[ Episode 13: Jin Goes "Dere" ]

SUMMARY

While Jin is down and out, Tsugumi talks some sense into him for all that is good. Jin wakes up and dashes off on his bike looking for Nagi with Tsugumi guiding him by checking the bbs. The times he’s spent with Nagi has been the funnest moments in his life that it didn’t seem to matter to him that Nagi is special. Walking through the fields, he finally finds Nagi and tells her every mystery about her and around her doesn’t matter to him because he believes she is a god. Jin takes Nagi back home where several phone messages had been gratefully left. Nagi goes to take a bath which leaves Jin nervous. The two bump into each other, Jin on top of Nagi laying on the floor with her bath towel. Timing couldn’t have gotten any worse as Tsugumi comes along only to witness the Kodak moment and immediately runs away from the house with tears in her eyes. Jin proceeds to follow chase but is struck by Nagi’s hands.

REVIEW

Well, it was certainly didn’t end with a big bang, but it did go out on a very light note reminding us all of the comical factor of the series. I felt sorry for Tsugumi but she was just so adorable crying like that. Her feelings don’t reach out to Jin, but they don’t go unnoticed from our perspective. I’d say she deserves the credit for this reunion between Jin and Nagi. If she hadn’t given him a reality check, who knows how things would’ve remained, but she did it. Hey, at least he said his thanks to her for helping him. Sadly, that might be the only one she’ll ever get from him. Her face when she saw the two was just freakin’ priceless.

The reunion was like something out of a soap, but that’s not to say it was bad in any way. The execution of the scene was well done in my mind, and seeing Nagi weep and blow her nose was just too cute. When I think about it, the relationship between Jin and Nagi had been building up from start to finish and those two have developed the most out of everyone else. From eating, bickering, fighting each other, and now, holding hands, Jin and Nagi have grown so much in such a short amount of time. Well, as much as we got to see.

Takako and Shino had little screentime for the finale, but every one from the art club at least got to say something, whether in person or over the phone. Well, I’m not sure what Daitetsu said but I’m sure it was something meaningful. Wonder if he still feels bad aura from Nagi. And of course, I can’t forget Zange-chan and her cute, little self attempting to further idolize herself through off-key singing. So she has the experience to defend herself, but does she have Chords of Steel?!

Anyways, the part where Shige greets Jin and Nagi was quite a supernatural moment. According to her, she had met Nagi the first time when she was born, and again once she passed on. In between that, supposedly it was Nagi’s will that saved Shige from hanging herself. I guess she wanted to give Nagi her blessings. Nagi says she remembers the field of the blossoms and the vetches too. And we know Jin once saw her when he was a kid, so Nagi can really be a god, or is there something else to it, I wonder.

All I can say is Kannagi gave me the best thirteen weeks of fun entertainment and enjoyment. Comedy is one of my ideal genre of shows to watch, but I felt this was different from the rest. It was fresh, clever, and ironic at times. The shift to the darker toned episodes were an amazing touch to contrast with the usual humor but it worked itself in as if it was made for it.

It’s true that there are still many loose ends and mysteries that we still don’t know about, but I don’t think we’d be left hanging forever. According to recent news, there are these “un-aired” Kannagi episodes that would be on DVDs. Don’t quote me on that, but it’s a little soon to say what it is. Perhaps it can be like REC and there are episodes that are chronicled in between certain episode gaps? Whatever the case, I wish for A-1 to produce more of this with a second season, OVA, whatever. Overall, this was a very enjoyable series that I’d recommend to anyone, especially those that like comedy and school kid drama. There wasn’t that much that I disliked from the show. Even if there were any, it’d be overwhelmed by the amount of awesome you can get from Kannagi. Tomatsu Haruka’s divine voice through Nagi, the opening theme or the ending theme, the fun-filled cast of characters, and the subtle references and jokes made it worthy. Also, Yamamoto totally proved his worth of being director. Yamakan banzai!

