This site is designed for accessibility. Content is obtainable and functional to any browser or Internet device. This site's full visual experience is available in a modern browser that supports web standards. Please consider upgrading your browser.
ファイト／ステイナイト 
Well, I finally am back from my trip to Japan. I am going to try to catch up with other posts as soon as possible but I decide to post this first since I already typed it during the plane trip back home. Overall, I am very satisfied with the ending of the series. It may not feel conclusive to some but by reading this, I get the impression that Umino Chika didn't want the ending of this series to be conclusive. In addition to this, a spin-off is coming soon this autumn so maybe some of the characters from this series will make it to the spin-off. Anyway, sorry for not scanning all of the pages but I'm still a bit tired and don't feel like scanning every single one of them. And since this is the last chapter, obviously this will spoil your entire experience of the second season anime.
The chapter opens with a narration from Takemoto saying that he's always wondered if a love that is unfulfilled has any meaning, if things that got lost are similar to things that never exist to begin with. The scene then shows Yamada in a harbour with Nomiya. It turns out they got there because Miwako asks Nomiya to do a 'delivery' to Yokohama with Yamada so that Nomiya will be able to reconcile with Yamada. Nomiya apologises to Yamada about the harsh words that he said the other day. Yamada, however, thinks that it'll be better if they are not together because she feels that she doesn't know when she'll be able to get over her feelings for Mayama. Upon hearing this Nomiya tells Yamada that he understands. Before he can leave, however, Yamada starts to cry so Nomiya tells her that it's hard for him that he always brings up Mayama but he thinks it's okay because likes her. He wants to be with her, having arguments with her and talking to her.
Elsewhere, Morita is seen visiting Kaoru in hiz office/home. Morita looks kind of angry when Kaoru says "Yo" to him. But Kaoru looks relaxed and asks Shiroyama to bring Morita some curry with lots of meats in it. That night when the two are about to sleep, Morita tells Kaoru that he'll probably go to Peter Lucas' place soon. He realises that he actually likes the old man and his office after all. He tells Kaoru fondly how when the electricity was cut off, the office workers came out carrying light sabers and they looked as if they were having fun time. Morita thinks that that was the first time he saw a bunch of silly adults apart from their own father. Kaoru then changes the conversation and asks Morita about Hagu. Morita recalls how Hagu told him that she's been watching him. He thinks Hagu is a strong woman. She knew that he was ready to abandon just about everything. Because of this Morita will always be watching over Hagu while doing his best.
Morita also tells Kaoru that he wants another chance to settle things and stands before a healed Hagu. He wants to create something new and show it to her. When he thought about this, it felt as if something shined brightly in front of his eyes. Kaoru cuts off Morita's poetic sentence by telling him that's because it's already morning now. Morita is pissed off to hear Kaoru's sarcastic response and decides to hit his brother with his leg. In retaliation, Kaoru applies pressure points to Morita's leg, ones that supposedly correspond to Morita's stomach, intestines, and liver, causing Morita to scream in pain. Morita jokingly complains that his internal organs feels like it's in poor health. Kaoru tells Morita that he can blame everything on him but he also points out that this is the first time they talk like this in a long time. Morita agrees about this and notices the bright morning light. Kaoru then says that he finally understands what their father once said about light.
On the other side of the city, Takemoto has just finished cleaning up his room when he hears the phone rings. The caller is Shuuji asking Takemoto if he can buy some Cola and beer on his way to Shuuji's house. Later on, Yamada and Mayama are seen looking through a live camera feed of what is possibly Morita's work space in Peter Lucas' company. Since they can't find Morita, Yamada wonders if he's still on a fishing trip with Peter. Shuuji suggest that they don't wait any longer because he's already hungry. Mayama points out that the other day he was seen in CNN's special report with Peter Lucas trying to collect data. Yamada becomes excited to hear this and wonders if they've decided to make a new film. While these conversations happen, Hagu can be seen smiling as she looks at the live camera feed. Hagu's look doesn't go unnoticed by an observant Shuuji. The party then begins and Yamada/Mayama offers a toast to Takemoto's and Hagu's graduation. The toast is also to farewell Takemoto before his departure to Morioka.
Shuuji asks Takemoto what time his Shinkansen leaves tomorrow morning and finds out that it's 9.30AM. Takemoto has finished tidying up the his room so the place is empty now. When Shuuji wonders where Takemoto will sleep tonight, Mayama tells him that Takemoto will stay in his room for one last time.....that pretty much ruins the mood of the party. All of them now look as if they are about to burst into tears. Shuuji decides to break the sombre mood by telling to Hagu that they should buy some ice. Upon Mayama's suggestion, Takemoto decides to accompany Hagu. After the two left, Mayama, Yamada, and Shuuji are depressed. Mayama admits that he's very close to crying just then. As it turns out Yamada and Shuuji felt the same way. Meanwhile outside the apartment, Takemoto is seen riding a bike with Hagu as the sakura petals envelop the night street. Takemoto asks Hagu if they can take a long ride for awhile and Hagu doesn't mind.
