1. 

   dsong
   February 3rd, 2008 - 21:35

   Is there an “anyone but Hiromi” fanclub?

   If so, sign me up. She’s so fake compared to Noe – whose open nature surely puts her on a level that Hiromi can never hope to reach. And I’ll give bonus points to Noe for realizing that Shin does not measure up to her standards.

   As for Ai, she is being similarly difficult but at least she’s not as depressing to watch as Hiromi. Nevertheless her chances are zero and needs to move on – hopefully sooner rather than later.

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2. 

   Calawain
   February 3rd, 2008 - 21:40

   I’ll join the anyone but Hiromi fanclub. She’s too dishonest and contradictory for my tastes.

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3. 

   dsong
   February 3rd, 2008 - 21:44

   I started up the “anyone but Nanaka” fanclub in Myself; Yourself and got burned badly… trying to set up a “anti-Hinata” club in H2O, and think I have a good shot…

   You can’t always get what you want, but I found that it can often enhance your viewing experience…

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4. 

   Stripey
   February 3rd, 2008 - 21:50

   heh, I’ve very sympathetic to Hiromi because she’s in a real tight spot. Her heart obviously yearns for a closer relationship with Shin but her head and Mrs Nakagami said no further. But I guess it’s this mating-dance of love that we enjoy most in romances.

   As for H2O Hinata, I actually like her alot She’s a victim just like Hayami. Given that she’s only 15, I don’t blame her for succumbing to familial pressures. As for Nanaka, I really hated her the initial eps of M;Y. But she redeemed herself by about ep 7-8. Sadly the series still tanked despite characters/story with great potential. At least there’s the memorable Hinata kiss for me in ep 6

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5. 

   dsong
   February 3rd, 2008 - 21:57

   Episodes 7-8 were what sunk my opinion of Nanaka for good. Her behavior towards Sana was inexcusable and she proved herself to be petty, unreasonable, and selfish. I can almost picture Yui rushing in with Followers A and B and calling her out as “roach”.

   On the other hand I almost appreciated Episode 13 for giving a nice preview of Nanaka and Sana’s future. Between the whole deal with Nanaka’s parents and the suicide attempt, can’t imagine Sana’s future being much better. When you also take the twincest into account, this show really needed a Nice Boat ending to wrap things up.

   True Tears and H2O have a much more solid foundation, however, so I don’t think a disaster is in the works. Although, I will be ready to jump ship if Hinata and Hiromi takes a commanding lead…

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6. 

   Impz
   February 3rd, 2008 - 22:20

   Well, I really cannot join the “Anything but Hiromi” since that poor girl is in tons of conflict, what with the bitchy mother reminding her all the time to know her place. Please remind me why there are such bitchy mothers around. I never understand how they bring their previous history of the family completely restrict the fact that Hiromi is a pretty normal and nice gal.

   But meh, old people hate. HATE!

   \o/ supporter of Noe x Hiromi x Shin threesome. Ai, on the other hand, needs to stuff on crust cheese and die. Proxy love is the worst thing ever.

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7. 

   Cipher
   February 3rd, 2008 - 22:42

   Wow, 5 eps in and poor Hiromi’s being ostracized already. Sad, sad. I will still take her side, although I admit this ep did little to support her fans.

   To criticise Hiromi for being ‘too’ fake and dishonest is to disregard the environment of True Tears. Sure, in a vacuum, Noe is by and large more honest, forward and open than Hiromi, but that ignores the effect of the pressure of living in the Nakagami household, especially with Mrs Nakagami. Also, there’s peer pressure in that Tomoyo and Miyokichi think that she’s paired up with Shinichiro when in reality she would WANT to be but can’t. Add to that the fact that suddenly, out of nowhere Noe appears and is suprisingly close to Shinichiro (from her view), and it is hardly suprising how she is as such. Noe does not have any such pressure, and hence is more free to express herself around Shinichiro.

   Sure, all this does not discredit the earlier points that Noe is *better* than Hiromi, but this also serves to point out that it is such because of the conditions placed under her, and the personality she’s developed as a result. In fact, given her conditions, I’m amazed she even pulled off the beach walk with Shinichiro, although that effort was negated later on. As such, I think that comparing Noe to Hiromi is unfair and unhealthy for true tears viewing. It’s much better to just let the characters develop and be suprised along the way than to approach them with presets or comparisons in mind. Take your sides, but there’s no point in criticising the characters (at least not this early).

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8. 

   Derek
   February 3rd, 2008 - 23:30

   I do wonder if Hiromi’s original decision to “seal away” her memories/feelings for Shin are related to the mother or not, but from the way it’s been developed, it does not seem to be that way, tho certainly the mother is an additional obstacle.

