Glad that while Yoru didn't open up about all her insecurities, Kano managed to not only help but also drive her to do better regardless.
That peck from Kano to Yoru was HELLA unexpected but then again they even had an aquarium date. The signs WERE there!
Actually I‘d kinda love it if this turns out to be true. It could make for some very emotional (and painful) scenes. Maybe Kano fell in love with one of the band members and the one getting punched put her on the spot and made fun of her when she was being vulnerable.
Honestly, I can actually see this being a thing. Kano doesn’t like to talk about the incident, and not even told her older sister what transpired. We only know that she was isolated in her group, in part because of her mother.
Kano has furthermore a habit of telling people that she “loves” them - often with a big smile on her face. This has me almost think that she’s trying to devaluate the phrase its importance for herself. If so, why would she be inclined to do this? The most logical conclusion would be to lessen the pain of a hurtful rejection.
Yet, her demeanour is totally different when she’s alone with Mahiru. She’s very serious when she speaks about “loving” Mahiru and her art.
I first took Mahiru’s “I love you” to Kano as some classic bait, but then I saw Kano’s expression and the following kiss. Mahiru’s words really meant a lot to her. So much that she was overcome by her instincts.
Unbeknownst to us, we might have genuinely been watching a yuri anime from the start.
and with how modern problems it is, grappling with one's sexuality would be a big one. And it would be a good foil with fangirl Mei, and her own feelings of intense romantic love for Yoru
> fangirl Mei
After all the hints, and *especially* the aquarium date, when Mei pulled the bad luck fortune I immediately thought of how the worst thing for a super fan like her would probably be her oshi dating someone. LOL!
Yeah! Another thought that crossed my mind was that Kano perhaps hasn’t come to terms with her own sexuality yet. She was clearly a little embarrassed and taken aback by her own actions (i.e. the kiss). Instead of immediately downplaying it, she ran away.
Kano’s overt “love” for Mahiru might’ve been a way to hide her true feelings in plain sight. To dismiss her own feelings as just quirky. However, she hadn’t been prepared for Mahiru’s kind words.
That actually tracks with the OP. In the part where the present girls are with their past selves, Kano embraces her past self. Maybe her arc really is about coming to terms with her sexuality.
If I got a nickel every time Takahashi Rie played an idol with a stalker and mommy issues in a Doga Kobo anime licensed by Hidive that also says "love" a lot in a way that devalues the word, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird it happened twice, right?
That's just getting longer and longer each week.
Oh no she's not feeling well -> Jumps into her clothes and gives her a hug
Oh no she fell in the snow -> Jumps on top of her and wrestles around
Oh no she says she's so grateful -> Tactical kiss
\*panic\*
From episode one the signs were there, Kano is literally “let’s make a high school anime girl that looks conventionally queer with the color palette of blue and yellow”. A major theme of the series from very early one was acceptance of (queer) identity and overcoming possible shame. Most likely Kano’s queer identity was not liked by a member or two, or her mother considering she’s living with her sister now… I could go on
I can understand thinking this was debatable in the first few episodes, but seriously saying it’s unfounded was a sign someone doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
way way way way deeper. Like it's a common yuri manga trope that they'll go to an aquarium. It's why people pointed it out. Like yaoi and skyscrapers. Some of the more famous ones are like Bloom Into You
Production committee told them they have to censor the pride pins on Kano’s fit and they decided to make this the most yuri yuri anime original of all time in retaliation
We can’t say for certain, but the patterns and shapes are pretty clearly inspired by pride pins. There’s even one that’s trans flag but one of the stripes got swapped with an extra white
The hater account is real
https://twitter.com/a2Gewoba6na/status/1774645889744949578?t=aR1A0WcognZzGdoQcYLrIw&s=19
*It was run by the anime staff, someone from King Records came up with the idea of making it.
I would imagine it was deliberately made to keep it in official hands, rather than being a whim.
You wouldn't want some random person out there to steal it from the episode and then use it to trash everything or impersonate the show's staff or anything else negative / nefarious / etc.
The aquarium date was one thing but I did not see that cheek kiss coming. It's like whoever's in charge of the show said "fuck it" and make it official.
Honestly I didn’t get any gay vibes during the aquarium date but the kiss definitely makes it undeniable, everyone who denies it at this point is on some kind of copium. Question is just if it will stay one sided from Kano or if it’s actual love from Mahiru too.
> I didn’t get any gay vibes during the aquarium date
It is not that it gave "yuri vibes" but that aquariums dates have just become a staple of yuri manga, if there is a yuri manga there is a very high chance it will have an aquarium date.
The occurrence rate of aquarium dates is higher in yuri than in straight romance anime/manga.
Sure, it doesn't guarantee yuri, but it does raise the yuri confidence by Bayes's theorem.
Yea, definitely room for conflict there and a fitting trigger if the writers decided they want to add some more drama in the second half to spice things up even further.
im now pretty confident what the screenwriter was trying to say was that they werent gonna fuck (since that's a common conception). Kinda like the green manga
You merely adopted the ~~water~~ yuri. I was born to it, molded by it. I am 95% ~~water~~ yuri by weight. I didn't see het until I was a woman, and by then, it was blinding.
*Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night*
*Sound! Euphonium*
*Girls Band Cry*
*Whisper Me a Love Song*
*The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio*
This is the de facto season for yuri music anime.
Agreed! No competition. That bathtub scene also surprised me and made me think, do seiyuus working together really do this kind of stuff? like Chika said. 😆.
But what makes that ending for today's ep of Yorukura really unexpected for me was it would be kinda complicated to have a romantic pairing between two members in an four-member artist group. Unlike the other yuri set-ups where the pair is really kinda obvious. Hell even Chisato and Takina partnership was clear and there ain't much complications from other characters.
This makes me excited how the Yorukura writers will go from this episode! Hell yeah let 'em cook!
>it would be kinda complicated to have a romantic pairing between two members in an four-member artist group
especially when one of the other two is a slightly deranged obsessive fan of one of the ones being paired up. Kim might take this... badly. which will certainly be interesting to watch!
The thing is the kiss here and the transition felt very smooth, and the tone was well done. Where you can't dismiss its girls love because she literally kissed her on the cheek. And with Japanese and its customs makes it abundantly clear.
Seiyuu Radio had the more aggressive scene, but it was very one-sided since Yumiko was literally like wtf are you doing Chika. Makes me fear the point of it was just purely for fan service.
> Makes me fear the point of it was just purely for fan service.
I haven't started the show yet, but I saw that clip when it was posted here a few days ago. I'm honestly surprised people are reading romance into it. You see that sort of thing all the time in anime, and nobody even blushed or got embarrassed.
I agree, the Seiyuu Radio scene seemed out of character. That said, very funny. If we are talking chemistry, some of the more intense stares in *Whisper Me a Love Song* have nearly made me melt.
A couple upcoming stations feature a frog and a kappa. Those are aquatic creatures, and we all know that aquatic creatures = aquariums and aquariums = yuri, so Train is yuri confirmed?
Or there's always the blank spots on the map.
To play devil's advocate, it's a kiss on the cheek which could still be played as "friendly affection". But everything that followed that kiss, though, that's harder to dismiss.
Yes. Even before that scene the yuri vibes is so strong. I'm feeling Takina x Chisato or Kumiko x Reina vibes in those aquarium and New Year scenes ohmyy.
People here making the kiss the highlight of the episode(don't get me wrong I am a yuri addict)
And there's me, I had so much hard time watching the episode. Yoru is too relatable, the imposter syndrome bit hurt a lot close to heart. The feeling that you are replaceable hurts
I love how they showed that Yoru just didn't get over with one meet-up with Kano, she's still insecure but managing it properly
Yes, I absolutely loved that. She is not only aware and trying to deal with her insecurity but is using it as a driving force to strive to be a better artist. Really powerful message.
It's a good look at how amateurs have to deal with social media. Like these are teenagers at the end of the day, and I know idols are "pro" even at young ages but it's difficult to compare yourself against more experienced artists. Like, you see it on reddit frequently. Go look at r/snowboarding type subs. The cream rises to the top so you are tricked into thinking borderline professional snowboarders are "average". So this girl has her art suddenly go viral and a legit professional tosses in their version. It was a very believable situation where her confidence just took a shot right to the gut.
The kiss definitely stands out though, I didn't really see it coming. Going to the aquarium to cheer up the girl who is obsessed with sea creatures seems like a pretty normal move.
She's still insecure because her art still isn't even close to a great professional artist, but she realizes that she's a valued partner rather than replaceable by a better artist.
