Here comes the drama.
What They Say:
It’s the third year of middle school. Kotaro, a bookish boy aspiring to become a novelist, and Akane, a track girl who loves to run, meet in the same class together for the first time. They’re put in charge of the equipment for the sports festival, and slowly grow closer via LINE. How does Kotaro deal with his growing feelings for her? Meanwhile, Takumi has been in love with Akane since first year, and Akane’s friend, Chinatsu, becomes interested in Kotaro. A refreshing story of young love set in Kawagoe.
The Review:
Content: (Please note that the content portion of the review may contain spoilers)
The end of the school year is approaching faster than ever before, and with it comes the weight of responsibility. Akane and Kotarou, now more than ever, must set their sights on the future and figure out a way to sideline their affection for the time being. Suffice it to say, that doesn't really work out all that well and the two begin to use each other as crutches to make it through each passing day. Unfortunately, we find out early on in this episode that those days may be numbered. As it turns out, Akane's father is on the brink of a promotion that would force the family to move to Ishikawa. If that happens, the idea of Kotarou and Akane getting into the same school seems like nothing short of a pipe dream.
Akane, having trouble coming to terms with this, pushes it away into the background and focuses more on matters the at hand -- like the looming presence of her final track meet. What makes things even harder for her is that Kotarou wants to come to this one! In all fairness, though, he should totally be allowed to go considering he let Akane watch him do that Taiko dance thing where looks sort of like a dignified gorilla trying to impress a potential mate. Needless to say, he winds up going -- he just does it in secret. Well, at least until Chinatsu sees him and, in an unprecedented turn of events, actually keeps her mouth shut. This track meet isn't just filled with playful deception, however. Akane manages, for the first time in the series, to beat her personal best in terms of time. Of course, Kotarou now thinks she's the coolest thing ever (As if he didn't hold her in high enough regards already) and informs her that he was there the whole time later on in the day. Unfortunately, this gives her a window to open up to him and let him know the sad truth about her potential future alongside him.
While this episode may appear to be lacking in content compared to some of the others, it is just as (If not more) important than all of them. In fact, this episode didn't even have time for the opening (Which is upsetting considering it's the best opening of the season). The point is, this is sort of the 'calm before the storm.' The floodgate has opened and the drama is about to come pouring in. For the first time in my life, however, I'm hoping it doesn't. The relationship between Akane and Kotarou is so innocent and adorable that the idea of anything even potentially coming between them shatters my heart. And so, I am forced to say this -- I hope Akane's dad gets fired.
In Summary:
Despite being the slowest-moving episode thus far, Tsukigakirei remains as endearing and precious as ever. The potential for drama has shown its face yet again and all we can do is join hands and wait for it to subside. We are rapidly hurdling toward the last episode at this point and I don't know if I'm going to be able to stand it when it comes. Kotarou and Akane have easily become one of the most believable anime couples out there and have quickly grown this tiny show into some sort of colossus. I can't recommend it enough.
Grade: B+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
