Run With the Wind Episode 11 Review: Overflowing Drops

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Note: This episode flew under my radar the first time around. Though, to be honest I went through them all like popcorn. But upon re-watching them and savoring them more like the most decadent Japanese cheesecake I realized that it had so many vital elements. Without further ado…

Prologue

It is raining. A sign tells us that the team is at the Kikui University track meet while a bell alerts us that is the last lap. King, Nico, Kakeru, Prince and Haiji cheer on the twins, Musa, Shindo, and Yuki who are participating in the race. The twins and Musa finish in time and managed to achieve records. They jump in delight.

Maybe it’s the heavy rain, maybe they had already expected it, but the rest of the team’s reaction seems a bit subdued. Except for King who has been endearing himself to me more as of late.

Look how happy he is for them!

Haiji turns to look at the track where Shindo and Yuki are still running with a solemn look on his face.

I know that look and how’s he feeling. It’s when you are so happy for one child but at the same time feel pained because the other isn’t doing so well. Parents want all their kids to do well. And in Haiji’s case all his runners have to all get records if they’re to go to Hakone. Because the celebrating trio’s times were barely enough to make it (Jouji: 16:20: 37, Jouta: 16:21:18, Musa: 16:29:31) we know that Shindo and Yuki didn’t.

Act One

The team is at the Tsuro no yo bathhouse where the team members are all soaking in the baths. Except for the twins who gleefully splash water onto Musa despite his protest that they’ll bother the others. So overcome with joy they do not seem to notice the moroseness of their friends a few feet away; a good thing to be honest.

Haiji quickly cuts through the silence. He tells Yuki and Shindo, “Everyone’s unique. Naturally so are runners.” He goes on to say that different runners do well on different terrains, inclines, etc. How some go for sprints at the end while others maintain a steady pace. “Everyone’s good at something different.”

-Haiji happens to be soaking closest to Yuki and Shindo. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. He probably did so knowing they’ll be needing moral support.

-I like how the rest of the team listens in absolute silence. Perhaps they are also absorbing the information he gives for their own benefit as well. Beside’s Kakeru, they don’t have records either. But I think its mostly because they don’t want to interfere; they realize Haiji is trying to set their friends’ mind at ease.

Yuki realizes this as well. He tells Haiji, “So we shouldn’t worry? Uniqueness certainly sounds nice but doesn’t that mean that some people aren’t suited to running at all?”

Shindo adds that he’s worried.

Haiji again tries to reassure them by telling them that times aren’t everything. Yuki points out that they have a time that they must achieve or they can’t get to Hakone. Haiji starts to say that if they feel what they’re doing is working, but get’s interrupted by Yuki: “But we’re amateurs. Unless you tell us what’s working, we won’t know what is.”

-It’s just like Yuki to be so persistent. This reminds me of Nico’s conversation with Kakeru when he told him it takes courage to face something head on. Yuki (means snow, but also means courage) certainly has plenty of that and so doesn’t want Haiji to spare his feelings. He wants an answer.

Haiji looks unhappy, as if he hadn’t wanted to get into this topic. “True to its name, long distance running is a battle of endurance. It’s not easy to compare results.” But before he can say anything else, Shindo stands up from the bath, scaring everyone when he says, “Sorry, but I’m at my limit.” When he senses everyone’s apprehension he quickly clarifies, “I meant with the water.”

The episode title is shown just then. The timing is foreshadowing that the Overflowing Drops of the title, isn’t just referring to the rain, but also to Shindo.

We next see the team gathered in the yard wearing identical large raincoats. King asks if it’s even possible to run in them. Haiji responds that they have no choice since not all of them have running wear suitable for rainy weather. A twin mentions that they really need to hurry and buy identical tracksuits. Haji points out that these coats are only temporary.

Nira barks excitedly, but Haiji tells him he’ll have to stay home today. The dog whimpers sadly, before shaking off his fur and splashing everyone.

-Like I said, I see Nira as an extension of Haiji. His being sad here is also foreshadowing.

The team runs with great difficulty in the rain. Yuki complains that it’s hot under the coats. King points out that they’re so stuffy they might as well be getting rained on. Only Shindo tries to find a silver lining: Let’s imagine that’s the point of this exercise. A truck with an ogre drawn on it speeds by splashing them all.

In Musa’s room, Jouta says he feels like he just came from the pool. Jouji agrees, saying that he’s exhausted. Musa tells them to dry off properly. The lazy two discuss not showering that day, counting the rain water as their bathing for the day. Their older roommate asks them to please go back to their room. They respond that it leaks when it rains.

-I love how these two just hijack whatever room they want whenever they feel like it/need to. I think they can only do that because their room is always used for gatherings, that, plus they’re so childlike it seems hard for the others to tell them no.

Shindo pops in to greet them before he goes to University, saying he’s got a class first period. After he leaves, Jouji remarks that he never skips his classes. The “unlike us” is inferred. Jouta then asks Musa if Shindo is ok, seeing as how “He seemed pretty depressed after yesterday’s meet. And he’s so earnest.” Musa seems worried, but doesn’t say anything.

A good friend.

-So, they did notice. It’s actually nice of them not to have said anything. Knowing Shindo, it probably would have saddened him for them to be concerned for him when they should be celebrating. That’s probably why Musa didn’t talk to him either, based on his depressed reaction.

-Jouta asking Musa about Shindo is more continuity how everyone knows that the two are best friends.

Jouji then points out that since Shindo has a girlfriend, they don’t need to worry about him. Meaning, he has someone to comfort him. Jouta agrees, annoyed. But then the two wonder when he has time to meet her, seeing how busy he is with training and classes. Musa says maybe during school. The twins ask if he’s met her. Musa says he hasn’t, and that none of the dorm mates have.

The twins then go off on a tangent, scared that maybe Shindo made her up because of the pressure he’s been under. They act a conversation with his imaginary girlfriend, meeting up with him apologizing for being late on a date. They then drop it realizing how scary that would be if it were true.

Seriously, these two

Even gentle Musa has had it with them.

At a convenience store, we see Kakeru buy himself lunch. On his way out he stops to look at the magazine rack.

“Monthly Track and Field Report” catches his interest.

The scene then switches to “Iimura Chiropractic Clinic” where we see Haiji getting a therapeutic massage from the chiropractor (I’ll call him Iimura-sensei).

Language note: Sensei is a title used in Japan to refer to teachers, writer, and doctors, amongst others). It can be used alone or added at the end after a person’s name.

Iimura-sensei tells him “You’ve been protecting the opposite side,” as he checks his non-scarred leg. Haji replies “I’m trying to be conscious of it.”

-I’m guessing he means the weight distribution on his legs? Maybe he’s been hesitant to run on the injured leg for so long that his other leg was starting to get affected, hence the decision to protect it. It’s all conjecture on my part. I’d love to hear what others may think.

Iimura tells him encouragingly, “Once something breaks you’ve got no choice except to take your time fixing it.” Haiji replies with a quiet “Yes, sir.”

-So Haiji isn’t yet fully recovered. He has a far away look in his eyes, like he’s forcing himself to accept that fact. You can’t blame him. It’s been years since his injury. He previously told Kakeru that it’ll take him six months to regain his speed. I guess he still hasn’t. I am glad to see he has someone helping maintain his leg. It’s totally in character. Like Yuki once told Nico, they’ll have nothing if they’re injured.

Back at Aotake, we see Haiji’s shopping bag on the kitchen table, along with a bookstore envelope. He is looking at something with boring eyes and a set mouth. It’s a new expression on him.

He is holding the same magazine Kakeru had been eyeing at the convenience store. But we can now see that it has a picture of Fujioka on the cover.

He lets out a breath through his nose and says, “Damn that Fujioka.”

-This is the first time we have seen Haji express something akin to jealousy. It’s fascinating to me that this emotion isn’t directed at Kakeru, whom we know he reveres as a runner, but rather at Fujioka, someone from his past.

It is still raining in the afternoon. We see that the public track where the team usually trains has been closed due to the rain. Shindo suggests running in the field where they usually do cross country running. Yuki refuses, as the mud makes it hard to run in. Nico points out that he just doesn’t want to get dirty, before glancing at Haiji and asking him what to do.

It’s Kakeru who answers, saying to use the roads, they just have to avoid the cars. Haji agrees, “We’ll choose the safest course we can.”

Prince looks insanely cute here, almost like a child.

When they finish the group once again goes to the bath house. We see Nico get on the scale in the changing room. This time he pumps his fist in happiness. Looks like his body finally started responding the all the exercise he’s been doing and he lost some kilos. Haiji’s advice to not panic and take it slow was on point.

In the washing area Yuki asks if they can’t use the club budget to buy rain-proof running wear, adding that the money should be used wisely. Shindo informs him that they only have 15 members in their fan club. Yuki is shocked to learn that. Shindo then adds that they don’t even have enough money to buy matching track uniforms. Musa points out that everyone in the shopping district is supporting them, but it’s still not enough.

Cultural note: It occurred to me that not everyone might know the etiquette of public Japanese baths. This is what I remember off the top of my head when I researched it many years ago and based on what Japanese people have told me: first you wash, then you soak. That way the bath remains clean and the reason it is so hot is that it’s usually set to boiling so that the heat disinfects the water. The soaking is strictly therapeutic for relaxation purposes, not washing. In family homes, the same bath water is used by multiple people after they shower, and it is boiled in between use for each person. That way the water isn’t wasted.

King wishes there was a Quiz show on that he could participate in, so he’d win them the prize money. Musa wonders if they can participate in something that would gain them recognition, and hence, more sponsors. Yuki concurs, and turns asks Kakeru if he knows of any. Kakeru confirms there is one: The All-Japan Intercollegiate Championship. Haiji, silent through this conversation, is shown soaking alone; hinting that he had been listening the whole time.

-We’ve heard of this competition before. It’s the one Fujioka said he’d be focusing on in his interview at the team’s first meet. Based on the fact that he was featured on the magazine cover, it’s safe to say that he and his team won it.

Love the art in this show.

On the way back home the twins and Musa look it up on their phones, and find out that it was in May. Haiji asks Kakeru if he read Fujoka’s article. Kakeru replies “I happen to have.”

-He must have guessed so based on KK’s answer to the others. Or maybe Haiji left the magazine for him on the kitchen table to see.

Haiji then tells Kakeru that “There was some curious things written in it.” We’re then shown a picture of Fujioka’s interview, and hear it narrated in his voice: “I ran the race I wanted this time. But there are more strong runners hiding in Kanto (their district). We’re then shown the scene of his interview, where Fujioka is telling a group of reporters, “I believe they’ll be ready by the time Ekiden season rolls around. I’ll make sure not to underestimate them as I wait.”

-So we already knew this, but Fukioka really is a straight up guy. Very humble. I’m guessing he means Haiji’s team here, specifically Kakeru who tried beating him the only time they raced against each other.

Haji then asks Kakeru if he knows what the strongest compliment is to a long distance runner. Kakeru guesses “Is it to call him fast?” Haiji negates this.

Haiji: “It’s to call him strong.”

This is the word Fujioka used in his interview. Haiji put a lot of emphasis on this word when he said it. Kakeru is a bit surprised. He repeats the word, “Strong?”

Act Two

After the mid episode break we see Kakeru helping Haiji out in the kitchen.

-While he would do so occationally before, I think Kakeru now has taken this as a permanent role, after Haiji’s collapse. He’s cutting carrots, rangiri style which means he either has some background knowledge of cooking or Haji taught him.

As he does this Haiji elaborates on what he told him previously, “You can’t survive long distance running on speed alone. You hold out through difficult phases to keep on moving your body forward. Every day, you have to push yourself a little harder in practice. What long distance runners need is strength.”

Somehow he seems very morose as he says this. We find out why soon enough.

Haiji continues, “Fujioka is strong, both as a runner and as a captain.”

-How would he know this? Was Fujioka Haiji’s captain in the past? Or is Haiji comparing the current Captain Fujioka is to himself, as Kansei’s team captain?

His eyes seem like they’re looking at an invisible entity as he continues speaking.

“But Fujioka is Fujioka. I regret that we weren’t able to show him your abilities at the inter college. But there’s no need to panic. Believe in yourself. It takes time to become stronger.” 

-There’s a distinct feeling here that Haiji’s addressing himself, whether he’s doing this consciously or subconsciously, I’m not sure.

Kakeru who had been listening quietly finally speaks, and unwittingly points this out. He tells Haiji, “Fujioka is on your mind, too. I understand what you’re trying to say, but why are you telling me this now?”

Haiji is projecting his emotions onto Kakeru. The latter somehow sensed that Haiji’s words didn’t actually apply to his own situation. But he lacks the insightt that would allow him to understand Haiji’s intent in saying them. Hence his question.

Kakeru: “Are you anxious?”

Haiji: “Anxious?”

-For his part, Haiji seems bemused by the question. Well, that answers my previous query. Haiji “doesn’t miss anything” seems like he hadn’t realized his own feelings. It’s unlike him. And sad.

Kakeru answers that half their members still have yet to achieve official records. Especially Shindo and Yuki who haven’t improved in a month, “despite practicing so hard.”

-It’s nice to see Kakeru giving his teammates credit here. He has officially changed for the better as a teammate; no longer making assumptions based on his teammates’ performances. Rather, he is seeing the actual work they are putting in.

Kakeru then repeats his question, “Is that why?” thinking that Haiji must be concerned for the team as well. He goes on to say that after Prince improved, he felt like he started to understand running a bit. But now he realizes it’s still very difficult.

Kakeru: “Honestly, I’m anxious.”

Haiji doesn’t reply. There is nothing for him to say.

– I think the reason is, perhaps for the first time, the cause for his anxiety is Haiji himself. Kakeru was able to pinpoint Haiji’s emotion, but not it’s cause. He naturally wonders if Haiji’s anxiousness, like his own, was born out of worry for for teammates. This makes sense considering Haiji’s conversation with Yuki and Shindo. There’s also the fact that the team has always been his first and foremost concern.

-Kakeru here is being both expressive and honest. He has grown. But Haiji despite being so vocal, wasn’t being honest. I think, again, because he himself didn’t realize what he was out of sorts for. But after talking to Kakeru, I’m sure he now knows. Though I doubt he’ll share.

-Haiji hasn’t yet managed to recovered %100, and is therefore unable to perform the way he wants to. Add to that, Fujioka’s article triggered emotions of unease within him. I’m pretty sure he knows or at least suspects that Fujioka was referring to KK in his interview, not Haiji. I don’t think that in itself upset him. But he does seem to regret not letting KK race in the inter college. Even though he had been the one to decide they’d focus only on preparing for Hakone. Maybe, because KK is on his team, he feels like he can compete against Fujioka, if only vicariously. After all, we’ve never seen him look at Kakeru with anything other than admiration. Never envy. And so, he talks to KK as if wanting to mollify him for not joining the intercollegiate race. Then there is the possibility that he’s also mourning the fact that he himself would never have been able to do well against Fujioka, had he been able to join.

We next see Shindo, Yuki and Musa in Nico’s room. Shindo is giving Nico instructions for, we later learn, a website he decided to make for the team. Musa tells Yuki that this will help get support even from people who live far away. Shindo adds, “We’ll never get anywhere if we just wait.” Yuki, impressed, points out, “And you’ve got seminars tomorrow, too. You’re truly amazing, Shindo.” The humble Shindo is quick to remind Yuki that he passed the bar in one try. Yuki replies, “Well, yeah,” in a blasé tone, suppressing a yawn. Nico tells Shindo that he’s going to bed, and to wake him up if he needs anything. Meaning, Shindo is going to continue working late into the night. before going off to bed. Yuki takes off for bed as well. Musa asks his friend not to push himself before he leaves. Shindo tells him to not worry and bids him good night.

The next morning, Shindo is rushing to meet his girlfriend who’s waiting for him at the entrance of a café/restaurant. Over drinks, Shindo is dealt a huge blow when his girlfriend tells him they should break up seeing as how there’s something he’d rather be spending his time on more than her. The poor boy refutes this, but she’s not changing her mind. He hangs his head.

-It’s like a retake of the skit Jouji and Jouta played earlier in the episode, where they pretended to be Shindo and his make-belief girlfriend. Only we now know she’s real. And unlike in the skit where he managed to charm her into forgiving him, his real-life girlfriend is not as understanding.

Lady, you did not just do this.

Poor Shindo. You deserve better, son. Nothing against her, but it’s not like his training for Hakone is permanent. It might be that she has a needy personality. No problem there. But if she couldn’t support him during a few months then she won’t be able to support him through other things in his future. Life is hard. He deserves someone able to be there for him even if it means patiently waiting for him.

Parental advice: I have to give Shindo’s ex her due credit: she knows what she wants and if he can’t provide the attention that she needs then good on her for recognizing that. Self awareness is possibly the most important factor in making relationships work.

–Cultural note: In Japan there’s a belief, legend, or story (I forget what exactly) that those with beauty marks under their eyes, located on the path that tears take, are destined to be heartbroken. I should have know his relationship was doomed from the start.

It is afternoon practice and has Shindo just finishes being timed. Haiji tells them to cool down, since they’re done for the day, when Shindo interrupts him with an “Excuse me. I want to run one more.” He hangs his head, sweat, and what we the audience know are tears, dripping from his face.

The others can’t see it, however. Haiji tells him that he should stop, since his times are getting worse. “Times aren’t everything. Isn’t that what you said? It’s true that I want to improve my times, but more than that, I just want to run right now! Just until I’m satisfied. That’s all!”

By this point his teammates know something is up, based on the expressions on their faces. Though it doesn’t seem like they know what.

The innocent trio is mostly bemused.

Prince and Yuki seem particularly empathetic.

He repeats his entreaty, “Please!” twice, then takes off without waiting for an answer. It’s unlike the super polite Shindo so you can tell he had reached his limit.

Yuki’s the first to react. After gazing at him for a while, he say’s he’ll join him. Musa follows them, saying that he felt he could run some more today. One by one the others take off after them: Nico, the twins, Prince, King, Kakeru, then finally Haiji, who strangely, seemed the most reserved.

He only runs after Hana says that she’ll time them.

We soon find out why: as they run, we hear him muse: “I feel the same way. I want to run more. Even though I’ve been told not to run, I’m running,” now we know what’s been weighing on his mind. He then continues, “Maybe I’d forgotten to listen to my feelings,” meaning he’s been too worried that he’s been holding himself back.

Overflowing drops 💔

-The whole scene was just extremely sad. Shindo’s broken heart was bad enough, but then Haiji’s words sent up so many danger flags for me. It was, however, heartwarming how all the team members sensed Shindo was going through something, and ran with him as their way of showing moral support. In case that wasn’t clear, we have Prince’s shirt with the word “bond” written on it this time. Then there was the music, track “Reliance” from the OST. Very aptly named and a perfect accompaniment to the heart wrenching scene.

Back at the Aotake, Yuki tells Shindo that he saw his form during their last lap and noticed his center of gravity was different from fast runners like Kakeru. “I guess everyone runs differently. It’s the first time I noticed.”

-We understand that you were worried about him and hence tried to help him. You can just say it, Yuki. We won’t judge you. But it’s not this cool character’s style.

At this information, the two recruit Kakeru and have him observe Shindo as he runs on Prince’s treadmill. He gives him pointers, telling him to imagine his center of gravity higher, and not to curve his chest.

Prince tells them “you could be doing this outside” Yuki tells him “That’s rich, coming from you.”

-This was a nice bit of humor in an otherwise mostly heavy episode.

Shindo thanks Yuki and Kakeru for their help and asks if they’d be willing to do it again. The two agree wholeheartedly, with his upperclassman Yuki saying it was nothing, he just mentioned what he noticed.

Kakeru, looking at the laptop in Shindo’s hand asks if he’s still doing something after this. The shorter man tells him he wants to finish the team website. The two are taken aback at his diligence.

Kakeru immediately says he’ll make some tea and takes off. Yuki smiles and says that he’s becoming a bit more sociable.

-He is, and I absolutely love it. I think it also speaks to his newfound resolve to help the team. Properly, the way he learned how to help Prince in the previous episode.

The next scene is in Shindo’s room. Yuki tells him, looking at pictures on his wall, “I’ve been wondering for a while now. Is this your home?”

Shindo answers in the affirmative. Seeing what look like perilous mountains and a rope bridge, Yuki asks, “What kind of secluded region does your family live in?”

Shindo replies that they do have roads, but that its’ faster to climb the valley to get to his school.

-This explains the 10 kilometers to and from school that Haiji talked about when he said Shindo had potential.

Yuki goes on to ask if his parents wouldn’t drive him. Shindo replies that his family runs a farm and are hence busy in the morning. Ashe speaks, we see snap shots of his family working hard harvesting cherries. He adds, “If anything, they needed my help.”

-The images and Shindo’s words are continuity to how close he is with his family, enough that he first decided to run Hakone because he thought it would make them happy.

-Seriously, just when you think you can’t love him anymore. Yuki must’ve felt the same.

Yuki: “If I had a daughter, I’d definitely make her marry you.”

-Yuki is one smart cookie. I thought he might have suspected before, when he was the first to run with Shindo, but I’m pretty sure of it now: he recognizes a broken heart when he sees one. This is his way of trying to cheer the hurting genius.

Said genius, smiles awkwardly, “What does that mean?”

Yuki tells him, “You’ve really got your shit together.” Shindo replies, self deprecatingly, “I don’t. Not at all.”

You can just tell he’s thinking that if he did, he wouldn’t have been dumped. I could swear that I saw tears in his eyes.

Kakeru seems to sense his mood. He reminds Shindo that he was the first to declare wanting to run.”

“Is that right?” Shindo asks, seemingly he’s forgotten that fact.

Kakeru then apologizes, saying that at the time he was sure Shindo would quit. Shindo utters a mild, “Well, you know,” letting Kakeru that he isn’t holding it against him. Again, being self-depreciating as if he knows that he appears weak to others.

Kakeru goes on to say, “But I was wrong. This team never would’ve have formed without you and it can’t keep going without you. You’re strong, Shindo”

-Okay, Shindo really looks like he’s going to cry now. I sure am. Poor boy must have needed to hear this so bad, considering what he lost in return for investing so much time and effort on Hakone. He must have really loved that girl. It makes sense. A serious guy like him wouldn’t date just to fool around.

On another note, it’s nice to see KK employing the compliment he recently learned from Haiji, “you’re strong” which he now knows is the strongest compliment you can give a runner.

Shindo tells them, “The ten of use will run in Ekiden. It’s nice to dream.” We’re then shown a picture of the team on the website.

Kansei track team

He then continues, “But anyone can just talk about their dreams. It’s not about that is it? Neither is anyone else right? If you say you’ll do it, do it. Haiji’s the same way.”

As he talks, we get a shot of Haiji in his room, massaging his knee.

-It’s a great moment that explains Haji’s absence, when he would usually be the one offering comfort. He must be preoccupied considering the extra running they had done at that evening’s practice.

Back in Shindo’s room, he goes on to say “I’m not strong. I just do what needs to be done no matter what.”

-That, my dear boy, is strength.

KK however, knows when not to contradict his senpais. He just says yes, while Yuki, in a fit of sympathy, tells him, “You’ll definitely get that record.” Shindo replies, “This, again. But you’re normally so cool.”

-Cool-headed, he means. Also, the word “again” means that this isn’t the first time Yuki has reassured him. Nor will it be the last. Yuki immediately tells him, “Shut up. I said you’ll get it. Everything I’ve said would happen has happened.”

Shindo seems to have given up fighting his tears. He tells Yuki, “Then I’ll trust you.” And bows his head in gratitude.

When Yuki tells him, “What’s that?” He quickly raises his head, high enough that he’s looking at the ceiling, as he says, “Man working at night isn’t good for my eyes.”

Yuki seems to be going along with it. He smiles, telling him, “Seriously?” Kakeru, too, gives a knowing smile. But they both don’t say anything else.

-Seriously? Two of the most distant (Yuki, by choice, Kakeru, by nature) members of Aotake are the ones hanging out with Shindo, wanting to be near him to give him emotional support. Excuse me while I grab some tissues.

Music: the track playing is “Onward to Hakone” from the OST.

The scene changes. The rainy clouds have finally dispersed revealing a glorious morning.

Symbolism. Also, this show has the most stunning visuals.

We see that Yuki and Kakeru have spent the night on Shindo’s floor.

-Musa enters Shindo’s room to wake him up for his class, when he sees that someone has joined their fan club through their newly developed website.

Excitedly, he wakes up Shindo, who in turn wakes up Yuki and Kakeru to tell them the good news.

The next scene shows the team wearing their fan club recruitment t-shirts as they run through the shopping district, calling out that they have a meet at Tokyo Sport University, and asking people to come out to support them.

Shindo leads the procession

-It’s nice to see that they have all gotten over their initial embarrassment. Shindo, as always, leads the recruitment procession.

At Yaokatsu vegetable store, a reporter (we recognize him as being one who had interviewed Fujioka) is asking Hanako’s father about the Kansei team. He shows him a picture of their website. Hana’s dad is about to ask her to take him to the Aotake when the team passes them on their run. He points them out to the reporter, who watches them pass by with interest, particularly Kakeru.

