Kujima Utaeba Ie Hororo is definitely one of the most underrated anime in a good long while. Predictably so, but nonetheless. It consistently delivers both in terms of comedy and warmth, in its inimitably quirky fashion. I would actually argue that the series is quite a bit darker than it appears to be, but it’s so whimsical that it sneaks up on you. One of my favorite things about anime is its ability to keep coming up with these sorts of shows, and since they’re mostly adapted from manga that means it’s one of my favorite things about that too.
Wherever this is (I guess it’s not Hokkaido or we’d see a lot more snow) we creep further into winter. In Japan that means the kotatsu, a new experience for a giant bird thing from Russia. Despite Arata’s stern warnings, Kujima quickly becomes addicted to that most Japanese of indulgences. Throw in mikan and they’re soon hooked – and fat. It’s not until Suguru independently confirms Arata’s diagnosis that Kujima snaps out of it, turning to ballet to get themself back into fighting trim.
Winter also means finals. And that means trouble for Arata, who’s been heady about having a playmate again and rather let his studies slip. Makoto-chan (the neighbor girl with the bamboo trees who goes to a private school) is brought in to help. Kujima is anxious to be involved but his habit of reading his Japanese proverbs aloud proves problematic. Suguru’s behavior around Makoto is distinctly different than the rest of the family – he actually smiles, which pisses Kujima off to a hilarious degree. Suguru almost pays Kujima a compliment – “why would I bother being considerate to my family?” – but quickly pulls that back before Kujima can get the wrong idea.
This is another elephant in the room with Kujima Utaeba Ie Hororo. Suguru really is pretty much a prick, any way you slice it. He’s making his whole family miserable walking on eggshells trying not to disturb him. He’s single-handedly bringing down the mood of the entire household. Arata is terrified even to ask him for help with math – though when he does so in Kujima’s voice (I don’t even think it’s intentional at this point) he certainly throws his big brother for a loop.
But if it’s winter in animanga, the big event has to be Christmas. That means a Christmas party, with strawberry shortcake and karaage (at least it wasn’t KFC). Mom is startled to learn that Kujima “definitely” eats birds, but as Arata points out, lots of birds eat other birds so why should Kujima be any different? Once more we’re treated to a display of what a total pill Suguru is – his mother apologizes to him for the “noise” downstairs and he can’t even be bothered to thank her for the cake she brings him. No family should have to live like that – this barely even qualifies as a party.
Arata has already learned the truth about Santa of course, but Kujima didn’t even know who he was until Arata told them. His parents are rather pleased at this – both their boys are past that age so it’s fun, and Dad is even keen to dress up as the man himself. But Kujima refuses to fall asleep (their eyes glow in the dark, ROFL) so the Santa Kujima meets is actually Makoto’s father. He’s appropriately tripped out by seeing this strange beast where not a creature is supposed to be stirring, but Kujima’s enthusiasm is such that even Noda’san gets caught up in the moment. And when Kujima comes home, they find an extra chair and rice bowl waiting for them,
