Rating: 9.4/10

Overall Series Rating: 9.7/10

Impressions:

So the ending plays out like how I predicted, except for how Shouko doesn’t return home, and instead ends up with Hiro. I still think she should have returned home for that ‘perfect’ round about scenario, since this show is really about a ’summer story’ that is meant to go away when summer ends. The quality of this last episode is slightly lower as well, and the actual wrap up is nothing special. In the end though, it’s still a good episode. Asatte no Houkou is definitely an anime I’d recommend, and I won’t go over again why I love this anime so much as I have done so numerous times before in previous posts.

So in the end, everyone returns back to normal. The ending gives a nice, realistic feel somehow, even though the whole notion of having your wish granted is entirely fictional in my views. It’s quite predictable that Shouko and Karada would return to normal once they realise they really don’t want to stay in their new bodies. Karada learns that being a child is actually better than her being an adult at this time, while Shouko learns that being with friends and family is a lot better than being alone. Essentially, this show is also about learning about life, and a nice drama at that. And it’s most likely that there won’t be a sequel.

Anyway, with the lessons learnt, Karada should have returned to being a kid, and this time she would enjoy her life as a child as much as possible. Likewise, Shouko would return to being an adult and finally get involved with someone again, finally opening up her social life. And like I said before, this does indeed happen, except that Shouko ends up with Hiro…The last few scenes before the ED are extremely well done IMO. Even though it is obvious what happens, the lack of any focus on the change-back gives a wonderful effect. The ED also includes a few extra scenes I think, such as Shouko and Hiro walking arm in arm…

Now I think I should finish this final post with some info about the manga…Apparently, Hiro might be Karada’s dad. He actually sleeps with his aunt way back then when she is depressed, and then when she dies, Hiro comes back and starts looking after Karada, who might be his daughter…Hmm…So if she is, Karada would be Hiro’s daughter and cousin at the same time…Oh and it seems Tetsu, in the manga, also does some perverted things to Karada, such as forcing her to give him pleasure…wow, though I don’t know whether this is when she is a kid or an adult (I’m guessing kid). Well, looks like the anime shone those two characters in a completely different light!

Personally, I think the anime would be great as well if it follows the manga a little more. It will definitely become a lot juicier, filled with heaps more drama, and emotions apart from love and sorrow. But now, I really would like to read the manga, though I don’t think there are any scanlations. Oh well. All in all, another great series by J.C. Staff! I’m still surprised why this show gets like less than 5% votes of many ‘favourite or fall 2006′ polls. It really is a fantastic show. If you like slice-of-life or drama, this is definitely something for you! Actually, even if you’re not too sure about those genres, you should take a look at this show!

END

Rating: 9.6/10

Impressions:

I’m not even going to try and find any bad points about this show. It’s way too good to belittle. If there are any faults with the story, it’s due to the lack of time (next episode is the last) and also because the manga hasn’t finished yet. I wouldn’t notice it though, as I’ve gotten to the stage of simply enjoying this show while I can, and anything wrong with it will be conveniently overlooked. Regardless, this has definitely been one of my favourites of the spring season, alongside Kanon, Negima!? and Code Geass. I would also like to say that Karada, Kotomi and Shouko are all very cute in this episode. Shouko’s ‘leaning-against’window’ is incredibly kawaii, especially as she has her hair down. Kotomi is her usual attractive and playful self, while Karada’s ‘what-should-I-do?’ expressions still astounds me at how moe it is. I’m surprised Tetsu is still hung over loli Karada so strongly. But I guess it is normal for people to be attracted to others of their own age. In his eyes, adult Karada might be hot, but she’d be too mature for him (even though we in the audience probably think they make a good pair).

I’m incredibly sad that there is only one more episode to go, and by the looks of it, it will be an open ending. Of course, there’s no other way to end this series except openly, unless the writers decide to kill everyone off somehow. *Massive typhoon hits; no survivors.* Well that would be insanely lame, but of course that’s not gonna happen. I stick to my theory that the Karada and Shouko are going to change back, and this is probably going to happen in the last few minutes of the show. I guess the reason for me sticking with this idea might also be due to the fact that I was incredibly resolute last episode, and I don’t want waver in terms of my predictions. However, I could well be wrong, and the Iokawa family might just stay the way they are now, though there are many problems with this (legal and emotional etc). I am just going to have faith in the script writers in being able to conclude this series nicely. Now I need to find another drama/slice-of-life show to watch. That may well be Nodame Cantabile, but now, I will not be blogging anything more than I already am.