At Tokyo Sport University, we see that the whole team, except for the twins and Musa who just got their records, is going to run. Haiji does his Hakone cheer with all the members. This time, they all join in immediately. The team is melding together nicely.

The cheering squad starts their encouraging calls early on. Unfortunately, the aggravations start early as well. Sakaki approaches the Kansei team, “You still haven’t given up?” This time, he’s in a running uniform, meaning he’s going to participate in the race as well. He says as much, telling them, “Please don’t get in our way. Our regular spot’s on the line.”

-As always, he seems to be showing off the fact that he’s in a prestigious athletic school to Kakeru.

But before he can rile him up, Shindo comes to stand in front of Kakeru, and tells him, “Don’t worry. We don’t intend to compete with you. Our battle lies elsewhere.”

At his self-assured tone, Sakaki is vexed. Haji smiles in pride that Shindo can hold his own. His interference isn’t necessary, and he tells his team to go.

On their way to the starting line, Yuki pats Shindo’s shoulder. I think he, too, feels proud. And it’s been canon that he expresses his respect for the others whenever the occasion arises.

We see the same sketchy looking reporter at the meet. When he sees Kakeru, he mouths something eerily. Unfortunately, I can’t lip read Japanese. Might be our boys name.

Conclusion:

This episode shows just one more reason to love the show: realism. Shindo’s relationship falling apart was done very realistically. It was nice to have him be the focus of this episode. Though the best thing about the show is how most of the time characters get equal screen time, mini arcs like this are great too. Then there’s the fact that Haiji, while present in the episode, was emotionally unavailable. It’s definitely a first and it allowed other characters to grow and fill in the supporting role he usually plays. This, too, is a realistic depiction of what healthy relationships should be like. Not one person being relied on for everything, rather, different people depending on each other at different points of their lives. No one is infallible or untouchable.

As much as I loved this episode, it was also very sad to me. Even its title is sad. At first, we suspect it’s referring to the never-ending rain. But soon we find out it’s actually referring to Shindo, crying in spite of himself at the pain of being dumped. Even the lovely scene where the team ran with Shindo was darkly overcast by Haiji’s internal soliloquy. When he says “despite being told not to run” it sounds like such an ominous statement. As if his knee can give out at any second. Seriously, I’m no longer young enough to enjoy angst the way I used to.

But seeing Kakeru and Yuki praising Shindo’s efforts and personality was lovely. He really needed that. 

Then there was the race, and how Shindo confidently stood up to Sakaki. The bright blue skies were also a welcome change from the rain that had plagued almost the entire episode. But then the creepy looking reporter keeps us from feeling that everything will be smooth sailing ahead.

Grade: 10/10

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Run With the Wind Episode Ten Review: Our Speed

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Prologue

Nira in his dog house looks towards the Aotake building and whimpers. Inside the building, we see all the members of the Aotake gathered at the door to Haiji’s room.

King and Yuki sit by his bedside as an elderly doctor examines him. When he finishes he turns towards the tenants whom all hold their breath as they wait to hear the verdict.

“He’s overworked.”

They all stare back in disbelief.

The doctor tells the residents that while Haiji is anemic, at the moment he’s just sleeping.

“Sleeping?” Shindo repeats with wide eyes.

It’s true. We get a close up of Haiji’s sleeping face before the opening credits begin.

This was a such a great scene. Having the ever-cheerful Nira whimper is a reflection of his (surrogate) owner Haiji’s state. Seeing all the members gathered around Haiji’s room, besides themselves with worry, was heartwarming. I would have thought Nico and Kakeru would have been closest to his bedside, but Kakeru is hanging back farthest than anyone else (out of fear, I think). Meanwhile eldest Nico is watching over Haiji at the door while his peers Yuki and King sit closest to him.

-This is actually the first time we’ve seen his room. It’s a reminder of how little we actually know him. We still don’t know much seeing as the only glimpses we got was the shopping bag hanging on a hook near the door, and a single bookcase full of books. We don’t even see what books he has ;_; Probably on long distance races, nutrition, and how to raise healthy and active children who like to run.

-Shindo’s reaction represents viewers as well who have probably come up with all sorts of scenarios on what was wrong with Haiji. But this makes the most sense, given the clues we had gotten in the previous episode.

-I like how the episode immediately dealt with the Haiji issue and didn’t make the mistake of milking it for more drama.

Act One

The team members all see off the doctor in the yard.

-Perfect example of manners in Japanese culture.

After they all sigh in relief, Yuki remarks that even the injection the doctor administered Haiji didn’t wake up him.

Yuki: “He must really be exhausted.”

The twins mention that they can never tell when he actually sleeps “I thought he was fine without sleep.”

Musa adds that it’s not just training. Haiji does all the cooking as well.

At his words, Nico scratches the back of his neck.

The doctor’s diagnosis sparks a discussion amongst the Aotake members, sending them all into a period of pensiveness.

Prince, Kakeru and Nico

In the next scene, Nico, Prince and Kakeru are cleaning up the ruined fried rice.

KK says “It’s my fault. I made him worry.”

Nico tells him “You know that’s not true.” Prince then says that he caused him much more concern. He’s probably thinking about how Haiji has been training him one to one from the beginning.

Nico then states “It was everyone. All of us can think of something we did.” I think he’s not doubt remembering how much he made Haiji run after him to eat, and how much he had been panting. It had been unlike him so he was probably already pushing himself at that point.

Landlord/Coach Tazaki and Yuki

The landlord stands at the door of Haiji’s room praying. Yuki tells him to please stop, since it’s ominous.

Coach Tazaki says “I don’t know what to do in times like these.”

Yuki replies: “You don’t need to do anything.” But he then looks away, as if in regret.

Perhaps he is thinking what he himself should be doing, or what he should have done before things got to this point. Like the other’s he looks like he’s has something he feels guilty for. One thing that comes to mind is how Yuki told Haiji that he was worried about Nico, that he thought he was dangerously pushing himself. Maybe he’s wondering if he should have been more concerned with Haiji, who was essentially looking out for them all, instead of burdening him further with his concern.

King, Shindo, and Musa.

The three are gathered in (I think) Shindo’s room, where he says that they should run practice themselves the next morning. Musa agrees. King then says, “Come to think of the, clerical procedures like registering for meets were all Haiji’s job, too.”

Shindo starts counting on his fingers: “Supervisor-cum-coach-cum-manager-cum dorm leader, huh?

The trio looks solemn.

Cultural note: Managers (stereotypically girls) for sports teams in Japan take care of various things like providing meals and drinks and general support for the team. Remember how embarrassed Hana got when Sakaki assumed she was the manager? That’s cause it’s a pretty big job usually handled by several people. By supervisor, I think Shindo means the registration for the meets and so forth. We already knew Haiji was the dorm-leader and cook. He’s also the (unofficial but literal) coach.

His daily routine must be packed. He wakes up pre-dawn to prepare the team for their morning jog. Then he comes back and prepares their breakfast, goes to university, oversees their afternoon training, prepares their dinner. I had asked in the previous episode’s review when he ever runs himself. I’m guessing he squeezes that in either before their morning jog, or after. If we go by the ending theme song, he basically runs all times of the day, maybe whenever he can, which is why he’s always in his track suit. The only time he relaxes is in the bath house. But even in the evenings he’s the last one to sleep as he’s busy cleaning up after dinner; though we sometimes see Kakeru helping him.

-In the review for A Dangerous Character I mentioned that, after the track meet, Haiji might have not been as vocal as usual because he was tired from cooking. Now we know he was just tired overall. From the meet, from having to deal with unhappy children. I know first hand how exhausting that is, yet I completely missed it here.

Twins

At their room Jouta and Jouji are cleaning up after the party which ended abruptly. Jouji says, “We should at least take turns cooking.” Jouta agrees, but says that all he can cook is ochazuke (rice cooked in green tea). Jouji says that he too only has one dish in his repertoire: boiled pasta. The two realize that they have a more immediate concern than helping Haiji at the dorm.

Twins: “Can we survive without Haiji?”

Prince, Kakeru, Nico (continued)

Nico then takes this opportunity to tell Prince and KK to reconcile, reproaching them: “Quit the team if you don’t run fast enough? This is no time to be saying that.”

-I forgot to say this in the last episode’s review, but damn those twins have loose lips. Did they manage to tell everyone before remembering Haiji’s orders?

Kakeru looks a bit chastened at Nico’s words.

Prince points out that it wasn’t his idea. But Nico doesn’t let him off the hook either. “You’re his senior.”

I guess he means if Prince were more authoritative KK wouldn’t have said it in the first place? Or maybe that he should have shot down the suggestion immediately.

At this point Kakeru becomes defensive saying he was just expressing his misgivings. Nico warns him with an “Oi!” But Prince is quick to answer, “If that’s what you hurled at me then you’re just being a nuisance.”

He’s right. You shouldn’t make complaints without offering possible solutions if you want to be helpful. Especially if you’re on the same team.

But KK isn’t backing down. He attacks Prince with: “Just now you said you were making him worry. You are making him worry, aren’t you?”

Ouch.

That was a little below the belt, using Prince’s guilt. The lit student is visibly upset but can’t say anything. Whereas in their first scene the two were both blaming themselves, they’re now like kids fighting over who’s giving mom more grief.

-Kakeru should know that his attitude is just as troublesome, if not more, than Prince’s lack of speed.

Nico demands they cut it out, “Don’t ruin what Haiji entrusted to you”. Both react angrily.

Prince, KK: “You make it sound like he’s dead!”

Nico asks with a straight face. “You guys sure you don’t actually get along?”

Cultural Note: Unlike the English stereotype “opposites attract” what I’ve gleaned from 30 years as a fan of Japanese anime/culture is that the stereotype there is similar personalities should get along. Nico’s using Prince and KK’S identical reply to imply that they have more in common than they think. This is probably true. They’re both quiet types who only ever speak when it comes to their passions (manga and running, respectively) they’re both somewhat loners, and both care about Haiji.

That being said, Nico’s sentence sort of came out of nowhere and had almost nothing to do with the topic at hand. He was being a bit melodramatic and I’m not sure if this was intentional or not, whether he said it expecting the reaction the two would have, to show that they have something in common.

But, the fact of the matter is, before Haiji collapsed, these two were getting along fine after the whole team came together, runners and cheering squad. I don’t even know why Nico felt the need to rehash the argument. Maybe he wanted to make sure it was put to rest before Haiji woke up, hence the whole “Don’t ruin what Haiji entrusted to you”.

Ugh. I really hated that line. Cause I feel it was just used to set up Prince and KK’s reaction and I can’t seem to convince myself it wasn’t just a piece of bad writing. There. I said it. But that’s fine. Even this show isn’t perfect.

Back in his room Prince is on the treadmill, but it is now set on a higher speed than it was at first. In fact, I think he’s been steadily increasing its speed.

On the first floor, the motion of the treadmill sends dust flying once again through the ceiling of KK’s room. He’s sitting in contemplation, before he looks up at the ceiling.

Kakeru: “That’s not good enough, Prince.”

I’m pretty sure he means Prince’s speed, which would make sense seeing as how Prince is walking, not running, to be able to hold his manga.

We finally the episode title: Our Speed.

A clock shows the time is 6:05 am. It’s next morning. The team should have already started practice. But they haven’t yet.

Shindo asks Nico to take over as substitute Captain. Musa agrees, seeing as he’s the oldest and has most experience in track. Nico refuses saying he can’t afford to look out for others. King mentions that they never actually discussed who would be Captain.

-This makes sense as everyone (including viewers no doubt) naturally assumed it would be Haiji.

Shindo next turns to Yuki who says he expected to be asked but, but “I refuse.” This sends Prince’s heart aflutter thinking he’s referencing Jojo’s Bizarre adventure (haven’t seen it, but recognized the art style).

His T-shirt has “heart” written on it

Jouta, to Prince:”What are you doing?”

Prince: Don’t you know? “I refuse”?

Yuki of course isn’t doing anything of the sort. He tells the others that he still doesn’t think they can make it to Hakone.

King: “You’re still saying that?”

The twins too, are disappointed that even after all the practices they’ve had, Yuki is being skeptical. He doesn’t care, says that he wouldn’t know how to lead the team, and that he won’t do it.

-This completely fits Yuki’s perfectionist personality. He’s not the type to take over something just because he was asked. One thing I thought/felt is that he seemed annoyed as he said this. We know that he started reading up on running. Maybe he wishes that he did know enough to take the job, in light of how much pressure Haiji has been under.

Shindo then asks Kakeru to take over, much to King’s disappointment. Shindo points out that he knows King would never want to do it. The older man says that he would at least like to be asked, to be able to refuse, as a Senpai.

Jouta (under his breath): “I can’t respect him even a little bit.”

King’s obsession with the Senpai/Kouhai hierarchy rears its head once again. Methinks, outside of it, he has a hard time dealing with people.

Kakeru says that he doesn’t mind taking over practice, but adds, looking at Prince, “I may not be gentle.”

This sends the team into a frenzy, with the older ones getting angry and the younger ones excited. The twins look like they might be mocking him, though.

Everyone has something to say, except, ironically, Prince, who knows that Kakeru’s words were directed at him. His shirt still says “heart” on it though, so he might be nervous.

Meanwhile, Haiji tries to leave his room only to find out that he can’t. The door has been blocked from the outside with heavy cardboard boxes.

A sign has been taped to his door “Absolute and total rest.” And some tea flavored rice porridge left on his bedside.

Haiji: “Is this torture?”

Hee! It would be to someone used to being up and about most hours of the day. But next to the food is what looks like a white board propped up with books with messages written on it from the boys. Also an African mask which looks a bit eerie and could be the reason for Haiji’s apprehension.

The messages were very interesting to me. The twins tell Haiji, “Have some porridge!” and that’s it. It’s probably the only thing that came to their mind and I can’t hate them for it. They sign with their nicknames which we know are a mashup of their first and last names and probably what they’ve been called their whole lives. It’s as endearing as they are.

Prince wrote: “I’ll lend you some of my comics.” So the books behind the whiteboard might actually be his manga. By now viewers should know that to him this is the ultimate expression of love. He signs his note using his last name, Kashiwazaki. This fits his manner of speaking; polite, if a little distant. Also fits his character: I think Prince is a name given to him by others based on his looks, not something he chose himself.

Kakeru’s message is very simple and to the point. “Take care.” I can see him agonizing over what to write before finally settling on those two words. Knowing him, they’re actually very expressive. He also signs using his last name, Kurahara, despite Haiji always calling him by his first name. Like Prince, he’s being formal, maybe too formal for friends. Another similarity between these two.

King’s message also has Haiji’s well-being in mind. Not surprising as we saw how worried he was sitting by Haiji’s bedside: “You need to rest!!” But the rest of it isn’t too helpful, “They said eating meat when you’re sick is good for you”. If you’re going to recommend meat, you should provide some, King. This awkwardness and him signing using his “self proclaimed” title matches his personality.

Musa tries to be helpful: “This African mask will protect you from evil!” It’s a lovely gesture from the considerate exchange student who signs using his given name first then his family name. I think he does this because it’s probably how he signs all his exchanges, like they were official memos. At least in my head he does.

Cultural Note: In Japan first names always come second. Of course Musa knows this, so it was a personal decision. Subtle but nice characterization.

Language Note: Musa is Moses in Arabic, Kamara is the feminine form for the masculine word Qamar (which means moon), so Musa might be from the Arabic speaking regions of Tanzania.

Shindo, likewise, signs with his first and last name, though like all Japanese his family name comes first. It matches his serious personality. It also shows that he doesn’t have any particular attachment to his nickname, which means “genius” or “prodigy”. He’s humble and his message reveals his trademark conscientiousness: “I’m sorry for always relying on you for everything! Get well soon.” This remorse from the only member who went out of his way to do something for the team, thinking of the budget and making T-shirts to help create a fan club and jogging evenings to promote the team. Like Yuki always says about him, Shindo really is a “damn honor roll student” which I’m guessing is Japanese for “goody two shoes” but in the positive sense. His parents sure raised him well.

Yuki’s message touched me a lot because it shows what I’ve been suspecting for a while now: “Sorry. Get some rest!!! Sleep well, rest well.” He’s a very caring individual and he actually feels guilty for not having done more to help Haiji. I like how he signs his message with his nickname. Unlike the others, it’s just an abbreviation of his actual name. Like the twins, it’s probably what most people call him. He’s also close enough to be on a first name basis with Haiji and isn’t concerned about showing it. And why should he be? They are the same age and have been living together for four years. It’s normal.

Last but not least is Nico: “Get well soon!” Well, maybe least on the board, but surely not emotionally. He didn’t even bother signing his name. Nico is a private person, so I think what’s not being said is as important as the generic message that is there. And Haiji would probably get that.

Back to the team: It looks like Kakeru won’t have time to make any changes to the training menu, as he takes over Haiji, tagging along with Prince during morning practice. Not that I think he had anything planned. Like I said, his “I may not be gentle” was mostly directed at Prince.

Prince tells him “You don’t have to do what Haiji does.” Kakeru argues “If I leave you alone, you’ll fall farther and farther behind. Everyone’s else’s pace is increasing. Their efforts will be ruined because of you. Buck up and take this seriously.”

Prince and the Zombie. Which is which?

Well, he didn’t lie about not being gentle. Though his tone wasn’t cruel either, just matter of fact. Actually, that might be worse. Being dispassionate could be interpreted as being uncaring.

Prince takes it pretty well, however. He asks Kakeru how long he’s been so fast, and guesses since he was a child, since he’s a genius at it. KK tells him that’s not true. Prince replies, “Then try talking at my speed”.

In one sentence, he managed to silence Kakeru completely. Everyone knows Kakeru isn’t good at talking. Just like Prince is terrible at running. Him asking Kakeru to talk at his speed is his way of reminding him that different people have different talents…and weaknesses.

Kakeru stops for a bit and studies Prince as he runs. When they return to Aotake, he berates him for going to read manga, and tells him he has to change out of his sweaty clothes first. Prince snaps back “Freshness is everything!” Much to Kakeru’s confusion.

A feminine voice agrees and the two looks towards the door to see that Hana-chan has come to Aotake. After hearing that Haiji collapsed she brought ingredients from her father’s store, knowing that he won’t be able to go shopping that day. As soon as she arrives the twins run up to her like she’s a savior, and ask her to cook for them.

We’re taken to mid episode break and the adorable Nira.

Act Two

After the break we see the Aotake members outside the WC, holding their stomachs in pain and waiting desperately for Musa to finish so that they can have their turn in the bathroom.

– I love how there was a shot of a flower in the garden giving us a hint of how this mysterious case of food poisoning come about.

Burned and drenched in seasoning.

The culprit can be seen occupying the kitchen. Hana apologizes and wonders if her cooking is not to the team’s taste.

She asks Prince and Kakeru what they think of the food. The two reply simultaneously.

“It’s good.”

Then glare at each other, annoyed that, for the second time they had the exact same reaction. The thing is that they really do look like they’re fine with her food and not just being kind. It’s a unique thing to have in common. They must like strong flavors.

Hana is glad, and tells them her family loves her cooking, so much that her dad cries every time he eats it.

-Dear sweet unsuspecting Hana doesn’t know the rest of the Kansei team has turned into dried up husks. Or that her dad probably cries out of misery as he’s eating.

That evening the twins check in on Haiji thinking he must have had enough rest. They find his room empty.

The two inform Nico and Yuki that he vanished. Their elders panic, but when they learn that the twins forgot to account for Haiji’s window, and the fact that his room is on the ground floor, they in turn realize that they forgot to account for the twins’ stupidity.

-This scene where Jota and Jouji were analyzing what must have happened like it was a great mystery from Detective Conan was fun. As were the reactions of Yuki and Nico.

The would be lawyer says,“We were stupid to let them handle it,” meaning that the window should have been blocked, too. Nico wonders where Haiji went. The twins don’t know but tell them the Ochazuke they’d left for Haiji was finished. “So, he’s well enough to eat and escape through a window?” The older two conclude that he must be fine, then.

-Yuki is hanging out in Nico’s room. This is progress. I like to think they were talking about Haiji and how to lessen the burden on him.

It’s almost sunset and Kakeru is running by himself. Afternoon practice must have been cancelled due to most of the team having food poisoning and dehydration.

He’s surprised when he sees Haiji, with his shopping bag and Nira, at the doctor’s clinic. He’s thanking him for his house call. Nira’s bark, as always, alerts him of KK presence.

The doc tells Haiji he shouldn’t have come just to thank him and puts a hand on his shoulder, telling him he’s a fine young man.

It only lasted a second, but the shot felt poignant, somehow. Like it was meant to show how those living outside the Aotake see, and are able to support Haiji, in ways those closest to him can’t. Particularly Kakeru, who was in the center of shot.

Or he may just be considering how respectful Haiji acts with the adults. I wonder what other fans think.

The next scene shows the two runners sitting at the park bench with Haiji laughing after being informed of Kakeru and Prince’s conversation. “You totally lost that argument,” he tells his unamused companion. He then adds “There’s no beating Prince when it comes to sophistry,” before adding that it’s not actually sophistry, meaning Prince does have a point.

Kakeru surprises Haiji when he asks “Will he be all right?” Then points out that he saw Prince properly for the first time, and that he has no form at all. “He needs to be corrected.

Haiji doesn’t respond to this. Rather he repeats Kakeru’s words: “You got a proper look for the first time.” 

Caught, Kakeru starts to respond, but doesn’t know what to say. Haiji saves him the trouble and kindly says,

“I’m not criticizing you. You had your own problems. But I think he was watching you and waiting to see when you’d look his way. You’re always looking forward.” He then adds, “Prince isn’t the only one. Everyone is running behind you. Until you turn around, you’ll never see them from where you are. You won’t see who is running where, and how.”

It’s a continuation of their conversation before Haiji collapsed. At Haiji’s words, Kakeru remembers the meet the day before, and how, for the first time, he saw how hard his teammates were running.

I think he understands what Haiji is saying. Prince, like the others, is trying just as hard in his own way. He’s not running “half-assed” any more than the others were. But Kakeru had been treating him as if he was.

I love how Haiji seamlessly switched the topic from Prince’s form to Kakeru’s attitude. He knows, even if KK’s concern is genuine, he won’t be able to help Prince if he doesn’t change the way he sees him. Before correcting Prince, Kakeru has to correct his misconception about him.

Kakeru takes in Haiji’s words silently and thoughtfully. There is tangible remorse in his contemplation, even. I think he realizes that if he hadn’t been forced to sit out the meet, he might never have considered, or even bothered, looking at his teammates.

Kakeru in the light, for once. Symbolic of enlightenment

This was such a gorgeous scene drawn and voiced perfectly. Then you have the wind slowly swaying through Kakeru’s hair, again hinting at a coming change, with Haiji calmly watching over him, and the background music. These are the type of scenes I search for in entertainment: intimate, revealing, thoughtful, and above all, beautiful.

Haiji smiles gently in satisfaction, as if he knows something is shifting for the better within Kakeru. He gives him a moment to gather his thoughts before telling him it’s time to go home. And that he might actually get sicker, seeing that he only had Ochazuke to eat all day.

Music: The title of track here is Meteor and I think it refers to Kakeru. They’re both beautiful when they move. They’re also fast and never stop till they’re done.

Back at Aotake, the Kansei track team members have gathered for dinner and are in tears upon seeing the glorious spread Haiji has set for them.

He apologizes for worrying them and tells them to eat as much as they want. Everyone cries in happiness. The uninhibited twins even hug him.

He then mentions that he learned that Hana cooked for them, with her own ingredients and how he has to thank her.

-Kakeru really must have been fine with Hana’s cooking. I’m guessing he’s the one who told Haiji, as the dorm cook obviously hasn’t yet heard of the collective case of food poisoning. At his reference to the incident, everyone suddenly turns to ashen mannequins, remembering their ordeal.

Later, Kakeru visits Prince in his room, asking Prince if he can borrow some manga.

He’s so delighted he can’t breathe.

Kakeru misunderstands Prince’s reaction and becomes defensive, saying that he doesn’t have anything in his room.

-Oh, boy Kakeru, you’re in for a ride. Basically, you have just fulfilled every otaku’s dream: the chance to introduce/talk about their favorite fiction. Just so you know, there’s no going back here.

But I think Prince may be a bit skeptical as he asks Kakeru if he’s fine with romance, like he’s testing him. Or it could just be what he’a currently into.

Later, We see KK sitting on Prince’s futon (the only space available) with a manga in hand. He watches as Prince reads while walking on the treadmill and tells him he’s good at that.

Kakeru here is making a genuine effort to get closer to Prince and make amends, after giving him so much grief. He probably remembered how excited Prince was when he tried to recruit him for the manga club. It’s such a Haiji thing to do! Remember Haiji telling Yuki he’ll go clubbing with him as teammates need to respect and understand each other.

As he sees Prince on the treadmill an idea occurs to Kakeru.

He exclaims “That’s it!” Surprising Prince and causing him to hilariously fall.

The next day he tells Prince he’ll hold his manga for him as he runs, seeing how on the treadmill Prince’s form is much better than on the road, because he stands straighter to be able to read. “It brings your center of gravity forwards. “

With Haiji leading the way, to keep them from running into anything, they conduct the experiment. It works! Prince then asks them to wait as he puts up his hair so that he can see better.

