Taiga will change. AND BECOME GUNDAM. …..My final impression is included.

Summary:

Yasuko reaches her father’s home in panic, finding that Ryuji is safely waiting for her. She bursts into tears after seeing him, and after expressing her gladness, is scolded by her father. Yasuko later reveals that she had not actually gotten married, and that those around her suggested an abortion, but she wanted to protect her son no matter what. She believes that things still fell apart, but Ryuji contradicts her by showing her how big he has gotten. Seeing that Yasuko had tried to run away by herself, Ryuji tells her that nothing would start from this. He then declares that he will properly grow up, asking for Yasuko to watch over him while he does so.

Ryuji later finds that his grandparents have set up a room for both he and Taiga to use, since if they were going to get married, they may as well start using the same room. Looking to the stars outside, Taiga admits that she was a bit uneasy about running away and getting married. However, she wanted to see a dream for awhile. Ryuji replies by suggesting that they can still obtain happiness with everyone, including Taiga’s parents. Even if this would take some time, it did not matter. Taiga uses the blanket off of her futon as a veil next, suggesting that they practice for the future. She denies the need for promises when Ryuji struggles with his words, then reminding him of his statement that they were dragon and tiger. Despite her judgments, Ryuji takes the chance to kiss Taiga. Taiga sees that the feeling is just as she expected, but this does not stop her from requesting several more.

The new family of three returns home the next day, but while agreeing to stop by the Takasu household for dinner, Taiga first decides to visit her home to talk to her mother. Taiga does not find her mother in the mansion, however; only a series of angry and sad voice mails. Looking at a lone star in the sky afterwards, Taiga recalls her once believing that she was someone that couldn’t be loved. As she realizes that Ryuji loves her though, she decides that she will no longer run. She would change. That night, Taiga does not end up visiting the Takasu household for dinner.

Later at school, the class learns shocking news from Yuri that Taiga would stop coming to the school due to family circumstances. Several of the students attempt to contact her in response, while Minori slaps Ryuji outside for returning alone. Ryuji would have liked to do anything he could, of course, but he could only accept Taiga’s believing in him in the end. Ryuji vists Taiga’s room later, finding that she had forgotten some rather important items. Looking through these, Ryuji comes across the picture she had bought of herself with Yusaku at the school dance. Behind it though, was a candid shot of her with him. To the surprise of Ryuji and other students around town some time after, Taiga sends them a picture mail of a lone star in the sky.

The students wonder about this image at school the next day, until Minori arrives to reveal that it is certainly a picture of a star in the sky. The class wonders about the meaning of this, and despite some of their silly suggestions, Minori further suggests that it is a sign of hope. Even when so far away from each other, if everyone were to shine, they would be connected with each other. Ami appears to mock Minori’s comments in good nature, further mentioning the star they had used in the past as a thanks to Taiga. While looking for this with her, Ryuji mentions how good Ami is during situations like these. Ami agrees, then recalling her past envy of Taiga’s ability to express herself. She now realizes that she was wrong, however, as Taiga would never show her true face despite appearances. Ami then reaffirms her belief that if one person could understand her, she would be happy; even if this was not a relationship of love.

Minori is the one to find the lost star, and upon obtaining it, the class prepares to take a picture together to send to Taiga. As Ryuji walks alone outside afterwards, he recalls the conversation he had with Taiga around the first time they met. The tiger and dragon were already decided to walk paths together, and even if he was not with Taiga at the time being, his feelings would never break.

As Ryuji’s class graduates some time later, rumors are spread through the underclassman about events that had happened in the previous year. A particular rumor spread around that of the palm-top tiger; Ryuji’s girlfriend. After spending time with his graduating friends, Ryuji takes sight of Taiga in the classroom. He enters the room to initially find nothing, but then finds her properly in a small locker. Taiga is disappointed with this, but when Ryuji instantly takes the chance to redeclare his love to her, she punishes him for causing her embarrassment.

Impression:

Awesome. Forget the haters; I loved the ending. So, I’m assuming at this point that the anime ended similarly to the way the novel did (…and I confirm this through Kurogane’s questioning). That saved us from the horrors of bad anime original endings, making me appreciate how well JC Staff and Toradora’s author worked with each other despite such close conclusion times. It’s funny that I mentioned the meaningless running last week, because this episode totally turned that factor around. There were a ton of great lines in this episode as usual, and they were made even better by tying into the major themes scattered throughout the series previously. The lines that had the most impact on me were probably Taiga’s while she looked up at the lone star in the sky. Taiga’s always being alone was what made me appreciate her character so much in the first place, and her decision to stop running due to Ryuji’s love power™ made for the perfect resolution. This isn’t to say that Minori’s theory about things that can’t be seen at the end was any less fitting (not to mention the title’s Dragon x Tiger theme returning from the start of the series).

Taiga’s several requests to have Ryuji kiss her were sure to satisfy the pairing’s fans, including myself, but I did have to start covering my eyes in embarrassment around the fifth time…. (I also wonder what that fade out was suppose to suggest.) I loved Yasuko’s finally revealing her past situation with Ryuji too, as I definitely got teary eyed during her reconciliation with Ryuji. The ambiguous ending almost had me in rage, but after the half-expected short ED, the graduation made for a perfect conclusion. I loved the all the subtle details, like Yusaku’s going to America and the underclassmen’s squealing over Ryuji’s girlfriend. I could say the same about earlier situations, like Minori’s being the one to find the lost star, as well. Either way, I’ll “save” the rest of the rambling for the final impression….

