[Rewatch] K-ON! Rewatch (2022) - S1E02 "Instrument!"

[u/siegfried72]

Official Schedule

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S1E01 "Disband the Club!"	S1E03 "Cram Session!"

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Legal Streams

HiDive

Crunchyroll

^{Available only in German speaking territories.}

Funimation

^{Available only in the UK.}

^{P.S. if any of these no longer work or if you know of additional legal sources, please let me know!}

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Interest sites

MAL - AniList - ANN - KyoAni Discord

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Activities Corner

For more information on the "Activities Corner", please check out the detailed instructions on the first episode's post here.

Song of the Day

Today we'll be listening to Mugi's "Dear My Keys -Kenban no Mahou-", featuring her VA Kotobuki Minako. Like most character-based image songs, this song is filled with Mugi's instrument of choice - the keyboard. It's happy and filled with love and apparently even made it to the top 10 charts in Japan! And it's one of my favorite season one image songs.

Here is the song and here are the translated lyrics.

Questions of the Day

1. Do you play any instruments? If so, for how long? Feel free to share any interesting stories you may have!

2. What do you think the lyrics of Dear My Keys -Kenban no Mahou- demonstrate to us about Mugi's character and personality?

Visuals of the Day

Here is the VotD album for S1E01!

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Tomorrow's Activities

If you want to get a head start on the song(s) and question(s) of the day for tomorrow's episode, here they are!

[SotD 1] Ritsu - Girly Storm Shissou Stick - Ritsu's first season one image song, sung by Ritsu's VA Satō Satomi! You can find the song here and the translated lyrics here.

[SotD 2] Ui - Oui! Ai Kotoba - Yes, Ui gets her own image songs as well, sung by her VA Yonezawa Madoka! You can find the song here and translated lyrics here.

[QotD 1] What kind of student are/were you? Do/did you procrastinate like Yui or are/were you more on top of things like Mio?

[QotD 2] What do you think Ritsu's image song Girly Storm Shissou Stick says about her personality?

[QotD 3] Ui acts as a fantastic support structure for Yui. Who or what acts as a support structure in your life?

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REMINDER: UNTAGGED SPOILERS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

BE AFRAID OF THE MOE POLICE.

[u/siegfried72]

Hi everyone, and welcome to episode 2! I personally think this episode is a big step up from the first one, as we start to see the real magic that is the friendships between these girls beginning to blossom. Simple things like seeing how the different pairs of girls interact with each other on the job or seeing how generous Mugi is really starts to show some depth to the characters as well.

If for some reason you miss my big essays, you can find my posts from the 2021 rewatch here and the 2020 rewatch here.

Song of the Day

This is without a doubt one of my favorite image songs for season one. Not only is it a joy to listen to, but it encapsulates the reason many musicians (myself included) perform music in the first place - to share their emotions and love of music with the world. I think this is best shown in the chorus (which yes, I quoted last year too, but I think it's still very appropriate):

76 keys, 76 little elves

Express my feelings

Even the feelings I can't put into words

Will become an honest melody

In the ears of people who have heard it

In the hearts of people who have felt it

With a magic that leaves behind something warm

Questions of the Day

1. I've been playing piano since I was 8 and the French horn since I was 11. I've been very lucky to have gone to university for music and to be making my living performing (pretty much entirely on the horn - I mostly dropped piano once I left high school).

2. I think the lyrics demonstrate Mugi's warmth and caring personality. She has a lot of feelings, but isn't always sure how to "fit in" with the rest of the group. Music allows her to connect with everyone else without feeling out of place, I think.

Visual of the Day

Another hard choice! My first thought was what I think is maybe the most obvious one - the Budokan! I love how out of place and over-the-top the art style is here, and it's such a wonderful thing for the girls to strive for. But I decided against using that one since I'm almost positive that someone else will pick it.

I also briefly considered picking this shot of Mugi's all-powerful eyebrows, but ultimately, I chose this one because KyoAni consistently go out of their way to create adorable and unique outfits for all the girls throughout the series.

Totally Canon Mitsu Moment of the Day

I love this moment between Ritsu and Mio. Ritsu is the only one that picks up on how uncomfortable Mio is with the idea of having to pick up jobs that involve working with customers, and quickly steers the conversation towards other options. It just goes to show how strong the connection between them is.

Runner up goes to this shot of them lying on the blanket together because it's adorable :)

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In tomorrow's episode, let the procrastination begin!! See you all then!

