#and than them ending it with rei teasing KAZUKI

[lillabelle]

Why Buddy Daddies is not queerbaiting:

- Because it's not

But more seriously:

- It's FANS that said it was gay SxF, not the actual advertisements

- Rei and Kazuki's interactions are interestingly close but distant. Like a surface level knowledge about one another but a deep trust?

"I won't ask."

"I wouldn't tell."

Never at any point so far (as of this post, episode 4) have they gotten uwu blushy around one another, just some blushing on Kazuki's part when he's embarrassed about messing up and Rei teasing him.

- During the small bed sharing scene, there was no "omg, two men, sharing a bed??? >////<" vibe. It was a four year old wanting to share a bed with her dads, and her dads (neither blushing or getting flustered) saying that it wouldn't be comfortable. Scene ends with Kazuki getting hit in the face by a sleeping Miri and Rei soundly sleeping. It was used more for Rei character development than anything.

- Upon getting questioned about them both being Miri's dads, there's a really good post about how their reactions were more about "oh... I guess we ARE her fathers" realization more than anything. Both times they were questioned about it, they knew it was an odd situation, but even the people who asked didn't insinuate that they were together, and Rei and Kazuki didn't get flustered and clarify its not romantic. They're both her dads and the show acknowledges it's Odd, but not in a "omg are they gay???" way. Not even the other kids moms who were thirsting for them lmaoo

This isn't to say that they COULDN'T develop romantically or that none of this isn't the perfect ship fuel. I'm Obsessed. But don't go into this show expecting gay dads when so far its two single men raising a little girl and the little found family they're building together.

#buddy daddies

[dk-wren]

Buddy Daddies Week - Ep. 5-8 Rewatch

Welcome to Day 4 of my Buddy Daddies anniversary week! For today, I continue my rewatch of the series and present to you some of my thoughts from episodes 5-8! Enjoy!

No notes, only matching side-eye

Can I just give some credit to Miri? Because even though it was quite reckless of her to secretly follow Kazuki and she more or less got lost, Miri was able to retrace her steps to a certain extent back to Yadorigi

Also, sorry if I was slow on this, but when Kazuki is looking for Miri at the park, the little girl he thinks is Miri is wearing a similar orange sweater. However, during this day, Miri is seen wearing her green sweater, which I feel just goes to show how little sleep Kazuki was running off of

Why did Kyutaro open the door right after Ogino left? He clearly was not expecting Miri, so was he expecting trouble from Ogino? Also, what would have happened if Rei took care of Miri in their apartment and Kazuki was still at Yadorigi when Ogino arrived? What then?!

Like I wrote during my ep. 4 thoughts, this moment of the music instantly cutting for when Kyutaro tells Miri what Rei’s job is always cracks me up. Perhaps it is partially due to pacing, but it's just the sudden shift in Kyutaro giving a lengthy explanation into Kazuki’s job, with accompanying music, to him flat out saying “Middle Eastern Oil Baron” and no further explanation is given (besides Miri’s confused reaction)

“You really like them?” I don’t know why exactly, but I’ve always read this line not as Kyutaro being curious and trying to get more answers from Miri, but just outright judgmental. Like Kyutaro is trying to remain polite and neutral by using “them” instead of “fools” or “idiots”

When watching the ending scene beforehand, when Kyutaro says to Rei that he of all people should know what the consequences are for betraying the organization, I always interpreted this to mean Rei had suffered some of those consequences while growing up and after he originally left the organization. But after this rewatch, I’m starting to wonder if it is because he might have had a role in handing out those consequences (as seen in ep. 8)?

ZOO EPISODE!!!

