Honey and Clover Ep 24

Takemoto takes out the map which Shin gave to him and recalls how the latter advised him on the things to take note on the last leg of his journey. As he looks at the lines which Shin drew to mark the places he went to, Takemoto feels as if he's looking at an astrological sign.

The next day, Takemoto is feeling so famished when he suddenly spots a school. This makes him feel rejuvenated since there should be a store near the school for him to grab a bite. Although Takemoto is feeling disappointed that there's only red-bean buns to buy, he decides to buy them since he's too hungry to be fussy. The old lady owner gets a surprise when she hears that he comes from Tokyo and offers Takemoto rice with some pickles. No doubt it may be simple fare, Takemoto is very grateful for this free meal. As he looks around her house, he spots a photo of the old lady posing in front of some aloe vera plants. She explains that she went to Los Angeles with the farming association members and even gives Takemoto some corn as a parting gift. As Takemoto has never taken a plane before, he thinks about his parents who had never gone overseas just like him. Takemoto is filled with sadness as he recalls that his father had passed away without taking a plane in his life.

Just then, a train passes behind Takemoto which brings back memories of a conversation he had with his father about a train service called the Hokutou Sei which heads towards Sapporo and how his father promised to bring him on the ride when he became older. Out of instinct, Takemoto rides on his bicycle to chase after the Hokutou Sei and gets the feeling that his father is smiling to him from the train carriage. As such, Takemoto fails to notice that he has come near the slope and falls down with his bicycle. He laughs at his carelessness and wonders about the meaning of his father and his lives as he looks at the beautiful starry sky. Takemoto goes through lots of difficulties to reach the northernmost point of Japan, Wakkanai and feels that it's all worthwhile after he sees the breathtaking scenery. He decides that it's time to turn back and return to where he belongs.

Hanamoto returns to his office to fetch Hagu who is unwell and sees Takemoto sleeping beside her while they hold hands. Hanamoto decides to take a photo of this and welcomes Takemoto back deep down in his heart.

Takemoto gets a shock when he sees giant banners welcoming him back at the university. Yamada is in tears at seeing Takemoto back safely while Hanamoto wants to whack him for holding Hagu's hand so long when he was asleep last night. In fact, Hanamoto had wanted to cut his hand since Takemoto wouldn't let go. As such, Yamada called Mayama to fetch Takemoto in case Hanamoto really did something drastic. Takemoto says that he doesn't seem to have found an answer why he went on this journey and reveals what he went through in the process.

Hagu and Yamada want to hold a welcome-back party for Takemoto but he remembers how strange their cooking is and says that they should go for the fireworks festival during the weekend instead. Mayama praises Takemoto for sparing them from this disaster. Takemoto wants to go home and prepare for an interview of a part-time job when Morita appears and tells Takemoto to take a shower first. Morita then flings a bar of soap at Takemoto by saying that this is his welcome-back gift.

Takemoto goes to a shower tap at the university with Morita, Hanamoto and Mayama in tow. Hanamoto and Mayama remark how "open" Takemoto has become to bathe in public while wearing his briefs. Takemoto realises that Morita is staring at him and the latter comments that Takemoto has lost weight. When Mayama says that Takemoto did not contact them for 2 months, Takemoto apologises for making them worry but Morita says that he did not worry for him. In fact, Morita believed that Takemoto was strong enough to take care of himself. Morita offers to cut Takemoto's hair for him bur the latter rejects his "kind" gesture. Mayama and Hanamoto feel that Takemoto seems to have matured during his journey since he is now able to handle Morita's antics with ease.

When Takemoto returns to his apartment, he looks at Shin's bicycle and remembers what happened when he returned to meet his ex-colleagues. Shin gave the bicycle to Takemoto and told him to get an ordinary licence before he graduates if he has the intention to work with them in future.

At the summer festival, Yamada, Hagu, Morita and Takemoto are hyped up over the food while Mayama and Hanamoto sit in the tent to have drinks. As they recall how this seems to be a repeat of what happened last year, Mayama looks at Yamada who is having trouble in the throwing game and remembers how he got the soft toy for her at that time. This time round, Mayama gets Takemoto to do the job for him and gives the excuse that he's tired. Takemoto manages to get the soft toys for both Hagu and Yamada who are thrilled.

As Takemoto and Hagu stand beside each other while the fireworks display is going on, she asks him about the feeling of going to Wakkanai. Takemoto says that although there was nothing there, it is a place full of sunshine and he wished that he could bring Hagu to see it for herself. Hagu comments that she would love to go there one day and draw the scenery. As Takemoto looks at Hagu thoughtfully, he realises that the reason why he went on the journey was to see how important the things he left behind were to him. Takemoto then tells Hagu about his feelings while tears stream down her cheeks...

Although the ending was not specific, it left much room for thought. The problems between the characters may not have been settled but in one way or another, they have matured during this period and there is the hope that they will be able to handle whatever comes along in future.

Takemoto finally told Hagu about his feelings but the story did not state whether Morita knew about it or the three of them had resolved the love triangle between them. Right from the beginning, I feel that Hagu should have some feelings for Morita but as to whether it can be considered as love, that's up to one's opinion. At least I think that she has no idea how to classify her feelings for Morita at this juncture. Even though Hagu may seem to treat Takemoto as a platonic friend in the beginning, the fact that they were apart for some time may have changed the nature of their relationship. Otherwise, why would Hagu cry when she heard Takemoto's confession? Given Hagu's behaviour pattern so far, she might have ran away in shock if she was totally unprepared for what she had heard. Maybe she has sensed how Takemoto feels towards her. As for Morita, I get the idea that he has problems facing Hagu in his serious mode. Maybe he's scared of committment and doesn't think he is right for her despite his feelings. Being with Hagu takes more than just companionship. A certain degree of understanding her thoughts and supporting her in future is essential. Morita may not feel that he's up to the task yet.

As for Rika, Mayama and Yamada, his action of not helping Yamada to get the soft toy suggests a shift in his attitude. He is ready to let go and stop interfering in her life since he's not prepared to reciprocate his feelings. For Yamada, it might be good if the story had suggested whether things were possible between her and Nomiya. I think the two of them would be quite compatible together. For Rika, it is hard to guess if Mayama will be able to help her get over her psychological trauma.

This anime is really superb. It's one of the best I've seen in recent years which touched on issues close to my heart. The relationship problems highlighted are heart-wrenching but I'm also impressed with the realistic touch when the anime talks about problems like career choices. This is set to become one of my Top 10 favourites.

Now that I'm done with the anime, it's time to hit the manga which is said to have a surprising ending. I just think that the character design in the manga is not as sleek as the anime though but I'll save my final judgement until I finish it.