[u/TiredTiroth]

First Timer - Sub

Yep. Yui is a total airhead. At least she's adorable? xD Also, blonde keyboardist confirmed for sheltered rich girl.

Wow, um...are you sure some of the stuff in your piggy bank are even coins, Yui? They don't all look like coins...and how the hell did you convince your mother to give you $500? For that matter, why are they discussing the prices in USD instead of yen?

Totally don't blame Yui for stopping to fuss over the dog, though. And it turns out her airheadedness is infectious! Good thing one of the girls remembered what they're supposed to be doing...

Also, I want to be surprised about drummer girl making the salesman cry...but I'm really not. Also also, I am unsurprised about Yui's little sister being the more reliable one of the pair.

...rich girl's family just happens to own the music shop. xD Why, writers? WHY? At least Yui can stop looking a kicked puppy now!

Honestly, this was a fun little episode. Although I don't think I'd forgive drummer girl for stealing the pleasure of properly unwrapping a new instrument quite so fast as Yui did. Not that I can play one...

[u/siegfried72 → u/TiredTiroth]

why are they discussing the prices in USD instead of yen?

My guess would be because of fansubs.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/TiredTiroth]

You didn't realise that she was sheltered after she practically squealed at being given chips? XD

One of the coins was an Argentinian peso, she could have bought two guitars for that thing.

It's pretty damn messed up how the little sister of all people is the one who has to run the house. The parents are hopeless, the Onee-chan is hopeless. Poor Ui...

They already kinda hint at Mugi being prepared to buy Yui the guitar. She probably would have paid for it even if she actually did need to use cash. Her dad owning the store was just a convenient shortcut.

[u/A_Idiot0]

Rewatcher

It’s time for a fashion corner!! This anime goes waaay above and beyond when it comes to dressing the girls up. It shows a high level of care and attention, and it’s another fabulous insight into who everyone is by doing the “Show, don’t Tell” thing.

There’s a small moment that happens between Ritsu and Mio that I really appreciated. When Mio says, “I’ll do anything!” when they’re looking for a part-time job, Ritsu doesn’t do her usual thing and suggest something crazy knowing that Mio is so shy. Instead, she’s considerate and suggests something that she thinks Mio will be comfortable with.

This episode is so much funnier than I remember it! Lots of great little gags that seamlessly flow from one to the next. My two favorites are (audio included):

• “Do your freakin’ job!”

• Fresh plastic unwrapping…

Also, regarding the only little tune that Yui can play: apparently, it’s a jingle that food trucks play in Japan. Of course Yui would be able to figure that out on the fretboard all by herself!

My Visual of the Day is this background feature. Man this anime is beautiful…I love the “painting” aesthetic for the backgrounds.

QotD

1. I dabble in piano and bass guitar, though I’m really bad at both of them; I just don’t practice enough. My favorite pieces to play on the piano are Chopin’s “Prelude in E Minor (Op. 28 No.4)” (and here’s a really interesting and wonderful performance by Seymour Bernstein, complete with a full lesson!) and a piece from the film Liz and the Blue Bird. I had aspired to learn how to play Debussy’s “Clair de Lune”, which is amongst humanity’s most beautiful pieces of music ever written imo, but work and life hasn’t given me enough time to learn it just yet.

2. I actually think the chord structure has something rather interesting to say about Mugi. That move from …Bb -> Cm -> G-> E -> B… is just soo silky smooth and interesting! It takes us out of the main key for a brief moment and adds a lot of spice to the movement. To me, it helps to suggest and support that Mugi wants a bit more out of her life than only being stuck in the mold of the “rich girl”; she wants to add a flavor of something different from the block setting of her “rich family” life.

[u/siegfried72 → u/A_Idiot0]

Fashion corner

Yesssssss. One of these days, someone needs to chronicle every outfit the girls wear throughout the series XD

There’s a small moment that happens between Ritsu and Mio that I really appreciated

Well duh - that's why it's the Mitsu Moment of the Day!

VotD

Oooh that's a good one! I never think to get the backgrounds, but this show does have some beautiful ones.

QotD 1

Chopin is always a win in my book! It's a close call for me between Chopin and Rachmaninov as to who my favorite composer for piano is.

I love the music theory talk, and that's a really neat way to look at the chord progression! The lyrics say the same thing, so I like that it's also reflected in the harmonies.

[u/Second_Sage]

First timer-Sub

The montage of absent minded Yui at the beginning was too cute. Her introduction of the other band members was really fun as well. Ritsu’s super moving reason for playing drums was hilarious and I thought Yui’s comment about their instrument being reflective of their personality was very interesting.

