Natsuyuki Rendezvous Discussion Thread

[Buckeye]

This season's featured josei anime series about a man who can see spirits of the dead, a widow who grieves for her late husband, and the relationship between them while working at a flower shop.

Begins: 7/5
Studio: Dogakobo

Official Site (http://natsuyuki.tv/)
ANN Page (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=14198)
Crunchyroll Stream (http://www.crunchyroll.com/natsuyuki-rendezvous)

Ryosuke works part-time as a florist. He has bad eyesight, a pure heart, and a secret crush on the store manager, Rokka. Unfortunately for him, Rokka swore off love 8 years ago. But when Ryosuke goes up to her apartment on the second floor, he runs into a good-looking half-naked man. At first upset, he learns that this isn't Rokka's live-in boyfriend; he's the ghost of her late husband, Atsushi. She can't see him, and Ryosuke decides not to give up on her, even with a dead husband standing in the way.

Note
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[Buckeye]

This episode was pretty nice. So this show is about Hazuki, the part-time florist, is in love with Rokka, manager of the Shimao flower shop. Except that it's not exactly the type that is easy to develop. Not when Rokka was previously married and her husband Atsushi died. Even more so when Hazuki can see his spirit. That conversation on the balcony between Hazuki and Atsushi really sets the tone for the show while Hazuki went out for a smoke. It seems like Rokka is still too attached considering that she is crying when eating ramen with Hazuki. How this all this goes down will really be something. And then there is Miho entering the scene filling in while Rokka is away.

As with other recent josei shows, the first episode did a nice job setting up the story. I look forward to watching more of this.

[Ingraman]

I thought that it was a good episode. The characters were interesting, and I look forward to watching the plot develop... ^_^

[bear]

I can't decide how I feel about this show. Mostly because I don't like Ryosuke (or Atsushi for that matter). Rokka, on the other hand, I like a lot and that's the reason I'll keep watching it. It looks like there's not a lot of new shows this season that I'm interested in so I was kinda counting on this one.

Oh, and the OP and ED music don't really work for me either.

[ookamigirl]

Hazuki's crush on Rokka turned into unexpected part time job.
This is a pretty unusual story, but also kinda relaxed.
Shimao & Hazuki hang out session was interesting to watch.
Rokka's dead husband sure is a nuisance.
Sudden confession in the rain was kinda unexpected.
Will give this one a few more episodes, seems good for now.

[something]

Episode 1:

- Yay, protagonist is Nakamura Yuuichi. Easily one of my favorite male seiyuu. And he's in love with Oohara Sayaka. Lovely pair.
- Heh. Poor Ryuusuke. He thinks he's just been rejected in a particularly harsh way, but no, it's just a ghost. :sd:

- Hahah, Atsushi and Ryuusuke's first conversation is pretty hilarious. This is the benefit of having two ridiculously experienced and talented seiyuu working together.
- And then Atsushi's sister starts working there too. :sd:
- Woooooooooah there, Ryuusuke. I did not expect him to basically confess to her in the first episode.
- Gah. Suuuuuuuuuuch a great scene, both on the street and in the ramen shop.

Fantastic. Atsushi is a bit of a jerk but I think they could do interesting things with him. And I love Ryuusuke and Rokka so far. I have high hopes for this.

[Buckeye]

- Once again, Atsushi is dead set on making sure nobody takes Rokka away.
- Good idea: Having a dinner date with Rokka.
- Bad idea: Eating lots of garlic on the dinner date and trying to kiss soon afterward.
- Even worse idea: Insulting Atsushi in front of Rokka.
- So Atsushi wanted a divorce, but Rokka ripped up the paperwork.
- And the manager has caught a fever. Atsushi, you tried your best, but it wasn't enough.

After watching this episode, if the two ever end up tying the knot, it will be a miracle. There is Ryosuke being socially awkward, Rokka seemingly having given up on love, and the ghost of Atsushi who is there to make life miserable for Ryosuke until he leaves her alone. This sets the stage for a great story the rest of the way to see how much the three grow considering that the interest is there, but there are tons of obstacles in the way.

[bear]

With this episode the story really jumped up in my estimation. Rokka is just wonderful. Now if the two boys (and that's what they're acting like) would just grow up.