Final Impression:

Toradora was the lovcom that I had been waiting for before even starting this almost two year old blog. I had high expectations for this series before and after sampling the manga, and I was delighted to see that the anime would retain the same quality after finally watching it. This show was really what I needed after an endless amount of terrible fanservice driven series in past seasons, as it mixed a unique blend of comedy, slice of life, and drama. Highly character driven, I felt like just about every member of Toradora’s cast was completely believable. From Taiga’s struggle of always being alone, to Minori’s using a positive attitude to hide her insecure feelings, most every character seemed to come straight from life. There was also a ton of symbolism both visually and spoken that, while not quite reaching the same level, constantly had me recalling my favorite series Honey and Clover. This was no coincidence, as Toradora’s director had a major role in the said series.

And while I could continue comparing this series to others, as it even went head to head with the major romantic drama series Clannad during the past two seasons, there’s really no reason why I should. This show has a own unique charm that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s not every season that there is a lovcom with as much quality as this one, making Toradora a true gem that has easily made it into my favorites list. While I obviously felt like some episodes were stronger than others (there were a few in the middle of the series that didn’t wow me), I overall thoroughly enjoyed Toradora. It will be awhile before we get another show anywhere close to being like this one, but for now, I tip my hat to JC Staff for their adaption of one of the most prominent light series in resent times.

Mai wifu.

Summary:

Ryuji decides to chase after Taiga, so both he and Minori rush out of the room after her. The two meet at the classroom after splitting up, but find that Taiga is not there. This brings them to the next suspected place, but before they can catch her at the school entrance, Minori reveals that she has a nosebleed from falling earlier. Minori had admitted to liking Ryuji during the chase, and continuing this conversation with Ryuji later, she expresses her realization about the hairpin being his present to her. She properly declines to receive it this time, however, expressing the other forms of happiness she can achieve. Confirming that Ryuji likes Taiga, Minori cheers him on as he then leaves. Of course, she secretly shows some hesitation in the aftermath.

After wandering in town, Taiga meets Ryuji at their temporary workplace in embarrassment. Despite her feelings, Ryuji had suspected that Taiga would properly make it to work. Bringing up the earlier confrontation, Taiga tells Ryuji that they would have a talk after work. If she were to run away, she requests that he catch her. The two almost have this conversation while walking home later, but they are interrupted by their two angry mothers beforehand. Taiga’s mother wonders what Taiga is doing on her own, but Taiga declines to go home with her, while Yasuko expresses her anger towards Ryuji choosing to work. Yasuko tells Ryuji that he should find what he wants to do, but in response, Ryuji claims that it was Yasuko who threw away her dreams for work. With his expression that she has only been pushing her expectations and past mistakes on him, Ryuji causes Yasuko to cry. Taiga takes hold of Ryuji’s hand shortly after, running with him in escape of the two women.

On a bridge later that night, Taiga discusses the complicated circumstances both of her parents are currently having. Her mother already had a new partner, and would have another child. Taiga suspects that this kid would turn out to be like her. She mentions that if may have been better if she wasn’t around, but when Ryuji suggests the same because of Yasuko’s dreams disappearing because of him, Taiga quickly scolds him. She claims that she has been living only because of him, and that she would have been okay just watching him. After falling into the river behind him because of Taiga, Ryuji mentions his soon turning 18. He then proposes that the two of them continue to run until then, and that he and Taiga would then get married. Taiga joins Ryuji soon afterwards, but before the two can properly confess to each other, Ryuji gets an urgent call from Yusaku.

Taiga and Ryuji take refuge at Ami’s house, with Yusaku and Minori joining them a bit after. The group shows quite a bit of shock when the two reveal their plans, but then offer their support with money and even places to stay. Taiga claims that everything she has wanted has always crumbled before her, but she was this time able to obtain her desire. Because of this, she needed to destroy the jinx that has always plagued her. As Taiga and Ryuji leave, Minori falls into tears next to Ami. Minori cannot clearly explain why, but states her realization that tears fall when life seems to fall. Ami feels as if it is too early to think about things like this, however, as life would continue for quite some time.

Taiga and Ryuji both arrive at their homes for final partings, but when Ryuji enters his, he finds that Yasuko has run away. On the table, she had only left a note and her father’s watch. The next morning, the couple leaves. At school, Koji and the others find Ryuji and Taiga’s absence strange. Ami starts wondering what to do now that the two have left, but Minori prevents her from getting any ideas about leaving as well. On the train, Taiga brings up how happy she was when Yasuko mentioned that they were a three person family. With this, Ryuji changes his plans. This brings him to his grandparents home, with Yasuko’s watch to prove who he is. As he introduces himself, he also introduces Taiga as his wife.

Preview: Back to school already?

Impression:

Ahaha~ epic. It’s feeling like anime ending grounds now. This is usually when I start talking about how plot is being forced down our throats, as the comedy is replaced with superficial drama, but that’s just not the case with Toradora. While I can agree that things are being a bit rushed, I don’t think it feels odd at all after all the events leading up to this point. Life can happen sporadically too right? There were a ton of great lines in this episode, from “giant farewells” to Yusaku’s suggestion that Ryuji and Taiga probably had fevers at the end (haha). Taiga x Ryuji fans are sure to be happy as well, with insane amounts of blushing showing up all over the place. And while I was first calling the couple’s running away really stupid and meaningless, the preview for next week’s episode suggests that they will be taking this somewhere more productive.

The one complaint I have about the episode would be the two mothers’ confrontation with Ryuji and Taiga. This seemed extremely out of place. Yasuko obviously wants Ryuji to be successful after living through her own mistakes, just like every other parent out there. It’s already been shown that Ryuji is concerned about the financial situation, but his counter argument towards Yasuko could have gone so much better. I could only see Taiga’s mom showing up out of nowhere, just so that we could learn about Taiga’s troubled family, as a forced plot device too.

But yea… Looking forward to a good ending!

Nothing says tsundere more than twintails.

