Hyouka 14th Year Rewatch Episode 20

[u/ZapsZzz]

MAL Anilist

Fan art of the day

(Unless specifically mentioned, count on this being from the old collection of Mery)

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Interest thread Announcement Thread

Welcome to the Hyouka rewatch!

"Mishap-py New Year"

For the interest of any first timer visiting this thread now or later, please use spoiler tags for events not yet played out by this episode.

Spoiler tag format:

[Hyouka spoiler]>!This is most curious!!< (Make sure no spaces between the exclaimation mark and the first letter of the sentence of the spoiler text)

e.g. [Hyouka spoiler]Chitanda's eyes are mesmerising!

Questions of the Day

1. Have you had any occassions when you "stepped into another world" like Oreki today having seen at least a part of the world for rich influential families? How did you like that, relative to how did you like today's episode portrayal today of "the Chitanda clan"?
2. This is an episode that could be called "will not work now" with everyone glued to their phones; what's another anime episode/trope you think doesn't work now mostly because of technological/societal changes that you rather miss?

Questions for tomorrow

1. [Hyouka spoiler]Why do you think Chitanda was so uncharacteristically agitated when she "found out" that Mayaka's chocolate was stolen? How would that reasoning fit with the trajectory of the past few episodes?
2. [Hyouka spoiler]What's your favourite Valentine's Day episode in anime or other media? Do you have your own Valentine's Day custom?

Remark from yesterday's QoTD answers

1. I think there is a fairly even split between people thinking they did indeed forget why they played the "game", vs the 2 for each of their own reasons chose to not press it anymore. Looking at the rationales, I think either way can be as plausible so it's a bit of "follow your head canon".
2. I think we didn't get too many recommendations / comparisons to other bottle episodes, a couple of entries in anime and life action shows mainly. It is not easy to pull off nicely, and I think most remarked it was handled great in Hyouka.

Pinned Content

High quality content to complement this rewatch:

u/Unlikely-Lawyer-5683

I would love it if you guys watching (first timers and rewatchers alike) would watch this youtube breakdown of Hyouka called "A Rose-Colored Dissection" It is really well done, and will give you insight on the series even more. It is mostly spoiler free if you watch them episode by episode (for some vids) and arc by arc (for some vids).

Prior year's rewatch

Another reminder still appealing for someone to volunteer for hosting a Shoushimin rewatch~!

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

First-Timer, subbed

• Did they get stuck somewhere?

• Mayaka’s working as a shrine maiden, huh.

• Ah, I see. Chitanda’s inviting him out specifically so Oreki can see her all dressed up.

• And boy does she look great in it!

• Say something about how she looks nice, dumbass!

• That is a hilarious way to describe lazing about under a kotatsu.

• Ah, the same thing Oreki was watching earlier.

• Bad fortune indeed.

• That must be where they get stuck.

• Yep, there they go getting stuck.

• Ah… fair point.

• Nice that Chitanda wouldn’t mind being in this situation if she wasn’t representing her father, though.

• That’s an idea. Will it work?

• Damn, it did not.

• The wallet didn’t work either even though Mayaka and Fukube recognized it as Oreki’s, wow…

• Their bag finally got the news through to Fukube.

• Oh, the way Oreki got the word out even ties back to the drama both he and Fukube watched!

• Shimmering sky!

[u/Holofan4life → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/ZapsZzz]

Forgot to mention, did everyone got the pun at the end by Satoshi, and indeed by the episode title? It's pretty hard to translate directly, but basically it's a pun for the near pronunciation of happy new year in Japanese "Akemashite omedetō" to the Japanese verb of "opening" e.g. a door "akete"; so it's rhythms with "congratulations for opening (the door)".

[u/Slntreaper → u/ZapsZzz]

Thanks for the note; I didn’t catch it. I wonder if it’s in the original work.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/Slntreaper]

At least in the fan translation copy in Chinese that I read (because it's a closer language to translate to and more of these subtlety can be noted) that final exchange was indeed "congratulations for opening".

A clarification I have only done some spot reading, yet to finish the bulk of the novel (from memory at around the filming arc). Got many ones in the queue to read still ...

[u/Slntreaper → u/ZapsZzz]

The online translation that I’m reading says:

“Yo. Happy new year!”

“Hey. Sappy new year.”

Obviously this being English, it’s not gonna have anywhere near the nuance. The original novel says the following, according to my brother:

あけましておめでとう (Akemashite omedetō)

あきましておめでとう (Akimashite omedetō)

So it's also present in the original Japanese version.

[u/bobbyjean_]

The contrast between Chitanda letting Hotaro have a nice long look at her kimono (he is still a guy after all) and Mayaka telling him to stop staring after like 5 seconds lol. Another Chitanda/Hotaro episode focused on subtly moving the relationship along, with Hotaro getting a glimpse of what it's like to be the daughter of a respected family. This episode centers on the classic shed scenario, but at least it feels somewhat plausible how they got locked inside. Hotaro wishes only for "moderate" energy consumption this year. Whatever happened to not doing anything you don't have to, and doing anything you must do quickly?

[u/Holofan4life → u/bobbyjean_]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/Eth_02]

First time watcher. 

Very cute art today! 

