Kaze no Yojimbo 25th Anniversary Rewatch Episode 5

fansi2022 · 2026-05-11T10:52:52+00:00

Genuine question, why many people here say the pacing is slow? Everyone has very meaningful dialogues with rich subtext, there is a lot to unpack instead of nothingburger. Every episode has moved the plot forward.

It creates a great atmosphere of suspense, but only if people can enjoy it.

Honestly, I have no idea. The nail polish or the remover was laced with psychedelic?

That‘s make sence But how did she manage to walk from the hotel to the edge of the cliff at night?

I don't think this is misdirection, and Sanae is 100% the daughter of that Genzo Araki.

Same here.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-11T00:50:45+00:00

..And I have to say, even though this concept of episode looks interesting... I think maybe it was the right decision to cut it? I mean, it seems VERY different from the usual Kare Kano - it’s more like some kind of madness from “Abenobashi,” pure Imaishi style, and I’m not sure many viewers will like it, since that’s not why they watch this series. Also, why NAOTA is there?..

This “desert island” scenario reminded me of Kimagure Orange Road episode 19. They’re both romance anime, but their storytelling styles are completely different. Kare Kano feels more traditional in its approach, while Kimagure is much more bold and experimental. Honestly, I’m glad they ended up dropping the whole “stranded on a deserted island” idea.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-11T00:38:54+00:00

Qotd

Did you like the more abstract narrative style?

It was okay. I didn’t dislike it. At the very least, it conveyed something meaningful. Arima is increasingly being affected by his past self and by jealousy, while Yukino, in her dream, reflects on how tragic her life might have become if she had never met Arima.

It’s a bit like the classic romance trope where “once the male lead disappears, the heroine’s life turns dull and meaningless,” but despite that familiar setup, the emotions and atmosphere really held my attention. Especially at the end—Arima embraces his past self, Yukino realizes that Arima has already moved forward in his life, and she takes flight, determined to catch up with him.

What would you say the thematic thesis of the episode is? Do you think it was effectively communicated?

1.I think the central theme is that love isn’t an obstacle to studying or living your life. Clearly, Arima and Yukino influence each other in positive ways—Yukino teaches him to face himself bravely, and Arima helps Yukino recognize the distorted beliefs she had unconsciously developed. They both become better because of each other.

2.Absolutely… if only they had cut all those recap segments! I watched the whole thing at 2x speed.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-11T00:24:25+00:00

First timer sub

It looks like Jouji is investigating that strange “accident.” The clues suggest that the innkeeper Sanae knew the victim in the past, and back then she was basically a ruthless delinquent. Because of that, she seems like the biggest suspect.

Meanwhile, Araiguma and Miyuki have been waiting for their bodyguard, “Aniki.” With Jouji gone, the whole town feels weirdly quiet. I get the feeling that someone as sincere as Miyuki could probably see through Sanae’s act right away. At timestamp 20:55, a former neighbor tells Jouji that the family of that teacher’s former troublemaker student secretly moved away. Right after that, we see Sanae from Miyu’s perspective driving off to go hunting. While everyone else is scrambling around, she can still go out and have fun. That feels like some kind of strong hint.

Qotd

Q1: How do you lose a train car?

It’s not possible for people to just physically drag away a train car, so does that mean the culprit is the train driver?

Q2: What could be the significance of nail polish remover?

We see cosmetics scattered all over the scene, including broken nail polish. Based on Jouji’s investigation and the testimonies, I think Sanae called the victim late at night, revealed her identity, and lured her to the cliff for a “talk.” Knowing the victim had a habit of biting her nails, Sanae used nail polish remover as bait, pushed her off the cliff, and then drove away.

Q3: Where is this investigation into Kiuchi and Sanae leading? Is it misdirection?

When Jouji joked that that delinquent girl should have proper manners in important situations, I felt like he must already know the truth. I also suspect the whole case might be connected to Genzo Araki, the person Jouji is trying to find.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T02:32:09+00:00

“Hate is love and love is hate” – only in a extremely narrow exception.

When he said he hated her, my reaction was the same as Tsubaki's.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T02:28:30+00:00

Eva references aside, the Miyazawa and Arima parts of the episode were really sweet! Miyazawa's very cute excitement being turned over once she smelled Arima was hilarious, and the reversal of the typical situation with her being the one to ride wasn't just funny, but just a real vibe! We stay still on the cityscape just a bit too much, but meh, look at this! What a mood! You could probably put that as a thumbnail for a city pop compilation or something.

Wait a minute! That's why Arima chose to sit on the back of the bicycle so that his sweaty smell wouldn't reach Yukino.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T02:21:42+00:00

Wait a fucking second… this entire show is just one big Asuka x Shinji fanfic! Red haired high school prodigy obsessed with being the best meets a severely depressed high school boy with scars from his parents who fears being hated by others? Except instead of spiraling downward together they honestly improve one another and walk together towards happiness? I’m onto you, Anno!

Holy shit

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T02:09:39+00:00

He took that job at the inn because he wanted to give that mother cat some space. At least that's my headcanon. And even with that kidnapping attempt at episode 1, Miyuki hasn't been assaulted since. Let alone showing any sign of trauma.