Episode 22 Summary:

Recalling his falling with Taiga on their previous trip, Ryuji wakes in class while yelling out her name. This causes him some embarrassment in the classroom, but behind him, Minori expresses a bit of worry. Taiga had gone to visit her mother in the present, leaving Ryuji without any way to contact her. Meeting Yusaku on the rooftop some time later, Ryuji requests that he act as if it was he who saved Taiga during the trip. Confirming that this has something to do with the time Taiga met him previously, Yusaku promises to do so. Ryuji leaves with Hisamitsu and Koji after school, as the three discuss their future aspirations. When they stop by a particular shop, they notice that Minori has started working yet another new job. The three notice that she has not changed much as they leave, but this truly isn’t the case. Ryuji continues to talk about his future goals with Yasuko that night, as she insists that he continue going to school. As she assures him that things would work out financially, Ryuji is reminded of the same assurances Yasuko gave him when he worried about his lost father in the past.

At school the next day, Minori assures Ryuji that Taiga is okay with her mother who is on good terms with her. When Yusaku passes, Ryuji further learns that Minori had taken up more responsibilities at school as the coach for two softball teams. He worries about her doing this and taking up another job, but Minori expresses that she is doing her best because she does not want to fall into a slump. Ami gives Ryuji a rude greeting when she passes, but Minori follows her as classes start. Finding her at the vending machines, Minori eventually starts a conversation about ghosts with Ami. She goes on to state that she wishes to pursue what is in front of her, and despite the efforts she expresses, Ami simply leaves her in annoyance.

Even Yuri worries about Ryuji’s potential and future after school hours, and when Ryuji finds that Yasuko has taken up more hours after reaching home, he starts to think more about his decisions as well. The sight of the hair pin in Ryuji’s room causes him to think about the first time he met Taiga, and becoming flustered over expressing love, he further panics when he actually meets Taiga at his door. After confirming that she has been fine, Taiga makes her way through Ryuji’s house to access her room without a key. Ryuji makes several attempts to have her stay for a bit though, and Taiga eventually notices the open box and hairpin in Ryuji’s room.

Taiga continues to wonder if Ryuji was able to get on good terms with Minori, only causing Ryuji to wonder how she can still be worried about him. As Taiga prepares to enter her room, she brings up her memories of seemingly rambling something while she was being saved during the trip. Ryuji hesitantly convinces her that this was a dream, however, then restating his fib about Yusaku not hearing anything from Taiga while carrying her. Taiga expresses her relief about this, but Ryuji on the other hand, expresses a bit of worry.

Episode 23 Summary:

With Valentine’s Day approaching soon, Yuri calls for Ryuji and Taiga to meet her after class. She wonders what they both plan to do about their future aspiration sheets, but she gets expected answers; Ryuji worries about going to school because of his financial situation, and Taiga does not believe she needs goals as a rich girl. Taiga further takes her sheet and throws it out of the window as a paper airplane after Yuri leaves, eventually deciding that she wants to have a normal love life. She decides that this is impossible, however, as she is not normal. This only adds to Taiga’s further non-acceptance of her current self.

Ryuji eventually meets Ami exiting the teacher’s office, and after catching up with her, he learns that she had turned down a request for a modeling job for the school. Ryuji wonders about her actions, so she admits that she had actually planned on quitting school earlier. She had decided to stay multiple times, and the ultimate reason for her staying, was that she believed that she realized Taiga’s inner feelings. Ami thought she could save her, but she decides now that Taiga would have been fine with or without her staying. Ami gets the chance to leave when Ryuji receives a call from Taiga, alerting him of Yasuko’s current condition.

When Ryuji sees Yasuko sick in bed, he rushes out of the house in guilt. Taiga catches up to Ryuji only to see how frustrated he is about himself, but she finally convinces him that things would be alright. With these words in mind, Ryuji meets Yasuko’s second employer. Both Taiga and Ryuji offer to work in Yasuko’s place for her sake, causing Yasuko a lot of happiness at home despite her being laid off. At the job later, Ryuji and Taiga meet Koji with his new girlfriend. They are surprised by this, but they are not as panicked as Hisamitsu who follows. With the need to draw in more business, Taiga asks for help from Ami.

Though initially hesitant, Ami certainly does help Taiga draw in a large crowd of customers. Before Ami can leave though, Ryuji chases after her to express that he had never thought it would be better if she were not around. As he mentions “everyone” though, Ami once again sees that Ryuji does not realize her true feelings. Ryuji returns to Taiga to finish the job afterwards, and the two walk home with gifts of chocolate for everyone that afternoon. Taiga even suggests that she may give chocolate to Ryuji, though she is unsure that he would appreciate it. That night, Taiga secretly makes her own chocolate.

Taiga presents her concoction to everyone at school later, but when she gives her “best” to Yusaku for saving her, Minori and Ami realize that Ryuji had tried to hide the fact that he himself saved Taiga. This angers Minori extremely, especially when Taiga refuses to say what she wished to say. With the help of Yusaku and Ami, Taiga is trapped in the room to confront Minori. Taiga expresses that she only wished for Minori’s happiness, but of course, Minori suggests otherwise. As this was all they could do from this point, Yusaku and Ami allow Taiga to escape. This leaves the only person who can chase after her, Ryuji, with a very important choice.

Preview: Two more episodes, and a big leap to make!

Impression:

I mean, really. Did you see those twintails? I wanted to pull on one of them. These two episodes were both excellent, but in different ways. 22 was more of a transition episode, but there were several great shots and pieces of dialog throughout it. This scene in particular had me reminiscing about Takemoto in Honey and Clover (yes, I went there again). The theme of future goals, and the worries everyone has about them, is a theme that I’m beginning to connect with more and more these days too; adding more to my appreciation to the oh so well written story. Taiga’s reappearance made for a nice “oshi-” moment, but this didn’t even compare to what happened in the next episode….

