I’m starting to get a better feel for the flow of the episodes, and this is the second almost enjoyable episode. With three episodes left, maybe it’ll improve enough to have been worth it. This is also the first episode where I don’t think I noticed the background once. It’s the same background as every episode prior, but there was enough going on to keep it from standing out for me.

(more…)

There are so many little things unique to a culture which lose meaning when viewed by another culture. When Miu sees her sister’s shoes, they might not be a pair Miu’s ever seen before. Rather, the style probably matches what Akiko wears. Seeing shoes by the door can indicate a visiting relative, such as with Akiko, a visiting guest, or even an older brother’s visiting friend (as seen in an episode of Cardcaptor Sakura when Sakura sees Yukito’s shoes at the entrance). A western audience might not understand the culture behind shoes in Japanese households, but I’d like to think someone with no knowledge in it would be able to piece it together quickly and understand what seeing the shoes means for Miu.

(more…)

Friendship and inspiration. That’s what I got out of this episode. Time is moving quickly through the series, even if the pace of individual events is slow.

(more…)

This is the first episode where things happen. The story still hasn’t caught my interest, but at least things are moving along for the characters.

(more…)

Miu’s father not knowing certainly who Yuuki is suggests either Miu isn’t childhood friends with her, or Miu’s father is so busy with work that he knows little to nothing about Miu’s life. The latter would be understandable to the extent that he puts so much time and effort into his job, as evident in always working late on his wedding anniversary, and the all-nighter this episode.

(more…)