Takemoto tells himself that the cherry blossoms fell heavily like paper snow, scattering as if they exist in a dream. On a reflection, he feels that during his 5 years stay in Tokyo, everyday felt as if he was living in a dream. As the two pass the street, Hagu leans on Takemoto, resting her head on his back. She tells him that she thinks the temple that Takemoto will restore is lucky. Takemoto is a bit confused by this statement so Hagu explains that after she saw Takemoto built his tower of youth back then, she understands that he never do anything shoddily or leave things incomplete. Takemoto has always whole-heartedly repair his creation. Because of this, Hagu feels that the temple that he repairs will be happy. Takemoto blushes upon hearing this and thanks Hagu for the compliment. Hagu then tells Takemoto that she too will do her best and won't be defeated by Takemoto. She will get well because if she doesn't, she can't return Shuuji's kindness.
Takemoto tells Hagu that she got it all wrong. He thinks it's okay if she can't return anything to Shuuji because Shuuji wants to find what he's looking for by himself. Takemoto also believes that Shuuji is a person who is capable of finding out what he's looking for on his own. Hagu cries and thanks Takemoto for the kind words. The next day, Takemoto stares at his vacant room, describing the apartment just like at the start of the story (no bathroom, the rent is 34,000 Yen, during morning the room is bright because it's facing east). Today, however, Takemoto is leaving the place. He arrives at Tokyo Station and finds the Shinkansen a bit empty because it's a weekday. Takemoto feels a bit sad about leaving but is startled when he notices Hagu running around the platform looking for something. Takemoto immediately comes out of his compartment and calls her name. Hagu is glad to see Takemoto before he left and proceeds to give him wrapped goods. The two then hug each other before saying goodbye for the last time.
Inside the train, Takemoto opens the wrapped goods and is very happy upon finding out that it is a big, highly-stacked sandwiches. Because he's curious, he decides to peel one of the layers to see what is inside the sandwich. He is surprised upon seeing layers upon layers of Honey and four-leaf Clovers. Tears starts forming in Takemoto's eyes. A narration, possibly from Hagu, wishes Takemoto all the happiness he can get while a picture shows Hagu looking for four-leaf Clovers all on her own. Takemoto recalls the first time he met Hagu and how she looked frail at first. However, she also prompted him to ask himself to find his own identity. He wonders what was it that Hagu has been frantically searching for. Takemoto then tells himself that he always wondered if there is a meaning to a love that did not turn out well. If things that is missing is similar to things that never existed. Right now he understands that there is a meaning to it. Takemoto cries and tells himself that he's happy to fall in love with Hagu.
"Although time will pass and the day when everything will become a mere memory will come, I was there, you were there, everyone was there, looking for only one thing under those miraculous days. No matter when, it feels sweet and painful at the same time. It will remain in that distant place in my heart. Always feels nostalgic, always turning". The End.
Impression:
The part where Takemoto opens his sandwich and finds a Honey jam and four-leaf Clover placed on each layer of the sandwich is one of the most bittersweet moments in manga series. While the Honey and Clover reference didn't lost on me, I feel that was just the icing on the cake. The more important thing about the scene is the amount of efforts that Hagu must have put in order to find those four-leaf Clovers for Takemoto. Hagu tried so hard to find one for Shuuji and cried when she wasn't able to find any. The fact that she found so many to fill in all of the layers in Takemoto's sandwich tells everything that I need to know about what she feels for him. Even if she doesn't feel any romantic feeling for Takemoto, he is definitely a very important person for her. I can understand why Takemoto cried badly after seeing the Clovers. To know that someone has gone out of their way to let you know that they care about you is one of the best emotions anyone can feel.
The scene where Takemoto leaves his apartment made me sad because it reminds me of all the farewells that I had to do in the past. It's especially hard when you have to part with people that you really like. It took me around 6 months to get over the fact that I won't be able see the friends that I met in Japan last year anymore. After all, we live in different countries. In fact, the whole month I was in Japan this year I couldn't help but thinking how nice this trip would have been if some of the friends that I met last year were there with me as well. This is why reading this chapter was a rather rough experience for me. The last few panels were especially hard because I know what Takemoto feels as he takes that Shinkansen and realises that he's leaving his friends. I hope the spin-off will show the characters meeting each other again but I somehow doubt they will because apart from Mayama and Yamada, they now live away from each other.