…..Which was absolutely fantastic. I was giggling pretty hard at the few terrible moments of art early in the episode, but the last half made up for all of this. Building on the themes from the last episode, those of family and others had me appreciating the original author’s insight once again. Paper airplanes always provide for nice imagery as well. And of course, the climax of this arc broke out in perfect sequence with Minori challenging both Ryuji and Taiga with the help of their smiling friends. Fighting with friends because you care about them. – that’s definitely something I like to see. And I’m digging those nice boat eyes, Minori.

F U, Aroduc.

Summary:

• The class starts to ski upon reaching the resort, and in a short exchange with her, Ryuji learns that Taiga had met with Yusaku without his knowledge when he was sick.
• Hisamitsu eventually gets into an argument with Nanako because of her way of pursuing Yusaku, and even more conflict is created when even Yusaku cannot comprehend why the two are arguing.
• Ryuji later meets Minori in the inn, and when she starts to talk about the previous fight, he realizes that she would really continue to pretend that the past events between them never happened. Further more, Ryuji sees that Minori had received his hairpin from Taiga in an indirect way.
• The boys drag Ryuji out of bed while he is sulking, then visiting the girls’ room. The group initially finds it empty, then ending up hiding in the closet with Taiga when she appears.
• After the girls return, Ami eventually taunts Minori about her turning down Ryuji. With all of the complications dealing with Taiga among others, Minori quickly denies that Ami knows anything about her.
• The next day, the two girls finally break into a fight. Most of the class appears to prevent them from going any further, but Taiga disappears after seeing Minori’s hairpin lost in the conflict.
• A heavy snowstorm takes place that night, but despite this, Yusaku, Ryuji, and Minori enter it to find Taiga.
• At the sight of Minori’s hairpin, Ryuji eventually finds a collapsed Taiga. While carrying her back, she mistakes him for Yusaku. Taiga reveals that she could not pull through with her initial plans, as in the end, she truly loved Ryuji.

Preview: Fluttering emotions!

Impression:

F U!!!!! Aroduc really gives me that frequent test, proving whether or not I can still claim that spoilers don’t affect my enjoyment of shows. Thankfully, I can continue to hold my ground this time, because this week’s Toradora was spectacular either way. I’m sounding like a broken record here, but I’m still amazed at how this series constantly takes cliched lovcom moments (hiding in the girls closet), and turns them into really insightful developments full of strong characterization. I absolutely loved Ami’s dialog in this episode, as she revealed that what she hated the most about Minori was her refusal to show her true emotions. The visual direction in this episode was great as well, especially during the quarrel the girls had towards the end. And obviously, the biggest part of this episode would be Taiga’s unknowingly confessing to Ryuji. With only four episodes left, I can’t wait to see how everything turns out by the end.

Notes:

• DVD specials are for chumps. Thanks.
• Still never heard of a high school that goes on class ski trips…
• Ryuji is a pervert…….of cleanliness.
• Oho! Gurl talk, guyz~
• Four guys and one very small girl…….in a closet.
• Ami is butthurt…literally.
• Hana Yori Dango, anyone?

“Hey, Taiga. Say this.”

Summary:

Yusaku meets Taiga at the start of the new year, surprised to see that she isn’t with Ryuji. Taiga explains that Ryuji had fallen ill with the flu, but despite Yusaku’s almost leaving in response, Taiga stops him with a bow and what seems to be the start of a request. As the winter break is ending, Ryuji finally regains his health. Recalling his encounter with Minori, he realizes that she had certainly turned him down. When Ryuji sees Taiga looking at him through her window, he takes the chance to ask why she hasn’t been visiting lately. Taiga initially implies that Ryuji shouldn’t move his feelings towards her because of Minori, but she further states that she is avoiding him for his and Minori’s sake. The both of them realize that it wasn’t as if Minori did not have any feelings for Ryuji, but it was more like she couldn’t take Ryuji away from Taiga who seemed to need him. With this, Taiga again confirms that she will do her best to live on her own.

Before going back to school the next morning, Yasuko reminds Ryuji to take a certain form with him. This is one dealing with the trip his class would be having soon. On the way to school, Ryuji determines to call out to Minori if he sees her. At the lockers, Ryuji is given the suit he lent out previously back. He also learns that he had left Minori’s gift inside, though he mentions that this turned out to be something he didn’t need that night anyways. Koji meets Taiga in the classroom elsewhere, surprised that Ryuji isn’t with her. He soon plays a prank on Taiga, causing her to chase him into the halls. This is where they meet Ryuji, holding a small hairpin in his hands. Koji quickly takes this when Ryuji suggests that he no longer needs it, but Taiga quickly has him return it. When Minori appears to greet the group in her usual energetic aura, Ryuji cannot help but escape in panic.

In class, Yuri surprises the class by announcing that their trip plans have changed because of the hotel they planned on staying in having burned down. With this, they would be visiting a ski resort instead. The majority of the class objects to this, even taking note of Ami’s absence during such a time, but Yuri quickly has them quiet down. Yusaku meets Ryuji as he prepares to leave that afternoon, surprised to see that he isn’t with Taiga. Ryuji claims that Taiga had something to take care of, but in his mind, he worries about her doing things like eating cup ramen for his sake. Watching Ryuji’s obviously frustrated expression as he leaves, Yusaku cannot help but be concerned.

