Tari Tari Episode 7&8 Thoughts & Analysis

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was not able to watch episode 9. The next Tari Tari post will have 9 & 10.
Oh, and WARNING: This post is enormous; your head may explode. You have been warned.

With the end of Wakana’s arc, Sawa takes the spotlight. To be more precise, this episode focuses on the plans and changing outlooks of the Choir members regarding the future. Tari Tari, once again, does a brilliant job of putting the focus on one character’s development while ensuring the other characters aren’t forgotten.

Wakana finally embraces music after avoiding it for years, now determined to finish her mother’s song as well as opening up to the other members. She’s definitely come a long way after tripping, falling, and losing her way for so long, although she becomes confused on her plans for the future as a result. Konatsu deals with old friends from the original Choir Club looking down on her and questioning her resolve. However, Konatsu’s not alone anymore, so I have no doubt that once the White Festival comes around, she’ll pay those girls back big time.

And then there’s Taichi, who shows that he can’t afford to slack of during entrance examinations despite earning an athletic scholarship. He knows if he fails, he could still lose the scholarship and any chance of professionally playing badminton in the future. He’s serious about succeeding, not taking his luck for granted. Wien, however, seems to be at a loss; beneath all his awesomeness are insecurities about his future. As it turns out, he puts up a brave front to hide his apparent weakness from both his friends, and the kid he writes to often. Hopefully, they finally get to exploring his character before the finale.

DAAAW that’s a cute lunchbox!

As I said, the focus is still on Sawa, and I must say that it’s really sad. The lengths she goes through to pursue her dream leads to her falling of Sabure and getting injured quite badly. I won’t blame her parents – she willingly starved herself perhaps to meet whatever requirements for the Jockey School. She only has herself to blame for that. But does what her father says help? No, it really doesn’t. I can’t discredit his parenting skills; he’s a very down-to-earth fellow, and only says those things because he cares & worries for his daughter. However, it doesn’t make him right; when it comes to decisions regarding goals & the future, there needs to be some room for flexibility if possible.

YURI – Wakana approves.

Episode 8 was really powerful. If there’s any proof that slice-of-life is a wonderful genre, this is one of them. Sawa had to suffer through a very painful moment in her life, one many of us had been through atleast once; the moment where you have to decide whether to go for it and chase your dreams, or move on and choose something more realistic. And it’s never easy, believe me. Sawa realized just how difficult it is trying to become a jockey, going as far as to change her choice for her career plans. As someone who’s still making that decision, I understand how she feels – dreams are all I have, and without them I’m empty. I don’t want to make a living; I just want to live.

“Did I make the right choice?” “What happens if I had chosen the other route?” We can see these kinds of thoughts cross Sawa’s mind, creating conflict within herself & causing her isolation from others. Tari Tari is no longer just a regular slice-of-life – dreams are more grounded in reality, with plenty of realistic scenarios, views, and conflict to go with it. As a result, it’s a show with characters we can easily empathize with and it has a much greater emotional impact.

Wien demands things to be AWESOME.

Now, Sawa’s dad realizing his daughter’s despair and then trying to help her isn’t very realistic. But y’know, life isn’t realistic. Sawa’s dad, like Wakana’s dad, is another kind of parent I love, one that deep down, no matter what they say or do, they really care about their children. Parents don’t always realize that they don’t know what’s best for us (I know mine don’t), and maybe don’t really understand our feelings either. Yes, they’re bad at conveying their own feelings, and they’ll never cease to worry about us. But it’s alright, because in the end, they love us and will support us no matter what. So, keep this in mind and try not to snap at every harsh thing they may say. For parents reading this, your kids need support. Don’t crush their dreams before they have a chance. After all, no one knows for sure what the future will hold, so who’s to say we won’t succeed?

The most important thing Wakana & Konatsu brings up is that effort is worthless on its own; they realize there are things in life they simply can’t do by themselves. We loose our way often, get confused & discouraged… that’s why we need things like friends, family, and companions. We need someone to lean on, to give us hope and that little push forward when we need it. We need people who’ll tell us “it’s okay,” and that no matter what happens they’ll always be there for us. So even if we do end up falling, they’ll always be there to help us get back on our feet. By accepting this, and that the views they held before were wrong, it shows they both matured since the first few episodes.

“When I’m down, I always just like people to leave me alone, but… it’s nice to know that people are worrying about you”.

Let’s face it; even the most distant & coldest of individuals can’t stand to be alone. There are times when we believe we’re at the lowest pit of our lives, only to find we’re not alone. And that’s another important point; you’re not alone. You’re never alone. Any problem can be overcome when you’re with others, whether it’s a career your peers worry about, or creating a truly wonderful melody.

Believe in yourself when no one else does. That’s what makes you a winner.

Damn, I haven’t written a post this long is a while. In other notes, Wien is still awesome! Him trying to press the emergency fire alarm and Wakana distracting the vice principal via prank calls were hilarious! Oh, and hearing Sawa’s dad say “I’ll cast you into the fires of hell! Right in!” and Sawa ridin’ a horse to school really made my day. And let’s not forget the Hanasoku Iroha cameos! I guess I’ll end things here before I go off on a tangent again.

Thanks for reading! ^_^