This episode was fun overall, if a little basic. The actual conflict feels a little contrived. Like we see dozens of people visiting this place, would all of them really recognize Eru? Every single one? Also with how fragile this shed is, I don't believe for a second that Oreki couldn't just reach out and pull the block of wood out from the door. He can fit his hand out to grab a string, but not the wood holding the door shut? The "mystery" here is unusually weak for this show. Luckily, this show isn't just about the mysteries, it's also about the character interactions, and this epsiode does still give us plenty of good moments in that regard. As always, watching the characters interact with each other is still fun and enjoyable. We get to see Eru and Ibara all dressed up too, which is nice! Fun episode overall, but definitely feels basic by the standards this show usually has. 

Question one. I can't really say I have. 

Question two. Not sure I quite agree with the premise of this question. I think this type of situation could still work if it's justified. It just depends heavily on context. Obviously a lot of modern stories are still set in the past even if made currently. But even putting that aside and just talking about stories that are set in current times, I still think it wouldn't be impossible to make work depending on the context of the scene.  

[u/Holofan4life → u/Eth_02]

I didn't mind the conflict itself because Chitanda it's been established comes from a well-to-do family. I just was waiting for the episode to get into that second gear and it never did. The tension it didn't feel like escalated.

To me, this episode felt like the people behind the show wanted to strip things down. Even the visuals weren't as imaginative as they had been.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Eth_02]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/ZapsZzz]

Sub Rewatcher & Host

Welcome everyone to the rewatch!

We are pretty much down to the end here, with more pronounced emotional and relationship progress no longer just subtly shown - although it is still Hyouka, still fairly restrained and understated, so people who are too used to "told not shown" shows may still struggle with not recognising the very clear but still indirectly shown.

With certain shows, like Hyouka, like Haruhi, like Violet Evergarden, like 86, what's left unsaid is equally important than what's directly said. Like the white space on a painting.

Key talking points of the episode

I'm running late today plus I believe we have people who indicated to have particular interest in more in-depth analysis of this episode, so I'll conserve my energy again ;) Suffice to say, more "here's Chitanda's world".

Production

See above. The atmosphere of the 2 locked inside the cold shed were directed very well so paint the closed in, cold but intimate feeling though.

Edit

Shouldn't be too lazy - Oreki's hermit crab experience and Chitanda's moment of "showing off" but while she didn't get a verbal recognition from Oreki, she knows him well enough to know his reaction being appreciative. Just those gestures speak so much already!

Oh and Juumonji's deadpan joke response to Oreki's out of place cliche response was also fun.

Plot

I'm not going to say much more, other than it's so obvious that Chitanda is bringing Oreki into her world and showing what her life is like with a tentative invitation for him to stay there.

Rewatchers Fun

Rest day today!

QoTD

1. In a way similar but in the swapped order, I went to my wife's home country and her family after we decided to get married :P I'll leave it at that.
2. Similar "locked in a confined space" plot lines - unless there are specific provisions (e.g. during/post gym class when they are supposed to not bring their phones) - these generally won't work. Most plot lines about first date nervously waiting at the planned spot but got the name mixed up won't work when there is GPS and instant messaging nowadays. I miss the days when we don't have pervasive instant communications (which certain people may treat it fairly one-sidedly and not always read messages or pick up), peole tend to have a little more care about making arrangements of where and when to meet instead of practically leaving it vague, relying on "we'll figure out during the time". I still try to tell my daughter in advance what time meet where or where to wait if she can't get hold of me.

No new additions again for something I hope I can get to next episode as it's timely: 

• the word and meaning of "Kininarimasu" in Japanese (I really need to get on with this one  DONE!!!)
• Oreki's protagonist comparison with a few others of "his type" mark up I really thought today I'd talk a bit on this, but - other than as usual running out of time to write, the next episode I think it's actually a better point to talk about this Done!
• the ED visuals
• where would you place Hyouka's dialogue on the scale between "natural conversational" and "told, not shown expositions"
• completed the use of "puns", or similar sounding words,, in Hyouka. Likely will cover it tomorrow
• added the chapter titles - also today This is still part of "Little Birds can Remember" 

[u/Holofan4life → u/ZapsZzz]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/Fools_Requiem]

Rewatcher

E19:

First time I noticed that they teased the counterfeit money angle in the cold open. If “X” was being called to the office because they were in trouble, they wouldn’t announce it over the PA as “if you were here on this date, please come to the office.” It would guarantee no one shows up. You’d try to find out out who it is and make an announcement never mentioning a date/location. It’s more likely that they wanted to find out where the money came from and they believe the kids were not involved in the counterfeiting. Though, “at once” is a bit too aggressive. I also don’t know if “X” writing an apology note is realistic.

Also, the newspaper article stating “MAN” not “teen” suggests that “X” told them who they got the money from.

E20:

I’ve said this once, I’ll say it a million times. I hate the “locked in a storage locker/shed” trope. Even for anime, it’s stupid unrealistic. If you find something that is SUPPOSED to be locked, you don’t just lock it, you check inside because finding a space that is supposed to be secured it’s locked is typically pretty sus.

The attraction to a girl’s nape is more than enough proof that schools having rules against shoulders showing is fucking stupid.

Speaking of stupid, whoever made Chitanda believe that being locked in with a boy is “bad for the image” is fucking stupid, too. You’re going to tell me people aren’t going to listen to the explanation? Especially in this weather. Yeah, sure, a boy and a girl are going to fool around with each other in a non-insulated shed in what is obviously freezing temps.