   On the other hand, I don’t know that Noe would succumb to that kind of pressure. She’d just tell the mother off out-right and keep right on doing what Noe does best. I find it particularly interesting that despite being obviously upset about being lied to, Noe continues to be fascinated with Shin for one reason or another, but without making it seem like she is settling for him either – she genuinely thinks a lot of him.

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9. 

   suguru
   February 3rd, 2008 - 23:33

   Great post, this has been a great series so far…I think Hiromi’s a more real character because of her inner conflict, so I can’t hold the mixed signals against her–she clearly likes Shinichi, but at the same time because of her situation and his mother’s obvious dislike for her, she feels that she can’t be honest about it. Shinichi’s mom really needs to get run over by a cement mixer–it’s clear she has something against Hiromi’s mom and is taking it out on her daughter as a proxy, which is pretty disgusting behavior. Even if Hiromi’s mother tried to steal her husband in the past or something, Hiromi’s in no way guilty–hell in 1994 would Hiromi even have been born? (wow, now I feel really old, since I was in college in ’94… ^^; I’m just hoping they don’t go with something like Hiromi turns out to be Shinichi’s half-sister…

   We’ll see where they go with this, but so far the odds are looking good that Bandai Visual USA will get my money even though they’re charging ~$270 MSRP for a 13-ep series…

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10. 

    j1m0ne
    February 3rd, 2008 - 23:39

    I’m taking Hiromi’s side on this one, I can almost understand her conflicting feelings over Shinichiro and her desires to lock her memories away (for whatever reason). OTOH, Noe is completely alien to me and I’d be pretty freaked out if I ever met someone whose head was as high up in the clouds as her’s is IRL. Aiko was already a loser from the start with her self-declared onee-chan status but at least she’s approaching her feelings towards Shinichiro in a more positive way than Hiromi is.

    So yeah, us women are a bundle of contradictions; wanting guys to understand our needs and desires without us having to say them straight to their faces. Which is when the classic ‘want one thing but end up saying the complete opposite in the vain hope that the guy will get the hint but plan completely backfires instead, things turn to crap and everyone ends up emo’ situation always arises. Just like what Hiromi telling Shinichiro she likes Mr. Basketball Player No.4 is threatening to turn into.

    People just need to be honest to themselves, the main male character needs to get a clue, settle on the one girl and it’ll be happy ever after for everyone. In theory, of course. Is there an “anyone but the bocchan/wine cellar dude” fanclub?

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11. 

    Crusader
    February 3rd, 2008 - 23:41

    I find it hard to fault Hiromi for being the way she is. Hiromi is limited to little slivers of happiness due to the Mrs. Nakagami oppression. Sure Mr. Nakagami might not be able to appeal on behalf of Hiromi, but thus far Shin-chan has not directly confronted his mother on the issue. Shin-chan has heard much more than he would like to act upon and for his lack of chutzpah is partially responsible for Hiromi’s lot. Of all the household members only Shin-chan has a fighting chance to end Hiromi’s destructive servitude of Mrs. Nakagami.

    While Noe is indisputably great I am sort of getting the sinking feeling that her eccentricity might be infringing upon her ability to rationalize. Sure her observational skills are beyond question, but the fact that she is unaware of the gender dynamics of her native society and the nonchalant licking point to either great genius or her being eternally young in mindset. Not that this is a bad thing, but it might mean that Noe needs a mortal companion to continue her glorious existence within our pitiful world. I love the girl, but for all her talent she may yet have one flaw of great magnitude.

    Aiko on the other hand is walking into dangerous territory her chances are essentially nil and if she does cast off Nobuse that is no guarantee that Shin-chan will be there for her. When her rejection comes as it surely will can she make do on her own? Since Nobuse might very well get the boot and will feel the sting of betrayal I hope he takes it like a man and stays his wrath. Men can do with honor and duty alone, I hope Nobuse will continue to be of service Aiko even if she disparages his good name and tramples upon his true feelings. Only Nobuse would dote upon his beloved so much that he notices her change in attire and possess an in depth understanding of her fashion sense. I hope Shin-chan gives Aiko a clear and concise rejection because he is the only one who can ruin Aiko for life. Remember Nobuse failure is not fatal, defeat is not final, it is the courage to endure that counts. Besides whether this storm and she owe you one big time!

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12. 

    Derek
    February 3rd, 2008 - 23:46

    Noe had me from the time she opened her arms to let Shin know she wanted help getting down. She is honest and straight-forward, and is not at all self-conscious – which I suppose are traits which are pretty alien, I suppose =D I think her most endearing quality is that she is not ashamed of her emotions. She pays attention to what she cares about, and is not afraid that other people know how she feels, for better or for worse.

