First Impressions / Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo

「銀河猫にゃぼろん」 (Ginga Neko Nyaboron)
“Galactic Cat Nyaboron”

I think it’s fitting that, as I write this post, I’m heavily sleep deprived (full disclosure: this is not uncommon). I just really felt for Sorata in all his totally-on-autopilot glory. Yet what could have just been a gag actually gave us some further insight into the main heroine’s stances in our protagonist’s eyes. First there was meido Nanami, who did not draw a comment from Sorata, despite the fact that he clearly sees her as a woman (and how!). Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t blame him for forgetting to compliment her, nor should she have expected anything with how abjectly wasted he was, but it’s instructive that even then, his imagination conjured a pretty sexy image of Mashiro. As he said later in the episode, his heart is moving for Mashiro, which is bad news for Nanami.

I want to touch on the other potential relationships a bit. First is Ryuunosuke and Rita. I find it just marvelously interesting how, even though Rita is intending to go back to England soon, she’s become so interested in Ryuunosuke. Part of this undeniably comes from how uncomfortable she makes him, which is always fun. Mostly though, it’s the interactions between her, Ryuunosuke, and meido-chan that entertain me so much. You know, this episode I just realized…once again Hocchan is a maid and Kawasumi Ayako is trying to move in on “her” man. Only this time that man is also Hocchan. Selfcest + yuri seiyuu delusions ENGAGE!!

The real shocker had to do with Jin and Misaki’s onee-chan, Kamiigusa Fuuka (Hayami Saori). Actually, that’s not the right way to say it. Really, her appearance was just abrupt. It was pretty easy to figure out who she was, but with no foreshadowing (or at least, none that I remember…sleep deprived, remember?) it jumped out of nowhere. It did lead to one of my favorite parts of the episode, though. When Misaki heard that Jin was going to move to Osaka, it didn’t even faze her. She was worried about Jin’s feelings – as is only appropriate, for we’re all like that from time-to-time, especially when it comes to love – but once those worries were allayed, her doubt left her and she was happy to just have a chance. No, that’s not it–it’s that, with love, she’s absolutely certain that they’ll work everything out. Distance, time, money? Fah! It’s as Misaki said – if you really want to see each other, you’ll find a way. how young and naive and innocent…but also quite touching. Misaki is a strong woman. Oh, and yes Mashiro. That is love. Young and stupid, but certainly love.

Now I’m going to talk about creativity. As a part time creative writer, a large-amount-of-time blogger, and a full-time marketer, this is a subject very near and dear to me, and I have to say that Sakurasou got it extremely right (save for Sorata doing so much high-level strategic design from the get-to, but I’ll let that pass) – though that’s not surprising since the creative themes were practically torn right out of a novelist’s life lessons. Chief among them was the lesson espoused by Sorata’s idol Fujisawa Kazuki. To paraphrase:

To create something that appeals to the emotions of users, you need to make something that sways your own heart. You can’t move others’ hearts unless you can move your own.

Exactly correct. Absolutely, totally right. That’s why the best artists, the ones who do really great work, do their art chiefly and above all else for themselves. Sure, many choose to share their art with others, but that’s just it…they’re sharing their art. Great artists don’t find an under-served audience and then craft their work to capture it – that’s the role of unscrupulous business leaders who only see target markets and money bags. No, great artists just create the art they want to see. The successful artists are the ones who a lot of other people agree with.

So it was that when Sorata started thinking about what would move his heart that he came to the greatest epiphany of all. While their game actually looks quite fun and engaging on its own (if I were in the audience, I’d play along!), merely shouting Nyaboron’s attack name is boring. Instead Sorata figures out a way to shock the audience out of complacency and give them all a chance to create a truly memorable experience, and all by just building what he wants himself. He gave himself the perfect platform to say what he needs to say. Hells yes! I’m not sure how all this would work as a real game (would people be able to think of what they’d want to say so quickly? Would they take the leap?), but as a story, it’s fantastic.

Now Sorata has set the stage, and all that is left is for him to get up there and say his piece–is what I would be saying, except for that last thing: “I want to see you.” Holy hell that cliffhanger. The silence as the two stand looking at one another, the moment pregnant with anticipation and doubt and expectations galore, as it fades to black and then – only then! – the ED plays. Combine that with the great use of the OP as an insert and we have some more good music work from J.C. Staff, and more tingles for Stilts’ spine. The anticipation…!

