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ファイト／ステイナイト 
September 8, 2006 | 
44 Comments
The end is coming. By the end of this episode, I'm pretty sure that if the writers want to , they can cram the remaining stories into the last episode. I do hope that nothing gets cut though, especially Takemoto's scene towards the end of the series. I think that scene and Takemoto's monologue encapsulates everything about the series in a perfect manner. Speaking of Takemoto, the VA who gets to replace Kamiya Hiroshi is Nojima Kenji. Here's hoping he'll do a good job voicing Takemoto's monologue. In other note, the insert song of the week is 「二人の影」- Futari no Kage (8.7MB, 320kbps) by Suga Shikao. It comes from his album, Sweet. I really like the infusion of Jazz contained within the song. Speaking of Suga Shikao, I just received my copy of Parade, the album that was released to commemorate Suga Shikao's 10th anniversary in the music industry. I'll scan the cover and a few other goodies once I have the chance to do so.
The episode begins with the flashback where Hagu said she wants to open all of the boxes. However, a person's lifetime is too short to be able to open all of them. There is a limit to the number of boxes that one can open but....Hagu's mind remembers how Shuuji once offered his hand to her, asking her to go to Tokyo with him. In the present time, Hagu wakes up inside Morita's apartment and becomes horrified when she realises that her hand is swollen and unable to move. Because of this, she asks Morita to take her back to the hospital because if her hand cease to function then she'll become useless. If she can't draw anymore then she'd die as well. Morita agrees to her request and takes Hagu back to hospital. Once they get there, Hagu runs back to Shuuji, who's been waiting in the lobby. He promptly takes her back to her room without saying anything to Morita. A few hours later, Hagu is seen sleeping in her room while Shuuji is watching over her.
Outside the room, Morita waits patiently for an update on Hagu's condition. He immediately approaches Shuuji when the teacher comes out of Hagu's room. However, instead of getting an update, he ends up getting a punch from Shuuji. In order to avoid further conflict with the teacher, Morita decides to climb through the window to enter Hagu's room. Hagu informs Morita that her hand is okay now so she apologises for giving him the scare back then. She also wonders why Morita has a black mark on his cheek all of a sudden. Morita tells her that he got hit by Shuuji but he thinks it's okay because he returns the favour 3 times. Hagu is shocked to hear this but Morita assures her it's going to be okay since this place is a hospital after all. Hagu then apologises to Morita again, making him wonder why she apologises. After looking into her eyes, however, he understands that Hagu has made her choice. Hagu asks Morita to watch her because she'd get well.
She points out that she wants to draw and knows that she has no other life apart from this. She is happy to have heard the words that Morita told her last night. Because of this, she asks him not to forget her. She too, will always be watching him. Once Morita finds his brother, she advises him to tell his brother the same thing that he told her, only in a louder voice. As Morita remembers Hagu's words, Takemoto arrives at the hospital. He warns Morita that Shuuji will kill him if the teacher finds Morita here. Morita tells Takemoto that Shuuji already hit him but it's okay since he returned the favour 4 times. On a reflection, however, Morita feels that he should have hit Shuuji even more. Upon hearing this, Takemoto asks Morita to ride on his bike. He takes Morita back to the university and shows him Shuuji's empty room. When Morita wonders if Shuuji has told Hagu, Takemoto tells him that Shuuji asked him not to tell Hagu because he wanted her to decide on her own.
It finally dawns on Morita that Shuuji is serious about this. He remembers the time when he told Shuuji that taking care of Hagu is Shuuji's responsibility. He now understands that Shuuji has sacrificed his own life to help Hagu. This makes Morita wonders if he really is losing this fight. Unfortunately, Takemoto doesn't have the answer for this and besides, he is more concerned about the lost of Shuuji's office. He remembers how he used to see everyone at this place: Mayama, Yamada, Hagu, and Shuuji. However, the room is now empty. The only things left are unused computer and stacks of magazines. Takemoto realises that they can no longer go back to the way they were. That night, Shuuji returns to Hagu's room, asking her about her hand. Shuuji wants to tell Hagu something but before he can say anything else, Hagu asks him if she can hold his hand. She then tells Shuuji that she has a request: she wants Shuuji to give his life to her.
