Tsubasa’s springtime of youth blooms, matching Hokkaido’s season, but Minami’s sunny disposition hides anxiety.
Episode 10 — “Time Flies Super-Fast”
Hmm.
Spring comes later in Hokkaido than in Tokyo. Is that a metaphor for how slowly the Hokkaido gals act on their feelings for Tsubasa? He’s quick to blurt out what’s on his mind, but his friends, Minami and Sayuri, need to screw up their nerves to respond in kind. Minami is a gyaru of action, so she took steps to spend more time with Tsubasa. But that’s not enough for a dense anime lead character boy. She needs to push her cleavage into his elbow as she says WORDS to convey her feelings. Was that what the cliffhanger was about when she asked for a date at the end of the episode? As with any slice-of-life comedy with dramatic elements, I’ll expect something of heavy personal importance that only slightly affects their relationship dynamics. But the needle will move in Hokkaido Gals.
Sayuri’s gamer gyaru date with Tsubasa impressed me more. They had the three-hour phone conversation I used to have with new girlfriends when I was a young man. But they did it during co-op play online! That’s almost an in-person date. Imagine how things would have progressed if they shared a couch as they played on split-screen instead. Is “Minecraft-and-chill” a thing yet? Sayuri enjoyed her time with Tsubasa moving pixels around but realized her heart and body yearned for more than the digital experience. That counts as progress in the springtime of her youth, too. Sakura buds bloom slowly in Hokkaido, like Hokkaido gals, but when they do, it’s spectacular!
Hokkaido Gals Makes Me Go Heh.
The changing of the seasons in Hokkaido means the changing of the overcoat. Tsubasa is a hoodie guy for all seasons. Ha! Cherry blossoms are in full swing in Tokyo, but the cold in Hokkaido makes the trees bud later. What’s different about Minami’s fashion? No pink sweater! And, presumably, no sheer tights. She came to Tsubasa’s block to walk to school together on the first day of the spring term. She still knows how to warm up Tsubasa’s elbow. Aw. Tsubasa had a less optimal spring break thanks to his cold. He also didn’t see Minami after her mint commercial sick visit, which made her extra flirty this morning.
Tsubasa has noticed that there’s still snow on the ground in Hokkaido in spring. Tokyo already has news items about blossom viewing parties. But according to Minami, the cherry trees in Hokkaido don’t blossom until May. Raining flower petals aren’t part of a new school year experience up north for Hokkaido gals. Instead, Hokkaido has a blossoming extravaganza with flowering cherry, plum, and peach trees! People with pollen allergies: you’re out of luck. Winter skips right over spring into summer in Hokkaido. Minami likes the winter season the best because of the fun things she enjoys. Like Valentine’s Day!
Hokkaido Gals Do Class Politics
Minami worries about ending up in different classes for the new school term, but Tsubasa promises to visit her. Almost a love confession! All that stress for nothing, though. Tsubasa, Minami, and Sayuri are in the same class again. Oho. Has Sayuri made her second-year debut? She changed her hairstyle! She’s shy about it. So cute! Even Matsuo-kun is in the same class. That is good for Tsubasa, for his bromance will continue. Uh oh. Minami feels left out of a gaming conversation. How can she spend more time with Tsubasa?
Hokkaido Gals gave us the homeroom teacher’s name, Ms. Misa Toguchi. You know what that means. Hot-for-teacher references are on the menu! Odds are Matsuo-kun will develop a crush on Misa-sensei. Aha! Minami found a way to spend more time with Tsubasa. She’ll be vice president to his class president! She’s a responsible gyaru, don’t you know? Ooh. Harem dynamics are starting. Now Sayuri worries about spending time with Tsubasa. Put your gamer gal hat on!
Hokkaido Gals in Private Worlds
Nice. It’s a gaming session. Some might call it a date. Ribbon Napolin orange soda commercial. Hahaha! Don’t ask about gamer tags! It’s too embarrassing! They’re not even video-chatting, and Sayuri had to cover her face. I’m even more curious about “Tamu-san” now. Sayuri is adorable when she reacts to Tsubasa’s compliments. It’s Tamu-san’s first home visitor! It’s a date! Jaga Pokkuru fried potato snack commercial. Aw. Tsubasa affirmed Sayuri’s more outgoing nature after spending time with her when he transferred to Kitami.
Class reps do a lot of paperwork. Minami likes the solitude of after-school activities because she feels like she and Tsubasa are in their private little world. You’ve seen the doujins. You know what she’s talking about! Good for Minami. She made clear her feelings about spending more time with him. Teacher interruption! Uh oh. Minami needs to have a heavy conversation with Tsubasa. About what? I’m sure it’s not as dramatic as the mood insists. But we’ll find out!
Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! (道産子ギャルはなまらめんこい, Dosanko Gal wa Namaramenkoi) streams on Crunchyroll in Japanese audio and English subtitles.
Playing games with Sayuri in your bedroom is fine, but Tsubasa should be playing “games” with her in HER bedroom. Amirite? Plus, the after-school scenario should motivate Minami to finish up their classroom-representative chores quicker so they can “enjoy” their private little world. Which Hokkaido flower should blossom first? Let us know in the comments below.
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