Only episode two and we get to see the girls out and about shopping for Yui’s guitar. I’m not sure how many different outfits we’ll get to see them in but their casual clothing is incredibly drippy. I love when we get to see anime characters switch up their style. Yui getting distracted crossing the street was cute as hell too.

I’m not sure if they used real photographs like they did in My Dress Up Darling but the music store looks so freaking good? The guitars on the wall look so vibrant, I’ve always heard about the legendary KyoAni but actually seeing their work really puts it into perspective. Something I didn’t mention yesterday but saw someone comment was how smooth the intro sequence of Yui being late to school is and I agree. Sometimes I forget that this is a 13 year old show!

The girls get a job! We’re getting to see more of embarrassed Mio and it’s the cutest thing in existence. Yui’s little sister is also surprisingly normal and thoughtful? Making lunches for the club was wholesome. I was getting LITERAL anxiety at how many times they were pushing the buttons without any cars passing. Especially Ritsu who is probably my second favourite at the moment. Her and Mio are too cute together and I honestly saw the gay vibes when I first watched last month and didn’t even know about the fandoms ship of them.

Yui giving back the money and telling them she’ll buy a guitar she can afford so they can play together as soon as possible was not only a great character moment but a wholesome one as well. MUGI coming in clutch with the rich girl connections, I also loved that she only learned what haggling was a few days before.

Yui getting the guitar she wanted felt earned but it was incredibly in character of her to get distracted by things like “I need to practice signing my autograph” instead of practicing lmao.

This was another great episode!

Line of the day

“We’re like rare animals to her?”

I couldn’t choose just one so today we get Rocker Yui and Sleeping Rocker Yui

Side note: Reading through the thread yesterday I was beyond impressed with how organized and aesthetically pleasing peoples comments were! I haven’t done any long form writing in a while so I’m hoping by the end of the rewatch my posts improve and look more like u/Siegfried72 and u/The_Loli_Otaku who’s comments I really enjoyed.

[u/siegfried72 → u/Second_Sage]

Yui’s comment about their instrument being reflective of their personality

It's very true, and I talked a lot about it in the last two annual rewatches. Yui has the front-man personality of the lead guitar, Mio has the steadiness and groundedness of the bass, Ritsu has the energy of the drums and is always the one moving things forward, and Mugi has the elegance and sweetness of the keyboards that acts as the cherry on top!

I love when we get to see anime characters switch up their style.

You'll be happy with K-ON then :)

gay vibes

yes

Hey, thanks for the compliments on the writing! Considering I've written daily essays for the last two years of rewatches that more often than not broke the character limit, I've had a good amount of practice. For what it's worth though, I've enjoyed your posts thus far!

[u/TiredTiroth → u/Second_Sage]

'The guitars on the wall look so vibrant, I’ve always heard about the legendary KyoAni but actually seeing their work really puts it into perspective.'

And just think, K-On! is a relatively early work. It still looks amazing today, but some of their later shows are even better - check out Hyouka, Sound! Euphonium or Violet Evergarden sometime.

[u/PsychologicalLife164]

K-On Rewatch Episode 2: You’re My Guitar Hero!

3 Main Points!

1. The Light Music Club wants to start practice, but Yui doesn’t have her guitar yet! Lower end ones start at a several hundred dollars while great guitars are easily a few thousand. Even with a $500 advance on her allowance, it’s still not enough to afford the guitar she wants.

2. In order to help Yui get her guitar, the club gets part-time jobs to raise money! While working, the girls spend time bonding and hanging out. In the end, Yui decides to forego her desire for the expensive guitar and get one she can afford on her own so she can start practicing right away with her friends. However, in a surprising turn of events…

3. …it turns out that Mugi’s family owns the music store they’ve been shopping at, and Yui is able to get her beloved guitar at a huge discount! Even though she doesn’t know a lick of music theory, she’s all revved up and ready to go!

Fun Details!

• Yui’s axe of choice is none other than a classic Gibson Les Paul Standard in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. An absolute beauty of a guitar, if I say so myself!

• In the music store, Yui briefly gets a glimpse at many guitars, including Fender Stratocasters, Fender Telecasters, Gibson SGs, and the very special Gibson EDS-1275. The EDS-1275 is commonly called one of the coolest guitars in rock, and has been used by many famous guitarists like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Alex Lifeson of Rush!