Ryuji runs into Ami on the way home, but isn’t greeted very well by her. Further more, Ryuji is surprised to see Taiga appear to meet Ami. The three stop by a coffee shop afterwards, as Taiga receives an item she requested from Ami. Taiga eventually reveals to Ami that their trip plans had been changed, then warning her not to interfere with Ryuji during it. She explains Minori’s turning down Ryuji, as well as her true intentions, but Ami pretends not to take any interest in this conversation. The three leave soon after, but not before Ami takes the chance to imply Ryuji’s ignorance to him again. Ryuji follows Taiga on her way home, expressing his surprise towards how much she had thought about his and Minori’s relationship. With this, Taiga finally reveals her reasons for doing so; she saw Ryuji as a person fit for Minori, and trusted him. With this thought in his mind as Taiga leaves, Ryuji seems to gain new confidence.

Ryuji runs into Minori in town the next morning, this time calling out to her. Minori takes the effort to put on her usual energetic face in response, then telling him not to worry about what had happened the previous day. The idle chatter is interrupted by Taiga’s appearance from behind who, by throwing her bag at Ryuji and calling out to them, tricks Minori into grabbing hold of Ryuji’s hand before escaping. Minori becomes flustered about this, but she soon has Ryuji help her to hold Taiga’s bag on the way to school. Ryuji continues talking with Minori along the way, and noticing her new hairstyle, he admits to have realized the change because of his always watching her. The two meet Ami upon reaching the school, who expresses her usual subdued interest in the couple before leaving them.

In class later, Maya takes opposition to Yusaku’s choice in room arrangements for the trip. When Ryuji and the rest of the class find it alright, she becomes quite confused. The usual group of friends gather at Taiga’s house for further preparations that afternoon, most of them expressing their amazement towards the mansion. Ryuji notices that Taiga has finally started being able to talk to Yusaku normally, but more importantly to her, Taiga tells Ryuji to help Minori who had gone to prepare tea. While with her, Ryuji learns that Minori had visited Taiga’s house during the previous incident with her father. She couldn’t come up with the courage to continue though, and seeing how much change had happened to the home, Minori credits Ryuji’s involvement with Taiga to all of it. Watching the group interact with each other in their usual ways, Minori’s wish that they could all continue like this forever resonates in Ryuji’s mind. Finally on the bus while going to their trip’s location later, Ryuji becomes determined to learn Minori’s true feelings.

Preview: Angst at the ski resort!

Impression:

W-w-whaaaat? Realistic relationships in MY anime lovcom? Who wrote this!? Someone who has actually had experience with love? I DON’T BELIEVE IT. What happened to characters being so shallow that they can’t actually realize others’ feelings? There wasn’t even one “tripping and falling into someone’s boobies” scene in this episode! The lovcom is a lie. ….A lie I tell you!!!!!

Of course, I loved this episode because of all of that. I was truly caught off guard by the quick development, rather than terrible resets that I’ve become so used to, and the return to natural interaction between all of the characters was so refreshing after the last arc. Minori’s hiding her personality was intentionally obvious in this episode, and her flustered state after grabbing Ryuji’s hand was too good for a single watch.

I’m really feeling the advancing of time in this series, and like I said before, even the OP is reflecting a lot of this – which is why I had grown to like it. A lot of people have been suggesting that the anime is in tune with the novels to have the same ending, so I can only hope that this will be true. A poor ending to the such solid development we’ve been having so far would be a terrible shame.

Notes:

• “Hey…wanna come have some cup ramen at my place later..?” *wink*
• A penis joke? In MY Toradora?
• Taiga is hella short.
• *Kira~*

Deyansu!

Summary:

Ryuji attempts to contact Minori on the day of the xmas party, but only gets her answering machine. He again expresses his hope that she would make it to the party, just to be called by Taiga shortly after. Taiga throws a large package in Ryuji’s way when they see each other, which turns out to contain a very lavish suit once belonging to her father. Taiga enters Ryuji’s house shortly after, revealing to the Takasus her appearance in a splendid dress. Yasuko further helps the two by giving Taiga a bit of perfume, and Ryuji a watch from her father.

The party gets started that night, as everyone arrives in various forms of dress. Ryuji cannot help but notice that Minori has not shown up though, troubling him because of the small gift he had been preparing to give her. Taiga and Ami eventually surprise everyone by performing a song for them. Ryuji compliments Ami for her singing when he meets her later, but when he asks about Taiga, Ami claims that she has already left. As she would only stop by Minori’s house before heading home to meet Santa, Ryuji wonders why things had turned out this way. Seeing that he had not taken her advice, still acting like Taiga’s father, Ami becomes very annoyed as she leaves Ryuji. With the information he has just gained in his mind, Ryuji also takes the chance to leave the school grounds.

After telling Minori that Ryuji planned on staying at the school until she showed up, Taiga spends her time alone at her house. She had of course acted in the way she thought would benefit her friends the most, but as she realizes that Santa is not real, she predicts that she would spend her xmas alone once again. Taiga eventually wakes to the sounds of knocks, however, finding a santa suit-clad bear at her window. She of course lets him in, and when the bear embraces her, she expresses that her dreams have come true. Taiga had obviously realized that this was Ryuji though, thanking him after removing his mask.

Ryuji attempts to stay with Taiga because of his realization that she would be alone, but she convinces him to leave after stating that his being with Minori would be her real present. Taiga finds herself in tears after Ryuji leaves though, finally realizing that she would not be able to be by his side if he and Minori were to become attached to each other. She runs out of her house to scream Ryuji’s name, but unknown to her, Minori has seen this from not far away. When Minori meets Ryuji at the school, she takes the chance to speak before he has a chance to. Bringing up the previous conversation they had about ghosts and UFOs, she states her decision that it would be better if she did not see them. With this, she simply walks away from Ryuji with this implied answer.

ED: A special song by Eri Kitamura and Rei Kugimiya, reflecting Ami and Taiga’s performance in the episode. So, who’s ready for the single?

Preview: Time for the new year.

