lol @ SS-Eclipse’s subs
The continuation (and conclusion?) of Shiori’s arc, which has been the most entertaining thus far. Not that Shiori is my favourite character (close race between Makoto and Ayu), but the down to earth, “slice of life”-ish feel that her arc gives off is a welcome change from the otherwise supernatural occurrences of the other Kanon girls. Being the most moé of the bunch doesn’t hurt either (Opinionated! Please don’t hurt me T_T).
Episode Rating: 9.5/10
Continuing where we left off last week, Kyon’ichi is doing his best to keep his composure around Shiori and make sure her last days are memorable and fun filled. While this may seem easy, it’s apparent that deep down he’s anxiously dreading the day they are ripped apart.
Nevertheless, Kyon’ichi tries his best to keep his promise to treat Shiori like a normal girl. The two eat lunch, (if you can call Shiori’s personal bentou “eating”) and walk home from school together, much like a couple.
Quoted for truth *nods*
At lunch Kyon’ichi tells Shiori that he’s planning to throw a small party for her, just him and a few of his friends. She’s a little disappointed when he doesn’t explicitly mention Kaori’s name on the guest list, but other than that seems excited. But of course Kyon’ichi knows better than that, and tracks down Kaori to invite her. In typical tsundere fashion, she coldly declines.
Flash forward to the party, the invite list turns out to be Ayu, Nayuki, girl with the crappy hairstyle, and Kitagawa. After the cake cutting and kampai session, the tsunderekko Kaori herself shows up fashionably late. Awkwardness ensues as she’s introduced to the group, and her own sister. Kyon’ichi and Kitagawa liven up the mood via impromptu, which despite their best efforts, everyone ends up laughing uncontrollably at.
After the party, Kaori FINALLY acknowledges Shiori as her sister, promises to have a catch up chat with her later and escorts the rest of the group off, leaving Shiori in Kyon’ichi’s care. With some time to kill (well…relatively) the two go on another date, complete with obligatory ice cream parlor visit and a new Whack-a-Mole high score ^^.
Amazing concentration o.o
Later that night, they return to the fountain to run down the clock to midnight. Shiori tells Kyon’ichi more about her past, most notably how she used to cut herself until she met him (and Hinano breathes a sigh of relief). However, after meeting him and making some happy memories, she could no longer bring herself to end her own life. Despite having no will to live before, she now realizes that there are still many things that she wants to do. And whatever regret she had about becoming attached to people, only to cause them pain when the inevitable (orly!?) happens, is dispelled by Kyon’ichi, who says he’s happy he met her.
Kisu desu, watashi no ouji…oh wait, I used that one already
The clock strikes 12:00, Kyon’ichi gives Shiori her present (a sketchbook) and Shiori gives her onii-chan a kiss! She then runs off to buy them drinks. Fifteen minutes pass and no sign of Shiori, Kyon’ichi finally realizes that she took her stuff and runs to the vending machine only to find a note: “Thank you, and goodbye”. I’m guessing she used “sayounara” which would suggest a final goodbye.
Thoughts
Woot, another Shiori-centric episode. Despite being the most plain looking in terms of character design and having the most generic personality, I really like Shiori. Her playful behavior, down to earth attitude, cute expressions and generally optimistic (well…after meeting Kyon’ichi) outlook on life make her very likable. Such a shame that this episode will probably be her last major appearance, save a half episode wrap up next week.
Switching topics…where did Key throw in the H-scene for these two, my guess is somewhere amidst the fountain scene? Which confuses me, that scene was emotionally uplifting, wouldn’t throwing a secks scene in there would totally ruin that feeling? NOT TO MENTION THAT THERE’S FREAKING SNOW EVERYWHERE! On that note, some sister Kaori is, basically giving Kyon’ichi the go ahead to deflower her imouto XD
*insert secks*?