Hagu apologises for even asking for it because she knows she may not be able to repay Shuuji. However, she wants to be able to draw right to the end. Because of this, she asks Shuuji to accompany her. Shuuji rests his head on the bed upon hearing this. Hagu wonders if she asks too much from him and apologises for it. Shuuji, however, laughs and tells her that it's okay even if she can't return anything to him. The episode then shows a flashback to the time when chibi Hagu visited Shuuji's house. When Shuuji's parents told her that Shuuji has returned from Tokyo, Hagu immediately ran to his room. She smiled when she saw Shuuji sleeping on the floor and went to a nearby cupboard to get a blanket for him. As Hagu watched Shuuji sleeping, her older self explains that she liked Shuuji's room. She liked the smell of his sketchbooks and the paints inside his cupboard. Hagu also liked the sound of rain, which feels like a person's tender hand to her.
That day, Shuuji parents came over to his room to tell Shuuji and Hagu that they've sliced some watermelon. However, when they got there, they realised that Hagu was already asleep next to Shuuji, sharing his blanket. Hagu then remembers how Shuuji came to look for her when she cried on her own during a festival night. Hagu feels that Shuuji is like a rain. She would feel relieved just by looking at him. Shuuji always looked for her everytime she went missing, extending his arm gently to her. Hagu then remembers how Shuuji once told her that her hand will surely heal but she must not give up or become complacent so easily. He also told her not to think that she's on her own because he will be there with her. Because of this, Hagu believes that Shuuji is her 'rain'. When they are together, she feels she can breathe deeply just like the grass and the trees. In the present time, Hagu wakes up and looks at Shuuji, her important person.
The next day, Takemoto and Morita wakes up after some late night drinking, complaining about the cold and the fact that their body are in pain. The two are also not sure if it's early morning or early evening since the colour of the sky and the clock, which points at 5, could mean either way. Since two are hungry, however, they decide to buy some foods. While sitting near the river, Takemoto concludes that the bright light and the fact that the only open shop is a combini indicates it's early in the morning. Takemoto's words, however, got interrupted when he lets out a sneeze. Morita freaks out to know that Takemoto has a flu so he asks Takemoto not to sneeze on him. Takemoto apologises but points out that he did sleep without a futon so he feels lousy now. Moreover, he thinks Morita could be a lot more concerned..... Morita, however, is more concerned with the fact that Takemoto eats his pepper garlic sausages. He wants Takemoto to give it back.
Takemoto grumbles to himself, saying that he's glad Hagu didn't choose Morita. Morita is ticked off upon hearing this but Takemoto continues by saying that he's glad Hagu chose Shuuji. He thinks neither of them can make her happy. Only Shuuji can do this. Morita is pissed off to hear this and in his anger, he steals Takemoto's Onigiri and stuffed it into his mouth. The two eventually have had enough of each other so they stand up and grab each other's shirt. Morita then launches a spinning kick attack on Takemoto while telling Takemoto that Takemoto was turned down by Hagu way long before he himself got rejected. Morita then runs towards Takemoto and swings his arm into the other guy, trying to punch him. Takemoto, however, manages to block Morita's attack with his right hand. He tells Morita that he's glad Morita got rejected too because he'd be unhappy if Morita gets her. Takemoto then throws Morita away using only one hand.