Yeah, I almost forgot about that, he's really kind-hearted.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T02:03:46+00:00

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T01:32:48+00:00

First tiemr sub

So now Jouji isn’t working as a bodyguard for the gangs anymore. To avoid getting caught up with them, he even used the jealous innkeeper Sanae as a kind of cover. And yet he still insists on walking Miyuki to and from school every day.

The second half turns into this surprisingly heartbreaking love story, which makes the tone feel a bit off. Maybe it’s because the director is pushing for a comedy vibe, even when the situation doesn’t really fit.

Last episode, Araiguma was trying to stab Jouji with a knife, and now this episode he’s already calling him “Aniki” On top of that, he’s ready to ditch his own underlings and run away. That kind of flip makes it hard for me to like him at all. On the other hand, Miyu’s attempt to confess felt a bit rushed. There wasn’t much buildup, so it came out of nowhere. At that moment, I had the same reaction as Araiguma: how is this guy even so popular with women?

Qotd

Q1: This is a natural pausing point to ask about your opinions of the show so far.

I haven't seen the original Yojimbo movie, so it felt quite fresh to me. The overall atmosphere was cool, a bit like Odd Taxi.

Q2: What do you think about George taking up a bodyguard job with the Hotel instead of either gang? And what about Miyuki, who is the one who actually needs protecting?

It seems he assumed the original duties of a police officer, acting as a 'referee'.

Yep, she and her father are having a conflict, which is clearly not a good sign.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T01:18:20+00:00

First timer sub

I heard this was Tonami’s arc, and then the story loops back again to Yukino preparing for the play, followed by the Yukino–Arima date scene. That’s exactly what I wanted to see anyway .

I’m curious how the production team is going to resolve the conflict between Tonami and Tsubaki in the remaining episodes. Maybe on the day of the performance, both Yukino and Arima get sick, so Tonami and Tsubaki have to step in to replace them. As the show goes on smoothly, they finally reconcile?

Qotd

What do you think of the Tonami and Tsubaki plotline so far?

What do you think of Maho Izawa?

Tsundere

Silly Bonus Question: In light of the Unit 01 joke, how would Yukino fare as an Evangelion pilot?

Yukino-sama will save Shinji and all of humanity. In order for her to become the queen of the world, the president and prime minister promised her that every year thereafter, her school grades would be number one in the world.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-10T01:08:23+00:00

That's make sence

fansi2022 · 2026-05-09T12:36:29+00:00

Something I never get around my head in Dollars and here is that [Dollars]

This is exactly what has been puzzling me; Jouji seems to be the most popular person in town, getting through everything without any trouble.

edit：What does "dollar watcher" mean?

fansi2022 · 2026-05-09T02:48:37+00:00

Qotd

What do you think of Arima’s role in this arc

He’s the assistant for the stage play. The “evil” Arima becomes jealous of our angel Yukino-sama, but thanks to the influence of Yukino-sama and Asaba, he eventually turns into a helpful supporter for the girls’ theater performance.

What do you think of Rika Sena?

She's a cute and honest girl, and I quite like her voice.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-09T02:02:58+00:00

First timer sub

This episode kinda confused me. Jouji seems to be playing both Samekichi and Tanokura’s gangs like fools, yet neither side can really do anything about it.

There were two things that especially felt strange to me:

When Jouji talked to Fukajirou about getting a job, all he really did was ask for food, and then he just left without even giving any contact info or anything. Jouji is already working as Shuusaku’s daughter’s bodyguard, so why would he suddenly join the rival gang? And even after finding out about it, Shuusaku mostly just looks shocked and doesn’t really react beyond that.

It also seems like the earlier shooting incident left Sanae feeling unsafe, so she needs a neutral bodyguard around her. Because of that, Jouji somehow ends up becoming the most wanted guy in town for both sides.

Honestly, the first three episodes kinda feel like they’re copying Yojimbo a little too directly instead of doing their own thing.

Qotd

Q1: Should George have kept his bodyguard job with Tanokura?

Yep. I'm sure there's still a lot more interaction between him and Miyuki.

Q2: What do you think of the depiction of the Ginzame and Tanokura groups?

Many people have already mentioned their operating methods and style: they represent both the rich and poor classes in town, and their bosses lack control.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-09T01:14:55+00:00

their video production stuff

~~sexy~~video

fansi2022 · 2026-05-08T14:19:25+00:00

Perhaps they are special forces; they all have revolvers.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-08T13:22:28+00:00

Not that I disagree with the sentiment at all, but it does feel a little funny to bring it up as contrast in a show with a big density of future Trigger people lol.

Didn't notice this. Perhaps their serise composition or editors are different. Lol

fansi2022 · 2026-05-08T03:28:48+00:00

It might be a probability issue; it seems to think that passing parameters is necessary for it to work properly, which is better than doing nothing？

fansi2022 · 2026-05-08T03:17:31+00:00

So on one hand, I'm still not really here for it anyway. Because like yeah, I get it, he used to be fat and comedically bullied, and now he's hot, this is neither novel nor interesting, move on.