Preview:

Next episode – #12
The LAST episode…

Rating: 9.5/10

Impressions:

Oh no, this series will end in two episodes? That’s bad, it should be a 26 episode series…But since it’s been so great from episode one until now, perhaps making it short and sweet is for the better. There’s still quite a bit of resolving to do, and ultimately I still believe that Karada and Shouko will return to normal. Shouko leaving is quite convenient, as I believe she will return to her city and change back to normal there. I can already imagine her waking up in her apartment one day to find herself back in her original body. Same for Karada; she will probably go back to Hiro and revert back to normal. This is sort of hinted every episode by the notion of the series being Shouko’s and Karada’s “story” which happened one summer. If it really is a story which occurred over a summer, it should be safe to assume that everything goes back to normal at the end of summer. But then again, there is always the possibility of them staying the same. I think the whole series is about learning your lesson in life, and getting such a drastic change to your life without reverting back to normal defeats that whole purpose. I’m also very tempted to go read a blog about the last episode, but I think I can resist it for now…

Hiro not doing anything may be surprising to some, but apart from the drastic age change, Asatte no Houkou is very realistic. This is why I’m sure Hiro is actually extremely worried and agitated inside, but just isn’t showing it. And no, believe me, you don’t need acting lessons or anything to keep such a calm face. Humans are born as deceivers (my personal opinion) and acting like nothing happened is very easy. This is also why, people being able to tell when someone else is unhappy, is actually a very anime-only thing. I doubt it’s so easy to tell in real life. Speaking of reality, Karada might be giving al the hints she can to Tetsu that she is the girl he’s looking for, though there’s no way he would ever come to that conclusion without solid visual proof (such as seeing her change back to normal). Even Hiro coming to believe that Shouko’s and Karada’s age changed magically is rather hard to believe; he must be very superstitious. It also looks to me like Karada is going to confess her secret to Tetsu, and he is probably going to believe it. But then again, if no one believed them, the story wouldn’t go anywhere since the beginning, so some things have to be accepted I guess.

Preview:

Next episode – #11
Karada confesses to Tetsu…? (about her age!)

Asatte nb

Rating: 9.5/10

Impressions:

After such a touching episode last time, can this follow-up match it? Apparently not, but it’s almost as good. Karada looked a bit funny some of the times (I’m talking about how her face is drawn) but that’s ok, the feeling’s still there. Sure, the ending is a bit convenient, how Kotomine takes Tetsu to her teacher’s house, which coincidentally is the place where Karada is working. However, it does set the next episode up really well, and finally Kotomine might actually get to know some more of the main cast. I’m also surprised Tetsu is taller than her. He is only 12; Kotomine is what, in high school? Middle school? I dunno, it just seems weird. I’m glad she got some screen time this episode. She is the most energetic character in the show, and the most enjoyable to watch. She also needs to spend some time with Shouko, since that’s the original pairing. Shouko shows that she cares for Karada quite a lot this episode, and perhaps has accepted her as a close friend or sister.

On the other hand, Hiro seems abnormally unconcerned. Sure, he’s fretting over Karada, but he could have easily chased her by boarding the next episode from last episode. Perhaps he took Karada’s “I’m sorry” to heart and decided that he wouldn’t be able to persuade Karada to come home. And to replace him, Tetsu goes to look for her. It seems that Karada will experience her first crush next episode too, or if not that, she should at least be swayed by Tetsu’s presence to return home. I’m still wondering as to whether Tetsu will find out about Karada’s secret. There’s still the final problem to resolve, and that’s whether Karada and Shouko will return to normal or not. As of now, I am pretty certain they will. Both will return to their respective ages with the new knowledge they’ve learnt and finally move on with their lives. Shouko, who had been a loner almost all her life, would be able to break out from her confinement and meet new people, and forget about Hiro. Karada will finally accept that she is still a child and doesn’t have to grow up anytime soon. And thus, everyone is happy and more importantly, everything has returned to the way they should have.