Morita, however, manages to prevent himself from falling into the ground by using both of his hand. In his anger, Morita makes fun of Takemoto by calling him a half person who's looking for himself. Takemoto admits that he does not have any money or talent. This is why he's happy that Hagu chose Shuuji because he'd rather lose to someone with compassion and honour than losing to someone with money and talents. This stops Morita on his track, thinking about 'talent' and wonders what it actually means. This allows Takemoto to run towards him and places a mean punch on Morita's face. As Morita lies on the grass field, he thinks to himself how 'talent' can make people willingly love or hate or become vengeful towards another person. Morita thinks that he feels empty right now and wants to everything to ends. This is why he wanted to drag Hagu down with him because she's in a worst condition than him. Morita then admits to himself that he's the worst.
Morita opens his eyes and tells Takemoto that he understands only Shuuji can make Hagu happy. He then stands up and runs towards Takemoto, ready to punch the other guy. Before the two can resume their fight, however, they feel something tugging at their legs. Upon looking down, they notice that two little dogs are biting their legs. Takemoto and Morita suddenly realise that a group of old men have been watching their fight. They nod their head in awe for "Youth" and give Morita and Takemoto the thumbs up. Takemoto and Morita become embarassed so they pretend that this is just sparring match. The two then leave the area with their arms around each other while their legs are kicking each other alternately. Inside the university, Shuuji is cleaning up his office when he hears a noise coming from the door. When he opens the door, he finds a small box containing a large sum of money and a note asking him to make sure that Hagu gets well.
Shuuji realises that the money comes from Morita so he opens the window and calls Morita. Shuuji then lifts the box and throws it back to Morita's face. He thanks Morita, saying that the money will help him. Having said that, the bundle of money in his hand is enough. Shuuji promises to return the money one day....but he will never return Hagu. He then laughs like a maniac. In retaliation, Morita yells at Shuuji, asking him to remember that this is not the end. Shuuji promises that he'll remember this. He'll ensure that Hagu gets healthy and able to draw again so he asks Morita not to worry. Morita asks Shuuji if he loves 'that person', referring to Hagu. Shuuji boldly confirms this, shocking Yamada who's standing behind him. Other professors and students also overheard his words so they congratulate Shuuji. Morita then walks away as Hagu's words echoing in his ear, asking him not to forget her because she too, will always be watching him. Forever and ever.
Impression:
I don't think I completely understand the joke towards the end. Is Yamada blushing because she thinks that Shuuji is in love with her or is it because she finds out about Shuuji and Hagu? I really hope it's the former instead of the later because it feels weird to think that there is some kind of romantic love between Shuuji and Hagu. To begin with, Shuuji never displayed that kind of interest in Hagu. I agree that he's been over-protective of her but I never associate that behaviour to Shuuji feeling something romantic for Hagu. Similarly, until this episode, Hagu doesn't seem to have romantic feeling for Shuuji. If I remember correctly, back in the first season (episode 11), she felt nervous when she went out with Morita and ended up crying to Shuuji. To me that suggested that she sees Shuuji as her family member and therefore she doesn't feel nervous being with him than being with Morita. Having said that, I'm interested to know what other viewers think about this.
The only thing that is clear to me is the fact that neither Morita nor Takemoto will get Hagu by the end of the story. It's kind of unfortunate that it ends this way but the two are simply not ready for the kind of committment that is required to care for Hagu. This episode also did a good job in highlighting the rivalry between the two friends. The fight between Takemoto and Morita was fun to watch and it's nice to see Takemoto able to defend himself against Morita. Having said that, the fight is also a reminder that their friendship is not as close as it used to be. I think this is the only time where I wish the story is not so close to reality. I know that in reality even the closest friend fight with each other and have temporary period where they stay away from each other. Takemoto and Morita's friendship seems to be heading towards this direction. It doesn't help that the last shot of the two being together was of both guys trying to kick each other out.
