Subculture Anime Blog

A tribute.

Summary:

Nagisa and Fuuko find that Tomoya is out of it when they have their usual meeting, but it is finally revealed that Koko’s wedding has been scheduled for the next Sunday. As Fuuko fails to give out starfish to passing students, Nagisa notices that the number of people who do not pay attention to her are increasing. Of course, Tomoya can only think of what Youhei had told him the previous night. Tomoyo meets the three, and she has to be reminded to remember the starfish that Fuuko had given her. Tomoyo wonders why she would forget something like that, as Tomoya looks with concern. Outside, Fuuko suspects that Tomoya is up to something again when he stands up abruptly. As the two argue, Nagisa mentions that they get along well. Tomoya greets Mitsui as she passes, but she has completely forgotten about Fuuko’s starfish. Finding that Mitsui cannot even see her, Fuuko runs away. With this, Tomoya takes the chance to finally reveal to Nagisa what is happening. Tomoya and Nagisa attempt to convince Fuuko that what happened was a misunderstanding and to cheer up, but Fuuko cannot remain enthusiastic.

Sanae and Akio offer to treat a seemingly happy Fuuko at home, while Nagisa cannot hold back her tears. When a customer calls out from the front, Nagisa’s parents try to ignore her. Akio suddenly injures himself, and it is left up to Nagisa to serve the customer. Continuing to cry afterwards, Nagisa wonders if even she and Tomoya will eventually forget about Fuuko. Tomoya assures her that this would not happen, and reminds her that the wedding is soon. On his way to meet Youhei, Tomoya is greeted by the usual crowd running from Misae. After offering some advice, he takes the chance to give her a starfish in preparation for Koko’s wedding. When Tomoya finally sees Youhei, Youhei reveals that he investigated about Fuuko in his absence. Wondering if the Fuuko they have been seeing is a fake, he suggests that he will visit the hospital to see Fuuko. Tomoya attempts to deny this, as he believes that Youhei would forget about Fuuko as well if he did this. Youhei states that he is fine with Tomoya not saying anything, but he wishes to make sure of Fuuko’s true existence.

The next day at school, Fuuko is still unable to reach out to students. When Youhei arrives, he describes how he suddenly came from the hospital without knowledge of why he did so. Fuuko attempts to get his attention, but she is interrupted by the arrival of Kyou and Ryou. Even the sisters are unable to remember Fuuko or the starfish despite Tomoya’s attempts. Tomoya and Nagisa fear that even they may forget Fuuko, but Tomoya convinces Nagisa that she wouldn’t forget such an important friend. Youhei meets Tomoya and the girls after another failed attempt to hand out starfish, but he only frustrates Tomoya by attempting to have Nagisa go to lunch with him. Youhei suddenly calls out to Fuuko, but he cannot remember why soon afterwards. When Fuuko hands Youhei a starfish, he can only wonder why he is now holding it. Youhei can remember that he did not dislike that certain person, as Tomoya and the girls thank him. While Youhei walks away afterwards, Nagisa is assured that the kind Youhei would attend the wedding.

Walking outside after school, Tomoya and Nagisa suggest that they should at least get Fuuko some accessories for the wedding. Tomoya and Nagisa provide Fuuko with gifts, so she thanks them happily afterwards. Fuuko admits that she feels like Tomoya is not a bad person, and relates him to a sea animal. Nagisa invites Tomoya to view a wonderful scene before he can leave, as Fuuko smiles from where she is sitting. When the three arrive back at the Furukawa bakery, even Akio has forgotten about Fuuko. Tomoya and Nagisa assure Fuuko that it is not that everyone has completely forgotten about her, when Sanae seemingly greets Fuuko. However, she cannot really see her. Sanae reveals that she went to the hospital as well, and she had lost her memories when she exited. In tears, Sanae assures herself that Fuuko is still there. She attempts to touch her, and offers to let her continue to stay with them in their house. Tomoya decides that the only place left for Fuuko to go is the school, so the three begin to walk there hand in hand.

Preview: Tomoya and Nagisa may finally forget.

Impression:

Sweet, it’s not over yet! Next week will be the last though, quite obviously. So, everyone has begun forgetting about Fuuko. Fuuko seems to know that this was going to happen, but she refuses to reveal her thoughts to Tomoya and Nagisa. I guess this will play a big part next week.There were so many parts during this episode that I would have usually found over dramatic and silly, but I couldn’t help but tear up. It just goes to show that this show has succeeded in actually making us feel character attachment. I was wondering why none of the characters would visit the hospital before, but it was finally revealed by Youhei and Sanae that doing so would result in the forgetting of Fuuko. Youhei is such a nice guy, but it was definitely frustrating that even he could not keep Fuuko in his memories. I’m expecting a bittersweet ending for Fuuko next week, as everything should be resolved. I guess we’ll see the wedding and Tomoya and Nagisa’s forgetting of Fuuko? With the mention of remembering the festival like dream, I’m hoping that there will be some kind of positive note left. Fuuko will never forget your constant hugs, Nagisa! Stop crying already!

PS: I have recently discovered that “Starfish Poking” has become the new “Pink Elephant Rice Cooker”. A carved wooden starfish to those who understand the inside joke. Also, the competition rages on at Anime Arimasu! Vote Starfish Alliance for justice!