NANA ep.3

April 19, 2006 | 9 Comments

This is a rather strange episode because it doesn't exactly end the past story of Komatsu Nana but at the same time it looks as if next week's episode will start Oosaki Nana's story. Overall, however, the emotional impact of the episode is quite satisfying. As always, the soundtrack does a good job of conveying the atmosphere and the emotion that the characters supposed to have in each scene. There is one particular scene in a restaurant that I thought really captured the mood of the story. In general, voice acting is also stellar and at times it actually makes me dislike a certain character because of it. This time around, the animation seems far more traditional in the sense that the animators didn't try any experimental method to deliver the storyline like the still picture with baloon words in the second episode.

Continuing from the previous episode, Hachi is in the middle of enjoying herself inside a rock club when Shouji finds her. Outside the club, Hachi gushes on and on about DJ Matsushita and his cool vibe. However, when Shouji tells her to ask him out if she admires him so much, she balks at the idea, claiming that he's a two timing player. Upon hearing this Shouji changes his mind and tells her to stay away from the guy instead. Hachi realises that Shouji sounds just like Junko but this only serves to annoy the guy further because he feels as if he's just Jun's replacement. Regardless, the two heads toward Izakaya where Junko and Kyousuke are already waiting to ask where they'd like to go for summer vacation. Hachi and Shouji immediately tell the pair that they'd like to go to the sea so that's where they end up during the vacation. That night, however, Hachi suggests to Shouji that they sleep in one room so Junko and Kyousuke can be together in one room.

Hachi doesn't mind the idea because there are two seperate bed in one room. Shouji, however, tells her that he's not okay with this, confusing Hachi in the process because she thinks they're just friends. Shouji, however, tells her that a guy can do 'it' even if he is not in love with the woman. Hachi becomes upset to hear this because it reminds her of Asano-san and tells Shouji that she thought Shouji is different. She really likes Shouji but is now upset at him. Shouji asks her if Hachi means that she likes him as a friend. Much to his disappointment, Hachi confirms this. She then realises that no matter what, Shouji is still a guy and decides to return to her room. Shouji, however, reminds her that it's probably too late for that because Junko and Kyousuke are probably a bit busy right now. In the end, Shouji has no choice but to let Hachi to sleep in the room. He, however, can't conceal his annoyance when Hachi decides to sing a lullaby for him.

Junko laughs upon finding out about this the next day. She, however, also feels relieved because she thinks she can leave Hachi in Shouji's capable hand now. Junko then drops the bombshell and reveals to Shouji that she plans on moving to Tokyo next year. Shouji decides to ask Kyousuke what he will do about this. Kyousuke doesn't seem to mind since he'll be moving there with Junko as well. Hachi is upset to hear this and tries to stop Junko from leaving by persuading Kyousuke not to leave. Junko, however, tells Hachi that even if Kyousuke is not coming, she'll still leave because she wants to study art in Tokyo. Hachi becomes sad upon hearing this until Shouji tells her that he also wants to go to Tokyo and asks her if she wants to come with him. Hachi becomes excited with the idea and decides to study seriously. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, Hachi still fails to get into any University in Tokyo. Kyousuke suggests to her that maybe she should try community college.

Hachi, however, tells him that her parents won't pay the tuition unless she gets into University. Because of this, Shouji tells her that maybe it's better if she stays back in her hometown. Hachi, however, refuses to do this especially when she finds out that Shouji will be moving to Tokyo as well. If she can't get money from her parents, she plans on getting a part time job to support herself. Shouji, however, reminds her that she'll still have to pay for rent. And since she's not a kid anymore so she should understand the reality. Hachi asks Shouji if he's not sad being away from her but Shouji angrily tells Hachi that he won't because he doesn't even know what he is to her. He accuses her of playing with his feelings and only wants a guy who is close to her. Shouji then proceeds to leave Hachi after telling her that he's not interested in her friendship. Hachi ends up crying in the middle of the street, not knowing where to go because she has always relied on Shouji.

Just when things look bleak, however, a man approaches her and the person turns out to be Asano Takashi. In the meantime, Shouji got chewed out by Junko for leaving Hachi in the middle of the street. Junko then reveals that Hachi actually loves Shouji so she wants him to think about it and realises how much he has hurt her. Meanwhile, Hachi is in the middle of telling Asano about how she can't enter a University in Tokyo. She, however, assures him that she's not doing this to stalk him so he shouldn't worry. Asano simply laughs off Hachi's naivity and tells her that she hasn't changed even after all of these years. He reveals how she's always says the same thing everytime she's with him. It makes it hard on him in some ways. Asano, however, can't answer why this is the case so Hachi points out that Asano's non-answer also makes it difficult on her when she had a relationship with her. Despite this, however, Hachi is surprised at how easy she converses with Asano.

Hachi thought she can't stand him anymore but that doesn't seem to be the case. She eventually decides to believe that she really did love Asano and he probably love her back even for a brief moment. Before they say good-bye to each other, however, Asano's colleague spotted them and make a joke about Asano's being seen with another girl who's not his wife. Asano doesn't seem to be afraid about it and doesn't even bother on making excuses. Hachi, however, is relieved to know that his name is real after all. Because of this, she tells him not to cheat on his wife any longer before leaving the guy. Hachi suddenly receives a phone call and the caller turns out to be Kyousuke. He thought that Shouji and Jun has found her but it seems they haven't after all. Because of this, he tells Hachi that those two have been trying to find her. Kyousuke also reveals that Shouji actually loves her. Nana then realises that all of these times, she has always loved Shouji but she was too hurt to deal with it.

Impression:

I really like Hachi and Asano-san's scene in the restaurant. I thought it was unexpectedly tender and reassuring for some reason. The scene provides some kind of comfort after the rather cold and harsh situation that Hachi had with Shouji. The slow music that plays during this scene was also good to hear. It really gives a sense that maybe Asano really loved Hachi. The revelation that Asano never lies to Hachi about his name was just the icing on the cake. In contrast, I find myself disliking Shouji even more than I already have last week. He looks like someone who wants something different out of the relationship but didn't have the courage to mention it to Hachi. In the end, however, he lashes out at her because of this. At the same time, Hachi is also equally guilty of ignoring the obvious sign that friendship is not what Shouji wanted to get out of the relationship. She also doesn't know what she wants but simply doesn't want to lose her relationship with Shouji.

© memento 2003