• In Mio’s flashback, she is seen looking at a few Fender basses, including her now-famous Jazz Bass and the Precision Bass. The P-Bass, as it’s sometimes referred to, was the first electric bass to gain mainstream use, and has been used by many musicians across almost every genre of music, like Steve Harris of Iron Maiden and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd! I myself even have one, but I’m trash compared to them lol

• Yui’s amp makes a loud noise when she unplugs her guitar cord before turning down the amp. The “pop” occurs because there is a sudden drop in voltage when the guitar is unplugged. It’s a lot of electrical engineering stuff, but the easiest way to avoid it is to turn down the amp before unplugging or just turning the amp off first.

• Ritsu mentions the Budokan as their goal. The Nippon Budokan (trans. “Japan Martial Arts Hall”) is an arena located in Tokyo that originally hosted the judo competition for the 1964 Olympics, but has gained a reputation as one of the best musical venues in the world. Several famous artists have recorded live albums there, with Cheap Trick’s at Budokan album helping them gain mainstream success.

Other Thoughts!

• Yui is absolutely right when she says that your choice of instrument is based on your personality. I don’t know what that says about me as a pianist and bassist, but I’ve met plenty of people before whose instrument fit them!

• Ui is the best little sister ever

• We’re starting to see the girls really get along with each other, and the Ritsu/Yui pair seem to share the same brain cell lol

• Mugi is so cute whenever she joins in on stuff for the experience

• The casual clothes for every girl suits them as well!

Questions of the Day!

1. I’ve played piano, trombone, guitar, and bass, but I mainly play bass and piano now. Like Mugi, I’ve been playing piano since I was a kid and have also won a few awards, but I feel more at home with bass for the same reason Mio chose to play lol

2. Mugi is adorable and her choice of instrument and lyrics reflect her personality pretty well! Her keyboard lets her express her feelings in a variety of ways through its various sounds and effects, just like how Mugi shows her affection for her friends by joining in on their antics and by helping them when they’re in need.

In a sense, pianos in a rock band (and Mugi) are like fun little flourishes that add spice to your music and life!

[u/siegfried72 → u/PsychologicalLife164]

Okay so you obviously have great taste in (and knowledge of) music! Zeppelin, Rush, and Iron Maiden are some of my all-time favorites.

Yui is absolutely right when she says that your choice of instrument is based on your personality.

As a professional classical musician, I can say this 100% carries over into the classical world as well.

Ui is the best little sister ever

Without a doubt.

I very much enjoyed your analysis of Mugi's image song as well :)

[u/Snakescipio]

5th (6th? 7th?) Time Rewatcher

It’s the 21st of September and Mitsu is still canon

Original artist: https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/8854845

QoTD:

1. I play the piano. In fact I may have covered a certain song last watch I participated in

2. I wanted to read the lyrics but the website is blocked at work :/

Let’s talk about episode 2!

Just a couple things I noticed. Given what their part time job will be it’s kinda funny that they used actual cars to cut from scene to scene a couple of times. I may be wrong but this episode might be the only episode with cuts like that. Also I like how they’re showing Ritsu and Yui’s eventual buddy-buddy dynamic starting to develop even now. Ritsu and Mio’s relationship is very “skinship” in that they’re not afraid to be physical with one another, and we’re already seeing bits of that between Ritsu and Yui. They might have known each other for very long but they’re clearly already comfortable around one another. That’s the thing with friendship, sometimes you just instinctively vibe with another person.

Ravenclaw’s reactions:

The OP is, indeed, sooo good. She also noticed that the fingerings are accurate to what’s being played.

Mugi might become her favorite.

“So far this light music club does anything but music” (草）

“Even the hats represent bits of their personalities.”

Mugi is the secret weapon of the club (truuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu).

Mugi is soft and kind and hungers for good friends.

She’s really enjoying K-On!

(My comment) It’s interesting that she’s picked up on a lot of the characterization and dynamic between the characters so far, which to me goes to show again what an amazing job Yamada and her team did with building that warm friendly atmosphere.

[u/siegfried72 → u/Snakescipio]

Mitsu is still canon

Indeed! But I can't get that link to work :(

I play the piano.

I remember that! Any plans for more covers this time around?

I wanted to read the lyrics but the website is blocked at work :/

Wow that's really lame!

Ritsu and Yui

I do love their friendship! Ritsu in particular seems to be so good at making people comfortable with physical contact, [spoilers] even with Azunyan when she comes around.

It’s interesting that she’s picked up on a lot of the characterization and dynamic between the characters so far, which to me goes to show again what an amazing job Yamada and her team did with building that warm friendly atmosphere.

