Hibike! Euphonium Second Season - Episode 8 - Family Feud

Reina is always there to take care of Kumiko.

As Mamiko’s conflict continues, it appears that Kumiko caught a cold.

From last time, the problem that Asuka is facing feels very similar to what Kumiko’s older sister, Mamiko is dealing with. It seems that they want to do things they desire. However, their parents want them to do something that they believe will benefit them, even against their will. While Asuka is hiding that there is a problem between her and her mom, Mamiko finally blows up and Shuichi knows about it. It seems that she wants to quit college now to become a beautician.

It’s understandable why her parents feel this way given that they helped her get into college. Judging from what their dad said, it’s obvious that Mamiko wasn’t forced to give up band to focus on her studies. They probably suggested her to do it so she can have a successful career. Probably the pressure of being a role-model for Kumiko made her feel obligated to do it. Even so, I have to side with the parents on this one since they didn’t make her go to college against her will.

Believe it or not, Kumiko played the Euphonium as a child.

On the other hand, Kumiko managed to catch a cold, leaving the band without any Euphonium players. Meanwhile, we learn that Mamiko inspired Kumiko to play an instrument. This remains true to this day even if her older sister decided to quit. Reina overhears the conversation Shuichi is having with Mamiko. It becomes apparent that Kumiko wants her older sister to come and listen to her play. I think Mamiko realized this after Kumiko lashed out on her about hating concert band and talking to Shuichi.

It seems that Mamiko, Kumiko's sister finally understand how her younger sister feels. — It seems that Mamiko, Kumiko’s sister finally understand how her younger sister feels.

As Mamiko comes to a realization, will she make up with her parents and Kumiko? We’ll probably find out next time. On the other hand, it looks like the situation has become dire for Asuka given that she is still absent. Given that Taki annouced his contingency plans of having Natsuki take Asuka’s place if nothing changes, it seems ominous. Still, it’s not surprising to see Asuka train her successor just in case things don’t turn out well.

As always, Asuka is still hiding something from everyone.

Hopefully it will resolve itself some way or another. We’ll probably learn more about her conflict when Kumiko comes over her house in the next few episodes. Either way, I think Taki will manage given that he worked around the obstacles that hindered the band before. ¶