On a more serious note, is KyoAni ending Shiori’s arc with the death path? The goodbye note at the end of the episode seems to suggest that she and Kyon’ichi won’t meet again…This would surprise me, I thought we’d get the happy ending =( Anyone care to remind me which was used in the Toei version? My memory is a little fuzzy.
Anyways, as much as I hate to see it happen, looks like we’re pretty much done with Shiori’s arc. Judging from the preview, next week is going to be half episode closure, then onto the Nayuki/Ayu arc. Which I’m happy to get to (Ayu ftw!) but still sad to see Shiori go, especially only after 2 dedicated episodes, whereas Makoto and Mai got like…4/5 each D=.
Nuuuuuuu~!
KyoAni’s done a great job with Kanon so far, with so many scenes that we didn’t get to see in Toei’s version, not to mention the greatly improved animation, this remake was completely justified. I hope they can hold it together at the end. Knowing KyoAni, I’m optimistic, but I’ve seen far too many anime ruined by their ending to be able to rest assured *cough*Mai HiME*cough*.
^- Crappy hair girl, to those who it wasn’t obvious to
~ Shirukii ~
13 Responses to “Kanon 18”
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*Hurts you for the moe comment*
I started off finding nothing really special about Shiori… and after this arc [or pretty much the end of this arc], I actually… still kind of feel that way. There’s nothing about Shiori that completely stands out, like Ayu’s ~uguu or Sayuri’s awesome laugh [as well as awesome voice in general], and yet I’m actually finding myself liking her for her… normality, if you will. No big gimmick, just a girl trying to get by her days. It’s a different kind of appeal compared to the other girls in Kanon, but I still like it.
But!! Previews show Nayuki, and I’m instantly pumped! Now as for Kitagawa’s dancing outfit, I saw that coming from a mile away. Can’t say I’m disappointed! Oh Kitagawa, you so crazy.
the ending wasnt very strong…i think after all i like mai’s arc better, though i like shiori as a character more than mai
The more I think of it, the more I’m confused, it doesn’t seem like it’s over yet. So Shiori left Kyon’ichi a note saying goodbye…so what? Did she die? Did she manage to reconcile her feelings with Kaori before dying? Will she be at school on Monday? KyoAni I need answers T_T
I’m all for jumping into the Nayuki/Ayu arc, but don’t leave me hanging D=
@ Danny: Like you, I think Mai and Makoto’s arcs were superior in story but Shiori better as a character. (Though…Ayu ftw)
@ Soda: Shiori. Is. Moe! But maybe I was pushing it saying she was the most moe of the cast >_>. And as for her not having a moe sound byte, it’s not necessary because she exudes constant cuteness =D
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
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Why is the coffee here!!!??? Why wasn’t it at the beginning of Ep01!!????
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Rant ends here~ cough.
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@where did Key throw in the H-scene for these two, my guess is somewhere amidst the fountain scene?
…. actually they *censored* in U1’s room earlier b4 that scene OTZ…. so nope Key guys aren’t dumb enough to ruin their own masterpiece.
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@On a more serious note, is KyoAni ending Shiori’s arc with the death path?
This is where I really must credit KA for getting away so beautifully. Since Ep17 I’ve been sicken anxious about how KA will handle Shiori’s fate. I’ve been thinking, if they decided to let Shiori live, then we are going to have way too many miracles occuring all around the city, and the drama will be cheapen for the next two arcs. But if they decided to kill off Shiori for the sake of drama, Shiori fans will run over their office. Given said, they were pretty much in a STALEMATE situation.
Now, in Ep18, they surprised us with a cliff hanger!!! I can pretty much imagine what the staves were thinking: Okay since we cant have Shiori-chan dying nor can we have her cured of her disease all of the sudden, why dont we just tease the audience with a open-end ending and let their imagination run wild? Not only it means Shiori is not dead yet (yet), it also means they maintain the dramatic impact on U1’s feeling for Shiori’s disappearence. Then when all drama is over at the final ending, they can then decide Shiori’s fate, and most likely a good one since by then it wont affect the story as a whole anymore.