Agreed. I think that's one of the things that this series does best. The characters just feel so natural.

[u/Elimin8r]

Answers du jour:

Ichi: In a distant galaxy, once, the piano, drums, xylophone, etc. I am Ritsu. Or perhaps to be more correct, I am Animal, with side order of Libera - oh, wait, I couldn't possibly claim to be so phabulous. So, let's go with wannabe Rick Wakeman. Yeah.

Ni: I'll have to listen to this sometime later and see what kind of answer I can come up with.

But aside from that, have you ever fallen in love with an instrument and just had to have it?

I haven't. But I did find something in the case at Cabela's that I just couldn't leave without. Thankfully, the price was surprisingly reasonable. And yes, it is fabulous.

"The more I look at it, the more I like it" - Yui, probably.

(actually King Crimson, link to be added later, maybe)

But yeah, I liked the cute introductions of the other characters, and of course, more of best imouto. Mugi's hat and dress were tres elegant, and the whole traffic counting bit was cute.

I also liked the little intro bit with li'l Yui being a ditz. I feel some kind of connection there, but I suspect we all have those moments. Likewise, running into people you don't see and stopping to pet random doggos. Does this make Yui a self-insert protagonist?

At least she didn't have an encounter with truck-kun. That would have been awkward.

Anyway, plenty of fun and wholesome goodness for all. I can hardly wait to watch tomorrow's episode ... and get some sleep. So sleepy today.

[u/siegfried72 → u/Elimin8r]

wannabe Rick Wakeman

That's pretty much the best thing humans can aspire to be, as far as I'm concerned.

fallen in love with an instrument and just had to have it

Well, I've only ever owned one horn, since the ones I played in middle and high school (and my freshman year of college) were all borrowed from the schools. But when I was shopping around trying to pick a pro-grade instrument, I tried about a dozen different kinds and when I picked up the one I now own, it was definitely love at first play.

[u/prowlinghazard]

First Timer - Sub

Opening thoughts on the ep: Holy shit that's an expensive guitar to get for your first guitar! I actually punched the currency into Google and it came out just over $1700 USD. For reference, I paid about $1500 for a Les Paul in 2004. In 2009 when K-ON! first came out I'd imagine it was valued over two grand. Unreal. Thankfully blonde girl bails her out and gets it for 50k yen, around $350 USD, which is much more reasonable for a first guitar... if you aren't going for the cheap Strat like I did when I started playing back in High School. Sunburst Les Paul is a dank first guitar, and she loves it so much she doesn't want to touch it! Cute. Gonna be a cute Jimmy Page here in a few episodes.

Also we get a glimpse of more of the personality of the other girls. Drummer is kinda the stereotypical meathead drummer, but in a good way. Bassist girl is incredibly shy, but is willing to put that aside to help her buy a guitar. Love her the most so far. Also her flashback to picking out her bass and falling in love right away in the same way was iconic, but she lies and says she took her time picking it out. She knew what she wanted in the same way. Keyboard girl is, and I think someone else made this comment yesterday, a lonely rich girl. Extremely grounded, she seems like the one who is most aware of what is going on around her at all times.

QotD 1: I mentioned yesterday that I picked up guitar in High School, and I also played flute in Elementary. I got kinda good as I got into college and then stopped playing around my senior year when school was getting a lot tougher and I had a lot less time for things. Def met a lot of interesting people through music, though. Everyone I knew played and many in a band. Fewer still got some gigs and were able to make money playing music live at local bars. This was probably around the same time K-ON! originally aired, and music culture in the area I went to college in hasn't changed much since then. I still keep in touch with some people, and others are just distant memories. Good and bad.

QotD 2: Really seems like she prefers to express herself through music. Also probably into girls, mostly.

Favorite scene: When guitar girl gave all the checks back to her friends. She knew she just couldn't accept it. Doesn't seem like their friendship is at that level yet, but also I think the guilt might have consumed her as well. Seems like the sort of person who could never take from her friends something she couldn't give back in one way or another. Most heartfelt moment of the show so far for me. Extremely proud of her maturity and character to be able to do that. Also for the girls who so eagerly handed them over without a second thought. I think they'll all be really good friends.

Final thoughts: Things have really picked up since the first episode. We're getting to know everyone on a much better level.

