Yakitate!! Japan ep.19

March 5, 2005 | 5 Comments

Ugh. The character design in this episode is quite shoddy. I can't remember how many times Azuma and Kawachi's face look different from their original design. Thankfully the comedy and the conflict within the story manages to lift this episode up to its usual level. I was particularly amused at Tsukino's attempt to flick paper balls at Ken's forehead/nose. Anyway, judging from the way the storyline has unfolded so far, it seems that this arc will indeed conclude around episode 24-26. Unfortunately that means there are only 21-23 episodes left to complete the Monaco arc. I hope the animators can retell that arc without the need to condense the original story.

This episode itself opens with a narration from Kinoshita who tells his mother, presumably through a letter, that Azuma and the others have temporarily returned to the shop. He, however, wonders why he's still the only one who's doing all the chores. The slackers themselves are seen hanging out in the recreational room doing nothing but talking to each other. Azuma wonders why Kanmuri called Kuroyanagi 'Sempai', leading Ken to explain that just like Kuroyanagi, Kanmuri is also a graduate from Harvard University. Apparently every few years Pantasia likes to hire students who excell in food study such as Kuroyanagi. Kanmuri is a student who got hired by Pantasia this year due to his expertise in this field.

The field of study itself attracts students who are interested in creating a unique yeast that can be used to flavour bread. Ken believes that even he may not have a chance to win if Kanmuri has created this kind of yeast. Meanwhile, Yukino is seen arriving at Kanmuri's laboratory to pick up an Endoprotease solution she ordered from the guy. As Kanmuri gives Yukino the solution, he tells her that as the name suggests, the solution will break down protein. Having said that he doesn't understand why Yukino needs it. Yukino, who's not keen to explain her reason, simply tells Kanmuri to just do his job and stop asking question. Kanmuri is unhappy with Yukino's attitude but he can't do anything until he gets his research funds.

Back at the Southern Pantasia's store, Kawachi and Azuma are depressed because of what Ken had just told them. Azuma tells Kawachi that it's too early to give up but Kawachi seems to have lost his nerve. Unknown to him, Azuma is not the only one who tries to encourage him. Everyone from Kinoshita to Ken want him to continue fighting. In the end, Tsukino is the one who lifts Kawachi's spirit. She gives him Hatsugagenmaikoubo, the yeast that Ken developed when he was young. Even though Ken didn't have many equipment nor money back then, the yeast was regarded highly by Kuroyan. Having said that, Tsukino warns Kawachi that there are better yeasts available these days so Kawachi should not take his opponent lightly.

On the day of the competition, Azuma and Kawachi are surprised to see the press and public observer present inside the competition hall. Ken explains to the two that most of them have come in the hope of seeing The Meister without his mask. Nevertheless, Kawachi and Azuma can't contain their excitement and decide to do their best. All of a sudden, however, their talk is interrupted by the arrival of Yukino who acts all demure and nice to Tsukino. Kawachi, however, quickly recognises Yukino for the scum that she is, and tells her to stop pretending to be friendly to Tsukino. Not wanting to give up her act just yet, Yukino-hag starts to rant about how she has realised the error of her ways and hope that Tsukino will forgive her.

Ken, however, puts an end to her charade and tells Yukino that he has told all Southern Pantasia store's employee about her so there's no point in continuing the charade. Ken then advises Azuma and Kawachi that someone who truly is evil won't show them that he/she really is evil. Meanwhile Kuroyan is in the middle of informing Meister that Deebu-sensei has not arrived yet. However, before Kuroyan can say anything further, Kanmuri approaches them and calls Kuroyan 'Sempai'. Kuroyan is not happy about this and tells Kanmuri that while the competition is in progress, he and Kanmuri are nothing more than a judge and a contestant. Kanmuri suddenly looks sad and say how time surely change people.

He then loudly exclaims how Kuroyan used to love him back when the two were at Harvard, much to Kuroyan's horror. Kuroyan immediately orders Kanmuri not to use words that can be miscontrued by others. He claims that back then he was just happy to see another Japanese guy. Kanmuri simply laughs and tells Kuroyan not to get too excited about it. He then turns serious and tells Kuroyan that the truth is, he simply wants to tell Kuroyan that he manages to complete 'it'. After Kanmuri walks away, Meister tells Kuroyan that Love is as limitless as Space so it doesn't matter what form Kuroyan chooses. As he says this, the building suddenly starts to shake and out of the refurbished wall, Deebu-sensei makes his appearance.

Meister then continues to tell Kuroyan that whatever relationship Kuroyan and Kanmuri has, he should not feel ashamed about it. LOL. Kuroyan, however, doesn't think that it's funny and begins to scream that the semi-final tournament for block B is about to start. As soon as he says this, two MIB comes to the hall to bring the ingredients for the match. The tournament then begins and Kanmuri shows the strength of his new yeast, Kaiyoukoubo, which makes his dough rise quickly. On the other hand, Kawachi's dough can't seem to form even though it's been kneaded thoroughly. Kanmuri soon realises that Yukino has tampered with Kawachi's flour with the Endoprotease to ensure that the dough can't ever form gluten.

Impression:

Can I called Yukino "Bitch" from now on? I think that term is reserved exclusively for her. In fact, I wonder if I'll see a picture of her face if I open an Oxford English dictionary and look for the definition of that term. At any rate, the hag surely manages to be even more vile in this episode. Pretending to be nice to Tsukino but then sabotaging her sister's friend chance at the competition using someone else's unwilling hand. I even feel sorry for the poor MIB who is unfortunate enough to get kissed by her. At any rate, I should get used to this since she will be here for the long haul. It was also interesting to see Kanmuri teetering between being nice and being a bit of a jerk. He reminds me of early Kawachi who was too proud of his own ability.

© memento 2003