UlasanAnime.com – This week’s episode of Sasami-san@ganbaranai has left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it appears my predictions from last week about the initial episodes were more accurate than I initially thought. On the other hand, now that the initial premise has been revealed, I’m left wondering what the series will focus on next. For an anime that often leaves viewers saying “what is this, I don’t even,” this anticipation is perhaps the most fitting way to approach it, though the lack of clear direction might not sit well with everyone. Since it’s an adaptation, this uncertainty is likely to be expected.
Despite the confusion, I can still anticipate certain themes: incest. This anime already delves into this topic significantly more than the average series. Even when considering the classic Shinto creation myth presented in the early episodes, incest appears not only between Sasami and her brother but also in the mysterious circumstances surrounding their existence and the events that brought them together.
The revelation involving the god-robot Kagami and the baby god Tama doesn’t seem to align perfectly with the overarching narrative. All we understand from Tsurugi is that Sasami is tasked with safeguarding a power that once belonged to her, and now Tsurugi is protecting Sasami for her role in safeguarding Tsurugi’s power. This setup feels not only convoluted but also redundant. However, there’s a certain emotional cuteness to it: Sasami no longer needs to deny herself to protect this power, as Amaterasu will safeguard Sasami’s sense of self, allowing Sasami to focus on safeguarding the power.
The more I attempt to articulate my thoughts on this, the more nonsensical it feels. I suppose the situation could be worse; it could be a plot involving a ring meant to be thrown into a lava pit.
Let’s shift focus back to the fanservice aspect. It’s hoped that the story will eventually center around the romantic relationship and Sasami’s character development. I suspect the Yagami sisters have been introduced to add spice to the narrative. An anime can only sustain a “ganbaranai” (not trying hard) attitude for so long, and Sasami’s brother isn’t exactly a tsukkomi (straight man). The ending songs and the proper ending sequence seem to be one way the series attempts to compensate for this.
Another creation tale is evoked in this week’s episode, which portrays Sasami as a bunny. The myth, as told by the anime, closely follows the original story, with the exception of the shark being beaten up, which is an interesting twist. More importantly, this alludes to the Ninigi narrative that Tsurugi and Sasami discussed. The deity who saved the Inaba bunny is ultimately replaced by Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu, who is then presented with the Imperial Regalia. It seems Sasami recognizes him in a special way.
I believe the fight scenes are purely for fanservice. They likely serve to break up the pacing and establish the rhythm for this episode, which is remarkably similar to the previous two. Tama and Kagami are most appealing when they are engaged in combat or performing actions befitting (robo)gods.
Given how the episode concluded, it’s possible that the initial pilot phase of the series is over. This seems logical. However, two significant plot threads remain unresolved, separate from the main storyline: what is the deal with Sasami’s third arm? She sealed it with a talisman she continues to wear; could this be a metaphor for her alter ego? Does this alter ego ultimately control Amaterasu’s power? Furthermore, what about the “evil god” that kept her confined indoors? This latter point might be more easily explained as a consequence of her innate desires.
Even on a rewatch, I found the scene where Onii-chan checks her arm to be quite amusing. Perhaps there’s something wrong with me.
PS. I’d like to take this moment to both thank and reprimand TAN: thank you for legally streaming Sasami-san@ganbaranai! However, releasing it a week and a day late significantly diminishes its impact. Imagine all the viewers who saw episode two after having already seen episode one and consequently spoiled themselves. Shameful.
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PPS. I’m really enjoying the end card.
