Subculture Anime Blog

Teru teru bozu!

Summary:

Kana expresses how hot it is because the summer as come. Haruka asks if Chiaki would like to go to the beach, and she decides that they will all go the next Sunday after she agrees. The three find their swimsuits in preparation, but they discover that they have become to small. This makes Kana and Chiaki set out to buy new swimsuits, but they leave Haruka at home to prepare dinner. On the way to the store, Kana discusses the importance of Haruka’s attire to Chiaki. Haruka finally discovers what kind of swimsuit they have chosen for her after dinner, but becomes shocked when she finds that it is a bikini. Seeing that Chiaki approves of it, Haruka is unable to reject it.

Kana becomes disappointed when it starts raining, as Haruka and Chiaki attempt to convince her to enjoy the atmosphere it brings. Kana decides to make a teru teru bozu, and Chiaki becomes involved. As Chiaki cites a rhyme, she amazingly seems to stop the rain. Kana expresses her delight that the sky has cleared outside, but it begins raining soon afterwards. When Chiaki’s friends visit the next day, they find Chiaki and Kana still in the act. Seeing that Chiaki is able to change the weather with her words, they begin paying their respects to her.

The girls finally make it to the beach, but Haruka will not reveal her swimsuit. After the girls all enjoy themselves for awhile, Kana and Chiaki attempt to convince a hesitant Haruka to change. The two try their own ways of persuasion, but Haruka knows what they are up to. Coincidentally, Haruka’s friends have also arrived at the beach. When Haruka witnesses their appearance, she is also convinced to reveal her swimsuit. This makes Kana ask the older girls how they were able to do it, as the younger girls notice how amazing Haruka is.

The girls find that they have run out of drinks, so everyone sets out to get more. Kana stops Chiaki from following, however, as she has something to discuss with her. The two continue to challenge each other, producing ridiculous results. Seemingly defeated, Kana walks away with a disappointing face. Haruka’s friends meet with Chiaki soon afterwards, as Chiaki expresses her regret for going so far. However, Kana returns soon after everyone else does with another silly suggestion for Chiaki.

When the Minami girls return home in their sunburnt appearances, Chiaki gets a call from one of her friends. She mentions that the three sisters are completely different, making Chiaki wonder why that is. Kana expresses that it is better that way, as she states how troublesome it would be for them all to have the same personalities. Chiaki gets another call from one of her friends, who guesses how fun it must be with two unique sisters. Continuing their conversation, Haruka expresses how much she loves her two different sisters. Touching the two younger sisters, they get closer to their beloved older sister. However, Kana receives a bit of retaliation from Chiaki as usual.

Preview: It’s time to buy underwear?

Impression:

Awwww….what a great and touching show. There were so many moments in this episode where I could relate and feel the sister’s interaction. The end of the episode was especially meaningful, with the sisters’ differences brought up. I really love how Chiaki idolizes Haruka, while she is easily influenced by Kana. It’s a comedy with a message, so can I call it a slice of life? There were plenty of funny moments in this episode, some more subtle than others. I found it hilarious how Chiaki accepted Kana’s swimsuit explanation because she was in an “existence closer to high school”. The “as expected” moments are always funny in this show. The actual swimsuit scenes were really cute, and I’m very glad that they avoided the blatant fanservice that we would have received from other shows. Chiaki’s teru teru bozu form was genius, and it came with plenty of laughs. It was so ridiculous when Kana and Chiaki’s words actually changed the weather. I love the sound and atmosphere that the rain brings as well, and I always appreciate it when shows play on that. Next week looks pretty crazy, but I’m ready for whatever!