Persona 4 – 19
“Hello there little girl, would you like some candy?”
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So OC is busy wrestling bears and whatnot in the mountains, so she will not be joining us this week. However, to make up for her absence, we have crossdressing and hilarity. |
Surprisingly, the denizens of the Velvet Room are too busy with other things to deal with Yu this episode. But other than that, nothing else significant happens. On to real life, it’s the Cultural Festival and Yu’s class has decided on doing a group dating café. Also, Yosuke has oh so kindly signed the girls up for the school beauty pageant, which earns Yosuke a kick to the stomach. However, Yu has an uncharacteristically long speech that we don’t get to hear and this somehow convinces the girls to enter. Kanji also says that they (aka Naoto) should enter so that he can clear any doubts about his uh, preferences.
Social Link time! While helping the soccer club out, Yu accidentally injures a student and helps her afterwards by carrying her trombone. The girl then tells Yu her life story and how she’s performing for the Cultural Festival due to an injured senpai in the band. She also admits that while she loves music, she’s not very good at it. This whole thing also makes Yu look like a lolicon thanks to the girl being incredibly short.
Chie finally gets her revenge by signing up the guys for the crossdressing competition. Yosuke isn’t very pleased, but Kanji is suddenly okay with it after Yukiko says that she’ll make them look pretty. Yu is also pretty serious. After asking Rise to make him look cute, Rise notices all of the hype about her being in the pageant and gets upset because they’re making a huge deal when she’s not even an idol anymore.
During the Cultural Festival, Yu’s class + Kanji aren’t getting any customers at all. Yosuke proposes that they show others how fun it is. Daisuke shows up and Yu sits on the girl’s side of the table because he can. Even better, he starts talking like one. After a bunch of awkward hilariousness, Yosuke asks the girl’s side which one of the guys they would date. Well, we all know Yu’s choice. After a passionate stare, Yosuke gets all flustered and after admitting that she never bought drinks, Chie’s Aiya order shows up.
Yosuke can’t deny his true feelings.
Yu wanders around during his spare time and finds the Symphonic Band. The girl is in a tight spot because she keeps messing up and her senpai is now conveniently healed. Yu speaks up after she steps down, but she runs off pulling Yu with her. She thanks Yu for standing up for her and says that she’s sad that she couldn’t play the part. However, Yu cheers her up and things are awwwright once again. Ai finds Yu and drags him to a fortune teller’s stall who sounds suspiciously like Margaret. However, Yu stops her before she can say anything about his love life.
Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. THE CROSSDRESSING COMPETITION! Unfortunately Kanji, Yosuke AND Yu can’t pull it off (though the girls are more impressed with Yu than anyone else xD). It’s not until KUMA of all people comes on stage in drag that the audience is put in awe. He wins of course and gets to help judge the beauty contest coming up next. …He decides that the girls will be judged in swimsuits.
Moe moe kyun~
So for THAT contest, Chie and Yukiko do okay, but Rise gets the loudest cheer (she puts on her idol act as well) and Naoto is too embarrassed to come on stage. Her moeness gives Kanji a nosebleed. …Hanako and Noriko are pretty much forgotten about. In the end, Naoto wins due to the girls voting too. Afterwards, Rise has a heart to heart with Yu about how she’s going to give the idol business another shot since Risette is still a part of who she is.
Moe moe kyun~ part II
“Don’t worry, Yu-senpai! I still love you even though you’re a crossdresser lolicon~”
For your viewing pleasure:
The derp in this episode is KANJI APRROVED!
I don’t care what any of you say. Yu totally pulled this look off.
…And then they burned the photo and vowed never to speak of the day’s events ever again.
End Thoughts:
AHAHAHAHAHA….HA. You know, I don’t think that we ever learned trombone girl’s name. I took the drama club route, so I seriously don’t even know who that girl is. As always though, Yu was efficient at doing as little as possible and still solving the girl’s problem. I just wish that it didn’t take up as much of the episode as it did. I mean, sure there are limited episodes and they need to get things done while they can, but I would have much rather they focus more on the comedy this episode or Rise’s problem rather then briefly skim over a Social Link. Speaking of, much like her Shadow plot, Rise suddenly deciding to become an idol again came out of the blue. At the beginning, it seemed like she didn’t want to be an idol at all and then suddenly the contest happens and she’s into it again. Sure one could assume that somewhere in between, Rise had a revelation, but it’s probably one of those things that the writers should have stated more obviously rather than make the viewer figure it out from flashes of what Rise was thinking about. Especially since they’ve been just handing us answers this entire time.
…I also don’t know whether to be disappointed or thankful that Noriko and Hanako were ignored in this episode. On one hand, there was SO much opportunity for hilarity, but at the same time, we all would have probably been scarred for life. In fact, the whole contest thing in general felt pretty short. Maybe because I payed more attention to it than most else in the game (and now you know where my priorities lie xD). I feel kind of let down actually, but I think that’s just a byproduct of me waiting impatiently for this episode ever since I heard that this was becoming an anime. OC, WHY ARE YOU AWAY?! That Yosuke/Yu moment in the class cafe was priceless. Hell, despite my disappointment that this is over, the entire episode was hilarious. I hope that I’ve stated that sufficiently.