It’s every four episodes. Every four episodes, this show does something amazing, it speaks to me, it resonates, it sways my heart. This was Episode 11, which means we’re due for the third round. I don’t want to promise anything, but I’d put money on some serious heart swaying happening again next week. I know I say this a lot, but really and truly – I cannot wait. Bring it on.

tl;dr: @StiltsOutLoud – Sorata’s heart moves for Mashiro as he prepares the perfect stage to say what needs to be said #sakurasou

Random thoughts:

  • I like where your mind is going, Sorata. No chance in hell that’s actually happening, but–yup, I was right. Called it!
  • Matsuoka Yoshitsugu’s (i.e. Sorata’s) tsukkomiing continues to be fantastic, and I’m going to keep pointing that out until it ceases to be true (spoiler alert: that’s never going to happen. It’s impossible. Science fact). That said, he raised things to a whole other level with his KYAAA!! moment. Too much hilarious!!
  • “I believe in pantsu.” Me too, Mashiro. Related: this is now the new official Stilts motto. Say it with me–believe in pantsu!
  • Points to Sorata for not only catching Nanami’s basket strike, but also poking fun at her with that one-foot “technique” afterwards. Who’s beta now, huh!? *roar!*
  • Apparently Ryuunosuke will actually cross-dress if it means he can be lazier. That’s dedication right there!
  • “The power of love!” It’s okay to be embarrassed about that one, Sorata. Be proud of it! They may laugh, but they agreed with you in the end, and you were the only ones with the creativity and the balls to say it. Well done.
  • Don’t. oversleep. you fuckers, lol. (I don’t know about you, but I’d be petrified about not waking up in time, and probably wouldn’t sleep a wink. It’s one of my lamer fears, I’ll admit.)
  • Finally, the ED makes total sense. They were foreshadowing the cultural festival arc all along…which probably means a new OP and/or ED soon, woohoo! Yet another thing to look forward to : )

Full-length images: 02, 08, 11, 21, 24, 25, 33.

 

Preview

79 Comments

    3. I agree. I would feel very sorry for Nanami if she gets rejected (which would likely be the case)…. She has been a pretty terrific character. And her meido outfit in this episode was just amazing. If she wears Ayuzawa Misaki’s meido outfit from Maid-sama, i might just keel over XD

      Euzio
      Reply

  5. Congratulation Stilts for finding your new motto!

    I find it funny that Mashiro does something out of spite for Sorata when she’s jealous. The ‘this can be considered Cannibalism’ is just fantastic.

    Serapita
    Reply

  6. Loving the interaction between Ryuunosuke and Rita. Even with the trip back to London looming overhead, the potential for that relationship is one that constantly made me smile this episode. Not to mention Jin and Misaki and finally Sorata and Mashiro (I’m rooting for Nanami as well, don’t worry). As Misaki-sempai said, if you really want to see each other, you’ll find a way. There’s definitely a chance that anything could happen for the characters of Sakurasou.

    inaban
    Reply

  7. Yes there was foreshadowing about Fuuka, Misaki mentioned her name briefly as Jin’s “first love” back in episode 3 as she and Sorata were stalking Jin and Mashiro on their “love hotel date”, but she made no mention about Fuuka being her sister.

    Oh Nanami, you never cease to entertain me with your cuteness. First a maid costume, then her at-home meganekko attire, followed by her birthday suit (in an attempt to achieve a lower weight while weighing herself on the scales LOL).

    Poor girl, she must surely already know she’s losing to Mashiro.

    Moar Rita x Ryuunosuke (yes, in that order, with Rita the preying dominant one).

    Kinny Riddle
    Reply

  9. – Oddly, I find Mashiro’s actual catgirl costume to be much cuter.
    – That maid is awfully intelligent. He develops true AI and makes it his maid?
    – That completely straight shot of naked Nanami is actually rarely seen. They are normally covering themselves or crouching or something
    – “Mashiro understands that as well” is a bit ambiguous. I took it to mean “this is her last chance to change up mind”, Sorata takes it to mean “she’s leaving for England”. Rita claims the later but… who knows.
    – Misaki is super naive but… heh it could work like that. It does suggest a possibility of Mashiro leaving for England and then coming back later
    – That shout-you-feelings idea was actually pretty good, even if he’s “doing it for himself”.

    moridin84
    Reply

  10. Dammit, yet another ep of Sakurasou that gives me the warm fuzzies. This show has a real skill to pull at the heartstrings of a cynic like me. Possibly because it manages to be both idealistic and have some bouts of realism in it at the same time (I laughed my ass of when everyone started snickering after Sorata mentioned they needed the power of love).