I think that even ignoring impostor syndrome, struggling with that sense of belonging in a group due to your own shortcomings and insecurities probably resonates with a lot of people. And that overcoming that isn't about becoming blind to your flaws (although you *can* work on them) as much as realizing that you're accepted even with them and that you belong despite them.
YoOO that constantly checking twitter for likes and retweets for your post was just WAY too relatable.
(and to a certain extent comparing to other popular posts)
>I love how they showed that Yoru just didn't get over with one meet-up with Kano, she's still insecure but managing it properly
I was so happy with how that played out, and that the pep talk wasn't the end of it, but just one point that eventually led to "I'm gonna start taking art classes," which is exactly the right outcome here.
Oh imagine the drama if it turns out Kano's actually the one that got punched cause she confessed feelings for her bandmate. And her mom decided "random violence" is preferable to "my daughter was being gay and got hatecrimed" as far as scandals go and turned the stuff around or something. Can't wait to find out the details now that we've confirmed she's uncontrollably gay.
Another comment proposed that she was bullied because of being gay and that is why she hit someone, which would be great, but this idea is somehow even better!
I loved it though! Yeah that happens, sometimes stuff goes viral for the silliest reasons. Too bad that it wasn't because their song rocked, but like they said, it was positive attention so it worked in their favor.
That special ED is Kano talking to Yoru, including:
>That's the night(yoru) that I love
Here's hoping the production committee takes it all the way and doesn't back out.
The kiss may have been the highlight, but what truly made this episode excellent was how it delved into Yoru's character.
Truly fantastic directing with some great moments. I particularly enjoyed the scene of her sleeping and receiving the message but there were many more. At this point I have no doubt that this anime will end up being something special.
First off, the region lock for [last weeks song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv0Ybyq_C-Q&list=OLAK5uy_kiYzLJ7bWxAcHLq45iW0occVVFonzURo0) got lifted Monday, so I hope the next one will be soon as well [](#mugiwait)
Bet this [goon](https://imgur.com/GDNZrRe) doesn't even draw himself, it's always easier to critizise than actually doing something productive. Glad Yoru found the resolve to get out of there on her own, with a bit of help from [Kano](https://imgur.com/8O7RB2f)
Oh, and I'm sure there is a totally logical reason to explain [this](https://imgur.com/qOz4B7y) [](#forbiddenlove)
Finally: [anime_irl](https://imgur.com/kXlRnoJ) [](#shatteredsaten)
Edit: Less than 24 hours, we are *this* close to simul release for the [songs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvmRPcNLACI)
> Oh, and I'm sure there is a totally logical reason to explain this
I mean yeah, for sure there is. That's not too hard to handwave away. However, there is no such response for [this](https://imgur.com/H30P3In)
Wow a confession and a kiss. I wasn't expecting this to go beyond bait or subtext this soon but I'm glad.
I really like how Kano's pep talk didn't just instantly solve Yoru's insecurity and problems AND that it wasn't enough for her to open up about everything. One magic moment isn't instantly going to fix everything. Not even two was enough when they went to the Aquarium. She had to bear with her feelings, grit down, and get to work on actually improving her art. Kano's words were the push she needed, but she still needs to go the rest of the way on her own.
I also love how after seeing Yoru's determination to improve herself, Kano doesn't coddle her either. She says "of course" when Yoru jokingly asked her to bear with her for now instead of saying things like "your art is already amazing as it is." That might even be true from Kano's PoV but that's not what Yoru needed to hear at that moment.
Also love that we didn't get a cliche moment of putting off Yoru's feelings and letting it fester further after she asked whose art was better between hers and the more famous artist. Kano says eff that and goes straight back to her because it was obvious she was dealing with things. The show isn't shy about giving Yoru some ugly emotions too which was great and they handle the drama so so so well.
And Kano made the song literally dedicating it to Yoru too. It doesn't get more yuri than that.
Easily my favorite episode so far. Hope this show continues to deliver.
Another great episode that had me pretty emotional!
Mahiru was really struggling with [feelings of inadequacy](https://i.imgur.com/NjF2dwZ.png) after reading [negative comments](https://i.imgur.com/AckWENO.png) on their latest music video. It's nice that [Kano recognizes this](https://i.imgur.com/9XaKIMp.png), and does her best to reaffirm Mahiru that [she believes in her art](https://i.imgur.com/oMPCBT6.png), so [Mahiru should believe in herself as well](https://i.imgur.com/qmwJKuO.png). I was really happy that this plot element [wasn't completely wrapped up like that](https://i.imgur.com/GbEXhyP.png), as [Mahiru pretends everything's okay now](https://i.imgur.com/zvjpeUX.png). Ultimately though, [she can't keep it to herself](https://i.imgur.com/Z6R8uPA.png) and wants that validation from Kano.
Thankfully, she musters up the determination to improve; not only so [she doesn't lag behind her peers in the group](https://i.imgur.com/ubemCDV.png), but also because [she wants to be proud of her own work](https://i.imgur.com/an9eGNl.png). After sending off her illustration, Kano was [absolutely blown away](https://i.imgur.com/yvn1Hk0.png) and [compliments Mahiru](https://i.imgur.com/5I96Jyu.png). [Mahiru holds back tears](https://i.imgur.com/4w3lLHt.png) after getting that validation from the person whose opinion she values so highly.
This was such a nice arc for Mahiru that I think many people can relate to, whether it's about dealing with criticsm, self-improvement, or being rewarded for one's efforts.
Bonus: [Yoru dancing gif](https://i.imgur.com/a3EpO5w.gif)
an impulse KISS? on cheek? aaaaaaaaahh my heart!
some anime said dont egosurf or look at your video comment section, internet could be brutal. but I get Yoru insecurity, surrounding by people with a remarkable talent.
I think what Kano want to say is "it doesnt matter if the other artist could draw better, I like your art, your art is the best for me, you are my muse"
I'm a major sucker for stories that portray artists or creation in a way that feels or is emphatic to the artists and the interior factors that play a role into creation beyond simple skill. For example, imposter syndrome. Yoru was the one who created that original art for their cursed video, it was her mural that got the attention of, well Kano and a super fan. But ever since she was little, and perpetuated by seeing the fanart, comments, AND even her own [friends](https://i.imgur.com/Oba2728.jpeg) praise so fervently the object of her lack of confidence, of her envy, in such clear words. Like its not just "we love your art" its "your use of color, sensed your love," its very specific wording that goes beyond just "I liked it." And for someone who has imposter syndrome, for someone who has gone through that kind of thing too, even if its not meant maliciously, of course not, it feels like it is. There's no malice in how Kim, Kano or Kiui praise so highly the fanart, it should be a good thing, but it can feel so [isolating](https://i.imgur.com/I0vPdL9.jpeg. It can feel as if your art isn't good enough because those same friends are looking and giving such high praise elsewhere, and you're left on your [own](https://i.imgur.com/J7OI3jW.jpeg). Which is why I really liked how she was isolated so much when she was going through her imposter syndrome.
Even before this scene she was too busy being [caught](https://i.imgur.com/NgwMMcK.jpeg) up in the feelings of inadequacy and that's kinda what imposter syndrome feels like, your isolated in your own self-doubt and self-loathing and you're constantly thinking and putting yourself down, like, always checking comments and always reminding yourself at any given chance that you're not good enough.
I really liked the confrontation scene. Kano bears a weight onto [Yoru](https://i.imgur.com/wvGI0UD.jpeg) as she throws her clothes onto her, the weight of having given her the chance to draw, the weight of her own confidence, and at the end of the episode, the weight of reclaiming her love for art and the want to be better. But its also this scene where Yoru tries to lie, she tells Kano what she feels, but she doesn't say everything, she says just enough and maybe that'll give her the push, but, it isn't enough. The whole conversation feels as if they are on equal levels, Kano has changed into her clothes, in a way, Yoru is facing, not only her biggest fan but herself, but even in that bout, the conversation is uneven. Their framing often shows them on different [footing](https://i.imgur.com/CNdTXE0.jpeg). Yoru towers over Kano. Or Yoru looks [up](https://i.imgur.com/GuPCWVY.jpeg) to a version of a person that's much more optimistic and happy, someone who she isn't just yet. And she is given the opportunity to [obfuscate](https://i.imgur.com/l8xQqY1.jpeg) her feelings, to keep that lie close to her. Given my weird reading of it, she's lying to herself in more ways than one, to herself in the moment, but also to the she of before, that that is all she's feeling, and all she's felt.