-Like girls cutting their hair, this is symbolic of a new resolve.

Prince explains that he couldn’t see before because of his bangs. Haiji ruefully asks “What were you looking at all this time” but not loud enough to be heard by anyone.

When they arrive at the river, Kakeru ask Prince to try running, only this time alone without a volume in front of him, using his imagination alone. The others observe and they all notice the bizarre way his hands swing, even though his posture is better.

Shindo says quietly, “There’s a lot I want to say about that.” While the younger twin points out, “I bet it would be fun if we put bells in his hands.”

-LOL!! It would.

Their collective reaction is priceless.

Jouta tries mimicking him as he thinks, “Why does he do that?” Before coming to a realization, “I know! It’s like when he’s reading comics!”

Kakeru agrees that Prince arms are fixed in a reading position even when running. Yuki states how amazed he is that Prince could run like that.

-You and everyone else, Yuki.

Kakeru says, “We’re not short distance runners so there’s no need for sweeping arm movements. But I’d like to fix his habit of holding them in place.”

The problem is solved by putting a few manga volumes in each hand and asking Prince to pretend he’s running to his room to read.

Prince: “I can’t wait to go back to my room and read.”

As they watch Haiji tells Nico, “You’ve got your color back.” The older resident responds, “I’ve been eating. I don’t want you worrying unnecessarily.”

I always knew he cared.

Haji thanks him. Nico then tells him “You really don’t miss a thing,” then looks at Kakeru and Prince, “What about them? You could have intervened anytime. Did you stay out of it because you knew this would happen?”

Haiji says “No way. I intended to fix things if I had to. But I didn’t think it would ever really be his if he’d learned to run that way. A truly fortunate error.”

-It’s just like Haiji to want Prince to discover his running form on his own. Though I think it wouldn’t have hurt to give him more pointers. Even Haiji isn’t perfect. Like he said, it was an error on his part, but it worked out in the team’s favor.

Next, we get a wonderfully edited montage that depicts how KK has taken a genuine interest in Prince. Even after Haiji gets better he continues training with him, holding manga up for him as he runs on his treadmill and helping him stretch.

We even see them reading manga together, though Prince is, of course, the faster reader as shown by how quickly he flips his pages. It’s not just about running anymore. They’ve become friends. During training, Prince starts watching Kakeru’s form as he runs and tries to copy it. He can do this now because Kakeru is no longer running ahead, he’s running close to him.

Prince’s form becomes better. So does Kakeru’s reading. The scene ends with the two, finally, flipping their respective manga pages at the same time.

How beautiful and uplifting. I love this show.

At their next meet, when Prince’s exhaustion has him reverting back to his improper form, Kakeru yells at him from behind and stops next to him to encourage him: “Forward!”

Zoom in to see the reflection in his eyes.

Prince is as shocked as everyone. But KK’s words pull him up, he straightens his back once again and tells Kakeru “Seriously, you never shut up!” He then says that he’s fine and to go on ahead.

It is an extremely touching moment. Especially given that KK had been about to break his old record. A few onlookers exclaim at Kakeru’s action, saying that he was going to get a great time. Even his teammates are touched, but none more than Haiji. I wonder if he was hoping for this, given that he only registered Prince and Kakeru for the meet.

More than Prince’s corrected form, Kurahara looking out for his teammate, rather than be obsessed with his time, was the greatest achievement. You see Haiji’s hand quiver as he holds the timer, obviously overcome with joy at KK’s emotional growth.

Even when he crosses the finish line KK doesn’t even look at his watch. Instead he turns and immediately starts cheering for Prince. The entire team is doing so and Prince manages to put in the smallest increment of speed.

The Kansei members all meet him at finish line. Kakeru, who was in the race, is naturally the first by his side.

Kakeru: “You did it. You made it!”

“Don’t make a fuss. I still have a long way to go.” Prince gasps out as he’s stretched on the floor. Kakeru replies, “Yes you do. You can go much faster.”

“Shut up!” Prince shouts, hilariously angry. I don’t know why he’s so pissed but it’s funny. Maybe because he’s already dead tired but is being told he has to go even faster (though he knows at well, but it might grate coming from “faster than the speed of light” Kakeru). I think he’s also still astounded at how Kakeru matched his speed during the race and that while it must have made him happy it must have also frustrated him somewhat, having to be looked after like that.

To further ingrain just how amazing this team is, we see the confused expressions of random onlookers trying to figure out why they are making such a big deal over Prince’s time: (29:26:26).

“What’s so great about that?”

His companion replies, “Who knows.

The cheerful twins quickly yell out “To celebrate breaking 30 minutes!” And to the random pair’s astonishment they see Prince’s teammates flinging him in the air in absolute joy.

The terrified Prince yells with tears in his eyes the entire time.

Conclusion

The title of the episode, Our Speed, refers to Kakeru’s understanding that, for better or for worse, the team’s speed is what really matters. Whereas he used to see this as a weakness and expected everyone to just be serious and become faster on their own, he now knows speed is a goal for the team to work at together.

This is one of the best parts of the show. It’s not about comparing yourself to others, rather comparing your progress to yourself and celebrating even the smallest of gains and using them to push yourself further. And to have people close to you who are able to understand that and celebrate it with you is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Kansei may not be the fastest team, but you know that they’re the most special one.

Grade: 10/10.

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Run With the Wind Episode Nine Review: Mismatched Runners

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Prologue

We get a recap of Haiji and Kakeru’s argument and KK’s ultimatum to Prince.

Act One

The episode starts with the last two people who should know about the incident exclaiming “No way!” in disbelief: The twins know.

-I don’t think anyone told them. Neither Haiji nor Prince seem to be gossips nor thoughtless. We know Prince is slowest to run, and probably slowest to arrive at Aotake from their morning jog. Since he is just being served his breakfast by Haiji, the twins likely overheard the two talking about it in the kitchen before they joined them for breakfast.

Haiji says “That kind of talk is ineffective. I told you.” So he has already discussed this matter with Prince, perhaps the night before. He then adds that Kakeru went too far.

Jouji jokes “Well, he is fast,” and he and his brother nudge each other.

Haiji ignores them and points out Kakeru h zi

Haiji then tells the twins “I don’t want you two having weird biases,” and orders them not to tell anyone else.

-Kudos to Haiji. The gag-order keeps the matter from getting out of hand. He’s also tacitly asking the twins to not take sides.

They seem to understand. Jota points out “Well, we know he’s not a bad guy.” Jouji qualifies: “But he can be really irritable.”

Prince says he was so upset he stayed up all night reading manga. 

-I feel you Prince. I too drown my sorrows in fiction.

For some reason the twins feel the need to confirm it was manga that he was reading. I say, does it matter?

After the episode title: Mismatched Runners, we see Haiji opening the rice cooker and seeing that it has rice left over.

Haiji: “Someone besides Kakeru isn’t eating”.

-So not only did KK (presumably) go on his morning jog alone, he also skipped breakfast. To avoid the team? Or was he just too into his training that it ran late?

Prince asks if Haiji thinks he’ll actually acquire the required record.

Prince asks this haltingly, like he’s afraid of the answer.

-Its obvious Kakeru’s words were a huge blow to him, especially considering his genuine efforts and how supportive everyone else is being. But because KK is an actual runner, his opinion has more impact; like it did with Nico. So, it makes sense that he wants Haiji’s opinion, who is also a runner.

Wait. What if this is why Haiji was silent most of the last episode when it came to KK’s behavior? We know KK comes from a (presumably strong) running school. Bram mentioned in a comment to the previous review that most of what Haiji does is deliberate. I think so too, but I couldn’t figure out a reason for his silence in the face of Kakeru’s aggressive assertiveness. What if, like Nico, and Prince here, he too is was influenced by KK’s opinions as a runner, especially considering that Haiji isn’t a real coach. Even as he became increasingly worried about KK’s health, Haiji silently let Kakeru express his opinions because he thought they might help push the team forward. It is only after KK hurt Hana that Haiji intervened because he saw that, in his zeal, KK was starting to hurt others as well as himself.

Back to Prince, Haiji is quick to encourage him. He tells him that his time is improving. At Prince’s doubtful silence Haiji reveals he enjoys running with him, truly. “Running next to you makes me feel like I can reconsider what it means to run.”

Continuity: this is a topic we know occupies Haiji’s mind. Now we see exactly how much.

As he continues, we get a flashback of Haiji in physical therapy: “Right foot forward, left foot forward, slowly increasing your pace. You used to walk, but before you know it, it looks like you’re running. I’m re-experiencing the excitement of running.”

High school Haiji.

In contrast to Present Haiji’s words, Past Haiji looks like he’s suffering immensely as he forces himself to walk, while supporting himself with handlebars. I loved this scene. Haiji’s so mysterious that any backstory on him is interesting. This scene is also incredibly well done with gorgeous music (In a World Where Running Is from the OST) and just a hint of Past Haiji’s pained, shuddering gasps being heard through Present Haiji’s narration.

Admirable Fortitude.

The flashback reminded me of something Nico asked Kakeru about Haiji a while back: “Why is he so confident?” This might be it. When you overcome adversity, it leaves you stronger. Haiji sees his recovering self in Prince. But probably feels Prince has an advantage in that he is healthy and not recovering from an injury. Conversely, he sees Kakeru as himself pre-injury, presumably when all he cared about were times. I think this puts him a wonderfully unique position where he can emphasize with both. It is also probably why he was careful to tell the twins to not have a “weird bias”.

Prince says he’s not sure he understands Haiji’s words.

-Well, yeah. Unlike us, he didn’t see the flashback. As absorbed as he is in his manga. does Prince even know about Haiji’s injury? Haiji doesn’t seem the type to talk about himself, either.

But Prince then goes on to say that he thinks he does, however, understand enjoying doing something together. “We read the same comics together at the same time.” He describes the joy of counting down to start, flipping the pages in tandem and having their thoughts synchronized. “Even if we don’t share our thoughts, it feels like we’ve thoroughly discussed the content.”

Haiji hears him out, then says “I see. He then goes on to say that it is difficult for him to understand Prince. The bookworm replies, “Of course it is,” as if he never expected Haiji to, in the first place. 

Language Note: These last two quotes are my own translation. Not that it makes much of a difference. But I though viewers might be interested in how it could been translated.

-This conversation reminds me of Yuki trying to understand Nico’s reason for running. I said it at the time, and it seems especially true here: even if you can’t reach complete comprehension of another person, sometimes just the effort is enough. Prince and Haiji here are a perfect example

At the university cafeteria, our beloved idiot brothers have already spilled the tea to Yuki, Shindo, and Musa.

Shindo is horrified while Yuki, after logically arguing that it would be impossible for Prince to suddenly get faster, sighs carelessly that this means he’ll be their first drop-out.

-Oi! Stop acting flippant, Yuki. I saw that sweatdrop. You’re actually as worried as anyone else.

Zoom in and you’ll find it on his cheek.

Musa is quick to say that Haiji will never accept it. Shindo eagerly asks what Haiji had to say. The two recall his orders: not to worry, not to be biased, not to tell anyone.

The twins realizing they disobeyed Haiji.

Yuki speaks for everyone when he says “You guys are such idiots.” They are, but there are so freaking lovable. You can’t help but forgive them. It helps that the other teammates are all mature so we know they’ll heed Haiji’s instructions. No harm no foul.

Later we see Prince reading manga while on the treadmill. Despite what happened he doesn’t plan on quitting. Good for him.

We also see Nico for the first time at the Kansei University grounds. He has dark under eye circles and is drinking milk from a carton. As he laments his growling stomach he’s approached by Haiji, still in his apron.

Haiji stops to catch his breath. It takes him a while. We then see him hilariously chasing Nico through a flower field with a lunch box, like they’re in some sort of skit or commercial.

Nico yells at him to stop chasing him. Haiji’s pleased he found him despite Nico hiding in the last place he’d look; that place being the university.

-Lol! No wonder he fails his classes. This also explains why Haiji was panting so hard. He’s been running all over looking for Nico. Did he forget to remove his apron? And how much cooler can he get that he doesn’t care about how funny he looks?

He’s pushing Nico to eat the bento (boxed lunch) he made. Nico replies, “I don’t want it! It doesn’t look good for a grown ass man to accept a lunch from another grown ass man!”

This is because in Japan the stereotype is that homemade bentos are usually made by wives or girlfriends .

Haiji tells him not to worry, his food looks perfect.

Nico: “That’s not what I mean!”

Haiji says he knew something was up as there was exactly one extra serving of rice left over.

-I don’t get it. Earlier in the episode Haiji said someone “besides Kakeru wasn’t eating” , now he’s saying there was only one serving left. If Kakeru isn’t eating either wouldn’t there be two servings left? Unless, maybe KK had told Haiji before-hand that he wouldn’t need breakfast? That would make sense; despite his awkwardness he tries to be polite so it seems like something he’d do.

-I do wonder why Kakeru isn’t eating. The only other time he refused was when he first came to Aotake and told Haiji he didn’t want to owe him anything. Maybe after the fight he feels too angry/awkward to eat with them.

Nico comments on how close Haiji’s watching them. Haiji explains that he plans their meals carefully down to volume and nutritional value. Shocked, Nico finally stops his escape to ask how long Haiji has been doing this. The younger tenant tells him since he took charge of the cooking, so four years now.

After finally catching his breath, Haiji tells the astounded Nico not to rush and that there’s no reason to panic. “You’ll probably get it eventually.”(Kito)

Nico calls him out on not saying “definitely,” (Zettai) Haiji says he’ll change his mind if Nico eats properly. Then shows him the lunch which features bento art of Nico.

A man of many talents: Haiji’s instagram worthy bento.

-Incidentally, I think this is actually the first scene we’ve had of these two alone together. We’ve been told that they’ve known each other the longest. We’ve heard Nico talk to Kakeru about Haiji. We know Nico is older, but that he’s used to being looked out for by Haiji. Here, we see that even as a former member of track, he allows himself to be guided by the younger athlete. We also see them interact as equals with mutual respect and regard. No wonder Yuki approached Haiji about Nico in the previous episode.

At afternoon practice, Yuki impresses everyone when he overtakes both Nico and King on the track.

-Now that he’s decided to run seriously, he’s improving very quickly. This fits his perfectionist personality.

On the other hand, Kakeru’s times have been steadily decreasing, presumably due to him going overboard with his practice and not resting enough.

We also (finally!) see Haiji running during practice, and not just to supervise Prince. Rather he’s running off the track the same time as half the team is racing, with Shindo taking over the stopwatch to time the others.

Blink and you’ll miss him.

At their after-practice meeting, Haiji tells everyone that in three weeks their times have improved due to their sticking to his menu, which means they have a chance of doing well at tomorrow’s meet.

-Well, everyone except KK but then he isn’t listening to Haiji’s advice that he needs to rest too.

Haiji then states that the team needs all members to make it Hakone, since they do not have any substitutes.

He’s talking to you, Kakeru. You too, Prince.

-It’s interesting that these two ended up sitting next to each other. Prince’s posture however hints that he still feels a bit sad and/or uncomfortable, despite Haiji’s encouragement. He’s probably worried about what will happen if he doesn’t run well the next day. Conversely, Kakeru is looking up, so he’s probably looking forward to the meet.

Haiji adds “Let’s all attend tomorrow’s track meet so we can participate together.” But seemingly contradicts himself when he says he’ll announce which members will be running. 

Everyone is confused. Jouta asks “It’s not everyone?” 

Haiji tells him “It’s everyone. We’ll all go. Running isn’t everything.“

Prince and Kakeru become antsy. No doubt KK is recalling Haiji telling him that he won’t run while Prince is wondering if he’ll be chosen or not.

Haiji names Jouta, Jouji, Shindo, Musa, and Yuki as the participants.

-Well played, Haiji. Despite telling Kakeru in the previous episode that he’ll only let those without records run, Haiji splits the team in half.

Shindo, Musa and the twins have always done well, from the beginning, so it makes sense for them to be chosen. I think Yuki looked quite shocked that he’ll be running but it fits. This is probably Haiji’s way of encouraging him and rewarding his progress.

As to those not chosen, we already knew KK won’t be. But by keeping Prince out as well Haiji effectively voids Kakeru’s ultimatum. As to Nico, he has obviously overworked himself with exercise and dieting so he isn’t in the ideal shape to run. Then by keeping both himself and King from running (even though they’re probably fine) Haiji keeps the trio from feeling singled out. He also successfully diverts KK and Prince from thinking his choices were driven by their fight. Although I’m sure that was the case. Haiji is a loving parent putting an end to an argument between his children.

Said kids are all visibly shook and confused. Prince’s expression then becomes contemplative while Kakeru’s contorts in anger. He stands up and looks at Haiji menacingly.

Act Two

It is now the next day and we see the members preparing at the track meet.

Haiji is signing the team in, Musa and Shindo change, Nico and King are preparing drinks while Prince is helping Yuki stretch. Kakeru stands apart from the others, closest to the track with his arms crossed.

-As pissed off as he looked in the previous scene, I’m actually surprised to see Kakeru there and wonder how Haiji convinced him. He seems like he’s interested in the other teams but he might just be feigning interest because he feels awkward.

Jouta and Jouji, sitting closet to him ponder where the Rikudo team is. They talk about how strong and cool Fujioka’s team looked in all-white, highlighting their team’s strength. They then compare them to their team, Kansei Uni, that doesn’t even have matching track suits and how no one can even tell who they are unless their racing uniforms are in view.

Kakeru listens in on their conversation discussion and it gives insight into his mind. It reminds us how upset he was when he heard Fujioka will be skipping future meets. But the fact that even the twins are lamenting how lacking their team is makes it more likely that KK (who was in a strong team) is as well. Though I think he’s more concerned with the team’s overall inexperience rather than uniforms. Looks like Sakaki might have been right after all.

At the starting line, Shindo says that despite it being their second time, he’s still nervous. Musa points out that it’s because its their second time. Yuki says “Practice should be just as hard.”

–Language note: I felt the phrasing of this to be odd. Even if the translation is correct it would be easier to understand if it had been “It shouldn’t be harder than practice.” As I suspect that was the intended meaning. A literal translation isn’t always best.

While Musa ponders if they’ll lever get used to the atmosphere, Shindo says they probably shouldn’t. Yuki admires his sentiment.

Yuki: “Nicely said.” Indeed.

I like how vocal Yuki is with his praise to Shindo here. And in the previous episode he admired King’s energy. I want to say that Yuki’s a closeted supportive-type but that would be inaccurate. He stood up for Haiji when King wouldn’t train with them, he reassured Musa he was just as strong as his fellow exchange students, and he tried making KK feel welcome his first night. He also warned Haiji about Nico exerting himself. But he does most of this so smoothly that it’s easy to forget.

The twins plan their run, with Jouta saying he’ll run on the inside, and Jouji telling him he’ll create space in front of him, and that he should run ahead if he can. They discuss how similar races feel to their soccer games, when they would take each other’s positions to confuse the opposing team. They call the race a “game” and mention how they like it.

These two exchanges serve to show how invested our runners are.

The remaining members watch in anticipation the beginning of the race. King mentions that he feels nervous. Nico says it’ll be fine since “they’re the elite team.”

-Nico seems to have realized that Haiji chose the athletes who are at their best.

As Kakeru watches his participating teammates, he recalls what happened the previous day after Haiji’s announcement.

He had stubbornly declared that he will run, but Haiji takes the wind out of his sails by telling him that he registered in advance.

Kakeru angrily asks what he’s training for, then. Haji responds with what he’s been telling them all along: “Hakone. You’ve already got your record.”

Kakeru is infuriated. “That’s not what this is about! You should understand better than anyone how it feels not to be able to run when you want to!”

I live for these details. Kakeru’s in the dark.

-Ouch. I think this is the first time Haiji’s injury has been alluded to so openly.

-Kakeru here is directly quoting what Nico told him about Haiji. I wonder how Nico feels about that. A collection of sighs and low groans is emitted from the group at Kakeru’s desperate appeal.

Check out the sunset.

Haiji remains calm. He tells KK with an inward smile that he does understand, and he knows that he wants to run more than anything. But then adds more firmly that he also knows “you don’t see what running is about”.

Haiji’s in the light. Symbolism, anyone?

He tells a shaken Kaeru to stop and take in the view, then slowly start running again. He ends it what is perhaps the most surprising statement of all: “Be like Prince and Nico-chan Senpai,” shocking all three men at what he could mean, since Kakeru is obviously infinitely faster than those two.

– Haiji here is referring to both Nico and Prince’s mental strength. While Kakeru is fast, he is also emotionally fragile. This has been proven by how much the first meet damaged him.

Nico can’t believe he’s being used as a example for Kakeru

Neither can Prince. Both are partially highlighted by the sunset. Meaning is open to interpretation.

And here I was wondering how Haiji calmed Kakeru’s anger. By telling him to be like Nico and Prince, he forces him to recognize their tenacity. He also encourages these two who had been collaterally damaged, though in different ways, by Kakeru’s fixation.

– Haiji is a master at knowing what to say and how to say it. Also, him not getting angry even when attacked where it hurts, probably made an impression on temperamental Kakeru. But what makes his advice truly effective is the care behind it. He’s stern, but kind. He assuages KK by empathizing with him, but pushes him to grow past his obsession. The fact that he has Kakeru’s best interest at heart is what makes his words stick.

Back in the present, Prince’s shirt has “why” written on, undoubtedly reflecting his mood. He tells Kakeru “I don’t think I’ve narrowly escaped. If anything you could say I’ve got no way out now.”

-He’s talking about KK’s challenge and how his not being chosen to run is enough for Kakeru to demand he leave the team.

KK is perturbed at Prince’s depressed tone and words. Overhearing their conversation, King chimes in to say, “Oh, right. I hear you said something to Prince. You’re a first-year, right?”

-King, you’re the only one who cares about the senpai-kouhai hierarchy. Also, no one asked you to take sides, so don’t.

Thankfully, Nico warns him to not stir things up by simply saying his name in his usual mild tone.

KK seems a bit abashed, and, by way of apology, says “That was the heat of the moment.”

But when Prince asks if he takes it back, he stubbornly refuses, saying that he’s taking things seriously in his own way. Nico sighs and says “you finally said what was on your mind.” When Kakeru starts, Nico assures him that he’s not blaming him.

-Nico here makes Kakeru realize that he’s been expressing himself more. And even though his style leaves much to be desired, it’s still progress. Which is why Nico made a point of telling him he’s not blaming him. Otherwise, KK might go back to being his silent emo self who only shouts out his frustrations when they bubble over.

Before the race starts, Prince comments that he can’t believe he’s watching a race, and that he never would have imagined this a month ago.

-It wasn’t intentional, but Prince’s statement reminded KK that Prince, like the others, is completely new to this world, and that he hadn’t entered it on his own.

Meanwhile Haiji is looking at his watch, getting ready to time his runners, only to have his vision blur. Haiji’s eyes widen in shock, before he furrows his brows.

This is very concerning.

-I noticed here that Haiji too has under eye circles. We also recall that he was panting very heavily when he caught up with Nico to bring him lunch. What’s wrong with him?

The race starts. KK hears King say that, in the previous race, he was so focused on running he couldn’t even think about his time.

-Again, hopefully this serves to remind Kakeru that his teammates are all amateurs, and he should go a bit easier on them.

The race progresses, and the Kansei members manage to hold on even as the group of runners increase their pace. Kakeru, perhaps for the first time truly sees how hard his teammates are trying.

So hard, he recalls the wind in his own ears as he was racing against Fujioka. So hard, that their expressions remind him of the Rikudo champion’s. It’s like something finally clicks in his mind. So overcome is he that his mouth drops open.

And its not just the runners. He sees Nico, King, and Haiji cheer with all their might. It spurs him to start cheering as well, shouting as hard as he could. Even Prince stirs from his corner and stars mouthing something to his friends.

The cheering squad catches the attention of the runners, and they all give open mouthed smiles.

After the race, we learn that none of the team members got records, although they were close. King really thought they would, as close as they were. Nico points out that Yuki even achieved a new best time, and that it wasn’t bad at all.

Yuki: “When I think about how I have to run again it makes me want to puke.”

-Nice to see these two as friendly as ever in their own quirky way.

Shindo seems most down about it. The ever alert Haiji tells him it was too bad, and that he was close. Shindo admits “I waited too long in the middle. I should have gone sooner.” He also adds that he realized he isn’t someone who can win at sprints.

Haiji tells him “You sound like a long distance runner,” making Shindo smile in pleasure. After all that’s what they’re all aiming to be.

Dedicated Shindo.

-Seriously, how does Haiji always know just what to say? I want that super power.

The twins then mention how Haiji’s cheering made them laugh mid race. And that, despite feeling embarrassed, it actually made them run faster.

He looked absolutely insane. It was hilarious. And moving.

Musa concurs, saying that support is really truly essential.

Haiji is touched that his boys came to this understanding. He gives a small genuine smile.

Nice. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one.

Musa continues saying “Just thinking that these two were saying something to me made my vision blurry.”

Musa is such a sweetheart.

Which two? He means Prince an KK. He bows his thanks in their direction, much to their consternation.

