First Impression – Sweetness and Lightning
Say hello to the Inuzuka family.
Amaama to Inazuma, or Sweetness and Lightning, is finally upon us. Does it live up to our expectations?
Sugar Storm
Kouhei’s cooking.
The answer is a resounding yes so far. The premiere was a very strong one, introducing us to the circumstances of single father Kouhei and his young daughter Tsumugi. Kouhei is a hardworking teacher who is holding things together to raise his daughter after the recent passing of his wife. And Tsumugi is a bundle of energy, curiosity, and innocent optimism; everything that you would expect from a loved child. She even has a glorious mane of hair to top things off, but I digress. As we learn, the convenience store bentos that Kouhei buys for his daughter lack the soul to fill Tsumugi’s heart, even if it may sate her appetite. No, it takes the love and care of a home-cooked meal, shared at the table, to truly put a smile on her face. And it is this revelation that motivates Kouhei to learn how to cook despite his busy schedule and previous failed attempts.
Will you eat dinner with me?
Then there’s the subject of Kotori. Featured as prominently as the Inuzuka family on the art and in the trailers for the show, Kotori is a student at Kouhei’s school. The daughter of a restaurant owner, she is made out to be a lonely girl whose mother never seems to be around. Through a series of events, Kouhei and Tsumugi partake in a surprisingly delicious meal of plain white rice haphazardly prepared by Kotori in her mother’s absence at her family’s restaurant. Witnessing Kouhei’s heartfelt promise to his daughter to prepare their own meals and eat together, Kotori shyly requests to join in the Inuzuka family’s dinner time. I have seen interpretations that this may be the start of a student-teacher romance between Kotori and Kouhei. But I personally believe that Kotori simply longs for the comfort of companionship. For whatever reasons may be, her mother always seems to be busy (no mention is made of her father so far). So it is very possible that Kotori seeks to partake in the Inuzuka family’s bonding time since her own family cannot offer her any.
So far, Sweetness and Lightning delivers a cute and heartwarming story. The dynamic between father and daughter puts a smile on my face, and Kotori’s awkwardly earnest personality is rather endearing. That said, not everything is happy and cheerful. There is a bittersweet moment when it is suggested that Tsumugi does not fully understand that her mother will not be preparing delicious meals for the family anymore. If this turns out to be the case, we might see more subdued moments in the future when it is time for Tsumugi to come to terms with her mother’s death.
The lost piece of the puzzle.
About Sumairii
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
That was the cutest thing this season so far. I love that little girl! Tsumugi is so adorable! She reminds me so much of Naru from Barakamon, which shouldn’t be a surprise since her young voice actress was in that as well.
And I honestly cried trying to see the dad struggle to take care of his daughter and the way she can’t understand what happened to her mom.
As a “Daddy’s little princess” myself, father/daughter stories are really of interest to me. This series has me hooked and I can’t wait to see them all cooking together.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I’ve read about four chapters of the manga. I hope they follow what I think they’re going into; and that by the end of the cour you’ll have a basic understanding of lots of cooking methods enough to cook about a dozen meals.
But darn it Rina Endou steals the show as Tsumugi. But you know Kotori as performed by Saori Hayami is anchoring this like no one’s business.
Very much looking forward to more.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
This was so sweet ahhh!!! So good!! Such a pure, adorable story about caring for those you love. I like that Kotori didn’t whip up a fancy, gourmet dish. All it took was a simple bowl of rice to bring them together and make Tsumugi happy. Awww
I was honestly a little worried the whole student and teacher “friendship” thing might get iffy real fast, but I don’t think it’s that kind of anime. At least, I hope not. I didn’t know until I saw the first episode, but now I think I can let my guard down :>
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Fresh cooked rice like that is amazing, just like they portray here. This ain’t minute rice folks, that’s flat and stiff and horrible in comparison. But…I’ve never used sake myself, and I cheat and use a standard rice cooker…I also don’t have a gas range. So man, my stuff is probably a step down!
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I use a rice cooker myself and I’ve tried things like various vinegars, but I’ve never tried sake before. However, tomorrow I make rice substituting sake for about half the water!