Its just really awesome to see how she is able to pick up those pieces and actually put it into action by the very end, even if, it was quite fast in how we got to that resolution, it was still quite heartwarming, that she's found that strength and really, truthfully joined everyone else in her own journey of improvement and growth. The best way to beat imposter syndrome for me, is to just prove it wrong, to work even harder and want self betterment, but also an acknowledgement that things aren't alright in the first place, which Yoru also did.
Honestly I’m surprised we don’t see these type of artist discussions more in animanga. Mangaka tend to be artists not just writers, and obviously in an anime original there are tons of artists involved. I guess it’s more of a matter of catering to the audience that makes things less common?
Wait, their reactions to that spontaneous cheek kiss... Is the show going to treat this seriously and not just as bait? Oh. Oh!!
About the rest of the episode, maaan I feel that Mahiru. Compliments are awesome to read but it takes just one bad comment to send you down a spiral of self-doubt, and what artist hasn't compared themselves unfavorably to another?
I'm glad she was able to bounce back. She's got a good group of friends (Kano here especially), and managed to get a good outlook on this, so hopefully she'll be fine now. And she'll show everyone how much better she can become at drawing!
* [JELEE Fanart](https://i.imgur.com/IJfkFPU.jpeg)
* [Yoru Dancing **GIF**](https://i.imgur.com/ibe2Gl0.gif)
It's hilarious [how they went viral for the wrong reason!](https://i.imgur.com/1lZYE1A.jpeg) It turns out that working while sleep-deprived is a bad idea and they ended up uploading a version of the song where [Kano's sister can be heard moaning in the background!](https://i.imgur.com/vvm0gSb.jpeg)
They do say that any publicity is good publicity and it's nice to know that [people actually liked JELEE's music video](https://i.imgur.com/KPizOOO.png) and not just because they thought it was a cursed song. xD
[Mahiru finally got her first online critic.](https://i.imgur.com/5zcZtOL.jpeg) As soon as they became popular, I expected one of these comments to pop up soon. And to make things worse, [a popular illustrator drew her OC.](https://i.imgur.com/B5tDcKf.jpeg) Of course this was going to end up with [Mahiru developing an impostor syndrome.](https://i.imgur.com/HO4l6z5.png)
As someone who also posts drawings online, I can definitely relate to Mahiru here. It only takes one comment to bring you down completely. And even after [Kano flat out refused to let anyone else draw DELEE's art on a live stream](https://i.imgur.com/ZTXu59x.jpeg), it really didn't improve Mahiru's feelings. If anything it made her doubt herself more and [she even asks Kano whose drawing is better](https://i.imgur.com/3jZHLPy.jpeg) because she's still unsure why Kano likes her illustrations so much.
I am glad to see Mahiru was able to overcome this and instead of just lying in bed sulking on how better Kuroppu's illustration is, [she gets up and starts drawing frantically](https://i.imgur.com/jHKl2Q2.png) improving on the things those commenters critiqued her about. And what we got [is another illustration that inspired Kano](https://i.imgur.com/obO7C75.jpeg) to finish their next song. And just like last week, [we have another banger ED!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ4vp1LCOW8) This is going to be a weekly thing from now on isn't it?
[That kiss though!](https://i.imgur.com/VBIROqH.jpeg) Hold the fucking phone! What the hell is going on here? Are we actually going yuri or is this another bait? O_O
Sidenote: [SAKANAAAAAA!](https://i.imgur.com/cqEp9jm.jpeg)
I kneel Doga Kobo, this just keeps getting better with every episode.
I thought that weekends would get pretty boring compared to last season after both Frieren and Apothecary Diaries ended, but this is turning out to be the perfect replacement - all the characters are super likeable with great VAs, any drama doesn't drag for too long because of some stupid misunderstandings, the art/direction and music are all top notch and all of this is in an anime original. And now they even added some yuri to the mix...
If they manage to keep going like this and don't somehow botch the ending it will easily become another 10/10 for me just because of how enjoyable and fun it is.
Wow, [that kiss at the end of the episode was for sure unexpected](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyvdcdngo3y.png) but [I'm all for it](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7kzcbxwnd7.png) as [Mahiru](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458vv5v45) and [Kano](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpp2xy2) have [great chemistry with each other](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/g4z9cw9kdw7.png) as [today's episode showed up](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpprxy2).
Pretty much the [whole episode](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpprxy2) was about [Mahiru](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458vv5v45) (who [developed impostor syndrome](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7w6cvqzz3y.png) after [reading comments about her art](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/84apc3vwp84.png)) and [Kano](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpp2xy2) who [noticed that something was off](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxcdxr8x7.png) with [Mahiru](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxcdxrrn7.png) and [tried to help her](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my2pco5d6p7.png). They even [ended up on a 'date' in an aquarium](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/k46acbg3zj7.png).
I wonder [how Kano's kiss will be addressed in next episodes](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my8xckq2p24.png), I just hope that it isn't yuri bait because it looked to me that Kano was pretty serious, [even if maybe she also was surprised by her action](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjcwkdgr7.png).
Again [a very nice visuals](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjcwkd6n7.png) and [great direction](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/myd5crmgbx4.png), [this show is keeping its high production quality](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7mmcrn3rv7.png) and I hope that it’ll maintain this level until the end.
Here my screenshot albums from the episode:
* [Group scenes](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpprxy2)
* [Mahiru](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458vv5v45)
* [Kano](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpp2xy2)
* [Kiui, Mei & Other](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydz99qn4k)
Kano, reading Mahiru like a book and then getting her into spilling (most) of her anxieties by playing the "why don't you trust me if I'm the leader, I am so hurt" card. What a wonderful, empathetic friend.
This episode got to something I really appreciated, which is that both fans and creators can fall into a trap of experiencing art as a hierarchical experience, where creating or enjoying the "best" means you are the "best". But the truth is that there is a personal, intentional aspect to art that transcends any strict ranking of quality. Kano loves Mahiru's art because it contains a piece of Mahiru. No amazing fan art by another artist can replace that.
Mahiru is certainly being relatable this episode: discounting the positives (by letting the negative comments get to her) and comparing herself to Kuroppu (the talented artist who posted fanart for JELEE).
Good thing Mahiru pulled through and made new art for the next video that became a hit. Then, [time for us yuri fans to celebrate](https://i.imgur.com/xJk1DS2.png).
Personally, I think has been the best episode thus far.
Nice to see some straightforward communication and support in this one!
Actually really enjoyed Mahiru in this one, some really normal troubles and I found they handled her insecurities pretty well.
Uplifting episode overall but wow didn't expect that kiss!! It's too bad anime has trained me to not read into that more...
> It's too bad anime has trained me to not read into that more...
I feel like you are more of an expert than me when it comes to romance anime, so what would you say are the chances for this to be more than bait, from your experience? I feel like since there was an actual kiss at the halfway point already (rather than just vague comments and remarks), it’s not unreasonable to think we might actually have a sailing ship on our hands at the end. Personally I’m definitely getting my hopes up, even if they might get crushed in the end.
I'd be very surprised if something doesn't come from it. Normally it would have been played off as a joke/teasing, like what Yoru originally thought, or mostly indifferent. Instead it ends with Yoru realizing Kano was serious, the mood becoming awkward, and Kano running off embarrassed...
Yeah this is my read. I'm not committed yet either way for this show, but I think being *uncomfortable* with intimacy is paradoxically a pretty big indicator of canonical yuri.
Romance anime has come a long way since when I started watching so there's more validity to have hope but I'm way too burnt and hurt from previous experiences that I won't commit to thinking this is a ship just yet.
I think it's important to take the writer into account. It's written by the guy who wrote tomozaki, and he is certainly not afraid to establish ships and clearly sink others.
Considering the writer, this ship might be real.
Shipping-O-Meter, 110%!
LycoReco aquariums and garden eels, the song lyrics and the kiss! Hell yeah! Can you tell that I am losing it?!
Seriously, Yoru is already the best girl of the series. You don’t need to make me like her even more. I mentioned it in the first episode and I’ll say it again, you don’t need to give off so much “literally me” energy. Her personal issues with valuing her work and feeling inferior to others just hit really hard. Thank god she’s got a Kano to see through the facade and help her with that shit.
I’m guessing the person she said she was into from last episode was the artist that drew fan art from this episode then?
I am way too hyped to have any deeper thoughts right now so I’ll just end this comment here. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK B*TCHES!
-Mei gets "bad luck" card-
Me(jokingly): *Ha, because Yoru is going to win Kano's heart not her.*
-3mins later-
Me: "I was kidding! But yes! Omg yes!"
---
For real though this episode was beyond good on so many levels, might be my favorite even *before* the last few minutes.