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13. 

    Stripey
    February 4th, 2008 - 01:55

    My goodness, I really need to compile all these insights and try to sell them as a episodic companion guide to True Tears. Great thoughts everyone!

    Actually all these talk about Mrs Nakagami makes me wonder about Mr and Mrs Isurugi. Is there no one in that family to prevent a full-blown siscon or did Grandma Isurugi robbed Noe of her tears just so she can hook up with a ‘Raigomaru’ and escape her siscon bro?

    Anyhow for Aiko, I have the feeling that the title for ep 6 is Shin’s response to her confession. Can’t wait for it.

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14. 

    ShadowFang
    February 4th, 2008 - 02:56

    Well, I don’t really like Hiromi because I just find her “normal” whereas I enjoy watching anime characters that are like … weird. Especially Shiro from Deadman Wonderland. Anyway, I think in the next episode Jun asks Hiromi out and she somehow finds out about the exchange suggestion Shinichirou made, thus leading to the angry face we see later in the preview. I really wonder why Jun is touching Hiromi’s face though, doesn’t he hold feelings for Noe?

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15. 

    rev
    February 4th, 2008 - 03:30

    “A child knows not a parents’ heart”… I guess? (Argh, too much SaiMono *facepalm*)

    But one think that I know that ‘love’ is never enough for a relationship. Just saying “I like you” by gestures or by words and then goes on lovey dovey is just petty romance story. But ah, I forgot that it’s not ‘romance’… it’s bishoujo game, where (most of) the girls have been struck by the boy from 0:00:00:01 of the first episode.

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16. 

    Zzz...
    February 4th, 2008 - 10:21

    “women are a bundle of contradictions while men try to unravel that armed only with a bundle of contraceptives”

    That is awesome…

    “Much like how an infant sees with uncolored vision fueled solely by an innocent/earnest desire to learn”

    How many babies have you had 1st hand experience with though…they are downright malicious. Morality is taught not inborn.

    “unlike Noe whose lofty thought processes only befuddles the mortal Shin”

    I don’t know…seems to me that Noe is just impressionable. Sure she has insight…but she doesn’t use use it consciously. It is the clear idiot vision of very young children. Any stroke of genius she’s show so far are just flukes, water flowing out of a leaky container. Actually her whole character rubs me the wrong. She’s just not all there…considering her age. She probably needed to grow up with adult supervision rather than that creeptastic brother of hers.

    maybe I just don’t like kids…

    Aiko’s set up for a fall though…and you know what…she kind of deserves it.

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17. 

    Tess
    February 4th, 2008 - 16:03

    “To grant hope in love when there is none is one of the most terrible things one can inflicts in affairs of the heart.”

    Too true… you perfectly put into words what I’ve been trying to tell a friend in some drama he’s going through. I’ve already stressed to him that giving false hope is the worst thing he can do, but it doesn’t get through that thick skull of his, so I’m gonna use this quote in my attempts to bash it in his head. Though it’s really him who should be the one to do something about it.

    I apologize for bringing up something dealing with silly RL matters(that shouldn’t even be my business! but alas friends complain to me often), but it’s hard not to when True Tears is so good at reminding me of real situations. Noe really is the only one who differs from the norm. : ) Probably what makes me like her most, not to say I don’t also love the realistic aspects of the show… since I really do.

    It’s always fun to pick out what reminds me of my own self and situations I’ve been in. Hiromi reminds me most of myself, while Ai-chan’s way of going about things reminds me of myself (minus the giving of false hope part).

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18. 

    Kanon_fan82
    February 4th, 2008 - 19:28

    That table lean by Hiromi was rather awesome

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19. 

    vexx
    February 4th, 2008 - 22:02

    To much going on for me to “choose sides” … its just a fascinating story with a fair share of characters who have tragic flaws.

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20. 

    Derek
    February 4th, 2008 - 22:46

    Someone dissing Noe?

    I hope misfortune befalls you! =P

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21. 

    dsong
    February 4th, 2008 - 22:54

    This show really needs a bittersweet ending… let’s see if the writers have the guts to pull it off. Considering the amount of realism in this story it would only be fitting. High school relationships rarely work out.