The banter during the end of the opening scene is so funny. Rei’s telling Kazuki to do his best and he’s gonna do just fine taking care of Miri and Kazuki’s first like, aw, thanks for the compliment, and then instantly realizes and turns around to tell Rei he better help out too

Miri did not need to stick her tongue out at Kazuki but she did, and that was absolutely the final straw that broke Kazuki

Again, gotta give credit to Hinata and Kotori cause they easily could have stayed behind with the rest of the class, but immediately decided to stick with Miri and look after her

Another reason to use these screenshots that I have saved? Yes I will take advantage of this opportunity to share them again

For me it’s the fact that Rei and Kazuki could have easily hidden behind one of the trees to keep a close eye on Miri and her friends, yet (I’m assuming Kazuki) decided no, they are going to cram into one of the small playhouses. Both of them are!

I don’t necessarily know if this is the first time, but I appreciate how after seeing Miri on her own with her friends, Rei and Kazuki can have a more or less serious talk, at least one without teasing each other

I know Kazuki is more than a little fed up with Rei and the amount he helps out with Miri/around the house, but I appreciate how Kazuki doesn’t really fight back or argue with Rei when he says that he is trying his best. I know it’s been pointed out before, but it really just goes to show how much Kazuki acknowledges that Rei is trying, even if Kazuki's expectations are a bit higher

I know this isn’t the point of the scene, but LOOK AT MIRI! LOOK AT THE WAY SHE’S HOLDING ONTO REI! LOOK AT THE WAY SHE’S LOOKING AT REI! There is nothing but love in those eyes.

I don’t actually know how true this is, but growing up, my mom would always tell me that I had to blow dry my hair really well so I wouldn’t get sick. So a) it was sorta funny to see that come up in this episode, and b) I love how towards the beginning of the episode, when Miri announces she finished in the bathroom, Kazuki asks if she dried her hair well, while here, you can clearly tell her hair is still wet and Miri is sick the following morning. I know she had been out in the rain (which is another thing I was told by parents, if I stayed out in the rain too long or got too wet/cold I’d get sick), but it was funny seeing this small, potential connection.

Maybe it’s just my imagination, but the attention to detail of Miri progressively getting redder (i.e. hotter) as events escalates. Incredible!

Kazuki’s line at Yuzuko’s grave, “Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten” is so freaking loaded! “I haven’t forgotten” can be interpreted in so many ways, two of which being he didn’t forget to come visit her and he didn’t forget what he did (and why he’s unwilling to allow himself to change)

Every time I watch this scene, my mind goes back to one of my high school English teachers talking about weather symbolism in Shakespeare. And my mind just goes rain!!! Sadness, grief, ah it’s all connected. (And then the sun comes out when Kazuki has the epiphany he can change/be happy without forgetting Yuzuko?!)

Can I please add to the echo chamber of how soft Rei looks with his hand protectively over Miri’s?! This is where Rei belongs! Not with the organization and certainly not with his father!

And now we begin with the Rei focused episode

So you’re telling me…Rei walked all the way from their apartment to the mansion? That is definitely one way to prove his stamina and willpower to the Boss.

I cannot get over Kazuki and Miri’s coordinating outfits! So cute!

Could just be the framing, but with the audience getting to know Rei as he opens up more emotionally and in accepting his role as co-papa to Miri, I love how there is the slightest change in facial expressions (such as Rei’s eyes widening in shock) that the audience can pick up on, but for Shigeki, and being so unattached and uninvolved in Rei’s life (which given their background together, isn’t necessarily a bad thing), it takes some time for him to notice the change in Rei’s attitude

Random thought that keeps me up at night: what was the last straw for Rei? What made him finally say “no more” and run away? Were their previous attempts? And why do I have a full story in my head as to what led up to Rei running away, but probably won’t have the time to write out?

During their phone call, I like to think Rei isn’t really responding to Kazuki’s questions because he doesn’t want to think about their implications or have to think any longer about his father’s demands, along with just wanting to hear the voice of his daughter and partner. He’s in a place that is likely filled with countless memories of pain and trauma, and yet he cannot fully escape it yet. So, even though we see Rei still wearing more of a frown, I bet it’s comforting to hear the voices of the two people he loves the most (oops don’t tell Shigeki that) while there alone.

