Tag Archives: One Week Friends

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 11: Important Friend

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Review:

Hm… I’m not sure what to say for this episode. As usual, it continues the trend of being clean in content, but I don’t know what to say for the plot. On the one hand, we finally find out what happened in Kaori’s past to cause her memory issue. It’s probably not a surprise to find out that it was an issue with her friends that lead to the problem, and I’m sure more than few people figured out that Kujo played into it somehow, though it seem his role was something closer to a matter-of-fact involvement. Now, all of this is fine—it’s the logical progression of the plot. An old friend moves back, which inevitably leads to an encounter with more old friends, which leads to Hase’s curiosity, which leads to him investigating, which finally leads to some information being revealed. The problem comes in with what Hase chooses to do with it.

You would think that hearing about what happened would spur Hase on to be a better friend. Instead, the opposite happens. It seems that Kujo’s thoughts particularly weigh on him. The problem is that he’s already in too deep, and it’s too late for him to worry that he might end up hurting Kaori. Indeed, what seems to be a decision to distance himself from Kaori (based on his actions at the end of the episode) are more guaranteed to hurt her than any hypothetical situation that may happen somewhere in the future. In fact, getting hurt is part of being someone’s friend. As we open up to people and get to know them better (and they us), we ultimately make ourselves more vulnerable, as we have now revealed intimate details about ourselves. This goes even further for romantic relationships. We know that friendships have their hard spots: this was explored earlier in the series. I suppose it just seems weak for Hase to start backing out now for fear of hurting Kaori, when his backing out could be more damaging than anything. It’s frustrating for sure. It’s also hard for me to take a stance on it, as I can’t say I felt any particular rage or frustration at the moment of watching it, but I also don’t feel like I can blindly praise the episode, either. Perhaps perusing the comments section on CrunchyRoll didn’t help that. For better or worse, though, this is where the story is headed. Let’s see where things go next week.

Oh, and hopefully we’ll resolve this whole Kiryu/Saki sub-plot, as well.

A Christian Perspective:
In the end, I think the best lesson for Christians here is this: don’t try to help someone out of your own power. You’ll just make a mess. After all, what exactly is Hase doing here? Does he think he will help Kaori if he withdraws from her so that he doesn’t possibly—maybe—potentially cause some big hurt for her in the future? That line of thinking is ultimately going to cause him to definitely hurt her—right here and now. So, how should we, as Christians, handle situations that call for us to be there for someone else, or to help them? It’s probably going to be an answer that most people will roll their eyes at and exclaim, “Typical”, but it’s the Christian way, and that way is prayer.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9

We’re sinful, prideful  human beings. We think we know it all. Let’s be honest with ourselves here: we don’t. We can barely help ourselves, much less others. If you find yourself in a situation like Hase’s, take a moment and pray and ask for God’s guidance. Not only does He know more about the other person and what he/she is going through than you do, He also knows more about you than you do. Let Him put to work the gifts and abilities He gave you, rather than you trying to wing it on your own.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 10: Friends and Friends

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Review:

It seems that, at this point, we are slowly unraveling the mystery behind why Kaori loses her memories. We’re nowhere near a concrete answer, to be sure, but previous clues certainly suggested that it has something to do with Kujo, and this week seems to strengthen that theory. We also see the first interaction Kaori has with old friends since the show started. This interaction is brief, although it does reveal a bit about Kaori and Kujo’s past. This probably could have been played out a bit more, in all actuality, but I suppose it was tense enough just because Kaori was faced with a new situation that she didn’t know how to handle. Added to this, of course, is the fact that she isn’t quite the same Kaori she’s been throughout the show. We see this on the roof when she questions Hase about the 18 grams of sugar used in the eggs.

Hase and Kaori have suffered their share of setbacks at various points, but this time things are different. I think it’s a difference that we, the viewers, may not be quite so privy to (or I’m just dense), but we certainly see it played out in some ways, especially with Kaori reverting to a more reserved personality. Where this will go from here is anybody’s guess, but with the series winding down (and the manga still running), the question must be asked as to whether or not the ending will feel complete.