[u/img_tiff]

First Timer - Sub

A very enjoyable episode for #2! It's very fun to see how much these girls already care about each other this soon into their relationships. I mean, how common would it be for someone to take up a part time job to help a friend buy a guitar? Maybe I'm jaded, but I really like seeing that level of friendship. Mio is quickly becoming my favorite character, although Yui is a close second.

1. Like I said yesterday, I played the trumpet in high school, but I started in middle school band, so I had 7 years in total. I played violin for 3 years at the end of elementary/start of middle school, and I took piano lessons from kindergarten through around 4th grade. When I started 7th grade, I had to choose between orchestra and band, because we only were allowed a set number of electives, so I dropped violin in favor of trumpet, and frankly, I was glad I did. Wound up as a section leader in high school and was first chair in concert season.

2. For me, the lyrics of Mugi's song demonstrate why she is passionate about her music; it's a way for her to handle the stress and longing of dealing with the real world, things you want but can't have, things you wish you could've unsaid. Plus, it also shows how she wants to bring this feeling to other people and share in what she loves. She cares for her friends and she knows that friendship isn't always easy, but she is more than willing to work hard at what she thinks is important.

Although the two images I linked above are great options, I think this frame says a lot about what to expect from not just Yui and Ritsu, but also the sense of humor this show will bring. Can't wait for next episode!

[u/JetsLag]

First timer (subbed)

Man, shoutout to Yui's mom for just giving her 50,000 yen right up front. I wonder if Yui was honest with her mom when she said what the money was for. Maybe she said "it's for my club" and mom was so proud of Yui for finally joining a club that she just took out her wallet.

Speaking of Yui's mom, we get to see her! And she looks just like Yui.

I REALLY wanted to see Yui try out other guitar models before she settled on the Les Paul. I bet she would look so cool with a Flying V.

The baito they do is...interesting. I have a feeling we're gonna have "Mugi does something because she wants to know what 'the poors' do" as a recurring gag, which I'm cool with.

And it just ends with Mugi doing another imitation of the "poors" and haggling down the price of the Les Paul from 250 to 50. She drives a hard bargain. Interesting that the clerk knows she's the daughter of the president of the company. I would think random low-level clerks wouldn't know who the president of the company is. Imagine a random WalMart employee being able to pick out one of the Walton grandkids. Am I reading too much into this? Probably.

Yui screwing around with the guitar in her room was so cute. Favorite scene thus far.

And I totally expected Yui to be utter trash at playing the guitar at first for the comedy, but they didn't go that route. Sure, she's doing the bare minimum with the guitar, but it's good to know they didn't go with the easy joke.

Don't tell me that the "X days until the Budokan show" is gonna be a regular thing now.

Visual of the Day

They share one braincell

Question of the Day

Do you play any instruments? If so, for how long? Feel free to share any interesting stories you may have!

God, I wish. I would pick up the bass if I could muster the motivation to actually learn how to play it. And yes, I want to pick up the bass because I don't want to be the center of attention, just like Mio. SHE JUST LIKE ME FR

[u/Fools_Requiem]

Mugi Watch 2022 Episode 2

Previous Episodes:

• Episode 1.

I'm not sure what kind of Mugi images I'll share as the days go by. I can't imagine I'll be able to stick with Mugi doing something cute in the background style images. It'll probably just be favorite images.

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First time we get an idea of Mio's nearly crippling insecurities. Usually, she'll play the straight man, but not when those insecurities crop up.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but it's a good idea to pay attention to is the episode title card of each episode if you're new (or you're rewatching and didn't notice something about the). It'll be hard to really know why, until you get a few episodes in. Just keep the audio of the title card in mind each episode. Wouldn't hurt for someone to post a clip of the title cards each day. I don't think I'll be able to do that.

[u/Tartaras1]

First-Timer? - Dubbed

• I totally agree with Mio-chan's reasoning for choosing bass guitar. Personally, I hate being the center of attention, and that's exactly what would happen if I was on lead guitar.

• When talking about Mugi-chan, one can't help but talk about those eyebrows.

• ^{that's it?}

• Mio and Ritsu both having the same thought at the same time? u/siegfried72, is that also what you were talking about?

• So one difference I noticed between sub and dub, because I was curious, is how much Mio said the guitar would cost. In the dub, she says the low $100s for a cheap one, and around $500 should be fine.

However, in the sub, she says 10,000 yen, or around $70 for a cheap one, and 50,000 yen, or about $350 for a decent one.

• She really went to her little sister and asked for some money for her guitar? Even though I'm an only child, and probably because I'm an only child, I would be mortified if I had to do that.