Of course, this episode brings up the age old question of why the Japanese haven't died out from the common cold. If sleeping while lying on a table is going to cause you to have a raging fever and faint....

[ookamigirl]

He confessed, she did pretty much nothing.
Guess she just didn't take him seriously enough at first.
Seems like her husband's ghost keeps hanging around 'cause she just can't let go.
All evidence point to the fact that she's still in love with him.
Hmm, but looks like there is still hope for Hazuki & Rokka, but only if he manages to ignore her husband's ghost successfully.
Both of them need to move on with their lives.

[something]

Episode 2:

- Atsushi is annoying as fuck. He's supposed to be, but wow. I wish Hazuki could punch him somehow.
- But Hazuki manages to get Rokka out of the house, yaaaaaay! Atsushi can't follow them now.
- I rather enjoy that we're going to get to see Hazuki and Rokka go the whole show knowing that Hazuki likes her, and trying to deal with how they are going to react to that.

- Hah oh wow. After they go out to eat, Rokka takes his hand and kisses him (though I can't tell if it was on the mouth or cheek). Talk about catching him off guard.
- Guh, poor Hazuki. It's already embarrassing enough trying to start a relationship with someone you adore, but having her dead husband sitting inches away glaring at you is pretty awful.
- ...Damnit. I was really hoping we could avoid some of the "Hazuki is retarded and talks out loud to Atsushi" stuff but with this setup there's no hope of that. And of course he says something (to Atsushi) that is just waaaaaaaay not okay to say when Rokka is there.
- If they don't do something to make me stop hating Atsushi to intensely, that could really hurt my willingness to keep watching. I'll put up with some asshatery early on, since they need to set up the conflict, but a few more episodes... I dunno.
- Oh wow, 8 years younger, so he's 22 and she's 30. Not an insurmountable gap but still pretty big at that age.

[Buckeye]

- Oh, what memories. And those bony hands.
- Nice try, Atsushi. But you can't push or kick Hazuki out of the way.
- Earthquake! Wait, there really wasn't a quake?
- So Atsushi can fight back by shaking and throwing things.
- No, you will not possess Hazuki. At least not yet, anyway.
- Rokka sure looked great while she was young.
- And Rokka is now better.
- How about going to an amusement park? That made her cry.

Now, we know that Atsushi can inflict curses and make life dangerously miserable for Hazuki. And after all that, Rokka can't stop thinking about Atsushi. After Hazuki's latest attempt to advance his relationship with Rokka failed, I would have to think that things are about to get ugly. Then there is Atsushi wanting to possess Hazuki. I am thinking that he will have to do it at some point.

[ookamigirl]

Hazuki saved the day. Shimao was being all annoying again.
Rokka's cold brought them a bit closer together.
If only that ghost wasn't around to spoil things.
On the other hand Rokka needs to let go of the memory of her husband.
Maybe than he'll finally let those two be.
In the meantime he has a serious possibility of turning into a poltergeist.

[something]

Episode 3:

- My lack of sympathy for Atsushi is becoming a bigger hurdle. Hazuki isn't exactly perfect, and a lot of his behavior just feels off in a way that's hard to put my finger on. I guess he comes off as a slightly schizophrenic mix of shy and aggressive. But I find myself liking him a hell of a lot more than Atsushi.
- And then Rokka sends Hazuki some very mixed signals, though I can understand the wavering in her case, especially with how weird Hazuki can act thanks to Atsushi's interference.
- I'm really glad Miho is around. It's nice to have at least one character who doesn't have to get all moody half the time.
- I'm also somewhat surprised Miho isn't already completely aware of Hazuki's feelings. Normally a character in her kind of position would know. She sort of teases at having an inkling, but seems genuinely confused by his reaction to the photo of Atsuhi and Rokka.
- Hazuki asks Rokka out on a date and her reaction makes me assume it's somewhere that she went with Atsushi before.

Still liking this show, but increasingly I'm unsure how I feel about it.

[nakimushi]

Episode 3:

She sort of teases at having an inkling, but seems genuinely confused by his reaction to the photo of Atsuhi and Rokka.
- Hazuki asks Rokka out on a date and her reaction makes me assume it's somewhere that she went with Atsushi before.



It was the exact same place from the picture that Miho showed him.