---

Episode	Chimes	"Watashi Kininarimasu"	"Chi-chans"	Goofy Satoshi Outfits	Bonus	---	Episode	Chimes	"Watashi Kininarimasu"	"Chi-chans"	Goofy Satoshi Outfits	Bonus
1	4	3	0	N/A	Flower animation	---	12	0	0	1	GALAXY!!!!	Chitanda Costumes
2	4	1	0	N/A	Ibara Chimes - 1	---	13	0	0	0	Galaxy+Hat	Crystal Ball effect
3	0	0	2	Sunflower	Gameshow Nerds	---	14	0	1	0	N/A	FIRE!
4	0	1	5	N/A	N/A	---	15	3	0.5	0	N/A	Streeeeeetch
5	0	0	2	N/A	Yoko dropping books	---	16	2	2	3	N/A	Just two future sister-in-laws walking past each other.
6	4	∞	8	N/A	One of my people!	---	17	1	0	0	N/A	The End of the Festival
7	2	1	2	N/A	“I want to go”	---	18	1	2	0	N/A	Chitanda checking to see what her future husband is interested in.
8	2	1	1	N/A	X ;o	---	19	0	0	0	N/A	Chitanda is unconvinced
9	0	1	1	N/A	Chi-chan has a concussion now.	---	20	0	0	1	N/A	Hermit Crab
10	0	0	1	N/A	N/A	---	21	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
11	0	0	0	N/A	Short	---	22	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
OVA	2	1	2	N/A	Watermelon or beach ball?	---	Total	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

[u/Holofan4life → u/Fools_Requiem]

Episode 19 Questions

Thoughts on Hotaro saying parties have a 50 50 shot of being right?

Thoughts on Chitanda saying her uncle's funeral went well?

Thoughts on Chitanda wanting Oreki to go with her to visit Jun's gravesite?

What are your thoughts on Oreki challenging Chitanda to try and come up with a situation to try and prove he isn't as reliable as Chitanda feels he is?

What are your thoughts on the challenge being what was that intercom announcement about?

Thoughts on us finding out that today is November 1st?

Thoughts on the wack a mole visuals with the moles wearing glasses?

Thoughts on the imagination spot with Hotaro as a criminal mastermind?

What are your thoughts on Hotaro hypothesizing that X tried to pay with a counterfeit 10,000 yen bill?

What are your thoughts on Chitanda being amazed you can conjure up a whole story just from one brief announcement?

What are your thoughts on the punchline to the episode which is that Oreki's deduction of what happened were completely 100% accurate?

What are your thoughts on there being no Satoshi or Mayaka in this episode?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Fools_Requiem]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/Holofan4life]

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 14th(?) anniversary rewatch of Hyouka.

Insert witty motto here.

So, this is rather sudden.

I was originally after prewatching Kanon going to check out Death Note. But between a friend of mine highly recommending this series, multiple people I know participating, and also this getting finished before the Death Note rewatch starts, I figured “Why not give this a go?”

The suddenness of it all kinda reminds me of when I planned the Uma Musume rewatch last year. That was a bit more daunting what with it being over 30 episodes and a whole ass movie. I’m totally doing this purely because people I trust want me to and because I think it would make for a fun discussion.

I guess I’m just a rewatch junkie looking for a fix.

I don’t really have any expectations going in. I know it’s a mystery, and that’s about it. One of the girls I’ve seen time and time again and the show is animated by KyoAni, which coincidentally enough also did 2006 Kanon that I just finished watching. I expect this show to be an 8.5 to 9 out of 10, so perhaps I do have some expectations lol

This is I believe the first rewatch I’ve participated in that I didn’t plan for in real time since I want to say the 2022 Toradora Christmas club rewatch. My life is always in flux so I like to just get ahead. Hopefully this means that my reactions come across as more genuine seeing as how I’ll have no idea what is going.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the dub, by the way.

So, the Wi-Fi in my house is not working and I'm writing this before the thread goes up. So, why not wait a day to see if the Wi-Fi comes back on? Well, tomorrow I am working both my morning job and evening job and in-between my mother maybe wants to go to the movies with me. So, I don't know when I'll be able to watch the next episode if I don't do it now. I already have to work to close today so I'm really cutting it close as is.

So, for the first time since I want to say the Fruits Basket rewatch when I watched an episode om the highway-- which as this goes up the thread for that is in the next couple days-- I will be taking notes on one phone and watch the episode on another. Apologies if my notes are more scatterbrain than normal.

What is this, a hay barn?

Hotaro in a shed with Eru

Kinky

Apparently it is New Year's

Chitanda talking about Oreki picking an unlucky fortune.

Morning

I guess the opening was a In Medias Res

Oreki talking to Chitanda over the phone.

She asks if he wants to visit the Arekusu Shrine.

Oreki feet

Chitanda is gonna wear her kimono

That seems to do the trick

Eru with Oreki

She's all dressed up

Show off the outfit tonight

Yeah, for him :P

Ooh, a bottle of saké

Oreki spent all day visiting relatives and paying respects.

Oreki did a hermit crab impression

Who knew hermit crabs watch samurai movies?

They're in a room now to pay respects.

A shrine priestess

This is who the saké is for

Oreki being messed with which is fun to see.

Kaho Jumonji? Nani?

No relation to the phantom thief I take it.

Ibara is apparently here as well

She looks cute in a ponytail

I really like Ibara

I guess she works here

Satoshi is watching TV

So, Mayaka is in charge of fortunes and lost and found.