Preview:

Next episode – #10
Karada in love?

Rating: 9.9/10

Impressions:

I can’t believe this series is STILL getting better. You’d have thought it’s reached its peak, which it won’t touch again until the finale, but it looks like the ride will be thrilling until the very end. Now wait, how many episodes is this again? The episode count seems to have been removed from ANN, and it’s not on AnimeNFO. Well, at least the last time I checked (today). It does, however, say on Wikipedia that it will consist of 12 episodes. If that’s the case, then I doubt there will be a break in the plot from now for ‘recuperation’ time. Anyway, the best part of this episode is of course the flashback. It’s so touching T_T and the song is beautiful. Actually, you can download it here:

[Kasa] by Suara – Full version mp3 (9.81mb)

We find out that Karada’s parents, the ones that she knows, aren’t her real parents, though Hiro is their real son (I think). The entire flashback is so beautifully done; the scenes of death, Hiro’s eventual appearance, it is all just so stunningly good.

Ahh, Karada is twelve years old! That’s higher than I expected. I had thought she was in year 5 before the wish-come-true, but Wiki says that she’s just about to start junior high. I guess that means 12 is the normal age, but it’s strange how Karada is naive enough to think she can survive in the big city alone and with such little money. Even though the events that take place are rather predictable, with the low-lives who wanted to ‘have fun’ with her, as well as the strip club, it was very realistic and highly enjoyable. No, not because I wanted to ser her in such a predicament ¬_¬ but because the change of setting greatly expands the closed and isolated feeling of the show. Also, I love drama (as I’ve said how many times now?) and have been waiting for such an episode (with the tragic flashback) for quite some time now. The other contender (in my views) that competes with Asatte no Houkou this season over the best drama/tragedy is Kanon, though this episode just blows it away big time.

This episode I think, for me, has constantly been above 9/10 in terms of rating, and it truly does deserve it. Unfortunately, there were a few badly drawn faces, but other than that, the quality remains quite high. The end of the episode is heartbreaking, especially since it is revealed earlier Karada’s personal feelings about Hiro and Shouko. She had known Hiro had sacrificed a great deal to be with her, and when she finally realises it was Shouko he had given up, she breaks down and makes a strong resolution to provide for herself. I *would* have thought Karada would return to Hiro at the end when he shows up, if I didn’t know better that Asatte no Houkou is such a great show that can pull out all the stops. I just hope the bleak, tragic and especially realistic feeling the show gives continues in the follow-up episode (which might not be the next since the preview indicates otherwise). It seems Tetsu will take precedence next time, and I guess it’s rather essential for the other characters to not be neglected, though I really wanna just see what happens to Karada.

Plot Outline:

- Karada arrives at the city and is overwhelmed by the complicated setting
- She seeks out a real estate agency but is shocked to find that houses are so expensive
- She goes to buy some food at a fast food restaurant and sees a job offer
- She asks for the job, but realises she needs a resume
- After numerous other attempts at getting a job, she slowly learns exactly what she needs to write in her resume
- However, she does not succeed in getting a job by the end of the day
- In a flashback, it is revealed that Karada’s mother and father aren’t her real parents, and the events that led up to her meeting with Hiro
- A taxi driver finds Karada’s resume when she drops it and uses the contact info to all Hiro
- He arrives at Karada’s location on a train, but seeing him makes her more determined to look after herself
- She boards a train and Hiro catches sight of her, but doesn’t make it in time to stop her from leaving

Preview:

Next episode – #9
Back to Tetsu…

Rating: 9.5/10

Impressions:

Ack another horribly late entry, but I’m trying my best to catch up with all the series I’m blogging. In the meantime: Asatte no Houkou! And what an amazing show it is, for it’s become one of my favourites now. Oh, who am I kidding, it has always been one of my favourites. I simply love the beautiful art and character design; both Shouko and Karada are getting cuter every episode! I can’t believe how moe Karada is when she’s trying on Shouko’s old clothes. Shouko’s attempts at helping with the cooking screamed kawaii too. Speaking of her cooking, it’s hard to believe that a girl like her, equivalent to some 20 years of age, doesn’t even know how to melt butter. Or sift flour. Or slice strawberries. The burnt turkey is reasonable, though everything else is highly unrealistic. However, it does contain significant symbolism that not everyone would’ve picked up. Shouko, while still having lingering desires for Hiro, has grown quite attached to Karada, as shown by her automatic indication that Karada is her friend.

