Hanasaku Iroha – Episode 6 – Clothing Challenge!

Of course, it’s challenge!

In the past several years, business at the Kissuisou inn has been declining for several years… In effort to bring in more potential customers Takako, a business consultant issues an outrageous challenge that Ohana apparently accepts.

What is the challenge Takako presents to the two girls? Well, changing the waitresses’ outfits to something that is more revealing… There is an idea that wearing stunning outfits will improve customer satisfaction. While the China-dresses looks kind of attractive on Ohana, especially Nako, it feels really out of place. The inn is supposed to be a family friendly environment where they hang out for leisure, not an otaku cosplay inn. This is a primary reason why I see a flaw in the so-called challenge that ends up in failure. For instance, when Ohana and Nako greets a man. Things went out of control as he falls on Ohana and sees his wife and daughter are behind him. This make it seem that he looks like a pervert when he isn’t. The role of change has to be in line with the overall goal of the business or otherwise, it will be pointless. This is a reason why Ohana’s grandmother wants Takako to leave forever since her advice the employee is making her business look bad.

While Ohana does not understand much about the outside world, she is a very likable person that gets everyone motivated. Even though the inn is on a decline, she wants to find a way to bring in more customers even though her grandmother who is the owner is reluctant to do so. Ohana idea of going back to the roots and wear the outfits that her grandmother made was an extremely good idea not because they looked cute on her and Nako, but it brings nostalgia and long running history of the Inn.  From this, I feel that the inn should keep its traditions while bringing new ideas that are inline with it.

Overall, I’m starting to really like Ohana since she is so cheery despite her crappy treatment from her mother. I could understand that earning 20000 yen is a big deal since her mother makes her do all the chores with little pay. On the other hand, Her grandmother, while remaining strict is gradually softening up a bit… Perhaps, everyone is starting to warm up to Ohana including Tohru who has developed some interest for her, which can potentially create a new love triangle. If they ever get together, it will probably not end well for Minako, but we’ll see.

So in short…Business Consulting is SERIOUS BUSINESS!