Eru getting a fortune

So does Oreki

Eru gets great luck

Oreki gets... well...

Chitanda amazed he got a bad luck fortune.

That does seem pretty unusual

One of the cooks is apparently down bad.

Eru will help with the store house, as will Oreki.

And this is how they got locked inside.

Oh, this is a shed, not a storehouse.

Oreki didn't know the difference

Damn, someone put the lock on the door.

What's the opposite of Sugoi?

Oreki beating himself up

Chitanda says he shouldn't yell for help.

What if they open the door and find them together?

I think Chitanda is overthinking things.

Kaho and Mayaka are the only people who won't jump to conclusions.

Damn, they didn't bring their phones.

Also, Oreki doesn't have one? That's surprising.

Chitanda now wants to yell for help.

Oreki talking about thinking for alternatives to prevent risking her reputation.

Someone's coming :O

A parishioner volunteer

Chitanda reveals she has great night vision.

That makes one of us :P

Oreki coming up with an idea.

Opening up a hole

Dropping a handkerchief

I guess they're hoping it gets to lost and found.

Hey, it's Satoshi

We haven't seen him in like over 40 minutes.

Visiting Mayaka now

Hey, it got back to her

She wonders if it's Chi

She'll visit her after her shift is over.

You see to hate it

Now Hotaro is dropping his wallet

It is empty except for the fortune

Still, no help coming

Chitanda and Oreki now apologizing to each other.

Hotaro looking for string knowing that Satoshi is around.

What is Oreki doing?

Chi's purse now ending in lost and found.

Found by the shed

This gets Satoshi to start moving.

A rat trapped in a bag?

Oreki seems to know it from thr movies he was watching.

Hermit crab lifestyle paying off

Oh, it's from a TV show. Still.

And so Satoshi saves the two

Time to warm up by soup

Overall, I can't say I was super enthused with this episode. It just felt like it happened. This episode focused on Oreki and Chitanda just like the last two, but I also feel that not much in their relationship advanced. This feels like it exists just to kill some time. I do like the mystery is practical in nature and it's about escaping without making much noise. But other than that, there really was not much to it.

I question having this episode with us so close to the end when we really should go out with a bang. Instead, it feels like we're petering out with not much excitement to be had. I don’t mind inconsequential episodes, but it's tough to do that after a series of episodes that showcased everyone's characters while also being thought provoking. I know I've compared this show in the past to Haruhi and before a couple episodes ago if you had asked me which show was better, I'd have said Hyouka. It definitely has less flaws than Haruhi. But now, if you ask me which show is better, I'd still say Hyouka but I'd say I'd be more willing to watch Haruhi.

At least with Suzumiya the characters start acting differently from when the series began. And I'd say the movie is better than anything Hyouka has to offer.

I think this is the weakest episode of the series. It's the first one where I feel like it was kinda a waste of time. Hyouka is normally good at having poignant moments that punctuate episodes that give you some food for thought. The hot springs episode is a good example as the episode itself was whatever but I thought the ending was quite good where you think of the pros and cons of having a sibling. I can't really say this episode did really anything for me, which is a bummer because the last episode was one of my favorites.

It does amuse me that the worst episode of Hyouka and the worst episode of Toradora both feature sheds. That is a strange coincidence.

If this wasn't so close to the end, I might be less harsh on it. But we literally only have two episodes left. I was hoping we'd end with something more impactful. I have to see how the rest of the series plays out before I give my thoughts. It's still one of the best animes I've ever seen but if this episode is an indicator of what the rest of the show will be like, I almost wish we ended things with episode 19.

[u/dontoff]

First Timer (Dub)

Yeah, Oreki, you scored with Chitanda. That’s for sure. Totally not punching above your weight or anything.

Checking her out from top to bottom right in front of her is crazy, though. She’s loving it too, haha. She wanted to show him her kimono, and I think she got the reaction she was hoping for.

Also interesting that he asks for a moderate expenditure of energy instead of a minimal one. We’re adjusting expectations now.

“It’s not your place to say that.”

My heart felt attacked on Oreki’s behalf. That was brutal.

Stuck in the shed

Getting locked in a small, dark space with your love interest. A classic indeed.

Oreki’s four other ways of escaping had me laughing my ass off. Chitanda’s expressions in those imagined scenarios were hilarious. Every option just gives her another reason to look horrified.

I’m glad the handkerchief and wallet plans both failed, because honestly, they sucked.

What I did find very sweet was Oreki going through all this for Chitanda’s sake. He doesn’t really understand the expectations surrounding her family, but once he knows why being found there together would worry her, he tries to find a way out that takes that into account.

Chitanda is willing to let him call for help once she’s concerned about his health, while he still wants to save that as a last resort.

Her family’s position is also having a much more direct effect on what they can do together here. At school, they can sit around teasing each other and getting caught up in their own little conversations. At the shrine, she’s representing her father, and Oreki has to deal with expectations he isn’t used to.

Animator Nami Iwasaki mentions this in the staff comments too, describing how Chitanda has to behave differently when she’s there on behalf of her family.

Oreki has to leave a message for someone else to figure out, and he trusts Satoshi to recognise the reference to the drama they both watched. After the festival arc and all of Satoshi’s frustration about his own ability, that’s a nice detail. Oreki knows his friend well enough to build a plan around what will make sense to him.