However, at the same time she must envy Karada for her closeness to Hiro as well. The long flashbacks have a meaning too. They all depict Shouko screwing up her turkey and taking Hiro out for dinner, but then he goes and says he would have been happy with a home cooked meal. But of course, Shouko is a crap cook, while Karada is simply amazing in that field. Flashbacks of Shouko being this way, combined with Karada making such a delicate cake for Hiro is an indication that the happiness will not last forever. It is especially important since both happenings are on Hiro’s birthday, and Shouko is quite anxious to tell him that she helped with the cake as well. And of course, this comes true as the story folds into quite a predicament, and with perfect timing as well. The few episodes where everyone is happy must be the calm before the storm. Just as everyone is accommodating to their new lives, something happens, causing Karada to run off, thinking she will cease to become a burden, allowing Hiro and Shouko to mend their relationship.

However, I believe that is more of a mature action than people believe. What kind of 10-year-old would run off to a large city with no means of surviving? A true child would most likely cry or beg, express their feelings and try to drive the threat to their family away. Either that or bottle everything inside without taking any drastic actions, before letting everything out on a particular night. Hopefully these turn of events will provide satisfactory tragedy, since the show wouldn’t do too well if its plot remained as smooth as its been throughout the rest of the series. I also wonder how long this incident will last. It will either be a short one- or two-episoder, or something that stretches out to near the finale. I can already predict some rapists or average thugs hitting on Karada, who wouldn’t know how to act in such a situation. A vast number of things could happen to her in such a large city, and all of it will most definitely be excellent drama. Whatever the case, I am highly confident that this show will not disappoint.

Preview:

Next episode – #8
Karada alone in the big city…

Rating: 9.2/10

Impressions:

The mood has suitably changed to a light and cheerful one after the initial shock that arises from the age swap phenomenon. The watercolour backgrounds, bright settings and constant use of streaming sunrays turns this slice-of-life/drama into a fantastic feel-good episode. It was vastly enjoyable, though this new mood is bound to deteriorate back into drama before long. I suspect it will start falling in terms of mood in the next few episodes, falling into a deeply depressing tragedy, before rising again for the finale. At least, that’s what I hope will happen. This happy-type of episode is good and all, but it can’t sustain interest if this is all that happens for the rest of the series; following the main characters around, cycling through their different lifestyles and such. A romance should also develop, and I’m really hoping for Tetsu and Karada, despite their large age difference. They’re the same height anyway, and you wouldn’t be able to tell that they’re probably 10 years apart in age. Currently, my feelings are inconveniently tangled regarding whether or not Karada and Shouko should return to their initial lives. Karada would turn out for the better that way, having experienced adulthood and matured vastly, though Shouko would be plunged back into her depression and hard life (or so it seems). Since last episode, Shouko has accustomed to her new life and finally made some friends (though she denies this, I’m sure the kids she played with would allow her to join in again).

Karada too has adapted to her new life, though she has a lot to return back to. She would need schooling above all else, but her relationship with Tetsu needs to be mended. It’s a given that he will find out about Karada sooner or later, though I’m interested in seeing how he feels about her when he finds out she’s become a woman. Would he continue liking the young Karada, fall for the grown one or develop conflicting feelings for two bodies of the same person? As Karada’s and Tetsu’s relationship complicates, Shouko and Kotomi seem to have become friends, or at least are acquainted with each other. The relationships between the characters now have become rather tangled, as each person is related to another, yet not to everyone, thus forming a sort of ring of associations. The grown Karada would be considered connected to Hiro, Shouko and now Tetsu, while Shouko is also acquainted with Kotomi. Tetsu and Kotomi are connected though only Tetsu has relations with everyone else. If I delve deeper into this issue, then the remaining relationships yet to form emerge rather easily. Kotomi and those on Hiro’s side need to meet, while Karada’s secret will soon be revealed to those on Tetsu’s side. Touko is still in the dark on everything, so she needs to come to terms with things soon. There’s also Karada x Kotomi and Testu x Shouko, though there really isn’t any reason for them to meet (unless Tetsu falls for Shouko while Karada and Kotomi become hot lesbians).