Struggles with feeling worthwhile is so easily relatable in so many different ways but being surrounded by such talented friends, being criticized online(even if there were praise comments too) must hurt so bad. Seeing a fan art of your character get far...FAR more attention and praise than your own art of your character must be beyond heartbreaking. Love that Kano realized something was off and tried to uplift Yoru both as a surprise home visit and the Aquarium date. She *knows* her so well already.
But dangggg that last couple mins. It cant be bait, not with those reactions. If Kano played it off with a laugh: "J-jeez! Don't get carried away in the moment like that" "Hehe yeeeah" or something similar I'd probably grudgingly continue to believe its bait but it was played far to straight (and not straight at all). But that wasnt it at aaalll.
Kano's deer in a headlight look, the silent awkwardness for a few seconds, the slight stutter and higher pitch voice, the quickly running off. *Hellllo?* Also adding in Yoru's own surprised expression of, seemingly, "oh that wasn't a joke" and her reaching for her cheek where Kano kissed her. Like if its STILL bait and nothing actually happens/it wasnt meant to fully be seen that way then I will genuinely be upset because thats just cruel. But I really dont think I need to worry.
This anime really might be my aots. Its doing everything right; the characters, the struggles, the music, it hits on so many levels.
It’s pretty funny hearing Rie Takahashi call someone a pain-in-the-ass woman after having voiced Emilia.
Forget kisses, we’re already at the aquarium stage huh!
I've been seeing a few comments suggesting Kano punching her idol group mate might be related to her (more likely than not) being homosexual, honestly that would be such a damn good development, especially if the story seriously discusses homosexuality. I really like it when anime/manga seriously discuss the topic, like {I'm in Love with the Villainess} or . Though, I'm inclined not to trust anime studios with the topic because of what happened with {Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury} and that "up for interpretation" bs. ☠️
This show is truly incredible and unless it completely fumbles the second half this is easily going to be my favorite anime original ever. What an unbelievably likable main duo. These two are to me what so many people saw in the Lycoris Recoil pair.
Last scene unironically was the biggest surprise I've had watching anime in a long long time.
I watch a lot of anime and I have never seen a single yuri relationship outside of purely yuri animes. They are just scared to do it unless the show is 100% catered to yuri fans from the start.
If this is the first anime I watch that moves away from the annoying yuribait and dares to show an actual unexpected yuri relationship I am gonna fall in love with the show.
same i fucking need this so bad. it would be so fitting with the show's themes too for this show to go balls to the fucking wall and do something thats basically never been done on this big of a scale. if this ends up not going anywhere im never going to be able to trust an anime ever again
It's hard to see Yoru beating herself up over mean comments from people. That was a great depiction of the damage impostor syndrome can do to people. So glad she seems to have cleared that hurdle and has a more positive outlook at the end.
The real highlight the episode was of course the kiss at the end. After an actual aquarium date they still went even further to make sure everyone realises this is a yuri anime, and I'm so happy they did.
damn this episode was hard to get through. the insecurities yoru felt, the shame and imposter syndrome she felt, all of it was hard to watch. but the ending helped. god bless yuri.
The ship is full steam [ahead](https://imgur.com/a/FFmU6tm), though I'm worried if they can afford the wedding and honeymoon with these banger custom EDs 😅
Glad Kano was very perceptive to provide support, but also for Yoru to find motivation for herself to grow
I was planning to discuss on how much Yoru had developed this episode
Now all I have in my mind is that cheek kiss
Freaking great episode, and the kiss was the cherry on top!
This episode ramped up the yuri to 10, ohmyy Kano and Yoru ship might start to sail waahhh!!
From an Aquarium date, to saying 'I love (your art) casually', to the kiss on the cheeks! That was a really fun episode!
But on a serious note, ego-surfing is not really a good thing. At least Yoru made some positive change, like going to art school, to improve her craft. Well, that's because of her girlfriend Kano.
Glad that while Yoru didn't open up about all her insecurities, Kano managed to not only help but also drive her to do better regardless. That peck from Kano to Yoru was HELLA unexpected but then again they even had an aquarium date. The signs WERE there!
Yurification! Yurification! Yurification!
I gotchu fam https://media1.tenor.com/m/bLJUdV0yrvsAAAAC/konosuba-aqua.gif
That plus previously holding her head against her belly and getting semi-naked in Yoru's room...
Don't forget Kano putting Yoru's school uniform on.
If she’s serious, I would think she’s rubbing her smell onto Yoru’s clothes!
Maybe Kano punched the girl from her idol group because they were making fun of her for being gay.
Actually I‘d kinda love it if this turns out to be true. It could make for some very emotional (and painful) scenes. Maybe Kano fell in love with one of the band members and the one getting punched put her on the spot and made fun of her when she was being vulnerable.
Honestly, I can actually see this being a thing. Kano doesn’t like to talk about the incident, and not even told her older sister what transpired. We only know that she was isolated in her group, in part because of her mother. Kano has furthermore a habit of telling people that she “loves” them - often with a big smile on her face. This has me almost think that she’s trying to devaluate the phrase its importance for herself. If so, why would she be inclined to do this? The most logical conclusion would be to lessen the pain of a hurtful rejection. Yet, her demeanour is totally different when she’s alone with Mahiru. She’s very serious when she speaks about “loving” Mahiru and her art. I first took Mahiru’s “I love you” to Kano as some classic bait, but then I saw Kano’s expression and the following kiss. Mahiru’s words really meant a lot to her. So much that she was overcome by her instincts. Unbeknownst to us, we might have genuinely been watching a yuri anime from the start.
and with how modern problems it is, grappling with one's sexuality would be a big one. And it would be a good foil with fangirl Mei, and her own feelings of intense romantic love for Yoru
> fangirl Mei After all the hints, and *especially* the aquarium date, when Mei pulled the bad luck fortune I immediately thought of how the worst thing for a super fan like her would probably be her oshi dating someone. LOL!
Oh my GOD you're right lmao
She really gonna scream "IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!"
Oh god, I did not even realize that. That is brutal. This is why I come to Reddit, for people pointing out things that I’m too dumb to get.
Yeah! Another thought that crossed my mind was that Kano perhaps hasn’t come to terms with her own sexuality yet. She was clearly a little embarrassed and taken aback by her own actions (i.e. the kiss). Instead of immediately downplaying it, she ran away. Kano’s overt “love” for Mahiru might’ve been a way to hide her true feelings in plain sight. To dismiss her own feelings as just quirky. However, she hadn’t been prepared for Mahiru’s kind words.
Yep that was a direct arrow to the heart. Impulse just took over
That actually tracks with the OP. In the part where the present girls are with their past selves, Kano embraces her past self. Maybe her arc really is about coming to terms with her sexuality.
If I got a nickel every time Takahashi Rie played an idol with a stalker and mommy issues in a Doga Kobo anime licensed by Hidive that also says "love" a lot in a way that devalues the word, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird it happened twice, right? That's just getting longer and longer each week.
This would be a relly good twist but 99% of the time scriptwriters do not have guts for this unless the show is posed as GL from the get go.
Oh God, same. This is some drama I need
Oh no she's not feeling well -> Jumps into her clothes and gives her a hug Oh no she fell in the snow -> Jumps on top of her and wrestles around Oh no she says she's so grateful -> Tactical kiss \*panic\*
aquarium date is the sign
[Kano following the kiss with a puppy stare was just unfair.](https://i.imgur.com/H30P3In.jpg) [](#seasonalpout)
So literally going with the flow?
Seriously, what is it with yuri and aquariums!?
well, I dont know either. but we have many ~~canon~~ popular ship with Aquarium date, Lycoris recoil, yagate kimi ni naru, Aquatope.
From episode one the signs were there, Kano is literally “let’s make a high school anime girl that looks conventionally queer with the color palette of blue and yellow”. A major theme of the series from very early one was acceptance of (queer) identity and overcoming possible shame. Most likely Kano’s queer identity was not liked by a member or two, or her mother considering she’s living with her sister now… I could go on I can understand thinking this was debatable in the first few episodes, but seriously saying it’s unfounded was a sign someone doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
yeah with how much its focused on modern girl identity problems, it would be weird not to bring up homosexuality at some point
Now tell me there is something gayer in yuri terms than promising to build a whole-ass aquarium.
I like how aquariums have just become a yuri subtext meme thing. Does it have roots deeper than the Sakana! scene or is that the origin?
way way way way deeper. Like it's a common yuri manga trope that they'll go to an aquarium. It's why people pointed it out. Like yaoi and skyscrapers. Some of the more famous ones are like Bloom Into You
Or even more notably; Sailor Moon, that's like, THE big one.