Impression:

This episode contained quite possibly the creepiest costumes and looks that the series has ever had. If Yusaku’s half naked santa outfit wasn’t enough, Ami and Taiga looked just plain frightening while singing on stage. Something about their faces and expressions bothered me greatly, and the gestures didn’t help. But with all that out of the way, the end of this episode once again made for a killer conclusion to an arc. I guess I should start getting used to this, especially since it’s JCStaff that we’re talking about.

I’m pretty sure Taiga has always realized her true feelings for Ryuji, but her finally expressing it to herself (in tears at that) was probably what we’ve all been waiting to see. We got back to the theme of loneliness with that too, which is one of the things that made me appreciate Taiga’s characters to much in the first place. Ryuji’s basically being turned down, and the preview from the next episode, might hint that Ryuji and Taiga could be getting even closer after this. But with Ami and possibly other factors still in the mix, and the fairly long time we have left till the end, I somehow doubt we’ll be getting exactly what we want right away.

Gotta throw in my appreciation of direction/writing this week too, with Minori’s covering her eyes to hide her feelings during her conversation with Ryuji. Subtle, I know, but such things make scenes all the more powerful. Taiga did the same thing in a previous episode.

Still too late for xmas.

Summary:

While preparing decorations at school, Ryuji and Taiga run into Yuri in the halls. Yuri expresses her worry about the students because of their recent parties, particularly Koji, but the two assure her that they are still doing their best with studies. Ryuji wonders if Yuri would be attending their party as well, but because of her pride, she kindly denies the offer. Ryuji and Taiga run into Minorin while she is practicing afterwards, but she leaves them before answering to Ryuji’s hope that she would make it to the upcoming party. When Ryuji and Taiga meet Ami and the other regulars in the gym locker afterwards, the boys quickly have Yusaku leave with Taiga again. Maya and Nanako exit as well, leaving Ryuji alone with Ami.

Ryuji expresses his distaste in his friends’ actions, not because he is really concerned about Taiga and Yusaku’s relationship, but more because he dislikes how everyone has their hands in it. This makes Ami guess that Ryuji is feeling something like a father, unable to let go of the daughter he has been caring for. Ami suggests that Ryuji let go of Taiga, and even that it may have even been a mistake for him to get involved with her in the first place, before muttering that he should let her inside his heart as well. Ryuji does not hear this statement, seemingly to the relief of Ami as she decides to leave as well.

After their final tests, classes are finally released for the break. After one more disappointing talk with Minori, Taiga states that she will be going to the post office. To avoid an invitation from Maya and Nanako, Ryuji claims that he will be going with her. When Ryuji reaches Taiga’s home though, he is surprised to see presents addressed to her father among others. Taiga denies her trying to make up with him, before going on to reveal how she came to have faith in believing that someone was watching over her. To her, this was Santa. After visiting the post office, Taiga even states that she saw Santa in the past. Though this might have been a dream, this gave her hope to continue believing in something.

Everyone does their best in finally putting up a large xmas tree at school. While observing Taiga taking a big role in this, Ryuji thinks to himself that she is certainly not alone. After the tree is finished, the students’ joy is cast aside when a stray ball breaks into the gym to knock it down. At the very end, the star that Taiga had given Yusaku to attach had been shattered. Minori is devastated upon entering to see what had happened due to her faulty action, then refusing any help as she tries desperately to fix the broken star. Ryuji still offers to help though, and when Minorin claims that this should be her responsibility, Ryuji convinces her by stating that he would help for his own sake.

The star actually starts to come back together, but while Ryuji observes this, Minori can only wonder if it would truly return to the way it was before. Ryuji assures her that it would, and when it is finished, it seems to shine even brighter than before. Minori leaves everyone else after the tree is put up a second time, but Ryuji again asks her to attend the party. Minori refuses, but Ryuji claims that he will be waiting despite this.

Preview: Fancy pantsy dress up time.

Impression:

I was about to facepalm when they actually showed Santa, but Taiga’s saying it was a dream probably saved that situation. Consistent with the previous arcs in the series, this episode was fairly slow while building up to the climax. What would have been Taiga’s inner dialog (except it was to Ryuji) was strong, as it appealed to those who need to cling to a belief even though it may be something imaginary. I’ve always appreciated Asia’s way of representing such themes when compared to the ridiculously forced equivalents we get here in the states. Ami’s noticing of Ryuji’s role as a “father” was just as great, since it was one of those things that everyone notices passively until one mentions it.

One of the major focuses of the arc, Minori, obviously had a lot of time in this episode as well. Though I appreciated the episode on its own overall, the ending definitely made it for me. Can you say, “Ayumi?” Minori’s repeating Ryuji’s name gave me reminiscent feelings of Honey and Clover – 06 (Yes, I remember the episode number. It was just that good.), and the conversation about things that cannot return to the way they were before was such great metaphor despite how cliched it was. Yea, you could say I’m comparing this show too much with the other popular JCStaff series, but I’ve already discussed the reason why there isn’t any reason why I shouldn’t.

OP: “silky heart” by Yui Horie – Is it silly to have high expectations for a lovcom OP? The animation is pretty good, and the single itself isn’t terrible, but I can only imagine that this could have been done a lot better after seeing the previous OP. Still, upon a second watch, I do think this could grow on me.

Summary:

With xmas just around the corner, Taiga expresses her excitement to Ryuji while walking in town with him. Taiga eventually brings up that Ryuji has not made any progress with Minori though, and in response, Ryuji clearly suggests that he has not had a chance to be alone with her. With this, Taiga agrees to create a chance for him in the xmas spirit. When Taiga returns to school, she is greeted by several now-fans who were moved by her fight. Moving past this, Ryuji and Taiga then meet Minori who is in a state of despair. Because of her current thoughts and distractions, she had made a terrible miss on the baseball field previously. Yusaku also greets the two, then telling Taiga that she should ask for his help before starting a fight the next time she was troubled.