Since I have little left to talk about and I don’t have OC here to cover up the fact that I have nothing left to say with her own thoughts, I guess I’ll do something I’ve been meaning to do for a while: talk about the Velvet Room. As you can probably tell by the way that I’ve simply shortened the fact that this segment is even in the anime to two letters, it’s not very important. Margaret just simply tells Yu what he accomplished the previous episode and Igor is there to make us all feel uncomfortable because of his nose. Now the Velvet Room is pretty important in the game since that’s where Yu gets the ability to summon/fuse all of his Persona, but does it even have a point in the anime? Yu appears to have the ability to fuse Persona on the spot in dungeons and not once have we seen Persona in the Velvet Room. Sure Igor and Margaret were the ones who explained everything in the beginning but they kind of have no purpose now and won’t until the end of the anime. Er, I don’t know where I’m going with this, but I think what I’m trying to say is that I wish the anime made the Velvet Room seem a bit more important plot-wise since it plays such a big role later on. Yeah, let’s go with that.
Preview: The team takes a trip to Yukiko’s Inn because they can.
4 guys in a hot spring. What could possibly go wrong?
About Karakuri
University student and the one at Metanorn who's known for wearing glasses. Likes blood, insanity and plot twists, but also plays otome games and adores cute romance anime. It balances out... somehow.
POWUH: 400-499 with 428 comments
The Velvet Room empty? Really? WHAT IS THIS, I DON’T-
NAOTO!!!! Wow, we didn’t even get a snippet of her swimsuit in the game so seeing this (and Kanji’s blood nose) was hilariously awesome! I like what they did with the whole Cultural Festival, especially with the group date (YuxYosuke yaoi fangirls, enjoy!), and Ayane being the Sun Arcana. Personally preferred Yumi (whom we did see) in the game but seeing Ayane was also good nonetheless 😀 Another very good snippet was when Ebihara and Yu crossed upon Margaret. Loved how Narukami was like oh hell no! when Ebihara asked about the girls in his life.
Both Pageants went the way we expected, though Narukami was a bit too enthusiastic…but Teddie still wins with his daring proposal 😛 And THAT pair did show up after all…I still can’t believe Noriko’s seiyu is the Major…
Argh, next week’s ep, come already! Last week of holidays before it’s back to uni! Must see the hot spring!
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I know! I was shocked when the Velvet Room was empty!
Agreed! I even like the dark blue colour that they went with for her! ARG now I wish they had shown it in the game! I miss Yumi, but I guess the trombone girl was easier to fit in than all of the hospital drama. But yeah, Yu’s reaction to Margaret reading his future was hilarious.
I do believe that Yu had the right amount of enthusiasm xD (I’m rather satisfied that they went with the same dialogue choices for him that I chose in my playthrough). Ahaha that they did, though they had less of a role than I thought they would…
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 323 comments
hahahaha ~~
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
The best comedy episode yet~
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 207 comments
This episode was just full of win. Yuu going with the yaoi intentions XD, and my favorite part.. Naoto acting all so full of MOEEEE!!~~~ She is so kawaii X3
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
YES I HNNNNNG’D WHEN I SAW NAOTO. Oh my god that was cute!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The Velvet Room is empty? Completely empty, not even Margaret was left behind? This is quite the surprise.
Ahh, cross-dressing contest!!! Where’s Phi Brain’s Gammon and Ana and Kore Wa Zombie’s Ayumu Aikawa? That would’ve been a strange but awesome sight. Teddie is too convincing. Phi Brain’s Ana has met his match.
Excluding the facepalming group dating part, Yu continues to be a great character for being so charitable. That voice from the Tarot card tent, I’m positive that’s Margaret from the Velvet Room.
Mizugi!!! Girls in hot swimsuits.. I’m very happy. Probably a scheme from Teddie to see some skin. How can someone drop out of a contest but can still be able to win?
By the way, since the anime is based on a game, I saw a list of games for the Playstation Vita on Wikipedia. There’s gonna be a Persona 4 game for it coming in a few months.
P.S Kara: Your new avatar looks wild!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
She’s too busy telling everyone else their fortunes.
AHAHA we need a giant competition of all of anime’s crossdressers. NOW.
Kuma is a devious little shota, he is. And… I don’t know. Naoto has that universal appeal I guess. It comes with having an ambiguous gender.
Which one? The Blazblue style fighting one or the Golden? Either way, they have me wanting a Vita.
Ahahaha my icon is funny because I’m slightly narcissistic Show ▼
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Teddie may act broken sometimes but he knows what he’s doing. Devious might be an understatement. It looks like I wasn’t the only one who wanted to see Naoto in a swimsuit. Kanji nosebled in anticipation. Even though we were ripped off, high five!!!
