「「ほっ」の友達。 「ふぅ」の友達。」 ([Hoo] no Tomodachi. [Fuu] no Tomodachi)
“Friends of Ah. Friends of Whew.”

I’m really starting to enjoy how the show is slowly transitioning toward the romantic side of things. And even though I could probably do without Hase’s “pureness” slowly destroying the perfect mental image I had of him, I suppose you can’t just turn into Mr. Perfect overnight. Amongst all the awkwardness I’m sure that there will be a lot of laughter and tears along the way.

Summer Break

It never occurred to me just how serious of an issue summer break could be. With someone who has selective amnesia that can’t remember her friends once Sunday passes, a whole summer away from the people you’re close to sounds like the perfect recipe for disaster. Luckily it seems that Hase realized this quicker than me and with a little bit of help from Shoubro managed to do something about it. That said, I couldn’t stand how he went about the whole thing.

I love Hase as much as I hate Hase

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way but Hase has been driving me literally bonkers for the past few weeks. While I’m not sure how much blame his innocence deserves to get, I just can’t stand his crappy attitude toward anything that could create distance between him and Fujimiya. If this episode highlighted anything, it was just how selfish his intentions sound as well as how badly he’s treating the one guy who’s been helping him before anything even started!

But even after saying all that, what probably pains me most is seeing him turn around and bust out some incredibly suave moves when things start looking bleak. It’s like, how can someone be able to pull off such impressive saves while being so oblivious to the things that caused it in the first place!? I suppose though that’s what makes a memorable character — something that I can’t say about too many shows I’ve watched. And if there’s any show where I would have hope that things would change for the better, it would be this one!

Looking Toward a Brighter Future

After taking a second to think about where this show started and where we are now, I’m pretty impressed with how much ground we’ve covered. Starting from literally nothing but the premise of a girl and guy who would try their best for each other, we’ve branched out into all sorts of themes. From trying to understand what friends are to diving into just what it means to understand yourself, I’m happily waiting to see how all of it will come together to create something amazing.

Until next week everyone!

P.S. If anyone is planning on going to Fanime, I’d love to say hi and/or give you a hug! If you are, just shoot me a message at @rctakaii or my e-mail!

 

Preview

26 Comments

    1. @Takaii

      I really do feel the same way as you do about Hase. His actions (and lack thereof…) has really made me just give me a love/hate attitude towards him. I can relate to everything he’s done so far, especially in this episode when he realizes the “special moments” he shares with her are become fewer and fewer. It’s really too bad that guys like Hase and I can’t simply open our eyes and realize how special we actually are to that special someone.

      Which is why this,

      https://randomc.net/image/Isshuukan%20Friends/Isshuukan%20Friends%20-%2007%20-%20Large%2018.jpg
      “omfg, would you stop being a little wimp and do something already?”- Shoubro

      is my favorite part of this episode. I too have had a friend like this and i couldn’t help but get a little excited and somewhat reminiscent when i see Shoubro’s continued existence as a solid and sturdy person to rely on. He sees what others refuse to acknowledge and i that’s why he is my favorite character in this show. Based on that preview, it looks like Shougo might have something to do with Fujimiya’s past. Reminds a lot of that Fate and Coincedence picture i’ve seen years ago.

      http://imgur.com/xoUzSaq <——–This

      Makes me kind of wonder if Shougo remembers Fujimiya but hasn't said anything yet. The quiet ones do have the most the say….

      In any case, this was my favorite episode so far. Aside from Hase's wimpy behavior that grinds my gears, i'm loving this show more and more with each week.

      Synic
    2. It shows how well thought out Hase’s character is when he both can be related to while simultaneously (dis)liked. To only label him selfish and immature though is to forget how many of us went through the exact same thing once puberty hit and realized that the opposite sex does something we want more of. I cannot be the only one who had absolutely no idea what to do with girls, how to ask them out, how to not be clingy, and how to understand just what they were thinking. Hell I can even remember the similar experience of figuring out how to hang out during summer vacation (not at all easy when you’re a 16 year old introvert mind you :P)

      Hase’s behaviour may be annoying, but IMO it’s the nostalgic kind, the embarrassment of knowing how we made those very same moves and mistakes at one time or another before experience taught us correctly.

      Pancakes
    1. Synic
  1. I found it adorable that the other girls found Fujimiya’s purity so hnng-worthy when everyone in this anime is so pure. Also, Shogo kind of holds this anime together for me. Here’s hoping he gets a fine arc with Yamagishi, since they’ve dropped enough hints about her having forgotten him in the past.

