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Impressions:

Kanon still holds up its quality, though I thought the running and walking sequences could have been better. Even so, it’s still far better than a lot of ‘average’ anime out there, so I’m not complaining. The animation studios have to cut some things as this is the first time KyoAni is doing two-season series. So far, the heavy character development has been entangled with slight plot movement, though I can never tell what’s important and what’s just there to entertain the viewers. For example, Yuuichi taking the bento to Nayuki during practice. What was that? Was it an excuse to let the viewers see a bit more of Nayuki’s life? Maybe it had something to do with the storyline later on, or it could have just to fill in time with unessential but enjoyable events that all slice-of-life and drama animes have. Of course, part of everything builds up as lead ups to mysteries and solutions. That’s one of the things Kanon does very well, and that is to organise everything so all the little occurrences build up to something or create the gateway for something bigger to happen, yet make it seem like everything is normal and perfectly coincidental. And like I always say, I can’t wait for the next episode (this show is one of the few animes I really wish I could marathon; it’s just too irresistible).

The more I watch the more I like each of the characters. I’m glad as there is no character I dislike, and right now, I’m not rooting for anyone (to end up with Yuuichi I mean) as this is not your normal harem (actually, it’s not a harem at all!) Even though it is obvious everyone is becoming more attached to Yuuichi. Nayuki, being a childhood friend, is already really close to him. Ayu, who knew him from a long time ago, has become attached to him too (side note: I’m amazed at how much more mature she looks without her coat!). Makoto, who’s supposed to have a grudge on Yuuichi, now sneaks around at night playing pranks on him in a brother/sister manner. Shiori, from what I can tell from the preview of the next episode, is going to start thinking of Yuuichi as a brother figure. And Yuuichi himself? He’s the non-perverted, decisive, fun-going, humorous, confident male lead that so many shows lack. I’m not saying characters like Kyonichi work in every show, but I think his personality suits Kanon perfectly. He gives a sense of actuality, which is enjoyable in ways completely different than dumb ecchis or out of whack comedies. I know a lot of people are saying this show is going two slow or whatever, but the fact is I love it because of that aspect. It gives you time to enjoy its goodness.

Kanon is the type of show that doesn’t leave me wanting to know all the mysteries, like the true mystery shows such as Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, and the shows which originate from a game but leaves out loads of important things, such as Fate/Stay Night. Kanon’s mysteries might drive its storyline, but I find that they will only be effective in providing a satisfying ending. I am perfectly fine with all the puzzles staying ambiguous for the majority of the show. However, it seems like a lot more is starting to unfold plot-wise, with the encounter with Mai. From the previews, it looks like she’s just there for no special, supernatural reason, even though she claims to be a demon hunter. I don’t think Kanon would be like that, being so blatant when it comes to supernaturalism. It doesn’t really matter though, as I am not going to complain no matter how distorted the story becomes, since I know I’ll still love every moment of it. There’s still the biggest mystery, and that is Yuuichi’s past. I like how parts of his past are shown in blocks every episode or so, and it’s also great to see Ayu and Nayuki as children (and hopefully some other characters too). Nayuki’s mother seems to know Ayu too, but then again, isn’t everyone connected in one way or another? I wouldn’t be surprised if the taiyaki guy turned out to be Shiori’s dad or something xD!

Plot Outline:

- (In a dream) Young Yuuichi tries to get young Ayu to talk, but she just stays where she is, staring at him
- When he hears her stomach growl, Yuuichi offers to get her something to eat
- Ayu says she’d like taiyaki so Yuuichi runs off to buy some
- When he gets back, the two eat their taiyaki (and it seems like Ayu has cheered up)
- Yuuichi says he’s going to head back, but Ayu grabs his sleeve and says she wants to eat taiyaki again
- They then make a pinky promise to eat taiyaki together again the next day
- Yuuichi hurries back to find Nayuki is a bad mood after waiting for him to return
- Yuuichi wakes up from his dream to notice someone creeping around outside his room
- He pretends to be asleep as Makoto comes in trying to drop a piece of konyaku on his face as revenge
- Yuuichi surprises her then makes her eat the konyaku

- Nayuki’s mother comes in and after finding out Makoto is still hungry, takes her to the kitchen to make some more food
- The next day, Yuuichi has a short confrontation with an unhappy Makoto before offering to take the bento that Nayuki forgot to her during her running practice
- After delivering the bento, he waits around for a while watching Nayuki run, before heading back outside and coming across Kaori
- Kaori tells him that he’s lucky to have Nayuki as someone he knows in the area, and asks him not to bother Nayuki for anything as she always tries her best
- Later on, as Yuuichi is helping Nayuki’s mum with the shopping, Ayu finds him yet again and comes bounding along, only to trip and fall on her face (again…)
- Yuuichi introduces her to Nayuki’s mum and vice versa, before she decides to help Yuuichi with some unpacking he’s meant to do after returning home
- Yuuichi also gets a shy Makoto (who’s afraid of Ayu) to help

- During the process, Ayu and Makoto sort of befriend each other, but in the end, Makoto hides in her room when Ayu leaves, not wanting to face her (for unknown reasons)
- However, Ayu spots Makoto from outside and starts waving
- Makoto waves back and the two have a fairly happy parting, even though they probably won’t be apart for long
- That night, Nayuki asks Yuuichi for her notebook back, but he says he left it at school
- Since Nayuki needs to do her homework, he decides to go back to school to get it
- As he is walking through the corridors of the school, he comes across Mai staring outside the windows, holding a sword

Preview:

Next episode – #5
Mai, the demon hunter?

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