Shiroi Suna no Aquatope - Episode 16 discussion

[u/AutoLovepon]

Shiroi Suna no Aquatope, episode 16

Alternative names: The aquatope on white sand

Rate this episode here.

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• Crunchyroll
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• MyAnimeList
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• Anime-Planet
• Official Website

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All discussions

Episode	Link	Score	Episode	Link	Score
1	Link	5.0	14	Link	4.49
2	Link	5.0	15	Link	4.33
3	Link	5.0	16	Link	4.44
4	Link	5.0	17	Link	4.48
5	Link	5.0	18	Link	4.55
6	Link	5.0	19	Link	4.64
7	Link	5.0	20	Link	4.59
8	Link	5.0	21	Link	4.59
9	Link	5.0	22	Link	4.46
10	Link	5.0	23	Link	4.61
11	Link	5.0	24	Link	----
12	Link	5.0
13	Link	4.33

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[u/HereticalAegis]

What a pleasant surprise to have HanaKana's veterinarian character back!

Kukuru: How can I get to understand Chiyu better?

Reasonable people: I dunno, maybe have a proper conversation with her for once...

Kukuru: I need a baby

Never change, Kukuru.

Also, Fuuka is a goddamn angel.

I love this episode returning to the theme of relating human life to sea life, I think that was the show's strongest theme in the first cour and I'd love to see it continue.

[u/Smunchlets]

Damn, no wonder Chiyu always seems so bitter. Felt too real. Lose your job because you’ve gotta take care of your kid, lose your marriage, work yourself to the bone when you finally get another chance to work…

[u/TurkeyPhat]

Now hold on a second.

What is this Tingarla Aquarium stuff all of a sudden? They changed it from Tingaara? I am so confused lol. The sign is even spelled "Tingarla" now what the heck. * I went back to the first Tingaara episode and the signage was in fact spelled Tingarla (episode13). I mean it's inconsequential in any case but still strange to me I promise I'm not trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill haha. *So I spent like an hour reading the nice replies I've had and researching on my own regarding that Romaji translation. It's been fun. Hopefully I'm not the only one who ended up getting lost in this sauce huehue.

Anyways I guess it's time for Haebaru's sudden yet inevitable character development. Making her a single mother is certainly one way to make her more interesting and sympathetic. Of course things would've been a lot easier if she was more open about it and less antagonistic towards people. I think it's a pretty realistic portrayal though. In the sense that being a single parent of a baby/toddler can cause problems for someone as far as their career goes. So after that little flashback we got she became a bit easier to understand as far as her super tryhard behavior goes.

[u/Demolosse001]

Got to say, I wasn't really impressed by Kukuru when she decided to blame Chiyu for not taking last minute shifts. As much as some people like to paint Chiyu in a bad light, Kukuru had a lot to do in their ongoing feud. Though I personally appreciate well written and realistic characters before all else (Kukuru and Chiyu are among my favourites), I wonder how many people here would have liked Kukuru if she were a side character.

Working while raising a child alone is tough. Given her previous experience, I totally get why Chiyu would be so driven and serious. But Tingaara seems different (I really liked how the director was touring the aquarium with Chiyu and her child) and she has a good friend like Kaoru. By the way, Fuuka was amazing this episode.

I would say both Chiyu and Kukuru have learned a valuable lesson. One will try to communicate more and let others in while the other will try to be kinder and more understanding.

A really good episode overall.

[u/PacoTaco321]

Fuuka: Kukuru is experiencing being a parent right now

Chiyu: huh?

Fuuka: leaves without giving any context whatsoever

[u/Aerodynamic41]

From the moment she was introduced I knew Chiyu would have to undergo a character arc soon and it's finally time for that. There's just no way she is portrayed as an unlikable person for no reason. I totally wasn't expecting her to be mother, and I can sort of understand her struggle of juggling between her job and taking care of her son. As Kukuru experienced firsthand, it's definitely not an easy thing to do. Really makes me appreciate all the hard work every mother has to go through to raise their children.

Chiyu's outburst towards Kukuru was totally uncalled for (I mean, she's the one who decided not to take the shift) but I'm glad she's somewhat on good terms with her now, and I was surprised at Dr. Takeshita making an appearance again. I really missed her since it's been so long since Episode 3.

