Yakitate!! Japan ep.28-29

August 21, 2005 | 3 Comments

Sheesh, I hate doing backlogs. It doesn't help that one of the episodes I have to cover here is an original filler episode (translation: completely unnecessary and doesn't further the plot whatsoever). And to top it off, this particular episode is filled with some of the worst character designs/animation I've had to endure as of late. For example, just when I thought Yukino couldn't look scarier, she manages to do so in episode 29. The problem is, I have no idea if this is intentional or if it's just part of the lousy animation quality. Having said that, I hope the presence of this filler means that the animators have been given the greenlight to produce more episodes. Anyway, please forgive me if this recap comes off a bit short and rushed. I am just keen to get into the Monaco arc episodes as soon as possible.

Episode 28 begins with Kanmuri informing Southern Pantasia store's employees that Yukino is conspiring with St.Pierre's owner to take over Pantasia. The only hope they have of fending them is actually Southern Pantasia store itself since it is owned independently by Tsukino and free from the influence of other Pantasia's shops. Meanwhile, Kawachi begins his new job at the main Pantasia shop but quickly realises that he misses all of his friends back at Southern Pantasia store. At the same time, Azuma finds a way to use Nanshoukasei wheat flour to create a low fat JaPan so the store can attract high school girls as potential buyers. Kanmuri, however, believes that this on its own won't be enough to save Pantasia. This is why he intends to bet on the upcoming Monaco Cup championship and win 10 billion Yen. However, in order to do this perfectly, he needs Kawachi to become the team's clown.

Episode 29 is a filler episode where Yukino pretended as if she has been victimised by Southern Pantasia's employees. By doing this, she earns the sympathy of three St.Pierre breadmakers who promised her that they will help her to create a bread as good as the Nanshoukasei bread that Azuma has created. Soon enough, the new St.Pierre bread begins to drive the customers away from Southern Pantasia's store. In order to attract the consumers that they've lost, Azuma decides to create JaPan 56, the same Japan he was about to make back in episode 2 but failed thanks to Kawachi's machination. The result is a bamboo-charcoal bread that is good enough to make people think that they are characters in Gundam-wannabe series. In the end, the three St.Pierre's breadmakers realises the error of their way and Black JaPan becomes another popular bread at Southern Pantasia store.

Impression:

Episode 28 is actually quite good. This episode shows why Kanmuri is an important new ally for Southern Pantasia store. Prior to his arrival, the store manages to survive mostly due to combination of luck and Azuma's ability to invent new bread. However, this on its own won't keep the store up for long. The group had no one who is clever enough to strategise and seek opportunities that are available out there. Kanmuri's arrival gives them an ally who can provide ideas to improve the store's situation. Of course, in the end, Azuma has to provide the tool that facilitate the ideas. But before he can do that, there needs to be someone who can come up with a main idea, something that Azuma is incapable of, especially if it doesn't have anything to do with bread. With Yukino and St.Pierre's owner as the enemies, it is understandable why a character like Kanmuri needs to be added as one of Southern Pantasia's allies.

© memento 2003