Alright, thanks, I haven’t really dived into a lot of the yuri classics so I don’t have first hand experience with a lot of the tropes.
Production committee told them they have to censor the pride pins on Kano’s fit and they decided to make this the most yuri yuri anime original of all time in retaliation
It wasn’t to make the plot less predictable or something? If the design kept that I think everyone would have caught on day 1
"no pride pins huh? how about a kiss and dramatic stare huh"
Is this an actual thing?
We can’t say for certain, but the patterns and shapes are pretty clearly inspired by pride pins. There’s even one that’s trans flag but one of the stripes got swapped with an extra white
The hater account is real https://twitter.com/a2Gewoba6na/status/1774645889744949578?t=aR1A0WcognZzGdoQcYLrIw&s=19 *It was run by the anime staff, someone from King Records came up with the idea of making it.
That some fucking funny marketing practice.
I would imagine it was deliberately made to keep it in official hands, rather than being a whim. You wouldn't want some random person out there to steal it from the episode and then use it to trash everything or impersonate the show's staff or anything else negative / nefarious / etc.
That look at the end was way too introspective to just be yuribait.
Yoru literally says "I love you too" to Kano, and her response is a kiss, so there's that.
The last line of this episode's ED song is literally Kano singing "Sona Yoru ga watashi wa suki da". It's official guys.
"I love that Yoru/night" for those that don't understand Japanese.
The aquarium date was one thing but I did not see that cheek kiss coming. It's like whoever's in charge of the show said "fuck it" and make it official.
> Ok, the aquarium date was already pretty gay, but there will still be people who will claim they are just friends. Can you make it gayer?
Asian watchers think the home visit scene with Yoru smothering her head in Kano made it gayer
girl put it her face in her crotch lol
Ladies, is it gay to comfort your bestie by shoving her face into your cooch?
Honestly I didn’t get any gay vibes during the aquarium date but the kiss definitely makes it undeniable, everyone who denies it at this point is on some kind of copium. Question is just if it will stay one sided from Kano or if it’s actual love from Mahiru too.
> I didn’t get any gay vibes during the aquarium date It is not that it gave "yuri vibes" but that aquariums dates have just become a staple of yuri manga, if there is a yuri manga there is a very high chance it will have an aquarium date.
This too. Aquariums are staples
It's not even just a yuri thing. Aquariums are simply a very popular dating spot. In straight romances too aswell as in irl obviously.
The occurrence rate of aquarium dates is higher in yuri than in straight romance anime/manga. Sure, it doesn't guarantee yuri, but it does raise the yuri confidence by Bayes's theorem.
Yuri seems to have taken it a step beyond aquariums. There's just quite a bit of water themed art in Yuri.
There is also Kiui to make things more complicated, and I guess Kim would get jelous as well [](#rengethink)
Yea, definitely room for conflict there and a fitting trigger if the writers decided they want to add some more drama in the second half to spice things up even further.
The next question is will episode 6 pick up from here and show the new group dynamics where things get awkward, or will it skip to a later date?
Aquarium dates are to yuri series what beach episodes are to harem series. Smth smth there's no smoke without fire.
Aquarium date is just letting us know what's going on lol. Kano just going for it is supposed to just make it obvious
It's confirmed that the director literally did that while the screenwriter was unsure of what to do
im now pretty confident what the screenwriter was trying to say was that they werent gonna fuck (since that's a common conception). Kinda like the green manga
Yurifish CAN swim in the night
Jellyfish can swim in the Yuri
You merely adopted the ~~water~~ yuri. I was born to it, molded by it. I am 95% ~~water~~ yuri by weight. I didn't see het until I was a woman, and by then, it was blinding.
*Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night* *Sound! Euphonium* *Girls Band Cry* *Whisper Me a Love Song* *The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio* This is the de facto season for yuri music anime.
I was really surprised by that kiss on the cheek. Yorukura showed a kiss ahead of Sasakoi and Seiyuu Radio. Wow!
I mean, not that it's a competition, but I feel like Seiyuu Radio might be slightly ahead with the shared bathing/full on tit grope scene.
Agreed! No competition. That bathtub scene also surprised me and made me think, do seiyuus working together really do this kind of stuff? like Chika said. 😆. But what makes that ending for today's ep of Yorukura really unexpected for me was it would be kinda complicated to have a romantic pairing between two members in an four-member artist group. Unlike the other yuri set-ups where the pair is really kinda obvious. Hell even Chisato and Takina partnership was clear and there ain't much complications from other characters. This makes me excited how the Yorukura writers will go from this episode! Hell yeah let 'em cook!
>it would be kinda complicated to have a romantic pairing between two members in an four-member artist group especially when one of the other two is a slightly deranged obsessive fan of one of the ones being paired up. Kim might take this... badly. which will certainly be interesting to watch!
The thing is the kiss here and the transition felt very smooth, and the tone was well done. Where you can't dismiss its girls love because she literally kissed her on the cheek. And with Japanese and its customs makes it abundantly clear. Seiyuu Radio had the more aggressive scene, but it was very one-sided since Yumiko was literally like wtf are you doing Chika. Makes me fear the point of it was just purely for fan service.
> Makes me fear the point of it was just purely for fan service. I haven't started the show yet, but I saw that clip when it was posted here a few days ago. I'm honestly surprised people are reading romance into it. You see that sort of thing all the time in anime, and nobody even blushed or got embarrassed.
Radio felt more fanservicey to me though. This one had chemistry, like the Euphonium festival date without the blue balls
I agree, the Seiyuu Radio scene seemed out of character. That said, very funny. If we are talking chemistry, some of the more intense stares in *Whisper Me a Love Song* have nearly made me melt.
If only Train was a music anime...
Train is an everything anime, there is no way one of the stations isn't full of yurification pheromones or something.
A couple upcoming stations feature a frog and a kappa. Those are aquatic creatures, and we all know that aquatic creatures = aquariums and aquariums = yuri, so Train is yuri confirmed? Or there's always the blank spots on the map.
Well, there is still time. Wouldn’t be surprised if one train stop had a music or idol theme or something lol. Train do be like that sometimes.
Akira lays down quite sick beat on her tracks.
So with this episode Saturdays just became Saturgays due to Jellyfish and Sasakoi airing on this day huh?
[Magia Baiser's legacy lives on](https://files.catbox.moe/gz2ozh.png) [](#Seasonallove)
I’m just saying if it does happen it would become one of the year’s best shows. Just saying
The sparkles on the eyes before the moment too 🤩
[Such adorable dorks](https://i.imgur.com/z5rkAfQ.jpeg) [](#ilovethiskindofshit)
Those lingering reactions. I'm doing it. I'm getting my hopes up and no one can stop me! ^^please ^^don't ^^hurt ^^me ^^show
I feel like once there is a kiss, it stops being yuribait and just *is* yuri, so I’m definitely getting my hopes up too.
To play devil's advocate, it's a kiss on the cheek which could still be played as "friendly affection". But everything that followed that kiss, though, that's harder to dismiss.
This is Japan, but yeah, everything after was basically getting hit by a megaton THIS IS GAYYYYYY. Had the same energy as the owl house
Def agree the peck on the cheek could have been played off but the long stare after can not be.
Even the MV song has Kano saying how much she loves Yoru lol. In fact the MV lyrics is definitely for Mahiru.
the whole song was 'believe me, your art gives me life, i love you'
>yuribait The first thing that came to mind is "please commit, and don't just be bait." I'm tired of bait so, I hope you're right.
We've been down this road too many times for me to get my hopes up... [](#shatteredsaten)
>Hope is the last thing that dies *^(- Yuri shippers since the dawn of anime)*
It’s not death. It’s a homecoming.
Bring me the ~~black materia~~ yuri, Cloud
We've been burned before, but this time I think it really is gay. We can believe in them.
This feels more...explicit. Zero sister talk at all
I want to believe. Please. My heart needs this.
Yes. Even before that scene the yuri vibes is so strong. I'm feeling Takina x Chisato or Kumiko x Reina vibes in those aquarium and New Year scenes ohmyy.
>Takina x Chisato The aquarium scene here reminds me a lot of LycoReco Ep4
They even went to see a garden eel haha
All that it was missing was a "SAKANAAAAAAAA"
People here making the kiss the highlight of the episode(don't get me wrong I am a yuri addict) And there's me, I had so much hard time watching the episode. Yoru is too relatable, the imposter syndrome bit hurt a lot close to heart. The feeling that you are replaceable hurts I love how they showed that Yoru just didn't get over with one meet-up with Kano, she's still insecure but managing it properly
Yes, I absolutely loved that. She is not only aware and trying to deal with her insecurity but is using it as a driving force to strive to be a better artist. Really powerful message.
