Anime Impressions - Hanayamata Episode 3

"We only have so much time on Earth. Its more fun doing the things you enjoy, isn't it?" -Naru

Hanayamata is definitely establishing itself as a "feel good" anime this season. In the first half of episode 3, we see Naru and Hana venture into a yosakoi shop. There, they meet the shop owner who vibrantly teaches them about yosakoi culture, costume, and the accessories associate with it.

Later, while trying to recruit more members for the yosakoi club, the student council president, Machi Tokiwa,makes an appearance. I want to make this statement here and now: why is it that almost every student council president in anime is a bitch? I understand that they have to be strict and enforce the rules at the school, but you can be a bit more tactful about it.


So after being confronted by the student council, it is now Naru and Hana's job to find two more club members and a club adviser. Now, I am not sure if I missed it or not, but why have they not asked Yaya to join the club? It seems that she and Naru are very close friends and that she should want to help Naru get the club formed. It seems strange that they would harass every girl and their mother but not Naru's best friend.

In the second half of the episode. we get to see some character development between Yaya and Hana. It has been easy to see up until this point that Yaya is not a fan of Hana. She even states that she doesn't understand what Naru sees in her. However, after spending some time with her, Hana's pure and innocent nature beings to shine through to her. I was able to relate to Hana's perspective on life. People need to do what they enjoy doing in life. We all have a limited number of days. You do not want to look back on your life with regret, so seize it and take what you can from it.

I really enjoyed this episode. One reason is because the first half of the episode progressed the plot. The second reason is the amount of character development crammed in the second half. At this point, I do not expect this series to "wow" me, but I can see it keeping me entertained throughout the journey.