Moving along, I am glad that Morita and Kaoru find peace with each other. When Kaoru apologising for ruining's Morita's internal organs, I get the feeling that he actually apologising for putting Morita through his paces in order to achieve their goal of obtaining their father's company. It's good to see Morita having an aim for once in his life and realises that he actually likes working for Peter Lucas. As for Morita/Hagu pairing, I think it's not completely over. Morita tells himself that he wants another chance to stand before Hagu and shows his work so maybe one day he'll visit her. Hagu also had this smile while she, Yamada, and Mayama were looking at the live feed of Morita's workplace. As for Shuuji, I interpreted from Takemoto's words that Shuuji doesn't want Hagu to return his favour because he wants to get the fulfillment of being Hagu's parent. Hagu also told Takemoto that she won't be defeated by him, suggesting that she'll try her best to get well.
Finally, there is Mayama, Yamada, Rika, and Nomiya. Unfortunately I haven't read the previous 4 chapters prior to this one so I have no idea if Mayama and Rika are now an item. As for Yamada, I'm not sure if she actually likes Nomiya or not. After all she does tell him that she's not sure when she'll be able to get over her feelings for Mayama. But Nomiya seems to be willing to wait for her even if it's hard for him. I think Yamada will never get over Mayama unless Mayama is away from her so in my opinion, the relationship between these characters are still inconclusive. Maybe Umino Chika was planning to use them in her spin-off. Overall, however, I'm very satisfied with the ending of the series. I find it fitting that the series started and ended with Takemoto since the majority of the series' focus had been on the development of his character. I especially love how he ended the series by saying that the memory of being with his friends will always be in his heart.
Aww, thank you for the post on the final manga chapter for Honey and Clover, it sounds like a great ending! I really hope it gets added to the anime... And I can't wait for the spin-off! this is one of my favorite stories! :)
ありがとう~!!
最後までは別れで終わるんだね ；；
ハチクロがもう終るなんて嘘みたい。
続きはもうないかしら? T____T
Nice to see I wasn't completely off in my guesses - and what it seemed to mean. This did end pretty well though... and in a manner that's very H&C-ish; 'true to life' is one way to put it, given how some people are still stuck in the past (Yamada, to some degree), the present (Takemoto & Hagu), and the future (Morita and Mayama).
Yamada isn't ready to move on from Mayama... but she's not dismissing the possibility of doing so. Morita's planning his own future, and Hagu seems interested in him still... so we're not looking at the end of that tale quite yet either. Takemoto's, on the other hand, is over for now - he's moving on with his life, although he's keeping his memories close to his heart; a sentiment I can completely understand and empathize with. And Hagu? She'll do what she'll do, in the end; probably start to create again. In a way, she's ended up much like Rika has - somewhat injured in an accident and less able to proceed by herself for now, although her Harada-figure (Morita) isn't gone, so there's still some hopes there. She has some support in Shuuji, although her Shuuji-equivalent (Takemoto) is departing, knowing she cares for him, even if not in the exact same way he does for her.
Still.. there are worse ways to end things. I rather loved this ending, as bitter-sweet as it is.
続きはもうないかしら?
今秋スピンオフを予定している。タイトルは知らない。
Hagu? She'll do what she'll do, in the end; probably start to create again. In a way, she's ended up much like Rika has - somewhat injured in an accident and less able to proceed by herself for now, although her Harada-figure (Morita) isn't gone, so there's still some hopes there. She has some support in Shuuji, although her Shuuji-equivalent (Takemoto) is departing, knowing she cares for him, even if not in the exact same way he does for her.
Ah, that's true, isn't it? Takemoto/Hagu/Morita are younger, less tragic versions of Shuuji/Rika/Harada. On a hindsight, I'm a bit disappointed that Morita wasn't around for Takemoto's farewell party. I get the impression the entire Hagu thing tear their friendship apart a bit. It's kind of realistic but unpleasant as well.
I think the whole triangle resemblance was mentioned during last season's reviews - and Shuuji's been one of the first to pick up on it, which may explain some of his sympathy towards Takemoto; he's been there (less talented than his peers, but hard-working and persistent, seeking a channel for what ability he does have)... and he's even talked to Morita to ask why he won't talk to Hagu the way he needed to while Takemoto was on his discovery journey.