The friendship between Takemoto and Morita was not the only thing that fell apart in here. Takemoto's monologue inside Shuuji's empty office pretty much sums up their situation: they can no longer go back to the time when they were together. Everyone's path finally seperates each character from the other. In fact, they haven't spend time with each other as much as they used to. I understand what Takemoto feels because I think I'll always lament the lost of some people whose presence I really enjoyed. However, once you are seperated from each other, you have no choice but to move forward. I can't help but wonder though how many times a person get to meet a group of people that he/she likes. I've had the luck to meet these kind of people three times now and I am wondering if there is a limit to the amount of encounter you get to have with these kind of people. It's hard enough to make a friend so when I lost the people that I like, the difference is really noticeable.
Preview
On the last episode: With Honey and Clover...
Woah.. Ep 12 is the last chapter of the manga already. Wow. Ayu misunderstood what Shuu said to Morita.. funny expression.
When there's something about Ayu and Nomiya? I read the manga and there was so good scenes, so I really hope they'll put them in the anime.
Yup... that's the Manga Ending alright. We'll see if the last ep gets the train thing done properly too... although it's funny to watch Morita and Takemoto start going at it like the heroes/friends/foes in a Hong Kong action flick.
T_T, the end is near, so sad !
Btw, if Nojima Kenji is voicing Takemoto then I have faith in him. He is really a veteran with lots of experiences. I like his performance in Spiral best, then in Innocent Venus. I think he can handle the character.
Just my hope, but I really really want Morita come back and steal Hagu away from Shuuji again >:) . Not necessarily now but in 1 year, 2-3 years, when both of them are mature enough and well-prepared to take on a relationship. I believe that they're for each other. Is there any possibility for that to happen? :-/
Just my hope, but I really really want Morita come back and steal Hagu away from Shuuji again >:) . Not necessarily now but in 1 year, 2-3 years, when both of them are mature enough and well-prepared to take on a relationship. I believe that they're for each other. Is there any possibility for that to happen? :-/
The following is a spoiler so...
*Spoiler starts*
The ending was quite open-ended and Umino Chika was planning to write a spin-off series. So there's always a chance that she can end up with either Morita or Takemoto or someone else in the future.
*Spoiler ends*
Why has the VA to be replaced?
The VA had to be replaced because the original VA of takemoto was involved in a car accident.
I hope the replacement does Takemoto and the honey and clover series justice.
Aww, this episode looks so cute! I am still rooting for Takemoto, he will always be my favorite! :) And I can't wait for the ending!
Okay, I hate to say this, because he's always been one of my favourite characters in the series, but... Shuuji bugs. He is driving me nuts.
The parade album is really good imo, very varied and emotional, imo.
At the risk of getting stoned: Shuuji for the win!XD
Seriously, i loved it how - contrary to his passive attitude in the past - he finally made up his mind and was ready to (quite literally) fight for Hagu! And unlike almost everybody else, i wouldn't consider a romantic relationship between Hagu and Shuuji 'weird'. They are not too closely related and i've seen couples with bigger age differences that still worked out...
As for Morita, i love him dearly, he's my favorite character, but he'd be unable to give Hagu the support she needs. He should pursue his own goals and dreams first. Takemoto has realized this already, i really love how his character has matured during the series.
Oh well, just one more episode to go...
Thanks for the preview, it will be a very long time till I can watch this episode T_T.
Anyway, I rooted for Shuuji to be with Hagu. Although I don't think there is a romantic relationship between them, I love the choice Hagu made. All the time, Shuuji is the one who devoted to her most and not wanting anything in return. I'm glad that he said to Morita that he won't return Hagu back coz it shows that he is willing to fight for her and that is so different from what he did in Rika 's case. He has changed and I felt happy for him that he did get something in return at last in Hagu's case.
For Morita and Takemoto, I also love them both. However, I guess Takemoto can never get Hagu 's romantic love. They are just forever best friends. Morita, on the other hand, may get his chance to win her love again someday as the ending is open-ended. Anyway, I 'm really looking forward to the last episode. I hope Nojima Kenji did well as Takemoto. From his past works I have listened, he is one of a good seiyuu out there.
H&C II is a little bit sad and it's more like a real story (compared with the first season). I often feel thouched and moved, especially from ep.3 till now.