Two episodes left

Overall, solid episode. I honestly don’t have a huge amount to say about it. There were funny moments, and I liked what Oreki was willing to do for Chitanda, but it still felt like a fairly run-of-the-mill episode to me.

I hope the last two episodes give us something heavier emotionally. We still haven’t gotten closure on Mayaka and Satoshi’s relationship, and that’s been teased throughout the show.

I’m expecting more from them by the end of this season than I am from Oreki and Chitanda. Their personalities and backgrounds are different, and so is how long they’ve known each other. They’re coming into this with much more history between them, so I’m not approaching the two relationships with exactly the same expectations.

I’ll probably get into Oreki and Chitanda properly in my overall season writeup, once I’ve seen how their relationship pans out.

[u/Second_Cour → u/dontoff]

I think you should read mine and dontoff's writeup. I think these past two or three eps had the biggest advancement in their relationship. And what happened in this episode means a lot more than their flirty glances at each other last ep

• She invited him for a very coupley activity
  
• She wore a kimono on the occasion and wanted him to see it (that actually is a big deal)
  
• He got to see her world
  
• He was very mindful of her, and instead of solving something in the simplest and most energy efficient way possible, put himself on the line, all for her sake, never giving up even when she said it's OK to
  
• It also showed at how well the 4 know each other

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

I think this is an episode that probably would've benefited from being around episode 6 or episode 7. This feels like a waste to me.

[u/Second_Cour]

Chitanda trying to use reason to dispel a common belief is a great twist to the show’s convention. Houtarou has lost his ability to think clearly, while Chitanda is keeping them on track. Classic storytelling convention to kick things off: something bad has happened: “how did we get there?”

Chitanda keeps making moves - two episodes in a row she’s asked Houtarou out. You go, girl. I’m assuming she’s dropping the hint that it could be a kimono date, but Houtarou is too thick to see through it. Typically a couple will both dress up in kimonos to welcome the new year, for various reasons one of which includes the initial belief - you’ll spend the year together. I’m not super familiar with that custom, as it’s a bit old school, but that’s my understanding. Even if she doesn’t expect him to wear one (though she secretly hopes for it), stepping into the mind of Houtarou: seeing your girl in a kimono is obviously very special as it shows the height of femininity, elegance, beauty, refinement. A lot of Japanese guys also find the nape of the neck (unaji) to be very sexy.

We also know that Houtarou is quite interested in some classic traditions, even if he doesn’t practice them himself (well, I’m assuming given he’s really into castles, and also we see him watching a samurai film). Think he likes the aesthetic, but not the practice.

NY is celebrated pretty differently in Japan, and it’s typically family time (Chitanda talks about visiting family, that’s common). Interestingly, bfs and gfs usually spend Xmas together. Eating KFC. I’m not kidding.

He struggles to remember the steps for the prayer (I’ve screwed them up before too haha), so yeah he’s definitely not ‘traditional’. We don’t see if he got the order right in the scene.

Haha the scene with the shrine maiden is hilarious. I talked about being humble in Japanese society before, and you can see Houtarou really trying his best…even if it isn’t his place to add anything. “How does she know that, divine psychic powers?”. Great comedy.

I agree - Mayaka in this role seems super off-brand for her haha. Her look changed, but her snarky personality hasn’t.

Houtarou and Satoshi watch the same drama.

Long close up of the lost and found: clearly something important to this episode’s solution.

Seems like the number ten features a lot in this show, Juumonji, the stolen tarot card (Wheel of Fortune) though that’s linked to Jummonji, and now Great fortune. “The rain makes way for clearer days” - I could use that fortune as I’ve been stuck in a flooded area today. Wonder what his fortune is (though I doubt he believes in them, like me). It’s great how the show makes us actually care about playing fortunes. Oh it’s a bad fortune; didn’t know these exist haha. 

The sign next to the ‘storehouse’/shed just says Arakusu Shrine btw. Kind of annoying that Houtarou didn’t shout for attention when the door was locked to plug in the ‘reality gap’, but no choice but to go with it. Though, if I had to step into his mind: it would be pretty weird for him to suddenly shout, even if the door was being locked. Tbh I’d have done something similar, first wanting to figure out how to escape, thinking there’ll always be a chance down the line - irrational, but I hate shouting…especially in front of a girl I like. I’d also imagine Chitanda wouldn’t want someone to see them in a shed together, in case rumours will spread given her family is a big deal in this circuit.

Sure enough…Chitanda says the same thing. I’ve been in Asia too long. Even when your life is on the line, social embarrassment is worse than death :P Anyway good coverup for the error. Though, I don’t know how Chitanda wouldn’t know that Houtarou doesn’t have a cell phone.

Great variety in mysteries: this time it’s an escape room mystery. 

The humour in this show is so unexpected and delivered relatively dry, that’s why I like it so much. The prison-break style escape options had me giggling. 

The shrine maiden’s name is Juumonji? 

This is a relationship and character growth episode: we see that Houtarou is willing to put his comfort on the line for Chitanda’s help. 