In a pretty twisted way, it’s crazy how Satoru is the man that both taught Rei how to be an assassin while growing up and kinda the man to teach Rei that he can fight to protect the ones he loved

Moment of appreciation for the sound design of this moment, like come on! Satoru’s final words, along with a sort of rushing wind sound to convey the fall, Rei’s gasp followed by a moment of silence before hearing the impact, followed by a few more seconds of silence. So effective in my opinion!

And now, let me gush over the symbolism of this image! Rei facing the city/city lights, but distinctly separated from it, like how he was raised at Suwa Manor and likely only got a taste of normal life after leaving or when Kazuki entered his life, causing him to still feel like an outside. The distance between Rei and the city because of the water creating a clear separation, really reminds me of the metaphor Rei brings up in ep. 11 about being a boy looking through the window looking at something he thought he would never get. And the fact that his back is turned toward the light, as if admitting his defeat and that he belongs with his father in the darkness of that world. And later, Kazuki comes in their car, bringing even more light into Rei’s world, and pulling him into it.

Another detail that I just love, on the table full of food, there’s two bottles of drinks: one being a wine, presumably for Rei and Kazuki, and another bottle of what I presumed to be apple cider. That way, Miri gets to be a part of the fun and have a bubbly drink too.

And what a cute ending with Rei blowing out the candles, followed by the credits, and that’s it, no post-credit scene

I know today was another lengthy post, so I appreciate your support and time reading it!

We're halfway through the week and I cannot wait to share what I have planned for the next three days, especially tomorrow if all goes according to plan!

-Dakota Wren

#buddy daddies #buddy daddies anime #dk wren's bd celebration week #buddy daddies rewatch #kazuki kurusu #rei suwa #miri unasaka

[ecargmura]

Buddy Daddies Episode 3 Review: Two Sides of Parenting

You can read this review on my blog here, but if you don't want to, continue below.

This is the first episode without a mission. Does it deliver despite the lack of action? Yes! This episode was so good! I’m surprised that it’s a laid-back episode, but it’s so warm and sweet!

The main objective for this episode is finding Miri’s mother, whose name is Misaki. Kazuki wanted to take Miri back to her because of how their jobs operate. Unfortunately for him, Misaki’s not too keen about Miri. As you probably guessed it, Misaki abandoned Miri—sending her away on the streets without a phone contact or an address. Kazuki and Misaki’s meeting at the bar shows their contrasting views on parenthood. Kazuki did not have a child but he has warm and kind ideals about parenthood. Misaki is the opposite. She had a child, became a parent and hated every part of the experience. In addition to being a neglectful mother, she also had a terrible life where she was being used by men, so her views on life itself is skewed. To me, Misaki is someone who lost what it means to value something as she never received it.

We also learn more about Kazuki and Rei in this episode, which gives them more insight to their characters. Kazuki is an orphan so he never experienced parental love. He once had a wife but it seemed as if she died in a tragic accident. Rei has a family, but it’s not a harmonious one. His father is cold-hearted, even heartless enough to kill a dog. Because of this, Rei never experience familial love. It also makes sense why Rei’s tastebuds are equivalent to Miri’s—he lacked familial love, so he’s emotionally stunted. Both are lacking love in their lives, which is what Miri will bring to them as they become the family they yearn for.

This episode also has another subplot, which is Rei becoming Miri’s “Rei-papa”. This show is called Buddy DADDIES for a reason. Throughout this episode, Miri is trying to get close to Rei. She jumps on him to wake him up; she tries sleeping with him in the bathtub and making him smile by squishing his cheeks; she makes Rei play with her at the park. Rei’s very aloof about dealing with Miri, but towards the end of the episode, Miri’s efforts are rewarded because Rei does have a heart underneath all that ice. I do love how Rei is stepping up to become the father he never had the experience of having. The way he says that he is her papa almost made me cry.