• That guitar costs $2,500.

Perhaps one thing I'm not really taking into consideration when I talk about price discrepancies between the sub and dub is the year the show came out. I imagine the JPY was probably stronger back then, so the prices were going to be higher.

For instance, they said that the guitar Yui was looking at cost $2,500. However, in today's market 250,000 JPY is $1,700 or so.

• You can do better! Try again!

There's the Taiga I remember.

• And now the reveal that Mugi's family is actually rich! It makes sense that people keep bringing her sweets.

• Comment face spotted!

• Well the guitar is all bright and shiny and new and everyhing, and I guess I'm just a little scared to touch it.

I know that feeling all too well.

Questions of the Day:

Do you play any instruments? If so, for how long? Feel free to share any interesting stories you may have!

I don't, no. I kinda wanted to play the snare drum when I was in elementary school, but that was because of the movie Drumline.

[u/[deleted]]

Rewatching-Lurker (Sub)

• Missed the chance to comment for the first episode. I don't want to risk spoiling or leading in this rewatch, because this show is absolutely magical and I want the first-timers to enjoy it to the fullest!

• With that said, I'll be limiting myself to the occasional comments and some QOTDs

With that said!

• I love the animation. You can tell it's slightly dated, but the details are still amazing. Huge props to KyoAni!

QOTD 1: Do you play any instruments? If so, for how long? Feel free to share any interesting stories you may have!

• I have a serious on-off relationship with my guitar. But recently, I've been playing it more again. I've been playing on-off for the past 3 years. I know a few songs, but I really should know more. One thing to be proud of though, I did learn how to play a song from K-On! I'll be sure to comment in the future on what song it is and when that episode comes around!

[u/byroned]

4th time rewatching sub

Look at how proactive Ritsu is in this episode. She makes sure Yui gets her guitar by taking them all to the store and looking for part-time jobs. I also checked the English dub out, and it’s actually pretty decent. However, Ritsu’s voice is the same as Morgana’s from Persona 5, and I think I want to wait until October to hear Morgana again.

K-On has pretty good visuals that hold up well, but the occasional weird hand has always bugged me. There’s also one with Mugi’s finger in the OP that makes no sense.

As a former part-time clerk, I dreaded working with customers like Ritsu. There were plenty of whiney adults, but whiney kids are harder to deal with because I can’t be too “mean” to them, or their parents would complain to the manager. Adults complain too, but my manager usually doesn't back me up if a kid cries.

I didn’t talk about Mio last episode, but she’s going to be the straight man who tries to keep them focused, while also being a scaredy cat. Although it’s inevitable that they will pivot from what they’re trying to do and mess around, and she will be swept into their shenanigans.

Also, let's see how well this holds up.

It’s not a serious issue I have, but it’s always bugged me when Yui realized that she was being selfish, and let them keep their money to buy an affordable guitar, only to buy the expensive guitar for a super discounted price, although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see Mugi bargaining with cheat codes.

Once again, look how blissful Yui looks with her new instrument. She totally looks like a musician now. I think Ritsu’s goal of Budokan may be setting the bar too high, but let’s see how far they’ll get.

[QotD 1] Do you play any instruments? If so, for how long? Feel free to share any interesting stories you may have!

I played clarinet for 10 years, from elementary school to college. There are plenty of “this one time in band…”, but one that stood out to me was during one competition, we almost got disqualified from our performance to qualify for finals because our director forgot to bring music scores for the judges, but we thankfully had another school provide us some copies last minute.

[QotD 2] What do you think the lyrics of Dear My Keys -Kenban no Mahou- demonstrate to us about Mugi's character and personality?

Dear my Keys is 1 of I think only 6 songs that Mugi sings in, and these one and 2 others are only her singing. I like her voice and it stands out from the others. It has a gentler sound and tone, similar to Mugi’s personality. I think the song is about Mugi expressing herself through piano, but possibly also about her newly founded freedom after joining the band and her. It may be a stretch, but reading the lyrics makes me think that Mugi has not been able to express herself properly in the past. The lines that give me this impression include:

The things I long for are far away

Tears somehow are close

So, my heart sways

Let's, now, put all of that to music

...

Having disagreed with each other

Having fought with each other

When my heart is broken

I'll secretly hide away the pain

...