I must say this IS A VERY NEAT TRICK u pulled off there KA. I give u, a full bag of Taiyaki for credit!! XD
It’s not over yet; Shiori’s fate is revealed in the game only once spring has come, meaning that we will likely not find out what has happened to her until later.
Nightingale: “I’ve been thinking, if they decided to let Shiori live, then we are going to have way too many miracles occuring all around the city, and the drama will be cheapen for the next two arcs.”
Unfortunately, that is exactly what Kanon is about. Miracles. The series’ central theme is that they happen if they are desired enough, meaning that every girls’ story involves one.
SPOILERS
Ayu sustains a physical existence separate from her comatose body, Makoto incarnates herself in human form, Mai spawns a host of demons and subsequently thwarts her own suicide, and Nayuki brings her mother back from the brink of death.
In each case, the miracle is central to the story itself; the story _revolves_ around the realisation of the miracle and the price that was paid for it.
Shiori is no exception. Her story is about her survival - its construction a tool to lead to the realisation that she is entirely mistaken in her apprehension of miracles as impossibilities. It is because Shiori has given up on life that her miracle doesn’t happen; once she has come to realise that she’s not ready to die, her miracle stops being impossible and instead becomes inevitable. That’s the purpose of the boxcutter scene and her subsequent confession to Yuuichi of how she’s changed.
@ Nightingale: Thanks for clearing the H-scene up, I can now rest peacefully knowing that precious moment was not tainted ^^ Also, I don’t want to wait until the end of the series until we find out Shiori’s fate T_T Cruel scriptwriters, though with the way they’ve handled the other arcs, I’m sure she’ll pull through.
@ Tim: In regards to the recurring theme of miracles, I’ve been thinking the same thing. Which is yet another reason why I think this remake is putting Toei to shame, who’s version was unable to convey that central theme.
@Tim
I’m fully aware of ur point. But the fact is that most audience dont know the story very well, and they wouldn’t really care if Kanon is about miracle or not. If they didn’t feel the drama, then they just gonna say the effect got cheapened no matter how we try to convince them.
My point about KA’s decision on Shiori, is that U1 have already experienced two miracles b4 Shiori. B4 he advances into Nayuki/Ayu arc, which play a very important part of his entire story, something needs to be done to highlight his feelings about miracle. And Shiori would be playing that part. Remember what Shiori said about “miracles are called miracles because they do not happen”. Her role in Kanon 2006, is the irony. Her arc represents a question for U1. Therefore, IMO, the best way to continue the drama is Shiori’s bad ending, at least in U1’s perspective. This event gives a full hard pound against U1’s initial confidence about miracles. The aftermath will be U1’s depression, his desperation, as well as the starting point of Nayuki and Ayu’s combined miracle. This is the point where he needs a miracle for the entire story, a miracle that will counter the irony and highlight the realization of “miracle are called miracle because they have a small chance of happening”, and “miracles happen if u pay hard enough effort”. But of course KA cant just kill off Shiori to achieve that. That’s why I must applaud them for pulling such a nice solution: they buy themselves more time to develop by simply suspending Shiori’s fate till the end, and which appeared to be the bad end in U1’s eyes. Compared to having Shiori cured of her disease of all sudden at the end of her arc, I personally believe the continuity of Kanon 2006 as a whole will be dealt much better with the current method.
Then at the final ending, when all drama and story telling is over, KA can have Shiori back again, when there isn’t anymore drama needed.
As for Shiori’s miracle, aside from her survival, I think the true miracle was her will to smile till the very end. Her survival is only a sub-product of this miracle. This strong will of her enabled her to keep on going until the very end, and eventually, fight against her fate. I found KA pretty much express that part very well.
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The above are based on my interpretation and analysis upon both the game and Kanon 2006’s progress so far, as well as official novel scripts.