But they can’t run from the truth. The twins inform them that Musa’s has amazing eyesight, he can even see the apartment building from the Skytree (look it up). Yuki yells that they souldn’t lie.

–Writing tip: this was a great way to slip in some characterization.

Prince doesn’t miss this opportunity to embarrass KK by telling the others that he was calling thei names.

Kakeru, mortified, counters “So were you!”

Prince: “I was barely speaking.”

Prince points out he was just barely speaking. But that KK was shouting. He adds, “I was so embarrassed I didn’t know what to do,” before walking away.

Prince is such a troll.

I love Prince here. His teasing is a bit petty, but I think, in his own way, he was also sticking up for KK. Letting the others know that Kurahara was cheering for them is his way of showing that he isn’t harboring any grudge against him.

Of course, this goes over our dear Dunce Kakeru’s head. He thinks he’s being mocked as revenge for telling Prince to quit. He’s conflicted, and reaches out like he wants to say something to Prince but doesn’t know what. But Nico gets it. He happily grabs him, rubbing his head as he laughs, and says “He’s a good guy at heart.”

Nico is such a Dad.

I think this is Nico’s way of letting KK know that Prince wasn’t actually being malicious. But again, it goes over KK’s head, instead, he’s annoyed at Nico’s roughhousing and feels upset and embarrassed at being teased.

Kakeru’s such a teen.

-It’s a beautiful moment and while no one got records, I think Haiji considers it a great victory for their team

He says as much. Haiji happily thanks those who ran and those who cheered, and says that because of everyone’s efforts their times improved a lot. He reiterates that they took a huge step forward, and they should have faith. They have plenty of chances.

Smiles all around. Except for KK.

Shindo gives an energetic “Hai!” (yes) while Yuki coolly says “Well, it’s not my style to end on a loss.” Damn straight, Mr. “Passed the Bar on my first try as a third year”.

As always, it takes a while for Kakeru to react. But Haiji’s words seem to finally resonate with him. He slowly gives a tiny smile.

Nice to see this. Again, it’s been a while.

The smile also gives hope that, after regressing a bit, KK’s starting to move forward again.

At the Aotake, the team is having another after-meet celebration in the twins’ room. Haiji is cooking dinner in a wok. It’s fried rice and we’re reminded of his culinary prowess. Those things are HEAVY.

My favorite place, where poignant conversations happen.

Unlike with their first after-meet party, where Kakeru was so annoyed, this time he’s helping out in the kitchen, as he was prone to do, before that cursed TSU meet rattled him.

-This, too, hints that he’s returning back to normal, or his new normal where he had been slowly but surely starting to fit in at the Aotake.

As he cooks, Haiji asks Kakeru what it was like, watching from the outside. “Did you see anyone run half-assed?” he says gently, quoting Kakeru’s unfair accusation. Without waiting for an answer, he adds “I didn’t. Everyone was running as hard as they could. Not just us. Everyone was.”

Kakeru’s reply is sincere: “I understand what you are trying to say. When they failed to achieve official records, I was as disappointed as if it was me.” He adds “I felt for the first time the earnestness of the people cheering around me.”

I do not doubt this. We’ve seen Kakeru’s old coach cheer for him, but that was for his own selfish reasons. And his high school team members, jealous as they were of Kakeru’s talent, probably never cheered for him so honestly.  

Kakeru repeats that he does understand Haiji, but adds “I still don’t think we can do it. Even if everyone achieves an official record.”

-Like Nico said earlier, he’s finally able to say what he thinks, what has truly been bothering him all this time. He wants to go to Hakone, but doesn’t think they can.

Haiji continues cooking silently. It’s unlike him, and we see him sway a bit. KK continues expressing his fears, looking away, perhaps in sadness, when a sudden thud interrupts him. Haiji has collapsed on the floor.

A stunned Kakeru can only watch as the wok follows the same path, dropping on the floor, and spilling all the rice.

Kakeru: AKA “slow at everything except running.”.

Damn. That was unexpected. It was so good. Having Haiji drop off-screen was genius as it adds to the intrigue of what’s wrong with him. The symbolism of the spilled rice creates feelings of apprehension to viewers. Then there’s Kakeru who was paralyzed with horror.

Symbolism.

Poor boy can’t even save a wok from falling off a stove. All joking aside, it just shows how affected he was. The fear and concern on his face and in his voice were genuine. Loved it.

Kakeru: “Haiji-san!”

Grade: 10/10

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Run With the Wind Episode Eight Review: A Dangerous Character

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Prologue

It is evening when Kakeru arrives at the Aotake building. From the outside, he can see light and hear laughter coming from the twins’ second floor room. Inside, he sees Jouji carrying a plate of Karaage chicken up to his room. The younger twin tells Kakeru he thought he’d reach the apartment building before them.

-Kakeru had been running, while the others were in the van. Either Jouji thinks that highly of Kakeru’s speed or Haiji’s driving is just that bad. Probably both. In the previous episode, Haiji had mentioned the trip took longer than he’d thought.

Kakeru asks what they’re doing. Jouji tells him they’re having an after-party.

“Not a review session?” Kakeru asks. The blond first year tells him with a smile, “You could call it that.” He tells Kakeru to join them after he changes.

– Maybe Kakeru arrived later because he just ran until he felt better. It must have taken a while. We’ve seen him run as a way to deal with his frustrations before. He seems much calmer now than when he took off in the previous episode. Speaking of which, Jouji is acting as if that never happened and treating Kakeru normally. Nice.

At the twins’ room, Prince talks about how disappointed he was at the lack sportsmanship amongst the runners, and that he was elbowed as soon as the race started.

-Methinks real life doesn’t hold a candle to the blood, sweat and friendship depicted in his beloved sports manga.

The twins say they know how he feels. King too, says someone shoved him from behind.

-We actually saw this happen to Shindo as well, in the previous episode.

Prince adds it made him lose all desire to run.

-This is very interesting to me. The way he speaks implies that there was some desire, to begin with. Or maybe he’s just giving an excuse for his performance. Not that he needs to, but maybe he feels that he does.

Haiji is uncharacteristically silent. He seems somehow down, and lost in his own thoughts as he chews his food. Nico studies him for a bit, I think to see if he plans on saying anything (i.e. to Kakeru) after the awkwardness at the bus.

-At first, I thought Nico been looking at KK, but his eyes shift slightly more to the right when he starts talking to him. He was definitely looking at Haiji first.

At Haiji’s silence, Nico addresses Kakeru himself, telling him that he must not understand everyone’s complaints.

Yuki is quick to back him up, and points out that Kakeru was running so fast, he was completely alone.

The newest member of Aotake is quick to refute this, but everyone else chimes in on how amazing he was. Musa mentions it was impressive that he got third place in his first race and how he heard people asking about him. The twin’s add, “especially the girls.” King goes as far as to say he felt sorry to be wearing the same uniform.

Haiji finally speaks, to tell Kakeru “good work” and give him a toast. Everyone does as well, clinking their glasses to his. Kakeru looks silently as the liquid in his glass sloshes around.

– Like Jouji, I like how no one mentioned KK’s burst of anger. It’s like they all tacitly understand he’s upset and are giving him space. More than that, they’re trying to help him move past it.

-The scene of the toast is very telling. Everyone moved towards Kakeru, who sat put in his seat. They eagerly hit his glass with their own, while his own hand remained still, his drink dancing around in it gently. I found it all very symbolic as to how accepting they all were of him, and how they’re all on the same wavelength, but he isn’t. It’s a continuation of the isolation theme. It’s not like Kakeru’s trying to be a jerk, he’s just not good when it comes to social situations. This has been canon for a while now. At the same time, the liquid being pushed around could hint at his inner turbulence; and that he feels pressured by an outside force.

I am worried about Haiji though. It is unlike him to not be proactive. He was too quiet. Maybe he’s worried about his knee which was bumped into by another runner during the race. Or maybe he’s just tired from double frying the Karaage. Either way, I’m glad Nico and the others were there to help ease whatever tension was left.

Act One

After the opening credits Shindo asks Haiji how they did. Haiji answers with a question of his own:

“What do you think?”

Prince hides his face in his bangs and book.

King calls him out on not wanting to respond.

-To be fair, Haiji had already applauded their efforts at the meet. It’s natural to want to know how they rate their own performance.

Musa is the first to give an honest response, that it didn’t go as well as he hoped. Jouta says it was fun at first, but Jouji then admits he couldn’t find a proper pace. Shindo seems unhappy and says it hurts when there are winners and losers. Even the usually cheerful Jouji says he couldn’t beat his best time. The ever-analytical Yuki says that since none of them achieved official records, the meet was a failure. Unlike the others, he doesn’t count Haiji and Kakeru’s time as an achievement probably since he thought it was a given for them.

-I disagree. Maybe it’s true for Kurahara but we had no idea how Haiji would do seeing as how we never saw him run before then. But Yuki’s opinion here shows that, except for KK and maybe Nico, the others probably don’t know about Haiji’s injury. Or if they did, they probably think he’s already back at %100.

Haiji consoles them: “Practice and races are different. If anything, experiencing that was a major achievement.” He starts saying that the more they get used to races, the better their times will be, but Kakeru interrupts: “Practicing like that, will we make it in time?”

Haiji is quick to assure him, adding that they’ll attend another meet in two weeks at the Kikui Uni, and starting tomorrow they’ll practice even harder with a new training menu. The twins recoil. King asks to take a day off. Prince who had been mostly silent chimes in to say that they need to “cool down” after a race.

-Oh, Prince. You’re just dreading the practice, aren’t you? Also, you were reading this whole time, probably to avoid discussing your own performance, but you were also listening.

Coach Haiji patiently tells him that there’s no need to take the whole day off, since long distance running is about running every day. Prince gives his standard grimace, but doesn’t complain anymore.

Kakeru says that he doesn’t mind starting now; that’s how seriously they should be taking the results of the meet. He gazes intently at Haiji, “We’re going to Hakone, right?”

His eyes and tone are firm. Hard, even. Almost challenging.

Haiji doesn’t reply. It’s hard to tell what he’s thinking, but if I were him, I’d be “Oh boy. A beast has been awakened.”

Nico is too stunned at Kakeru’s change of heart to say anything. Remember, he and Kakeru had both agreed they won’t make it to Hakone in a previous conversation.

Yuki, however, who has proven to be just as dependable as Nico in diffusing tense situations, asks with a mollifying smile what’s up with KK. Shindo is also quick to appease, saying to not worry, they plan on making it to Hakone.

Kakeru then accuses them of having a party instead of a review meeting.

Again, Haiji stares back at him, but doesn’t reply.

Shindo mildly ventures that he thought they was reviewing. Nico agrees, but Yuki quickly points out that he had too much to drink for that to be true for him. The twins say that both reviewing and relaxing are important and that they’ll work hard tomorrow. Prince checks his phone and mentions that it’s raining tomorrow. When Yuki jokes that his jeans would absorb a lot of water, Kakeru finally loses it.

“Stop fooling around!” he says, slamming his glass on the table and effectively ruining everyone’s mood.

-The prologue ended with Kakeru’s drink gently swaying in his glass. This scene ended with him slamming that same glass, spilling its contents on the table. Forget different wavelengths; the difference in their points of view is greater than that. They’re doing their best to try help him relax, he’s doing all he can to make them more serious. And it’s not like they don’t want to try for Hakone. But achieving the level of tension that would appease Kakeru is probably impossible for the Aotake members. Knowing the kind of team Kakeru used to be in, it’s no surprise that he finds this environment lacking. But is that really a bad thing?

After the episode title, we see Kakeru getting a drink of water alone in the kitchen. Nico joins him and says while he knows how KK feels, he also sympathizes with the others, adding that it takes courage (yuki, in Japanese) to face things head on.

Kakeru says that it’s something they should already have, when they decided to race. Nico responds “Sure, you do.” He points out that KK is amazing for being able to compete with Fujioka. KK responds that he wasn’t at all, since he couldn’t do anything at the final lap. Nico points out that there was nothing the rest of them could do from the first lap, to which the younger man points out that’s exactly why they should all be serious about training.

-This here is the main reason why he’s upset. He lost. Like Shindo said, it hurts when there are winners and losers. This might even be Kakeru’s first loss ever, since he was such a champion in Sendai, his old town.

Nico then asks KK for advice, since he’s so heavy, he doesn’t feel that he can be a good runner.

-During this conversation, Kakeru’s slightness seems to be emphasized. I think this was an artistic decision to contrast his build with Nico’s.

The older tenant says his high school coach told him his build wasn’t meant for long distance running. He points out that this truth hit him once again when he and King got similar times,even though King had taken several days off practice.

Someone sneaks in the hall, walking carefully so as not to make noise. It is Yuki, who probably realized Nico had followed KK, and got worried. He listens in on their conversation. Kakeru points out that the reason Nico confided in him was that he was actually frustrated, when he quit track; that he can’t give it up. Nico say’s that’s probably true. When he overhears this, Yuki hangs his head a bit, and looks low, like he lost something.

Nico then tells Kakeru, with a smile, that, as frustrated as he was when he quit track, it made him that much happier to once again stand at a starting line. “I never thought I’d get to taste that again.” KK encourages Nico that he should then keep running, and that they’ll both do their best.

The next morning Kakeru and Nico opt out of the morning jogging session. They leave a message with the others to Haji that they want to run at their own pace in the morning.

Yuki hears this without commenting.

-I said it before, but I think Yuki feels especially close to Nico. Despite his complaints, perhaps even, despite himself, he looks up to him and takes his cues from him. He kept bugging Nico using multiple methods to try to find out his reasons for running. But even after he finally opened up to him, Yuki couldn’t emphasize with the reason Nico gave him. He hadn’t even known Nico did high school track before Haiji mentioned it. Seeing how easily Nico was discussing the same topic with Kakeru, who only joined Aotake recently, must have hurt a bit. But I think he probably understands that, unlike him, it’s because running is something those two have in common.

Hanako, on her bike sees both Kakeru and Nico on their morning training.

She calls out to “Kurahara-san” but he’s so focused that he doesn’t even hear her.

-Still on last name basis. I suspect she’s being set up as a romantic interest. We’ll see.

That evening, the twins are hanging out in Nico’s room, doing their stretches together, since they’re too tired to walk up to their own room. Prince is there as well, using his computer. Nico is fiddling with his wire (voodoo) dolls as the twins groan in pain. Nico first yells at them that it’s making him feel creepy, like the doll is being tortured. When their groans turn into cries of pleausure he yells at them again for being gross. Confused, they ask why he’s in a bad mood and wonder if it’s withdrawal.

Even Prince is feeling awkward .

-The fact that they can’t figure out Nico’s complaints show their lack of experience. The girl-crazy duo is actually pure. I like them better for it. It’s cute.

This is one of the funniest scenes in the entire show. And it keeps getting better when Prince sees Nico’s cigarette case wrapped in wire and goes crazy.

You know it’s about manga cause that the only time Prince becomes so expressive.

This time it’s the twins’ turn to be creeped out. It looks like witchcraft. Senpai explains he only did it to keep from accidentally smoking. Prince attacks him with an an otaku-geek rant on how Nico Senpai is like boxer Rikishi (from Joe), a manga character who went to great lengths to train himself before finally dying in the ring. The twins are only mildly impressed by this story.

Prince:”That’s it?!” I totally get you Prince. Non-otakus can’t understand.

They tell Nico “Don’t die while standing during the Hakone Ekiden.”

-This may be a flag (foreshadowing).

Prince, moved by Nico’s dedication, decides to go ahead and purchase a treadmill (his original purpose for being there and using Nico’s computer) despite how expensive it is.

Prince: “The button is so far…”

As the cursor wavers over it, the twins cheer him on loudly until Yuki bursts into the room angrily at their noise, and yells at them to go to their own room. Nico in turn yells at Yuki to stay out of his room.

– So. Freaking. Hilarious. I love these guys. But there are also important things to take away from the scene: Prince is serious enough to want to spend his precious money on a treadmill when he hasn’t even bought running wear yet. He says it’s cause “he’s always telling us to practice” so he at least wants to read manga while he does, but this progress is admirable. I’m super proud.

– It makes total sense for Yuki to be annoyed by the noise. But I wouldn’t be surprised if another reason is also how easily everyone is just hanging out at fatherly Nico’s room. Meanwhile he’s probably playing it like the cool kid who couldn’t care less. It’s interesting how Nico instantly kicks him out, especially consider how he was much gentler earlier when he tried to get the younger members to leave. To me, there might be a very logical explanation for this. When Nico tells Prince to use Yuki’s computer, Prince tells him Yuki would never allow it. Nico agrees and adds especially with the twins accompanying him. Meaning, Yuki’s room is probably off limits to everyone. I think Nico treats others the way they treat him. Everyone’s always hanging out in the twins’ room, so he lets them into his. When Kakeru questions him, he asks clear direct questions so Nico gives him clear answers. On the other hand, he kicks Yuki out of his room and evades his roundabout queries, only answering when asked directly. He probably does this unintentionally. Or it might be his way of teaching Yuki to be more tolerant of others and forthcoming. It matches his fatherly personality.

While all this ruckus is happening, Kakeru arrives at his room, panting heavily. He has always been training on his own, in addition to running with the others. But we’ve only ever seen him this exhausted when he runs as a coping mechanism when frustrated. This time, there is also an almost manic glint in his eye that hadn’t been there before

A dangerous character.

Act Two

After the mid-episode break we see the others at the park preparing for their afternoon training sessions. King and the twins study the new menu, and comment on how Haiji had increased both the length of their fixed-pace runs as well as the build ups. Haiji informs them that he considered their individual levels, but that he plans on increasing the intensity of practice any way he can.

KK would usually be warming up closer to the team. Distance is symbolic.

-Poor Prince’s mouth is agape in horror. He looks at Haiji likehe’s spelling his doom.

Yuki asks Haiji if that’s safe, as build ups, which are speed training, are both exhausting and hard on the legs.

-Someone has been doing his homework. The other members are all very impressed, and ask if Yuki finally feels like running. Yuki is defensive and tells them he’s just worried about them.

When Nico teases him, Yuki tells him meaningfully:

Yuki: “If we injure ourselves, we’ll have nothing.”

– Yuki’s been good to run for a while now. But this spike in motivation is new, and, like Yuki’s decision to run, is a direct result of Nico. Now that the elder is more serious about Hakone, Yuki is too, but he seems intent on making sure Nico doesn’t go overboard.

Haiji admits that’s Yuki’s concerns have merit, and says that he’ll take care of it by adding interval runs. The others aren’t appeased at all, realizing that just means more exercise.

-I think what Haiji means is that, if they can’t do build ups, he’ll have them do intervals instead, which will give them a break in speed. I do it myself when I jog, only, I go from walking to jogging, being only around twice as old as these guys >_<

Kakeru tells them impatiently to start. As they run around the path, he almost runs into a staggering Prince. He asks him to clear the path and stay on the left side. He speaks in keigo (polite speech) but his tone is impatient. Haiji, who as always is running with and encouraging Prince, watches Kakeru in concern.

• Speaking of Haiji. He’s always running at Prince’s pace, and managing everyone else’s training. When does he himself train?

After training they continue running even on the way back to Aotake. Kakeru who is far ahead of everyone, stops at a crosswalk to wait for Shindo and Musa to reach him. As he runs in place, he asks them if they’re going on their nightly jogs that evening. The two say that they’re too tired to do it, after the new training menu. KK is annoyed, and tells them if they decrease training after just adding to it, they would have gained nothing. Shindo points out that their nightly jogs were for getting members for their fan club. Interested, Kakeru asks how that has been going. He’s told that they’ve been slowly getting members, but Shindo’s too exhausted now to recruit. Kakeru is frustrated, and as he’s lost in thought he almost gets run over by a lady on a bike, despite Haiji warning him from behind.

The others catch up, and stop to take a breather. Kakeru immediately tells them to keep going and that they shouldn’t quit once they’ve started.

Everyone looks at him, but what’s he looking at?

-KK seems to not only be pushing himself, but the others too. He also seems to be acting like a leader. The others don’t seem to mind, although Haiji does seem to be worried about him.

At the Tsuro no yo bath house the twins are enjoying the hot bath (which they seem to have gotten used to by now).

-I was glad to see them there as they seemed to have been neglecting their hygiene for a while, based on what Nico said about them deferring their bath two days in a row. With all the running they’re doing, I doubt they can afford to skip even a day of washing.

Nico stands on the scale of the bath house and tsks in annoyance.

-I feel you all too well, Nico, believe me 🥲

Haiji and Yuki are at the sauna. Yuki comments to Haiji, “The bath is hell, but the sauna’s is pretty bad too.” Haiji tiredly tells him to make sure he hydrates himself. After a few beats Yuki tells him “I’m sure you know, but Nico-chan Senpai’s pushing himself too hard. Kakeru’s egging him on.”

Haiji’s wonder what he means, Yuki clarifies “He used to run track. Having a fast guy tell him he can do it probably makes him feel like he can. I think it’s dangerous.”

-I love Yuki here. His behavior shows a high level of maturity. He has realized that KK, as a runner, has more influence on Nico than he does. So, he goes to the other runner in the group, Haiji, who is also their (unofficial) leader with the information, knowing that he too can effect Nico and help him in ways that he, Yuki, cannot.

-The way Yuki gave this information was considerate as well. Him telling Haiji, “I’m sure you know” is very socially intelligent. It prevents the listener’s feathers from being ruffled. Not that Haiji is that type, (rather he seems very easy going) but it shows that even blunt analytical Yuki can be subtle when giving someone a head’s up. His assumption that Haiji knows also implies that maybe Haiji’s closer to Nico than Yuki is. It’s another possible reason why he thinks Haiji can help whereas he can’t.

-Maybe Yuki followed Haiji into the sauna just to tell him this.

At dinner, Yuki’s concerns are immediately made legit when Nico quickly gets up, after partaking very little of Haiji’s cooking. Yuki asks him if he had enough, Nico says yes, and that after quitting smoking food tastes better.

-Er, if that were true, you’d be eating more, not less, Nico.

King’s in high spirits, as he got a good response at his most recent interview when he mentioned training for Hakone. Meanwhile, Kakeru takes off to practice some more. Haiji, who had been feeding Nira, sees him on the way out. He tells him in his benign lyrical tone that he needs to rest his muscles as much as he trains them.

Kakeru replies that he had plenty of rest the past month.

-I assume he means the month before the track meet. It could also be a dig at Haiji’s training menu. I don’t want to assume that, though.

Again, it’s hard to know what Haiji thinks, just that his concern for Kakeru keeps growing.

More distance. Also, same moody colors as in first few episodes hint at a regression.

As he runs, Kakeru remembers Fujioka’s words that he should lead the team with Haiji. He also remembers Fujioka telling him “Aren’t you going for Hakone?”

-So we’ve got two possible reasons for KK’s motivation: wanting to lead the team and going to Hakone, and wanting to face Fujioka at Hakone. While he didn’t seem to care or think they’d make it before the meet, he’s obviously looking forward to it now. He probably wants a rematch with Fujioka.

Back at Aotake, Shindo tells Prince that his family has a treadmill they don’t use, and he’ll have them send it over. Prince is ecstatic, and shouts praises to God at this miracle.

-Poor guy. I knew he didn’t want to spend all that money. Speaking of which, it still doesn’t seem like he bought running wear yet. Maybe he will now.

-Seeing how the team members are interacting and helping each other is wholesome. It also highlights Kakeru’s isolation further by contrast.

The treadmill is delivered the next day by “Ogre express”. That logo is hilariously cute.

The noise caused by the treadmill infuriates Kakeru, whose room is below Prince’s. He takes off before the others to start afternoon practice.

-You’d think he’d be happier with Prince’s initiative.

At afternoon practice, Yuki asks Nico how he feels. Nico banters if this is an interview, then replies that he’s getting into shape. Hana times Kakeru, but when he hears the result, he exclaims angrily that it’s the same as the week before and accuses her of getting it wrong.

-This time that he doesn’t like, is actually called crazy fast by the others.

Kakeru tells her he’ll run again, and to “time it properly this time.”

You did not just do this KK.

The befuddled girl doesn’t know what to say, but seems hurt.

King: “What’s his problem?”

Haiji quickly intervenes. He firmly tells Kakeru to stick to their training menu, and that Hana’s times are good.

Kakeru apologizes.

-I’m glad he did. I think he realized he was unfairly taking out his anger on her.

Sweet Hana smiles awkwardly

– Call me crazy but I think these two would be good together. Hana handled herself maturely. She was also quick to forgive. I think she understood that his outburst wasn’t about her, and that, as an athlete, Kakeru is just frustrated about his own performance. She might have also noticed the dark circles under his eyes. Fatigue would cause most people to become easily irritated.

More distance.

I think this is when Haiji must have decided that enough is enough. In the next scene he tells Kakeru he doesn’t need to participate in the next meet, and that only those who haven’t gotten records yet will run.

– Haiji and Kakeru are sitting at the kitchen table, directly facing each other. It’s the first time in this episode. Unlike their usually mild interactions the air is tense.

Kakeru asks why, before immediately assuming its because his times haven’t gotten better. He adds that he needs to run to help him get back into shape.

-Oh, Kakeru. This assumption is very telling of the environment you used to be in. I feel sorry for him.

Haiji tells him running would be pointless, as he can’t see himself at the moment.