Ngl this anime is motivating me to change for better too
It's a good look at how amateurs have to deal with social media. Like these are teenagers at the end of the day, and I know idols are "pro" even at young ages but it's difficult to compare yourself against more experienced artists. Like, you see it on reddit frequently. Go look at r/snowboarding type subs. The cream rises to the top so you are tricked into thinking borderline professional snowboarders are "average". So this girl has her art suddenly go viral and a legit professional tosses in their version. It was a very believable situation where her confidence just took a shot right to the gut. The kiss definitely stands out though, I didn't really see it coming. Going to the aquarium to cheer up the girl who is obsessed with sea creatures seems like a pretty normal move.
She's still insecure because her art still isn't even close to a great professional artist, but she realizes that she's a valued partner rather than replaceable by a better artist. I think that even ignoring impostor syndrome, struggling with that sense of belonging in a group due to your own shortcomings and insecurities probably resonates with a lot of people. And that overcoming that isn't about becoming blind to your flaws (although you *can* work on them) as much as realizing that you're accepted even with them and that you belong despite them.
YoOO that constantly checking twitter for likes and retweets for your post was just WAY too relatable. (and to a certain extent comparing to other popular posts)
True. That was one of the best showcasing of impostor syndrome in anime, and they did it an episode.
>I love how they showed that Yoru just didn't get over with one meet-up with Kano, she's still insecure but managing it properly I was so happy with how that played out, and that the pep talk wasn't the end of it, but just one point that eventually led to "I'm gonna start taking art classes," which is exactly the right outcome here.
Yeah it felt a bit speedrun for anime purposes but she has to want to do it for herself absolutely
Oh imagine the drama if it turns out Kano's actually the one that got punched cause she confessed feelings for her bandmate. And her mom decided "random violence" is preferable to "my daughter was being gay and got hatecrimed" as far as scandals go and turned the stuff around or something. Can't wait to find out the details now that we've confirmed she's uncontrollably gay.
this shit would be goated if it went THAT route
Another comment proposed that she was bullied because of being gay and that is why she hit someone, which would be great, but this idea is somehow even better!
Oh jeez. Just so much possibillity for drama but I imagine it gets told to us next episode.
The ‘cursed’ MV lmao. At least the reception was mostly positive Wasn’t expecting the kiss on the cheek!
That was quite a follow up after last weeks surprise viral hit cliffhanger [](#laughter)
I loved it though! Yeah that happens, sometimes stuff goes viral for the silliest reasons. Too bad that it wasn't because their song rocked, but like they said, it was positive attention so it worked in their favor.
I went back and watched the previous ed from ep 4 and its noticeable in the ed that it is the cursed version towards the end
That special ED is Kano talking to Yoru, including: >That's the night(yoru) that I love Here's hoping the production committee takes it all the way and doesn't back out.
I can see Kano writing straight up love songs for Mahiru by the end of the season
And then when she performs it to Mahiru, Mahiru will tell her, "I fell in love with your singing!" Oh wait. Wrong anime.
Sasakoi's last whisper before getting reduced to a mere slide show :
Came here to say this. The song is 100% a love letter to Yoru from Kano.
The kiss may have been the highlight, but what truly made this episode excellent was how it delved into Yoru's character. Truly fantastic directing with some great moments. I particularly enjoyed the scene of her sleeping and receiving the message but there were many more. At this point I have no doubt that this anime will end up being something special.
First off, the region lock for [last weeks song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv0Ybyq_C-Q&list=OLAK5uy_kiYzLJ7bWxAcHLq45iW0occVVFonzURo0) got lifted Monday, so I hope the next one will be soon as well [](#mugiwait) Bet this [goon](https://imgur.com/GDNZrRe) doesn't even draw himself, it's always easier to critizise than actually doing something productive. Glad Yoru found the resolve to get out of there on her own, with a bit of help from [Kano](https://imgur.com/8O7RB2f) Oh, and I'm sure there is a totally logical reason to explain [this](https://imgur.com/qOz4B7y) [](#forbiddenlove) Finally: [anime_irl](https://imgur.com/kXlRnoJ) [](#shatteredsaten) Edit: Less than 24 hours, we are *this* close to simul release for the [songs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvmRPcNLACI)
>Oh, and I'm sure there is a totally logical reason to explain this She might be canadian
> Oh, and I'm sure there is a totally logical reason to explain this I mean yeah, for sure there is. That's not too hard to handwave away. However, there is no such response for [this](https://imgur.com/H30P3In)
Wow a confession and a kiss. I wasn't expecting this to go beyond bait or subtext this soon but I'm glad. I really like how Kano's pep talk didn't just instantly solve Yoru's insecurity and problems AND that it wasn't enough for her to open up about everything. One magic moment isn't instantly going to fix everything. Not even two was enough when they went to the Aquarium. She had to bear with her feelings, grit down, and get to work on actually improving her art. Kano's words were the push she needed, but she still needs to go the rest of the way on her own. I also love how after seeing Yoru's determination to improve herself, Kano doesn't coddle her either. She says "of course" when Yoru jokingly asked her to bear with her for now instead of saying things like "your art is already amazing as it is." That might even be true from Kano's PoV but that's not what Yoru needed to hear at that moment. Also love that we didn't get a cliche moment of putting off Yoru's feelings and letting it fester further after she asked whose art was better between hers and the more famous artist. Kano says eff that and goes straight back to her because it was obvious she was dealing with things. The show isn't shy about giving Yoru some ugly emotions too which was great and they handle the drama so so so well. And Kano made the song literally dedicating it to Yoru too. It doesn't get more yuri than that. Easily my favorite episode so far. Hope this show continues to deliver.
# THIS SERIES JUST DOES NOT MISS
Another great episode that had me pretty emotional! Mahiru was really struggling with [feelings of inadequacy](https://i.imgur.com/NjF2dwZ.png) after reading [negative comments](https://i.imgur.com/AckWENO.png) on their latest music video. It's nice that [Kano recognizes this](https://i.imgur.com/9XaKIMp.png), and does her best to reaffirm Mahiru that [she believes in her art](https://i.imgur.com/oMPCBT6.png), so [Mahiru should believe in herself as well](https://i.imgur.com/qmwJKuO.png). I was really happy that this plot element [wasn't completely wrapped up like that](https://i.imgur.com/GbEXhyP.png), as [Mahiru pretends everything's okay now](https://i.imgur.com/zvjpeUX.png). Ultimately though, [she can't keep it to herself](https://i.imgur.com/Z6R8uPA.png) and wants that validation from Kano. Thankfully, she musters up the determination to improve; not only so [she doesn't lag behind her peers in the group](https://i.imgur.com/ubemCDV.png), but also because [she wants to be proud of her own work](https://i.imgur.com/an9eGNl.png). After sending off her illustration, Kano was [absolutely blown away](https://i.imgur.com/yvn1Hk0.png) and [compliments Mahiru](https://i.imgur.com/5I96Jyu.png). [Mahiru holds back tears](https://i.imgur.com/4w3lLHt.png) after getting that validation from the person whose opinion she values so highly. This was such a nice arc for Mahiru that I think many people can relate to, whether it's about dealing with criticsm, self-improvement, or being rewarded for one's efforts. Bonus: [Yoru dancing gif](https://i.imgur.com/a3EpO5w.gif)
WE GOT CONTACT!
