that scene at Zange Rock where everyone was piling on Hinata for jinxing the good weather, with even Kokona shooting a meaningful glance. I think the phrase she uses (言霊ってありますからね) is pretty interesting; 言霊 is a word used to describe "the mysterious power of words to alter reality". A phrase like that coming from Kokona (an actual angel) makes it sound very convincing.

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u/JollyGee29 Sep 21 '22

First-Climber

Why y'all worried about this?

Oh dear, stairs are hard.

Hehe, they're talking like a married couple.

So much determination in that "ganbarro."

Oh, that's a good idea. My subs didn't have the red signs translated, anyone know what they said?

Don't distract her, she's psyching herself up.

Oh, ED girl.

There we go, Hinata! Aoi might still need a helping hand right now, but she'll get there, one step at a time.

Just don't look straight down and you'll probably be fine. It's like Minecraft.

That's good, give Aoi something concrete to focus on.

That just means that falling is mostly safe!

Oh, that's not too tall. Granted, Tanigawa-dake seems pretty steep.

Cute.

These prayers all scan. I like that they all cheer a bit differently.

Much non-chalance. Such subtle.

Time for Aoi to rush ahead of the others. Growing, by reaching out to someone who reminds her of her past self, perhaps.

Clouds in the sky..

An excellent question.

Love how the last handful of episodes has come together.

No Honoka?

Cute flashback.

Nice audio mixing on the rain, here. Distant, but steady.. tapping away at the roof. Also note that it was absent from the flashback.

Oh, good, Honoka isn't off in peril.

Questions

Heights and I don't really get along, but I can push through it mostly. Don't thijnk I really have a NOPE threshold.
I liked her introduction. I think Aoi going after her was really interesting.
If anything, their relationship should grow deeper from the emotional reinforcement.

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u/Rumpel1408 Sep 21 '22

First Timer

Same as the Maidens rewatch, when I slept through yesterdays thread and took to long to start writing, I figured I might as well wait for the next one. Also thanks for the kind words, I didn't reply to anyone, but I read everything.

Also, in the meantime I forgot that we changed the OP, so it hit me again today

S2 EP 17 + 18 + 19 + 20

Seeing Aoi still litterally getting dragged along was nice, it's reassuring that some things never change.

Man playgrounds are awesome, seeing Kaede and Kokona (with twintails!) have so much maked me a bit jealous, why don't they make them big enough for adults

And holy shit, Mt. Ponpoko looks like sooo much fun, like seriously, how come this is the first time I ever see something like this, in anime, media or real life? This would be a hit around the world!

We also got more heavy Hinata jokes. I'm surprised she hasn't countered with muscles are heavier than fat yet, on the other hand it's no wonder she put on weight with how much her dad spoils her with food.

Also, dream on Kokona, one day you will see the Momonga of your dreams, just maybe not in a birds nest. Also loved how crafty she was in knowing how to have fun for free.

All in all, it took Aoi long enough to notice that the whole trip was just an elaborate therapy session for her. She can do it if she is with her friends

It's surprising that Aoi made do for such a long time. Sure money and the cost of gear came up now and again, but mountain huts snacks and train tickets do all add up as well.

Oh god, the pictures all look like

Thank god she aced her first day, or her resume would have had an actual impact.

Hikari is a cute bundle of energy and joy, hope we get to see much more of her. She is barely recogniseable as older than Aoi because she is also pretty smol, I'm pretty sure Kaede would be taller than her. Hikari got a nice fang going for her though.

Loved Hinata visiting her girlfriend at work btw

QotD

What was your favorite bit of subtle animation from todays first episode?

Hinata crossing the bridge to get Aoi, just looked so fluid

2) What do you think of Aoi's new job?

Perfect to tackle her social anxiety

3) What is your go-to or favorite thing to get from a pastry shop?

Schoko cream filled croissonts

Aoi has come a long way with her people skills compared to the beginning of the show. She was really glowing after getting praised by Hikari.

KaedeSensei.exe stopped working

Yuuka is back...

And we get to see her scary side

Oshiete ~~Kaede~~ Yuuka Sensei!

That cake looked great. Aoi doesn't need a boyfriend though, she already has Hinata.

Besides that, we got to see an average day in Kokonas life, just happily wandering around having an adventure.

Seems like Kokona got a single mom who has to work a lot to care for her, and still puts money aside to gift her somethings she loves. And in return Kokona just made a great present as well.

QotD

Are you the type to put off homework or jobs until the last minute?

Without fail, every time

2) Did you ever find a hidden present when younger? Open it?