[Ingraman]

Episode 3:

She sort of teases at having an inkling, but seems genuinely confused by his reaction to the photo of Atsuhi and Rokka.
- Hazuki asks Rokka out on a date and her reaction makes me assume it's somewhere that she went with Atsushi before.



It was the exact same place from the picture that Miho showed him.
Yup. Hazuki knowingly invites Rokka to an amusement park that was the last place she was able to go out to with Atsushi (and Miho), and then he suggests that perhaps Miho come along, too. When talking about the photo, Miho said that Atsushi was hospitalized shortly afterwards.

So, Hazuki's trying to duplicate that day, but with himself, rather than Atsushi...

Or did I misremember that conversation with Miho at the restaurant? ^^;;

[bear]

So, Hazuki's trying to duplicate that day, but with himself, rather than Atsushi...

Or did I misremember that conversation with Miho at the restaurant? ^^;;

No, I think that's right. He wants to see her smile like the one in the picture. It strikes me as risky, but getting her to see that she can be happy with someone else might move things along.

As far as I can see Atsushi is staying around because Roka pleaded with him not to leave her alone. Only when he's convinced that Hazuki is fully committed to her and she to him will he leave, regardless of his jealousy.

One thing that puzzles me is the inconsistency of Atsushi not knowing that he has the ability to move things, but knowing that he can take over Hazuki's body. Maybe he doesn't know that he can but he's desperate to try to reach Roka.

[something]

One thing that puzzles me is the inconsistency of Atsushi not knowing that he has the ability to move things, but knowing that he can take over Hazuki's body. Maybe he doesn't know that he can but he's desperate to try to reach Roka.
He seemed to know he can move stuff. Even if the "earthquake" was unconscious, he's shown later on cleaning up the room while Rokka sleeps.

[bear]

One thing that puzzles me is the inconsistency of Atsushi not knowing that he has the ability to move things, but knowing that he can take over Hazuki's body. Maybe he doesn't know that he can but he's desperate to try to reach Roka.
He seemed to know he can move stuff. Even if the "earthquake" was unconscious, he's shown later on cleaning up the room while Rokka sleeps.

Yes, but that was after he had unconsciously caused the "earthquake". Remember how he kept trying to kick Hazuki? If he knew he could throw things I think he would have at that point. It was only after he had become so worked up that he found he had the ability .

[Buckeye]

- No wonder Rokka was crying. Atsushi asked to take her to an amusement park once.
- Gotta wear that dragon ballcap, and get away from the flower shop, and Atsushi.
- So this is Hazuki's first visit.
- Let's not start with the haunted house. The pirate ship would be better.
- On the Sky Trip, Hazuki makes his move.
- It's onto the haunted house. This could get ugly.
- Wanna have sex? Yeah, like Rokka thinks he's serious.
- It's back to the flower shop, and Hazuki is all drunk.
- And Atsushi possesses him. Hazuki has had enough for now.

So here, Hazuki came up with the great plan of taking Rokka out on a date to an amusement park to not only connect with her, but to get away from Atsushi. Turns out his social awkwardness has let him down big time that he had no problems letting Atsushi to possess him. Now that Atsushi is back, it will be interesting to see how he connects with Rokka, and how Hazuki will be feeling about this in the end.

[ookamigirl]

Rokka and Hazuki on a date at the amusement park.
Seems like Shimao was getting to him even when he wasn't around.
He was pretty aggressive around Rokka this time.
She is just so indecisive.... it's starting to seriously annoy me.
Wow, she actually admitted she's not over Shimao to Hazuki's face.
Shimao the Ghost, was pretty clever using Hazuki's drunken state to get consent to use his body.
Wonder if he'll give it back now that he'll get the taste of being alive..

[Ingraman]

Shimao the Ghost, was pretty clever using Hazuki's drunken state to get consent to use his body.
Wonder if he'll give it back now that he'll get the taste of being alive..
Yeah, there's that concern, and the other concern about Shimao trying to destroy what relationship Hazuki and Rokka do have in some fashion...

Gotta watch the next episode (at least) to find out!