Preview:

Next episode – #7
Ooh Shouko is cute!

Impressions:

I’m not sure what it is about this show but it never fails to entertain me and keep me interested. The age swapping incident seems to have been completely forgotten now, since everyone is quite comfortably accustomed to their new lives. Karada has gotten mighty used to cooking and cleaning, doing trivial chores and taking care of everyone in the household. Likewise, Shouko, though initially felt irritated for being treated like a child (let’s not forget her mind is still of an adult’s), has finally warmed up to conscience and persuaded herself to join in the fun with all the other kids. I would really like to see Shouko in class though, if she ever goes to school. How old is she meant to be now? If she’s the same age as the kids she was playing with, she most definitely is younger than Karada before the change. Now this leads to how old Karada is now. Even though her mind is that of a child’s, her body should be fully functional as a woman, which means she could fall in love with someone any time now. And that’s probably what’s going to happen. It will definitely spice things up. Tetsu is far too young to do anything to her, though he does look older. The other candidate would be Hiro. They’re not even related, are they, or are they cousins? Even so, I hear that it’s not that abnormal for cousins to get married in Japan…

Even though there is no twisting plot or menacing cliff-hangers, I find myself wanting to see the next episode more than some of the other strong series this season. If I were to rank the shows purely on that, it would go Kanon, Code Geass, Asatte no Houkou, D.Gray-man, Death Note, and the rest. If there were only two categories to place the Fall shows in this year, ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’, Asatte no Houkou would definitely be in the good category, and I’m sure the majority of those who’ve seen the show would agree with me. I’ve found that some of my Naruto-centric friends like this show quite a lot, though they’re still pretty stubborn about how shounen shows are better than other genres. Asatte no Houkou, a slice-of-life with a twist, always resonates a warm feeling with its cheery character designs, bright and water-colour backgrounds and nice usage of lighting for sun rays. I especially like bright and eccentric characters, and although she doesn’t fit that description perfectly, I think the new addition this episode, Kotomi, livens the show up by a tenfold. Previously, the only truly cheerful person would have to be Touko, but she doesn’t get enough screen time. I hope Kotomi gets increasingly involved with the plot and interacts with the main characters more.

I really have to say that Shouko looks really cute without her glasses, or more specifically, the scene during the night when she was sleeping between Karada and Hiro, and gazing around at their sleeping faces. I originally thought that she would become distant with Karada before making up, but it seems like there isn’t anything to separate the two. Shouko no longer shows many signs of longing for Hiro, since her body chemistry wouldn’t be the working the same, and her occasional scolding of Hiro are more likely a product of her remaining grudge. I think the only thing Shouko has to worry about is restarting her life and actually making friends this time. It’s Karada, Hiro and Tetsu who have some more serious things to deal with. I hardly think Karada and Hiro can continue on as brother and sister. There just has to be something more going on, unless something emerges to stop it. Also, the preview of the next episode shows Karada and Tetsu together, but it is still unknown whether Tetsu actually finds out about Karada’s secret. He would surely be devastated if he did, but that could well and truly turn into burning desire for her body too…Eh, I went too far. Anyway, what I’m saying is that there is plenty more emotional distresses to get through, and that’s what’s powering this show.

Plot Outline:

- Karada prepares breakfast as Hiro and Shouko get out of bed
- Shouko goes out and watches some kids playing
- A girl, who is revealed later as Kotomi, tries to get her to play with the other kids, but she refuses and runs away
- This is most likely because she is not used to having company, as she was quite a loner when she was a kid
- Hiro tells Touko that he’s found Karada, but she won’t be returning for a while
- That night, Shouko reflects on how her new family has come about
- The next day, it is revealed that Kotomi and Tetsu are cousins(?) and that they are pretty close to each other
- Outside, Shouko gives Hiro another talking to
- That afternoon, Shouko finally makes up her mind to play with the other kids and has fun until dusk
- Hiro and Karada come looking for her, and the worry that Karada had felt was quite obvious

Preview:

Next episode – #6
Confrontation of Karada and Tetsu!

