Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha – 06

Art of Japan: synchronized apologizing.

Another struggle won through the power of friendship!

Friendship

Getting along.

Is there nothing friendship can’t overcome? Because it seems the leading solution to all problems from evil baddies to simple arguments is to add a dash of friendship. I jest, but seriously this is literally what happens in Inari Konkon. And for once it is actually warranted to resolve the issue at hand, unlike the “friendship” that enables shounen protagonists to yell louder and punch harder and thus defeat the last boss of the arc. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Inari Konkon is one excellent feel-good show. I just cue it on my player, sit back, and relax. And about 20 minutes later I’m in a great mood. It never fails. And this ability to make us feel good is probably due to the show’s positive portrayal of human relationships. The girls may have their differences, but with just a bit of talking they can come to understand each other. Simple as that. Now, obviously this is a highly idealized (some might even say contrived) story. But all things considered, it’s not so cheesily perfect and happy that most of us would be put off.

Ship

2cute

The tribulations and triumphs of middle school girls trying to get along aside, the pushing ahead of a ToukaxUka-sama ship in the later half of the episode is yet another great move on the show’s part in my mind. I make it no secret that I ship those two, and I think if it hasn’t set sail before now, that ship has certainly left port after this episode. It’s also great to see that there’s more history between the two to ease us into this new development. So it’s not like Uka-sama just abruptly comes to like the guy. Rather, she has watched out for him before (perhaps not as much as with Inari). Of course, when you think about it, this flashback does highlight some of the more unusual aspects of this potential relationship. First and foremost is the very idea of a deity and a human being in a relationship. This isn’t technically anything new, as any kind of mythology will have such circumstances, but nonetheless it is a peculiar concept.

A forgotten memory.

More importantly though is the additional stress on the differences between a human and a god. We were made aware of their differing lifespans before, but the flashback serves to drive the point home. Uka-sama has known Touka since he was just a wee lad, and obviously she has lived for even longer before he even existed. Knowing this, how can a relationship possibly work between beings with such different concepts of time? Such is the question posed by the setup, but the way I see it the show will likely forge ahead with the ToukaxUka-sama ship and get them together against all odds. Because that’s just how love works. Though admittedly there hasn’t really been any formal demonstration of romantic affection as of yet. Uka-sama has been coming over to hang out with Touka more often recently, but that’s not technically saying that she likes the guy… yet.

Extras

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I’ve talked a lot about Touka and Uka-sama so I’ll reserve at least my parting thoughts for Inari’s potential relationship with Kouji. We haven’t seen much in that way since episode 4, but that’s understandable because these last two episodes have pretty much been all about the girls. Now that they’re all back in town and school is soon to start though, I anticipate much more progress on the InarixKouji front. We’ve seen hints that he might have a thing for the heroine as well (why else would he just so happen to help her out twice now), and I think with just a bit of initiative Inari can very easily grab a hold of him. Now, this is easier said than done and no doubt the show will capitalize on Inari’s hesitation and shyness around Kouji to maximize romantic tension. But I’m really hoping that we see those two go somewhere before the end of the show, which is soon approaching.

I’d like to see this go somewhere as well.

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