Yakunare Mug-Cup mo Episode 2: Search for the right Mug

Himeno goes on a tour of Tajima in search of inspiration.

It’d been two weeks since Himeno joined the pottery club and a contest was coming up. Problem was she didn’t know what to make. She felt more pressure when she saw Touko’s excellently crafted entry from the year prior.

Her dad and grandma talked about how she’s doing in the club and agreed she’d have no trouble but also knew she’s clumsy, which she proved right away. She thought the broke the dropped cup but the “chipped” part was actually intentional, the koudai.

It became clear Himeno had much to learn about pottery and the various styles found in Japan. It’s kinda hard for me to keep track of all they showed but it’s fun watching the girls’ reactions throughout the tour. Personal highlight were these interesting kappa statues. We also got hints of Naoko hiding something as she knew more than she let on.

Back home Himeno’s surprised to see her homeroom teacher there. She not only got a coffee pass from the shop but was also the pottery club advisor. Back to Himeno, seeing and learning about the different kinds of sculptures across Japan helped Himeno calm down and not worry about what to make. She recalled Naoko comparing Himeno to a tanuki because she’s “common”. Everyone laughed and dad said Himeno’s like the “Tanuki of Tajimi”. Himeno felt like she figured out what Naoko meant but she again gave a vague answer as she did throughout the episode.

Before we end this post there’s something else I wanted to mention regarding Naoko.

Ever since Mika ran over to greet Himeno in episode 1 I noticed Naoko gave her a subtle glare. Then we have this episode where it felt like she’s subtly flirting with Himeno. Plus Mika’s Touko’s childhood friend so they’re probably an item already and Naoko emphasized Himeno and her had a bond too. You see where I’m going with this?

Good stuff. Next time may address one of the two things, either Mika and Touko’s relationship or Naoko’s potential feelings for Himeno.