Subculture Anime Blog

Mika, please marry me.

Summary:

Most of the girls from the student council leave their houses early so that they can participate in a part time job for Momoha’s family. Momoha’s maid brings out drinks for the girls while they are playing around, but Manami reminds them of what they are there for. They start drinking anyways, and Mika describes the day as very special. Mei refuses to agree, as she gives a rational explanation to the girls three times. However, the girls notice that this is the first time that Mei has gone out to play with them aside from school. This makes the day special in that way. Mutsuki talks on the phone with Mika after her club activity, and she overhears some girls talking about her while she walks to Momoha’s house. As the girls play around in the pool they are suppose to be cleaning, Manami explains why summer is special.

Mutsuki finds that all the girls have been doing is play when she arrives, but she only lightens the mood by asking for her own water gun. Manami goes out to buy ice cream for the girls, and she even gives one to the train personnel on the way out. However, the girls realize that she has forgotten to get spoons when she finally arrives in the summer heat. Later, the girls have trouble as they walk through a large storm. The girls finally find shelter at a hotel, and they all get in with the help of Minami’s brother. After a dip in the hot springs, Mei attempts to keep the girls in line as they all play around their room. However, she only brings up another way to have fun. With this, the girls all enjoy themselves in various ways before finally falling asleep.

Mika, however, cannot fall asleep. After expressing to a sleeping Manami the disappointment that they couldn’t get the sea side pension, she goes out to get a drink. A hotel personnel meets her, as she expresses her dreams to Mika under the moon. Mika believes that this is amazing, as she still doesn’t know what she would like to do. After describing all of her friends’ amazing abilities, she explains that she is the only one who does not have a clear future. The girl reminds Mika that she has come this far for something like that, and that there is no need to rush. Soon after the girl leaves to work, Mika meets her mother. The girl’s mother tells Mika of her wish that her daughter would have experienced school, because there are many meanings to it. When Mika asks her what she means by this, she only tells Mika that she will find out some day. Mika has no idea what this could mean, but she feels as if she has experienced a very special time. As Momoha logs out of this journal, she expresses that the meaning is most likely inside that recording. Soon after watching it, the principal uses this to help make the school festival happen.

Impression:

This OVA takes place some time before the major school festival in the anime series. Oh, how I missed all of the Manabi girls. Being the slice of life fan I am, Manabi Straight has been one of my favorite anime since its airing earlier this year. I love everything about this series, from the catchy bgm to the small things the girls do to make us laugh. This show just doesn’t fail to make me happy in any way, and it gives off such a great message. The OVA itself had the same feel that every episode of the anime had. I couldn’t help but smile as the girls got through their hardships and appreciated life. I loved the kansai speaking girl who talked to Mika, and the role she played in guiding her. Things like Manami stopping to give the train personnel ice cream also added to the effect. It was so nice to hear all of the girls being played by their seiyu again, and a flood of great memories is coming back to me now. By the end of this, I was feeling heart warmed all over again. Massugu GO!