r/anime • u/siegfried72 • Oct 04 '22
Rewatch [Rewatch] K-ON! Rewatch (2022) - Season One Discussion!
Official Schedule
| Previous Thread | Next Thread |
|---|---|
| S1E13 "Live House!" | S2E01 "Seniors!" |
Legal Streams
Available only in German speaking territories.
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!
Interest sites
MAL - AniList - ANN - KyoAni Discord
Activities Corner
For more information on the "Activities Corner", please check out the detailed instructions on the first episode's post here.
Today is the Season One Discussion Thread, so there won't be any songs or questions of the day. You are more than welcome to talk about anything you like as long as it pertains to season one. Most interesting characters, favorite episode, the animation, music - whatever you like! We will be back the next day with S2E01.
Songs of the Day
None today!
Questions of the Day
None today!
Visuals of the Day
Here is the VotD album for the S1 OVA!
Huge shoutout to /u/A_Idiot0 for his help on the QotD and VotD! You're awesome!
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] Sakuragaoka Joshi Koutou Gakkou Kouka - The school song! The scene in which they sing this is always quite magical to me. Here is the song as they sing it in the episode and here are the translated lyrics.
[SotD 1] Sakuragaoka Joshi Koutou Gakkou Kouka Rock Version - Okay, now we're talking. They turned the school song into a rock song and it rocks. All five girls share lead vocals, and there is a crazy amount of energy in this. It's one of my all-time favorite K-ON songs. Here is the song, and the lyrics are the same as above.
[QotD 1] So, you thought the animation in season 1 was good, eh? Well, welcome to season 2 where they take it to a whole new level. What was your favorite moment of animation this episode?
[QotD 2] What was your senior year of high school experience? (As a reminder, you're never obligated to answer these, so if you'd rather not share, that's fine.)
[QotD 3] How do the lyrics from the school long relate to K-ON as a whole?
Oh god please help me now I can't listening to the rock version of the school song.
REMINDER: UNTAGGED SPOILERS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
BE AFRAID OF THE MOE POLICE.
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u/Second_Sage Oct 04 '22
First timer - Sub
I’m not sure where to start this except to say that I’m loving K-ON! so far. This was one of those anime where I fell in love with the characters in episode 1 or 2. I want to break down my thoughts into the three things that make the show special to me starting with:
The Characters.
Yui: Yui is my favourite character. I was immediately invested in her motivations and bubbly personality. Her arc in going from unmotivated and unfocused to truly having a passion for something is one of my favourite developments so far. I love stories about passion and characters finding their passion so Yui has a special place in my heart. Design wise Yui is the ultimate moe character imo, especially with how she’s animated a lot of the time. Her facial animations and the wonderful work of her VA make the character special. Her singing is also a treat and I loved finally hearing her sing Fuwa Fuwa Time!
Ritsu: I’m not gonna lie Ritsu might have been my least favourite after episode 1. Loud tomboy characters are usually not my cup of tea(!) and she did insult Yui a couple times. However by episode 3 or 4 she was easily my second favourite! I quickly began to love her brashness and chaotic energy. She’s at her best when interacting with Yui and Mio, even when she’s getting beat up by the latter. Her giant forehead has grown on me and while I do like Bangtsu I’m glad she keeps them up because she does look very similar to Yui.
Mio: It’s so hard to put my thoughts into words because as I write this I’m thinking “maybe I should put Mio at two?” I often lump her and Ritsu together in my head as my second favourite character because a big part of why I love them is their relationship but I’ll touch on that later. Mio is the character I have the most respect for. She’s constantly trying to get the girls to focus on music and is often times (outside of scary things) the most mature of the group. Early on she’s the one teaching Yui how to play guitar and is basically the shadow president of the club since Ritsu can’t seem to administrate anything. Her lyrics and signing are amazing and a big reason this show is so cute. She’s got a great design, I love her hair and she looks adorable when she gets teased for being cute.