Great episode which didn’t require our own brain power to solve the mystery again. The variety in mystery approaches/types astounds me. I liked that we got to see what is basically a Houtarou and Chitanda date night - at this stage I don’t need to see any more confirmation, I can just assume they’ll end up together. Satoshi and Mayaka are equally clear. Unspoken bro communication was also a nice way to resolve Houtarou’s challenge, as was his desire to protect respect for Chitanda’s name. Overall, a nice little episode: not top tier, but highly enjoyable.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

I did like that there wasn't your traditional mystery. It was more something out of a slice of life. From that aspect, this is probably the most normal episode of the show.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

It's amazing how quickly time has flown in this show. Between the last episode and this one, two months have elapsed. It's kinda crazy we bypassed Christmas and the holidays like we did.

[u/Malipit]

Rewatcher, french fansubs

Second time vandalizing a shrine property

Oreki when Chitanda talk about the new years celebrations at the local shrine : I sleep

Oreki when Chitanda told him she will be there dressed in a yukata : Real shit

I mean, how could I forget the glory of Chitanda in her kimono form.

Anyway, nice closup shots during the cold open to convey the narrow space our protagonists are trapped into.

Up until now, the dynamic of Chitanda and Oreki relationship revolved around the former discovering how is the later and what his life can be. So, as we're nearing the end of the anime adapation, it was time to do the opposite.

Sure, there was hints here and there about Eru's responsabilities as a Chitanda daughter. But this is the first episode where Oreki is directly confronted to the protocol Chitanda have to follow on a daily basis. And how he feel out of place.

But instead of mocking him or using it as a mean to put a social gap between them, Chitanda instead take advantage of the occasion to invite him to a practical date so he can be introduced into her world. She may not be direct about it, but Chitanda may consider Oreki as a potential partner for her life.

And I'm wishing Oreki all the luck he can get if he is to marry a woman that rather die from the cold than tarnish her family reputation by getting caught in the shed with a boy. At least he proven resourceful enough to get Fukube on the right tracks.

Speaking of him, it's nice to see him as a reliable friend who find out the solution to the mystery of Oreki and Chitanda disappearance (with the resolution music played for him). Still, it would have been nice to have a bit more interaction with him and Ibara, given how elated she was to have his visit.

Questions of the day

Have you had any occassions when you "stepped into another world" like Oreki today having seen at least a part of the world for rich influential families? How did you like that, relative to how did you like today's episode portrayal today of "the Chitanda clan"?

The closest I have for that experience was when visiting friends at their house when I was a kid. And discover that their parents didn't have the same educational values than mine. With them allowed to play T rated games while my mother would only let me play E rated game until I was 12. Not gonna lie, I was so jealous of their GTA 3 copies.

This is an episode that could be called "will not work now" with everyone glued to their phones; what's another anime episode/trope you think doesn't work now mostly because of technological/societal changes that you rather miss?

Honestly, that episode could still work in 2026. Since Chitanda and Oreki are people who would forgot their phones at home. Anyway, any mystery or thriller story that are solved by presenting a proof on a video tape. Today everyone would say ''it's photoshop/AI''.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Malipit]

I go back and forth on if the show came out nowadays whether or not Oreki would have a phone. I feel like even lazy people have one of those.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Malipit]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/Malipit → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Times fly

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

As usual in animes with a New Year episode

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Poor Hotaro is taking all the occasions he can get to save his energy

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

She looks like a different person than she was during the Kanya Festival

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

Did she grew her hair or is it a false ponytail ?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Classic trope in a rom/com anime

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Did that happen to one of her family members in the past ?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

So he won't be bothered by people calling him

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

It's like a fishing game

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

Sasuga Satoshi

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

Maybe it's how someone came up with the escape room concept ? By watching this episode ?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Malipit]

Maybe it's how someone came up with the escape room concept ? By watching this episode ?

Well, now that's my headcanon lol

[u/Slntreaper]

Rewatcher, EN TL

Sappy New Year by the legendary Mery (source is dead unfortunately)

Today's episode is my favorite of the adapted "short" episodes and comes from Volume 4, story 5, "Sappy New Year". In the opening section of the story, we learn that Oreki was so afraid last year of the myth "What you do over the new year, you repeat all year" that he took a break from studying on New Year's Day. The rest of the scene until the OP plays out as it does in the novel.

During Oreki's phone call with Chitanda, we learn that Oreki used to visit shrines every New Year thanks to his sister, who would drag him along. When he was younger, he visited a nearby Hachiman Shrine, but when she was taking her university entrance exams, he was ordered to pray for her exams and brought along to a further away Tenmangu Shrine that took a few hours. At that shrine, Oreki Tomoe didn't buy a single amulet (for good luck) and instead continuously drew fortunes until she obtained "Great Blessing".

After Chitanda asks him if he wants to visit a shrine for Hatsumode, Oreki asks if he has to go to Tenmangu Shrine, which she observes is quite far away. He worries that he was mistaken for a fan of Sugawara no Michizane, who is the god of learning and I guess dwells in the Tenmangu Shrine, before she asks him to visit Arekusu Shrine (which you can actually sort-of visit in real life). Initially, he wonders why she wants to go there--it's close but also the largest shrine in Kamiyama City and therefore guaranteed to be busy--and as he switches which hand is holding the telephone, he asks why. Additionally, after Chitanda explains the rationale behind visiting (to see Ibara), Oreki jokes that she looks bad because of how underaged she would look.

