NANA ep.8

May 24, 2006 | 12 Comments

I think the animation quality goes down a bit in this episode but that is to be expected in a mid episode like this one. The storyline also starts to slowdown a little bit and starts to have a little bit of slice-of-life feel to it. Through this simple stories, however, it's not hard to see that the two Nana are quite different from each other. This is why I'm surprised to see them getting along with each other. As a side note, I realised that I've been calling Komatsu Nana as 'Hachi' right from the first episode but that is simply because it's more convenient to do this than to refer her as Nana.

The episode opens with Hachi saying that Vivienne, Pistols, Seven Stars, Coffe with milk and Strawberry cake, and Ren no Hana (Lotus flower), Nana's favourite things have never changed. After the credit, Nana is surprised to know that all of Hachi's belonging only consists of clothes. Because of this, Hachi tells her new roomate that her parents will actually send the rest soon and she plans to buy new furniture. Nana, on the other hand, can't figure out what she'll do with her belongings. Yasu, who overhears her, offers to send it to Nana after he returns home. Nana then explains to Hachi that Yasu actually lives in her hometown and he's simply here to co-sign the lease for her. Upon finding out about this, Hachi immediately assumes that Nana is a rich girl who run away from home so she can be in a band. This incites laughter from Yasu but he quickly changes the conversation topic into Nana's belonging in her hometown.

Yasu is also interested to know what Nana wants to do with her old place. Nana thinks that Yasu is better off asking 'him' about what to do with the apartment. But providing the guy in question keeps paying the rent, Nana doesn't care either way. Yasu tries to remind her that the guy in question rented the apartment for her. Nana, however, claims that she was going to pay for the apartment herself. Upon hearing the conversation, Hachi can't help but being interested to know more. Unfortunately for her, Nana is not ready to tell her just yet. She then asks Hachi if she wants to go shopping for important items. Because of this, Yasu decides to excuse himself and tells Nana that he'll return to their hometown now. Hachi for some reason thought that there's something going on between Yasu and Nana. Nana denies this and tells Hachi that Yasu is just an ex-drummer in her old band and a surrogate brother. Hachi, however, thinks that Yasu is in love with Nana.

Nana laughs upon hearing this. She tells Hachi that Yasu has always been taking care of anyone so she thinks he'll make a good lawyer. When Hachi inquires if Nana has a boyfriend, however, Nana suddenly changed the topic and points out that there is a 100 Yen shop. She thinks they can do their shopping there. Hachi thinks that they should find a better shop so Nana thinks they should do their own shopping. A disappointed Hachi has no choice but to follow Nana. Inside the shop, Hachi finds two strawberry-patterned glasses and want to buy them. Nana is not impressed but thinks that Hachi should buy them if she wants to. Hachi, however, doesn't want any unless Nana likes them too since the glasses are only good as a set. Upon seeing how childish Hachi can be Nana makes a remark that she now realises what Shouji should put up with. Nana thinks that Hachi is puppy-like in the sense that she's friendly and obedient but needs a lot of attention.

Nana, however, thinks it's okay since she was thinking of getting a pet anyway. So she proceeds to pick up a plastic bone off the shelf and asks "Hachi" if she wants it. The name is actually derived from the word, Hachiko, a famous dog in Japan due to its loyalty to the owner. Hachi immediately protests and thinks she should get a better name. After getting all that they need from the 100 Yen shop, Hachi tells Nana that they still need to buy futon, heater, and a lamp. Because of this when they spot a store selling unique, vintage household appliances, Hachi is immediately drawn to it. Upon getting inside, they are immediately greeted by its owner. Hachi immediately is taken by the owner's charm and starts to giggle her way through as he explains how everything in the shop is cheap because he got it wholesale from overseas. Nana quickly realises that Hachi is quite a pushover and easily buys everything that the owner shows her.

When the owner points out that he's been working all by himself today because his employer has quit, Hachi immediately seizes the opportunityi and asks the guy to hire him. Nana is amused by Hachi's flighty attitude but Hachi tries to explain herself by saying that she wants to work there because of the store and not because the owner is 29 years old and single. Since Nana keeps making fun of her taste in men, Hachi wants to know what kind of men Nana likes or even celebrity that Nana likes. Nana points out that she likes Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols. Halfway through entering another shopping mall, however, the two girls realise that they don't have bed for their futton. Because of this, the two returns to the vintage shop to buy two beds. Once this is completed, Hachi suddenly receives a mobile call from Shouji who invites her to come to his favourite hang out place, the Jackson Hole. Hachi wants to take Nana along with her but Nana refuses.

She reminds Hachi that Mizukoshi, the store owner, will come to the apartment to deliver their goods that night. Because of this she volunteers to wait for him. Hachi then decides to make a stop at video store so she can buy a CD. Much to Nana's surprise, the CD that Hachi wants to buy is actually the one released by Trapnest, the band that hired Ren as theier new member. While Nana is transfixed by the poster, Hachi points out that she got tickets to the band's concert and invites Nana to come with her. Nana, however, refuses and tells Hachi to go with Shouji instead. Hachi thinks it wouldn't be as fun going with Shouji since she can't fangirl-ing with him. Hachi then mentions how every single members of the band is cool. She, however, fails to include Ren in that group. Because of this Nana wonders what Hachi thinks about Ren. Hachi seems to be oblivious towards Ren and tells Nana that he looks cool and is the most popular but he's not her type.

Later on that night, Hachi wonders if it's okay for her to go out while Nana is at home waiting for the delivery. When Nana tells Hachi that she also has no date, Hachi immediately assumes that Nana actually likes Yasu. She thinks Nana shouldn't let her pride to stop her from obtaining happiness. After Hachi left, however, Nana becomes nostalgic about the time when she bought Ren a Sid padlock and put it around his neck. Nana then asks Ren if he'd follow her if she dies and Ren confirms it with a kiss on her lips. Back to the present day, Nana is depressed with the fact that she's no longer with Ren. Meanwhile, Hachi has a good time with Shouji at Jackson Hole. She, however, refuses to come to his place because she is worried about Nana. Hachi then rushes home and finds Nana asleep on the floor even though the bed has been delivered. Hachi's voiceover can then be heard saying that although Nana was free and full of pride, she has a lot of wounds on her. But back then, Hachi thought that this simply makes Nana cooler and didn't realise the extent of her pain.

Impression:

It was hilarious to see Hachi thinking that Nana is in love with Yasu and vice versa. Having said that, some of the things that she said to Nana turn out to be some rather good advice. And yes, the term "Hachi" is actually coined from this episode. It's a reference to a loyal dog who was waiting for its Master. If you go to Japan, there are many statues of this dog. At least I've encountered one in Tokyo and one in Nagoya. Anyway, I love the fact that of all Trapnest members, the only person Hachi wasn't impressed with is actually Ren. I always wonder if deep down Nana is relieved for it especially since Hachi is known to fall in and out of love quite easily. Despite this weakness, Hachi actually is a good caring person. It's unfortunate that Nana didn't know that Hachi actually ditch Shouji because she's worried about her. There's nothing more gratifying in friendship when you find out that your friend has ditch other social engagement because he/she would rather help you get through some tough times.

© memento 2003