[something]

Episode 4:

- Hazuki is nervous as hell. But it's refreshing that he can be honest about that - and that Rokka's reactions are pretty casual. She's treating him like an adult.
- Rokka's earrings are ridiculous.
- Hazuki is still an interesting mix of shy and socially awkward, yet really persistent about pursuing Rokka. He's really hard to read.
- ...Then again sometimes he's just fucking weird. Hey dude, don't just stick her fingers in your mouth like that. That's weird!
- Haha oh wow. "Will you have sex with me?" Not one for subtlety, eh?
- And totally shot down. Ouch. :sd:

- Oh great, he gets drunk before they stop by her place after the day out. This can't end well.
- Yep. Drunkenly agrees to hand over his body. Silly Hazuki.
- He's going to regret this later. >_>

[Damius]

- We are only a few minutes in, this anime already gives me a good feeling.
- “Are you in love with Rokka” asked to Ryuusuke by another guy… who is that guy? I really want Ryuusuke and Rokka to be a couple…so who is that guy?
- And now this situation? This needs to be clear out soon…
- He is a ghost! I would never have guessed that, never. That’s really good news.
- Being a widow at that age is too cruel; I wish her the best with Ryuusuke.
- Miho will work with them too? She sure is a nice addition.
- I’m not so sure about that Ryuusuke. Giving her flowers may still be a good idea for at least two reasons, because well she loves flowers and it would be flowers prepared for her.
- Wow… He confessed already? I was scared they would wait a couple episodes before he would confess. This is awesome. It was really well done too. I gonna love this show for sure.

This will be a great show, I know it will.

[Buckeye]

- Now that Atsushi possesses Hazuki's body, Hazuki is in some fantasy world.
- And he meets fairy Rokka.
- So "Hazuki" is asking for flowers. And that's so that Atsushi could give them to Rokka.
- Now, "Hazuki" has red eyes. Blame those contacts.
- Whoa! Hazuki's eyesight sure is bad. No wonder he needs contacts.
- Miho has glasses, and so "Hazuki" gets some, too.
- Hazuki is one poor guy, and Atsushi doesn't approve.
- Not only wearing glasses now, "Hazuki" cut his hair.
- Hazuki sure is starving not eating because of his financial situation.
- A homemade meal from Rokka. Brings back memories

Another good episode here, and it is no wonder Hazuki got drunk before he allows Atsushi to possess him so that he can make Rokka believe that he is acting all gassed and everything due to all those drinks. It is nice to see the fairy Rokka in the world Hazuki's consciousness currently is located.

[Ingraman]

- And he meets fairy Rokka.
She's adorable. ^^

- Now, "Hazuki" has red eyes. Blame those contacts.
- Whoa! Hazuki's eyesight sure is bad. No wonder he needs contacts.Ugh... Atsushi wasn't sure how to remove the contacts, and I'd probably be in the same boat, since I've never had contact with them, either. "Just how do I unstick this thing that's practically glued to my eye?" O_O <shiver>

- Hazuki sure is starving not eating because of his financial situation.Atsushi's going to take him from the poor-house to completely broke. He even asks for an advance on his pay!

Another good episode here, and it is no wonder Hazuki got drunk before he allows Atsushi to possess him so that he can make Rokka believe that he is acting all gassed and everything due to all those drinks.You almost make it sound like that was Hazuki's plan from the start. ^^;

It is nice to see the fairy Rokka in the world Hazuki's consciousness currently is located.She's great whether he's big or small. ^_^

[ookamigirl]

This was nice change of scenery.
Very emotional episode.
Hazuki on his adventure in ghost's wonderland while Shimao was exploring the fact he's alive.
Well, soft of alive, anyway. He was acting pretty weird.
Doing things just to spite Hazuki was childish of him.
In the end it all backfired on him...
I'm really interested to see how this body borrowing thing plays out.

[Damius]

- You can’t read her thoughts Hazuki, but here is a clue, make things happen.
- Damn… Atsushi is really annoying…
- Way to go Hazuki, going out with Rokka! No Atsushi.
- Rokka grabs Hazuki’s hand and kisses him on the cheek. Wow, another step in the good direction. Love this.
- Really hate Atsushi now… You are thinking only about yourself, right Atsushi? You don’t want Rokka to be happy?
- I hope we won’t have too many Rokka and Atsushi flashbacks.

