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ohhellofromtheoutside-blog · 8 years ago

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Compilation Sakamoto is Dying Theory + Bonus Evidence

Yes, I know. Our beloved favorite’s story has recently concluded and from browsing on Reddit and tumblr, I saw some very compelling evidence to support this not so crazy theory. I compiled this evidence and also added some more that I haven't seen shared such as the Cherry blossom symbolism and the opening OP.

This is a compilation of evidence that supports the theory and I will site all the source materials I directly quote from.

Cherry Blossom Symbolism

In SDG, I've notice cherry blossoms where a common imagery that alludes toward Sakamoto in both the episode/chapters and artwork through out the entire series. Here are some, but not all of the examples:

“ The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. In their country, the cherry blossom represents the fragility and the beauty of life. It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short. When the cherry blossom trees bloom for a short time each year in brilliant force, they serve as a visual reminder of how precious and how precarious life is. So, when Japanese people come together to view the cherry blossom trees and marvel at their beauty, they aren’t just thinking about the flowers themselves, but also about the larger meaning and deep cultural tradition the cherry blossom tree.” -The Huffington Post

With that being said, it is very easy to see the similarities that comes with the beautiful, personable Sakamoto and the Cherry blossom. He is mesmerizing, and diligently vibrant. He attracts everyone attention and a sight to behold and cherish.

The use of Music to convey hidden themes of ACCEPTANCE & DEATH

The opening of the anime translated in English is very beautiful and telling:

STAND UP! charmless CARNIVAL USEFUL, judge it cheerfully, BREAK FORTH With knife and fork, TIE TOGETHER ALRIGHT, REASON: NO REGRETS THROUGH LIFE! LIVE FREE, YOUR OWN ORPHAN! The heart is hot, the behavior is COOL COOLER, COOLEST, GET DOWN! Pan paran pa BECAUSE YOU ARE LOW. Stand up and confront even raging torrents Flow! Defy! With a cool FACE The plan is to adorn the days like a bouquet of flowers FOR me, even though alone, on the stage When the curtain rises, YOU KNOW THE ANSWER:

IT'S SHOWTIME!

Unable to avert these eyes Dazzling heart of the NEW WORLD OH, YEAH! YEAH! Wavering HEY BOYS! Overflowing feelings, OH, LET'S RUN THE CHAOS! SPECIAL present Let's go, GO, just like this BREAK OUT! Leave the storm behind Take out the chart, ride along on HEAVEN WAVE WAKE UP! You weakling You're sticking out, HEY, read the air

Break the cage, overthrow your style Let's go together, HEY, GO!

Translated via yurarien

This song strongly supports who Sakamoto is as an person. A person faced with death that chooses to live a very fulfilling life. he helps so many people and is unanimously the coolest person around. He chooses to fight back against such a damning fate and I think that’s brave.

Another song that the anime used very impressively to convey Sakamoto’s impending fate is in Episode 10′s Karaoke scene where he performed Der Erlkönig. A user on Reddit pointed out:

“This song was originally a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and tells the tale of a boy and his father riding towards their farm on horseback. As they are riding through the night the boy begins to see supernatural occurrences happening all around him. He calls to his father but he sadly does not see any of the things his son sees and just tries to reassure him nothing is there, just the fog, trees, and the rustling of leaves.As the father tries to calm his son he screams in agony saying he has been struck and is in major pain. The father picks up the pace and tries to get home as fast as possible....Finally, after riding through the night they finally made it to their destination, but it was too late. As they arrive the father looks down and sees that his son had passed away in his arms.Now, if we look at this in literal terms the "supernatural occurrences" could be hallucinations from being extremely ill. Especially for children, it is normal for the extremely ill to see and hear things that are normally not there. The father was probably trying to get his son medical attention ASAP which explains the night journey.The reason Sakamoto picked this song is because his relationship with the boy from the story! Like him, Sakamoto also has a deadly illness and feels the need to express his sorrow and grief in the only way he can. And because he never expresses it through his actions in public he does it in song...” - Nathan561 of Reddit

I thought this was very powerful and made me want to cry because the connection is undeniably there. The supernatural bit, I personally interpreted in Sakamoto’s very strange abilities to do just about anything and everything. He can literally disappear into thin air like seen in the scene where is talking to Sera in the tree during the school’s field day. I believe it was episode 6, I could be wrong. Furthermore, the choice of such a song even for the dramatics was very deliberate and striking.

youtube

Sakamoto scene begins around the 3 minute mark of this clip.