    Besides being hilarious (Sorata catching that basket like a boss, Rita’s messing around with Ryuunosuke, everything Mashiro did), this episode set the stage pretty well for a hopefully epic climax. Seeing Sorata grow into his element was pretty interesting and the extra background on Jin and Misaki’s complicated relationship was good too. Nanami proves what a warm person she is as well (just think about how many other tsunderes would act if they found another girl sleeping against the hero – I doubt many would give her a blanket and a knowing nod – it’s the little things that count) which leads me to a situation where I actually don’t have a favourite love interest, I like them both a lot.

    Aww, now I have to wait another week for the next episode. The anticipation is palpable!

    Dvalinn
    Reply

  13. Silts, certainly “I believe in Pantsu” coming from a beautiful girl is worthy of a motto, however
    those of us pragmatists will agree Rita’s line is much more deserving to be mottoized —

    …the husband has the final say…

    I mean, we’re talking leadership here, right?

    There’s an urban legend about being lighter when you stand on one foot.

    Again, more serious educational stuff; I mean this series has everything! I don’t just watch
    it for the fanservice, story, or comedic antics, no sir!

    I thought Rita hadn’t really changed, and looks like I called it (as I’m sure others did).
    I like this realistic portrayal. Really, people don’t (usually) change in the blink of an eye.

    I’m continually amazed by the solid story telling. The supporting characters are so well done that
    I see them distinctly, and yet strengthen the main characters so well. They’re not just mere
    shadows in the story. I feel like this series will stand the great test of time, I hope I’m not let down.

    There are so many great lines in this episode and throughout the series, too many to give them all
    justice in my comments. There goes my Anime 2013 BD budget!

    —————————————-
    Stilts, speaking of 2013, I think it’s been decided that, in light of the great shows you just
    happen to get coverage for, you must, each season, cover one Magical Girl genre to balance
    things out. And, you have to be enthusiastic about the same transformation sequence in each
    and every episode, noting the subtle non-existent nuances that are not there each and every time.
    Further more, you’re not allowed to comment about any accidential pantsu shots because they
    probably really are accidents. But before you judge me, I fought hard against making the genre yaoi.

    ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

    Your extremely timely coverage of this series has added so much enjoyment to its watching —
    and we’re only half way through it! Again, I’ve said it before, but thank you very much!

    mac65
    Reply

    1. Pffft, I’ve been in enough relationships to know that the boyfriend (and eventually husband) don’t get the final say. That’s all an illusion, lol. You get half of the time if you’re really lucky (or really stupid).

      And just for that, I’m going to cover Prisma Illya and HNNNNNG out about it every episode! YOU CAN’T BRIIIING ME DOOOOWN!! 😀

      Stilts
      Reply

      1. Everybody – you heard it here first – (probably) 1st ever Magical Girl
        coverage by Stilts of Prisma Illya — this January, 2013!!! Be There!

        (Hey Stilts – does that reference mean the Winter Preview is near completition? :))

        mac65
        Reply

      2. You´re absolutely right, my dad alwas says that the person who runs the house is my mother and the idea of the head of the man being the head of the family is an illusion, truthfully the woman has more to say in that regard.

        haseo0408
        Reply

      3. Are you sure about Prisma Illya? Honestly, you should wait and make your decision after you’ve seen more stuff… the quality of anime the past couple of seasons has been really high and INCREASING. You don’t want to get stuck with a magical girl show.

