Subculture Anime Blog

Nice mic…an. My final impression is included.

Summary:

Yuno returns to the Hidamari apartments after winter break, finding that Miyako is already there waiting for her. The two quickly begin discussing what they did over the holiday, and if there are any items they have brought over. When the girls go to the other doors to check on Hiro and Sae, they are surprised to see that both of them are still asleep. When the two wake, they credit their late sleeping to the odd schedules they had during the holiday. When Hiro remembers all of the snacks she had while talking to her relatives, she expresses the need to exercise. With this, Miyako suggest that they all go for a walk. As the girls pass by Yoshinoya’s house on the way, they stop by to give her their New Year’s greetings. Yoshinoya decides to join the girls while going to the shrine, quickly getting changed. When the girls reach the shrine, they perform the typical traditions. While looking at Sae’s suggestive fortune, Hiro brings up the possibility of its relation to one of her fans. This makes Sae remember how happy she was to receive the certain fan letter, and when she overhears this from a distance in the area, Natsume is overjoyed.

Returning to the apartments, the girls continue to discuss what they had done over the holiday. The conversation shifts to what wishes the each of them made, and most of the girls give their expected answers. Hiro, in particular, panics at making the same wish for a successful diet again. Hiro brings up that Natsume was at the shrine as well, making Sae remember her encounter with her. When Sae questioned what she had wished for, Natsume could only make up a response with her usual dishonesty. Before parting ways with Sae, however, Natsume was able to give her a New Years greeting honestly. The girls also bring up their earlier seeing of the Landlady, who looked quite different and wonderful in her New Year’s attire. When the girls suggest that it is almost time for dinner, Yuno invites them to her room to enjoy the food that she had brought over. The girls continue to discuss their wishes for the year over dinner, but before they part, Yuno rushes out to catch them and finally say, “Tadaima.” In the bath later, Yuno again realizes how nice it is in the Hidamari Apartments. At the same time, all of the girls sing a familiar song.

Impression:

So it’s spelled with a “k”….don’t judge me. Although not as visually impacting as last week’s, this episode was perfect for a Hidamari finale. I was quite surprised, and delighted, that they decided to put a lot of focus on Natsume’s relationship with Sae. Even if it was already assumed in the previous episodes this season, it was finally revealed that she was the devoted fan who sent Sae encouraging mail. Watching Natsume wish for her ability to become more honest was so great, and it is still entertaining to see how clueless Sae is. The rest of the episode was what we would expect from the show, with a few exceptions. I loved Yuno’s struggle to say such simple words by the end, and the true smiles that all of the girls responded to her with. All of the girls’ singing the first season’s theme was so perfect for the ending, and I was totally reminiscing over the entire series at that point. The use of photographs to bring us through the dialog probably helped to add nostalgia as well.

Final Impression:

When I watched the first season of Hidamari Sketch in 2007, it easily became one of my all time favorite anime series. Being a slice of life story based on artists, and produced by my favorite studio SHAFT, there was really nothing but appreciation that I could have for the series. When the OVAs came out a bit after my blog was established, I quickly jumped at the chance to cover them. Both were everything I could hope for, though they did have me wishing for another series afterwards. By the time x365 was announced, I knew I was in for another season of greatness.

This season of Hidamari proved to be everything the first season was, and more. With greater production values from the evolving studio, a timeline that helped to reveal things that we didn’t know about in the first season, and simply learning more about the girls and their friends, every episode left me with a great feeling after finishing them each week. I would say that I am sad to part with the series again, but Hidamari Sketch is the type of series that never feels like it will end. Even without another season (though I suspect there could be one in the future), it is easy to image how Yuno’s daily activities would continue on in an inspiring way. Besides, how can I be sad when ef - a tale of melodies. is premiering in only a little over a week from now? I am always satisfied.