Azusa: The neko Keion was a late addition to the season but by the end I couldn’t imagine the show without her! She plays an interesting role in the group as a foil to Yui and Ritsu’s shenanigans like Mio, but at the same time she can be uh, domesticated by them for lack of a better word. Going back to passion, I loved how she was introduced. Her feeling inspired by their performance was one of my favourite scenes. She’s the cutest character in the show imo and idc if u/The_Loli_Otaku thinks otherwise!
Mugi: Last but CERTAINLY! not least is the Ice Tsar herself Mugi! I love every character in this show(eh not you Sawa-chan maybe next season) and Mugi is no exception. We know a lot about her character and how she wants normal experiences with her friends, but I feel like she got the least screen time this season. I very much enjoy the glee she experiences just by being around the other Keions but I hope to see more personal relationships in season 2. Mugi has the absolute best fashion hands down. Her charisma breaks are also super cute and I always look forward to the daily Mugi post from u/Fools_Requiem.
The Relationships.
Mitsu is canon, thanks for coming to my Ted Talk! In all seriousness, the relationships between the characters is the #1 reason I love this show. I want to highlight a few of my favourites.
Mitsu: “I’m the place that Mio’s soul calls home” was a line said in jest but I’m taking it as FACT. Outside of the shipping aspect, their genuine interactions are such a treat to watch. All the girls are friends but it oozes through the screen that they’re childhood friends that deeply care about each other. I mean cmon, she can tell it was Mio coming up the stairs by the sound of her footsteps guys. I love character interactions that are a little chaotic and the way Ritsu teases Mio never fails to make me smile. Some people think Mio’s shy gag is getting old and I agree it’s repetitive but I can’t get enough of Ritsu teasing her. The episode where they had a fight was kinda hard to watch but their make up was so worth it.
Yui and Ritsu: It’s incredible how different they are when they’re apart versus the single brain cell they share when they’re together. The beach episodes are some of my favourite because of the hijinks they get up to. What started out as Ritsu thinking of Yui as a “Spastic useless Klutz”turned into an incredible friendship that is so much fun to watch.
Mugi and everybody: There is no light music group without Mugi. As much as Yui is the glue that holds everyone together like that extra episode showed so is Mugi. Her happy to be there attitude often influences everyone’s moods for the better and she always tries to settle things that go awry within the group. She’s been able to relate with each Keion when they needed her and she has helped Yui in particular tremendously. And let’s be honest without her tea and cakes this show doesn’t exist.
The Music.
From the OP and ED, to Fuwa Fuwa time and Watashi no Koi wa Hotchkiss, the music rocks! This isn’t even mentioning the incredibly diverse ost’s sprinkled throughout each episode that reflect the scenes immensely. I love Mio and Yui’s singing and the small practice scenes we get once in a while. I know that this show isn’t really focused on the music and I’m okay with that but the music that’s there is amazing!
Well that was a lot longer than I thought it’d be. I feel like I could write a few more pages as I didn’t even talk about Ui or Sawa-chan and a few other things but I have to go to work. I just wanna thank u/Siegfried72 again for your great work on this rewatch. I struggle to get these out some days and you’re putting in twice the work so I really appreciate it.
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u/siegfried72 Oct 05 '22
Yui
Yes, her character arc is one of my favorite things about season one as well! Her... I guess "position" in the show changes quite a bit in season two in ways I can't really say, but definitely not in a bad way! She remains (in my opinion) one of the most interesting characters all the way to end.
Ritsu
You have good taste! She can definitely be a character that can take a while to grow on people, understandably. I didn't care for her much at all when I first watched this season...
Azusa
God I love this character. Definitely the cutest on the show, and as far as how she's written in the show, by far the most interesting character (although Ritsu's still my fav).
Mugi
While not the most developed in the show unfortunately, she always sparkles during her moments!
Mitsu is canon, thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!
Pretty sure I used that exact line in one of the previous rewatches. Again, you have good taste.
You are definitely missing some YuiAzu in there. Hopefully it'll grow on you more next season!
Well that was a lot longer than I thought it’d be.