They were friends enough to avoid pursuing the relationship in the absence - Takemoto appeared afraid to while Morita was in America, and then Morita mentioned as much after running off when Shuuji tried to confront him in that episode I mentioned ("He's not here. Takemoto's not here."). In the end, they remained friends... albeit ones who had drifted apart a bit, although both realized NEITHER of them could really have Hagu.
SPOILERS START
In Chapter 62 or 63, Morita leaves a huge box of money for Shuuji and Hagu. Shuuji confronts him on this, and I believe Morita said it was for Hagu, IIRC... this was after she choose Shuuji, because he'd always supported her, and would continue to do so, even though Morita had promised to support her even if she couldn't create anything new again.
SPOILERS END
I have all of those chapters handy, incidentally, if you want to take a crack at translating them. The Hachikuro LJ site was most helpful in this respect.
In the end, Morita and Takemoto drifted apart some, although it wasn't all Hagu's fault - they had different goals, and Morita became more obsessed with regaining his father's legacy later on, even as Takemoto became more focused on trying to gain the skills he needed to work with the temple restoration group. And in the meantime, this generation's Rika just watched, and waited by Shuuji while pondering her own future instead of choosing one or the other. Although, in the very end, one gets the feeling her preferences haven't changed all that much - Morita grabs her heart because he can create wonders that inspire her, and cause her to try and pursue lofty goals of her own in turn. Takemoto owns a little piece of her soul - he's been there for her more than Morita has, and was the steady and reliable one even if he couldn't create works which made her feel awe or wonder; she could feel his sincerity, but it was different.
A bit like Rika's situation, isn't it? Harada inspired a love of life and reinforced her joy in art, complimenting her skills and talents in a way that Shuuji couldn't. Shuuji, however, was less of a dreamer and more of the steady rock which both Harada and Rika depended on to some degree; he provided the anchor for them both, assisted them both, and had the sincerity which made him a special person to both Harada and Rika. In the end, while their bond was broken by Harada's death... Shuuji's sincere wish that she continue to live gave Rika a slightly different perspective - instead of dying immediately, she could finish Harada's work and those few visions he left behind. She loved Shuuji too... albeit in a different way from Harada, and one which would tear at her much as Hagu's feelings towards Takemoto ripped at her as well.
They drifted apart after realizing neither could have Hagu, even. Towards the end, their goals were different... and the time they spent apart just kept growing, as they focused more on their own activities, even as the group spread out (Yamada spending more time with Fujiwara designs, Morita with the plants to regain the company, Takemoto and his preparations for the temple restoration group, and Mayama in Spain). Only Hagu remained relatively static and in one place - she was afraid to leave the comfortable cocoon of safety that Shuuji provided... and that spelled the doom of any relationship between her and Morita or Takemoto.
Plus, of course, both have run off on her before - that didn't inspire confidence, at least not on the subconscious level, I suspect. Only Shuuji's always been there... and I don't think he'd be the type to take advantage of her feelings for him, given that his own goals appear different from hers - he doesn't seem to want a relationship for its own sake, else he'd have probably have made a play for Rika ages ago, or found some other student or teacher to attempt to strike up something similar..
Good discussion. Hagu needs to heal, but when she does, I think she'll be off with Morita. I still remember the early scene with the giraffe, where she saw the resemblance between the animal -- phallic and wild -- and Morita. She certainly went off with Morita pretty easily when he found her on that bench at the hospital. And he is definitely in a position to earn enough money to create a working environment for her.
Not that it isn't possible for her and her "uncle" (father's cousin) to just live on together as they are: he as a writer/teacher, she as an artist. But Shuuji is an attractive and reliable guy. If Hagu left, and he wanted to get married, I'm sure lots of people would have him. That goes for Takemoto, too.
I suspect Takemoto's too 'safe' for many girls to be really interested in him - ditto Shuuji. Morita's wildness and passion, and his unpredictability and slight reputation as a bad boy are more appealing to many women, but with Hagu it's more the meeting of an equal or someone who could inspire her which drew her attention, and seems to be keeping it there even if she ended up being a little scared by him too.
She MAY go with Morita.. if he lets her close enough. That's the other reason that Morita's been a bit of an outsider; nobody really got a chance ot get too close to him, since he immediately put distance between himself and whoever else it was (witness the kiss), with the exception of Yamada. With everyone else, he'll either try to distract them by being a clown, or he'll just leave the situation to avoid complications like this.
I still maintain that down the line Takemoto will meet someone who will be the one for him - it may even be a sister, or sibling of one of the temple restorers or someone he works with there who just happens to be female.
I don't see him turning out like Shuu because he doesn't really have a Hagu to take care of to prevent him from being involved.
It's pretty obvious from this great summary that Hagu cares for Takemoto, but not in the way he needs and not the way she cares for Morita.
