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「上手くいくさ」 (Umaku Iku sa)
“It’ll Be Fine”
I don’t know if it’s just the subtle way this series shifts between the present and flashbacks or if I’m just used to it being more obvious, but those transitions are evidently a key part of the screenplay that I should be taking better notice of. As some people kindly pointed out to me last time, the lead-in to the kidnapping of a shogunate retainer’s son was the first venture of the soon-to-be-created House of Five Leaves. Interestingly enough, it all started out for Okinu’s sake and later transpired into the group’s regular money-making scheme. That said, the history behind their gang turned out to be so whimsical and spur of the moment-like that it sort of goes to show how little everyone really knows about Yaichi. I still get the feeling that Otake knows the most, but for now it seems like the vast majority of our protagonists will be in for a bit of a surprise down the stretch.
As for Masa’s Edo disease, it turned out to be a sickness that lead to his loss of appetite and motor skills after all. They didn’t go on to explain the details behind it, other than pointing out how he needs to get away from the city for a while in order to recover. That’s perfectly fine though, as I was more interested in the backstory about Ume’s past in another gang while Masa was staying at the Elder’s place (his name is literally “retired person”). Given the Elder’s soft-spoken and kind nature, it was surprising to learn that he was one of the gang leaders who allowed Ume to leave for the sake of Okinu, following the death of her mother to illness. However, it appears he doesn’t give that type of special treatment for everyone, namely to one former gang member named Senkichi (Nakai Kazuya), which is why Ume is still working with Yaichi to earn money.
Much like the Elder pointed out, I can’t say I agree with the sense of responsibility and guilt Ume feels towards helping Senkichi and his current family out for not getting the same preferential treatment, but it looks like that’s going to be the focus next episode, as the other ex-gang member whom Senkichi is paying off with Ume’s money to leave him and his family alone is out to collect more money. With Masa looking like he’s on his way to recovering, I wonder if he’ll have a hand in helping free Ume from his seemingly lifelong burden.
* Since the characters are somewhat generic-looking in this series, I admit I mistook Senkichi for Matsu at first. -__-
Preview
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Don’t worry, I also thought that Senkichi was Matsu. By the way, do you know who it is that voices Senkichi? I thought it was Nakai Kazuya but I can’t find any proof. Anyway, great episode, next weeks will hopefully settle Ume’s feelings and regrets.
It’s him alright. Not quite Mugen crazy this time around, but he always churns out good performances.
Senkichi is voiced by Nakai Kazuya. If you watch the credits for “CAST”, you’ll find his name 中井 和哉. (To be exact, the first name on the third cast’s list.) I just love how relaxing it feels whenever I watch Sarai-ya Goyou. The music/BGM helps too. It’s like watching Mushishi all over again. Of course, with a different storyline.
I’m addicted to the opening of this series now. maybe it’s me but from the screens does this episode look kind of dark
Is the new sidebar video I have on the site helping out in that regard? 🙂
This series reminds me a lot of Mushishi as well. Not just because of the obvious similarity between the lead characters, but because of the similarity in the pacing, backgrounds and architecture. It’s kind of a shame that we remain in a few recurring settings because the art style lends itself to portraying the wilderness and other environments. Unlike Mushishi, this series seems to be a bit greyed out; even in non-flashback scenes, the red hues are dimmed and dawn/dusk shots are limited.
Yaichi’s flashbacks are progressing normally while the backstory of the group is moving in reverse chronological order. So they’re saving Otake’s story and the missing pieces of Yaichi’s history for the end? I like the pacing in this series, but it doesn’t lend itself to finding a suitable end point. I’m hoping they don’t plan on adding some melodrama to force Masa to join or leave, and rather let his decision come naturally.
Im so glad you guys are blogging this! Its so underrated. I squealed when I hear Nakai as the Senkichi. I also mistook him for Matsu as well <__<
Over on AnimeSuki we were joking that Yaichi is The Medicine Seller and Ginko's love child XD
Actually Im more reminded of Restaurante Paradisio.