The game I mentioned was the Persona 4 Golden game for PS Vita. Now I’m eager to get one myself.
I saw the video. The girl in your avatar looks very narcissistic but also monstrous with her red eyes and facial expressions. What’s her name? I bet you recognized the character on my avatar because of the mark on her chest.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Ahaha HIGH FIVE! Though hiding behind the curtain was cute too.
Yeaaah the Golden! I’m looking forward to the new Hanazawa character. …Though who knows who her English counterpart will be and if they’ll do a good job (if it’s even coming over here. I’m not 100% sure if it is or not). The Vita is going to be crazy expensive, but sooo worth it.
Oh, not so much the girl (she’s actually the vocaloid Rin), but the fact that the song is called Karakuri Burst. Actually, I recognized yours due to the character pose before the brand xD. I have the same picture of Tsukimiya saved on my computer.
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 29 comments
Awesome episode overall, especially with the Velvet Room Lady appearing out of nowhere and scaring the crap out of Yu. XD
I really wanted to hear who Amagi and Chie would choose (Yu, the coolest dude since Chuck Norris, obviously), but I was still moderately appeased by Yu’s teasing of Yousuke. (big lol at that scene)
And then came the pageants. I’m not really a fan of all the crossdressing in anime lately, but I gotta say Yu seriously pulled it off. Is there anything our intrepid main dude can’t do!? : D
I was hyped when the girl’s turn came, although in retrospect I wonder how they got Amagi to go on stage wearing a bikini. (her “I’m sorry” was a huge moe moment though!)
And then, finally, we were about to see Naoto in female attire… and she won’t give us more than a peek. D: NOOOOOOOOOOOO
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Yess! This entire episode was pretty entertaining. I definitely laughed my way through it. Also, I agree! I don’t know what’s wrong with the school, Yu totally pulled the crossdressing off. He was totally into it too xD. ….Good point about Yukiko. I have no idea how they got her up there either.
Again, YES! Naoto was adorable, but her hiding behind the curtain was a let down. Maybe they’ll show her wearing girl clothing during Christmas. That’s when it happened in the game.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 144 comments
I think the problem with the Velvet Room in the anime is that they’re trying not to get bogged down on the combat aspects. It may have a big effect on the story late in the game (I don’t know, I haven’t played). But up to that point, it seems like it’s just a hub to grow stronger. By giving Narukami the power to fuse on the fly and allowing him to steamroll the battles, they can get back to the characters in short order.
Personally, I don’t mind it since I’m watching it for the characters anyway. I can understand where people who played the game might feel let down. As an added consequence, it also means the Velvet Room segments only really exist so they can say, “Hey, yeah, we’ve got the Velvet Room!” It feels tacked on.
As far as Rise/Risette, I suppose there could be more build-up in the game. On the other hand, for those people who have the skill and/or gift to be on stage, there’s a special thrill to go along with it. I got that immediately when she suddenly reverted to her idol persona.
Finally, everyone may be moe for Kanji, but Teddie is clearly the prettiest girl at the ball. 🙂
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Hmm, yeah I’d say that’s about right. I like this because of the characters as well, but for me it just feels weird to have such a big part shortened down to a 2 minute episodic segment. Yeah, I’d say you described pretty accurately how I feel about the whole thing.
Ahaha I think 99% of my dislike of it being rushed is my Rise bias. I just wish that we had gotten more of how she was feeling about the whole thing. Though I don’t know how they could have done that.
Kuma certainly has it. …Whatever ‘it’ is xD.
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
I love Persona 4 so much, it’s almost quite pathetic. However, I don’t let that bias my opinions on the animation. To be honest, to me the episodes are either a hit or a miss. Overall I think the pacing is too rushed but I guess you really can’t say much consider the limited number of episodes….and they’re only 24-ish minutes long! If only if they could expand that limitation and have a greater budget…T T
This episode was okay to me. Didn’t quite live up to the comedy of the Port Island episode, IMO, but we still got some great moments, like Yu’s 30min monologue, the Group Date Cafe, and others. I wish the social links could be better planned, though, but yes, limitations, limitations…
I’m a little concerned about how they’re planning to work out the last big events left in 5/6 episodes. The next one is entirely about the Amagi Inn scenario so only 5 ep available for the most crucial aspects of the storyline, plus maxing out social links. How will they manage that, I wonder? I just hope that even if they rush it, it won’t be so bad that I’ll be shaking my head in dismay instead of fuming and shedding tears.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
…I won’t say anything since I have extreme bias with some of the game, but yeah. It does feel pretty rushed. Imagine what they could do with 52 episodes…. Then again, I find that a 24 episode anime these days is pretty rare in itself. Imagine Persona in 12 episodes.
Oh yeah, I wonder about that too. I think it will end off with the lead in to the next dungeon… BUT YEAH! If we say that Yu’s interaction with the team is considered ‘maxing out’ then we still have Yukiko, Kuma, Naoto and Yosuke to go! TIME WHERE?! I really hope it isn’t rushed too badly…