Subculture Anime Blog

Foreigners!

Summary:

After the class goes through its regular antics, Nozomu tells them that there is an upcoming test, but not to worry because he has no expectations from them. Nozomu explains to the class that their overseas class is returning, and that those students will raise the class average. However, he despairs when he realizes that they may criticize him for his own incorrect use of language. Kimura Kaere, a returning student, then comes in to the classroom. When she asks if Nozomu is the homeroom teacher, she finds it strange that he is not looking in her direction. Nozomu exclaims that if he looked, she would probably sue him for sexual harassment. When the students do not think Nozomu has actually visited a foreign country after hearing his description of different culture, he claims to be practicing isolationism. Kaere then expresses her belief that the customs in Japan are strange, and describes how things were done in her country. Abiru tells her that if she doesn’t like the way things are done, then she should just go back. Kaere experiences shock upon hearing this, and her personality changes. Chie then enters to explain that Kaere has created two personalities, one foreigner and one Japanese, because of her cultural difficulties.

Following the custom of a Yamato Nadeshiko, Kaere begins following Nozomu in love. Seeing that Matoi is separating herself from him, Kaere decides to cast away her body instead. Nozomu stops Kaere from jumping off the school roof, as it is his own suicide location, but changes her personality back by doing so. With Nozomu holding her upside down, Kaere declares that she will be issuing a complaint for sexual harassment. Later while Chie is teaching the class in Nozomu’s absense, she finds it strange that a small girl answers to Sekiutsu Tarou’s name during role call. She agrees with the other students when they think it is fine, but Chiri does not. Kafuka encounters Chiri while she is following the girl, and they enter the girl’s house to find illegal immigrants. However, Kafuka is convinced that they are returning citizens. The girl then introduces herself with her full name, Sekiutsu Maria Tarou. Chiri is still wondering about her name on the role call, so Maria takes her to school. There, a boy explains that he sold his name and everything else of his to Maria. Chiri then finds that everything is fine, as long as she purchased it. Later, Chiri witnesses as Maria takes things from the garbage to use, which makes her feel pity for her. Everyone else feels the need to protect Maria when they watch her actions around school, and start donating money to her. Maria then expresses the kindness she sees from everyone around her.

Impression:

Haha, I find this series becoming riskier and riskier. I’m surprised no one has become offended yet. The introduction of Kimura Kaere started off as an innocent foreigner type problem, which I think a lot of us could probably relate to. It’s only natural to be confused of other cultures, or in our case, fascinated by them (I say us, because I don’t think there are many native Japanese that read this blog). However, they quickly put in a twist by showing that Kaere has a personality disorder. For the record, I love dual personalities. When I see characters go from innocent to psycho in an anime, I can’t help but like the character. It’s so moe! Being the character she is, I’m sure a lot of people will come to like Kaere. As for the serious problem she represents, I haven’t witnessed anyone with a personality disorder in person before. I think we might be able to relate to this as something common through the internet though. Do any of you act differently online than you do in real life?

I thought the introduction of Maria was even more risky, as she is an illegal immigrant. Chiri even expresses that “it is ok if she bought it”. It’s common knowledge that this problem exists in the states, though it has more to do with a certain other country that I don’t want to say. This situation was played out perfectly by this episode. Everyone finds that it is a problem that foreigners are coming into their country, but when it comes down to money, everything is fine. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. They played the pity thing off pretty well too. Just because someone acts differently, or seems to need pity, everyone starts giving them attention. This is something that I’ve always hated, and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei did well to show how ridiculous it is. All seriousness aside, I’m sure everyone was able to catch the Death Note and Dragonball Z references in this episode, among a few others. I’m pretty sure this is a NHK ni Youkoso! reference, and this reminds me of something I can’t quite put my finger on. This show just has me laughing from start to finish every time.