Learning Japanese through Anime
SUMMARY
Horimiya
The idea of Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura getting along would seem to be the furthest thing from most people's minds. Hori, after all, is the picture of beauty and intelligence, whereas Miyamura seems weak and distant to his friends. But a fateful encounter between the two reveals both of their secret nature. Hori is well-liked at school but finds it difficult to mingle with her classmates because of housekeeping. But Miyamura, who has hidden tattoos and body piercings that give him the appearance of a mild miscreant, lives in plain sight of his classmates. Despite having completely different personalities, the two quickly become friends and frequently hang out in Hori's house. They each share a side of themselves that is hidden from the outside world as they come out of their shells.
CHARACTERS
Kyouko Hori
Izumi Miyamura
Yoshikawa Yuuki (Classmate and friend of Hori and Toru)
Ishikawa Toru (Classmate and friend of Hori and Yuuki)
Souta Hori (Hori’s younger brother)
SPEECH AND GESTURE ANALYSIS BETWEEN MIYAMURA AND HORI FROM EP01-EP02
Hori is a well-liked student at her school, though finds it hard to mingle with her friends and keep up with her social life due to housekeeping duties at home. Miyamura is a quiet and soft boy who is not social, and keeps to himself in class. On the other hand, when he is not in school, he dresses differently.
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Both have different appearances in school and out of school.
Hori’s appearance in school vs out of school
Miyamura’s appearance in school vs out of school
In Episode 1, Hori’s brother (Souta Hori) fell and ended up getting a nosebleed, to which Miyamura, in his outer wear, brought him home. Hori did not recognise that it was Miyamura at first, being in total shock when she realises. Likewise, Miyamura did not expect Hori’s appearance to look like how she was either. This instance showcases how first impression is very important in Japan.
Kyouko Hori’s realization that the Miyamura in front of her is the same person she sees at school every day.
Kyouko Hori learning a lot of new things about Miyamura which was totally off from her first impression of him.
CULTURE LEARNING POINTS
01. Body Modifications
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It is uncommon to witness bodily changes in Japan due to the stringent cultural norms there, and those who do so are regarded as gang members and thugs. Tattoos are also frowned upon due to their association with organised crime. Numerous hot springs resorts, beaches, and gyms exclude tattooed people. Employers frequently expressly forbid signed applications.
Miyamura panicking about his tattoos to Hori.
01. Housewives and sales
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In Japan, it is common to see housewives especially doing chores and providing for the family when there is a baby. This included grocery shopping, and housekeeping duties while the husband is out at work. Whenever there are sales at any supermarkets or shopping, it is common to see huge numbers of housewives crowding to catch the discount. They are known for being thrifty shoppers as well.
Miyamura tired after shopping for discounted eggs at the supermarket.