A Christian Perspective:

Well, the theme of unconditional love may be one to be explored here. After all, Hase certainly continues to pursue Kaori and maintain his promise no matter what setbacks hit him. Now, true, we can question Hase’s motives and whether his pursuit of Kaori is unconditional, although what does he hope to gain out of it? Sure, we can pretty much tell he loves Kaori, but was his initial approach to her a sly attempt to go out with her? Or was he simply looking to be her friend, as he himself stated? I suppose we may never know. Regardless, it would be impossible to claim that Hase doesn’t care about Kaori; after all, he is putting himself through quite a lot just to stay near her and have her as his friend. How many of us can say the same? I’m sure we’ve all turned our backs on a friend or family member who could have really used us. Maybe in the future we can remember Hase and what he was willing to go through just to maintain a relationship with Kaori Fujimiya.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: A character is punched in the head (more playful th an anything)

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 9: Last Day With Friends

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Review:

Well, One Week Friends certainly knows how to mess with your head. I’m sure after the last episode you expected there to be some kind of drama with the guy who showed up at the end of the previous episode. Well, you’re going to be disappointed. The vast majority of this episode is actually right along the lines of what you would expect: Kaori and company hanging out, some cute moments between Hase and Kaori, and (maybe not so expectedly) a cute moment between Kiryu and Saki. Honestly, it wasn’t a terribly eventful episode, and yet at the same time it wasn’t boring. I think I’ve called this show relaxing before, and that’s still kind of the case, at least for the most part. Oh, there were a couple parts, to be sure. One such part involves a typical romance anime plot device (although it was as clean as the trope could possibly be, given that this is One Week Friends), and the other was how the episode ends.

Okay, so yes, the guy from the last episode does show up, but much like the last episode he waits until the end to make his appearance, but it’s well played. After a nice, relaxing episode with some romantic undertones, it only makes sense that this guy would come in and essentially throw a wrench into the plans. Now we’re left wondering what will become of Kaori and Hase’s relationship?

A Christian Perspective:

We could really learn a bit about hospitality from Kaori’s mom. She is very inviting to Kaori’s friends (of course, it helps that Kaori doesn’t bring friends home). As Christians, we’re supposed to be willing to invite strangers in (Matthew 25: 35-36, Hebrews 13:2). While I’m sure that sounds scary in today’s society (and I’m sure there is some level of discernment to be had), it doesn’t change the fact that it is a biblical command. So, pay attention to Kaori’s mom (minus her reaction to Hase falling on Kaori) and put some of that into practice the next time you invite a stranger, someone you barely know, or even a friend into your home.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: Well, they pull the age-old “guy trips and falls on top of girl” routine, but in true One Week Friends fashion there really aren’t any sexual or perverse connotations added to it

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 8: The Beach With Friends

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Review:

Oh boy, a beach episode. I guess we can kiss the lack of fanservice goodb—say whaaaaat?! Not a single bathing suit in the entire episode! Well, that was surprising. Of course, Hase and crew lose out on the fun of swimming in the ocean, but it still manages to be a fun episode of friends playing together and enjoying time with each other. I’m really at a loss for words in regards to what I should say in this review. If you have enjoyed One Week Friends thus far, then you should understand what I mean when I say this show is simply enjoyable. While it does have its frustrating moments (I like…. fireworks is all I’ll say here), this episode simply continues everything there is to love about this series. Now the ending of this episode, along with the title of the next episode, leaves some tension and worry to be had.

A Christian Perspective:

Eh, I have nothing much to say here. Content wise, Saki makes a comment about Kaori’s bust, but that’s about it. No particular lessons jumped out at me.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: Saki makes a comment about Kaori having quite a bust, which she knows from hugging her all the time (around 14:35)

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 7: Friends of “Ah”

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Review:

Well, I think we all saw the romantic relationship plot device coming. Not that it’s here in full swing yet, but the beginning stages of it are certainly here. Between Kaori’s friends asking her about her relationship with Hase, Hase calling Kaori cute, and some other things, it’s pretty clear that the intention is to bring it to romance. Kiryu also steps up this time around, and this may be the most he’s spoken in a single episode. I could be wrong—I’m certainly not keeping count, but he seemed more vocal than usual. Of course, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a fan of this show that doesn’t want the main characters to fall in love, but it’s nice to have more evidence than just wishful thinking.

Plot wise, it’s about as plot heavy as any other episode. The premise this time is that the characters are preparing for summer vacation, and Hase is worried about not seeing Kaori over the break. Kiryu essentially helps Hase to communicate to Kaori his desire for them to get together over the summer. So basically, plot is not the biggest focus of this show (though that’s probably pretty obvious by now). There is a bit of character development on Kaori’s side, though, but I’m not spoiling anything. One Week Friends continues to come highly recommended from this reviewer, and I must also inform you to keep watching past the credits, because there is more.

A Christian Perspective:

Eh, I don’t really have much to say this time around. This episode doesn’t keep it’s spotless Content Guide, though, with one use of Jesus’ name in vain. Granted, these sorts of things may be the result of the translators moreso than the actual meaning of the Japanese words, but I can’t say that for sure, and since I’m reporting on the subtitles as far as dialogue is concerned, my inclusion of this stands.