        Remember, no one had any expectations of Sakurasou but it’s probably better than Little Busters… actually Chunni might be better than Little Busters…

        TitanAnteus
        Reply

      4. Ahaha, don’t worry Titan, I don’t ever pick my shows until shortly before the writer knife-fights begin. I have read the Prisma Illya manga (all the first one, part of the second one) and enjoyed the hell out of it though, so the chance that I’ll be watching that is damn near certain. Blogging is always another matter : )

        Stilts
        Reply

    2. I thought Rita hadn’t really changed, and looks like I called it

      It all depends on what you intend by “change”. She didn’t change into a completely different person and she didn’t change her will to bring Mashiro back to England, but she may have changed her reasons to do so.
      Or at least, she may be viewing the situation in a different light. That’s what you call a subtle (and brilliant) character’s development, it’s done right. People are continually evolving, we are not the same persons as yesterday, each experience does count in defining what we are. Important events makes you grow more, and Rita was just honest with her feelings for the first time … I would be really surprised if that hadn’t affected her. We will see, anyway.

      Voyager
      Reply

      1. Oh, and it’s just wonderful how much attention is dedicated by the author to every character, even the last introduced ones. Truly, this adds a lot of value to the story and it’s one of the strong reasons I enjoy this show so much.

        Voyager
        Reply

  16. I’m calling shenanigans on Rita. The way Mashiro was acting, I’d say Mashiro is unaware that she’s “being brought” anywhere after the Cultural Festival, and Rita’s just expecting her to cave in when Mashiro’s dad shows up. Like that’ll actually happen 😛 Keep harassing Ryuunosuke, Rita, it’s what you’re best at. I’m actually glad Sorata didn’t ask Shiina about it though, cause it’s a nice set-up for him to scream out that he doesn’t want her to leave during the Nyaboron climax!! And that will be AWESOME!

    Nanami naked is great fun and quite a feast :X And what is is about a maid uniform that makes an attractive girl even more so? I don’t know, but I love it! Although Nanami’s maid outfit loses to cat-girl Mashiro. That was friggen adorable, and I hope she keeps that thing for pajamas! Straight-woman Mashiro and jealous Mashiro are as cute as ever(dat omelet! DAT BACK!!), and we got a healthy dose of both this time around! My heart exploded when she was sitting outside Sorata’s room and wanted to come in.

    I live for warm-and-fuzzy episodes like this!! XD I believe in pantsu!

    Aex
    Reply

  18. Rita is so out of touch with Mashiro. What kind of girl up & leaves something she was doing for 10 GD YEARS just to do something that’s literally 6000 miles away? It’s called a free spirit. Mashiro is going to do what she wants to do, when she wants to do it. This goofy show might try to 180 that, but it’ll just be some silly plot device that easily gets eviscerated. This show has so many underlying issues to deal with so I hope they don’t get stuck on something so silly as that for too long.

    Megas
    Reply

  19. haha looks like the dude on teh right has da hots for nanami she doesnt need sorata! hah! nor does he need her! even in that hawwwt maid outfit no meee soo HONNNY@@! blush? damnnnn only eyes for mashiro!? even if hes in autopilot hawt girls should make you snap out of it for 1 sec and then go back into it…. actually he did snap out of it for mashiro tho!

    down with pantsu! i liked her better when she didnt wear em!haahha baaaare bottoms ftw!

    GoodStuffs
    Reply

  20. Not having read anything, it would seem (like Moridin84 suggested) that Misaki’s mention that ‘distance shouldn’t mean a thing to someone who is in love’ could indicate that at least for a short number of episodes Mashiro will leave and Sorata will end up going after her. This would allow a split storyline to develop Jin/Masaki and maybe developments for Nanami and her studies. The weak point of that is dropping the Ryuu/Rita match, and that seems like a bad thing to do unless Rita comes back too. Gah! I’ll just have to wait, I guess.

    SmithCB
    Reply

  22. This show has officially jumped the shark. It has nothing new to give and is destined to descend to the vortex of clichéd mediocrity; it has already began. Well it had a good run up to episode 6 or so, especially 1-3.

    Jimmy
    Reply

  25. he prepares the perfect stage to say what needs to be said

    I quoted Stilts but I’m interested in everyone opinion. Hmm, I wonder if Sorata will actually say “what needs to be said”, or to be more precise, if “what needs to be said” is actually the obvious thing (wow I feel like Bilbo Baggins talking to the people at his birthday :)).

    This arc feels a lot like a closure to the series, but I see there are 24 episodes (thanks goodness) so we are approaching a midway turn of events, maybe. If I was the author, I would not “resolve” any love related issue so soon, not even make characters feelings (too) explicitly revealed, anyway I would try and let you think they’ll be.
    I mean, the Sakurasou residents are of course about to take a step further in their relationships (well, it’s an opportunity for everyone), I’m curious about how big this step will be, and much will depend on what they will shout. As I stated, I am a bit on the conservative side on this one, but you may have reasons to think otherwise.