Impressions:

This show is indeed very good and still getting better, but only story-wise. I hate to admit it but the quality drop made it less favourable for me than the first three. Still, the depth and emotional development the characters have is very intriguing, but it seems like there’s not much to go on with now that Hiro has accepted Shouko and Karada for who they’ve become. Sure, there’s still Testu to come to terms with things, that girl in the next episode preview who is probably another old friend etc, but everything that will happen is likely to be very similar to what’s already been shown. For this show to continue to rise, it must take some drastic action, and drastic drama. A sorrowful and shocking turn of events would be delicious, such as someone getting some severe injury or perhaps even dying. Maybe they’ll go bankrupt, or someone gets lost. Also, more characters need to be introduced as apart from Testu and his sister/aunt (can’t remember which), everyone has gotten enough time to develop their personalities. Both Karada and Shouko seem to have become accustomed to their new lives, but what happens when or if they change back? Hmm, more possibilities. What if someone else changes their age, like Hiro or Tetsu? That’s some wishful thinking, but I hope it doesn’t happen, as it will become too fantasitical (I don’t think that’s a word, but you know what I mean).

Next episode we get a newcomer, as I said earlier. I wonder who she is – she’s pretty cute. I have to resist the temptation to read a few blogs that go by raws, but I’m excited to see that the anime won’t stay isolated with the three main characters. I think that’s one of the problems it has now. Since the major issue of Hiro’s acceptance has been resolved, the series needs to expand on everything. That means plot should start branching out, creating parallel subplots, as well as more characters and interaction between them. So far, apart from the first episode, Shouko and Karada have gotten no interaction with Tetsu or his aunt (I’ll just say aunt now since she seems more like one than an older sister). Also, the story so far has been pretty straightforward, so that needs to change. Some more diversity in the story, a bit of a twist etc. In some ways, I wish this was a six episode OAV, so the quality would be much higher and the story which has been squeezed into four episodes, can be elaborated into six. Of course, I’m betting there are plenty more surprises to come, so I’ll continue anticipating for now. Hopefully, the quality will get better. If you didn’t already now, I have a huge issue with quality, so if that goes down, regardless of how good the story is, my enjoyment of watching it will go down drastically.

Plot Outline:

- Flashback: Hiro takes Karada to the fireworks festival and lets her sit on his shoulder to get a better view
- At Shouko’s apartment, Hiro refuses to believe that Karada is his sister, which makes her retreat into her room to cry
- He leaves but Shouko takes the elevator down with him, and kicks him in the shin
- When she goes back up, she tries to comfort Karada but Hiro returns
- After a while, it seems things have eased up a little as Karada starts cooking for Hiro
- At Tetsu’s place, Toukou(?) comes to visit him and whispers something in his ear
- After covering for him, Testu escapes out the window to go to the summer festival
- Karada puts on a yukata after Shouko convinces her to go to the festival to see Hiro
- When the festival starts, Shouko lets Karada and Hiro have some time on their own to console

- Meanwhile, Testu is looking around to try and find someone (Karada?)
- Hiro and Karada go to the place where they stood some years ago at the same celebration
- Hiro explains everything they did during the first time they went to the festival together
- Karada acknowledges everything they did, and also explains why she wished to become an adult
- She explains that it was because she was a burden to Hiro, but she’s still a burden even now
- Because of this, she starts crying
- Hiro is eventually convinced that Karada is indeed his little sister
- The two make their way back to Shouko and tell her that things have been settled
- Hiro and Karada then convince Shouko to return home with them to live together

Next episode – #5
Let’s see what this show has to offer now…

Impressions:

Asatte no Houkou has now become one of my favourites this season (I haven’t said that before, have I?) There was quite a less than noticeable quality drop, but since the mood of the story changed for a much more light-hearted one, I found myself enjoying the episode more than the first two. However, I hope that the mood will switch often since I like the sad, serious drama occasionally as well. I didn’t think I’d like this show when I was doing my season previews, but when people started blogging about it and complimenting it, I decided to give it a try. And another thing, it was only after Garten mentioned that Shouko has the same voice actress as Alice from Pumpkin Scissors that I decided to look her up. And it seems like she’s doing 6 series this season! That’s a lotta work. The seiyuu, Shizuka Itou, is voicing the main roles of Asatte no Houkou (Shouko) and Pumpkin Scissors (Alice), as well as minor roles in D.Gray-man (Linali), Happiness! (Saya Kamijo), Negima!? (Misa Kakizaki) and Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na Crescent Love (Wreathlit).