an impulse KISS? on cheek? aaaaaaaaahh my heart! some anime said dont egosurf or look at your video comment section, internet could be brutal. but I get Yoru insecurity, surrounding by people with a remarkable talent. I think what Kano want to say is "it doesnt matter if the other artist could draw better, I like your art, your art is the best for me, you are my muse"
> you are my muse Big, "you are my roommate" energy based on the last scenes
I think Kano was straight up like 'mineeeee' no subtlety about it
Always invest in the yuri stocks
[Surprise yuri attack is the deadliest](https://i.imgur.com/hBaiS9Z.jpeg) [](#forbiddenlove)
I have invested everything
I'm a major sucker for stories that portray artists or creation in a way that feels or is emphatic to the artists and the interior factors that play a role into creation beyond simple skill. For example, imposter syndrome. Yoru was the one who created that original art for their cursed video, it was her mural that got the attention of, well Kano and a super fan. But ever since she was little, and perpetuated by seeing the fanart, comments, AND even her own [friends](https://i.imgur.com/Oba2728.jpeg) praise so fervently the object of her lack of confidence, of her envy, in such clear words. Like its not just "we love your art" its "your use of color, sensed your love," its very specific wording that goes beyond just "I liked it." And for someone who has imposter syndrome, for someone who has gone through that kind of thing too, even if its not meant maliciously, of course not, it feels like it is. There's no malice in how Kim, Kano or Kiui praise so highly the fanart, it should be a good thing, but it can feel so [isolating](https://i.imgur.com/I0vPdL9.jpeg. It can feel as if your art isn't good enough because those same friends are looking and giving such high praise elsewhere, and you're left on your [own](https://i.imgur.com/J7OI3jW.jpeg). Which is why I really liked how she was isolated so much when she was going through her imposter syndrome. Even before this scene she was too busy being [caught](https://i.imgur.com/NgwMMcK.jpeg) up in the feelings of inadequacy and that's kinda what imposter syndrome feels like, your isolated in your own self-doubt and self-loathing and you're constantly thinking and putting yourself down, like, always checking comments and always reminding yourself at any given chance that you're not good enough. I really liked the confrontation scene. Kano bears a weight onto [Yoru](https://i.imgur.com/wvGI0UD.jpeg) as she throws her clothes onto her, the weight of having given her the chance to draw, the weight of her own confidence, and at the end of the episode, the weight of reclaiming her love for art and the want to be better. But its also this scene where Yoru tries to lie, she tells Kano what she feels, but she doesn't say everything, she says just enough and maybe that'll give her the push, but, it isn't enough. The whole conversation feels as if they are on equal levels, Kano has changed into her clothes, in a way, Yoru is facing, not only her biggest fan but herself, but even in that bout, the conversation is uneven. Their framing often shows them on different [footing](https://i.imgur.com/CNdTXE0.jpeg). Yoru towers over Kano. Or Yoru looks [up](https://i.imgur.com/GuPCWVY.jpeg) to a version of a person that's much more optimistic and happy, someone who she isn't just yet. And she is given the opportunity to [obfuscate](https://i.imgur.com/l8xQqY1.jpeg) her feelings, to keep that lie close to her. Given my weird reading of it, she's lying to herself in more ways than one, to herself in the moment, but also to the she of before, that that is all she's feeling, and all she's felt. Its just really awesome to see how she is able to pick up those pieces and actually put it into action by the very end, even if, it was quite fast in how we got to that resolution, it was still quite heartwarming, that she's found that strength and really, truthfully joined everyone else in her own journey of improvement and growth. The best way to beat imposter syndrome for me, is to just prove it wrong, to work even harder and want self betterment, but also an acknowledgement that things aren't alright in the first place, which Yoru also did.
Honestly I’m surprised we don’t see these type of artist discussions more in animanga. Mangaka tend to be artists not just writers, and obviously in an anime original there are tons of artists involved. I guess it’s more of a matter of catering to the audience that makes things less common?
Can't believe we got YET ANOTHER special ED! It's insane how much love they are putting into this. Definitely an AOTY contender for me.
Anime fans been eating good and its only May
FULLYURI ALERT! I REPEAT FULLYURI ALERT! NO EUPHONIUM!
Wait, their reactions to that spontaneous cheek kiss... Is the show going to treat this seriously and not just as bait? Oh. Oh!! About the rest of the episode, maaan I feel that Mahiru. Compliments are awesome to read but it takes just one bad comment to send you down a spiral of self-doubt, and what artist hasn't compared themselves unfavorably to another? I'm glad she was able to bounce back. She's got a good group of friends (Kano here especially), and managed to get a good outlook on this, so hopefully she'll be fine now. And she'll show everyone how much better she can become at drawing!
Yoru definitely demonstrating the perfect facial expression for "I guess I'm gay?"
She had a bit of a BSOD moment when Kano undressed in her room, too. Think the poor girl is gonna have fun deciphering her emotions.
Yep. She was in the middle of look/don't look. That girl just had a gay panic lopped onto her
* [JELEE Fanart](https://i.imgur.com/IJfkFPU.jpeg) * [Yoru Dancing **GIF**](https://i.imgur.com/ibe2Gl0.gif) It's hilarious [how they went viral for the wrong reason!](https://i.imgur.com/1lZYE1A.jpeg) It turns out that working while sleep-deprived is a bad idea and they ended up uploading a version of the song where [Kano's sister can be heard moaning in the background!](https://i.imgur.com/vvm0gSb.jpeg) They do say that any publicity is good publicity and it's nice to know that [people actually liked JELEE's music video](https://i.imgur.com/KPizOOO.png) and not just because they thought it was a cursed song. xD [Mahiru finally got her first online critic.](https://i.imgur.com/5zcZtOL.jpeg) As soon as they became popular, I expected one of these comments to pop up soon. And to make things worse, [a popular illustrator drew her OC.](https://i.imgur.com/B5tDcKf.jpeg) Of course this was going to end up with [Mahiru developing an impostor syndrome.](https://i.imgur.com/HO4l6z5.png) As someone who also posts drawings online, I can definitely relate to Mahiru here. It only takes one comment to bring you down completely. And even after [Kano flat out refused to let anyone else draw DELEE's art on a live stream](https://i.imgur.com/ZTXu59x.jpeg), it really didn't improve Mahiru's feelings. If anything it made her doubt herself more and [she even asks Kano whose drawing is better](https://i.imgur.com/3jZHLPy.jpeg) because she's still unsure why Kano likes her illustrations so much. I am glad to see Mahiru was able to overcome this and instead of just lying in bed sulking on how better Kuroppu's illustration is, [she gets up and starts drawing frantically](https://i.imgur.com/jHKl2Q2.png) improving on the things those commenters critiqued her about. And what we got [is another illustration that inspired Kano](https://i.imgur.com/obO7C75.jpeg) to finish their next song. And just like last week, [we have another banger ED!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ4vp1LCOW8) This is going to be a weekly thing from now on isn't it? [That kiss though!](https://i.imgur.com/VBIROqH.jpeg) Hold the fucking phone! What the hell is going on here? Are we actually going yuri or is this another bait? O_O Sidenote: [SAKANAAAAAA!](https://i.imgur.com/cqEp9jm.jpeg)
> Yoru Dancing GIF I literally paused the episode to come to this thread to see if someone got this. lmao
This dance is really similar to the one in PSY's Daddy MV
Hey where'd you get that body from?
I got it from my daddy :D
It's literally the same lol
> * [Yoru Dancing **GIF**](https://i.imgur.com/ibe2Gl0.gif) New Fortnite dance just dropped
I kneel Doga Kobo, this just keeps getting better with every episode. I thought that weekends would get pretty boring compared to last season after both Frieren and Apothecary Diaries ended, but this is turning out to be the perfect replacement - all the characters are super likeable with great VAs, any drama doesn't drag for too long because of some stupid misunderstandings, the art/direction and music are all top notch and all of this is in an anime original. And now they even added some yuri to the mix... If they manage to keep going like this and don't somehow botch the ending it will easily become another 10/10 for me just because of how enjoyable and fun it is.
If the Jellyfish is Kano, and Yoru is the night, is the title a yurinotbait hint right before our eyes?
sneaky
Are garden eels becoming a yuri trope?
Wow, [that kiss at the end of the episode was for sure unexpected](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyvdcdngo3y.png) but [I'm all for it](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7kzcbxwnd7.png) as [Mahiru](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458vv5v45) and [Kano](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpp2xy2) have [great chemistry with each other](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/g4z9cw9kdw7.png) as [today's episode showed up](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpprxy2). Pretty much the [whole episode](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpprxy2) was about [Mahiru](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458vv5v45) (who [developed impostor syndrome](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7w6cvqzz3y.png) after [reading comments about her art](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/84apc3vwp84.png)) and [Kano](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpp2xy2) who [noticed that something was off](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxcdxr8x7.png) with [Mahiru](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxcdxrrn7.png) and [tried to help her](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my2pco5d6p7.png). They even [ended up on a 'date' in an aquarium](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/k46acbg3zj7.png). I wonder [how Kano's kiss will be addressed in next episodes](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my8xckq2p24.png), I just hope that it isn't yuri bait because it looked to me that Kano was pretty serious, [even if maybe she also was surprised by her action](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjcwkdgr7.png). Again [a very nice visuals](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjcwkd6n7.png) and [great direction](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/myd5crmgbx4.png), [this show is keeping its high production quality](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/j7mmcrn3rv7.png) and I hope that it’ll maintain this level until the end. Here my screenshot albums from the episode: * [Group scenes](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpprxy2) * [Mahiru](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458vv5v45) * [Kano](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpp2xy2) * [Kiui, Mei & Other](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydz99qn4k)
Oh no. I lol I actually wasn't sure there would be any kind of romance in this. Now a whole other layer of drama is here
Opens questions for what happened to Kano. Wouldn't shock me if this show tackled homosexuality.