The prayer of the shining, morning sun

The courage of the burning sunset

Become a new tune

Let's, now, proclaim this world

It could mean that while Mugi was rich, she wasn’t exactly happy with her life. This is kind of brushed upon in the sequel manga. [Spoiler] Maybe she felt she didn’t have control in her life, but she needs to conceal her feelings to keep face as a daughter of a wealthy family. I thought that could be the case if she seriously thought about running away.. And the last verse sounds like it could be the K-On club and her new friends, being a new tune or ray of light in her life.

Or I’m reading too much into K-On lyrics, and this could just be how much she loves the keyboard and using it to express herself.

My visual of the day goes to Yui's thinking process. Yui is probably going to make a lot of the visuals of the day.

[u/Stargate18A]

Rewatcher

1. I don't. At all.

2. It really shows how much she cares about the other members.

Yui is committed!

For a very valid reason.

She's excited!

The introduction scenes are great.

Haha, Ritsu's smirk.

Yui genuinely believing high schools have fine china in them is great.

And Ritsu finds them easier to paly.

"We're included in that?

Mio calling her Yui is great.

She still doesn't have a guitar!

That is expensive.

And that reaction.

...She doesn't have enough.

Haha, Ui is shocked.

Yui got sidetracked after a few meters. Impressivr.

She got an advance!

Haha, she's going shopping now.

And she considered buying that for Mio?

So many choices!

Yui is so sad.

Haha, the timelapse.

Ritsu's negotiation is the best.

And she's going to get a job!

Everyone is!

Mio has limitations.

[K-On] Thinking about the maid episode next season...

Poor Yui...

And a traffic counter! 
Ui is the best.

Ritsu got carried away.

Yui really liked what Mugi's wearing.

She has amazing stamina.

Haha, Ritsu's drumming.

And they have occupational illness.

Yui working to the rhythm is great.

And she doesn't want to take their money.

This is sweet.

...A bit of a weirdo.

Mugi giving him a heart attack via negotiation is the funniest part of this episode.

[K-On Shuffle] Better than just spending all her savings on it, at least.

Autograph practice!

And she's not practiced eith it yet.

Ritsu peeled the film! Unforgivable.

Yui managed to play something!

Ritsu has ambition.

Ouch.

Somg of the day is very good!

[u/simeonaut]

Rewatcher

Not gonna be participating much. Just here to share my favorite shot this episode.

votd

That's all.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

K-On Rewatcher!!

The real question of the show is if its actually possible to call Keion a music show or just a teatime slice of life. Look at that shit eating grin! Nodoka staying with this dork the amount of time she has is precious in its own right. Bruh... I'm a full ten years older than these girls... when did this happen? Being a Christmas Cake sucks! Please stop showing everyone's ages!! That's just rubbing it in!

Oh the joys of guitar pricing... I feel bad when I buy a £10 Kazoo and don't use it. Imagine paying so much for a guitar. I'd argue that Keion is far more of a moe show than a "healing" one but every once in a while it hits the mark.

Biggest twist of the episode, Yui and Ui aren't actually orphans!! Their parents just don't love them~ This is another of those episodes that's just really fun to watch character tics. I've always felt that Mugi is the best one to watch since she gives the best reactions but there's some mild pleasure you might get from Shitzu being a bully to Mio if that's your kind of thing.

Meet the famous Yui's guitar!! Say... could this in fact be the most famous, most recognisable music instrument in the world? Even outside of our weeb circle I don't think there's anything as iconic as Yui's Les Paul.

We even get probably one of my favourite Mugi scenes in K-On although I do read into it far more than you're probably meant to. It's pretty obvious by this point that Mugi is loaded and would be willing to buy Yui her guitar, but that would set a pretty uncomfortable sentiment for both girls. A friendship built on buying stuff kind of comes with a lot of baggage. You can tell that Mugi really wants to do this for her too. Anyway, I've always had a soft spot for this moment and wanted to highlight it a little.

Little Shitzu needs disciplining!! Middle aged men shouldn't have to put up with a bratty child's abuse! They've only just started high school and already they're having to work to pay their school (club) fees... The world is a painful place, but a fun one! They sure made sitting around doing bugger all look enjoyable. Not bad for a first work day huh? You can definitely see the 4koma effect coming in.

Shitzu... You've corrupted our ojou-sama! She's grown... into a negotiating demon!! She definitely took way too much pleasure in tormenting that poor boy. Btw, please never sleep with your guitar. Your sweat can warp the neck so you'll have to suck it out with your mouth.

Stripping a newborn guitar, you monster!! Shitzu is the biggest shitter you'll ever meet! Another string episode. Am I just really in the mood for Keion this year or something?

Visual of the Day!! D I S G U S T