Subculture Anime Blog

GAO~!

Summary:

Sora has a dream of the past, where she spent time with Ao in a park. She wakes on the train with her friends, finding that they have arrived at their destination in the city. After the girls spend time doing various things in town, they make their way to the arts and crafts store. Hazuki finds that some of the paint she needs is very expensive, and the alternatives Natsumi suggest aren’t exactly the best. Elsewhere, Kate helps a man with the names of some paints. After a bit of introduction, the man reveals that his sister’s birthday is soon. Finding that the man’s sister likes painting, Kate begins suggesting many ridiculous things for her present. When Kate mentions that it is the thought that counts, Sora cannot help but ponder the relationship of an older brother and younger sister. After Kate suggests a few more things to the man, Sora finally suggests a Sketchbook. The man decides that this would be a perfect gift. When the girls visit a family restaurant afterwards, they find that they have all bought sketchbooks as well. As Sora looks at the first page of her blank notebook, Natsumi and Hazuki discuss how difficult it is to decide what to draw first. While Sora thinks to herself that she was not the only one who thought this, Kate has already decided that the first thing to write is her name. Also in the restaurant, a waitress is forced to take an order from Ryo and Fu who are being their usual selves.

After the girls leave, they find Minamo taking pictures of Negishi and Inuo. While Sora learns that Minamo is taking pictures of Negishi to send to their father, Negishi attempts to make Natsumi forget what she just saw. As Negishi leaves with Minamo in embarrassment, Sora realizes that Negishi acts differently while with Minamo. He becomes an older brother. Hazuki is unable to forget her lost opportunity from earlier, but she becomes excited when Sora points out a Tokunosuke claw game. Hazuki worries about her chances of success, when Sora sees Ao not too far away. She notices that when he is not at home, Ao also becomes slightly different. On the way home, Sora wonders what she should draw in her sketchbook first. When she sees some kids playing in the park, she remembers her past with Ao again. Ao had asked Sora to draw a monster for him, and he ripped the picture to shreds in battle after she did. At dinner that night, Sora attempts to remind Ao of his past self. It is actually Asuka’s birthday, so she receives gifts happily from her siblings at home. One is a collar for Kuma. The other of course, is a Sketchbook. In another home, Negishi hesitantly helps Minamo pick out a picture to send. The first thing that Sora ends up drawing in her sketchbook is a monster, as she has thoughts of family in her mind. At school the next day, Natsumi and Hazuki reveal what they have drawn first in their sketchbooks. Negishi notices that Asaka has a new sketchbook, so he asks her what she plans to draw first.

Preview: The last episode.

Impression:

Loli Sora was so cute!! As usual, Sketchbook played on the concepts of new things, family, and friends. I’m constantly appreciating this show because of its obvious appeal to artists. I mentioned the gripes I had about expensive art products during my last episode review, and they totally played on that today. Probably one of the coolest parts of this episode was the “Aria style” opening, with the use of the more upbeat song “Natsu no Kioku” that is also included in the Kaze Sagashi single. I think it’s pretty funny how close the group was to many of its peers in the city. It must be a small town, because I rarely see that many familiar faces when I go into the city. I also enjoyed seeing more of Hazuki in this episode, because it just feels like she doesn’t get enough screen time at all. Maybe it’s just that she’s so unspoken. Like I’ve been observing in the last few episodes, Kate has definitely become a regular of the group. I couldn’t help but be proud of myself again for understanding the kanji she showed. I guess it helps that the kanji she uses is really basic. Haha, I need to study more.

It was really nice to see Minamo again with her brother, and it really played well into the theme for this episode. I didn’t predict that the guy Sora and Kate met in the town would be Asaka’s brother either (Kuma finally got his collar!). You know, I could easily relate to the siblings theme too. I have an older and younger brother, and we all really do act differently when away from each other. I loved the sketchbook theme too, and I almost expected one of the girls to say “full colors” at one point. Sora’s choice was very tasteful, as funny as it was. When it comes to art and creativity, it doesn’t matter how old you are for it to be great. It’s just a matter of expression, and that’s why I love it. The next time we see the Sketchbook gang will be the last for the season. I don’t know if I’m quite ready to part with Sora!