    Hogart
  2. But even after saying all that, what probably pains me most is seeing him turn around and bust out some incredibly suave moves when things start looking bleak. It’s like, how can someone be able to pull off such impressive saves while being so oblivious to the things that caused it in the first place!? I suppose though that’s what makes a memorable character — something that I can’t say about too many shows I’ve watched. And if there’s any show where I would have hope that things would change for the better, it would be this one!

    Yep,this episode helped humanize Hase a bit more. We already know that he’s a good person,if maybe a bit too innocent,but it showed that he CAN be a little selfish,like everyone else on this planet. It’s why he performs so well in some areas but poorly in others. I absolutely loved this episode.

    MgMaster
  3. https://randomc.net/image/Isshuukan%20Friends/Isshuukan%20Friends%20-%2007%20-%20Large%2026.jpg
    I don’t know what’s making my mind melt into a puddle, the dat dress being shown in the anime proper or the fact that Kaori’s the one who’s holding Hase’s hands (and being active in their “friendship”, eventhough they both amazingly dense about it).

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Caption time again~
    https://randomc.net/image/Isshuukan%20Friends/Isshuukan%20Friends%20-%2007%20-%20Large%2021.jpg
    Fujimiya Kaori – Would you like to be my friend?
    Hase Yuuki – Ah! Of course I’d love to!

    info600
    1. Addendum: at least Hase’s learning to (trying to, anyway) let her make more friends (among other things…), too bad he’s reversing it with the “study sessions”.

      Anyway…since that got brought up in the story proper, any of the female readers here like how “pure” Hase is?

      (No need to go ask the male readers about Kaori, since it’s quite apparent since the beginning, no?)

      info600
  4. I don’t actually know what you mean by pure, but I really like how Hase is because I like things nice and slow (provided it’s fun to watch). I didn’t notice it was mostly the males that were annoyed by Hase but I definitely do like him… I guess different genders have different takes on this.
    Even though Shoujo has been the one pushing the insecure Hase along, I’m looking forward to the day where Hase will finally help his friend out!
    Anyone else shipping ShougoxSaki? :>

    ZJZJ
  5. I love Hase as much as I hate Hase
    -Haha! Same here! He’s a real brat but at the same time I found his selfishness cute too. And just as Shougo have said, he’s a real pain. It’s the first time I’ve liked a character who is so self-centered yet I can’t take my eyes off on what he’s going to do next. >.<

    https://randomc.net/image/Isshuukan%20Friends/Isshuukan%20Friends%20-%2007%20-%20Large%2030.jpg

    Hase: Fujimiya-san, how do you feel about me?
    Kaori: I like you, Hase-kun.
    Me: Kyaaaaaaah! *squealing like crazy*
    Hase: You also like Shougo and Yamagishi-san, right?
    Kaori: Yeah.
    Me: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! *laughing like crazy*

    I know that kind of scene is already common to most romantic anime, but it still made me laugh like mad every time I replay that scene!

    https://randomc.net/image/Isshuukan%20Friends/Isshuukan%20Friends%20-%2007%20-%2018.jpg

    And Shougo…he really deserves the best of all best friends award! Long hail Shougo! Banzai! Banzai!

    I am kind of getting excited on the appearance of Show Spoiler ▼

    Pickled Cucumber
  6. This show really hits right to your heart. So much warm and fuzzy feelings.

    Seeing Kaori up on the roof, alone and “forlonly” waiting for Hase was the highlight for me. Frankly speaking, I thought I’d get THE CONFESSION that I’ve been waiting for but seems like Kaori said “NOPE. Not this week”

    c2710
  7. Even though Saki had limited screentime this week, she made me laugh from the moment she said “Ikimaaasu”…

    Hase being a beta, this episode made me almost want to reach for beta-blockers.
    Luckily Kaori was so sweet, it compensated more than enough for Hase.

    J-Luke
  8. EVERYTHING IS ADORABLE HERE…but Kaori’s cuteness has transcended to another God-like level of moeness. Good thing im not Hase cuz i dont think i’ll be able to hold myself for not committing assaults and get years of sentence lol

    YES, ALL THUMBS UP TO HASE REVERTING THIS WHOLE FRIENDSHIP TO ROMANCE!!! Kaori, get a clue girl!!! I was hoping Kaori would at least had that blushing moment and realize it already. Man she’s soooo pure!!! But i love it anyway! XDDDDDD

    I’m rooting for you Hase! You have all Mama Kaori’s and my supports here! Ganbatte!

    onion warrior
  9. hyosha~!! finally, Isshukan Friends has now turned into the romantic side of things 😀 awesome Shogo, kawaii-moe Saki, pure “tenshi” Kaori, and realistic protagonist Hase

    Red HeartGold ZX

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