Not the easiest series to cover, this one. It is incredibly easy to watch, though, and that contrast is a common phenomenon with anime. Koori Zokusei Danshi is one of those shows that slips by quickly, and when I look down at my notepad at the end I’ve barely written anything. It’s not remotely conflict-driven (this ep was actually about as close as we’ve gotten), and everyone in it is some degree of nice and about ten degrees of cute. The same things that make is such an effortless watch are what make it a challenging subject.
These have to be the luckiest rookie salarymen in Tokyo, that’s for sure. They get placed in the same department, they win everything they enter, and their boss is a deity of compassion. This time around Komori-san (who’s grown on me, though I always liked her) wins a ski trip – conveniently one without blackout dates, apparently, as the gang winds up going over Christmas (as anime fans know, the biggest date holiday of the year in Japan). Halloween last week, Christmas here… If Valentine’s Day doesn’t arrive in next week’s episode I certainly expect it in the one after.
Naturally enough Himuro is a great skier. And of course he’s thrilled at the idea of teaching the beginner Fuyutsuki-san how to ski. But “natural” is the problem here – of course this is all instinct for him, so he unsurprisingly makes a terrible teacher (and if that weren’t enough he issues instructions in Osaka-ben). Oh well, at least his blizzards blend in up there. And fortunately Komori is much more helpful. As for token human Saejima-kun he’s a snowboarder (yeah, that tracks) and he seems to have a fair bit of experience at it.
The big splash here is the introduction of Himuro’s little sister Yukimin (Nitta Hiyori). In some series I’d have been annoyed at the coincidence of Yukimin turning up as a part-timer at the rest house, but that’s just how Ice Guy rolls. I was hoping we’d get a Himuro first name out of her, but – this being Japan – she doesn’t address her older sibling by name. She’s cute of course – you expected otherwise? And she’s apparently quite a successful YouTuber. And she appears to fall for Fuyutsuki-san, which certainly sets her brother off. I’m a bit leery of Yukimin to be honest – she (and her crush) strikes me as potentially a discordant note in what’s otherwise a very synched-up cast and storyline.
The trip itself among the main quartet is solidly in the strike zone for this series, and delivers as expected. When Himuro takes advantage of a moonlit stroll to give Fuyutsuki the present he’s bought her, it’s not the snowflake earrings he picked out in the cold (heh) open, but a cat blanket. A good choice, but the earrings were perfect – sadly he got spooked after overhearing two women complain about unwanted accessories as gifts. Since she’s wearing them in the ED I assume he will give them to her at some point. I was a little surprised she hadn’t bought Himuro something herself, actually – but then, we have Valentine’s to look forward to on that front and I’m sure the chocolate at least will be honmei.
Nicc
February 23, 2023 at 1:57 pmThe series continues its speedrun through the holiday season. This time, it’s Christmas and for some fun at a ski resort. Komori sure knows how to enjoy life. She’s got a yearly pass for Nekomi Land and she knows how to ski. A part of me was kind of hoping that Himeno didn’t know how to ski and to get some humor out of it. Of course, Saejima gets dragged into it, but he certainly didn’t mind.
I was a bit surprised that Himeno was wearing winter clothing. I always figured that it wasn’t possible for him to feel cold (Or, at least he has a very high tolerance for it), or maybe he dressed up that way so he wouldn’t stand out. He’s got the talent for skiing, but teaching it is another story. Luckily, Komori knows how to do so and Fuyutsuki is a quick learner.
And, yep, we finally meet Himeno’s sister Yukimin as they go get some curry. Chili or curry after a day in the snow… Tough choice for me. It seems that her sister is something of a social media influencer and like you said, she takes to Fuyutsuki almost immediately. The show doesn’t spend much time with her character and it was fun to see the sibling bickering between them.
Then, the group spends the rest of the night at the chalet for a takoyaki party. Takoyaki for Christmas. I like it, though I don’t think it works for Christmas. I do like the blanket as it is a practical gift, but like you said there are still other holidays ahead for something fancier. I think that a New Year’s episode should be next (We gotta have Himeno gushing over Fuyutsuki wearing a kimono, after all. We might as well throw in Komori and Otonashi as well). And, since it is Christmas after all, it’s cool if Himuro becomes Himeno for that day.
Guardian Enzo
February 23, 2023 at 5:59 pmI was kind of thinking he wore it so as not to call attention to himself, yeah.
JoeG
February 23, 2023 at 7:04 pmJust love this series, it’s like the sweetest confection of an anime series. By the way, by Himeno, I think you mean Himuro. Himeno is from Chainsaw Man.
Guardian Enzo
February 23, 2023 at 7:28 pmI have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about…
JoeG
February 24, 2023 at 1:12 pmWell, you had put Himuro’s name as Himeno as of my fist post. Glad you changed it to the correct name
Guardian Enzo
February 24, 2023 at 1:37 pmLOL, I know, just making light of it. Sometimes I’m really exhausted when I write those posts.
Joe G
February 26, 2023 at 5:19 amLol, all good. I’m happy your recovering this anime. It’s a great, lighthearted piece of fluff, like a confection, easily consumable. =)
Joe G
February 26, 2023 at 5:19 amOops, I meant covering this anime