Please kill that ghost…wait that’s impossible…

[stardf29]

Whoa, when did this show suddenly go all Jintai on us? :P

That was definitely unusual, but I think it still worked. Meanwhile, seeing Atsushi-in-Hazuki's plans to sabotage Hazuki's love life backfire is also amusing.

It's all wrapped up, of course, in the underlying issues that the characters are trying to work through. I think this may become a new third-favorite for the season...

[something]

Episode 5:

- I guess that explains the mini-Rokka in the OP.
- This is kinda awkward to watch. Being drunk can only cover for soe much weird behavior.
- Mini Rokka is so cute though.
- ...What? "I liked going hiking with my husband. It makes me happy to see someone eating my cooking. So let me wash your back." I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS SEQUENCE OF EVENTS.

[Buckeye]

- In the magical world, it's Hazuki, fairy Rokka, and a bird with bandaged wings.
- That was dumb of Hazuki to come not knowing if coming back is even possible.
- Time for a scrub, back only. No wait, forget the scrub and get even closer.
- Time to drop the dead husband excuse. Atsushi is really there, well sort of.
- "Hazuki" leaves behind a sketch of the Little Mermaid. This relationship must be heading towards that territory.
- And Miho needs some help in her garden.
- To the library to read up on The Little Mermaid.
- Now Rokka is finally feeling something for "Hazuki", and likewise mermaid Rokka is there to get a sinking Hazuki.

Looks like things are starting to move forward with Rokka appearing to give love another shot. Having Atsushi possess Hazuki looks like a risk that is starting to pay off if only Hazuki could find a way to reclaim his body.

[ookamigirl]

Hazuki still stuck in the sketchbook world..
Well, it's not like he wasn't having at least some fun.
Flashbacks to the past were interesting, but also sad.
Shimao was not having the best time with Rokka.
Borrowing Hazuki's body was not what he was expecting to get out of that experience.
Wow, didn't expect Shimao would say to let him go.
Looks like she's slowly and unwillingly letting go of Shimao.
Her confession to Hazuki was pretty awkward.

[something]

Episode 6:

"She escaped." Heh. Miho is still the best character.

Miho aside, gah I never know what to think of this show anymore. Rokka is such a giant, giant mess. Hazuki's weird behavior naturally isn't helping but damnit Rokka, get a grip.

It's nice she finally confessed to him, but man I just don't feel like it was genuine and properly thought out. In any event I hope Hazuki and Shimao switch places again.

Also: boobs!

[Damius]

Episode 3:

She sort of teases at having an inkling, but seems genuinely confused by his reaction to the photo of Atsuhi and Rokka.
- Hazuki asks Rokka out on a date and her reaction makes me assume it's somewhere that she went with Atsushi before.



It was the exact same place from the picture that Miho showed him.

You are right... I see what are the intentions of Hazuki, but I wonder if Rokka is ready for it... Will he be able to make her smile?

[Damius]

Miho is a really good addition to this show. I hope we will have a lot of her in the following episodes. Atsushi continues to be really annoying… I hope there will be more scenes outside since Atsushi won’t be able to go there. As for the date, Rokka definitely went with Atsushi to the exact same place. Will see what happens next week.

[Damius]

- Will it be sink or swim…?
- Maybe the cap has a history… but he should not have worn it.
- Yeah…no haunted house…That’s understandable.
- Why Hazuki, why? Why are you putting her finger in your mouth?
- WHAT??? Hazuki, I don’t understand you at all anymore…you asked her: "Will you have sex with me?" Why…?
- Well, it didn’t go well at the amusement park…but this time Hazuki is fully responsible.
- To make it even worse…he got drunk…
- That was your best Hazuki? Really?
- Hazuki let Atsushi borrow his body…that won’t go well.
- Hmm… what will happen next?

[Damius]

- Oh, Mini Rokka! She is so cute!
- The fact that he is drunk…may save Hazuki somehow.
- Miho sure was scare…
- Hazuki is officially broke.
- That last scene… Ok… I don’t understand… She wants to wash his back?

[Buckeye]

- Rokka has declared her love to "Hazuki" who really is Atsushi.
- Meanwhile, mermaid Rokka comes and says nobody drowns in this sea.
- Anything but oysters for Rokka. Something bad really happened from way back.
- It's off to the beach, and an empty one at that.
- Fireworks, and a kiss between "Hazuki" and Rokka.
- Looks like "Hazuki" went back to the shop early, while Rokka gets a note from him. There's something unusual about that handwriting.
- And Atsushi's things are still there, even though he's long dead.
- "Hazuki" is off, while Rokka can now see Atsushi's ghost. Wait, it's just the flowers and Atsushi is still invisible to her.