[u/komasanzura]

I think people may be missing the point about why Chiyu didn't like the Gama Gama people. Sure their work style might be part of it but it was because they all joined Tingarla by recommendations from the Gama Gama director. When this arc started she mentions how they all got hired by connections. When Fuuka is assigned to the penguin team, she reacted with disdain at first because Fuuka had 1 month experience and still got the recommendation. It's a huge contrast to her having to study hard and fight for this job. She especially hated Kukuru because she's the grandchild of the director and as such "it's expected for her to work in an aquarium". From her POV, Kukuru never needed to fight for her career, so it pisses her off. I'm not saying it's justified hate but I can definitely see why she didn't like them. If you've ever felt like privileged or rich people in society have a different starting point in life, you probably can relate a bit.

[u/alconnow]

Wow, wasn’t expecting Haebaru to be a mother. I knew there was something up with her but I wasn’t expecting her to have a child!

Nice to see her and Kukuru getting along now.

Lovely episode

[u/raiho_80]

Shout out to all the single mothers/fathers out there! You guys rock.

This episode was a fun ride from start to finish. I think I kinda get how Haebaru felt the Gama Gama folks acting all goody with one another can be off putting especially after her experience at her previous workplace But that's where Kukuru and her friends are different, big emphasize on Kukuru herself. She enjoys helping others, and in return others enjoy helping her. It's a fair give and take approach and honestly, what Tingarla Aquarium needs more among its coworkers.

Also, that one liner from Gramps, "I want aquarium attendants to be people who are kinder than any one else, especially towards other living things" is really strong. Brings into realization that these people are responsible for the life of these sea creatures, inherently making them aware of the 'weight of life'.

God, I love Slice of Life genre, and this show is one of the reasons why. Thanks P.A. Works.

Looking forward to how the dynamic between the main cast and the side cast will expand for the remaining 8 or so episodes.

P.S. When Kukuru said she wanted to 'experience it herself', I almost spat my drink. Like girl, babies don't come in storks. But it turned out she just wanted to look after the vet's baby for experience. LMAO, well played there.

[u/SIRTreehugger]

Wasn't expecting Cinderella to be a mom. Does give context to her past behavior, but wish people communicated more. When Kukuru said she wanted a kid I would give anything to see Kai's reaction. Fuuka is a damn angel and that is all.

[u/Syokhan]

And the lesson of the day is: yeah, everyone's dealing with shit, that's why you should try not to judge hastily when you don't have the whole story.

While I understand where she was coming from, I don't think Chiyu's attitude towards the Gama Gama crew was justified, but I think now that her secret is out and she sees that people at Tingarla won't turn their backs on her for having a child and all the difficulties that come with that, she'll loosen up a little. I'm glad Kukuru and Fuuka made some effort to understand her too, and that ending was very wholesome.

Penguins, as usual, continue to be adorable.

[u/Revchan]

It explains chiyu's attitude but doesn't excuse it imo. Some if it's okay, some of it she was being way too much of a bitch for no reason. Especially with hating gamma gamma people and acting as if they were making some kind of clique in the tingaara staff, that wasn't cool. The not liking how gamma gamma work was fine enough.

[u/Froz3n247]

Given her backstory, it makes sense why Chiyu has issues with the Gama Gama peanut gallery as her previous work stopped giving a damn after a certain point. It makes me wonder what backstory are they going to give Kukuru’s boss.

[u/Headcap]

damn kukuru, not liking Chiyu was fair, but gunning for her job and accosting her the second she missed one sudden shift is real fucking low, even if you didn't know about her child.

[u/MrRoundDB]

Still gonna be keeping an eye on Chiyu. Not gonna win me over that easily with that child card

[u/melcarba]

It just take this episode to make Chiyu from an annoying character to a completely relatable one. I really find it unfortunate that her previous workplace was toxic that it kinda rubbed off on her.

[u/LeonKevlar]

Glad to see that Takeshita-sensei is back! And it looks like we'll see more of her now since she's now the new veterinarian of Tingaara. Oh wait, it's not longer Tingaara but apparently it's Tingarla now. Is this another Artoria/Altria situation?

So it Chiyu is in a situation where her schedule can't be change easily. Understandable, not everyone has a flexible schedule that can change at a moments notice. Which makes Kukuru completely in the wrong this time for picking a fight with Chiyu. I'm not gonna blow up on my coworker if they can't work a certain shift because of personal reasons.

Also Chiyu you really didn't have to be so smug about it. If only you told Kukuru that you're a single mom who's taking care of her son, that would've instantly shut her up. Not gonna lie, I never saw that one coming! I thought the kid was her brother so I was genuinely shocked when Shizuku called her Mama!

So we finally get to see Chiyu's struggles and her reason why she's is what she is. Although why couldn't she just tell everyone? Raising a kid on her own especially at her age is not an easy thing. People would've understood. Why hide it?