    As for Shin, let’s cut him some slack. It’s easy to play armchair quarterback, but there are a number of reasons for Shin to hold back, if you look at things from his perpective:

    - Hiromi may like #4, and see you as a friend and a brother. After all, that what she claimed at the start of episode 4.
    - Even if she likes you, she may also like #4 and you could find yourself in a messy love triangle.
    - She may be fond of you, but sees you as “safe”.
    - Your mother will surely object. And she may be right, to an extent – she may have deeper insight into Hiromi’s true character.
    - Hiromi could be downright deceitful and plans to use you.
    - Even if she genuinely likes you, it may not be enough to sustain a relationship. One of the biggest myths is that mutual affection is enough to make a relationship succeed. It could not be further from the truth.
    - And there’s also Noe. Are you SURE that Hiromi is the one you really like?

    Way too early for Shin to push his chips in at this early a stage. In fact, in reality it’s uaually the right decision to fold every hand until you’re into your 20′s. Exceptions do exist but Shin’s situation does not seem to be one of them.

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22. 

    Stripey
    February 5th, 2008 - 07:22

    ShadowFang: I think Jun is quite the playa and touching Hiromi’s face is just one of his moves on girls. A move that I hope disgusts Hiromi

    rev: I’m sure the basis of attraction for the various girls will crystallise as the series progress. I’m particularly interested in Aiko’s basis.

    Zzz…: I like to think that Noe has matured beyond the pretense of ‘adults’ and social facades than just being clueless innocent hence fluke about her insights. As for Aiko, I sympathetise with her since she feel she’s up against the likes of Hiromi/Noe whom she can’t hold a candle against…

    Tess: Ah I think that’s the beautiful thing about well-crafted series with credible problems/characters. It reminds you of the common made mistakes folks make in RL. I have to confess I was once like your friend. It took me many good years to learn the lesson well but not before utterly breaking some hearts. I’m glad your friend has you to give him the shake-down. Hope he realises it soon

    Kanon_fan82: Not to mention how a bit of her lovely locks was sensuously resting on her shoulder when she was doing that…. XD

    vexx: I’d love a harem end myself but I know the fabulous TT would never allow such a frivolous finale

    Derek: Don’t end up like Raigomaru!

    dsong: I think the strength of all the char in TT is the ability to invoke empathy through rather complex but rich layers of intertwining motivations. Can’t wait for the series to unravel each thread for greater char love.

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23. 

    usagijen
    February 5th, 2008 - 07:32

    Understandable as Hiromi’s actions are, especially with a painful past to justify her conflicting emotions, I still find her indecisiveness, dishonesty with her own feelings, and lack of courage not so admirable… it’s the kind of trait I supposedly hate in usual melodramas, which usually causes even more heartbreaks (to herself, and her romance interest). I just hope True Tears will resolve all these conflicts well, in due time.

    No more Kimagure Orange Road, Marmalade Boy, and Kimi ga Nozomu Eien please… that’s all I’m hoping and praying for this series.

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24. 

    Setsukyie
    February 5th, 2008 - 10:58

    You can’t really blame Hiromi for her actions…
    She has her own reasons.. (death of her parents, etc.)
    And Hiromi’s life is indeed a hard one..
    I just hope that it will be resolved in the end..

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25. 

    Setsukyie
    February 5th, 2008 - 10:58

    You can’t really blame Hiromi for her actions…
    She has her own reasons.. (death of her parents, etc.)
    And Hiromi’s life is indeed a hard one..
    I just hope that it will be resolved in the end..

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26. 

    Zan
    February 5th, 2008 - 18:33

    TT seriously is an awesome show. Don’t have much to add since everything is pretty much said and done. But I’d like to add its really interesting when Hiromi shows her facial expressions. (Especially in ep 5!)I like watching the character’s faces rather then reading the subs which I find really helps in determining their true feelings. In fact, in TT if you don’t pay attention, you’d miss a lot of subtle hints and details..and yes, I’m a big Hiromi fan! Join the Hiromi fanclub today!

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27. 

    Stripey
    February 5th, 2008 - 19:58

    usagijen/Setsukyie: Indeed, I think that unhappiness with Shin was uncalled for since she planted that seed of discord herself. But this is merely a symptom of a bigger problem which is her conflicting desires of wanting to draw closer to Shin and at the same time keep him at a comfortable distance. My feeling is she’s not sure herself what the distance should be hence her mixed signals to Shin. Whatever it is, it’s not Shin’s fault that he does something stupid with the misinformation she releases Still, I’m hoping for a Shin X Hiromi end. She’s a great gal.

    Zan: TT is one series I don’t dare to draw too much conclusions from until I have seen the sub. Because the interaction and dialogue is so rich, every line is important and needs to be read within and sometimes beyond context depending on the speaker’s tone/bodylanguage/facial expression. I love the rendering of the characters’ eyes. They often say more than what is spoken

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