Pretty good episode there as now, Rokka is finally starting to feel love for Hazuki. Of course, it is actually because Atsushi understands Rokka better than anybody and by using his past experience, he is able to get close to Rokka, something that the socially awkward Hazuki could never accomplish. And in the meantime, the real Hazuki is still in a fairy tale world trying to sort out his feeling and everything. It should be really interesting to see how things go from here considering that Rokka now has something towards Hazuki while the real Hazuki is still trying to find a way back.

[bear]

- Rokka has declared her love to "Hazuki" who really is Atsushi.


So she slept with Hazuki, err Atushi. Hazuki is in for a shock if and when he gets his body back. Could be really messy if Rokka mentions it and Hazuki denies it.

And what is Atsuhi up to with the backpack? Is he intending on permanently hijacking Hazuki's body or something?

[ookamigirl]

Rokka awkward confession was kinda sweet.
Her honesty really is refreshing.
Their day at the beach and especially fireworks were nice.
Seems like Shimao is finally realizing it's time to let her go..
The more he thinks he should let her go, the more he doesn't want to.
They are getting way to indecisive. It's about time to decide something!

[Ingraman]

And what is Atsuhi up to with the backpack? Is he intending on permanently hijacking Hazuki's body or something?
Since he's carrying the plant, I'm presuming that he's filled the backpack with a lot of his stuff that Rokka has kept, and he's planning on getting rid of it in some fashion. He seemed to be surprised (maybe just dismayed?) at all of the stuff of his in that room (but why would he be, when he had free run of the place as a ghost?).

I'm probably just misreading it all. ^^;

[something]

Episode 7:

Atsushi just stole Hazuki's first screw with Rokka. While in his body. That's cold, man.

[Damius]

- So that is where “washing your back” came from.
- Rokka is not ready for a bath with Hazuki…yet.
- Rokka, if the juice was delicious you should have took more of it. You definitely escaped.
- Will Rokka be able to get over it?
- And she confesses to Hazuki.

So when will they switch back?

[Buckeye]

- Flowers for all occasions, and the Katakana was a dead giveaway of Atsushi's presence.
- If "Hazuki" is running away, he will need some cash.
- Someone was in Atsushi's room. Of course, it was Atsushi, but he's Hazuki to Rokka, so of course, he "stole" the backpack and plant.
- Natsuyuki, that's the name of the plant "Hazuki" took.
- And Rokka is leaving the store, too.
- Meanwhile, in the painting world, Hazuki is still trapped, and fairy Rokka has returned.
- No Hazuki, don't live in memories only. Can't return that way.
- And Hazuki is now up to something.
- Into the hole at the base of the plant pot. First, fairy Rokka, and then Hazuki.

Another nice episode here as things are really getting serious for Hazuki, Rokka, and Atsushi. There is Atsushi still in Hazuki's body trying to reconnect with Rokka as Hazuki and doing things that he would do as Atsushi, then there is Rokka who still is gripping harder to Atsushi, and Hazuki still trying to figure out a way back.

[ookamigirl]

Some more flashbacks this time too.
Shimao really started acting strange, even for Hazuki.
In the meantime Hazuki still stuck in that sketchbook.
Isn't it about time for all that nonsense to stop?
Just more of the same repeating all over again.
Wish they all just move on, especially Shimao.

[something]

Episode 8:

When Shimao first took over Hazui's body, I really didn't think it would last this long. At the current pace of things I don't even know if Hazuki will get his body back before the final episode. I'm getting pretty bored of the storybook world.

[Damius]

Ouch.... Atsushi in Hazuki's body just had sex with Rokka. Damn... How will feel Hazuki if he go back to his body now? And how much of what happened with Rokka he will know while Atsushi was in his body? Will Atsushi tell him everything?