On that note, I leave you all with the ending illustrations presented during the ending sequence, plus the last picture card used for the finale. My personal favorites are the illustrations by okama (ep. 3), Hinoue Itaru (ep. 4), Zekkyou (ep. 8), Kimura Takahiro & Ookouchi Ricca (ep. 10), and Kiyohiko Azuma (ep. 12).

[ Episode 12: Truly Ephemeral ]

SUMMARY

Daitetsu finds Nagi’s staff left on the roof, returning it to Jin. Jin visits a few elders to learn more about the Kannagi deity, but gets little out of it. After that, Jin goes to Zange and asks about her and Nagi being gods, hoping to get some additional information. Jin returns home to find a letter, left by Nagi, saying she’s been lying ’til now and is sorry. Distressed, Jin loses sleep, but goes to school, despite his eyebags. He writes on Nagi’s note that reads “If you come back, stay home. I’m not mad.” Jin’s depressive state only gets Tsugumi concerned for him, but he is not in the mood to talk to even her. He concludes that Nagi may not be returning ever.

REVIEW

I stand corrected. This was clearly the most serious episode now. Seriously gloomy and moody. Not sure if the finale will follow suit, but we shall see. Well, I guess you can say the only bit of light humor was the elder people Jin went to go see. The old man and his questions that he doesn’t bother waiting to get an answer for. But I guess they really just are very old now. I didn’t think I had to hear Kujira’s voice again either. At least she wasn’t intentionally used to voice all random background characters. Heck, the elderly woman wasn’t really a background character at all.

Zange got more respect from me this episode. I think it’ll probably be the only time. Beating up a bunch of guys single-handedly is deadly awesome in my book, and Zange handled that situation well. So why didn’t she use it the first time? Perhaps she was holding back as an excuse for Jin to rescue her. Or maybe she actually learned a few moves after said incident. Whatever the case, her godly fists were definitely the best thing I’ve seen her done. Seeing Jin talk to her is much different than when Jin and Nagi talk. In Zange’s case, she’s more calm and speaks out more, whereas Nagi’s nothing more, nothing less response. It didn’t look like she was all that more informative than Nagi was, but still a bit more than what Nagi said at least. Though, seeing Zange with her eyes just like Nagi’s the time Jin asked her about herself, it was kinda freaky.

Seeing Jin all depressed at home is really say. Without Nagi, it feels rather bleak and dull for Jin, but I think the problem is knowing she’ll come back or not due to their prior engagement. I can understand how he’s feeling at the moment, but not talking to Tsugumi, let alone deliberately ignoring her when she’s trying to help, is uncalled for. She’s his childhood friend and he should know better than to treat her like that. He’s acting really self-absorbed right now, blaming everything upon himself that he’s disgusted with himself. More or less, this is what he thinks from my observation. I think that he doesn’t even care anymore about who Nagi or what or why she’s doing things. All he wants is Nagi to be come back, and I’d like the same very much. Speaking of which, just where is Nagi?!

Like the last episode, the music is totally right with the scene. First we can hear a violin-arranged version of the ED theme Musuhi no Toki, now I hear even a piano version of motto Hade ni ne! in a beautiful ballad-ish piece. You can hear this part when it starts pouring and Jin is walking his bike. Near the river, he hears out Nagi calling to him, but it’s just his imagination. This is most likely referring to the time he was walking on this same path and Nagi called out to him so she could catch up to him after her shift at Maidia was over. Kousaki’s music has always been awe-inspiring to my ears, and I really can’t wait to hear this fully on a soundtrack.

The ending illustration for this week comes from none other than the awesome Azuma Kiyohiko, well known for his Azumanga Daioh series, and his latest work, Yotsuba&!, my favorite manga at this moment. The distinctive style of Azuma-sensei is generally clear in this vivid illustration. Nice choice of clothing and position of Nagi. Can’t forget the staff too!

