Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia – 12

「迷い星 惑星」 (Mayoiboshi -Wakusei-)
“Planet -Wandering Star-“

‘Tis the season of sequel announcements (or leaks), truly. I can’t remember the last time I had so many core series get follow-ups. Pretty much everything from my top tier, with the exception of Jijou Tenkousei (for which I had little hope) and last season’s Vinland Saga (I fully expect that to happen, but not for a few years). I felt totally safe about Golden Kamuy, very hopeful about BokuYaba and modestly so Tonikawa, and clueless about Tengoku Daimakyou. But Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia getting a second season is a legit surprise to me. I just didn’t see the commercial reach, and the publisher seemed more focused on the live-action. I guess it’s just that sort of season.

I’m sure not complaining. I love this series and this couple very dearly. And even if Lidenfilms’ adaptation isn’t elevating the material in any specific way, it’s so good to begin with that their highly competent by-the-books adaptation is superb in its own right. Not every adaptation can be Tengoku Daimakyou (or Liden’s own Yofukashi no Uta). If the material is good enough, faithful works just fine. Maybe with that sort of adaptation this could have been a legit AotY contender, but it’s still a cinch top 10 in what’s going to be a rather strong year.

This series is – as I’ve noted – a vibe. And this whole trip has been atmospheric beyond belief. I can feel the giddiness of the moment for Ganta and Isaki, alone together, living free of everything except summer homework (which should be banned). Surely there can be no greater evidence of Ganta’s elevated state of mind than oversleeping. Nature is healing (being alone with the one you love at 16 will do that). Oversleeping isn’t such a problem as the rain has moved in, putting the Mawaki trip on hold for the moment. The food is running out, and the money too – but that’s not the biggest problem.

In the end I still find Isaki’s sister to be pretty self-centered and kind of an idiot. Posting that photo of herself on social media was colossally dumb, and it poses a direct threat to Isaki and Ganta’s plans. Tao and Nono organize a cavalry charge to bring food and fireworks (I see sparks flickering there, I think). And the honeymoon turns into a bit of a pajama party, as the gang of four stay the night and enjoy the simple pleasures of inaka life. But while Tao is a great wingman, ultimately this always has to get back to solo coupling. And with the weather clearing up Mawaki is calling.

While even with stuff like the foot flirting (how adorable was that) Ganta and Isaki are acting more like an old married couple than young lovers, her parents are definitely the worrying kind (especially the mother). Maybe if she knew Ganta she’d feel differently (I doubt it) but as is, having seen Haya’s selfie she’s determined to nip any “inappropriate” behavior in the bud. You get a real sense here of just much Isaki chafes at being overprotected – it’s easy to imagine she’s suffered from it for her whole life. Ganta tries to be the voice of reason here, but there are limits to that even in his case.

Not to be overlooked, of course, is that moment when Ganta slipped up and asked Isaki what sort of old lady she thought she’d be. This is a weight she carries with her all the time, and not even Ganta’s presence can totally free her from it. But just as Isaki frees Ganta from some of his own abandonment anxiety, his makes her feel more vibrant and alive than she ever has. Her mother doesn’t realize the depth of the bond that’s formed here, and all her insistence that the trip is over does is harden Isaki’s resolve to keep it going.

Ganta has had several superb leading man moments already, but “please let me kidnap you” is a hell of a romantic line. This is not a reckless or impulsive kid, but how can he walk away with the “grand finale” unfulfilled? The Mawaki visit and photo op is really the main raison d’être behind the whole trip. It’s become so much more than that, but Mawaki symbolizes the flowering of their relationship to both these kids. There are certainly consequences to d0ing something like this, but when it’s you against the world (it doesn’t take much to make a 16 year-old feel that way), you do what feels right and worry about the consequences later.