Kakeru’s brows furrow in anger and defiance. Haiji’s expression becomes sterner, as well, but relaxes a bit when Kakeru asks “Where should I leave my record?”

Haiji tries to appease him, with “there will be other meets” and starts reminding him that they’re focusing on Hakone, but before he can finish KK bangs his fist on the table in anger, and asks him if he wants him to waste an entire year (until Hakone, that is).

Here, for once, Haiji appears angry. He asks Kakeru if running to him is only about achieving records and abandoning those who fall behind. Kakeru is defensive. He reiterates what he told Haiji before, that running is competitive. He then points out that the team isn’t guaranteed to run in the Hakone qualifier. “Matching their half-assed speed won’t make me any faster.”

Haiji loses it here. He yells out “No one here is running half-assed,” stunning Kakeru into silence.

He’s like a parent upset that one child is belittling the efforts of another.

-It’s the first time we’ve ever seen Haiji lose his temper, and I must say it really ramps up the drama.

Frustrated, Haiji asks KK why he can’t see that everyone is doing their best.

“Is it because they’re slower than you? Is speed the only thing that matters to you? Then there’s no reason to run. Ride a bullet train Ride a plane. They’re faster.”

Kakeru stunned into silence at Haiji’s anger.

I think it’s because he’s never seen infinitely patient and kind Haiji angry before. He also doesn’t seem able to understand the words coming from his mouth. It’s like Haiji is speaking in an Alien tongue.

Haiji goes on to say: “Wake up, Kakeru. It’s not enough to just chase speed. It’s futile.”

Here, the camera pans to Haiji’s knee, so we viewers know Haiji speaks from experience.

Kakeru on the other hand, has gotten over his initial shock at Haiji’s yelling, and seems like he’s trying to comprehend Haiji’s meaning.

Given a few more seconds, he might have managed to put Haiji’s words and his injury together. Unluckily, Prince enters the kitchen at the most inopportune time, and asks if they’re fighting.

-It’s exactly like a child walking in on a adult’s argument.

Haiji calms down, and asks Prince if he wasn’t sleeping.

Prince responds that he came for a drink.

-He was probably reading, seeing as he’s still in his jeans.

Kakeru, who seems triggered that someone heard him being berated, excuses himself and takes off, like the angry teenager that he is. Haiji tries calling him back, telling him that they’re not finished.

Prince steps aside so KK can walk out, but at the door, Kakeru turns back and tells the unsuspecting Prince: If you’re only able to achieve the same time at the next meet, will you quit the team?”

You did not just do this, too.

Poor Prince’s eyes widen and mouth drops open in shock. As does Haiji’s. Kakeru then reiterates his request: “Please. For the team.”

-Kakeru’s ultimatum has nothing to do with the good of the team. If Prince leaves, they’ll be missing a member. Does he think they can somehow easily recruit someone else? I think he was just lashing out and Prince, as the weakest runner on the team, was a convenient outlet. It really is counterproductive, unfair, and untimely. I mean, it might have made more sense in the beginning, but Prince has just gotten a treadmill and seems to be making sincere efforts to get better. His shock here shows just how invested he is in the team. But Kakeru hasn’t noticed.

Best Scenes:

The entire episode was fantastic, start to finish. Both the humor and the drama were solid. But if I had to choose it would be the last scene in the kitchen. An angry Haiji isn’t something we normally see. And it was completely righteous anger. But it’s important to note that he was angry for Kakeru just as much he was angry with him. His advice was given in desperate frustration, like he’s seeing a train wreck about to happen and wants to stop it. Of course, he also hates how unfairly Kakeru is judging the team’s performance.

Best Lines

Haiji’s entire speech to Kakeru has a place here. But a few other lines got my attention due to the characterization they provide:

Prince: “My alphabetical order!” Prince, rearranging his manga perfectly in order to make room for the treadmill.

King: “Teacher says the field trip lasts until we get home.”

Yuki: “You’ve got energy to spare.”

King: “I’m really thinking about quitting today.”

It wasn’t so much the line, as it was Yuki’s expression when he said it. Yuki seems to respect hard work and dedication. Also, it’s nice to see that King has a sense of humor.

Twins: “You cursed us!” When Nico throws a wire doll at them. These two were fantastic this whole episode. The voice actors were wonderfully entertaining.

Conclusion

A few episodes ago, Kakeru asked Haiji to not let the Aotake members race at the TSU meet. He had been worried that they would get “hurt”. And yet, he’s the one hurting them now. Considering what Fujioka had told him, Kakeru may be trying to lead the team, but the “with Haiji” part doesn’t look like it got through at all. Instead, like Yuki commented, he’s gone back to how he was in the beginning. He used to run alone, then he started enjoying practice a bit, now he’s back to running solo. But this time it’s due to his newfound ambition, not because he’s still uncomfortable with the others.

Despite encouraging Nico, he’s only focusing on himself. Instead of finding ways to help the team, he’s just criticizing it. He’s impatient and curt. And like Yuki said, he might even have done damage to Nico, who’s exercising more and eating less. It’s a contrast to how intelligent Yuki is supporting the team from behind the scenes. Then there’s Haiji, who is as usual, taking care of them all. In every way. We’ve seen his unlimited patience with Prince, we’ve seen him give Kakeru his space, but when it comes to having him make light of his “brothers’” efforts, Haiji, being the fair parent that he is, won’t stand for it.

On another note, I love how we never see Haiji seem like he’s bitter or jealous of Kakeru’s talent. It could be possible that he does feel that way, but never shows it, but I don’t think so. He’s mentally strong. And kind. He knows his limits, and is willing to work within them. This awareness helps him set realistic expectations of the others, as well. Like Bram said in a comment to the previous review, “Haiji is a patient guy who has demonstrated that he’s good at celebrating small gains and how they chip away at the big picture in a measured and consistent way.”

The themes for this episode are, as usual, isolation. We also have friendship. We’ve seen how Yuki tries to look out for Nico. Then there’s how Nico, Shindo, Haiji and the twins encourage Prince. Another I’m going to add is influence. People have individuals they care about, admire, and look up to. They are therefore easily influenced by them. Yuki first brought it up when he said he won’t be “peer pressured” but joined the team anyway. Kakeru was influenced by his defeat and Fujioka’s words. And by Haiji. I think, Kakeru’s ultimatum to Prince here, was a direct result of how shocked (and hurt) he was by Haiji’s censure particularly because of how unexpected it was. If Prince hadn’t shown up, Kakeru would have probably thought a bit before apologizing, but having Prince show just then made him more oppositional instead. The last theme is the one Haiji and Kakeru discussed a couple of episodes back: what running is. Haiji didn’t have an answer then, and he doesn’t answer it now. But it’s clear that he knows what running isn’t.

Ironically the one who was hurt the most from the meet was Kakeru. The others only seem inspired to do better. Likewise, while the title obviously refers to Kakeru, I think the person he poses the most danger to is himself.

Grade: 10/10

*All material posted on this blog is the intellectual property of Reviewbrain (unless otherwise stated). Readers are free to make use of the information provided they cite the source (this blog) either by name (reviewbrain’s blog) or by linking to it. Please extend the same courtesy to the authors of the comments as well (by mentioning their names) to ensure that credit is given where credit is due.

Run with the Wind Episode Seven Review: Bear Your Fangs at The Summit

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Prologue

It is predawn at the Aotake. An open notebook on the kitchen table with the date and the words “Tokyo Sport University Meet” written on it alerts us that the day has come for the team’s first race. We see Kakeru sitting up in his room, already dressed, with a contemplative expression on his face.

I’d commented in the previous episode review that he might actually be nervous. This scene seems to support that.

Act One

The apartment tenants are all waiting in the yard of the building. All, except Haiji. Yuki tells us “He’s late isn’t he?”

A large van speeds into area, terrifying the members with the driver’s recklessness. Haiji has come to pick up them up and plans on driving them to the meet. Yuki barks at the others, asking if any of them have a license. Everyone shakes their heads no. He yells that they should all get one, to which Nico mutters “You too.” Hadji pushes him into the van and cheerfully tells him “I’ve got mine.”

Only Prince, busy reading, is unbothered…yet.

At the TSU parking lot the Aotake members try to regain their bearings after Haiji’s terrible driving. Prince in particular is suffering immensely from motion sickness and is vomiting continuously.

Why is a miserable Prince so hilarious? And how can I love the guy so much and yet enjoy watching him suffer?

The group immediately gets the attention of Sakaki who seems to be preparing items for the event.

He makes a big show of introducing Kakeru, or rather pointing him out, to his teammates: “That’s the guy I told you about.”

Previously we’ve seen him flaunt his big shot sports University in KK’s face. Now he’s showing off his posse and basically letting Kakeru know that he’s been badmouthing him.

Sakaki also wastes no time in making fun of the Kansei University team and assuming one of them is already dropping out due to nerves (i.e. Prince).

When he tells them they’ll just embarrass themselves Kakeru approaches him threateningly, much to Sakaki’s delight. It’s like the red-head is intentionally trying to rile him up, maybe to get him into trouble. But before Kakeru can do anything Haiji’s teleportation powers are once again activated; he suddenly comes between the ex-teammates.

Protective Haiji.

Just as he starts to speak a tall man in a white uniform calls out to him.Twice.

“Kiyose!”

The first time was an affirmation that it really is Haiji. The second, was said in unveiled delight.

Haiji answers “Fujioka” with a smile of his own.

Despite the fact that they call each other by their last names, we quickly learn that they are old acquaintances. First “Fujioka” asks if Haiji is running. When Haiji confirms this, Fujioka then asks, in a low voice, if Haiji’s better now, to which Haiji replies with “Finally.”

Here, Fujioka’s low tenor makes me think he’s being considerate, in case Haiji doesn’t want anyone to overhear them and find out about his injury.

We also quickly realize that this guy is a big shot based on how Sakaki and his friends immediately recognize him and are completely in awe of him and his team. After Fujioka leaves, his teammates bow respectfully to Haiji in tandem, prompting Yuki to ask “What army are they a part of?”

Deference to their friend’s friend.

Like the TSU team, not only do they all have the same track suits, they even have matching shoes. Their team probably gets a lot of funding. It’s a stark contrast to Haiji’s team in their mismatched jerseys. But despite the so called different “levels” of their teams, the way Haiji and Fujioka conversed was as old friends who are equals. Their reunion is completely different from Kakeru’s with Sakaki.

Haiji tells Kakeru that Fujioka Kazuma is a fourth year from Rikudo University, and that he should remember his name.

Haiji then addresses Sakaki: “Sorry, but we’ve got to get ready. You must be busy too, with your chores.”

Haiji’s referring to how the Tokyo Sport Uni first years are all holding various equipment and therefore won’t be participating in the race. He’s being a bit petty here but I can’t say I hate it. He wasn’t overtly rude, but by putting Sakaki and in his friends in their place (as first years who probably are currently used for grunt work) he keeps them from harassing his team.

The Kansei members heads off. As they pass Sakaki and his friends King glares at them while the twins make faces at them. Meanwhile Nico and Musa support the still afflicted Prince. The rest simply ignore them. It’s interesting to see how King and the twins seem to be on the same wavelength (i.e. childish).

What makes Haiji’s jab even more satisfying (to viewers) is when an upperclassman at Tokyo Uni berates Sakaki and his friends for standing around.

When our protagonists see the track they are excited (twins) astonished (Yuki, Shindo, King, Musa) and happy (Nico, who actually breathes in the meet’s air contentedly).

Prince is still mostly passed out while Kakeru looks like he’s in a bad mood. He probably hasn’t yet recovered from his run in with Sakaki.

Musa sees a group of fellow exchange students and feels lacking, since, unlike him, they are all in Japan on athletic scholarships. Yuki encourages him saying that he’s just as good.

Musa: “Their hunger is different.”

Haiji gives the team their team uniforms which only adds to their excitement.

While the twins happily take pictures, Kakeru looks at them disapprovingly, as if their happy go-lucky attitudes are grating on him. He then finds Prince in a corner indulging in his favorite past time.

“I’m surprised you can read manga now,”

Prince replies : “It’s to lift my spirits.” But even this answer doesn’t pacify Kakeru. Shindo then shows the others a picture of Fujioka he found online, and tells them that he is both the Captain and the winner of the second section of the Hakone Ekiden the previous year and that he’s the “pinnacle of college racing”. King wonders how Haiji knows him. Kakeru seems interested in Fujioka as well, but he’s still mostly annoyed, especially when Shindo asks King what section of Hakone he wants to run. He probably thinks it premature when they haven’t even run their first race.

He angrily calls out to the team and is about to say something when Haiji shows up with their numbers, effectively stopping KK.

Haiji’s other superpower: perfect timing to stop KK from wreaking havoc.

Kakeru is obviously upset the others aren’t taking the meet more seriously, but honestly, what does he expect? They are completely new at this so a little excitement is not only understandable, it’s probably even desirable. It’s better than to have them all be nervous.

As they warm up Kakeru eyes Haiji’s knee, perhaps wondering how well he can run. When he accidentally crowds Fujioka, he stares at him as well remembering Shindo’s summary of his achievements. Fujioka senses this, but when he looks at KK expectantly, Kakeru says it’s nothing and runs ahead.

Before the race, Haiji gathers the members and tells them that while they need to achieve good times, its more important for them to actually experience their first race. He tells them to have fun, and tries to pump them up with his catch phrase: “The Mountains of Hakone….” but at everyones’ blank stares he has to finish it alone: “the steepest in the world” then yells out “Let’s go!” and heads off without waiting for the others. For the first time, everyone is just as slow as Kakeru.

Yuki tells the others, “Someone answer him.”

Yuki, I’ll tell you the same thing Nico said when you demanded the others get their licenses: “You too.”

Joking aside I think he genuinely felt bad for Haiji. It was quite the awkward moment and shows just how disjointed the team still is.

Kakeru catches up to Haiji. “Have fun? Aren’t you being naive?” He then tells him “Sorry but today I’ll be seeing how everyone runs.”

It’s like he’s testing the team, and by default Haiji, to see if they actually have the potential to make it to Hakone.

Haiji doesn’t respond. Before, we had seen him stretch his injured knee out while taking a deep breath. This is probably Haiji’s first race in a long time, ever since his injury, so he might be a bit nervous.

At the start line, we see him looking down, possibly at his injury. Meanwhile KK is looking at Fujioka.

Both Haiji and Kakeru are preoccupied.

We know Kakeru was fastest in his hometown so maybe he wants to test himself against this big shot runner.

Meanwhile, one of the exchange students takes his place next to Musa. When the Aotake member greets him politely, he glares at him. We later learn he’s Manas, from Boso University.

Manas proving what poor Musa already knew: the difference in their motivation.

Act Two

The race starts, with the exchange students and Fujioka leading the pack. Kakeru recalls what Haiji had told him before, “Reality is harsher than that” and that he also needs to prepare for the race. He glances back at Haiji then takes off to join the runners in the lead.

Kakeru eyeing the leading runners like a sniper.

Seeing Kakeru speed ahead, Haiji’s competitive streak is sparked but before he can up his pace another runner bumps into his injured knee, and he is forced to keep his modest pace.

Meanwhile, Kakeru easily catches up to the leading runners. He sparks the interest of the onlookers and puts himself and his university, Kansei, on their radar.

Sakaki isn’t exactly pleased by that.

Prince does as well, but in an entirely different way. He’s lapped by all the others even though it’s only the beginning of the race. Onlookers comment: “He’s from Kansei too. They’ve got a crazy line-up.”

Can’t argue with that. His zombie-like run is also, as usual, a sight to behold. A member of the Tokyo Uni team approaches him with water, thinking that he’s dehydrated, only to be told “This is how I always run.”

Nice to see not all TSU students are jerks.

The Tokyo student’s reaction is priceless. He stops to look at Prince running while waving his hands, as if he’s wading in an invisible pool.

The rest of the team is also struggling. Nico has a hard time breathing. When he sees Kakeru at the front of the pack he’s impressed.

Nico: “He’s on another level.”

Haiji seems to be breathing fine and yet he hasn’t been able to increase his speed. A shot of his knee hints at it being the cause.

Kakeru remains in the lead with Manas, the exchange student, until the last two laps.

Just as he thinks he can win, Manas quickens his pace. Kakeru tries putting forth his own burst of speed but before he knows it, Fujioka overtakes him.

Image commissioned by Reviewbrain. Not to be shared without permission.

Fujioka and Manas race for first place while Kakeru who has been left behind desperately tries to catch up.

He can’t.

Fujioko wins, with Manas close behind. Kakeru is in third place, but a fair distance behind them both.

Their fatigue levels show the difference in their abilities. Fujioka’s breathing is normal. Manas gasps for air. Kakeru seems to be having a hard time breathing.

Unlike at the start of the race, he’s now looking down.

His knees and legs are shaking as well and he’s visibly shocked and disturbed by his loss. Fujioka glances at him in interest, then looks at Haiji who has yet to complete the race.

Later, Fujioka is being interviewed. When KK overhears him say that he won’t participate in any more meets, and will stick to the intercollegiate races instead, Kakeru becomes very upset. Undoubtedly, he wanted a second chance to compete with him.

Kakeru is washing up at the outdoor faucets when Fujioka joins him. He says he recognizes his name as a strong runner from a high school in Sendai.

Fujioka then says: “It’s an interesting team that Kiyose put together.”

Fujioka: “Watch out for him.”

He adds that at his best, Haiji can run better than he did that day. They look at Haiji as he cheers on the last runners of his team. Kakeru’s gaze is contemplative. It’s like he’s wondering if Haiji can even get better.

Fujioka then adds: “Lead the team with him.”

Kakeru questions his meaning, Rikudo’s captain clarifies, “Aren’t you going for Hakone?”

Kakeru reacts strongly to this statement. His eyes first widen, then he bites his lips, and lowers his head.

This reaction initially bemuses Fujioka, but after a second he smiles inwardly in understanding, then leaves.

For some reason, it took me forever to understand this scene. In a nutshell, Fujioka mentioned Hakone as if it were a given Haiji’s team would get there. But Kakeru has no such confidence, which is why he got so upset. I think Fujioka then realized this and that he’d accidentally hit a sore spot. That’s why he didn’t say anything afterwards. It’s not like he can change Kakeru’s mind. And he probably thought encouraging words coming from him, with his powerful team, might not be taken well. So he refrained from saying anything more.

Fujioka comes across as a thoroughly decent and wise young man. He not only looks older than his peers but seems older due to his mature attitude. He also obviously holds Haiji in very high regard, which really piques our curiosity about their history.

Later, after everyone has changed, Haji happily congratulates them on finishing their first race.

Everyone is too drained to reply.

He proudly says Musa and the twins finished in around 17 minutes, while Shindo and Yuki managed to do so in around 18 minutes.

Truly, these are remarkable numbers for first timers.

Haiji adds that once everyone gets used to races they’ll eventually reach the required 16:30 time. Yuki then asks, “What about this guy?” Meaning, Prince, who is now being carried by the twins back to the bus. We learn that he’s the only person who finished the race in 30 minutes, and that he did so badly he was almost forced to stop.

30 minutes is still better than Prince’s previous time. Just saying

The twins then point out that Kakeru and Haiji were the only two who managed to get official records. Meaning, even though he wasn’t in good condition, Haji still managed to get the required time.

Prince gasps out that the Tokyo Uni guy (Sakaki, I assume) called them stupid. He complains, “Where’s their sportsmanship?”

Nico in his usual mild tone responds “Well, this is reality.”

Kakeru finally chimes in, angrily, that they already knew all this. The twins asks what he’s upset about, since he got the required time.

Kakeru: “It doesn’t matter how good my time is! How times do I have to say it?!”

Once again, he’s fisting his hands. The episode ends with him running off alone, not stopping or even bothering to answer when Haiji calls out to him. He probably never even heard him.

Episode themes: Dreams vs. Reality, Isolation, Loneliness, friendship, disappointment, frustration.

Icings in the Cake:

– I love how aware Musa is of the difference between himself and his fellow exchange students. He’s such a humble and great character. I also loved how beautifully drawn the African characters were. Wonderfully realistic, as are most of the other characters in this show. They actually look like real people.

– Seeing how the members were all looking out for each other was lovely. Yuki encouraging Musa, Shindo staying with the hurling Prince, King and Musa, then the twins supporting Prince without a single complaint. Even King and the twins teasing Sakaki. It was all just so wholesome. I wish KK can learn to appreciate this. Haiji, of course, is what my eldest calls “best boy” material. I said it before, and I’m sure I’ll keep saying it: he’d be such a great parent.

Ogre who? He’s so sweet to these guys.

Best Lines

Haiji: I was nervous since it’d been a while. I think changing lanes had my heart pounding harder than the meet.”

Musa: “One of us needs to get a license before we train anymore.” Ok I will concede he drives like a demon.

Prince: “The stories I write are perfect. In my mind, anyway.” Nice insight to his character. As a lit student, he’s both confident in his writing, and self aware that his opinion might be biased.

Prince: “I’m not a hamster. Why do I keep running around, and around, and around and around…”

Conclusion:

Let’s remember what Kakeru told Haiji before the race, that he’ll be looking to see how well everyone runs. It’s obvious that he isn’t impressed. Worse still, he wants to race against Fujioka again, but won’t be able to unless he makes it to Hakone. And he doesn’t think he can, with this team. That’s why he’s so angry.

I think the others understand this, based on the expressions on their faces. I do think KK’s being a bit too negative. For a bunch of amateurs most of them did very well. Haiji said that even King and Nico would be able to make it. As to Prince….well…they can cross that bridge when they get to it. Suffice to say that he completed the race and didn’t drop out even when he could have. There really is plenty to celebrate. What I’m interested in the most is what Haiji thinks. We know he is happy for his friends’ achievements. But how does he feel about his own?

When he and Kakeru met, he had told him he’ll be able to match his speed in six months. I think it’s only been one month since then. How does he feel about his own performance? Elated that he could finally run? Happy he achieved the required time? Jealous that he couldn’t keep up with Kakeru? In the end he might be satisfied with his friends and disappointed in himself. We won’t know if he’s too busy worrying about Kakeru’s tantrum. Considering what Kakeru told Haiji before the race, he might think that, just as disappointed as KK is in everyone else’s times, he might also be disappointed in Haiji’s.

It is also frustrating that we don’t know if he could have gotten a better time if one of the runners hadn’t bumped into him at the beginning of the race.

Finally, like the title of the episode stated, Kakeru did bare his fangs. But he’s the only one who seems to have been bitten. Also, the title might have a double meaning: bearing his fangs could mean they are too heavy for Kakeru. Otherwise its just an error in translation.

Grade: 9/10 Only because the art at times wasn’t as perfect as could be.

*All material posted on this blog is the intellectual property of Reviewbrain (unless otherwise stated). Readers are free to make use of the information provided they cite the source (this blog) either by name (reviewbrain’s blog) or by linking to it. Please extend the same courtesy to the authors of the comments as well (by mentioning their names) to ensure that credit is given where credit is due

Run with the Wind Episode Four Review: Shadows That Don’t Fade

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Prologue

Miyagi High School Track and Field Meet: it’s the boys 5000 meter finals where we see a younger Kurahara Kakeru in a green track uniform. The words “Sendai High School” are written on it.

The red headed young man we met in the previous episode (also younger here) asks him, “How’s your stomach?”

Kakeru, who is sweating and rubbing his stomach, replies that he’s hanging in there to which his teammate replies “Sorry, but I won’t hold back.”

• Here, we know that despite being on the same team, the red-head considers them rivals.

Kakeru doesn’t reply, but as soon as the race starts, he is able to easily take and maintain the lead. In the audience we see a bespectacled older man wearing the same green uniform (his coach, presumably) cheering him on proudly.

Later, we see that KK has won based on the medal hanging on his neck. He doesn’t look too pleased, however. He overhears people talking about how he finished in 13:54, even though he wasn’t feeling well and despite being just a second year.

• Perhaps the reason why Kakeru doesn’t seem happy is because the tone of the “praise” sounds more shocked than impressed.

To make matters worse, his coach reams into the rest of the team, telling them that their “average” numbers are as good as losses, before throwing Kakeru’s success into their faces. He then instructs them all to run 10,000 meters as soon as they get back to school. When KK moves to join them, the coach says he doesn’t have to, and praises his performance. Kurahara is left alone as the rest of his team leaves to fulfill their punishment.

Unhappy Kakeru. Envious Sakaki

• As a parent, this makes me livid. It is a terrible idea to compare people, let alone children, to each other. We are all born with different talents and abilities. Drawing comparisons belittles people’s individual efforts and is counterproductive. The damage this causes can last for years, perhaps even a person’s whole life. Here, we see Kurahara being isolated from his teammates. He is not happy, despite winning, and his team isn’t happy either, because they are being told they are no good, even if they worked as hard as he. The red-head’s gaze on KK a particularly envious. His words to KK before the race show that he is ambitious. He thought he might do better since KK’s condition wasn’t optimal. His disappointment, and the coach rubbing salt in his wounds, explains his resentment. It’s too bad since under other circumstances they might have been friends.

And if wasn’t clear before, isolation and loneliness have now been officially established as main themes of this show.

Act One

Winner Kakeru left alone, after his team goes to run their punishment laps.