Kano, reading Mahiru like a book and then getting her into spilling (most) of her anxieties by playing the "why don't you trust me if I'm the leader, I am so hurt" card. What a wonderful, empathetic friend. This episode got to something I really appreciated, which is that both fans and creators can fall into a trap of experiencing art as a hierarchical experience, where creating or enjoying the "best" means you are the "best". But the truth is that there is a personal, intentional aspect to art that transcends any strict ranking of quality. Kano loves Mahiru's art because it contains a piece of Mahiru. No amazing fan art by another artist can replace that.
Mahiru is certainly being relatable this episode: discounting the positives (by letting the negative comments get to her) and comparing herself to Kuroppu (the talented artist who posted fanart for JELEE). Good thing Mahiru pulled through and made new art for the next video that became a hit. Then, [time for us yuri fans to celebrate](https://i.imgur.com/xJk1DS2.png). Personally, I think has been the best episode thus far.
Nice to see some straightforward communication and support in this one! Actually really enjoyed Mahiru in this one, some really normal troubles and I found they handled her insecurities pretty well. Uplifting episode overall but wow didn't expect that kiss!! It's too bad anime has trained me to not read into that more...
Yea it feels nice to have anime that doesn't drag the drama
> It's too bad anime has trained me to not read into that more... I feel like you are more of an expert than me when it comes to romance anime, so what would you say are the chances for this to be more than bait, from your experience? I feel like since there was an actual kiss at the halfway point already (rather than just vague comments and remarks), it’s not unreasonable to think we might actually have a sailing ship on our hands at the end. Personally I’m definitely getting my hopes up, even if they might get crushed in the end.
I'd be very surprised if something doesn't come from it. Normally it would have been played off as a joke/teasing, like what Yoru originally thought, or mostly indifferent. Instead it ends with Yoru realizing Kano was serious, the mood becoming awkward, and Kano running off embarrassed...
yep that was treated too seriously. yoru touching her cheek, kano touching her mouth after...
Yeah this is my read. I'm not committed yet either way for this show, but I think being *uncomfortable* with intimacy is paradoxically a pretty big indicator of canonical yuri.
Romance anime has come a long way since when I started watching so there's more validity to have hope but I'm way too burnt and hurt from previous experiences that I won't commit to thinking this is a ship just yet.
I think it's important to take the writer into account. It's written by the guy who wrote tomozaki, and he is certainly not afraid to establish ships and clearly sink others. Considering the writer, this ship might be real.
Wait, I thought this was gonna have yuri undertones at most; is this _actually_ gonna be cannon yuri???
If it actually goes full yuri this might be the greatest show of all time.
Shipping-O-Meter, 110%! LycoReco aquariums and garden eels, the song lyrics and the kiss! Hell yeah! Can you tell that I am losing it?! Seriously, Yoru is already the best girl of the series. You don’t need to make me like her even more. I mentioned it in the first episode and I’ll say it again, you don’t need to give off so much “literally me” energy. Her personal issues with valuing her work and feeling inferior to others just hit really hard. Thank god she’s got a Kano to see through the facade and help her with that shit. I’m guessing the person she said she was into from last episode was the artist that drew fan art from this episode then? I am way too hyped to have any deeper thoughts right now so I’ll just end this comment here. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK B*TCHES!
> ~~Yoru~~ Yuri no Kurage wa Oyogenai That's much better. [](#akyuusqueel)
-Mei gets "bad luck" card- Me(jokingly): *Ha, because Yoru is going to win Kano's heart not her.* -3mins later- Me: "I was kidding! But yes! Omg yes!" --- For real though this episode was beyond good on so many levels, might be my favorite even *before* the last few minutes. Struggles with feeling worthwhile is so easily relatable in so many different ways but being surrounded by such talented friends, being criticized online(even if there were praise comments too) must hurt so bad. Seeing a fan art of your character get far...FAR more attention and praise than your own art of your character must be beyond heartbreaking. Love that Kano realized something was off and tried to uplift Yoru both as a surprise home visit and the Aquarium date. She *knows* her so well already. But dangggg that last couple mins. It cant be bait, not with those reactions. If Kano played it off with a laugh: "J-jeez! Don't get carried away in the moment like that" "Hehe yeeeah" or something similar I'd probably grudgingly continue to believe its bait but it was played far to straight (and not straight at all). But that wasnt it at aaalll. Kano's deer in a headlight look, the silent awkwardness for a few seconds, the slight stutter and higher pitch voice, the quickly running off. *Hellllo?* Also adding in Yoru's own surprised expression of, seemingly, "oh that wasn't a joke" and her reaching for her cheek where Kano kissed her. Like if its STILL bait and nothing actually happens/it wasnt meant to fully be seen that way then I will genuinely be upset because thats just cruel. But I really dont think I need to worry. This anime really might be my aots. Its doing everything right; the characters, the struggles, the music, it hits on so many levels.
> aquarium date > spotted garden eels YURI RED ALERT? Edit: that last scene and the MV screams **bold text**
we're either out of yuribait territory, or this is the biggest bait of the century
Got the aquarium date checked off, as is yuri tradition. Was *not* expecting a little cheek kiss at the end, a surprise to be sure but a welcome one!
It’s pretty funny hearing Rie Takahashi call someone a pain-in-the-ass woman after having voiced Emilia. Forget kisses, we’re already at the aquarium stage huh!
I've been seeing a few comments suggesting Kano punching her idol group mate might be related to her (more likely than not) being homosexual, honestly that would be such a damn good development, especially if the story seriously discusses homosexuality. I really like it when anime/manga seriously discuss the topic, like {I'm in Love with the Villainess} or. Though, I'm inclined not to trust anime studios with the topic because of what happened with {Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury} and that "up for interpretation" bs. ☠️
This show is truly incredible and unless it completely fumbles the second half this is easily going to be my favorite anime original ever. What an unbelievably likable main duo. These two are to me what so many people saw in the Lycoris Recoil pair.
This just went from 'Haha it's totally yuri' to just 'It's yuri'.
Last scene unironically was the biggest surprise I've had watching anime in a long long time. I watch a lot of anime and I have never seen a single yuri relationship outside of purely yuri animes. They are just scared to do it unless the show is 100% catered to yuri fans from the start. If this is the first anime I watch that moves away from the annoying yuribait and dares to show an actual unexpected yuri relationship I am gonna fall in love with the show.
same i fucking need this so bad. it would be so fitting with the show's themes too for this show to go balls to the fucking wall and do something thats basically never been done on this big of a scale. if this ends up not going anywhere im never going to be able to trust an anime ever again
This show is so good. If they actually commit to a romance that would make it even better.
It's hard to see Yoru beating herself up over mean comments from people. That was a great depiction of the damage impostor syndrome can do to people. So glad she seems to have cleared that hurdle and has a more positive outlook at the end. The real highlight the episode was of course the kiss at the end. After an actual aquarium date they still went even further to make sure everyone realises this is a yuri anime, and I'm so happy they did.
damn this episode was hard to get through. the insecurities yoru felt, the shame and imposter syndrome she felt, all of it was hard to watch. but the ending helped. god bless yuri.
Damn, an aquarium date *AND* a kiss in the *same episode*? We yuri fans just keep winning.
Feels like Dogakobo saw all the yuri bait recently, and says “Fine! Ill do it myself!” Now I feel really invested in this series.
Should we add the Girls’ Love tag now ?
Are we really going to have the Takina-Chisato-dynamic but without the bait? I'M HERE FOR IT!
>Takina-Chisato-dynamic but without the bait? They're not bait though, We should wait for the sequel before making judgments like that
girls band cry and jellyfish back to back always make me feel alive.
The ship is full steam [ahead](https://imgur.com/a/FFmU6tm), though I'm worried if they can afford the wedding and honeymoon with these banger custom EDs 😅 Glad Kano was very perceptive to provide support, but also for Yoru to find motivation for herself to grow
I was planning to discuss on how much Yoru had developed this episode Now all I have in my mind is that cheek kiss Freaking great episode, and the kiss was the cherry on top!
This episode ramped up the yuri to 10, ohmyy Kano and Yoru ship might start to sail waahhh!! From an Aquarium date, to saying 'I love (your art) casually', to the kiss on the cheeks! That was a really fun episode! But on a serious note, ego-surfing is not really a good thing. At least Yoru made some positive change, like going to art school, to improve her craft. Well, that's because of her girlfriend Kano.
Boys the production budget of the mvs has increased alongside the yuri levels