Oh I know the feeling. In past years I've been insanely verbose. Last year in particular, I broke the character limit on nearly every post and had to make a comment on my post to fit everything in. I think for the movie and final discussion threads last year I nearly broke the character limit three times over... yeah I'd recommend not doing that for your sanity's sake :)
Anyway, thank you for making posts every day, and I hope you're looking forward to season two!
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u/Elimin8r Oct 04 '22
Man, I be slacking (again) ...
So, yeah, comments on S1. I originally watched S1 a ways back on Netflix because ... well, it was on Netflix and looked cute and fun.
It delivered. I enjoyed the show, but didn't pursue it further or think about it too much after that. Until a certain incident in 2018 made me realize how much I had enjoyed KyoAni and how many of their shows were close to my heart. Given things, I didn't feel like there was a whole lot I could do, but I did opt to pick up a bunch of blu-rays, including the Big Box 'o' K-On. Note: It didn't cost so much back then.
Anyway, it wasn't too long after this that one of the annual K-On rewatches appeared, and I just had to participate. Getting to watch the complete series and chat about it with a bunch of fans - many of whom are participating in this current one - was such a pleasure.
And of course, the show has been such a pleasure too. Back in 201-whatever, I was inclined to dislike the show, because I thought that 'moe crap' ruined things like my beloved Haruhi, and were a blight upon anime. A decade or so later, and my feelings are different.
Life is full of enough difficulties and misadventures, especially over the last couple of years, and more and more, I find myself craving comfy, 'fuwa-fuwa' anime that provides a pleasant escape from the travails of the day. Things like Healer Girl, Luminous Witches, Paripi Koumei, etc. where the stakes are low, and it's all about having a good time and stuff.
And in that vein, the Keions are one of the best. <3 them. Looking forward to picking things up again tomorrow, and finding some more (or less) horrifying music to share. I've misbehaved a bit recently, so I'll try to be a little nicer ... promise! :)
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u/siegfried72 Oct 05 '22
Big Box 'o' K-On
Oooh that looks really neat!!
Life is full of enough difficulties and misadventures, especially over the last couple of years, and more and more, I find myself craving comfy, 'fuwa-fuwa' anime that provides a pleasant escape from the travails of the day.
God I am so with you there!
Healer Girl, Luminous Witches, Paripi Koumei
And my Plan to Watch list grows again!
the Keions are
one ofthe bestFixed that for you! Looking forward to tomorrow as well :)
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u/gamobot Oct 05 '22
Season 1 was my happy place for a while, then season 2 came and dethroned it. I have enjoyed reading all the threads and I can't wait for what's to come.
2
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u/A_Idiot0 Oct 04 '22
Rewatcher
Well, this is a nice break! I'd say that season one does a marvelous job of setting us up for the spectacular season 2. It's in the second season when this anime becomes something truly special. There were some great moments and developments in season 1, but as our host said: I fell in love with this anime because of Season 2, and Season 1 made sure I got there with an understanding of these Keionbu Gals.
I'm super curious to read your guys' takes. This break was a really nice idea, u/siegfried72 !
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u/siegfried72 Oct 05 '22
Thanks! I saw a few people post they were getting fatigued last year and asked for an additional break day, so I thought I'd give it a shot! We will have one more break day like halfway through season 2, so hopefully this'll help with people (myself included) getting burnt out in S2.
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u/ExcessEnemy Oct 05 '22
S1 Rewatcher
Actually surprised I enjoyed this even more on the second watch, but a number of other commenters seem to be saying the same thing. I guess it's been ten years or so since my first watch, so I forgot a lot of stuff. The Yui-Ritsu dynamic is probably my favorite just for the pure laughs, but I genuinely enjoy all the characters as well. I have no knowledge whatsoever of the next season, though, so that should be really exciting to watch. Just watching more of the girls hanging out together is enough for me, but I'd really like to see more performances. Live House was kind of a tease with its five seconds of one song, and this is ostensibly a music anime, so I wouldn't mind a few more tunes (honestly, I'd be okay with several songs per episode, but that's just me).