Over lunch, Taiga learns that Yusaku has started something of a radio show for the school. Yuri is the current guest, but in the meantime, the usual classmates notice that Taiga is acting a bit more mature than usual. Taiga states that this is because Santa is watching, but when Ami shows up, she finds this quite ridiculous. Yusaku eventually mentions an upcoming xmas party, and while walking home that afternoon, Taiga describes this as Ryuji’s chance to confess to Minori. On a later day, however, Minori tells the class that she will have to pass on the party. Because of her previous misses, she has not been in the mood. This causes Ami to volunteer for the role she would have played, seemingly in an attempt to make her jealous. This only causes her to leave the room in frustration.

Ryuji and Taiga go to the family restaurant they usually visit later, but when they arrive, they find that Minorin is not working as she claimed she was. This makes Taiga believe that something has happened between Ryuji and Minorin, as they have seemed to change from before. This is interrupted by the arrival of the pair’s other friends, as Hisamitsu and Koji obviously pair Taiga with Yusaku. When Ryuji questions this, they bring up the good opportunity this would be for the two of them. Taiga obviously seems to like Yusaku, and Yusaku had just been dumped by Sumire. The two believe that Ryuji had not realized this, but this was obviously far from true.

Ryuji becomes worried about why he is bothered about something he has known for quite some time, but when Maya finally gets his attention, he realizes that she seems to like Yusaku as well. Maya suggests that Ryuji is much more fitting for Taiga, before leaving him to rush ahead to the rest of the group.

ED: “Orange (オレンジ)” by Rie Kugimiya, Eri Kitamura and Yui Horie – A celebration of male cooks! I like this ED probably about as much as the last one, if not more. Something as simple as Ryuji’s preparing a desert for his friends becomes a heart warming package in just a few minutes.

Preview: Life continues to change.

Impression:

Man, I love Toradora. I’m amazed at how many fans there are of the show now when compared to when it first came out though. A lot of bloggers have given in after seeing that this wasn’t the stereotypical lovcom trash that has been airing for the past few seasons, and I even got a text from one of my friends about it just yesterday! (He’s one of those losers that only reads Random Curiosity though. ….Loser.) This episode brought us straight into the next arc, with what appears to be a new love interest for Yusaku. (”I remember when this guy was a side character,” right?) I can see a lot of people complaining about this already, but I’m up for anything that gives my favorite Nonaka Ai more voice time. “Majide!”

Seeing Taiga being happy in general was a nice change of pace, and it at least showed some development in her character. I will admit that this was really freaking weird for awhile though. …She’s such a kid too! I mean who believes in angels Santa, right?? I’m also really liking the whole feel of advancement the series is showing, even though this is in simple forms like its being winter now. The way the OP plays in with this is just great, and the overall directing is something I’m totally digging.

Notes:

• A month late for xmas.
• You look like Hatsune Miku, Taiga.
• Unbelievably cute head rubbing action.
• The main characters’ love interests are both weirdos.
• Yasuko is so hip! …Much more than Yuri!
• Poor Inko.
• …Poor us who have to look at Inko.

Nice speech, but what are you going to do about the economy!?

Summary:

In an attempt to change Yusaku’s actions, Taiga threatens to become the next student council president. This horrifies much of the student body throughout the following days, as Ryuji, others in Taiga’s class, and even Yuri support her act. Despite all of this, however, Yusaku refuses to return to the election. One night, Ryuji receives a call from a particular student council member. He reveals that Sumire is transferring to a school in America soon, which Ryuji quickly realizes is the source of Yusaku’s actions. Ryuji leaves his house without giving Taiga any specific details, then finding Yusaku by the riverside. With this, Yusaku admits to all of his actions being a result of his frustration. Yusaku had thought could become worthy of Sumire if he obtained the position of student council president, but this had no meaning if she was not going to be around. Yusaku also expresses his realization that Taiga, as well as the rest of his friends, have been acting for his sake. As Taiga catches up to Ryuji, Yusaku leaves with the realization that he needs to change how he is acting. MIssing Yusaku, Taiga asks Ryuji about the previous phone call. However, Ryuji refuses to tell her about it.

The next day at school, Yusaku finally appears to stop Taiga’s campaign. Ryuji learns in the afternoon from Yuri that Yusaku had not actually submitted the paperwork needed for the election though, causing him to meet him in the classroom in a hurry. In response to Ryuji, Yusaku claims that he would still quit after having thought about it. As the two start walking home together, Yusaku brings up the reason he originally joined the student council. After being shot down by Taiga in his freshman year, Sumire had appeared to give him hope in the form of joining the student council. After doing so, Yusaku had certainly accomplished the enjoyable school life that he was hoping for. Sumire actually appears behind the boys a short while later, then scolding Yusaku for his foolish actions. Expressing her wish to see what kind of student council he would run, she gives Yusaku the needed form. With this, Yusaku leaves Ryuji with the need to do something very important.

Yusaku takes the stand as the new student council president the next day, but instead of giving a speech, he confesses his love for Sumire in front of hte entire student body. He asks for a reply, but taking a mic in hand, Sumire only expresses how interesting of a man the school now has as its president. As Sumire leaves shortly after, Yusaku can only despair. Ryuji catches up to Sumire, but despite his constant wonder why she did not reply to Yusaku properly, she only reaffirms her transferring and better hopes for him. Taiga catches Ryuji before he can follow Sumire further, relaying that Yusaku was in tears. Unable to be by his side herself, she hopes that Ryuji would support him. Recalling how many times Yusaku helped her in the past, Taiga realizes that there are not enough thanks she could give to him. Drawing her wooden sword, however, she still plans to do what she can.