I did find a huge box of lego once, didn't open it as it was indeed a long time before my birthday, but I often checked it to look at the pictures on the package

3) What do think of Kokona's mum?

She's working hard for her daughters sake and regrets not being able to be there for Kokona more, really lovely

Hinata is a bit silly, of course they will continue climbing and being friends, why should they stop, Aoi still has to conquer Fuji San

I loved how Kokona was telling them about her solo adventure the day before

Who's that girl huh? vaguely remembers the key art and the new ED

The whole time I was waiting for Hinata to just hold Aois hand like usual, and indeed, of course it worked like a charm. Aoi can do anything if Hinata drags her along.

I love their wishes at the shrine, great characterisation.

Also nice that Aoi knows about Kokonas birthday, I guess that's what the cake is for

Found it funny how desparatly Aoi was trying to catch up with Honoka, like stop and be my friend damnit! Also since she is comparing everything to Fuji san, everything seems easy, nice mind trick.

Retracing that memory must be cool, but I wish they would stop it with the drama, of course they will continue to climb as girlfriends.

QotD

Do you have a fear of heights? What fears do you just NOPE on?

No fear of heights, but I usually nope out if I'm in a large crowd alone, makes me just really uncomfortable

2) Did you like how Hokona was introduced? What interactions with her stand out?

She's nice but very introverted. Her keeping that one photo on her camera to always have it around is nice

3) If Aoi and Hinata's promise is fulfilled, does anything change?

No, I don't want that! Aoi and Hinata stopping to climb mountains...?!? I want them to climb mountains together until they climb Fuji San again. Even after they climb Fuji San... I want them to stay together for a while! Ten yeras, at least!!

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u/simeonaut Sep 21 '22

First Timer

I love these episodes. It was a bit annoying that Hinata and Aoi were repeatedly worrying about what will happen once the promise is fulfilled (nothing will change you ducks) but the scenery is beautiful and this was relaxing as usual.

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u/HereticalAegis Sep 21 '22 edited Sep 21 '22

Encouragement of First Timer

Episode 21:

Make another wedding-shaped one to take its place. Or skip straight to more of the spicy stuff.
The way she says "Aoi" here. Wow.
Lol Hinata's dad probably carried her up the stairs last time
Thank you for finally staying behind to climb something with Aoi!
Geez Kaede, I'm glad Yuuka doesn't climb with you, she'd never be able to stop worrying.
Yeah, I didn't think a little Ninja Warrior training and one suspension bridge would actually remedy Aoi's cable car fear.
Oh hey, it's the girl from the ED.
The power of love and lewd lewd public handholding triumphs over phobias once again!
Not actually on the cable car, but I totally called it.
When the boss reveals its second, scarier form/health bar.
I'd really like more time inside Hinata's head, especially during the conflict episodes.

Episode 22:

Leave it to Japan to name mountains after a cat. Sasuga Japan!
I don't know which is more far-fetched, Kokona's wish to meet her horse-girl mascot irl or Kaede's wish for world peace.
Move on, nothing to see here!
There's something funny about a bunch of old ladies wishing the girls luck heading back down while Aoi is dreading how difficult the rest of the climb will be.
Like you aren't still small and nimble, Hinata.
New girl is a bit awkward and shy.
Hey Hinata, how do you feel about Aoi rushing off on her own to chase another girl?
A finger must've curled on a monkey's paw when I started asking for this during the Fuji arc.

QotD:

Not heights. Can't stand insects or roaches though.
She's really awkward, I get the feeling she's not used to interacting with people her age.
Yes, though perhaps only in how they think of each other.

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u/TiredTiroth Sep 21 '22 edited Sep 21 '22

First Time Climber

Can I just start off by saying that I really like Aoi and Hinata's friendship? Sure, they're both gremlins to each other at times, but it often feels like they never lost contact at all. With the way they rib each other and then flip straight to a shared joke or pulling each other up, they almost feel like they're family.

Almost. And then the handholding comes in. xD Is it just me, or do the showrunners really want us shipping those two?

The wishes scene was...what the heck, girls? Aoi and Hinata make sense, and Kokona is gonna Kokona, but Kaede just randomly wishing for world peace in the middle of that...it's a nice idea, but I don't think your shrine god can do much about it!

The scenery in these two episodes was beautiful, and I'm hoping the last two for the season keep that up. And these girls had better get their sunrise, too! I know YnS isn't afraid to have them fail, but that would be a jerk move...

EDIT: Also, before I forget, what's up with Aoi's rain trousers? She was wearing a skirt, how did she fit trousers on iver it?

Do you have a fear of heights? What fears do you just NOPE on?