In H&C I, I think it's mostly about their wonderful school life. And it's Takemoto's trip that impresses me most.
But in H&C II, there are many factors that make it a complicated and remarkable series. Maybe it's because they are now not students but persons who have to face the society and fight for their own love(maybe I should call it desire ). I also feel sad when I saw their friendship fades. But that's how everyone's life goes on. We have to face the fact that as time goes by, friendship is getting weak, just like a cup of tea, at first it's thick but after adding more water it turns into a cup of water.
Once somebody said, H&C is a bittersweet gift for thoes who are going to leave school.
To me, H&C is an artless dream which lies in everyone's brain. But finally we will wake up somehow.
well, there are two Anime Series that are more than Anime Series to me. One is Cowboy Bebop. The other one is just H&C.
BTW: sorry for my poor typing in English. it's not my mother tongue.
Well said, Leung.
I'm terrified of the series ending. What am I going to do now? T_T;; H&C (aside from Musashi) is the only anime I watch.
*spoiler starts*
Here's hoping the new spin-off will be about Takemoto snatching Hagu after his awesome trips!
*spoiler ends*
I hope Chika will be like Yazawa and make all these connections among her new mangas ^^
Well , first of all , Shuuji is no doubt a very important person to Hagu's life . But she can never see him as a romantic partner , I'm sure everyone knows that . Hagu's choice to stay by his side is a wise choice but just a temporary one . Once she's healed , she'll have to head toward the outside world , she cant stay by Shuuji's side for ever . Both she and Shuuji know that . Let's just hope that after 3 years devoted to Hagu , Shuuji 'll have some time for himself . It's just so sad looking at him now . I like Shuuji too and I don't want him to stay till when everyone has started to change for the better .
Anyway , Hagu x Morita for ever :) ! I wish Chika-sensei would write the spin-off story about them 3 years later . I'd definitely look forward to it .:D
Heh, I always wanted Hagu to choose Shuuji. I feel that Shuuji's extreme love for her will help her. Morita seems too rash and bold for her timid self (though yes, she has become much stronger in personailty). Takemoto...I love him so much. I'm upset he never fought for Hagu that much.
Shuuji, when he said that he loved Hagu...did he mean it in a romantic way? Probably...but he couldlove her without it being romantic..
I hope to find out what happens after Hagu has healed...everyone is saying she and Shuuji will part, and it's so upsetting..T_T Isn't there anyone who think they might stay together and be happy? Anyone at all? T_T *alone in the world* Help me...
Morita...find someone else..you can't be with Hagu because I say so!!! Takemoto...get some guts..I was vouching for you in your love triangle.
Which reminds me...Morita! What about Yamada?! Mustn't you comfort her??? (MoritaxYamada fan) Man, I wish their relationship had been a bit *closer*...XD
hi, I just kind of join into the world of honey and clover and I love it. I want to know where I can find the manga to read it. Can anyone help me, i´m kind of new in this matter. :)
I always thought of Shuuji as a father figure for Hagu.. and I thought they mentioned somewhere in season 1 that Shuuji is Hagu's uncle?? So I got really confused when I watched this episode because it looks like that Shuuji told Morita that he likes Hagu in a romantic way. Otherwise why would Yamada and the other professors react that way??
But other than that, I am glad that Hagu chose Shuuji because like Takemoto said, Shuuji is the only one who can support Hagu successfully.
On the other note, I wish they had included more of Yamada+Nomiya during this season.. Maybe in the next episode?
Shuuji is Hagu's father's cousin; so basically her uncle. They are probably related by blood then, so harder for them to get together. I'm glad some of you agree that Shuuji was the best choice. At least I'm not alone then. The way Hagu thought Shuuji was her rain was just sweet.