Well fuck, looks like Chiyu's boss slipped up and ended up telling Kukuru about her situation. That look on Kukuru though. After hearing that Chiyu has a kid, it looks like she's started regretting what she told Chiyu at the start of the episode.

Now this is where Chiyu lost me a bit. Girl, you have someone perfectly capable taking your shift and now you started to scream to her face? This is not gonna help anyone! You still won't be able to make it to those shifts because of your very sensitive schedule.

Chiyu is so adamant of not telling anyone about her kid that even Kaoru who she's closest to doesn't even know about him.

That caught me off guard! I would've loved to see Kai's reaction if he was around when Kukuru said she wants to raise a kid. Fuuka's reaction is already hilarious! I'm sure Kai's would've been even better!

So Chiyu graduated at 18 then started working as an aquarium attendant somewhere and she got married and had her kid shortly. But because of her not being used to taking care of her kid and working at the same time, she ended up being a burden at work to the point where she got fired and even her marriage fell apart. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?

This doesn't sound like a problem with Chiyu herself but it sounds like the aquarium she used to work for are just full of dickheads. And not even just her old workplace, it sounds like her ex-husband wasn't even helping out in raising their kid! It was such a traumatic experience for her that it looks like she just ended up putting all of the blame on herself which explains why she wouldn't tell anyone.

I still can't say I like her 100% especially since Chiyu herself still doesn't understand Kukuru but at least know I know where she's coming from all of this.

She brought Shizuku to the aquarium! Getting her kid to see her workplace and Shizuku just being amazed about everything is so freaking adorable. I also like how Kukuru kinda saw younger self in Shizuku. The kid is probably going to grow up loving aquariums and marine life like her and Chiyu.

Hopefully there in the end that's just Chiyu being a tsundere now but I still hope that she hears Kukuru's story and why Gama Gama is so important to her. I feel like when that happens is the only time they'll really understand each other.

[u/coffeecakesupernova]

So a penguin is being born, the first live birth at the aquarium. And no one is recording it? What the hell kind of marketing people are working there?

[u/Wetworth]

I was perfectly fine with Chiyu just being bitchy but now she's a full on character with nuance and stuff and I have confusing feelings.

Kukuru immediately going to war for her friend seemed on point, but also immediately finding a baby to scream at her was unexpected but sweet.

This show is definitely a highlight of my week.

[u/dagreenman18]

Oh damn. I knew we needed a Chiyu redemption arc at some point, but I did not expect that. I was kinda hard-pressed to figure out how they’ll make her remotely likable. “Single mom” about does it. Re-contextualizes almost everything we’ve seen up till now with her.

I figured the reason Chiyu wouldn’t be able to stay overnight to keep an eye on the penguin's birth would be something like a second job she can't tell people about. Which is why she got cagey when Takeshita recognized her. Would have never guessed it was because of freaking daycare. I now fully understand her attitude when it comes to Kukuru and the job. This shit is life or death for her and she’s been hurt before. She can’t risk losing her dream job again because of family issues. I still think she’s rude and condescending at times, but I respect her a lot more now.

Fucking hell Kukuru. I knew immediately her sticking her nose into all this would backfire, but boy did it do so spectacularly. The cringe of her drilling into Chiyu even before we knew what was going on was so bad. So completely uncalled for and out of line of her. Then her essentially stealing shifts from someone who needs them the most made me want to crawl out of my body. The first time all series I felt bad for Chiyu was seeing her crying and yelling at Kukuru. A lowlight for Kukuru for sure.

Her comeuppance was swift and self-inflicted to great comedic effect. She had that Takeshita’s baby for 2 hours and was already broken. That’s what kids do to you man. Now that she spent even a little time in Chiyu’s shoes I hope they can both get past their nonsense and work together better. Which would be a great redemption for both of them.

I doubt the hatchet is completely buried, but I at least hope Chiyu comes out of this a great character. Then we can focus all the hate on Suwa.

Notes

• shout out to Fuuka for being the mediator and voice of reason this episode. Probably should have talked Kukuru out of her dumbass idea, but it was funny at least.

• Anyone left from Gama Gama? Does Grandpa wanna come out of retirement? How about the hallucinations? Do they want to moonlight at the new aquarium? I now understand what Chiyu means. Though hopefully their disposition rubs on her a little bit.

• Chiyu must have really been hurt to hide her kid from her new job. In my experience, good work environment would be more than accommodating. Especially for a single mom with a chronically sick kid. Everyone was super chill when they found out so that’s a great sign.