In the next scene in the novel, Oreki thinks that he could reject Chitanda's request based on the weather before musing that he should change his heart on the new year. There is also a brief mention of the laceless boots that would later lead to near-disaster as well as a heater pack, and Oreki sees on the television that it is the coldest recorded in this winter. The shrine is also much more crowded in the novel. Chitanda's first words to Oreki in the novel is a question on whether he has been waiting, to which he answers in the negative. As they walk over to the shrine, he thinks to himself that he should have complimented her look. In the novel as they approach the shrine, Chitanda warns Oreki that the ground is slippery, while he asks where he should put the bottle, before Chitanda suggests to say their prayers. Finally, we learn that Oreki threw five yen into the offering box.

After they pray, Chitanda explains that they are visiting the shrine office to greet the priest and visit Ibara. Their choice of seating in the corner is also a conscious choice by Chitanda (though why is never explained). As she takes her coat off, Oreki comments that it has a unique texture, which is made of crêpe (as opposed to Oreki's, which is a cheap trench coat). I'll also note again that Juumonji Kaho is voiced by the heavenly Hayami Saori, which readers of this blog will remember from the Kanya Fest arc (as well as my worship of her).

The pair's initial greeting to Ibara is a bit different as well. Oreki thinks to himself that Ibara must be wearing a wig (as her hair is too short), as opposed to in the anime where she explains her hair. I'll also note that Chitanda uses the English word "common" when describing her kimono, which gives Oreki pause for the use of English when describing kimonos. Chitanda also initially tries to go around to the front to draw her fortune before Ibara tells her that it's fine to stay where she is (reinforcing how proper of a lady Chitanda is). Ibara also mutters to herself that purses would normally be like Chitanda's (which Oreki mentally compares to Fukube's drawstring bag). Oreki also thinks that Ibara's blessing of "May the gods' divine protection be with you" seems a bit wrong. They also open their blessings at the same time. Finally, the text of Oreki's "Misfortune" in the novel is as follows:

The ear of grain that reaches the heavens

Is pecked at by the birds

And shows signs of being bent by the wind.

Good fortune does not reach the body.

And in large text,

MISFORTUNE

In the next scene, Oreki thinks to himself that because it is rare to draw "Misfortune" and rare things are auspicious, it must be a sign of good luck. Chitanda is also very interested in the novel about what "Misfortune" looks like and grabs it, leading Oreki to think that her first subject of curiosity is about the bad fortune he drew. They also have a short exchange in which Chitanda first asks him on whether he believes in this kind of stuff before apologising and realising he is actually quite worried about it.

As they approach the fated storage shed, Oreki observes that the door is brand new and made of aluminium. Otherwise, the locking-in scene is pretty close between the anime and the novel.

After the ad break, the novel replays the opening scene of the short story/anime. Chitanda's forceful plugging of his mouth is present in the novel as well. While Chitanda explains her situation to Oreki, he also remembers her family's relationships with the Tougaito, Irisu, and Juumonji clans. The novel and anime continue pretty closely together until they think of people who would understand their situation; it is actually Oreki who thinks of Ibara. Jumping forward a bit, when Chitanda first suggests to call Ibara, Oreki mistakens her for thinking that they should use a public phone. I'll note to the readers that the novel is set in 2001, when cell phones were cost-prohibitive and far less common amongst high schoolers. Oreki also considers removing the hinges, although he lacks a screwdriver, before he considers the four options. While reciting them, he thinks of a Sherlock Holmes quote that Fukube likes to say: "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however unreasonable, must be the correct way"; the actual phrase is "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." After he lays out his suggestions, he does think about digging their way out, which he estimates could be done by morning if he doesn't collapse first. Finally, the viewpoint shifts in the novel after he asks if he can break the wall just a bit.

At this point, the novel swaps over to "Side B" (so a bit earlier than the anime). Upon remembering the New Year Drama, Fukube laughs a bit to himself over the historical inaccuracy before returning to Arekusu Shrine and reading Ibara's message to him that Oreki and Chitanda are there. As he reads the message, he thinks to himself that she shouldn't be texting him while at work (definitely not how people feel 25 years later, interestingly). When Fukube visits Ibara, she doesn't ask about the TV special, instead jumping to the handkerchief after greeting Fukube. The novel (and anime) then swap back to "Side A". The novel expands a bit more on what happened after Oreki thinks about breaking the wall, and it skips him taking his wallet out. Back on "Side B", we learn that Ibara has told the other two shrine maidens working the shop that she is trying to go out with Fukube, and as he returns to the shop after a quick visit to the hall, Ibara turns around and shows him the wallet. The novel also has Ibara show Fukube the empty wallet before, rather than after, he sees Oreki's "Misfortune", and Fukube remembers Oreki's fainting during "The Ghost, When Examined" (which was the prior short story in Volume 4). At the end of this "Side B", we learn that Fukube decided to draw a fortune after seeing how incredibly powerful Arekusu Shrine's "Misfortune" is.

Meanwhile, in "Side A", things are playing out pretty similarly betwen the novel and anime, although in the novel she wore a michiyuki instead of a haori. In the novel, Oreki's hands remain warm because of the heater pack he brought with him (side note: I would've definitely given it to Chitanda at this point), and he describes the train of thought behind leaving his wallet (instead of Chitanda's). The scene in the novel plays out more or less the same, except we don't know where the string comes from after Chitanda explains why they can't use her obi string. In "Side B", meanwhile, Fukube observes Ibara trying to figure out the meaning of the random things delivered to her while thinking about his "Middle Blessing" fortune. He also briefly thinks about comparing Chitanda's purse against his drawstring bag before deciding that because it's not something a guy would carry, he shouldn't compare it with his own.