If Shuuji is Hagu's father's cousin, wouldn't that make them, like, second cousins? I'm not really good with the whole genealogy thing, but I know he'd be further removed than a regular uncle. Third cousins can marry in the U.S., but I don't think people are as uptight in other countries; it doesn't seem like there would be any impediment in the way of a relationship between the two of them. If that happens. Damn, I wish the sub would come out so I could watch and decide for myself!
Waaah! The end is near! ;_; Now what will I watch???
I definitely don't think there is a romantic link between Hagu and Shuuji. I merely think that Hagu chose Shuuji because she loves him in a daughter-father sort of way and vice versa. Hagu cannot bring herself to choose Morita as it would mean he would be sacrificing his life and his talent, and she wouldn't want him to be hindered by her. She truly loves him.
I love Takemoto's spirit as he fights for Hagu even though he knows he's losing. It's nice to let her know that he'll be there waiting no matter who she chooses.
This season has been fantastic. My expectations for this awesome show was been surpassed; I'm truly satisfied with this season!
Thanks for the excellent summary and screencaps, Garten. By the way, I don't know if you know this or not, but this entry (episode 11) wasn't added to the main Honey and Clover category. Just thought I'd let you know. (^_^)
Hmm...from the Oxford dctionary...Shuuji's child and Hagu would be second cousins.
I think Hagu chose Shuuji because well...as Takemoto said, he's a nice person. He extremely devoted to Hagu, loves her to death, and has known Hagu since young. No matter how much she loves Morita, Shuuji is probably still the person closest to her in her life. She chose familiarity over an "unknown" choice. My thoughts that is.
And am I the only one who comes back and coments? XD
I agree with LindaMonkey that Hagu let Morita go because she truly cares for him (it's the best for him), and that she likes to be with Shuuji (Shuuji as uncle).
If Hagu and Shuuji end up togther romantically, I will be disturbed =p
Ohh too bad the end is near!
Yay! I don't think it's a romantic love Shuuji feels for Hagu...I think it's like a protective instinct...like a father would say when he wants to block all his daughter's possible suitor. This episode is so damn cute and Morita really makes my day with his funny, stupid but kinda sensitive ways...
XD Rooting for Morita and Hagu! Morita is so much of a fighter/lover that I know he won't give up Hagu so easilly.
I've changed my mind.I want Mayama and Yamada to end up together. Oh no, Yamada and Morita. Anything, because Nomiya is MINE!!!!! *starry eyes* I'm in love...XD
I only saw Nomiya yesterday when I watched Honey and Clover 1 episode 14. I mean, in action, you know. And Yamada (even though she is very beautiful) doesn't deserve him...
I agree with some (or maybe most) of you..
Hagu made a great decision by choosing Shuu.. I think she's afraid of hurting Takemoto (or Morita) if she choose one of them instead of Shuuji.. and I don't think Shuu-Hagu relationship is a romantic one.. Shuuji is simply a father, uncle and a brother to Hagu..
Oh... No... This series is getting to an end... T_T
I hope there will be a great series like H&C to erase my loneliness... (and I think there wouldn't be a better series than Honey and Clover.... H&C Rules!!!)
I think I am not satisfied with this pairing ...
I can see only parent - daugter relationship between them.And I don't know why Morita stop himself at this point I think he has everthing to get Hagu'heart but he has to show it directly and keep trying to prove that he can take care of her and she does cause any trouble to him...For takemoto he is the best (in my opinion) sorry for him the opponent is too strong(one is the talent alien from another world and another is perfect adult) but his development show more and more mature.Even he know this but he still try. I like this charactor so much.
One thing I feel really bad if it would happen if Hagu would leave shuji after her hand is healed.
I will hate this charactor for the whole of my life.........