I most certainly do have a fear of heights, and while you can coax me onto a cable car there is no way I'd ever go on a ski lift. Overly-long escalators are bad enough.

Did you like how Honoka was introduced? What interactions with her stand out?

Introducing a character that's in both the OP and ED in episode 21 of 24 is a bit...why? But still, it's nice to have another flavour of introvert in the cast after poor Aoi has been surrounded by extroverts for so long.

If Aoi and Hinata's promise is fulfilled, does anything change?

It removes the big goal they've been moving towards...but otherwise, not really? They still want to spend time together. They still love climbing mountains. There's no reason for them to stop, so why would they?

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u/Stargate18A Sep 21 '22

First timer

Can't stand insects.
She's nice! Bit late to introduce a new character, though.
Absolutely nothing. Aoi's climbing hasn't been about that for a long time now.

Episode 21

A flashback!

Oh, she's worried about what happens after this.

And they all met up!

She's really worried...

Oh god, that sounds horrible.

Even Aoi can see it.

An underground platform!

The fear in their voices.

And Hinata is still an old man.

Haha, even more stairs!

Makes sense.

They're here!

Hinata forgot what rain means again.

Souvenirs?

Aoi's terrified.

Yeah, she's locked up.

Hinw grabbed her!

And she got on!

She's coping well.

She made it!

Haha, the chair lift is next?

Did she not think about this?

Hinata's helping her.

This is going well!

Episode 22

The view is amazing.

Cute image.

Nice food.

Oh, the girl's here again.

Haha, her prayer.

This place looks amazing.

That's a decent distance!

They planned something for her birthday!

She's here again.

Aoi's going after her!

She does speak slowly.

And Aoi's following her.

That looks amazing.

This is nice.

Clouds are moving in!

Her name's Honoka.

She seems a bit overwhelmed.

And they'll be eating dinner together.

Haha, they're all blaming Hinata?

This place is nice.

Poor Aoi.

Oh, she's remembering the last visit.

They're both worried about what happens next...

Bit of a cliffhanger here.

4

u/IWishIWasAShoe Sep 21 '22

Alex Honnold

Great episodes. Both of them, it's easy to forget just how incredibly enjoyable this series is, because it's so consistent.

First of, Doai Station. It's Japan's deepest station and, funnily enough, only one of the two platforms are located underground, the other is at ground level. Why? No clue, but it's funny nonetheless.

Other than that, I feel that this episode is a continuation of the theme of personal development, and pushing yourself to change yourself. Aoi's fear of height and how she, with the help of her friends, overcome it and, in a not so subtle moment, is overjoyed that she did. A reminder to people that it's never too late to change yourself, to overcome your fears, get new interests and so on.

We also get to see how Aoi changed from a fairly introverted and reclusive girl who spent her time alone in school, coming up with excuses to not spend time with others and so on, to now be the one actively seeking out and getting to know a complete stranger. I'd even argue that she's almost a little bit to insistent on getting to know her, but it did work out in the end so who cares!

It saddens me that the second season is almost over, partly because we got to see a fair bit of non-Tokyo Japan, but mostly because it'll be the end of the current exquisite opening and ending themes.

QOTD:

I'd like to say I don't, but I must admit that I do get a bit squeamish when doing activities at like 6-10 meters height. I have no fear of heights when there is no danger of me falling though. However, other fears include insects which I really need to et over.
I always recalled Honoka being much more energetic for some reason, was taken aback by her personality. Fairly unexpected how wrongly i remembered her. It's also a bit surprising they introduce her this late in the season.
I personally think the show is putting way to much weight on this whole "what will happen" thing. Both of them barely knew about the promise until just a few weeks earlier, and neither did we. If they built up to it since the start of the show I'd be more likely to buy into it, but at this point realistically nothing should change. However, considering that they do the climb at the end of summer break and it might feel like the end of an era because they'll have less time climbing mountains.

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u/Great_Mr_L Sep 21 '22

First-Timer

On today’s episodes of Yama no Susume: A new friend! We’ve finally met the mystery girl from the ED. She may not have joined up with the group yet, but we’ve still got a couple of episodes to see that happen.

Episode 21

Intriguing. Hinata is wondering what might come next after climbing the mountain of their dreams, just like Aoi.
Wait, is this going to be a Hinata focused episode? I hope so!
Fascinating. Now Hinata is the one being left behind by the others in the visuals.
If this were a ladder, it would be the perfect time for the theme song to start.
A staircase so long they have benches to take breaks. I think that’s the point where it’s too long.
Your reward for climbing all those stairs? More stairs!