I’m eager to see how this all plays out in the end. No telling what may happen, but surely there’s gonna be a happy ending between Jin and Nagi.

[ Episode 11: Yet, Uncertain ]

SUMMARY

After a break of not carrying out her duty, Nagi shapes up to continue exorcising the impurities. At school, Jin is fed up with all that’s happening and demands Nagi to apologize for the trouble she’s caused for him up to this moment. He also wants Nagi to answer him about everything he still doesn’t know about her and the impurities; why she’s here and why does she need to stay with Jin; what are impurities, why do they look like insects, and why do they only appear in Kannagi City.

Hakua’s father talks with Jin about Nagi and her identity as a god, but leaves much left open as it only leaves more questions asked and to be answered. In the library, Jin attempts to learn about the deity in the city but it is apparently unknown. As Jin is about to leave, a check-out slip falls out of the book. Jin finds Nagi’s name listed on the slip. Out on the rooftop, Nagi, frustrated, lies on the rooftop and has a dream involving her duty and Jin’s badgering. She awakens realizing that she realizes she knows knowing about herself. The rain continues to fall and Nagi’s staff remains on the rooftop drenched.

REVIEW

This was the most strongest episode thus far in the series, as it had some humor but overall more serious tones throughout. A nice change from the comedy moments, I’d say. I do give kudos to the bits that made me laugh hard though. From the visual novel aspect to creepy phone calls to Jin about stealing Zange (and even Daitetsu) away from them. Pure gold. Up until now, I’m sure we’ve been wondering just what the impurities were and what exactly Nagi’s purpose is. Jin’s questioning comes into play effectively here. His concern dates back to the beginning of the series but now it makes a return and I’m glad Nagi finally listened. At the same time, it’s a bit depressing to see Nagi so disoriented.

I can’t say if all this can be answered within the last two episodes. Maybe it can, but not everything we want to know about will be revealed, I bet; perhaps the ones we need to know the most. Why Nagi is here. And if Nagi can be here, how is Zange here as well. Then there’s the questionable impurities thing. What are they, and why are they in Kannagi City.

The visions Nagi had while she doze off on the rooftop were particularly interesting. And no, I don’t just mean the “pregnant Nagi” part, but the scene where Nagi and Tsugumi are talking while staring at Jin working on some art. Things are pretty light here but when it turned to dark, Jin’s recurring questions come back to haunt Nagi. I really hope it turns out okay for her. The end where she leaves her staff behind in the rain tells me this isn’t going to be easy for her, or Jin.

This week’s ending illustration is brought to us by Yuuki Shinichi, the older brother of Takenashi Eri. The illustration shows Nagi with her magical staff with Lolikko Cutie in the background. Apparently, Shinichi has several works in Comic REX as well, but I never heard of the manga titles before.

What really stood out to me while watching was hearing the ED theme with a violin arrangement during the scene where Nagi breaks down after Jin’s badgering. It’s a really beautiful sound when you hear the slow tempo go. I gotta say, I really want to have a soundtrack for this.

[ Episode 10: Karaoke Warrior, Mike Takako ]

Souzetsu na… iroke!

SUMMARY

The gang spends the day at a karaoke box, where they all sing to their hearts content (at least, Takako does anyway).

…. Yeah, that’s pretty much it.

REVIEW

Okay, so when I saw this title during the next episode preview, I assumed this was gonna be Takako-centric. Sure, she did have her own spotlight during her musical number, but that was it. The number of various songs and singing voices was interesting, but what really made me laugh and clap was seeing Jin walk into the wrong karaoke box room. Instead of where the gang is, he accidentally waltz into the room where the girls of Lucky☆Star reside, with Konata ready to sing Kogarashi ni Idakarete. Funny, that was the ED theme for episode 9 of the series, and this Kannagi episode is 10. I assume Kagami’s I’m proud rendition happened by the time Jin and the others finished.

So what do I think? Let’s run down the setlist.

