I didn’t expect this to air today, but here we are. At last, we see Aqours in a different world as Yoshiko, also known as Yohane, tries to make it in her music career. After all, she wants to do anything but go back to her hometown.
Believe it or not, it’s Yohane’s birthday, and she is trying out for an audition. She wants to become an inspiring singer. After Yohane shared her big dreams in a city combining role-playing games’ cyberpunk and fantasy settings, the judges didn’t like her answer.
With Yohane not having much money, she is in a tough spot as she calls her mother for advice. Besides reminding her of her birthday, she suggests returning home and looking after the house. After all, she is not sending any money after her daughter failed to get any real gigs or even a part-time job.
Now that Yohane failed to uphold her part of the bargain, she must return home. As expected, her mother seems smug about it as she wonders if Yohane enjoys the city. She has to find something that she can only do that is insanely fun. She has to do it in her hometown because she has no money. Welcome to the world that Millennials and now Gen Z has to face. Also, this gives me vibes of Sakura Quest as well.
In short, Yohane reluctantly took ta train back to her hometown at Numazu. The place that she declared that she won’t go back to. Of course, her family dog, Lailaps, came to greet her, and it could talk. Yohane is already sulking about how she has no memories or friends here, or does she? I find it funny how Lailaps calls her a little sister for how she acts. Yep, Yohane can’t wait to go back to the city.
After arriving home, Yohane went around time but obviously went around time. She doesn’t seem happy as Hanamaru notices Yohane. I find it funny how Yohane doesn’t think Hanamaru is her friend. As expected, she runs a bakery and has a pet pig. It’s fitting, given that she is a big eater. Also, it’s unsurprising that she is the first person she meets since they were childhood friends before separating after kindergarten in the main series.
Of course, Yohane noticed something strange momentarily after she tried to catch a flyer that flew away. Yoshiko before scared as Hanamaru ask what is wrong. Hanamaru seems happy to see Yohane again and wonders about her dream. It’s not going well, as Harumaru seems down by the misfortunes happening in Numazu.
Either way, they part ways as Yohane wants to head home. However, Lailaps takes her to a familiar place from her childhood. She sang her all the time on that big tree trunk stage. However, people found out and made fun, which can explain why she wanted to leave and still came out as a failure no matter where she went.
Of course, Hanamaru finds her as she wants Yohane to try out her sweets. After reminding the time, watching her sing motivated her to make sweets. I like how Lailaps bring that magic conductor’s baton that Yohane waved around while she sang as a child. With that, Yohane decides to sing.
After her performance, that baton turned into a magical staff. Yohane becomes overjoyed that she has magical powers that nobody seems to have. Yep, Hanamaru presents her with a sweet as a good job resent. However, a certain thing disappears in the forest shortly afterward. I wonder what that thing is.
Sadly, despite having the staff, Yohane can’t use magic yet. After all, she wanted to turn her pet dog into a little sister, but sadly it didn’t work. At least she is happy to see Yohane recognize her singing. But still, I wonder what roles the other girls will have in Yohane’s new adventure. We’ll see soon enough.
Reviews from Other Bloggers
Yohane The Parhelion Episode 1: The Legend of Yohane – The Yuri Empire
Pretty good start. I like Yohane and Laelaps’ relationship though wish we got more classic Yohane. Oh well. I’ll get used to her regular antics.
Hanamaru is as adorable as ever.
As expected of Love Live the first performance ruled.
Excited to be blessed next time. My heart is ready for HER return.
It’s not too surprising to see Yohane have a sightly different personality, since it is the fantasy world after all.Yes, Hanamaru is cute, but otherwise, it should be interesting to see the rest of the crew and how they are depicted.