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I have to admit, I’ve never tried vinegar. I keep a bottle of plain white and apple cider. One is to settle the stomach the other is for spinach, kale, and green beans.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
Apple cider vinegar works very good. Start off by replacing about 1/4-1/3 of the water with the vinegar. After that you can increase the amount if you want more vinegar flavor. Verjus also works.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I like cooking my rice with oolong or green tea for a treat :> Japanese rice does taste REALLY, REALLY GOOD and now you’re all making me crave rice right now…
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Oh, that sounds sooo good OC, I really need to find somewhere I can find more Japanese recipes, perhaps some easy ones for beginners.
I honestly never even considered putting tea, vinegar, or anything in my rice while cooking it. O_o
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
You know, I’m with IreneSharda. I cook a lot of rice, but have never considered substituting water with other ingredients. I have added meat before to flavor the rice, but that was to the extent of my experimentation.
Which reminds me, I need to cook up another batch of rice, maybe I’ll try something different. Right now I do half white/half brown, because full brown is too much for me.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
Now that you mention it, OC, I’ve also used green tea when making rice. There is simply no need to make it with just plain water. Experiment a little! Rice can be so versatile both by itself and with other things.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
How did the sake experiment go? Because that sounds like a lot of sake.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
The sake experiment went well. Just under half the water replaced with sake was enough to flavor the rice. I made less than 1/2 cup of rice, so it didn’t require much sake. I don’t imagine I’ll do it often, but I will do it again.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
That’s just under 1/2 cup of dry rice before cooking. I’m only making it for myself so I don’t need to make much.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Ahh, I normally make 5 cups of rice and store the rest so I can make quick meals. Using the rice cooker for 1/2 cup just feels like a waste. So I was imagining replacing half the water with sake and that’s a decent amount. With brown rice you need more water than for white, so… drunken rice!
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I was wondering about the rice, as I know that would never be enough for dinner for me. I’ve never cooked rice in anything but in a pot with some water (maybe a little oil and spices). Always from a box (usually Uncle Bens), so maybe I’ll try something else. Hmm, vinegar would be different.
I’d probably have to only make it for myself though, as anything that isn’t whole grain or wild is anathema to the rest of my family. lol
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I mostly eat the sticky Japanese style and have for quite some time. It’s so much easier than chasing the long grain stuff around a plate. It’s really resistant to freezing if you store it right it will keep for awhile.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I eat sushi style rice. So much better than Uncle Ben’s.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
What is sticky rice exactly? I see it in sushi of course, but not in stores. White rice that’s in stores or that comes with chinese food is just normal white rice. For the longest time I thought that perhaps they made onigiri by using some come of syrup or marshmallow like you do with rice crispies.
If I was to get some from the store, what is it called?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
There is medium grain rice grown in CA that they market under the Nishiki brand name. I usually get that because it’s right there at my local store at a decent price. They used to carry Kokuho brand, which is the same kind; you can also look for New Variety as a style of rice.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
If you’re going to eat much rice you should get a good rice cooker. I’d recommend one by Zojirushi. You can also cook steel cut oats in it and I’ve made rice pudding in it (use the porridge setting for both). I’ve also had friends say they’ve made soup in theirs, but I haven’t tried that.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I make stew and soups in mine all the time. I’ve not tried bread yet, but that’s just cause I haven’t tried…
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I’ve also made one large pancake in mine several times. Works good for that, too.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Honestly, I just use a pot. Put it in, turn the burner on, let it boil, turn it down to 1 or 2, and cover for 20 minutes. I don’t see how having another kitchen gadget would make that any easier, and would take up precious cabinet or pantry space.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
NOT what Highway said!
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I’m with Skylion. If you make rice with any regularity you need a good rice maker. And you can do so much more with one than just make rice.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Yeah, no, you don’t “need” one. And it just so happens I have another device already in my kitchen for making pancakes: a frying pan. It works great for that. And a device for making cakes, an oven (actually I have two of those, one is on the countertop).
I already have the items that do these things, and I could not get rid of them if I had a rice cooker, because they do other things that a rice cooker cannot do. I *do* have a sous vide circulator, because that does things that the pots and ovens *cannot* do. You have not made a satisfying use case for me for a rice cooker, especially since I like my sticky rice that comes from the saucepan. My contention is that it is *not* difficult to make rice in a saucepan, indeed, it is two very goof resilient steps, certainly not something that calls for another kitchen appliance to replicate the job.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
This isn’t all that bad a disagreement. We’re all very happy with our rice cookers and you look pleased as punch to lord it over us about your lack of one. Everyone is happy… Next up in our list of “needs”? Sexbots!!!