Tsugumi: The first to go, but not too shabby! She sounded really cute but still nervous while singing, and that made it more cute.
Daitetsu: I wasn’t a fan of the song, but man can he sing! I had a funny feeling he’d end up singing well, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this good.
Akiba: Sounded very old, indeed. But he was naturally good and the song was good as well.
Jin: Automatically the worst, and he did a good job at it. Barely audible and felt no effort out of him.
Nagi: The funniest performance out of them all. Cool beans, Nagi. Cool beans.
Takako: Didn’t expect this one coming. Not the song, not even the cutesy voice! It was definitely the most energetic and entertaining one, what, with the poses and all. However, the others’ reactions pretty much sum it up.
Zange: Very cute performance, but very bad singing. Like Daitetsu said, she was bad. Like Akiba said, she was at least cute! And like Takako said, bad but cute. Thank goodness Tsugumi didn’t let her finish.

In between segments, I enjoyed how the OP theme is the song played in the restrooms. I at first thought it was Nagi singing and could be heard over in that room, but now I realized how silly that sounded. Still, great way to use the song there. I also enjoyed Nagi’s enthusiasm with the device that plays sounds. From applauding Daitetsu to boo!ing Akiba and finally to encoring Jin. Oh, Nagi…

I felt so bad for Tsugumi the entire time. I don’t know what’s with Jin lately, he kept on brushing aside Tsugumi’s requests. I would’ve loved to see a duet with the two, but he goes for Daitetsu? At least he was gonna sit next to Tsugumi if it wasn’t for Zange sidestepping in. Takako’s song definitely had moé all over it. But this conversation just made laugh out loud:

Akiba: Disgusting.
Tsugumi: Disgusting.
Akiba: DISGUSTING!
Jin: But she’s good…
Nagi: She’s good, but disgusting.

I think even Zange-chan got irritated. Although as hilarious as this episode was, I was disappointed in the end because Shino didn’t sing. Hearing Mai’s voice would be ever so elegant, but since Shino doesn’t open her eyes, I guess they won’t be ever seeing her do karaoke. Why doesn’t she open her eyes anyway? Overall though, I actually hope this gets an album release later on.

The ED was pleasantly replaced this episode with this amusing Shirigeya song written by Kousaki Satoru. The ED illustration this time comes from Kimura Takahiro & Ookouchi Ricca. Not familiar with them, but I do know Kimura worked on character designs for several anime series.　

[ Episode 9: Embarrassing School Comedy ]

SUMMARY

After witnessing a heated discussion between Nagi and Daitetsu about Jin, Tsugumi and the other members of the Art Club started questioning themselves about the true nature of Jin and Daitetsu’s relationship. Later, Tsugumi accidentally makes the discussion get public, and rumors about the duo being a homosexual couple started to spread, much to their own troubles. A friend of Tsugumi encourages her to bring the topic to Zange, who decided that the best solution to the problem is for Jin to officially date a girl, and she offers herself to do so. Later at Jin’s house, Tsugumi apologizes to him and he is asked by them to choose between dating Zange or her to clear out all misunderstandings, until Nagi suggests that both should be trying to get his affection in public as a “fitting solution”. However, having two girls fighting so fervently for Jin at school ends up fueling even more bad rumors about him.

wiki-jacked

REVIEW

Embarrassing school comedy is right; clearly, this episode showed nothing BUT the misadventures of Jin, thanks to the confusion and rumors spreading about him and Daitetsu seeming to have a relationship. Tsugumi is all but thrilled at her spill, but you can’t say you didn’t see that one coming. The students sure know how to spread the rumors fast and effectively seeing as how it reached everyone’s ears. The funniest part of this episode has to be when a guy walks up to Daitetsu and gives him a letter that told him to meet him out back.

Akiba was totally funny throughout the beginning. The senior girls are always giving him a hard time, after the whole uke/seme talk and going through his various books (lol KuroHitsuji? Awesome parody). I swear, Takako’s just like one of those people that didn’t know about nothing until she goes on her own and stumbles on 4ch (2ch too). She’s really evolving into a first-class fujoshi faster than Pocket Monsters.

