Barakamon — 06

• Episode 6: Yosonmon (Guys From Tokyo)

As I inhale deeply of the refined air, I address my paper and brush, and they respond to me, affirmingly.

With the arrival of Kawafuji and Kanzaki, the episode ends up being more refreshing. Instead of Sensei learning a new lesson in the end, he instead defends his growth since he started living on the island. We also get to see the situation between Sensei and the kids flipped when it’s Miwa and Hiro struggling to take care of Sensei in his possible time of crisis.

Barakamon — 05

• Episode 5: Un ni Oegii (Going Swimming at the Beach)

Despite physical fatigue and mental breakdown, you face the solitude single-mindedly! Yes, the utmost limit. You see the utmost limit!

In a way, Barakamon has fallen into a pattern: Sensei learns from the previous episode’s events, is motivated to continue working on his calligraphy, is interrupted by the islanders, and then he grows as a person. Every episode can also be divided into two portions, in which the second half is usually more uplifting/inspirational. This one is no different.

Barakamon — 04

• Episode 4: Shiman Ontsandon (Island Dads)

Right now I’m in total darkness, but I’ll definitely find the light, someday.

Learning from last episode’s defeats, Sensei tries to get himself back on track and take his time finding his style. Unfortunately, a broken computer and cellphone end up making his day way busier than he wanted, and he ends up taking a job he didn’t expect.

Barakamon — 03

• Episode 3: Hitonmochi (Mochi Thrown in Celebration)

It’s no good if yer always lookin’ up. Wait patiently and take it once it hits the ground. You find a mess of opportunities fallen below.

This episode focuses on both Sensei and Tama. The first half shows us Tama’s history with manga and wanting to become a mangaka, and the second half focuses on Sensei’s continued struggle to get his calligraphy groove back, and what lessons he learns trying to get there.

Barakamon — 02

• Episode 2: Yakamashika (Annoying)

Being able to work hard is the best talent of all.

I’d like to talk about this episode in three parts, divided by the things we learn about Sensei from the new people he meets: his pride, his hard work and dedication, and his delicacy. I really enjoy how much material we get per episode–we learn about both Sensei and the villagers in many different ways, and we even get to experience the sense of comfort and habit that begins to build between them.

Barakamon — 01

Very few shows make me laugh in so genuinely while simultaneously warming my heart, and now I get to add Barakamon to that list! Barakamon gives us some good old fashion slice-of-life comedy but with the twist of having our protagonist be a professional calligrapher who must now deal with living in a rural island village and its residents (instead of the typical school setting). There’s a good mix of inspirational material, real deep feelings, and simple slapstick and situational comedy which make Barakamon feel so fresh to me.

It’s probably because I really miss my 3rd and 4th graders in the elementary school I volunteered at during the Spring semester, but I was immediately taken by Naru and her sudden involvement in Sensei’s retreat to the island. There’s nothing like little kids when you need someone to be real about your situation and honest about your flaws, yet still genuinely care about you. The setting of the island village also hearkens back to a simpler, more honest time when feelings could really be conveyed straightforwardly and people could be friends just because.