Kazuki and Rei’s relationship is also detailed more in this episode. When they are at the park, Kazuki and Rei talk a bit about their past, but Kazuki doesn’t dig his nose into Rei’s family matters. That scene alone shows the respect the two have for each other. They’re close enough to play rock-paper-scissors to see who has to buy sweet potatoes for Miri as well. Kazuki even teases Rei by calling him Rei-papa. I can tell there’s a big buildup on the reveal of how Rei and Kazuki met and I’m prepared for it. Give me the tissues; I’m ready for the waterworks. Also note that Rei does call Kazuki by his first name in this episode despite being three years younger than him; they’re on first-name basis with each other, which also gives off how close they are.

The episode ends with the three unofficially becoming family. Miri now eats at the same table as them; the three even experience sleeping together as a family in the post-credit scene; note that Rei is sleeping peacefully. It’s only episode three; they’ve got eight to nine episodes to get accustomed to this and they’re gonna be comfortable with it at the end.

#buddy daddies #kazuki kurusu #rei suwa #miri unasaka #misaki unasaka #anime #review #anime review #winter 2023 anime #ecargmura #arum journal

[recentanimenews]

The Sidekick Never Gets the Girl, Let Alone the Protag’s Sister!, Vol. 2

By Toshizo and U35. Released in Japan as “Shinyuu Mob no Ore ni Shujinkou no Imouto ga Horeru Wake ga Nai” by PASH! Books. Released in North America by J-Novel Club. Translated by Tristan K. Hill.

This book continues to be very good at not really doing what I would like it to do. I had expected, after the climax of the first book, that we’d be seeing a lot of fallout, or at least evidence that memory-erasing magic does not really work all that well in modern-day Japan. But no, we don’t even SEE the little sister again till the second half of the book, and while her fate is a big part of the plot, it’s somewhat secondary to the romcom antics. This is especially annoying as we get an excellent start to the book where we see, in the fantasy world Kou was sent to, exactly how he managed to get traumatized and have complete disaster befall him. It’s a bit rushed, but heartbreaking. Unfortunately, the author likes using it as flavor text for their real ambition: a standard high school harem comedy. And I have bad news for them, other authors are better at that.

After using magic that really should not be used in this world to wipe Hikari’s memories of him, Kou ends up sick as a dog, and also flashing back to the girl he fell in love with in the fantasy world, Rei… as well as her brutal murder, complete with dying in his arms. That said, he really can’t reflect too hard on that when both Kiryu AND Renge show up to care for him. This is especially bad in Renge’s case, as she’s a terrible cook! Oh no! This amazingly cliched scene is broken up by, of all things, the naked sexual assault guy from the start of Book 1, who shows up (clothed) and smashes a durian all over Kou and Kou’s room, I know, stay with me. After a chase, which ends up roping in Kazuki, his athletic kohai, he finds that this world and the fantasy world are more connected than he thought. But there’s no time to dwell on THAT – finals are coming up! Study group!

As you can see, the book is trying to hit every single groan-worthy high school romantic comedy cliche there is. They don’t do a bad job of having the characters go through the motions, but they don’t add anything interesting to the genre either. Kazuki has a mom. She’s hot, and teasing. Kou is bad at studying and on the verge of failure. Et cetera. I wouldn’t be complaining nearly as much if it weren’t taking away from the actual interesting parts of the book. Kou’s avoidance tactics and trauma are fascinating! The way that the weird pervert from the start of Book 1 ties into the fantasy world is something I really want to hear about… till it is thrown away because they can’t discuss it in front of “civilians”. It *is* made clear that Hikari is (no big spoiler here, it’s obvious) the reincarnation of his fantasy love… but then the book ends. Sigh.

I’m sure you’re reading this and wondering why I’m so annoyed, rather than just mildly disappointed. m Well, it’s mostly because the novel series ends here. The webnovel apparently went to a decent conclusion, but PASH! Books has shown no signs of publishing any more in print form, which probably means Japanese readers were as frustrated as I was. There’s an interesting story here that’s struggling to get past the author shoehorning in their favorite scenes from 2006 comedy anime. But… grr.

By: Sean Gaffney

#Anime #News #Manga Bookshelf