[Buckeye]

- Rokka gets a nice view of the city. Again, reminds her of Atsushi.
- Atsushi was really a poor athlete, and it's no wonder Atsushi runs so weirdly.
- Now, it's Princess Rokka, who is in an eternal slumber just like Snow White.
- So Princess Rokka wasn't under any spell after all. Not when Hazuki is not the prince.
- "Hazuki" is burying the plant by the tree.
- And the two meet up by the tree.
- What's up with that story? Dying by eating the tree's root and become happy being a part of the root?
- Rokka is finally catching on. It really is Atsushi, and that running style was a dead giveaway.
- Now Hazuki looks at himself in a raindrop, and he sees Atsushi. Something is up.

While not a whole lot happens in this episode aside from the fact that Rokka now knows that it really is Atsushi's soul inside Hazuki, there is a lot being explained in this episode, and now the show is reaching the point now where Rokka has to confront her feelings that have kept her from moving on with her life, and Hazuki needs to build up the courage to convince Rokka that he is in love with her. The next episode should really be something.

[ookamigirl]

So we got to the bottom of things.
Rokka is the one keeping Shimao here and not the other way around.
Hazuki still stuck in the sketchbook...
Flashbacks to Rokka and Shimao's life before were nice.
Although I'm kinda sick of all this stalling.
I'm glad she finally figured out that Hazuki isn't really Hazuki anymore.
It was a touching moment of revelation.
Oh man, this is not gonna end well. It's just making things worse.

[stardf29]

If you ask me, Rokka realizing that Shimao had possessed Hazuki needed to happen three episodes ago. No idea how they're going to close this one out properly with only two episodes left.

[something]

Episode 9:

Heh. Fairy Tale Rokka punching through the glass was amusing. Just about the only thing that was, though. Well, I do really like younger Rokka too, but there's not much for her to do. And the rest of the episode is like, minutes on end of present day Rokka crying. It should be emotional and stuff but I just so hate Atsushi at this point. I can't believe so much time was spent with Hazuki locked away.

I guess the ending indicates that's finally changed though.

[Damius]

- So he took the tools… the things in that room, the money… and all the blame would be on Hazuki… Oh well… Will Hazuki have a life after he gets his body back (if he gets it back)
- Mini Rokka is the only thing that is still interesting in that picture book.

[Buckeye]

- Hazuki, since when did he become Shimao?
- Now it's Hazuki sleeping in that glass coffin.
- In this sketchbook world, fairy Rokka is actually Shimao.
- And off the cliff goes Hazuki. This is the exit from this sketchbook world.
- Hazuki is back in the real world. Well, not quite.
- So Hazuki and Shimao have now switched places, and Shimao can see Hazuki's spirit.
- Even ghosts can cry. All Hazuki wants is for Shimao to stop interfering.
- Shimao, it's time for you to go and say your goodbyes.
- And the truth comes out to Rokka. That really was Shimao doing all those things.

So after this long journey that began because Hazuki was so naive about his relationship, he has now returned to the real world in the same way Shimao was before he possessed Hazuki. Now that Hazuki has made it out of the sketchbook world, he had to make the most of this opportunity before Shimao does something too overly drastic. Just one more episode to go, and it looks like Shimao is getting ready to say farewell for good with the way he was talking to Rokka.

[Ingraman]

It didn't take Rokka long to get to the important question, which she asked at the very end. The show did get bogged down in these last few episodes, but I look forward to seeing the conclusion next week.

At the moment, it's doubtful that I'll be buying a future US release, but I'll worry about that when ADV gets more specific about their plans...

[ookamigirl]

Wow! Hazuki even turned into Shimao now.
Looks like staying in the sketchbook for too long had some consequences.
The whole snow white thing was just weird.
Shimao & Hazuki heart to heart was just no good for Hezuki.
Rokka was enjoying having Shimao back from the dead.
The only loser in the whole situation was naive Hazuki.
Seems like those two switched places.
I was surprised she even asked about the real Hazuki whereabouts..

[Damius]

Does the end saying that Hazuki changed back to his body? I hope...