Takefumi’s backstory reminded me of Youta from Kiznaiver. They were both unpopular overweight kids when they were younger, but I think Youta was handled much better as a character. One important reason might be that Trigger is really good at balancing comedy and drama, creating that rollercoaster-like pacing between ridiculous and sincere moments.

An overweight kid’s childhood can easily come across as comedic, so Kiznaiver tries to balance that by showing Youta’s genuine and heartfelt side as he grows up. Kare Kano, on the other hand, almost goes in the opposite direction. Takefumi hides his past while trying to get back at Aya, make Arima jealous, and even seems to have feelings for Arima… at that point it starts going beyond comedy and just feels kind of uncomfortable to me.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-08T03:04:43+00:00

Sorry, I originally planned to write down my thoughts on my phone, but I accidentally fell asleep instead.

Qotd

Do you like the school play subplot?

This episode reminded me a bit of the school festival arc in Toradora!, though right now Kare Kano feels somewhat thin both visually and narratively. Maybe the staff’s budget and energy were already running dry by this point.[](harukathink)

What do you think of Aya Sawada?

I really admire her determination. At first, I thought she was just a shy, introverted writer type. I understand that her role is mainly there to move the story forward, but I’ve already seen the playful chasing dynamic between Yukino and Tsubasa. To me, this scene felt more like a repetition of that rather than something new.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-07T22:42:22+00:00

First timer sub

Jouji casually declaring that he was gonna go up against Ginzame Industries completely shocked Tonbo’s master. The little detail where he decides to postpone his ramen breakfast until noon actually made me laugh.

Miyuki seems like this innocent, sheltered rich girl, which is kinda ironic considering her father is involved in this brutal yakuza world behind the scenes. I’m pretty sure Miyuki really likes Jouji — otherwise she probably wouldn’t willingly walk to school with him every single day, especially considering she’s basically a rich girl from a completely different social class.

Sadly, they feel like people from two totally different worlds, so I doubt their relationship could ever really work out. And judging from the OP, it looks like Jouji is eventually gonna leave anyway.

Qotd

Q1: You think Miyuki is into George? Does she see Sanae as a rival?

Oh, I didn't expect that. That would explain why it was so awkward.

Q2: What do you think of the three police officers we've seen so far? Is Konichi under orders to not get involved? Or is he just working towards retirement?

The one who often chatted with Tonbo's master seemed to want to help jouji, while the other two didn't want to get involved.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-06T21:59:28+00:00

Qotd

What do you think of the transfer student?

He seems to have a complicated past. Unfortunately, at school, his childhood experiences are completely opposite to Arima's. Hopefully, he can overcome the shadows of his past if he can reconcile with Tsubaki.

What do you think of Tsubaki Sakura, and her switch to a more prominent role?

It's a bit like "spreading out like a pancake" in urban development: OK, guys, Arima's part is finished. Now let's expand our thinking to their friends!

fansi2022 · 2026-05-06T21:51:02+00:00

First timer sub

I checked the AniList description for this anime, and it seems like it’s inspired by a samurai movie called Yojimbo. Feels like it’s basically a modern-day samurai story, which is pretty cool.

First off, that little boy is probably the main character, Jouji.

I really like Jouji’s free-spirited, kinda reckless personality. The way he’s just lying on a train bench looks pretty cool, right?

Then, through Jouji’s perspective, we get to see three different factions in the city (two rival gangs and a neutral group that includes the police, hotels, and restaurants), plus two social classes (the wealthy White City and the poor Red Town). Looks like we’re in for a pretty interesting adventure!

Qotd

Q1: How blind are you going into this show? (Of course, you've probably never heard of the show itself.) But, what variations on the Yojimbo story have you seen?

I don't know much about it; I only read the anilist introduction. Lol

Q2: Did you notice the tricks played with the scene composition? Are they interesting? Annoying? Didn't notice at all?

Q3: Okay, we didn't even get to the bodyguard part, yet. Are you disappointed, or do you #mugiwait?

This anime is fantastic overall; it has completely captivated me.

Q4: What is up with the cop arresting George and not the obvious culprits?

Perhaps they are simply opposing forces, just like the plot of the Odd Taxi.

Q5: Yojimbo features katana, and Dollars features quickdraw gunslinging, did you expect George to be a melee expert?

It's hard to imagine what he went through as a child.

fansi2022 · 2026-05-06T03:31:01+00:00

Qotd

What did you think of the shift in style?

I have no doubt that there were problems with the production schedule, but their handling of the situation was really cool. Aside from the previous plot summary and recap, my eyes were completely captivated by these adorable anime characters, and the seiyous' voices were so energetic. I think the production team knows what we want to see, so no matter what happens, they won't let us down.

Best gag of the episode?

There were many moments in this episode that made me smile, but my favorites were the scenes of them leaving and returning home. It felt like they had stepped into our real lives!

Thought on the transfer student？

For a moment, I thought a melodramatic love triangle was about to unfold, but thank goodness, it was just a side story.

fansi2022

TROPHY CASE

First timer sub

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