Content Guide:

Language: 1 “j**z”

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 6: Mothers of Friends

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Review:

You can always get a good feel for the direction of an episode by the title. Well, this one may be a bit misleading, as the titles usually pertain to an experience that Fujimiya is having (Friends of Friends dealt with her getting to know Kiryu, New Friends deals with her, well, making a new friend), but this episode deals with Fujimiya’s friends meeting her mom. A make up test brings Usa and Co. to Fujiymiya’s house so that she can help them study (well, sans-Kiryu… he just kind of gets drug along). This serves as a springboard for an encounter between Usa and Fujimiya’s mom, which of course leads to the reveal of some backstory concerning Fujimiya. While we still don’t know what causes her memory loss, we now have some more information on which to base our theories.

Really, there isn’t much I can think to say here. There’s nothing here to change one’s opinion of One Week Friends if you’ve found it enjoyable thus far. Sit back, watch, and enjoy.

A Christian Perspective:

One Week Friends continues to be clean and enjoyable. While other shows would have probably used the meeting between Usa and Fujimiya’s mom for dirty fantasies on Usa’s part, the worst OWF does is have Fujimiaya’s mom make a comment about how people will think she’s with a younger guy.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 5: New Friends

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Review:

Well, I’ve now watched the one show that I can view without any reservations or worries for the week. As always, it proved to be touching, heartwarming, and (mostly) relaxing. I say mostly because, to be honest, I think I was feeling a little jealous for Hase. I guess I would be a bad friend in this case. T_T

Anyway, the titles of each episode are fairly straight forward, so as you’ve probably guessed this week’s episode focuses on Kaori making a new friend in the form of Saki Yamagishi. Saki’s an interesting one: her voice is pretty slow and monotone, yet her actions are what you’d expect from a more hyper character. She also seems to be something of a rule breaker, as she completely disregards Karoi’s “only talk to me on the roof” rule. In the end, though, this ends up being a good thing, as Kaori is able to experience new things and is ultimately able to open up a little more. The way the episode ends is also a bit surprising, and great for Hase and his fans alike.

While we still don’t know what it is that causes Kaori’s memory loss, we do find out in this episode that Saki used to have a hard past from bullies. Kiryu reflects on what things used to be like for her in elementary school, compared to how they are now. Saki herself seems to accept Kaori’s condition without much question, simply chalking it up to a “I forget stuff all the time, you just know what day of the week you will” argument. What you would expect to be a heartbreaking, crushing scene near the episode’s end will probably also be a bit surprising in its outcome. All-in-all, One Week Friends is a pretty slow-paced show, but its presentation makes the show not only enjoyable, but something that you (or at least I) anticipate coming back to.

A Christian Perspective:

The only concern here is that some of Saki’s mannerisms are a little off, and that she and Kaori go out on a “date”, although there’s no romantic interest actually involved–it’s just a poorly chosen term.

Hm… well, the only parallel I can think to draw at this point is one of trust. In this episode, Saki seems to trust that Kaori is telling the truth about her memory loss (though Saki just chalks it up to “forgetting” after Kaori simplifies her explanation), despite having never seen Kaori lose her memories. This, of course, is confirmed for Saki near the end of the episode, but she seems to take it at face value. Of course, one scene does show that Saki has hopes that Kaori won’t lose her memories, but we can glean a lesson from this, I think; after all, isn’t this similar to the life of a believer? We believe in God’s promises, even though we have not seen God. In fact, the Bible tells us that though we have not seen Him, we love Him. We choose to trust God based on His word, just as Saki chose to trust Kaori at hers. Just like Saki, we, too, sometimes have periods of doubt, but in the end we trust that our faith will be confirmed. Perhaps some of us find confirmation in different things, but answered prayers would be one way, and of course meeting the Lord face-to-face when we pass from this world will be the ultimate way. Granted, our trust must truly be in Him before that happens, but I think you get the point I’m trying to make.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 4: Fighting with Friends

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Review:

One Week Friends is always a refreshing series to watch. There is no offensive content to speak of, so it’s very easy to just sit back and watch an episode. This week was no exception, even with the heavier, sadder atmosphere that permeated this week’s outing. You especially know you’re enjoying a show when the ending sneaks up on you, and the 20-30 minutes you spent viewing the show feel like only a few. That being said…

This week–as you can probably surmise from the title–centers around Fujimiya and Hase having an argument, which leads to a much greater problem. It also shows the flaw in Hase’s plan for Fujimiya to keep a diary. Having her write down her experiences so that she can read them at the beginning of the week is a great plan–as long as she keeps her hands on the diary. Without that, all of her memories are as good as gone. Of course, one can’t help but wonder why, exactly, Fujimiya seems to be so infatuated with Kiryu, but maybe we’ll find that out as time goes on.