More of the characters’ pasts are revealed this episode, the most important probably being the fact that Karada isn’t really Hiro’s little sister. Apparently, she’s a cousin and was adopted by Hiro at the age of two after her parents died. It’s also revealed how close Hiro and Shouko were before they broke up (I mean, they were REALLY close – they were as good as married). Now I can see why Shouko was so upset about being dumped, and I even think Hiro should’ve stayed with Shouko. He had sacrificed what was definitely the love of his life for a toddler who he didn’t even know. But of course, if that happened, this show wouldn’t exist in the first place. I liked this episode for its focus on Shouko, since she has become so cute now (much cuter than Karada as a child). She’s also being quite stubborn. Now that her body has become that of a child, her mind is slowly catching up, even though she refuses to think like a kid. However, no matter how stubborn she is, she’s unconsciously beginning to act more like a kid.

Although this episode has been the most enjoyable, I do hope for some more interaction between characters. Next episode, Karada has to face Hiro (who should now know what had really happened with Shouko and Karada), but she also needs to face Tatsu (was that his name? Karada’s classmate who seems to have a crush on Karada). Some more of Tatsu’s mother would be good too. Shouko should also get some interaction time with the other characters, as she seems rather isolated. Apart from that, maybe some more drama, such as Shouko and Karada getting into an argument or something. I don’t expect much more, but if the show goes into physical problems instead of emotional ones, such as getting lost in the forest or something (lol like that’s gonna happen), the interest level of the show would go way up. Of course, I don’t mind if nothing like that happens, as I am already enjoying the show a lot as it is. It’s a shame this show isn’t a double-season series. However, being a short series reduces the risk of severe quality inconsistencies. Oh, and one last thing, I was wondering whether the OP sequence would change, as it doesn’t seem like chibi Karada isn’t going to make much of an appearance, unless the whole age swap thing takes up only half the series.

Plot Outline:

- Karada takes Shouko out to get some new glasses (or rather, Shouko directs Karada to take her out to get new glasses…)
- The two then go clothes shopping (and Shouko has some fun with her new dress!)
- They also go and buy some new furniture and have them delivered to Shouko’s apartment
- At night, Shouko tries to decide whether to message and tell Hiro about her and Karada’s situation, but decides against it
- The next day, Hiro, Tatsu and his mum are at their restaurant when a delivery man comes and asks them to direct him to Shouko’s address
- Hiro leads him to her house and after everything is delivered, knocks on Shouko’s door
- Shouko comes out, not expecting Hiro to be there and pretends she is Shouko’s little sister (at the time, Karada is out doing who knows what)
- Hiro and Shouko have dinner(?) together and talk, before Shouko gets all upset and runs out the door

- She makes it to the little rock shrine before Hiro grabs her
- She has a flashback about when Hiro had dumped her, and it seems it really was Hiro who was the harsh one
- Hiro had promised to return to Shouko (during university or something like that) after attending the funeral of Karada’s parents
- However, after a year, Hiro sends a letter to Shouko telling her that he won’t be coming back
- Shouko breaks down and starts crying before finally trying to tell Hiro that she is the real Shouko
- Before she can convince him, he reveals to her that Karada isn’t really his sister
- Karada is his cousin and he had taken her in when her parents died (she had been two at the time)
- The two return to Shouko’s apartment, where Karada had returned and is preparing dinner
- Karada is quite surprised when she sees Hiro, but to make things worse, Shouko tells him that the grown woman before him is his little sister
- During the preview of the next episode, we see a bit more of when Karada and Hiro had met

Preview:

Next episode – #4
“Please believe me…”