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Or…me, and HannoX and OC and all the cool kids will be over here with our awesomely huge cakes….
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
SKYLION HAVE YOU EVER MADE THOSE RICECOOKER CAKES BEFORE?? DO THEY WORK???
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
No, but I’m going to look into it. I love the idea of an entire fruit pancake, but shredded potatoes and meat for a savory one sounds grand.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Well, that’s pretty much what I do with rice normally, and I’ve never tried cooking rice with anything but water and oil.
I am going to have to learn how to use a rice cooker though since my new apartment will be furnished with one, but honestly, I’ve never even seen one in the flesh before. 😛
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
What I really like about rice cooker pancakes is I can start one, do my morning exercise routine and about the time I’m done my pancake is ready. No need to spend time flipping pancakes until I have enough for breakfast–just one extra thick one will do.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…and that’s also the benefit of the rice cooker for rice. Don’t have to keep an eye out to boil, don’t have to turn it down when it needs to be, and I can multi-task while it cooks away happy as a clam. You can probably steam clams in one too.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
Yes, and I can chop vegetables to make stir fry to serve over the rice while the rice is cooking without having to worry about keeping an eye on the rice. And no worry about the rice boiling over and making a mess if I don’t keep an eye on it.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I was actually hoping that Kotori would be older, like a college student at least, so that there could be some of that tension without it being creepy agewise. Then they made them teacher and student and it got suuuuuper-awkward to even think about that.
I mean, I’m no stranger to shows like Okusama wa Joshikousei (which wasn’t that bad, but also wasn’t particularly good), but there are far too many downsides to a teacher getting involved with a student.
POWUH: 400-499 with 445 comments
I absolutely agree with you, i think they should have made kotori a college student cuz it’s kinda obvious that their going for the whole “young chick who is maturer than her age suggests” thing, which if that’s the case, you might as well have made her a college student. This seems to be one of those situations where anime and manga’s love for the highschool setting sort of limited the dynamism of the interactions between the characters. Whether it is intended for kotori to just have a platonic relationship with kouhei or not, it still would have been nice to see kotori be older for the sake of allowing some interesting interpersonal interactions and character drama between the cast members. Kotori’s interactions with tsumugi could also have varying contexts if she were older.
Like sumarii, i see a more familial love forming between kotori and the teacher and while yea it would be kinda odd if kotori and the teach hooked up, you know what they say, age aint nothing but a number. But in all seriousness, i like the aspect of kotori forming a familial love with kouhei and seeking warmth in his presence and it would be cool if it stays that way. However, from what i hear (and ill put it in a spoiler tag but this shouldnt be considered an actual spoiler so give it a read) Show ▼
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
That’s what I think as well. The high school setting just limits the narrative paths, in my opinion. If she were older, say 20, Kotori could still not know how to cook, could still be interested in having that kind of familial bond, but it wouldn’t really be creepy and inappropriate if there was some hinting at romance.
As it is, it’s essentially strait-jacketed Kouhei, since he has to be the one on guard against any feelings developing in either himself or in Kotori. And that essentially dooms him to this celibate role of a father, and I think it does a disservice to him as a person. He’s now expected to devote everything only to his daughter, and now his student, and not have any time to think of himself.
Now, they could have gone another way, which I’m fairly sure they won’t due to the lack of presence in everything we see, in that Kouhei and Kotori’s mom could have become interested in each other. But since she’s not really a character in the show, I doubt that will happen.
I think, as you say, it’s the Japanese cultural idea of high school being the time of freedom that has put Kotori in that age range.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Have we become conditioned so much that when a male and female character are introduced together we axiomatically assume there is a relationship? And in specific contexts we judge the value of said relationship. Why can’t people just be with each other in these brief moments in time, adding value to each other without the need to assume a special romance, appropriate or inappropriate? It seems that goggles of many varieties come premade to be tight?
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
By all stretches of the definition, whenever two people interact, there is a “relationship”. The point I was trying to make is that there are strictures put on *this particular* relationship due to the positions of the two people involved that could have been ameliorated with a slight change in the contrived circumstances of the relationship. The show has cut off a significant narrative space with that one decision, and I don’t know that there is any other narrative space opened up by the decision.
If Kotori were a college student, in no way would that mean that the narrative would dictate that she have a romantic or even sexually aware relationship with Kouhei. They could have exactly the same type of relationship that they *will* have in this show. I’m not assuming that because there is a male and a female of post-pubescent age in the show that they are therefore required to have a romance.
