I think it’s fitting that, as I write this, 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. I know I say this a lot, but really and truly – I cannot wait.
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. I know I say this a lot, but really and truly – I cannot wait.