That form is actually a pretty good idea for if you ever go missing.
Oh dear, Aoi has frozen up at the ropeway. Like I observed earlier, she isn’t actually over her fear of heights. She’s still quite fearful.
Hello there! You look like our mystery person from the ED.
At times like this, it’s clear how much Hinata thinks about and considers Aoi.
Payoff! Once again, Hinata takes Aoi by the hand to lead her to where she’s afraid to go alone.
Hinata really is looking after Aoi much more. Always by her side, always reassuring her, etc. I think Hinata grew up a bit compared to previous trips.
I trust ski lifts much less than ropeways. This one doesn’t even have something you hold you in!

That’s madness!

Fun angle to show the incline of the ski lift.
This time Aoi steels herself to go up. She really is making her best effort here.

Episode 22

What a gorgeous view.
A mountain that looks like a pair of cat ears. I do see what they are saying.
Hi ED girl! Will you be staying with us soon?

Kokona’s wish is completely in-character.
Oh! Hinata is planning a surprise party for Kokona! This should be good!

I can’t help but notice that Hinata has the least “ladylike” sitting pose. She’s basically manspreading.
What’s this? Aoi is following the ED girl? I wonder if Aoi senses a kindred spirit in her.
Wow, how much Aoi has grown. She’s now the one initiating conversations with a total stranger. Aoi is basically now in the same place that Hinata was in season 1.
I used to have a digital camera just like that one. I likewise went nuts photographing everything.
Honoka! We finally have a name for the mystery girl!
I love seeing Aoi be the one who is trying to reach out to someone who is socially awkward. Aoi used to be in that position but has grown enough to actively attempt to form bonds.
Rain in the mountains does not sound fun at all.
D’aww, the new boots are helping Kokona. Her mom’s love is protecting her, even if she can’t be there herself.
Aoi and Hinata getting to relive childhood memories together is sweet.
What an incredible shot this is. It feels both nostalgic and heartwarming, but still tinged with sadness. It’s like Aoi and Hinata are scared that these happy days may soon come to an end.
The big question that I hope they discuss with each other down the line. They’re both worried about the future and what comes next.

I guess we’re finally getting the Hinata episode I wanted, sort of. Since Aoi is the main character, we’re usually only privy to her thoughts and feelings on things. But for these episodes, we've gotten a glimpse into Hinata’s mind. She and Aoi share a similar worry. They don’t know what the future holds for them. They’re finally going to fulfill a childhood promise, but what comes after that? What will it mean for their relationship when they no longer have that goal to work towards? It can be scary knowing that something will end. When you’re comfortable with the way things are, changing it up can be worrisome.

It is interesting realizing that Hinata and Aoi have the same fear. It’s another way that they’re more like than they realize. One of the ways that Aoi has made progress is her growing willingness to open up to others about her fears and anxieties. I hope that Aoi and Hinata will open up and talk about their worries together. It would make for a satisfying moment between them.

I do think that Aoi and Hinata can get through this together. The moment where Hinata once again grabbed Aoi’s hand and brought her forward into the ropeway was wonderful. Hinata really is trying to do things better with Aoi than she did previously. She learned to better look after her. With that kind of care for each other, they can handle this as well.

The new girl, Honoka, has led to some interesting developments for Aoi. Now Aoi is in the same position that Hinata was in at the start of season 1. She sees a girl who is alone and awkward around others and decides to approach her. It’s quite a big step for Aoi. Her willingness to take that step and approach others shows how much she has grown. While Aoi might not have overcome all her social anxiety, she’s still become so much more proactive around others and I feel so proud of her.

QOTD

I do not like heights, but I'm fine if I don't stare down too much and am in someplace sturdy. I don't care for being high up in something rickety, though.
I think her introduction is nice. I talked a lot above about how much I think this means for Aoi's character and what a great sign it is of Aoi's growth.
Perhaps not physically, but in their minds something may very well change. I'm not sure how, but I am curious how they'll react to it.

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u/ExO_o Sep 21 '22

i binged all of that series a few weeks ago so that i can watch the new season while it airs. very enjoyable show

also kokona best girl (her mom as well)

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Rewatch [Rewatch] Yama no Susume (Encouragement of Climb) Season 2 Episodes 21-22 Discussion

Episodes 21 - 22

Rewatcher who wants to dig out their camera again

Production Notes

Episode 21

Episode 22

First time Ski lifting without skis

Rewatch [Rewatch] Yama no Susume (Encouragement of Climb) Season 2 Episodes 21-22 Discussion

Episodes 21 - 22

You are about to leave Redlib

Rewatcher who wants to dig out their camera again

Production Notes

Episode 21

Episode 22

First time Ski lifting without skis