It's possible once her rehabilitation is complete there could be an interesting story with Morita/Hagu down the road. And what of Shuu? Without Hagu to take care of when her rehab is done, what will the man do?
I've thought about it and have thought about three possible continuations/spinoffs of the series that might be possible:
-Morita working with Peter Lucas film maker and that story..
-Fujiwara Design (and the characters there Nomiya/Yamazaki/Miwako)
-Temple Restorers group (I think Shin's story might be as interesting as Takemotos).
All three have the potential to be of interest and have the opportunity for the occasional visit by characters we know and love. I conceded the first two are the most likely.
There's also the possibility that Umino Chika is a smarter cookie than I am and has an entirely other and novel story happening (the art college - other professors/students/etc).
Always bittersweet to leave friends behind; I still haven't gotten over mine. :/
I for one am hoping that the spin-off doesn't involve the H&C characters in anything greater than a cameo or occasional mention.
Thank you for shareing the last chapter.
I really like this ending,
esp. the narration at the beginning and the end,
'cause I have similer feelings when I was parting with my classmates last month.
And the sandwich part is rather touching and makes me burst into tears T__T
this is the only one series that I try hard not to look at the spoiler but after finishing H&C season 1 yesterday.I decide to take a look at this spoiler and it really make me feel sad and happy in the same time.I feel that this H&C is more close to real life that many things won't result in the way we expect to....but at least nothing is useless.It will somehow crave in to your memory that you used to try your best.
Sigh, Takemoto- Kun, nice guys never get the girl huh.
the end only make us more sad... because hagu don´t have streng to say what really want...
and is a crappy ending....
God, this chapter is heart-wrenching. My chest hurts, my throat hurts, because the whole thing is just so nostalgic. I started weeping when I read the ending narration, but I could cry because my chest hurt.
I don't want to grow up. I really mean it. I want to stay here as I am, with my family and friends. I want to stay a child forever. I need help...if I could have a wish, it would be to never grow up, and just live the best moments of my life forever.
Damn, I'm getting all corny and silly now..
I would like to know more about Honey And Clover.So,I really hope that someone could tell me about the story. Just,sent me an e-mail.Arigato hozaimasu!! I am one of the Manga and Anime Fans!!
Well in the anime i always thought it was prevelant that Hagu and Shuu's relationship in the end of the anime was romantic and from what I have been reading from comments here It seems most of you interpret it as a parent/child relationship. I always thought it was weird how Hagu and Shuu would turn out to be lovers but can someone please clarify this point as it is made in the manga(I have never read it) and tell me whether if it was a romantic relationship in the end.
Also, i felt sad for Takemoto because in the very beggining i thought the story would unfold as a Hagu/Takemoto love affair. But in the end it seems she actually liked Morita(I guess im not very good at spoting things).
It was a good ending, though Takemoto should have ended up with Hagu or another girl.
My email is eddieboy375300@gmail.com if would like to send me an email about my questions thx.
wow!!!great job with the page... =)
the song dramatic sure did a great job describing the h&c series...
"now its time for us to go our separate ways.."
actually i love honey and clover but i'm still not satisfied with nomiya and yamada's ending. i mean mayama got what he wants, rika, i think its about time for yamada to be happy. i know many will agree that NOMIYA (the complite version of mayama) CAN do the job. i hope there wil a closure to all the story. i just gives me stomach ache when i left hanging.
well the second season sure did great job making h&c...they where able to make every part of the manga..and the part on the ending credits about yamada and nomiya guve you an idea that they will be together.. well my fellow h&c fans it was sure a great journey...
kami-sama... i dont want to be saved.. but i cant stop thinking of him...-yamada
I've just finished watching the anime (2nd season) and it really brings tears
meeting, separation, love, it's all part of our life
a really good series
waaaaaaaaa~...
so sad~..
honey and clover rules!!
hahaha..
i love it!..
finally i know where this name~honey and clover came form~..
hehee..
;D
i wish that yamada and morita would end up together! anyway, i also like mayama for her.. nomiya is handsome, too..
h&c is one of the best anime series!!! ;)
Note:
Please be aware that the following type of comments will be deleted from now on: spams, comments containing l33t talk or rudeness. Check Animesuki, Tokyo Toshokan, or D-Addicts before asking where to find a series. If you want to post spoiler, please use <spoiler>write your spoiler here</spoiler> tags.
The comment area allows post without email address. However, all posters have to fill out the name field. If you have a question unrelated to the particular entry, please email: designchronicle@NOSPAMgmail.com. Make sure you remove the NOSPAM part of the email.