This was such an awesome episode it really culminates everything h&c is about. I think Shuiiji really loves Hagu and I don't think she would ever leave Shuiiji..He has always been there for her and for her Shuiji is comfort and reliable someone who always knows what she needs without her vocalizing it. Sure I was rooting for Morita...but I think this was Hagu's way of saying goodbye forever when she said she would never forget him and always be watching him from afar. Morita has his own talent, and Hagu didn't want get in his way with her illness...even Morita knew that she made the right choice in Shuiji since he too had some emotional damage(relationship with brother and family dynamics) and was looking at her as a way to escape his own feelings of guilt that his talent cause rifting his own family apart. I'm sure he'll fight for her but Hagu's choice for a life partner to help open those boxes is made. This was really touching. All the characters are really memorable. Unfortunately Takemoto never really had a chance since he had to find himself and where his future lay. Even though he matured, he was too late for Hagu.
Good episode but yea I don't think Shuuji loves Hagu in a romantic way but more like a daughter...cant wait for the last episode one of the best anime series of all times
Shuuji definitely loves Hagu in a romantic way. Why would he blush when he said he loves Hagu? Your parents won't blush when they say they love you, right? though I doubt Hagu is feeling romantically towards Shuuji.......
My interpretation is Hagu simply takes the easy way out, which is prefectly understandable under her condition but I feel bad for Morita. It is obvious that Morita is always in control except he is with Hagu (there are couple scenes in S1 where Morita is either acting silly or trying to cross "the river" in one scene, and then reverting back to thoughtful mode in the next scene. Compare that to his expression when he kisses Hagu it is pretty obvious that he is truly in love with her)
Takemoto never got a chance with Hagu from the beginning. Hagu obviously treat him as a friend. The most obvious proof is the scene in S1 when Takemoto got stomach ulcer and his step dad/ mom ask Hagu if she is Takemoto's girlfriend and she flatly say no with a poker face. If it is Morita then Hagu will at least hesitate or blush.
Ultimately I think Morita is the only one who truly understands Hagu as both of them are those with talent and is lonely because of that. (remember in S1 ep4 Hagu vomit/ got sick after others are either having high expectation on them or separating themselves from Hagu because "she is special"? )I think Morita is the only one understands that as told in this episode. Shuuji and Takemoto can be staying with her 24/7 but they will never understands her.
does anyone know where to get the piano music of the opening song?
was looking to see when the OST for H&C2 will come out but couldnt find a date for it
it's kind of silly to think shuji and hagu could hook up, he's always been the doting uncle. no matter who it is, admitting that you love someone, the way shuji does, would be more than a normal thing to say out loud; it's damn embarrasing to say you are willing to give your life to someone, even if it's your child! not many people could give that much to another person
hmm... yeah, doting uncle pretty much sums it up (hopefully). Perhaps it's just an embarrassing thing to admit that you love someone in public? Japanese people seem fairly reserved when it comes to love...
Even that episode where Nomiya had admitted that he loved Yamada... he was overheard by Yamazaki and had suffered major embarrassment.
Man, what's with all the Shuu-chan haters? I say he's the best person for Hagu, platonically or non-platonically. And after finally getting to see the subbed version, my money's on non-platonically; he wouldn't have gotten so embarrassed about confessing his feelings (i.e. shouting his love across the campus) if it was just a parent/guardian-type thing, regardless how reserved the Japanese might be. Am I the only person who's read "The Tale of Genji" here??? This is not a new idea, folks. All I'm saying is that they're both adults, they're practically un-related, so let 'em be happy if they can. If there's anything this show has emphasized, it's that happiness can be elusive; if you find it, don't let go.
In any event, hopefully this will all be resolved in the next episode (the LAST episode -- waaaah!).
GAHHH i HATED the ending of this episode! ok...
so like, i really like shuuji. i think it's great that he cares for hagu as much as he does, but i do NOT want them to be in a romantic relationship, or even have him feel romantically about her. it's partially the incest thing, but mostly because neither of them have ever approached the romantic aspect of their relationship, ever. shuuji's shown his love for her, but in a parental way, not romantic. like, if they built up romantic tension between the two throughout the series, that'd be fine, but don't just bring this out in the end!!!
i really wanted hagu to get with takemoto. or i guess neither, if it had to be that way. but not morita. i don't think they're right for each other.
i have no idea where the last episode will be going. like... there's still so many unresolved issues. i need freaking closure when i read a book or watch a movie. same applies to anime.