After the opening credits the episodes starts where it previously left off. A sweating Kurahara is catching his breath after a particularly tiring run when he is approached by his red-headed high school teammate.

He greets him with “It’s been a while,” and explains that he ran this course yesterday, and was surprised when he saw him. He then adds with a glare “I didn’t think you were still running.”

• Meaning, something must have happened to cause him to stop.

A disturbed Kurahara greets him simply by saying his name “Sakaki”.

Sakai then asks him, “Who were those guys you were with?”

Kakeru answers that it’s none of his business. His ex-mate replies, “Really, I guess it doesn’t matter,” with an unconcerned tone.

-If it didn’t matter, he wouldn’t have asked. So why is he interested?

Sakaki then comments, “Lucky you, you made some friends.” Kakeru, who barely made eye contact this whole time, keeps his head down, eyes averted, and looks quite upset.

The entire scene was a jumble of contradictions. We were just shown in the prologue that KK’s talent isolated him from his team. If we take everything at face value it’s just a meeting of old acquaintances. But Kakeru’s body language, rigid, closed, and Sakaki’s confident demeanor, his solemn and mostly neutral tone, make it very odd. It didn’t sit right with me. It took me a while to pinpoint it exactly, but I think Sakaki’s expression here is almost critical. Even his words and tone have a bit of an accusatory feeling to them. It’s like he’s saying Kakeru doesn’t deserve friends.

Episode title: Shadows that Don’t Fade

After the episode’s title the scene shifts to the university. We see the twins at a lecture with Jouta barely staking awake and Jouji already asleep. This gives us a timeline that it’s after Haiji’s morning practice. We then see KK, whom we assume should be attending his own lectures, but instead is sitting alone near what looks like a storeroom.

He looks at its door, and sees a past version of himself, complete with a sleeping bag, and sport bag holding his few things.

-So this is where he was staying before Haiji brough him to Aotake. He was literally sleeping in the open.

Past Kakeru, whom we know by the same black jacket he was wearing in the first episode, takes out all that’s left of his cash and wastes it in a mah-johg parlor. He then goes to a convenience store, where he eyes a piece of bread, and with shaking hands reaches out for it.

Present Kakeru berates him. First, he questions him: “What are you doing?” Then adds, “Is that all you can do? Is it?”

Just before past KK steals the bread, a voice recalls him into the present: “Kurahara?”

It is Prince. Concerned, he asks him “What’s wrong? You’re spacing out?”

We see that KK had been walking aimlessly on campus, lost in his memories. Prince, who is accompanied by three other dudes, introduces him: “He’s an underclassman at my dorm.” They all greet each other with nods.   

Next, we see the four at the cafeteria where judging from their empty, or near empty plates, they just had lunch. Prince’s friends argue over a manga they’re reading. Kurahara watches with mild interest. Prince tells him that they are always passionate like this. “It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say everything important we’ve learned about life has come from comics. Friendship hard work, and everything else. It’s an enriching experience.”

– I think it’s the first time I’ve seen something close to a smile on Prince’s usually unexpressive face. He’s practically sparkling in excitement. His even raises his voice as he speaks.

He then leans over the table to get into KK’s personal space, and excitedly says “Why don’t you begin your new college life with us!” trying to recruit KK into his manga club.  

One of Prince’s friends, the heavier one, is on wearing a shirt with the communist symbol it. This is important.

– Prince here is the perfect representation of geek culture. Anyone who has ever been passionate about anything can relate perfectly to him. Myself included.

The ambushed Kakeru starts to say that he doesn’t read manga, when he is saved by a group of athletes. Their intimidating presence pressures the group to vacate their seats.

Yuki and Musa, who are also in the cafeteria, see them leave. Yuki wonders if KK has joined the manga club, before saying “whatever” and turns back to Musa and asks him “So, is Shindo serious about continuing practice?”

-This is continuity to the fact that Shindo and Musa and friends, and that everyone knows it. Previously, Nico asked Shindo what his friend’s opinion was on running. And now Yuki’s asking Musa the same.

Musa tells him that he’s not sure but that his expression seemed “earnest”. Yuki tsks in annoyance.

Meet Cute and Cool.

Musa also tells him that he overheard Shindo and Haiji talking about club dues on the way back from morning practice, and that when he looked it up, he discovered it meant money. He’s extremely troubled by the possibility that they might request money from him. Meanwhile Yuki is impressed that Musa knows the word “request”.

-This is a nice reminder that Musa isn’t actually a native speaker. The fact that each character has his unique individual voice is part of what makes this show so good, and a study of characterization for writers. It’s a pity that much of this is lost in translation, however. It’s one of the reasons I try to include the individual nuances in the different speech patterns in these reviews, although, realistically speaking, I’m just a beginner myself.

Yuki states that when it was just Haiji getting excited on his own, they could ignore him, but it would be difficult if others join him. Musa then points out that the twins have already been sold on the idea. If he convinces two other’s they’ll become the majority.

At this Yuki pushes up his glasses in determination.

I don’t know why or how, but this mannerism never gets old, no matter how overused it is.

Kakeru and Prince part ways, with the older housemate telling him he’ll see him back at Aotake. As soon as Prince leaves, Sakaki’s words start haunting Kakeru: “Who were they? Those guys you were with?” He remembers answering “None of your business,” and the subsequent reply of “Lucky you. You made some friends.”

Upset, Kakeru takes off running. The cloudy skies turn black and gray and the street he’s running on is lined on the right and left with infinite images of his high school coach.

This coach kinda looks like Prince’s friend doesn’t he? That communism shirt was an allusion to this creep.

-I absolutely loved this sequence. No matter how far he runs Kakeru can’t escape from the shadow created by this failure of a coach. He’s literally everywhere in KK’s mind.

Nor can he run from Sakaki, who easily creeps up behind him.

– It’s been established that Kakeru is faster but here he’s the one gasping for air.

“I didn’t think you were still running.”

Kakeru finally speaks, though what he says is just a desperate “shut up”, like a small child who doesn’t know how to argue.

The convenience store employee from the first episode has joined Sakaki in chasing Kakeru down. “Wait! Thief!” Meanwhile Sakaki once again asks “Who were those guy’s you were with?”

As he runs, Kakeru asks himself “Why? Why couldn’t I say anything?”

-Kakeru’s tone here is frustrated. The fact that he’s still being chased by the convenience store employee means he still feels bad about stealing, as established in the earlier scene when he asks himself “Is that all you can do?” Here, he also berates himself for being unable to answer Sakaki’s questions: if he’s running again, and what exactly his relationship with his housemates is.

The twins join the fray of Kakeru’s disturbed mind. They, too, are keeping up with him easily despite being slower in reality. Running closely behind and on either side of Kakeru, they ask him “What are you afraid of?” Kakeru looks at Jouji, to tell him “I’m not scared!”

-His frantic and terrified voice begs to differ.

Jouta then adds “Who cares? Run with us?”

Kakeru retorts “I can’t!”

-Knowing the environment of his previous team, we now have an idea as to why it’s so hard for him to join Aotake’s group. He has really bad memories of it, maybe even PTSD. Sakaki’s presence seems to have triggered a full blown panic attack.

Finally, an image of Haiji shows up speeding on his bike alongside a running Kakeru, just like he did in the first episode. Everyone else disappears as soon as he shows up. “Hey! Do you like running?” Kakeru, like before, looks at him. Haiji, with the same open-faced grin asks one again “Do you like running?” The traumatized Kakeru replies in his mind: “Don’t ask me that!”

-Wow. So Kakeru doesn’t even know if he likes to run? Despite being so obviously addicted to it?

Kakeru is finally brought back to the real world when Hanako shows up suddenly right in front of him. She gasps in surprise and fear.

This montage was the Best Scene of the episode. Starting from the beginning, the memory that shows Kakeru before the first episode, before he met Haiji, and its continuation: the haunting nightmare-like sequence when Kakeru is running back to Aotake, being chased by his previous coach, ex-teammate, the twins, the convenience store employer, then finally Haiji. I said it the intro page to the series, that running is used as a metaphor, and we can see that clearly here. Kakeru’s trying to escape the ghosts of his old team. He’s also running from Haiji and the twins and the possibility of a new beginning. Who are the Aotake members to him? What is he afraid of? Does he even like running? He cannot answer these questions, and the restriction that places on him and powerlessness are clear when he asks himself “Why couldn’t I answer”? It is all consuming, and this is depicted masterfully by both the music and the editing. We experience Kakeru’s chaos, with him and are only brought back to the present, and out of his jumbled mind first, when Prince calls out to him, and afterwards, when he literally runs into Hanako. Prince and Hanako both have brightly colored hair and wear red (Prince’s shirt, the bow of Hanako’s uniform). Their vibrancy cuts through the black and grey of the scene and Kakeru’s turmoil.

We are taken to the Mid-episode break where the infinitely cheerful and cute Nira is a sight for sore eyes after such a heavy sequence.

Act Two

We see a girl’s slightly scraped knee put under a fountain. “It’s cold!” she gasps. We then see Hanako and Kakeru in the park where she is washing away the barely visible injury. Kakeru is bent over slightly, watching her in concern. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes. The high school girl is quick to assure him that she’s really fine. “If anything, I’m glad you’re not hurt.”

Kakeru is taken aback “Don’t”, he says in an extremely troubled voice.

-I like how the episode didn’t show the actual accident. It might’ve changed the tone of the scene into something that could’ve been interpreted as romantic and that definitely isn’t the point of this scene. That said, Hana might later be considered as a romantic interest. We’ll see.

Hanako then says “You’re an important athlete, after all,” then elaborates that Haiji said “God may exist after all. We’re no ordinary men. We’re destined for something great.” She goes on to say how Haiji wouldn’t’ stop talking about them running together.

-How desperate, and how glad was Haiji, when he found Kakeru? Hana’s words here prove there is something greater at risk for him here than just running at Hakone.

-Despite all the praise he’s being showered with, Kakeru doesn’t look the least bit happy. In fact, he looks utterly miserable, and guilty, despite how superficial the wound is.

When Hanako turns off the water and before she stands up he stretches his hand towards her as if wanting to help her, but it hovers ineffectually for a bit as she straightens up and dries her hands.

She tells him with a kind smile, “The only thing I understand is that you’re really, really fast.”

-So awkward was Kakeru that Hanako didn’t even see his attempt to help her up. Not that she needed it, but it would have been interesting to see her reaction. Meanwhile all her efforts to reassure him seem like they’re having the opposite effect.  

Kakeru pulls back his hand and in a depressed voice tells her “That’s it. I can’t do anything but run.”  

• His voice actor was perfect here. It wasn’t overly dramatic or anything. The statement was said like it was fact. The tone nonetheless depicts all the pain he is going through and how useless, impotent he feels. It weighs heavily on both his mind and heart. To him, hurting Hanako was just the last straw.

Hanako, who has no idea what he’s going through, looks at him in confusion until Haiji calls out to them from the street.

Based on the grocery bag on his shoulder, he’s on his way back from buying dinner ingredients. As usual, he’s accompanied by Nira.

The next scene sees Haiji and Kakeru going home together under a cloudy sky. Haiji looks at the silent Kakeru who’s walking behind him out of the corner of his eye. He then asks if KK wants to race him and Nira back to Aotake.

-Haiji here has picked up on KK’s depression and is trying to cheer him up, even though he seems unsure what the reason for it is.

Without waiting for a reply, Haiji takes a starting position but before he takes off KK suddenly asks him: “Why? Why won’t you leave me alone? If you want to run, you can run by yourself. Isn’t that what it means to run?”

As he asks this, Kakeru remembers the race he won in high school, when he was running alone at the head of the pack as a second year, and how his success isolated him from his teammates.

-The poor boy here looks so sad and lost.

He goes on to say, “I’m sorry, but you should give up on me. I-”

Haiji interrupts him. “Kurahara, even if you’re running alone, you’re not actually alone.” He then stands up from his racing position to turn and smile at Kakeru. “You’re always running with someone.”

Kakeru’s incomprehension is obvious. He tells Haiji, “I don’t understand.”

Haiji gently replies, “I see.” then tells Nira, “let’s go.” They take off at Haiji’s command, and he can be heard to tell Nira “you’re fast,” laughing.

Left alone, Kakeru repeats Haiji’s words to himself “with someone.”

-This was one of my favorite scenes in the episode. Haiji quietly watching out for Kakeru on their way home, the cloudy weather, the two walking silently at the beginning, then the moody track starting when Kakeru starts to talk…it was just such a lovely interlude. Haiji giving him a chance to share his thoughts, trying to guide him and knowing when to quit when his attempt doesn’t work is everything to me. So often when trying to help people we go overboard and give too much information all at once. Parents are guilty of this all the time. But Haiji restrained himself when Kakeru couldn’t understand his point. He didn’t delve deeper into the matter not because it wasn’t important, but because it is too important. It’s something Kakeru has to figure out on his own, or it would be meaningless. Of course, this method isn’t one that applies to everyone and everything, but especially for young adults, giving them a map and having them find their way is more effective in the long run than driving them to their destination. They learn to follow instructions, to ride a car, maybe get lost and ask directions, they also gain confidence along the way…but I digress.

The next scene starts the next day, pre-dawn. As Musa puts on his footwear in the foyer, he notices that Shindo has gotten new running shoes. His friend explains that “specialized shoes are better, apparently.”

-Musa looks worried by Shindo’s deepening investment in their running activities, as evidenced by the sweat drop that forms on his forehead and his furrowed brows. Even though Shindo doesn’t seem to be pressuring his friend into running.

In the yard, as Nico and Yuki stretch, the bespeckled future lawyer tells his senpai “Your attendance has been perfect.” Nico asks “So what? To which Yuki replies, turning away, “Nothing.”

-Their exchange is a nice foil to the other duo. While Shindo is being clear about his desire to run, Nico has been reticent from the start. Similarly, while the younger pair of friends have a strong and obvious regard for each other, these older two have a more ambiguous relationship. At first glance it seems like they barely tolerate each other but their frequent interactions and the words between their lines say otherwise:

Yuki: Your attendance has been perfect = you’re enjoying this aren’t you?

Nico’s “So, what?” is him being intentionally obtuse. I think Yuki understands this and seems to be biding his time rather than wanting to confront Nico directly on the running matter. Which is why he answers, “Nothing “.

Haiji joins the rest of the team in the yard, carrying Prince out from the back of his shirt like a caught cat.

Someone please make a compilation of all the times Haiji does this. Hilarious.

He tells them that today Hana will be waiting for them at the river. At the mention of her name Kakeru stops from his usual habit of taking off before the others.

Haiji explains that she will be taking their arrival times “You too, Kurahara.” As further incentive, he adds that they have to finish no matter what, otherwise she’ll be left waiting forever.

-KK doesn’t look too happy. Maybe he’s still worried about what happened the afternoon before.

The excited twins tell KK, “We’ll show you what we can do!”

-Considering all that happened in this episode, their words here are a nice reminder that the last conversation they had, KK had angrily told them Hakone was an impossible feat, and that he wouldn’t run with them because he didn’t work well with others. He also skipped practicing with them the next morning, leading them to think he was “still mad”. So I think this is their way of normalizing their interactions again. I really like these two.

-Another possibility is that they were actually miffed by his adamant refusal to believe they could make it to Hakone, especially in contrast to Haiji’s optimism, and so they want to prove their abilities to him.

Kakeru seems a bit taken aback at their vigor. But he’s saved from replying by Shindo who tells them that if they’re serious they should buy running shoes, adding “I’ll take you someplace special sometimes.”

The two go crazy at his words as somehow, to their ears, they sounded indecent.

-I wonder if Shindo did this purposely, knowing how girl crazy these two are. But let’s not be swayed by their teenage minds, there wasn’t actually anything wrong with what he said.

Meanwhile Musa whispers to Yuki, “See? He’s trying to win them over.” To which Yuki replies that the twins were already on his side.

Haiji counts down to have everyone start at exactly 6:30.

When Kakeru quickly overtakes the other runners, the older twin grouses “What’s with that speed” while Jouji snaps, “It’s infuriating!”

-I guess this supports the argument that they’re actually a bit pissed off at how he talked down on their abilities. Must be especially annoying considering his.

Behind them, Haiji, who as usual is running alongside Prince, tells them to not get thrown off by Kakeru’s pace, and that “this applies to races as well.”

Haiji then tells the zombie-like prince that he’s “incredibly moved” because his pace increased a lot in just one week. “You have that much aptitude!”

At his praise, Prince’s usual grimace relaxes a bit. And, as if to prove Haiji’s point, a butterfly flutters in front of Prince, but, for once, he outruns it.

Faster than the speed of a butterfly! Progress indeed 😊 Prince is distracted by it until Haiji tells him “Do it, and you’ll understand. Never do it, and you’ll never understand.” At these words, Prince’s head’s snaps back as they are a quote from one of his manga The Burning Pen.

–I wonder to which real life manga this alludes to.

Haiji then tells Prince: “Manga taught you everything that matters, right?”

Ok, was Haiji stalking Prince that day in the cafeteria when he said that to Kakeru? Nah, they’ve been living together for at least a year so he’s probably heard Prince pitch his manga club using these same words.

-Prince is extremely moved. From his perspective, there’s actually a ray of light shining on Haiji. It’s like Haji suddenly became a hero in his eyes.

Meanwhile, KK has arrived first at the river. As he races down the incline to where Hana-chan is waiting, she cries out in excitement at how fast he is. An elderly man walking his dog comments “Ah, to be young,” obviously misreading the situation. Kakeru blushes, looks back at the old man and gasps in embarrassment.

“Please, stop.”

• Since Hana appeared we’ve seen more of a variety of KK’s facial expressions, usually dopey ones. It’s been a nice change from his usual emo look.

Hana reads out his time: 5000 meters in 14:53. She expresses her admiration when Sakaki walks up to the two, asking Kurahara if he’s holding back. He points out that this time would have been “unthinkable” for his former team mate in high school.

-I wonder why Sakaki came back. Is he stalking Kakeru? To what end?

Hana asks who he is, and he’s quick to introduce himself. “I’m Tokyo Sport University first-year Sakaki Kosuke.”

-It’s got the word “sport” in its name so I’m guessing this a big shot athletic school. Sakaki’s probably showing off here.

“Who are you? The manager?” He then asks Hana. She blushes and giggles shyly at being given such a title.

-Hana is adorable. That laugh was charming. Her voice actress is perfect.

Kakeru is annoyed and tells him that she’s timing them, and that they’re busy.

-Translation: take a hint and go away.

Sakaki doesn’t and asks who she’s supposed to time, as there isn’t anyone else. In a sarcastic tone he then assumes that’s why KK’s time was lousy: “Even you lower your level when running with such low-level guys.” At this Kakeru grits his teeth in anger. Sakaki continues saying that he finally understands after contacting the “OB’s”. They said you’re attending Kansei University.

-Can someone please explain what an OB is? I’m guessing it’s a student affairs office or something.

Sakaki then asks if Kakeru’s university even has a track and field team or if he’s just a member of a “friendly jogging club.”

-Aha. So Sakaki mentioning his university wasn’t just him showing off to Hana. He was flexing on Kakeru as well.

It seems to be working, too. KK’s yells at Sakaki to just go.

-His body language here is telling. He has taken a step forward and is once again fisting his hands.

Sakaki’s mocking facial expression turns dark and he asks Kakeru if he’s going to hit him again.

Hana recoils at his words in fear. It is then that the twins arrive, yelling out happily. Distracted, Hana goes back to recording everyone’s times.

The next scene shows that everyone (except for Prince and Haiji) has reached the river. Shindo tells Musa in his usual gentle tone “You really should get new shoes. It’s way easier, Musa.”

-Shindo has already said specialized shoes are better. But now he’s actually encouraging Musa to get them. He’s being more vocal about wanting Musa to join them. Musa’s looks at him and while his reaction isn’t one of agreement, his facial expression shows he understands Shindo’s intent.

-Meanwhile, Yuki and Nico’s communication is as subtle as ever. Yuki tells Nico “Your time’s improving, Senpai.” To which Musa replies, again, “So, what?”

Who will win this cold war?

King’s new time must not be as good as his last, since he comments to Hana “It’s strange” and that “there must have been a headwind,” to which she replies that they’re all running under the same conditions.

Sakaki watches this exchange (or rather Hana-chan) with interest.

Our antagonist might be in love. Or maybe he thinks Kakeru is and is trying to make him jealous.

The twins ask Kakeru who he is, but he doesn’t reply. Meanwhile Haiji arrives with the staggering Prince. He is encouraging him, telling him. “Look, your friends are waiting for you! The heroes of Aotake! They’re waiting of the warrior named Prince to return!”

Yuki comments that Haiji’s words sound like something Prince would enjoy. Musa adds that “Haiji’s learning”

-I said it before and I’ll say it again. Haiji’s knowledge of his housemates and all that makes them tick makes him a wonderful parent, err, senpai.

Haiji continues encouraging Prince saying, “Today you’ll reach an unknown territory you’ve never reached before!”

He then pushes Prince over the finish line. Hana reads his time: “34: 59: 28”

At this number, he tells the passed-out Prince “Hear that? You broke the 35-minute wall. You did it.”

You can hear the twins thinking, “Is he alive, though?” Meanwhile the butterfly has caught up to Prince😂

• Haiji’s would even make be a fantastic parent to special needs children. The optimism to respect all children’s abilities and celebrate even the smallest of wins is not a gift everyone has.

Sakaki puts a damper on things when he bursts out laughing and asks if this is a Senior citizens’ marathon. He then boasts that he can walk faster than that. When he turns to leave KK stands in his way. “What?” Sakaki asks, challenging him.

• Kakeru has a complicated expression on his face. Like he wants to say something. Or, maybe he wants to hit him. Judging from his clenched fist, and Sakaki’s words that he’s used them in the past, it’s not too farfetched.

Before he does anything, however, Haiji walks up to them and asks where Sakaki’s from.

Sakaki thinks he’s the coach and addresses him as such, when Haiji interrupts him.

“I’m not the coach. I’m a fourth year. An athlete.”

-Sakaki’s assumption here is natural considering the guidance and support Haiji was giving Prince. But I think it’s also continuity on Haiji’s charisma, confidence, and natural air of authority.

Sakaki apologizes for his mistake, and says that he knows Kurahara.

“He really helped me out a lot in high school.”

Haiji ignores Sakaki obvious sarcasm and asks if Sakaki is in the track and field team. Sakaki affirms this and mentions the name of his school. Haiji’s answers:

“Tokyo Sport University? Then we’ll see you at the track meet.”

At Sakaki’s confusion, Haiji explains that they will all participate in the track meet that is going to be held at Sakaki’s school the end of that month.

It’s news to everyone else.

Kakeru starts sweating. Nico comments quietly, “Isn’t that enough?” While Yuki’s eyes widen in a panic.

Meanwhile Sakaki is still unsure of what it is he is hearing. He asks again if they’ll be running at his school’s meet.

“Of course. We can’t qualify without official records.”

At this point the team realizes that Haiji is about to commit them to more than just a track meet. Both Musa and Yuki beg him to stop talking but he ignores them.

“To participate in the Hakone Ekiden qualifier, we need official records. So, we’ll run at the meet. All of us. Those ten guys are the Kansei University Hakone Ekiden team.”

His unwavering tone is a stark contrast to the doomed expressions on most of his “team’s” faces.

Meanwhile Kakeru’s anger seems to have evaporated and has been replaced with discomfiture. At Haiji’s words, he turns his head away from Sakaki.

Sakaki’s incomprehension turns to disbelief. He looks at Kakeru searchingly, and asks him if Haiji is serious.

KK doesn’t answer. Sakaki then asks in quiet anger “Are you making light of track and field?”

Behind him, Haiji answers he isn’t. Sakaki finally blows up in anger.

“I’m asking you, Kurahara!”

– Because they were on the same team, Sakaki knows Kakeru’s talent. More importantly, he knows that KK understands what it takes to be a serious athlete. This explains his disbelief here. He doesn’t know what Haiji’s background is. Nor do we, for that matter. And seeing how slow and out of shape the other would-be athletes are, it’s not strange for him to be shocked at Haiji’s declaration. In fact, his reaction isn’t that different from Kakeru’s in the first episode. Or the second. Or even in third. Kakeru has basically been saying the same thing from the very beginning. That Hakone is impossible for the members of Aotake.

At the escalating situation, the twins jump up and tell Hana to not be afraid, they’re ready for anything that might happen. She blushes at this display of chivalry.

Sakaki then makes it personal when he asks Kakeru “Aren’t you embarrassed to be running at their level?!”

• Hmm. That’s actually an interesting question. Is he? And if that were the case, why would he be? Earlier, Sakaki was doing all he can to make him feel embarrassed, but I don’t know if it worked. More like, KK got pissed because Sakaki being a jerk. Also, we know KK thought the idea was completely far-fetched and shouldn’t even be attempted. But Haiji’s claims Sakaki’s seem to have provoked Sakaki more than he was able to anger Kurahara.

The others, who as of yet still have varying degrees of willingness to participate, are nonetheless all insulted by Sakaki’s words. Even leader of the anti running league Yuki repeats “Our level?” with a raised eyebrow.