I think Zange is totally irritating Tsugumi on purpose and at the same time, trying to get Jin for herself (or for Hakua). The idea of Jin having his own girlfriend being either her or Tsugumi definitely makes her point clear, but then again, it is in favor of Tsugumi as well. There’s not much to lose. Speaking of Tsugumi, not only did she spread homosexual rumors about Jin, she got to unintentionally see him bare naked in his home. Well, she has seen him naked before but only as a child when he still had his baby fat. This time it seems she saw something unlike the years before and got embarrassed. Guess it’s not just school comedy too. Even at home, Jin gets embarrassed from the girls rummaging through the old photo album of little Jin in more embarrassing shots. Good grief, I think the guy could use a break.

Zange’s proposal still stands and it was obvious that Jin was gonna choose Tsugumi until Nagi interrupted. Needless to say the ending was totally predictable. It must be nice to have two girls feed you, isn’t it, Jin? Yeah, I totally saw the bisexual thing coming at end. Looks like Jin has become notorious! The ending card this episode comes from Minazuki Toru, the original character designer for To Heart. It’s not bad, but doesn’t really stand out. The presence of the girls is a nice touch, nonetheless.

[ Episode 8: The Hill of Straying Storm ]

SUMMARY

Daitetsu shows up at Jin’s place after explaining that he had a little bit of trouble finding the keys to his house and also a bit of trouble from the police. Daitetsu questions if Nagi and Jin are truly related, making the atmosphere around the three unbearable. Through some clever web of lies, Daitetsu looks convinced, only to then think that Jin and Nagi’s relationship is an SM one.

Daitetsu mentions how he got the sacred tree, which he explains was from stealing it before it could be burned. This hits Nagi hard, who attacks Daitetsu without warning, and a small rivalry between the two begin to build. At night, Daitetsu has a nightmare and runs out and to the place where the shrine used to be, kneeling and praying for forgiveness. At that moment, Nagi, in a holy state of mind, appears before him, pardoning him. Soon after she is left unconscious. Jin nags Nagi yet again about her sudden change in personality whenever that happens which ticks Nagi off again, though no more than Daitetsu presence. In contrast, Daitetsu’s hate for Nagi runs wildly as well.

REVIEW

An episode with more Daitetsu? It sure executed well. Usually, a side character episode is really decent, but this one hit it off rather awesomely, especially the way Daitetsu reacts to just about everything. I definitely think he can be mistaken for a high schooler/criminal. Hey, he DID admit to stealing the sacred tree. Why would Jin want to feel that way though? It would certainly rub that “Too pure-pure boy” title off him.

Let’s just say that Daitetsu has a very, very, active imagination. I can’t fault him for thinking too much though since it basically manifests our desires somewhat. Nagi’s influence/experience from the TV never fails to amuse me. You should know very well that watching anime about such siblings and the way they interact are never realistic. The other thing that amused me a lot was Nagi and Daitetsu developing a rivalry, most likely over Jin, which calls for more hilarity. I hope this is become a continuing gag in the series.

With the way these side character episodes are going so well, I just gotta wonder if there will be more with the others? How about some Shino love? Or Takako? An Akiba episode would be grand too. I wouldn’t want to rule out so much of the other characters though. Tsugumi’s one line was only in Daitetsu’s dream after all, plus near the end of the episode when they were at school. I’m still thinking why or how Nagi left the house and suddenly met Daitetsu, who ran to where the shrine was. Come to think of it, Nagi’s impeccable puns are back too!

This week’s ending card comes from Zekkyou, an artist who had worked in the Comic Rex magazine anthology (the very same one that the Kannagi manga is serialized in), but more familiarly, the artist for the Toradora! manga. Possibly the cutest Nagi I’ve seen yet.