OK, so you've seen the final episode, but I'll be commenting on this episode anyway since I've just seen it xD;
Hagu made that choice (choosing Shuuji, I mean) willingly, knowing that she can never love Shuuji, but since Shuuji accepted it. (Shuuji was definitely in love with Hagu in a non-platonic way. Look at that blush!) I don't exactly approve, since I've always thought that Shuuji's love was paternal. And besides, I'm rooting for Morita xD; I don't think there's anything wrong with Shuuji loving Hagu though, except for the fact that I've stated. If he can provide for her and is willing to throw everything away for her... well, that's mad dedication for you.
NO! I refuse! Hagu-chan choose Shuu-chan is just bad!!!! You shouldn't marry your cousin! this is not Shebeville!!! This sucks!! Hey wait a minute, isn't Takemoto is the main character???? He is supposed to be with Hagu.... (crying...) i feel bad for Takemoto. Oh well, at least you study architecture, Takemoto....
Ah.... why does Morita always..anyway i wish takemoto could end up with hagu and Morita with Yamada i hate Morita! so much you cant still Hagu from Takemoto!!!
"Shuuji was definitely in love with Hagu in a non-platonic way. Look at that blush!"
I strongly disagree. Consider the fact that they all blush at being about to cry in the last episode, because it's Takemoto-kun's last night. Shuu is not an exceedingly emotionally open person and Japanese culture lends itself towards expressing ones feelings through their actions rather than their words (hence why aisuru is still considered somewhat crass and people use suki instead). It is clear that Shuu is devoted to Hagu in a very paternal way, but that doesn't mean he isn't shy about expressing himself in words.
glad to see a lighthearted episode for a change
altho it was really sad when takemoto remembered his memories of that empty room... just like what i felt when they showed these painting of them at the beach they never went to
and about the shuuji thing.. come on people, it can't be romantic love.. they all blushed because it was surprising and of course, if someone tells their love in a straightforward manner, you'd be surprised too and not think immediately. im sure the next episode will make it clear that shuuji loves hagu in a paternal way.
The episode confused me. Maybe the writer was trying to convey different types of love. Hagu sees Morita and Shuu both as important to her, but in different ways. Shuu is the person that can protect her and make her feel safe, no matter what. He's the guy that makes her feel most at ease, as if the world only had her and him and she could be free to do whatever she wanted in whatever way she wanted. He blurs the boundaries (as the anime referred to) and frees her from all her pains, as if embraced by warmth. He's the guy that would sacrifice everything for her, just so that she could be OK. Seems pretty parental but could be more. Shuu seems to be almost like a superior looking down and protecting Hagu, whether she knows it or not, he's there for her. Morita's love seem to be more along the lines of always thinking of her and try to endure all the pains along side her. He's a peer of equal, someone she can relate to and be equals with. He can't protect her like Shu does, this is because Morita and Shuu have different qualities and backgrounds. He would "watch over her" and hope that she is ok. Rather than always being there to protect her, he's still young and immature, and can only wish that he could always be there for her. It seems the more romantic type. Blushing and stuff.
I don't know what i'm saying, it's just the feel i get from the two is very different.
I agree that the friendship between Takemoto and Morita is not as close anymore, but the fight does not show that their relationship is falling apart. I think it shows more of the rivalry between them and how they are still friends and comfortable with each other, despite knowing they are rivals.
Although it is hard to accept and disturbing, Shuuji meant he loves Hagu in a romantic way, this is confirmed by Yamada since she 1)understands Shuu had just confessed his love for Hagu 2)showed that it was unexpected. I don't think she would be surprised if it was love in a paternal way. And she stuttered a lot while asking for details such as "when are you going to tell her?" so it confirms Shuu's romantic love toward Hagu.
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