The only one unaffected is Nico who replies with a smile and matter of fact tone: “I actually find it invigorating.”

Nico being Nico ❤️

-Having being in track, he must know how unprepared they are for Hakone, but that this doesn’t really bother him. I’m guessing because it actually means there is less pressure. I also think he said this to try to diffuse the situation a bit.

Kakeru, still sweating and with fisted hands, opens and closes his mouth a few times but seems like he’s having trouble finding the right words to say.

At this point Prince comes back from land of the dead to say the following in his raspy, shaking, strangled voice, his exhausted body shaking and barely managing to put out the words:

“That’s why I hate them. It’s always about levels, winning and losing..”

-by “them” I assume he means athletes in general.

“…they can only describe things on that level…”

-interesting use of “level” here, to describe the lack of loquaciousness of athletes, when it was previously used by Sakaki to describe the lack of athletic ability in Haiji’s team. This reminds us that Prince is a literature student. It’s a battle between the jock and the geek.

“…I really hate running. But more than that I hate people who criticize others for what they do!”

Everyone hangs on Prince as if he’s uttering his last words.

“I’m not sure if these people are my friends or not….”

At this, Yuki, hilariously says “Oi,” as if insulted.

Prince goes on to say, “But at the very least they recognize me, my ideas, and my worth. Among them, there is no high or low level. The only thing that matters is who we are!”

– Prince’s speech here is in character. We’ve seen him as a loner who only cares about reading manga. But when forced to participate, either in the residents’ parties, or running by Haiji, he’s accepted into the fold without question. As was Kakeru, from day one.

Speaking of Kakeru, he looks like he is completely entranced here. It’s as if Prince’s words are laying to rest all the fears he had at the beginning of the episode.

Kakeru internalizing Prince’s words

Prince then passes out, having over-exerted himself. Haiji takes a moment to respect his efforts before snapping back at Sakaki with a cheerful “you heard him.”

Yuki hilariously comments that Haiji’s recovery was too quick.

Haiji then puts a hand on KK’s shoulder and tells Sakaki:

“Kakeru will get faster. Even faster than when you knew him.”

The body language and the fact Haiji addresses Kakeru by his first name, for the first time, and in Sakaki’s presence, is intentional.

He’s telling both Sakaki and Kakeru that he’s one of them now.

But his words go even further. Saying that Kakeru will become even faster address Sakaki’s implication that KK, being at a “low level team” will bring him down as well.

With his hand still on KK’s shoulder, Haiji leads him away, no doubt to end the argument. Sakaki, miffed at this display of camaraderie, turns to leave. But before he does, Kakeru turns around to calls out to him, to both the red-head’s and Haiji’s surprise.

Kakeru thinks a bit, before he earnestly tells Sakaki “We’ll meet again”.

Sakaki facial expression changes drastically, from shock to resentment at this declaration, much to KK’s confusion. When he leaves silently, Nico asks him, “What was that? A declaration of war?”

Kakeru is aghast “What?”

King adds “Didn’t you mean he’ll pay for this?”

“No!” Kakeru replies honestly, horrified that he’s been misunderstood.

-Based on KK’s body language, and facial expression, he was actually trying to make peace with Sakaki, and that he actually meant to say he’d see him around, in a friendly way. I also think that, despite misunderstanding his statement at first, Sakaki realized his true intention.

More than resenting the challenge inadvertently declared, Sakaki looks annoyed at KK’s lack of social skills.

But Kakeru probably doesn’t realize this. Musa’s declaration that his challenge was “cool” does nothing to relieve him.

Yuki also teases him, “You’re the type to provoke people subconsciously.”

Kakeru wondering what he said/did to give everyone the wrong idea.

Meanwhile Shindo states that they now have a goal. The twins scream excitedly that they’ll run at the track meet, regardless of what their level is.

Haiji tells Kakeru: “Prince is right. You’re you. Do what you want. So, will I. That’s why I’ll run with you and the rest of the guys.”

Haiji tells them it’s time to go back, that breakfast is waiting. With high spirits, they all leave. Kakeru watches the sun reflecting off their figures, then takes a step towards them.

Best Lines

I mentioned many above, but earlier in the episode, in the cafeteria, Prince said: “No king rules forever. What you really need is intellect and sensibility.”

This line felt a bit off at the time but I think it served as foreshadowing to his verbal show-down with Sakaki and might for future events as well.

Trivia

Incidentally, Sakaki’s voice actor is Kawanishi Kengo (Kiriyama Rei in 3-Gatsu no Lion). He did a fantastic job and I look forward to seeing this character again. Despite everything, his presence served to bring the rest of the team together.

Grade: 10/10

Conclusion:

This whole episode was fantastic start to finish. The last scene of the episode, is also probably one of the most iconic ones.

The music was phenomenal. It started with the same track as “Shout” when Haiji, Kakeru and Sakaki were talking. It sets up the tension perfectly with the team being anxious about Haiji committing them in front of someone else to Hakone, Sakaki’s subsequent disbelief, anger, and mockery, followed by Prince’s soliloquy.

I knew to expect great things from this character because Irino Miyu was chosen to be his voice actor and I wasn’t wrong. Prince’s words uttered by anyone else could have been painfully awkward to hear. He delivers them with spirit, through a strangled voice, and the fact that he’s utterly the worst runner on the team gives them more weight.

Even so, it might have all been cheesy if we weren’t seeing how Prince’s words were literally blowing away all of Kakeru’s doubts. When he admitted that he didn’t know if he and the housemates were friends, it was like Kakeru was being told, even if he didn’t have the answers to the questions plaguing him, it didn’t matter.

This is further reinforced by Haiji telling him “Do what you want”. I think Haiji knew all along that KK loves running but that something was holding him back. He models his words when he tells Kakeru “So will I. That’s why I’m running with you guys.”

Having the clouds disperse just then is a continuation of the theme of Haiji’s light (see episode one review) versus Kakeru’s darkness. Then the uplifting track of “We Must Go” just brings it all together so beautifully.

Maybe Kakeru can’t forget his high school team. Sakaki certainly doesn’t seem like he’s willing to let him do so anytime soon. I mean, think about it. He saw him two days prior with the team, came back to ask him who he was with the next day, and it still wasn’t enough.

Sakaki doesn’t care who Kakeru was with. Really. Image commissioned by Reviewbrain. Not to be shared without permission.

It really doesn’t matter to him. And yet he had to come back then next day to see for himself who Kakeru was hanging out with. Only to get the shock of his life. Youok just know he’ll be back.

But Prince’s words, the team’s and Haiji’s support, seem to have at least dispersed part of the episode’s titular shadows. He’s starting to move forward.

Papa bear Haiji just looks so proud of Prince here. I’m sure all viewers were as well.

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Run With the Wind Episode One Review: The 10th Man

Warning: this review contains spoilers up to the end of this episode.

Disclaimer: All images have been screen captured from Crunchyroll and belong to their respective owners. I am using them to promote this show and will delete them if/when I am asked to do so.

Prologue

We start with a stunningly beautiful visual of an aerial shot of what looks like to be a dense suburb. It is night with the lights from the closely packed houses lightening up the shot. A monorail cuts through middle of the dark shot, the lights from its windows disappearing as it enters the station.

The scene switches to a bus stop and a crossway, then to what looks like a back street full of pubs with people either entering or leaving them to go back home. The scene switches once again to a large statue (of buddha?) illuminated with a single light as it overlooks darks trees.

This montage is silent except for the rhythmic sound of running footsteps coupled with controlled steady breathing. We are finally shown the legs of our runner as he zips through a dark street, his torso lighted at intervals from the streetlights. We hear his speed cutting through the air and see a piece of bread in his hand, still in its package. A low desperate voice calls out from behind him: “Stop! Thief!” telling us that this item is stolen. The runner (and protagonist) continues forward, quickly putting distance between him and his pursuer who, unable to keep up with him, desperately squeaks out “Someone help!”

It seems like the victim’s call is answered. A beam of a bicycle’s headlight suddenly appears, following the culprit. The rider’s sandaled feet pedal furiously and he quickly closes in on the runner, but makes no attempt to catch him. Instead, he asks him in what can only be called excitement: “Hey! Do you like running?”

For the first time we seen the runner’s shadowed face as it turns towards the biker in confusion. He has black hair and eyes.

“Do you like running?” The biker repeats. We know this question will set the premise of the entire show. The rider is the deuteragonist. He has brown hair and eyes. The latter, big and bright shine in the light and his mouth is wide open in delighted anticipation. The scene cuts back to the runner’s suspicious black eyes. He utters a confused “huh?” before the opening song begins.  

-This introduction was simply marvelous. It grabs your attention right away. Who is this person? Why did he steal? Who is the person following him and why is he more concerned with the young man’s hobbies rather than the fact that he’s a thief? The grim soft plinking of piano notes along with the cool blues and blacks of the scene set the tone moody tone, before it is changes into a more intriguing tune, just as the darkness is cut through with the flashing light of the bicycle. It illuminates both characters, promising that this chance meeting, this brown-haired man, will shed a proverbial light on the life of this unsuspecting runner in the dark.

Opening Theme

The music video of the opening song starts similarly to the show, with beautiful backgrounds and presumably the same runner in a teal blue tracksuit. Here, too, his face is not revealed. What we do see is how his outerwear changes along with the changing background in accordance to the weather and seasons. This is someone who runs every day, no matter what. It is therefore safe to assume that answer to the question posed in the intro is a strong “Yes”.

The scene then switches seamlessly to a runner heading towards a wooden a building. At first, I thought it was the same person, because he had been running in the same direction. But a closer look shows that this person is wearing a different tracksuit, navy and green. He is also accompanied by a dog.  A closer view of the face shows us it is in fact, the brown eyed/haired biker. He enters the building and is greeted with smiles given by a tall strapping black man and short, thin, brown haired man with a mole under his eye. They begin speaking but are interrupted by a sound coming from the floor above. The camera moves up to show us a room filled to the brim with stacks of paperback comics. Collapsed in between them is a very thin very pale creature in jeans who is not only an obvious bookworm, but has the shape and demeanor of one as well, seeing has how his thin body slid face first onto the floor. He raises his face and unlike the rest of him it is anything but wormlike. Rather, it only be described as beautiful with wide eyes, extremely long thick lashes, a narrow nose, and silky feathery hair.

The scene then cuts to a bespeckled black haired man with a crew cut, a hoop earring in his right ear, and a silver medallion necklace. His good posture and upright manner are those of a cool-headed and confident man. But when he runs into a cloud of cigarette smoke his temper reveals itself. He holds his nose and waves his hands angrily while shouting at the source: another man that looks older than the ones we’ve met so far, based on both his facial hair and overall mature, nonchalant demeanor. He also has a bit of an unkempt feel to him. His brown hair is held back in a careless short ponytail and he carelessly continues smoking in his grey sweats despite the complaints he’s being showered with. We are quickly coming to understand that this building houses a number of young men.

The next we meet are a pair of smiling, energetic-looking blonde twins. They enter a room, I assume without knocking, since the person inside (a man with a dark brown crew cut) is in the middle of getting dressed and has an annoyed look on his face. We are then shown a montage of scenery similar to the one in the beginning of this episode (monorail, buddha, streets, etc.) only this time it is in daylight.

We then see the nine residents of the house walking across a bridge together. Coming from the opposite side is the black-haired runner (the main character).

He passes the group without looking at them, so we can assume they haven’t met yet. But the screen pauses a bit just as he passes the last member, the brown-haired rider (and second main character), to punctuate the importance of their meeting.

The protagonist is then engulfed in black while a group of runners in identical green tanks and shorts pass him in the background. One in particular stands out both because he’s brighter (the others are overlapped in gray) and because of his red hair and eyes.

Even though the main character is facing away, the maliciousness of those eyes reaches him as indicated by the ducking of his head and set of his mouth. His demeanor tells us he’d rather avoid this person. A breeze then blows Sakura (cherry blossom) petals his way and he finally looks up. We see a friendly looking Chiba dog (I think) sitting upright with a pair of old bowled legs standing behind it. Then we cut to a pretty, sweet looking girl in a high school uniform riding a bike. She is accompanying the dorm members we saw on a run, with the brown haired deuteragonist leading the pack. The camera then shows the main character glancing back at her as she gives encouragement to the last runner: the bookworm, who looks like he is a lot of pain as he runs in a hilariously freaky zombie like manner.

We then get a montage of quick alternating shots. They show the group in various stages of exercise…or unconsciousness as is the case of the bookworm. Then we get a silhouette shot of ten people (the protagonist has now joined them) running in a single file at sunset. Finally, the protagonist enters a kitchen, and is greeted by the entire residents of the apartment building with smiles (except for the bookworm who is reading). The brown-haired man is standing at the head of the table.

This hints at his status in this household.

He welcomes the black-haired main character whose lips slowly break into a tiny smile. Finally, we see him standing on a race track in a black tank and shorts, preparing to receive a sash from a teammate. The song ends as soon as he receives it.

-The opening theme was very well done as we got introduced to the characters very quickly and through it are already given insight as to their relationships based on who they are with and how they interacted with them. One of my pet peeves with shows that feature a lot of characters is that I always have a hard time remembering their names and differentiating between them. This intro helps solve this problem.

I think the writers/creators of the show recognizes this problem as well. The episode starts with an immediate formal introduction of the characters. People unfamiliar with Japanese culture should know that last names are given first.

Act one

We see a two-story building. The lights inside show that it is occupied and the bicycle standing outside it lets us know that this is where the brown haired second main character lives. The sign on the building says “Chikusei-so” which I assume is the name of the building.

The black-haired man looks dumbfounded, like he’s wondering “How did I get here?”

-We’d like to know, too.

The brown-haired man kneels in front of the same Chiba he was running with in the OP.

“This is Nira the dog.”

-I don’t know why he felt he needed to add “the dog” but I found it endearing.

He is then taken around and introduced to the residents of the building. Room 201 houses the blond-haired twins, Jo Taro (Jota) and Jo Jiro (Joji). Like the impression they give off in the song, they are bright and friendly and smile readily upon being introduced.

They also use (ore) to talk about themselves (Japanese masculine pronoun commonly used by most men). Next, we meet the man the twins had barged in on in the OP. He is busy hitting a tissue box, pretending it is a buzzer, as he answers quiz show questions on the TV in room 205. We learn that it is not his room, rather, it belongs to Sugiyama Takashi nicknamed Shindo (which means prodigy or genius in Japanese). He is the small brown-haired man that had been standing with the black man in the opening song. The deuteragonist tells the protagonist that Shindo is a third-year business school student.

He then goes on to introduce the man occupying the space in front of Shindo’s TV:  Sakaguchi Yohei from room 202.

Note: the Crunchyroll translation says it’s rom 205 but that must be a typo because 205 is Shindo’s room. It took some time with my beginner’s Japanese but I confirmed that 202 King’s room.

Shindo adds that Yohei’s nickname is “King” since he is a self-proclaimed king of trivia. King doesn’t attempt to greet the new black-haired arrival, doesn’t even look at him in fact, as engrossed as he is in his show.

Next is room 204. We are greeted with the sight of mountains upon mountains of stacked manga (comics) volumes. I immediately recognize the room belonging to the character I was most looking forward to meeting from the opening song: a bookworm after my own heart. When the main character reaches for a volume, he is sharply warned: “Don’t touch that!” from an invisible entity. The pretty boy we saw in the opening theme song worms his way out of the stacks to say “they’re all exquisitely balanced. I can’t be held responsible for anything that happens.” Brown haired main tells us this manga lover’s name is Kashiwazaki Akane, a second-year literature student and is called “Prince”, obviously due to his good looks.

– I watched this with my kids and they all reacted very strongly to this character. The middle schooler said “His eyes look tired.” It’s true, Prince, while beautiful, also looks a bit sickly.

We are then introduced to the smoker from the opening song: the tall scruffy man in sweats is Hirahara Akihiro (room 104) also known as Nico-chan senpai.

Language note: (-chan) is a suffix to denote endearment, usually used for girls or small children, while (-senpai) is a respectful suffix meaning upperclassman in Japanese.

A science and engineering student, Nico is a third-year student. The second main elaborates that Nico was a year ahead of him when they first met, but is now a year behind, meaning he failed two years. This explains why he looks older than the others (he is) and fits with his unkempt look: he looks like a pretty careless individual.

He certainly isn’t concerned that he’s currently being yelled at off screen: “He’s a nicotine addict!” Hence the nickname. “How many times do I have to say it?! It stinks! It stinks!” We then see the person yelling. Unsurprisingly it’s the black haired bespeckled man who was also yelling in the opening song. He tells Nico “If I sue there’s 100 percent chance I’ll win!” He is introduced as “Iwakura Yukihiko from room 102.” He’s called Yuki and is a fourth-year law student who has already passed the bar exam on his first try. This tells us he’s very smart, hence the confident attitude. But his attempts to reason with his older housemate don’t work. Nico carelessly lights up another cigarette, saying that Yuki should calm down as he’s too high strung.

We then meet the landlord who is introduced simply as “Mr. Tazaki”. He’s the bowlegged old man seen in the opening theme standing behind the dog, presumably its owner. Next, we see the tall black man. We can fully judge just how healthy he is as he’s fresh out of the bath and fully naked. At the bathroom door, the brown haired second main character introduces him as: “Musa Kamara a foreign exchange student.” Both housemates are completely unconcerned with his lack of attire. Musa readily extends his hand in greeting with a friendly smile.

-I am extremely gratefully for its strategic placement on screen that keeps this show (mostly) family friendly.

We learn that Musa he is a second-year student of science and engineering.

-Methinks that in his two years in Japan he has quickly become accustomed to some of its citizen’s general indifference to nudity (i.e: hot springs, public baths, etc.)

The black-haired main is now in the bathroom and has just taken off his clothes to take a bath when brown haired dude barges in. Protagonist is righteously scandalized and quickly covers his privates while second main carefreely tells him to find him (his room is 101) when he’s finished. He closes the sliding door, only to open it again, to add “take your time”. The black-haired dude is once again shocked at this indecent invasion of privacy.

–And this, boys and girls, is why you should ALWAYS lock the bathroom door. That aside, I think this scene was used to contrast the ease of the current apartment tenants with the cageyness of the new guy.

While the newbie is in the bath, he rightfully asks himself “What am I doing?”

The scene then shifts back to the landlord Takazi, who asks the brown-haired deuteragonist: “Where did you find him?”

Instead of answering the question, the secondary main says: “Kurahara Kakeru. He’s a first year.”

-It makes sense that he wouldn’t want to mention to the landlord he found him as he was shoplifting. And now that we finally have a name for the protagonist, I will henceforth call him KK for short.

Takazi mentions that he heard that name somewhere before, giving us a nice piece of foreshadowing that KK might be famous.

The still unidentified brown-haired dude tells the old man: “Coach, that’s ten.”

-The fact that he called him “coach” rather than “landlord” or his name “Mr. Takazi” is also foreshadowing.

The “coach” chuckles and tells the young man that he wins, and that he can do what he wants. His brown-haired tenant bows in respect.

Next, we see most of the tenants gathered in one of the rooms.

The twins ask everyone to keep it down since their room is so tiny. King argues it’s the biggest which presumably is why they’re partying in it.

Brown-haired guy enters the room holding Prince from the collar like a caught cat.

“I was just about to finish,” the bookworm complains, obviously referring to whatever comic he was reading.

His captor doesn’t answer and sits him down with the others. Seems like he’s used to catching people. We see this scene from KK’s perspective whose attention is then called by law student Yuki. He tells him to eat up. Shindo (short thin guy with the mole) adds “It’s your welcoming party, after all.”

Yuki then adds that “Since Haiji made it, it’s all country cooking.”

This tells us that Haiji isn’t from the city. But who is Haiji? Since this is the first time it’s been mentioned I am hopeful it’s the name of the brown-haired guy, since he’s the only person who hasn’t been formally introduced to us yet.

Shindo then asks KK where he’s from, adding he’s from Yamagata.

When KK hesitates to answer Shindo considerately tells him “You don’t have to answer.”

The “if you don’t want to” is implied.

-For those who don’t know, this is called taking a hint, and is the polite thing to do.

Musa (currently being head locked by Nico-chan) says he’s from Tanzania, and asks if KK knows it. The newbie identifies it as an African nation.  Musa eagerly questions if he’s ever been there. The answer is negative.

Shindo smiles informing his foreign friend that most people haven’t been. He then goes on to say that Musa’s a government sponsored exchange student, that he’s incredibly smart, and isn’t his Japanese great? The humble Musa denies this.

-This exchange confirms what was hinted at in the opening song when we first see these two standing together: they are good friends. It makes sense. Both seem like thoughtful well-mannered people.

Language note: They even use the same polite pronoun to refer to themselves: (boku) which is I in Japanese, used mostly by male children, less so by adult males who tend to use the more masculine (ore). Incidentally, Prince uses (boku) as well.

Meanwhile the twins grin at each other mischievously, and take out party poppers. The others join them. The brown haired deuteragonist frantically warns them that they are all sitting way too close. No one heads his this, even Prince, to Haiji’s suprise in dismay. With an expressionless face joins in on this ear busting exercise.

“To being fully occupied! A toast to our tenth resident!”

A wide-eyed Kakeru holds his ears in pain at the noise while everyone drinks up.

The party continues. We see Prince pitching a manga/comic for the twins to read (been there done that) saying that it will change their university life. The twins ask to borrow it to which he tells them to buy it themselves.

They are not amused.

We then see King discussing what is proper interview attire with Shindo and Musa. Apparently, he doesn’t own a suit. Shindo asks what he wore to his coming-of-age ceremony to which he replies that he didn’t attend it.

Cultural note: its a ceremony in Japan that takes place when someone reaches age 20, the age of adulthood in Japan.

-This follows up King’s scene in the opening song. He was alone (as was Prince). Along with the fact that he didn’t attend his COA hints that he’s either careless or not very sociable.

When KK finishes his drink Nico refills it, asking him: “How’d you two meet?”

“Huh?”

Our boy is not quick on the uptake.

“Haiji.” Nico adds, pointing at the brown-haired dude who caught our thieving main character on his bike.

We finally have a name!

Haiji is currently wiping off something off one of the twin’s shirts.

So Haiji not only cooks for the tenants, but mothers them as well.

Kurahara answers quietly that they “ran into each other on the street”.

Nico seems intrigued by this.

Yuki then points out “You’re Haiji’s long awaited tenth man,” adding he’s glad that KK seems decent.

-Well, as decent as a bread thief can be. But they don’t know that and KK doesn’t correct their assumption.

Nico adds that they were worried Haiji would bring someone ridiculous.

-This tells us two things. First, Haiji is basically in charge of this place. Secondly, he’s either thoughtless or desperate when it comes to finding tenants, and that these two older tenants knew that.

The twins join the trio, asking to be included in the conversation with the new guy.

“What are you talking about?”

Nico looks a bit annoyed, and answers with a lie saying “We’re talking about how to tell you two apart.”

The two immediately challenge KK to differentiate between them. Yuki plays along, saying if he wins, he gets a beer, to which KK replies he’s underage.

King ruins the game by answering correctly. The others are angry since the question wasn’t directed at him to which he replies: “You think I wouldn’t answer a question?” further ingraining his obsession with quiz shows.

-I find Nico’s white lie to the twins interesting. Maybe he and Yuki aren’t as close to them which is why he changed the subject when they showed up? Or did he feel that the conversation was too private? Or were the twins who he meant by “someone ridiculous” and he didn’t want to hurt their feelings?

We are immediately given a clue to the answer when Shindo suddenly yells out. He discovered a hole in the floor in the twins’ room. They start blaming each other for the damage while Haiji lets out a long-suffering sigh and tells them to cover it with a magazine or something and make sure the landlord doesn’t find out.

Musa remarks that the two have only been there for a week, and they’ve already started causing damage to the building.

-In conclusion: the twins are a bit ridiculous. More importantly, they are also new so naturally are not yet close to have intimate discussions with the older tenants. But that begs the question, why then would Nico and Yuki be so open with KK who is the newest one there? Maybe they sensed his apprehension and were trying to make him feel at home?

If so, it doesn’t seem to be working. This whole time, he hasn’t smiled once, hasn’t talked without being spoken to first, and the only expression on his face had been that of moroseness.

Haiji suddenly pops one more party popper, surprising everyone and asks for their attention. “this is important.”

Nico quickly asks: “Is it a girl? You finally got a girlfriend?”

Yuki is just as excited for him saying “we’re all ears.”

-This isn’t asked with any sort of lewd undertone. The two seem generally interested and happy for him.

He disappoints them saying they’re wrong.

“Since Kurahara moved in, there are finally ten of us.”  

At this statement, the silent KK bursts out that he hasn’t yet agreed to move in yet. Nico is very surprised to hear this. It’s understandable, why else would they be holding him a welcoming party then?

Haiji ignores KK and restates “We are finally ten.”

“You’ve been saying that ever since the twins moved in,” Yuki points out.

“Just one more. Just one more.” Shindo (I think) mimics him.

“Almost like he was uttering a curse,” Nico adds, laughing.

Musa states that Haiji must be happy they filled in the last room so quickly.

He replies “Yeah, it’s not enough to just think about it. You should always state your wishes out loud. You’ve got to seize your own destiny.”