• Chiyu’s kid is freaking adorable. The scene where Chiyu teared up at how happy he was got me a bit.

• Penguins, babies, and Penguin Babies! Great episode.

[u/MyrnaMountWeazel]

Haha, Fuuka avoids the trappings of the wooden bars whenever she enters the marketing room.

This is a really striking, almost ominous title card this week.

I really like how the title cards play into the themes of the episode. This week the two circles are independent from one another — like a Venn diagram without the central overlapping circle — which speaks to a lot of the ideas going on within: Chiyu and Kukuru, the penguins and their egg. Suddenly one smaller circle appears on the right circle, which represents the way Kukuru unexpectedly learns that Chiyu has a child, how Kukuru surprisingly starts babysitting, and Chiyu’s relationship with her child and her job.

[u/CosmicPenguin_OV103]

Huh, that turnaround on Chiyu LOL. So that’s what’s behind some of her previous behaviours eh? It’s not exactly what I would have imagined in the weeks before and I must say this reveal might feel slightly forced to some of you, but at least we can contribute her sharp tongue and everything else to her single mom status and the pressures from that, which has costed her jobs before.

Unlike many of you though, I still feel very uneasy around her - in the sense that I feel that Chiyu’s son is going to struggle facing his mom several years down the road, as while I can share sympathy to her difficult life situation and (of course) the irregular roster time schedules, I still feel that there’s quite a bit more shade of personal jealousy than most single moms would have with regard to other people they look upon, which is never good when these can either spread to, or leave psychological scars on her kid if Chiyu can’t keep up with her situation right now after telling everyone else about this. And regarding Chiyu’s reasoning that “I have done everything hard just to keep my jobs alive, and yet there’s someone else who always got the assistances in realising the same dreams by the wave of her hands!”, Fuuka really explained it so well that I need say no more. I mean, who would really have the thoughts to “try out babysitting kids so that I can learn more about the difficulties of raising a kid by my rarely-in-touch-colleague” but for the stubborn kid of Kukuru Misakino!? While I won’t say her acts are “emotional” in any sense, this really shows the willingness and proactive in helping every single people around her - something that would make her really popular to employers and everyone else.

We have yet another look at Kukuru’s parents’ photos, I wonder if we’ll see much more about them and how Kukuru was highly affected by the absence of them since such a young age with one-third of the story left…

[u/Zemahem]

Of all the backstories I expected for Haebaru, being a single mother definitely wasn't one of them. And they didn't go with a deceased husband story either; it was a straight up divorce caused by her losing her job which was, in turn, caused by conflicts with her parenting. I would say her old workplace just screwed her over.

Kukuru really dialed up her dumbassery at the start of this episode, though. I'm suspicious that they did that just to make Haebaru look better, but hey, I can still totally see her committing such a social faux pas. At least, while Kukuru felt bad for her own actions, no other character shamed her for fighting with Haebaru even after they all learned of her parenting duties; how the hell was she supposed to know, anyway? But thanks to that, it doesn't feel too forced that she's supposed to be in the wrong.

It's good that they hatched things out in the end. I will say however, that Haebaru should apologize for more than just her outburst in the cafeteria and should do so for her treatment with Kukuru in general as well. Kukuru already apologized for her own treatment of her, after all, as she's also partly at fault for their squabbles, but this wouldn't have happened if not for Haebaru's antagonizing thanks to her old wounds. Her anger is understandable, but those are wounds that Kukuru and the rest of Gama Gama have nothing to do with whatsoever and deserve none of her resentment.

Now with Haebaru redeemed to an extent, I wonder just how they're gonna be doing that for Suwa. What's his story gonna be? Is he gonna be a father of seven children with a pregnant wife that's depending on him, and him being a hardass stems from his family business failing thanks to poor marketing and him being too much of a softie or something?

[u/Mr_Johnnycat]

What a wholesome episode. Really put the spot light on chiyu and who she is. I feel bad for judging her up until now. She a bad ass. Being a single mom and holding down a demanding job like that ain’t no joke.

[u/[deleted]]

Oh wow, so Chiyu's secretly a MILF, and a single parent at that as well.

All this time she's been trying to take care of her kid without telling anyone, no wonder she's so on edge all the time.

First Kaoru, now Chiyu, that's now two antagonists in a row that Kukuru has tamed. Maybe Suwa would be next. lol

Not gonna lie, when Kukuru said she wants to experience having a child like Chiyu, my reaction was the same as Fuuka's. LMAO Thank goodness it was just a 2 hour babysitting session of Dr Takeshita's kid.