Really, what else can I say here? This continues to be an enjoyable, heart-warming show that is worth looking to each week. The pacing of this episode felt fine–not too rushed, but not too drawn out. If One Week Friends continues like this, it may very well take my spot for favorite show of the season.

A Christian Perspective:

If you find yourself getting frustrated with some of the typical content you encounter in anime, then you really owe it to yourself to at least try One Week Friends. It’s nice to have a show that I can go into knowing that I’ll have nothing to really feel uncomfortable about. It’s also nice not having to pause the show several times to make notes about some content. Contrast that with this week’s episode of Brynhildr in the Darkness…

A valuable lesson from this week is that, if something is valuable to you, then you should fight for it. Of course, I don’t mean physical fighting, but just do whatever it takes to keep it. In Hase’s case, he was willing to go wherever he could possibly thing that Fujimiya may have gone in an effort to find the diary. He wasn’t willing to stop until he found the diary and salvaged his friendship with Fujimiya. If you ever want to know how important something really is to you, think about how hard you’d fight for it if you were in danger of losing it. Imagine if we were this determined in our relationship with Christ..

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 3: Friends of Friends

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Review:

One Week Friends continues strong this week. Now that Fujimiya and Hase have an established friendship (or at least as much as possible given the circumstances), the plot moves on to Fujimiya essentially widening her circle. This happens through Hase’s friend, Shogo. In case you need a refresher, Shogo is the really blunt guy who sits next to Hase in class. Well, maybe it’s not fair to say that Fujimiya and Shogo become friends–according to Fujimiya’s being able to remember Shogo, they don’t–but if nothing else Shogo is let in on the secret.

Shogo’s blunt personality is in complete contrast to Hase’s. Where Hase seemed to accept Fujimiya at her word, Shogo at least voices some doubt by stating that Fujimiya could be lying. This episode does a pretty good job of establishing his character and leaving no doubts about what kind of person he is. While it might be easy to write him off as a jerk early on, the moment where he essentially stands up for Fujimiya kind of rounds out who he is. Perhaps being skeptic of Fujimiya’s claims is a little more realistic, even if a bit cold. Of course, it’s easy for us as the viewers to get mad at Shogo, now that we’ve grown attached to Fujimiya and, like Hase, learned that her memory loss is real. If we were to put ourselves in Shogo’s shoes, though, we might have a similar reaction.

In the end, maybe that’s what we need to do with this show–look at it from each character’s point of view, and not just our own. In any case, One Week Friends continues to receive a “highly recommended” vote from me.

A Christian Perspective:

See Episode 1 review.

Content Guide:

Language: None

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: None

Blood/Gore: None

Review: One Week Friends, Episode 2: How to Spend Time with Friends

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Review:

Okay, I don’t care if I’m a guy, I’m going to say it: this show is ADORABLE! It’s just really cute to watch Hase and Fujimiya interact with each other. This time around, we get to see them take their friendship beyond school, and we also see the first results of Hase’s suggestion that Fujimiya keep a diary about what she did each day. As it turns out, Fujimiya doesn’t lose her memory of the entire week, but only the portions that involve friends, as revealed by the fact that she doesn’t remember any of her lunch periods from the previous week. That’s a pretty selective memory disorder, and does sort of break down the previous 50 First Dates comparison (given that Fujimiya can still function just fine in society, minus the whole remembering people thing).

It’s also nice to see a male protagonist whose intentions are, for the most part, pure. True, he does admit that the diary suggestion was for his convenience so that he could skip the step of asking Fujimiya to be friends each week, but given some of the other male protagonists in other series, I think we can let that pass. Hase seems to be genuinely interested in being friends with Fujimiya (romantic interest can’t be ruled out, particularly when compared to his “date” comment), and doesn’t seem to have any ulterior motives (read: he’s not trying to “hook up” with Fujimiya). This may just be the closest thing to a “pure” anime–that’s not aimed at children–that we’ll ever get.

A Christian Perspective:

Honestly, if you’re looking for a clean anime that you can watch without any reservations, this is it. The content mentioned below is mild, at worst (seriously, I hear Christians use the one word I have under language a lot… I personally abstain from it, though). The characters are likeable and innocent enough, and the show certainly isn’t boring. I really have nothing to say here other than to recommend this show to my Christian brethren.

Content Guide:

Language: 1 “c**p”

Alcohol/Drug Use: None

Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: None

Violence: A character is kicked in the thigh; a character is hit in the face with a volleyball; a character slaps himself in the face

Blood/Gore: None