KK looks like he’s getting more worried by the second. His eyes bore into Haiji’s, like if he stares at him long enough, he might start making sense of his words. Meanwhile, Haiji stares straight back at him, even as he is addressing everyone in the room.

In contrast to KK’s suspicious gaze, Haiji’s is serene.

-So, everyone knew Haiji was obsessed with filling the building. Not only that, they are all happy enough for him that Nico suggests taking a trip together to celebrate.

What I find interesting is that no one seems to wonder why he wants a tenth man.

Unaware of the stink eye contest going on right in front of them between the head of the house and the newest (would be) tenant, the others unsuspectingly wonder where they should go.

“I know the perfect place,” Haiji says.

The others are all ears, but when he says “Hakone” the suggestion is met with brief silence.

-Japan enthusiasts will know this is a popular spot amongst older people and tourists; known for its hot springs. But based on the boys’ reaction, or lack thereof, I assume it’s not the dream spot for a group of rowdy young men.

King says “I guess,” reluctantly. The ever polite Shindo then points out “It’s easy to get to, and has hot springs.” Everyone quickly warms up to the suggestion, with Yuki saying “it’s a great idea.”

-The scene was quite wholesome to me. It felt like while they weren’t crazy about the idea at first, they didn’t want to rain on Haiji’s parade since his heart seemed set on it. They are also easy-going enough to be down with whatever he had in mind.

Haiji continues looking at Kakeru in the same meaningful way and we start to realize that for these two Hakone means something very different than a vacation spot.

When Yuki starts looking up how to get there Haiji says they’ll run. The cat finally comes out of the proverbial bag.

“Let’s aim for the top together. Let’s run it together. The Hakone Ekiden.”

We don’t get to see the response of the others because we are taken to the mid-episode break which consists of watching Nira the dog chase a butterfly around to a fun tune before signaling the end of the break with a bark.

-This was ridiculously cute. It made me smile.

Act Two

When we return, we see Haiji just coming out of the tub in a public bath. There’s only one other person there, a middle aged man who gives off a friendly Uncle-like vibe. He remarks that Haiji, as always, gets out after only soaking for a minute. The young man replies “It’s been three years but I still can’t get used to this heat”.

-To confirm Haiji’s statement we see that his skin which was immersed in the bath is a dark crimson as opposed to his face and neck. I love when details like this are included in anime. How hot is that bath?  Haiji’s statement also gives us a time frame of how long he’d been living in the area.

The man is looking at Haiji, his gaze is resting low and just when I start to worry that he’s being inappropriate the scene moves to show just what he was looking at: a large surgical scar that cuts across the top of Haiji’s knee and extends down his leg.

Writing 101: your character’s physical appearance helps flesh them out and bring them to life. The use of scars in fiction is common but when done well can nonetheless be effective. We’ll see if that is the case here.

The man then adds “You’re already a fourth year, right? How time flies.” Further establishing not only Haiji’s age (probably 21 or 22) but also how long he’s known him. He then goes on to say: “It’s your first and last chance, right? Just one more. Just one more?”

Haiji, looking a bit melancholic, answers that he’s not there yet to which the man replies, encouragingly, “New students will be coming in. I’m sure you’ll find someone.” Lost in thought, the student leaves without answering.

-This conversation was quite informative. The impression we get is that these two have are a casual and easy acquaintances despite the age difference.

Language note: The man’s lack of Keigo (polite speech) shows that he doesn’t stand on ceremony so we see Haiji speech pattern being a bit more casual as well, as opposed to when he is with the landowner, for example.

We also suspect that, unlike Haiji’s housemates, he has a clearer understanding of Haiji’s goal since he says “It’s your last year.” Last year for what? We also now suspect that we have been taken back to the time before Haiji met Kakeru.

Haiji is now fully dressed and in the same attire as when we first met him: ….is it a kimono jacket? Haori? I forget what those are called. Anyway, it’s a short traditional Japanese jacket with wide sleaves and ties to hold it shut.

“Just one more,” he says to himself, standing at the entrance of that bath house, holding his bike.

Kakeru suddenly zips past him, followed by the convenience store employee shouting “thief!”

-This shot and the entire scene following it was gorgeously animated.

We now know for sure that we’ve gone back to the opening scene. But now that we know Haiji was desperately seeking a runner, his chase has more meaning to us. He immediately hops onto his bike, carelessly dropping the small towel he previously had wrapped around his neck. All he sees is the beautiful running form of the person in front of him. Through his perspective, we see the fluidity of KK’s actual muscles. This image is reflected in Haiji’s wide shining eyes, lightening them up from within. Kakeru looks like a comet speeding through a starry night sky.

It’s beautiful.

Haiji’s strange question (to Kakeru, at least. We know his motive) “Do you like running?” is repeated, and ends up stopping the confused runner.

The biker tells him “Let’s have a chat” and leads him away.

-It is gratifying to have us taken back to this moment. I wanted to know how the thief ended up moving into Haiji’s apartment. 

Next, we see the stolen piece of bread in Haiji’s bike’s basket. The two young men are standing next to some vending machines. Haiji buys KK green tea and asks him why he stole. 

Kakeru doesn’t take it and instead turns to leave but is stopped by Haij’s firm hand on his shoulder.

“I won’t call the cops. I promise. I just want to know who you are.”

He then goes onto to introduce himself.

“I’m Kiyose Haiji. A fourth-year literature student at Kansei University. Who are you?”

-This is actually the first proper introduction we got of Haiji. Recall Haiji introduced us viewers, along with Kakeru, to all the tenants in the building at the start of the episode. We were even given Kakeru’s full name when the landlord asked Haiji about him. But we only found out Haiji’s name during the welcoming party when Nico asked Kakeru how they met. Before then, that whole time, it was a huge pain not knowing what to call him. But I think it was a fantastic creative decision. Leaving Haiji’s introduction for last gives his character a mysterious air. I could have simply looked up the names of the characters (they are both in the episode description) and used them, but doing that would have lessened the impact of the introduction, I think. So in writing this review I went along with what the director did.

Kurahara answers Haiji’s query, albeit reluctantly: “Kurahara Kakeru”.  

-This speaks volumes to the norms in Japanese society, and society in general. When someone introduces themselves, you are obligated to do the same.  

Haiji then asks where his home is, if he lives around here.

-Shindo asked the same earlier in the episode (though chronologically, it was actually later, during KK’s welcoming party. At the time, Kurahara didn’t answer.

He’s just as furtive here. Instead of answering where he’s from he tells Haiji he’s also a Kansei university student.

Haiji, for lack of a better term, goes completely apeshit.

He repeats the words loudly, his eyes bugging out and all shiny. The hand on KK’s shoulder squeezes it tightly, and he tells Kurahara that he can’t ignore him if he’s an underclassman (kouhai) at the same university, then demands to know what department KK is in.

The first year is understandably creeped out.

“Sociology,” he answers hurriedly, “Seriously, can I go now.” Without waiting for an answer, he quickly shrugs off Haiji’s hand and attempts to escape. To his utter shock he finds Haiji, which he should have left behind, right in front of him. The upperclassman has seemingly gotten over his freaky mood and calmly asks KK to wait.

While the poor boy is wondering if Haiji has teleportation powers (he doesn’t, it’s not that kind of anime), Haiji takes advantage of the confusion and asks if KK is broke. A reasonable conclusion seeing as how he stole food.

“What about your allowance?” 

-It seems normal for students in Japan to be supported by their parents while they are at school. Isn’t it true for most parts of the world? University is expensive.

Kakeru admits he lost his apartment deposit playing mah-jong (gambling? Seriously?)

Haiji tells him to come to his place, clarifying that there is an empty room in his apartment building. KK repeats that he doesn’t have money. Haiji tells him he can pay whenever.

“Trust me. I’ll make it work”.

-This statement backs up the idea that Haiji is pretty much in charge of the Aotake building. He has this friendly easily authoritative air. It explains the respect he seems to command from the other tenants.

Haiji tells Kakeru: “First let’s go the convenience store and apologize”.

-Here, he gets the respect of viewers too. I assume they will either return the stolen item or Haiji will lend Kakeru the money to pay for it. You also get the feeling that he’s well known in the neighborhood; he’s confident enough that an apology will be enough and the clerk won’t call the cops. Or he might just be betting on Japanese kindness, which isn’t unreasonable, I think.

– On another note, we saw in this scene, when Haiji had his hand on KK’s shoulder, that the two are almost the same height, though I do feel Kakeru is a tiny bit taller. We know KK is about 18 years old (being a first year). However, Haiji is a fourth year and can’t grow anymore.

I might be making too big a deal of it but the shot clearly showing their heights coupled with the indirect reference to their ages set off my reviewer’s radar for possible foreshadowing or the establishment of a recurring theme. KK might still have room to grow. Both literally and figuratively. This could end up being important.

We once again see the outside of the apartment called Chikusei-so (nicknamed Aotake), and a smaller one-story house to its left which Haiji says is the landlord’s place. At the entrance is a large foyer with shoe cubbies on the left, a hall leading to the rooms on the ground (first) floor, and stairs leading to the rooms on the second floor. We can’t see the kitchen but I think it might be somewhere on the right of the stairs since that area is offscreen.

Haiji shows KK his room (103) and gives him the key. He tells him he’ll get him a futon (Japanese style bed) tomorrow but for tonight he’ll have to make do with his blanket. Kakeru is silent and confused the entire time. But his gaze on the key and the way he looks at the room gives the impression that he can’t believe his luck.

Haiji opens the window, and a breeze comes in.

This is an allusion to the title, which in Japanese is “The Wind Blows Strongly”. The phrase “winds of change” comes to mind in this scene.

Haiji then tells him: “I’ll introduce you to the guys.”

We are then given a speedy replay in Kakeru’s mind of all the events that took place after: the introduction to the tenants, the party, and finally the present moment where Haiji says “Let’s run it together. The Hakone Ekiden.”

-This montage was very useful. One thing I dislike about time skips is that they sometimes lead to confusion. Here, we were seamlessly taken back to the present. It was very well done

KK’s wide eyes, anxious and shocked, for the first time, narrow in grim understanding.

-I love this contrast. Ever since Kakeru met Haiji’s he’s been suspicious of him. Then the whole time during his own welcoming party, he looked like he felt out of place. He couldn’t hold a conversation, didn’t even attempt to really, barely made eye contact, and only spoke when spoken too. He looked like he had no idea what he was doing there, when he should speak and what he should say. Like he was insanely out of his element. But now he’s the only one who knows exactly what Haiji is talking about.

Conversely, the others who had been socializing freely the whole time are now the ones who seem confused and are in the dark.

Especially Musa, the exchange student. When he asks Haiji what they’re all talking about, Haiji answers by bringing out the sign that was on the front of the building and places it in front of everyone. The twins squint and for the first time everyone sees what is written in fine print next to the building name: Chikusei-so: Kansei University Track and Field Club Training Camp.

Everyone is appropriately shocked.

Prince demands in his quiet voice to know when Haiji added those words to which the latter replies:

“Does this degradation look new to you?”

 It doesn’t. Also, hilarious.

“It was so dirty we never noticed it,” Musa exclaims.

Nico asks Haiji to wait, as if he’s about to do or say something dangerous, while the others retrace the conversation to wonder about the Ekiden. Jouji asks if it’s a marathon while Jouta corrects that it’s a relay.

-After multiple viewings I can finally differentiate between these two. The younger brother Jouji usually wears a black cord on his neck, but when he isn’t, Jouta is usually wearing some shade of blue, while Jouji prefers reds and bright colors).

Haiji clarifies that this building is the Kansei University Track and Field club member dorm, and with a smile explains that this means they are all members of the team.

-I love Haiji here. I wouldn’t want to be in his dormmates shoes and would be enraged with him in real life, but as a viewer Haiji’s unapologetically sly face and tone is incredibly entertaining.

Kakeru doesn’t speak but we see his hands fisting on his knees.

King yells that he never signed up for this. Haiji calmy responds that moving here means he did, before adding: “Didn’t you think it was strange? A mere 30,000 yen pays for rent as well as both breakfast and evening meals?” King looks mortified.

-As of the time this review was written, that’s a bit over $273. Dirt cheap for room and board in any city, more so Tokyo where I presume this show takes place. Truly suspicious.

Shindo wonders in his gentle way if this isn’t a scam? Yuki demands to know why “Senpai” (Nico), who started living in the building a year before Haiji, didn’t know about this. Nico is abashed but defends himself saying the old man never said anything to him.

-We viewers know the reason: the fact that the old man told Haiji to do whatever he wants means that this whole thing is being orchestrated by Haiji.

At Nico’s reply, Yuki face-palms saying, “I can’t believe my first case after passing the bar will be my own civil trial.”

I think I love this character. He’s so funny. Just as funny as his words is his facial expression when Haiji calmly tells him he shouldn’t bother suing, since his rental application was also the club application.

It takes a while to get the message across but, long story short, Haiji was obsessed with getting ten people because that is the number needed for a team to run at the Hakone Ekiden which is a famous annual relay race for universities. How famous? It is broadcast live on New Year’s Day.

-Like I mentioned earlier, it is interesting to me that, while everyone was glad Haiji found his final man, no one bothered asking why it was so important to him. I mean, yeah it looks like he’s in charge of the building, but he’s not the owner. He doesn’t stand to gain anything from it.  They all look appropriately ashamed now.

Kakeru finally speaks, and the first thing he does is ask if they are registered with the Inter-University Athletic Union of Kanto province.

Haiji replies “of course.”

KK seems unconvinced and asks who their coach is.

Haiji replies it’s the landlord Tazaki Genichiro, this time, using the man’s full name, unlike when he introduced him to KK.

At everyone’s incredulousness Haiji informs them that the coach was known as “the treasure of the Japan Association of Athletics” and that “by the time Tsuburaya Kokichi wrote his food-based suicide note and died” the landlord was already considered their university’s great coach. We see a shot of the old man sneezing while walking in front of a bunch of framed photos of runners.

Cultural note: According to anime, in Japan, when you sneeze it means someone is talking about you.

-The mention of Tsuburaya Kokichi is not to be taken lightly. I will come back to it later. 

The twins point out that the newbie knows a lot about running, based on the questions he asked. He doesn’t reply and as they try to figure out what an athletic union is, our resident Otaku (comic and/or video game geek) goes off on a tangent and assumes it’s something out of a manga (Japanese comic) he read.

-Prince is utterly relatable to all fellow geeks. I love how diverse this cast is. Not only do we have a black character (beautifully drawn, might I add) we also have Prince representing all manga/anime lovers.

KK then busts out saying, “We can’t. Not the Hakone. There’s no way.”

He’s like a completely different person.

-For the first time since his character is introduced, his voice is loud and clear as he looks squarely at Haiji while speaking. Until now he was mostly ducking his head or averting his gaze while mumbling almost incoherently. It is ironic that the most able runner in the group (why else was Haiji crazy about recruiting him) is the most adamant about the impossibility of this venture.

Haiji is undisturbed at this antipathy. Instead, he smiles and says with quiet confidence: “No one knows that for sure.”

The scene ends. Next, we see the same city as in the intro scene and in the opening song. But whereas they were in darkness and day, respectively, here we see the same scenes under twilight. KK is running alone. As he cuts through the park, he is confronted with the sight of Haiji, sitting on a bench with Nira near him. KK looks on while Haiji, whose right pants leg has been pulled up, massages his knee. His scar is clearly visible. The dog catches wind of KK and barks, alerting Haiji to his presence.

“Hey,” he says in greeting. He seems a bit surprised but is unperturbed.  

KK, caught staring, recoils a bit, awkwardly. His averts his eyes even as he bows his head slightly in polite greeting.

“Do you run every day?” Haiji asks him, rolling down his pant leg.

KK walks up to him but doesn’t reply.

Haiji takes KK’s silence as an affirmative and says “So do I, while taking Nira for his walk.”

 
“For your health?” The younger man questions.

-It’s an odd question, considering what Haiji told the building residents the night before. I wonder if KK is just too awkward to ask what he really wants: “for training?” Or maybe the question is one more challenge, like the “are we registered?” And “who’s the coach”. Maybe in his mind he wants to know if Haiji is serious or just runs as a hobby.

Haiji refutes KK’s query with a simple “No.” He is looking at Nira as he rubs the top of the dog’s head. He then stands up, as if he made a decision and says: “Before you ask, I’ll tell you,” referring to the scar on his knee. “I injured it in high school. I’m almost back at full speed. In six months, I’ll be able to match your pace.”

-I found this quick insight refreshing. It’s nice to have the story of Haiji’s injury out in the open rather than making a big deal out of it and making it an overly dramatic plot point.

KK plays dumb.

“What are you talking about?” and walks past him.

Haiji blithely tells him “I’m serious,” his light tone contrasting his words. Kakeru stops and the two are facing opposite directions while Haiji continues “I’m going to run in the Hakone Ekiden. Starting today I’m going to win over all the guys. Of course, that includes you. Sendai Josei high school graduate, Kurahara Kakeru.”

At the mention of his high school, KK’s turns to look at Haiji so quickly it’s a wonder his head doesn’t spin off.

-KK aghast reaction here is telling. Like, just by knowing what school he went to, Haiji has uncovered a deep dark secret.

Meanwhile, Haiji, too, has turned to face Kakeru. The two stare each other down and Haiji’s usually amiable face has a dead serious look on it.

-Since Haiji is now a fourth-year university student, this means that for the past four years he has been slowly but surely recovering from his high school injury for the sake of running at Hakone. Rather, he still hasn’t fully recovered, since he tells KK he’ll reach his speed in six months. I wonder what kind of surgery he had.

It is then fitting that he had been so desperate to get team members. It is his last year, so of course he is serious. It should be interesting to see how Haiji will convince the others to run.

As the sun rises behind Haiji’s, its rays create a halo around him. He then softens his expression a bit by smiling.

-This was a beautiful end which I felt ties in nicely to the opening. Just as light was cast on both characters in the dark street scene, the dawn’s rays did the same here. Both times, that light is connected to Haiji. In the entrance scene, it was his bike’s headlights. Here, it was the sunrise behind him. I think it promises that this chance meeting will shed light on the life of Kakeru who looks like he desperately needs it. He has this emo edgy look to him that is a bit at odds with his awkward manner and polite way of speaking. We still do not know his back story. I look forward to seeinit.

Additional Analysis

I’ll add a few points here that made this episode work.

Music

The soundtrack of the entire show is fantastic. But my favorite track from this episode was after Kakaru shot down Haiji’s proposition, when he was running in the park, until he met Haiji and their conversation there. The track is called “Mutual”. I felt it an odd title as, in the scenes it was mostly Haiji and KK having opposing views. Unless the “mutual” here is referring to their mutual stubbornness. In the words of my eldest, it’s quite a “bop”, whatever that means ;^_^.

Good Storytelling

The format of this episode was very well done. While I usually don’t like traveling back and forth in time, this was a very creative decision that worked splendidly. We got hooked very quickly seeing as to how the two characters met, then switched over to get introduced to the rest of the cast. Format-wise, this allows the viewers to immediately get invested in the characters.

Character-wise, it’s a clever decision on Haiji’s part. By introducing the tenants, he quickly puts Kakeru at ease. Having him see a bunch of decent friendly guys allows him to lower his guard a bit. Then, Haiji stating his purpose immediately afterwards to Kakeru, showing that he has nothing to hide: Yes, I’m taking you in, you are right, there is a catch, but I’m not about to murder you. I just want you to run. 

As I mentioned earlier, I found it fascinating and very clever that Kakeru and Haiji are the last two to get introduced. I think this gives both characters a sense of mystery and keeps the viewers in suspense with regards to just who these two people are.

Best Quote

Yuki: “I can’t believe my first case after passing the bar will be my own civil trial.”

Nice touches:

I like how the dog barked when the fireworks went off, but only yawned at the tenants’ outraged outburst at Haiji’s announcement. Nira’s reaction could be considered as a reflection of Haiji’s character; the idea that dogs being similar to their owners (in this case honorary owner) and all that. Plus, that cute creature just makes this show better. And I don’t even like dogs.

Grade: 10/10. For all the reasons mentioned above, and additional ones mentioned below.

Voice actors:

Prince’s Seiyuu (what Voice Actors are called in Japanese) is Irino Miyu, one of my all-time favorites. Anime fans might recognize him as Shoya from “A Silent Voice”. If you haven’t already seen it, please do so. Feel free to purchase the manga collection while you’re at it. It’s available fully translated on Amazon.  

Shindo’s Seiyuu is Uchiyama Kouki, another favorite. Anime fans might know him as Benedict from Violet Evergarden franchise, Yuuta from Me and You, and the blond kid from Barkamon.

Haiji’s VA was a lovely surprise to me: Toyonaga Toshiyuki is a prolific voice actor and singer but he sounded so different from where I have seen him (You and Me’s flowery character Shun) that I couldn’t recognize him. His layered performance here was the perfect choice for Haiji.

Kakeru’s VA is completely new to me. But he does a fantastic job and, like his character, his voice is the perfect foil to Haiji’s. I will be looking out for more of his work in the future.

Life Lessons (AKA the parent in me cannot help but give advice):

• I already mentioned this but it needs to be repeated. Always lock the door to the bathroom/changing room in public places.
• Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t follow them home. They could be psycho killers. Or human traffickers. Or organ thieves.
• Please have the decency to not smoke in-doors or where you might bother people who would rather not be subjected to second hand smoking. You are not only bothering them, but putting their health at risk. And being an a$$. Also, if you a Muslim, like me, it is against our religion to partake anything that may cause us harm. Your body is a gift from God, dear people. Please take care of it, for your own sake.
• The amount of alcohol consumed in the first episode alone is scary, although I’m glad the minors seemed to be sticking to juice (or was that green tea?). See above comment i.e. health.  
• The fact that KK would rather walk off with Haiji rather than call his parents for help is disturbing to me. Maybe he’s afraid of being told off after losing his apartment deposit, which is understandable, but wrong.  I hope most people know better than to do this. Also, parents, please raise your kids with enough love that, for any reason, they can come back to you if they are ever in trouble. That said, I do want to give Kakeru credit for being suspicious and on edge of Haiji the entire time, and only seeming to relax after meeting the rest of the guys and making sure he’s not being taken advantage.  Well, not in a way that is harmful, anyway.

Title: All’s well that ends well 😅 Image commissioned by Reviewbrain. Not to be shared without permission.

Trivia:

Shindo mentions that his hometown is in Yamagata. Anyone who has seen March Comes in Like a Lion (If you haven’t, add it to your “to watch” list. It’s fantastic) knows that this a mountainous rural region in the countryside (it’s Shimada’s hometown).

History:

Haiji mentioned “Kokishi Tsuburaya” in the episode. The author included him for a reason so I thought I’d be remiss not to look him up. I’m glad I did because it is quite possible that the whole premise of this show (and the novel it is based on) was inspired by this real-life tragedy.  Here’s an article that I came across that I found extremely interesting and talks about him in detail.

Brief summary: Tsuburaya won the bronze medal in the Olympics despite the fact that he had chronic pain and an injury. But in the race he had almost won the silver medal so you could say he felt frustrated despite his achievement. He continued training hoping for a chance to win a bigger prize when his health deteriorated (he also suffered heartbreak). When he couldn’t run any longer, he committed suicide leaving behind a note thanking his entire family for all the food they had shared with him.

Conclusion

The fact that Haiji is the one who mentioned this athlete, Haiji’s injury, his wanting to run, and the fact that the ending theme song’s video is just a montage of Haiji running alone, raised a huge danger flag for me.  In addition, I looked up the definition of Haiji. In katakana i got “Heidi” which is probably just a transliteration. But the Chinese character for “Hai” means “ash”, as in, the remnants of something that has been burnt.  “ji” is usually used to denote time. It was written with two lines so I’m guessing it means “two”. All these facts give me a very bad feeling. Please know I am not a fluent Japanese speaker/reader. Babies probably know more. But this is what I got and if someone can confirm or clarify my efforts I would be grateful.

Disclaimers:

1. With regards to discussion, I know it is very difficult but please only discuss the relevant episode in the comments so as to not spoil the show for others. I promise I plan to put up a post for every episode; I’ve already written notes on most of them, so be patient. I’m attempting to present the most comprehensive reviews possible but this will take time. This one took two weeks *_* Hopefully that’s because I’m out of practice. Plus, the first episodes always take the longest to write about. That said, while waiting for the next review, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one. Which character made the biggest impression on you? What was your favorite quote and/or scene? Does anyone recognize the setting? I’m almost certain it’s in Tokyo, but I haven’t been able to find a picture exactly like the Buddha statue online. Sendai, where we know Kakeru is from, is from a neighboring prefecture about three hours away. It would be great if someone can confirm/correct these conclusions.

• Finally, I absolutely love this show. It is a rare gem full of relatable characters of unique personalities. The friendships within are gold and the writing is solid. That said, this is a blog that encourages canonical discussion. It is not a place to rant about your favorite pairings.  Such comments will be deleted. I want to create a safe community for people to enjoy their favorite shows without being subjected to the (often depraved) fantasies of other fans. If this sounds like your cup of tea, welcome. Otherwise, there are other places that can cater to you better. I wish you well.

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