What They Say:
Episode 14
“Late Night at the Yokai Apartments”
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
I guess this episode marks the beginning of the second half since we’re past the end point of most modern series now and we’re also getting a new opening and ending. And just because I found it funny, I should also mention that although my joke last week about this one really being the beach episode in disguise didn’t turn into reality, Akine still got to wear her bathing suit.
As promised in the preview, this one’s mostly about Hase coming to visit after spending some apparently tortuous time with his family in Australia and as usual, he comes loaded with gifts. Seriously, who wouldn’t be glad about a visit from Hase? The guy brought personalized gifts for absolutely everybody, including a ring for Ruriko (the perfect gift for her), and tons of plushies for Kuri. In fact, he loves Kuri so much, even Shiro rolls his eyes. So, let’s talk a little bit about Hasee, shall we?
The interesting thing about him is how, in a normal setting, he’s definitely abnormal if only in the sense that he’s almost perfect. Good looking, cool, excellent at everything he does, has tons of money, etc… And then he comes to visit at Kotobuki-so, and being surrounded by all these quirky characters, he becomes the most ordinary of them all; even Yushi has more weirdness going on in here than Hase. An yet again, the fact that he’s so at home among these creatures (even if he did get creeped out by the Sadako-like ghost whom I’d very much like to get to know, by the way), and his childlike enthusiasm around Kuri, renders him a new kind of strange, a bit more geeky than cool. This is just an example of how this series runs circles around your head while making you believe nothing is happening at all.
It’s a pretty fun episode since Hase decides to stay over not just for the night but for the entire summer break and in true Yokai Apartment fashion, the summer break goes by in a flash. Now, I know I’m talking too much about Hase but come on; the guy also pays the rent for the entire month and an allowance for food. Seriously, he’s like the greatest guest ever, even Yushi (who’s been struggling to pay), begs him to never leave.
All jokes aside, okay, some jokes aside, there’s a lot going on under the surface. Yushi has been getting so much better at his training that he doesn’t even feel strained anymore and Akine decides to step it up by asking the landlord to build a waterfall under the house. I had no idea that was possible, all this time I just though the onsen was a natural and happy coincidence, but now I seriously want to go live there.
The core of the matter is how after all the doubts and frustration, Yushi has been improving by leaps and bounds without even noticing it. And while Hase’s visit is certainly fun (especially his exchange with the Antiquary) it’s mostly there to underline how important it is to have a friend who sees you for what you are and who isn’t afraid to let you know the truth. As Yushi tells himself, it’s hard to see yourself objectively, there are things you might not see from the inside or stuff you’re trying to run away from. This is why it matters when you find someone who not only cares about you but who will also be honest even when you don’t really want to hear what they’re telling you. This is how you grow.
In Summary:
This was an excellent episode, playing to all the strengths of what makes Yokai Apartment what it is. Pleasant and relaxing, it eases you into a fun-loving atmosphere so whatever it’s trying to say never feels like it’s being forced down your throat. The lessons end up being as gentle as a breeze, but still insightful. I was also glad almost everybody got to participate. Hasn’t it been a while since we’ve seen one of these Kotobuki-so parties? Next week we’re getting more new characters, or at least one. The new teacher is Akira if I’m not mistaken, right? That should be fun.
Grade: A
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