Taiga attacks Sumire in her class, and the two exchange several blows. As Taiga gains the upper hand, she simply calls Sumire a coward who cannot express her true feelings. Sumire suggests her wish that she could be as honest as Taiga in response, but seeing what would happen if she answered Yusaku, she could not become such a fool. Sumire is brought to tears, but as news had reaches the other classes about the fight, Yusaku appears to thank her for all she had done for him. As he bows for her, Yusaku shows obvious signs of tears as well. Sumire leaves to America in the following days, and Taiga does not come to school for two weeks. While at home, Taiga decides to write a certain letter. When this reaches Sumire in America, she is delighted to see only the word “baka” written on the back of it in large text.

Preview: Ami in a santa suit.

Impression:

Wow. Just wow. I was planning a big parody post for this week, but I just couldn’t do it after seeing how good this episode actually was. There have been several criticisms for this show in the past for altering source material, but when a scene as ridiculous as the flashback one in this episode can become as dramatic and engaging as it was, I can only praise JCStaff’s work once again. There were so many segments in this episode that should have been laughably awkward, but they all turned out to be great. I mean, how can something so stereotypically lovcom as a student body audience confession become so believable!? Of course, I can’t give all the credit to the animation studio. Toradora was obviously meant to be something more than just a comedy from the beginning. I have to say it again; this has been the lovcom I have been waiting months or even years for.

Things like Yusaku’s finally stating his realization about being wrong gave me so much more of a connection for his character; so much that I could feel his dread in the aftermath of his “speech”. Taiga’s closing her eyes in front of Ryuji, presumably to hide her tears, closer to the end of the episode was a subtly beautiful touch too. There were also several hints of development scattered throughout this episode, but I need to find time to rewatch/properly analyze the episode before drawing any conclusions about them. Minori’s confused shock as well as Ami’s subtle anger were the biggest indicators though, and the preview doesn’t get me any less excited about seeing how the rest of the story is going to turn out from here on.

Notes:

• I like how Ami grabs her hair.
• BAKAAAAA INNNUUUUUU~
• Yasuko had black hair dye last week, but Yusaku’s hair is actually a shade of green!
• Taiga claps her hands really weird.
• ….and what exactly were you doing on top of the roof?
• WHERE DID THAT SWORD COME FROM?
• Some would call it a bad decision, but the fight this week was animated in the style that oh so many Japanese anime fans love.
• Gaijin alert! Wait, they’re in America….
• As this arc is over, I guarantee that the new OP and ED will show up next week.

EDIT: Omni points out the obvious about Minori. I am shallow.

Teenage rebellion!

Summary:

• Yusaku suddenly denies his willingness to take the position of student council president, and bleaches his hair.
• Sumire is suspected to be the source of the problem, but no specific information is gained.
• Ryuji and Minori visit Yusaku’s house to find him absent, but Minori describes her respect for his childhood friend Ami along the way.
• Yusaku turns out to be at Ryuji’s house with Taiga, so the two have dinner with Ryuji that night.
• Late that night, Ryuji and Taiga leave the house to visit the convinience store. Looking at Yusaku’s sleeping face, Taiga realized that she was being selfish while being unable to do anything for him.
• Looking at the stars, the two realize that the distance between them and the stars is much like those of people. Though they appear close, they are actually quite far away.
• Ryuji, Yusaku, and Taiga are sent out of the house in the morning after interrupting Yasuko’s sleep, so they visit a batting cage.
• When Taiga takes her turn, she scores a homerun while trying her hardest to bat just for Yusaku.
• Upon reaching home, Yasuko plans on dying Yusaku’s hair back after hearing from his parents.
• At school the next day, it is revealed that Taiga is running for the position of student council president.

Downtime, beeping ads, and school starting back up made me lose the motivation to provide a timely summary this time around. This will have to do unless I suddenly feel inspired to come back to this post.

Preview: Student council fun.

Impression:

Wanting to make your own choices….pretending to be happy…. Man, where have I scene these themes before? I can already see a lot of people complaining about the sudden switch to seriousness in what should be a comedy, and though I would usually agree, I will state again that I feel like Toradora has established itself as something much more than the typical lovcom. There were several pieces of strong dialog in this episode, from Minorin trying to hide her deep thoughts early on to Ryuji and Taiga’s late night gazing of the stars. Sure, maybe we’ve heard a lot of these cliches in anime before, like the comparison in distance with stars and people, but I don’t think this episode suffered at all from that fact.

I’ll admit that Yusaku isn’t exactly my favorite character in this show, but his rebellion to expectations made me laugh since it reminded of my old days (come on now, don’t act like you didn’t go around in studs and break stop signs with your skateboard in high school). His problems are obviously more love related though, and I’m sure everyone already has a pretty good idea of what Sumire did to make him fall into such a depressed state. Minori’s talk was interesting too, but I was honestly too busy laughing at her bringing up the fact that Ami is Yusaku’s childhood friend. I mean, I completely forgot about that! Way to break the stereotype so easily, Toradora. I love it.

Other than that, Taiga’s usual rampage was fun too. Her getting super dere over Yusaku is getting kind of old though. At least Ryuji can freaking speak to Minori normally by now. Geez. I also wonder why the Japanese always go back to baseball or bats to letting out anger in anime. I realize that the country is a lot less violent than other nations, but aren’t there still other things to do than swing a bat?

Notes:

• It was so big…
• Burnt eggs aren’t actually that bad.
• Mad Yasuko is mad!
• All night gaming! Where’s the energy drinks??
• TAIGA PUNCH v2
• This was actually really intimidating. Taiga and Ryuji ultimate alliance.