But it is an inescapable fact that the setting, as it has been executed, has dictated some of the terms of their relationship. And as a viewer, that limiting of possibilities necessarily limits the way I’m going to watch and consider the show. Now, if it was going to be a romance show and the point of the show was to push a message that “You shouldn’t worry about circumstances, fall in love and deal with the consequences,” then their choice of setting would have meaning and relevance. However, if that turns out to not be the point of the story (and I’m nearly 100% certain it’s not, although as an ongoing story it could certainly change), then it’s a limitation on one character that feels like it is a bit unfair.
POWUH: 400-499 with 445 comments
highway took the words right out of my mouth; two people interacting with each other in and of itself is a relationship. I even made sure to highlight the fact that my desire for kotori being older didnt have to instigate romance between her and kouhei; only that it would be nice for her to be older so as to increase the range of dynamism in the trio’s relationship. Having Kotori be slightly older would create more possibilities for the show. Imagine her being a second or third year college student juggling work and school, having family issues, feeling lonely, thinking about her aspirations, having a more mature look on life; there’s more character drama to be had out of that.
A blogger i follow who watched this show, while he thought the show was decent, he didnt feel the drive to continue following it because in his words, if this is all the show had to offer, it wouldnt be interesting (to which i disagree but i kinda see where he is coming from). He pretty much said that he would be more interested if the story had focused on two adults and their tribulations in the context of this show’s premise. Kotori could have easily fit the bill if she was 20/21.
In short, all highway and i were insinuating was that the situation of these two characters and their age unintentionally allows the viewer to think “eeehhhh, i hope the story doesnt go in the direction that ends up with those two hooking up”…as such, when watching scenes of the characters getting close (even if it is platonic), since you’re not sure what the narrative has in store for those characters, your mind cant help but have those thoughts which may affect your enjoyment of the interactions. This trap could have been easily avoided if she was older, and that way if you CHOSE to ship the two characters, you could do so without feeling icky (depending on values of course).
Now one may argue: “oh, the author is allowed to do whatever they want”…and that’s true, but then that’s a weak argument because then there would be no point in having an opinion if that was the case. Some movies are just pure action, or pure comedy and while it works and it can be of high quality, one can argue that the potential of those movies get limited by closing off the other options, and that’s what im getting at with sweetness and lighting. The show is good no doubt about that; i dont really have any major problems with what it is, but i do think it kinda closed off some opportunities for some really interesting storytelling.
And by the way skylion, it’s funny that you talk about being conditioned about assuming romantic relationships between ppl because if memory serves me right, when hibike euphonium was airing last spring, you were so gung-ho about kumikoxreina and the potential of romance in their relationship, to which someone could easily throw back at you and say “why cant two females have an intimately close friendship/fellowship with one another without people assuming romance or trying to ship it?? ehh ehhhhhhh. At the end of the day, we’re human beings, that’s what we’re going to do. I agree that we shouldnt always assume that everyone has to be in a romantic relationship but there’s nothing inherently obtrusive about letting your mind wonder about the possibilities. I guess at the end of the day, the point your trying to make is “why assume there has to be a relationship between those two; dont let that affect your enjoyment of the show”, but as ive elaborated in detail, that was not the argument i was making
POWUH: 400-499 with 445 comments
dang it spam folder!!! my long comment!! :*(
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
It’s the author’s narrative choice, not yours. Maybe he (she?) doesn’t want people to think the relationship will necessarily develop into a romantic one. Maybe he just wants to tell a story about people bonding in a non-romantic way over cooking and eating together.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I realize it’s the author’s narrative choice. My contention is that the relationship wouldn’t “necessarily” develop that way either way. But now it *cannot* without getting squicky. Mainly, I’m thinking like sonicsenryaku: a cultural blind spot led to the selection of Kotori’s age, not a rational storytelling choice.
POWUH: 400-499 with 445 comments
yeeeeaaaa but that’s not really a strong argument in my opinion; we could say that about anything if that was the case. It doesnt change the fact that narrative choices bring out certain emotions and thoughts from the reader/viewer and those shape our opinions; is that not the whole point of literature in the first place? It could be an author’s narrative choice to make the key premise of their story having girls orgasm as a way to power up (looking at you masou gakuen hxh) rather than having the characters go through tough experiences that allow them to power up on their own or i dont know, finding some other interesting way to power them up that doesnt have to do with orgasms. But hey, it’s the author’s narrative choice right? Not mine; and while that’s true, im inclined to think that the choice made effects the possibilities the story could explore.