Constant rejection of other’s inclinations toward him.

Sakamoto is very popular, that is a given. With many advances from both females and males, it would be very accessible for him to have a significant other in his life if he wanted too. Even deep friendship is unattainable. As Kubota said at the beginning of episode 11; he realized how little he actually knows about Sakamoto all though they’re relatively “friends”. The lack of knowledge of Sakamoto’s first name is another indicator of how little anyone truly knows about the person they all admire so dearly. This is the result of Sakamoto intentionally keeping his personal information too himself and disallows close bonds. This can support his intent for not wanting to hurt anyone who dares get close.

Graphic Novel Final Chapter Opening Art

Sakamoto is seen here lying in a locker in a similar fashion to an open casket.

The Final Episode

This episode was an unexpected angst fest when first reading this chapter and seeing it in action was heartbreaking. Several indicators where very telling, helping support the theory.

1. At the graduation, it is traditional for the class representative be an established member of the graduating class to give the farewell address. However, it is shown that Sakamoto was given the prestigious honor of doing so, even though he is a first year. Coolness aside; this is very odd and surprising seeing that his classmates and everyone was shocked but impressed. This could however be the school’s recognition of his condition and allowing the privilege that he would surely have had his senior year now.

2. During Sakamoto’s Farewell Address, he had very fruitful knowledge to pass onto the graduates now facing their life of the unknown that could be scary and ambiguous.

“Now graduates, I’m sure you’re both hopeful and anxious about the future. Many obstacles will undoubtedly stand before you as you walk the path of life. Today, while it may be very forward of me, I will teach you techniques that will allow you to overcome those obstacles. First, when faced with decision...At such times, we must choose only one option... And it can be very confusing. When that happens... Simply using your head... and charging straight into the obstacle is a fine option. At times, you will probably lose sight of your life goals, as well. When that happens, instead of panicking, why not try indulging in a hobby? Then a new, or perhaps and old, goal might grow stronger, and stronger...into a rousing fortissimo. And when you aim to reach high places...You may find yourself on narrow footing and feel disheartened. And then... your confidence will falter, and you will find it even harder to believe in yourself. When that happens...If you ever feel that you can’t believe in yourself, please believe...In your friends.” -Sakamoto’s Farewell Address translated

The wisdom that Sakamoto has when it comes to facing your own path that life grants us shows that he was once in that situation. But by Sakamoto’s reputation, you wouldn’t guess he had such difficulties of facing your problems head on like so. It further supports the theory of his terminal illness because he has his own personal perspective and uses his life to continue of excellence.

3. “If it were me, i’d jump into the night sea and search for a new continent.”

This can be seen as a metaphor for Sakamoto’s ability to challenge his fate. This was said during a conversation between Fukase and Sakamoto in the infirmary where he seemed very acquainted to where everything he needed to patch himself up with is located at, or it could have been simplistic knowledge.

4. “Also, Mars migration project was just a lie to cover up his real reasons for leaving. For starters, Sakamoto himself states that it is currently impossible in perhaps his "lifetime" from Episode 10 while at karaoke. So, why would he get called for such a project if it can't even be done? Not to mention, why would NASA ask Sakamoto of all people and why now? Wouldn't it be smarter to wait until he graduates?And if that wasn't enough, when Hayabusa asks if he had any regrets his answer implies that he has been to the nurse's office a lot of times over. Hayabusa is the only one who realizes the Mars tale was a lie for he even called him out on it and Sakamoto did not even deny it.” - Limpinator of Reddit

In the end, Sakamoto’s departure from everyone lives was both sudden and sad. it was the first glimpse of raw emotion from the protagonist that made us feel him on an emotional plane.

And maybe he is going to America, maybe he’s an alien, or maybe he’s a time traveler. But for Sakamoto final scene to be implied crying

is telling that either A. He will miss his friends departing to America B. He is sadden with the loss of his friends and his impending fate that is approaching. C. He likes pie in his face.

I am not given claim that this is factual, but it very invigorating such a slice of life comedy can possibly have so many underlying motifs. That is the beauty of interpretation and storytelling, and it was an honor to have seen this show!

#sakamoto desu ga?#Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto #sakamoto desu ga #Sakamoto is dying #anime theory #interesting #terminal illness #sakamoto #maeda atsushi #hayabusa #kubota yoshinobu #reddit #cherry blossom #the huffington post

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