In the final "Side A", we also learn that Oreki learned about the Siege of Kanegazaki from a manga he borrwed from Fukube that he read in the previous short story (at the hot springs in "The Ghost, When Examined". Otherwise, it more or less plays out the same between the novel and the anime.

Con't in reply below

[u/Slntreaper → u/Slntreaper]

1. Have you had any occassions when you "stepped into another world" like Oreki today having seen at least a part of the world for rich influential families? How did you like that, relative to how did you like today's episode portrayal today of "the Chitanda clan"? Yes, absolutely. In my (short thus far) career, I've had some opportunities to meet with national politicians and flag officers (usually over some kind of dinner). Every time, I feel really out of place, being neither a scion of a political family nor a military officer, so I usually just try to be as inconspicuous as possible. One time, though, at a smaller Christmas event, the admiral at the head of the event told us that we had to shift tables after each course, so I ended up having small talk with him. He was friendly enough, and I appreciated his desire to get to know us (even though he was soon retiring). Unfortunately, throughout all of these times, I've never had a Yamato Nadeshiko beside me to guide me through the social etiquette of the event.

2. This is an episode that could be called "will not work now" with everyone glued to their phones; what's another anime episode/trope you think doesn't work now mostly because of technological/societal changes that you rather miss? Honestly, I don't think it would've worked in 2012 either (though I wasn't in high school yet at that time, so maybe it could've). The obvious answer for this (though I very much was not alive for this) is Violet Evergarden's premise of writing letters as a way to connect people far away. These days, you can just pick up the phone and FaceTime them. (I also can't say I miss this time, since again, by the time I was in high school, everyone--myself included--had a smartphone.)

[u/Holofan4life → u/Slntreaper]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

[u/Slntreaper → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on it being New Year's?

I personally enjoy New Year's myself, coming in just behind Christmas in terms of holidays I like. Always fun to visit your grandparents and get your stack of money for the year.

Thoughts on Hotaro and Eru visiting a shrine?

I think they look cute together <3.

Thoughts on Oreki's impersonation of a hermit crab?

It's funny.

Thoughts on Kaho Jumonji?

As I said in my OP, I really, really like Hayamin, and it's always a pleasure to listen to her voice.

Thoughts on Mayaka selling fortunes?

I feel like in the novel her reaction was a little more aggressive towards Oreki.

What are your thoughts on Oreki and Chitanda getting locked in a shed?

It feels kind of cliche, but I like the low-stakes drama.

Thoughts on Chitanda not wanting to scream because being caught in a shed with someone might sully her reputation?

She really does live in a different world.

Thoughts on Oreki not owning a cell phone?

In the novel, we learn that he's been thinking of getting one but lacks the money. This is very much a different time though, I struggle to think of how you'd set this up today.

Thoughts on Chitanda and Oreki tossing various belongings to try and let Satoshi and Ibara know they're trapped?

It's a pretty smart move. I would have given up to be honest.

What are your thoughts on Satoshi able to deduce they're locked because he watched the same program that Oreki watched?

It's more because Fukube has a surprisingly good memory for random historical facts.

What are your thoughts on the mystery here being more like an escape room/puzzle?

I like how different the mystery is in this episode, and I like how it's just the two of them.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Slntreaper]

I think arguably the biggest thing this episode proves is energy efficiency can be beneficial. If Oreki didn't spend New Year's watching TV, chances are he'd still be locked up in there.

[u/MishouMai]

I don't usually simp for Chitanda (Irisu is right there.) but she looked so cute. I think this is our first episode without a mystery or that wasn't a part of one? Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Jumongi and Mayaka were very cute as well. But the real hero was our boy Satoshi. He may have needed a couple hints but he really came through in the end. Would've been nice for Mayaka to have a little more involvement in the rescue but I guess this was Satoshi's time to shine afterall.

Questions of the Day

1. Man I would love to get isekaied so long as I didn't have to die and there were modern conveniences. Being serious, going away for a few days always feels like stepping into another world. Convention food hits different and live in general just feels different. Last year (Well technically this year since it was in May 2026.) was my first time staying at one of the host hotels (I did stay at a hotel in 2025 but it was a bit further out.) and staying alone and being able to roam the convention at night for the first time was exciting. I'd always left relatively early and never did any of the late night panels or events. Last month I went on vacation to another country and flew for the first time that I could remember (I've flown as a baby but not since then. For reference I'm in my early 30s now.) and even just staying in my room on the resort and just exploring the resort without exploring the country proper hit different. It definitely felt like another world to an extent, even if not too far off from ours.

2. Well any anime or other piece of media that involves magic, supernatural elements, etc. and is set in the modern world wouldn't really work nowadays. You gotta suspend your disbelief heavily to watch them. Otherwise, I have a hard time thinking of anything that wouldn't work now. Hell even some stuff with supernatural elements like Haruhi would still work in the world we live in today.

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

You'd be simping for Irisu while I be simping for Mayaka :]

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

Yeah, Satoshi definitely came in clutch today. I feel Ibara probably would've found them if she weren't so attentive to her responsibilities. And rightfully so, I should add.

[u/Malipit → u/MishouMai]

I think this is our first episode without a mystery or that wasn't a part of one?

That's because Oreki and Chitanda disappearance was the mystery that Satoshi had to solve.