Highway and i arent saying the series lacks quality because of the choice the author made. We’re just saying that there could have been more to explore if this was the choice the author made. But who knows, we’ll just have to wait and see.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of times when I’m reading a story or watching a movie or anime that I think if it was my story I’d make a different choice(s). But I also realize it’s not my story so I wait to see if the creator tells a good story with the choices s/he makes.
And that’s what we should do here. Not every male/female relationship needs to have the possibility of romance.
POWUH: 400-499 with 445 comments
“not every male/female relationship needs to have the possibility of romance.”
I absolutely agree, but i (and highway) wanted kotori’s to be older because of the more interesting character introspection and drama that could result from having an older co-protagonist in the context of this specific narrative; not because of the romance. Then, if someone watching the show did want to have thoughts about shipping the two (regardless of kouhei and kotori’s relationship status), they could freely do that without feeling apprehensive or icky about it; that was the main point we were trying to make. You can have your cake and eat it too. But yes, at the end of the day, we dont always need a romantic relationship between people and im not saying sweetness and lightning missed the ball because of that; i just think it closed other options
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
No story can keep all options open. Every time the author makes a choice options are closed. In this case it looks like the author chose to close the romance option (at least I hope so given the teacher/student relationship and the heroine’s age).
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
My god this was cute as hell! Great first episode and I’m glad the dad is an adult character and not some random high schooler guy who just so happens to be taking care of some kid and I’m waiting for the feels later even thou seeing the dad tear up over the rice hit me…damn good stuff…
I realllllllly hope the teacher doesn’t hook up with the student…please…
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
If Kotori & Kouhei’s relationship does develop into a romance I hope it waits until she’s a university student. Which means it should not happen in this series unless there’s a time skip in the last episode or two. But I hope that doesn’t happen. Given the teacher/student relationship, no romance, please. Leave that well into the future if it happens.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
The thing is, even if it is in the future when she’s a college student, that’s still not going to be that great. It would surely give other people ammunition for turning up their noses, or thinking that their relationship started when it was much less appropriate.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
There’s not much you can do about what other people think. So as long as they wait until she’s legally an adult, screw what others think. Yes, that would go against how much of Japanese society functions, but maybe such a relationship would be more acceptable in Japan than in the U.S. Provided they wait until she’s an adult.
But I think we’re all reading too much into one episode. Let’s wait until we’ve seen more episodes and see what kind of relationship seems to be developing between them before we pound so many computer keys on the subject.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I’m not sure what I’m seeing, but I think Highway’s initial answer to my series of questions not only cleared all the barrels, so to speak, but managed to vault from the stadium and set the stunt bike in Low Earth Orbit. I can make it out if I look, no doubt, but it’not close to the landing zone?
Or perhaps I’m reading to much into conditioning?
POWUH: 400-499 with 445 comments
yeeeeeeeeeaaaaa you may be reading too much into conditioning 🙂
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Tsumugi’s VAing wasn’t bad. It sometimes jars with the visual presentation (clearly an adult voice in a child) but it comes off sounding better than my worst case scenario. I think I’ll keep up with it for now.
Also, another blogger I follow mentioned that in the manga there was more to the dinner than just rice, which makes a lot more sense. As a child I was really picky and when confronted with asian food I only ate rice. Don’t get me wrong, rice is a beautiful staple, but rice on its own isn’t a delicious meal. That was too much of a stretch for me to believe, and I’m like one of the biggest champions of rice and bread.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Well Tsumigi’s VA is actually a child voice actress…She also played a little girl in Barakamon two summers ago.
The manga does get into more complex dishes as time goes by, but they always build from the basics. I think they’ll go into tamagoyaki next? Or Omarice? More basic stuff and build from that knowledge is what the story is all about.
And I beg to disagree, rice by itself can be magic!
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
No kidding? I didn’t expect that!
I never picked up Barakamon, so that’s probably why I didn’t recognize the voice.
But just a bowl of rice for dinner? I could understand if you had been starving maybe…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
The insta-recipe comment because this one is getting commented near the bottom of the clicklist.
Here we have two main ingredients: Shougeki no Soma plus a ton of all sweeteners known to humanity.