    Everything may happen, someone may even go full confession mode, who knows … Sakurasou, color me surprised!

    Voyager
    Reply

  27. Gosh, I say this every week, but again this episode was amazing. I really hope they didn’t go setting us up for that suspenseful cliffhanger and then next week have Mashiro just say something silly. I doubt it, and yet I can see it happening. I just hope she actually has something important to discuss with Sorata (i.e NOT going back to England, I hope??) Wonder how they will resolve that..

    Kiria
    Reply

  28. Just how many could tell you: “I want to sleep with you tonight”, with that cute face and without intending anything perverted at all? Sorata you lucky bastard if you don´t fall for Mashiro you are not even human.

    haseo0408
    Reply

  29. So the biggest obstacle between Jun and Misaki having a relationship is that he’s placed her on a pedestal and thinks she’s somehow too pure to be like all the girls he sleeps around with.

    Misaki’s best bet is to go out and date some other guy. Have some happy-fun sex and not worry about saving herself for Jun or any nonsense like that. Then come back and offer a relationship with him on equal footing, assuming she’s even still interested.

    Matthew
    Reply

  32. Sorata’s new idea for everyone to shout their wishes sounds good on paper, but implementing such a feature is pretty much the exact same thing as the previous idea. There’s no way for hardware/ software to be able to distinguish between a crowd of people yelling “Nyanboron” and people yelling random phrases. It was probably more difficult to program the software to detect a specific phrase, as opposed to just detecting nosie.
    In other words, the only change that was really necessary is for Nanami to ask people to shout out their wishes. Changing the program doesn’t really do anything.

    But this is anime, so it doesn’t really matter.

    More of this PLEASE!!!

    Kentaiyoshimi
    Reply

    2. The same reason that some guys prefer their Love Plus girlfriends or anime waifus to real women – while the characters are understandable, the real women are all confusing and possessing of their own free wills and such. Though in Ryuunosuke’s case, I think he has a huge case of “it’s too much of a bother” when for him, creating something like Meido-chan isn’t apparently that big of a deal.

      Stilts
      Reply

  35. Ryuunosuke X Rita FTW!!!! their (and Meido-chan) interactions are pure comedic gold – scratch that, they are pure diamonds!
    Stilts, believe in the pantsu, they have the power to fly! (Sora no Otoshimono)
    I am now sure now Misaki-senpai will conquer Jin eventually – if 380 klicks is of no matter to her, nothing can stop her now!

    ewok40k
    Reply

  36. >Ryuunosuke hurls harsh words and truths at Rita, and behaves coldly around her
    >Rita finds Ryuunosuke interesting and wants to be around him

    Ryuunosuke’s position is unclear at the moment, but Rita is undoubtedly an M.

    Junglepenguin
    Reply

  37. It’s a sign of a good story, and a good love triangle, when I feel bad if one side is losing but at the same time, I feel happy that the other side is winning. And I think that’s a pretty apt description for what happened here between Mashiro and Nanami. If Nanami wants to win Sorata, she’ll have to get serious and start being aware of the fact that she and Mashiro are love rivals. Though she might not start getting really serious until she believes Mashiro is. Mashiro had to ask her what love even is, so I think that until Nanami is sure Mashiro understands it and is actively going after Sorata, she’ll refrain from going all out for him. Nanami’s certainly not the type to give up, and hopefully she’ll be making an effort to get closer to Sorata in the future.

    Frontier
    Reply

    1. A love triangle between Nanami, Mashiro and Sorata doesn’t exist. Nanami is not even in the position of a love rival because Sorata clearly doesn’t see her in the way how he sees Mashiro. So we have Mashiro and Sorata who like/love each other and we have Nanami who playes the role of the third wheel with onsided feelings.

      lockomoto
      Reply

  38. The series is shaping up to be real good. Won’t comment much cos it’s all being said.

    Though Stilts-nii san and dear readers… Will this show end on a high note like ToraDora? Reach a level close to it or fall flat?

    Oh and a pantsu-do master once said…
    “Believe in the power of the panties you must”

    c2710
    Reply

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