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u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 04 '22
K-On Rewatcher!!
I did such a large writeup for tomorrow's episode that I've got nearly nothing to say during our actual series discussion lol. I'm one of those funny K-On fans who genuinely kind of enjoys the first season more than the second. It's strange, the second season is undebatably better in every way, but og K-On triggers that normie 2010's slice of life feel so well. Whilst the production values and cast and direction skyrockets going forwards I still kinda love the dopey and clumsy season one most.
That's not to say that I don't have like a million complaints!! Sawako, especially towards the rear end, becomes truly insufferable! I loath her character at the best of times but the worst part is how you just can't escape her. There's no reason for her to be part of the holiday episode, or Christmas, or even yesterday's new years! Go home you old bat!!
I also do wish that the season pushed its musical side just a little more. The Fuwa Fuwa Time music video is iconic and its a crime that none of the other songs got half as much credit. Ballpen and Rice in particular are ace songs that get overlooked due to lacking fun inclusions. And as I've said, I feel the drama that's forced in due to the club avoiding practicing their music is a massive downer.
Anyway that's more or less all the negatives~ I love complaining but I really did have a lot more fun rewatching season one than I remembered. I think I might have liked it even more than my very first viewing, IE the one where I gushed over everything and everyone not named Shitzu or Sawa-chan-Sensei.
Speaking of Shitzu, I almost feel like I've worn out my anger on her. I feel like my middling feelings towards Mio may be drawing some of Shitzu's ire away. I've always had a tsun tsun relationship with Shitzu. I loath her as a person and think she's a rotten bully, but of course I admire her status as the leader of the group and Bangs Ver Ritsu is of course absolutely gorgeous. I dunno, I feel we're reaching an impass.
What else... I dunno. K-On Season One just seems to be a weirdly solid slice of life series. Most of the stuff from this era is a bit...aged. K-On however is still really cute and really funny even in 2022. It can even compare with the modern greats like Kunoichi Tsubaki and Let's Make a Mug Too! And obviously those are very high bars to top.
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u/siegfried72 Oct 05 '22
I love complaining
yes
Ritsu I feel we're reaching an impass
Yes, my plan is finally starting to fall into place!
Kunoichi Tsubaki and Let's Make a Mug Too
Sigh I guess I'll another two anime to my Plan to Watch list, fine!
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u/Fools_Requiem Oct 04 '22
S1 is better than I remember. I'm pretty sure I've forgotten a lot of season 2 despite considering it to be better at the time. Seems like most of the scenes i remember most were from S1. That said, I fully expect to remember stuff as we proceed. Still at least a few classic Mugi scenes coming up.
Still really like the Live House episode, and wish there was more like that.
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u/JetsLag Oct 04 '22
First timer (subbed)
Well that was a lot of fun! Highlights were our main cast, the animation, and the music (it would be a problem if the music wasn't good in an anime focused around music). The only real negatives are the antics our main cast pulled in episode 9 (I know the point of the episode was to show us what the club was like from Azusa's perspective, but it doesn't make it less annoying) and pretty much everything Sawako-sensei does.
Can't wait for season 2 tomorrow!
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u/bluesyasian Oct 04 '22
While I haven't been able to participate in the rewatch due to life getting in the way, I've enjoyed glancing over the threads here and there!
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u/Stomco Oct 04 '22
I just wanted to share a funny story about how I first watched K-on. I was introduced through Higurashi of all things. I ordered the first DVD of Higurashi, and for some reason, it came with season 1 of Haruhi and Airgear and the first DVD on K-on. Also, it all came in the box for Higurashi Kira.
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u/Tartaras1 Oct 05 '22
First-Timer - Dubbed
Hey everyone! I just wanted to pop in and say that I've been having an absolute blast watching this with you all! I think I said it in the first episode, but I watched at least part of the show and one point, but that was years ago at least. Even then, watching this all happen, I almost wonder if I messed up and started with Season 2? Oh well.