[Buckeye]

- Rokka, the world won't end because it ended for Shimao.
- When the time comes for flowers to bloom, they'll bloom. Seems logical, at least from somebody drunk.
- It's time for Rokka to choose. Live for Hazuki or die for Shimao.
- And Rokka chooses Shimao it looks like. Prepare the shears to stab her.
- Back to the sketchbook world goes Hazuki, now trapped in a cage with mini-Rokka now the Queen of Hearts.
- Instead of a stab, Rokka gets the bite from Shimao as a reminder of him.
- Hazuki is finally back where he belongs, while Shimao has departed.
- The miracle is complete. Rokka and the real Hazuki are tying the knot.
- Many years later, the now-grandparents Rokka and Hazuki are dead, and daughter Yuki inherits the shop.
- The granddaughter can see Shimao, just like Hazuki could.
- And into the room that was never entered for years. Please knock, first.
- Granddaughter, welcome to Shimao's sketchbook world. Just kidding.
- Two favors: discard everything in the room, and call Shimao grandpa.

And so, it all comes to an end with Rokka and Hazuki able to overcome a lot of problems and doubts so that they could live happy lives. That scene with Shimao trying to stab Rokka had me on edge. But I knew that Shimao only wanted Rokka to be happy again and to break her grief. So to do that, it had to be Hazuki who Rokka needed to love, and not Shimao, at least not putting her life on hold for him. At the beginning, each person had their own agenda, and were not entirely happy with letting things stand as they were, and it was only through this kind of intervention that someone so socially awkward could find love with someone who refuses to move on with her life. The ending scene with Yuki, her stepaunt Miho and daughter was a nice touch as well to show that Hazuki and Rokka lived happy lives ever since then. Overall, this show was nice to watch. It isn't for everybody, but when it comes to josei titles, this is another great show in the long line of josei manga titles that get anime adaptations that I liked to watch. The way the characters were developed was great, seeing how this experience helped everybody involved.

[bear]

That scene with Shimao trying to stab Rokka had me on edge. But I knew that Shimao only wanted Rokka to be happy again and to break her grief.
That scared the crap out of me. I didn't need that kind of ending tonight and I couldn't believe they'd take that route. If he had killed her that would have been a double tragedy for Hazuki. He loses her and would surely get charged with her murder.

The coda was nice showing that they had a great life together.

Didn't end as great as its start but it was very enjoyable.

[stardf29]

Okay, this was a good episode. This was what I had been expecting from this show at the start, before it got lost in the whole storybook arc. It's a pity the show couldn't do more with Rokka's and Hazuki's relationship in and of itself, but the ending was overall solid. Seeing the pictures of their happy married life was icing on the cake, and we finally find out who the boy in the OP is and what he was doing.

All three main characters--Rokka, Hazuki, and even the late Shimao--showed growth in the series, even if most of it was displayed in the final episode. I was worried that Shimao would stay a jerk to the end, but he did finally come around to some extent.

Anyways, I think that this show gets my "very good" rating of 8/10. It probably could have been at least a 9 had it not spent so much time in the storybook arc and spent more time in the relationship proper, but oh well. I'll be looking forward to Sentai's video release anyways.

[ookamigirl]

Lot of flashbacks and sad feelings..
Looks like Shimao was the one to let go first in the end.
Finally, Hazuki came back! About time too.
Guess it was about time those two lived their lives together.
Nice final episode ^^

[Damius]

So that’s the route they decided to take to let know Hazuki what happened while Atsushi was in his body with Rokka… Not the route I would have prefer them to take… I was almost sure he did switch back at the end of last episode, looks like I was wrong… Let’s see how they will deal with the last episode next week.

[something]

Episode 11:

Watched the last two episodes. My main reaction is, uh, how the hell did they think those dinky little scissors had any chance of killing Rokka, or even getting through her jacket. >_> That was so dumb.

I have to admit I just half-watched it out of the corner of my eye in my other monitor. I get the impression it was better than recent episodes but that hasn't been a super high bar, so, I dunno.

Oh and lol at immediately jumping straight to Hazuki and Rokka being dead. And uh, Atsushi just went on floating around the whole time. What? Wasn't the whole point to put that jackass to rest?

Ehhh, in the end I don't think I enjoyed this show. I thought it had a lot of potential at first, but then Atsushi really really annoyed me, which was a problem even though I at least liked Hazuki. Of course, the conflict with Atsuhi was the whole premise, so rather than saying it's a bad show I'll just say the material did not work for me.

[Damius]

Well at least, the last episode was a little better compare to the episodes after they exchange body... but at the same time, it was not hard to beat.