@ Shirukii: I can’t help but notice that you refer to Yuuichi as Kyon’ichi in your blog….I can only assume this is in reference to the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya….
I’m not sure that they are the same kind of character…
I say this because the Melancholy of H.S. is a comedy from the outset and so the viewer expects quick one-liners, sexual inuendo etc.
Kanon is much more serious/dramatic, and the sarcasm that Yuuichi displays is only a small part of his very complex character……I don’t know…..just thought I would point that out……
Now to my thoughts on Ep. 18 :)
was SO hoping for Kaori and Shiori to walk home from school together, but I suppose it wasn’t meant to be :(…..
Though it’s doubtful to happen……. I really hope that KyoAni will take a few minutes next week to give Kaori some closure……
cause that would suck to FINALLY accept Shiori’s fate, and then have no real chance to say goodbye…….
I really liked this episode…..the dialouge throughout was brilliant….and the kiss at the fountain was super sweet……
@ Kanon_fan82: I refer to him as Kyon’ichi because he has the same voice actor as Kyon from SHnY, Sugita Tomokazu. Aside from that, they’re alike in their attitudes, both being inherently kind, but outwardly sarcastic.
And yes, that kiss was sweet ^^
I don’t like Kaori enough to have an opinion on her, but I guess she does deserve some sort of closure…being her sister and all.
@Nightingale
I agree. In any case, though, in-game, Shiori’s story concludes in spring, placing its ending well after those of the other girls’; I am not sure the ambiguous conclusion to episode 18 is so much a means of sustaining the series’ inherent drama as it is another incident of KyoAni following the game to the letter.
@Kanon_fan
Precisely the reason why I think a happy ending for Shiori is inevitable. Neither Kaori nor Yuuichi are given closure of any kind in the event that Shiori dies, in the game, simply because her death is presented as a kind of ‘game over’ ending - it is what the player receives when they mess up certain decisions whilst courting her. KyoAni have shown themselves unwilling to add new material to Kanon - they have been as loyal to the original game script as is humanly possible - and if they are unwilling to do so now will not be able to present an adequate death scene or aftermath; survival is the logical outcome.
Not to mention the fact that Kaori plays a role in Nayuki and Ayu’s stories, and will therefore have little time for sustained grief.
@ Shirukii: I agree Kaori has been kind of a bi*ch towards Shiori….and it’s hard to believe that anyone would treat their sibling like a shadow…..but this IS an anime after all…gotta have drama :)
She’s at least made a point of acknowledging her little sis..which was a touching moment in the episode :)
@ Tim: I agree with you that the Shiori arc will most likely end up in a happy “spring time” reunion…..
that particular theme (winter=sad/spring=happy) has already been hinted at in all the story arcs so far….
The only thing that I hope KoyoAni avoids is bringing back Makoto……
of course, many viewers would like to see that….but it would totally cheapen her miracle (ie. sacrificing her life just to see Yuuichi)
Am I the only one who feels this way?
Anyhoo…can’t wait for next week’s episode :)
@Kanon_fan
“and it’s hard to believe that anyone would treat their sibling like a shadow…”
I wish this were so. Unfortunately, as hard as it is to believe, it does happen from time to time. I’ve seen people treat dying siblings far worse than Kaori treated Shiori - and not just dying siblings. Dying parents, even dying children. I’m glad you find it hard to believe, since that would suggest that you’re not the kind of person to act in such a manner, but it does happen.
With reference to Makoto: her ending is already endowed with a certain level of ambiguity (is the final shot just Yuuichi’s fantasy, or does it really happen?), so I suspect that KyoAni will leave it at that.
@Shirukii
The next episode preview would suggest that Shiori’s not entirely out of the picture yet. You’ve got her name mentioned a few times, and Yuuichi apparently praying for her survival, which would suggest that at the least, she’s not dead just yet.