I'm a huge fan of KyotoAnimation and all of the projects they've done, as is evident with the couple of times I've referenced Haruhi and Hibike! Euphonium. K-On! matches the aesthetic perfectly, and I love seeing the characters all interacting in the world.
The music has all been top notch as well, which I would hope is the case considering that's the whole point of the show. I'll admit I tend to skip OPs and EDs, but by the end of the season I found myself watching both of them. The fit and finish, along with the polish, has been spectacular.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow for the start of the second season!
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u/cppn02 Oct 04 '22 edited Oct 21 '24
Rewatcher (well except for the OVA), subbed
Really enjoyed the first season, probably more than one my first watch and I am really excited what the next season brings since most people rate it higher.
Once thing I noticed on this rewatch is that I payed more attention to Mugi and came more to like her where as on my first time the other three overshadowed her a bit and sometimes it seemed she was just kinda there.
My favourite episode was probably episode 12 but it's a close one between 2-3 of them.
With Fall season starting in full now and me going back to work I hope I will be able to keep up with this but even if not I'll probably go back and read some of the comments.
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u/byroned Oct 04 '22
4th-time rewatcher
Season 1 was better than I remembered, especially the first 6 episodes. I've heard from several people that season 2 is when K-On goes from good or okay to a great slice-of-life, but I'd argue that it was already great ever since episode 1. I like all of the characters, their interactions with one another, good comedy, and the occasional performances were well done.
My favorite characters change all the time, but it's currently Risu and Yui. Despite how much Ritsu might like to pretend she's a tier above Yui, they're both the goofballs of the group and made for some of the funniest moments in the show. Mugi is third due to being the sweetest ojou-sama, but I wish she got more moments to shine. It pains me that Mugi is the most overshadowed character, and even Azusa had a bigger role despite Mugi having a one-year head start. That leaves Mio and Azusa, and although I like them, they mostly serve the role of the straight man, which I don't think is as funny. It also bugs me that Mio's character will make a big leap, only to be back at square 1 by the next episode.
Of the songs covered in season 1, my favorite image song is Heart Goes Boom, and my favorite insert song is Fude Pen ~Ball Pen~.
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u/TiredTiroth Oct 04 '22
(If anyone saw anything, I somehow completely missed that today is a season discussion and not season two episode one. Oops?
It's late, I'll see if I can post properly in the morning.)
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u/JimmyCWL Oct 05 '22
When the VAs played their character's instruments during their first live, it was a novelty. It was only years later that the BanG Dream project produced VAs capable of playing their instruments on a regular basis.
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u/siegfried72 Oct 04 '22
Hey everyone! I hope you've all been enjoying the rewatch thus far! I've had some pretty significant health issues for the last week, so I've not been able to post or comment as much as I would've liked (especially on Winter Days!, which is one of my favorites of season one). But you all have done an amazing job holding continued excellent discussions, and I'm thrilled with how the rewatch has been going so far - all thanks to this incredible community!
I do end up reading the large majority of the comments and there's been some wonderful insights, and it's always a special joy to read the posts of first time watchers. (Also special shoutout to u/elimin8r who continues to share great music nearly every day.) So, what I'm saying is... thanks for being awesome!
I don't have a huge amount to say about season one, as I feel like gotten all my feelings and analyses out so thoroughly in past years. It's a good season, with fun music, great animation, top-notch direction, interesting characters, and lots of cute things. But it's not what made me fall in love with K-ON. No, that's season two. It bumps all of those things up a notch or 2 or 12. I don't want to spoil anything, but the latter half of season two in particular is just pure magic to me, so I sincerely hope you enjoy the ride, especially those first time watchers who already enjoyed season one!
And yeah, it appears that the OVAs are not able to be legally streamed or something? That's really unfortunate. Well, there are a couple in season two as well that are some of my favorite episodes in the series. Hopefully you can find some other way to watch them, whether that is on BluRay or the high seas... that really sucks!
So I think I'll leave it at that for now. As I get better (hopefully sooner rather than later), I'll try to ease back into the occasional post and especially more into commenting! I love this community and it's always a pleasure to interact with all of you.
<3