#(RECOGNIZE KANOKO)

[en-qq]

i watched the first episode of the usotoki rhetoric live action and

a) i'm really mad about them making kanokos mother lie to her when she told kanoko to come back when things get too hard for her, when this is *the very thing* that didn't happen, which the original made an entire point of by dedicating a whole arc to it

b) i love the rest so much lol like, when sensei told tarou-chan there's nothing more expensive in life than something you get for free, a direct quote from the later chapters from senseis and hanasakis time in highschool-->i guess this means we won't get outright flashbacks, but i'm actually fine with that, i think i like sprinkling hints here and there more as a choice (though i suppose this could mean kanoko-mother-arc won't be happening either). also, no idea if this was intentional or not, and it's not like we got any ages or anything confirmed, but i like that kanokos actress is in her late twenties as opposed to late teens lol maybe they'll try to tell us she's totally 16 guyzz like in the manga, but for now i'm headcanoning her being a bit older lol also i loved the scene where she fought over the fish with inari so much omg. i wonder how much will adapted, i haven't researched anything about the live action, so i got absolutely no idea but i imagine (if they aren'T DOING KANOKO-MOM-ARc i guess) the sensei gets accused and subsequent shirou arc will take up most of the time; i just hope it stays as truthful to the original as it has been so far, there were scenes where i was amazed simply because it looked exactly like in the manga, down to the camera perspective lol

c) also this is another bulletpoint because i don't know where to put it in b) not because it's so important as is the case with a), we didn't get a lot of chiyo action yet, but the bit we did get was great lmao i loved the scene where she was mimicing her father behind his back when he apologized for her behaviour so much lmao

i can't wait for tomorrow aaaaaa

[koikishu]

Source: http://nihongami.blogspot.com/2021/07/tsubushisimada.html

Japanese Hairstyles: Historical Overview Part 02: Women’s Hairstyles of the Edo Period, Part 03

Hairstyle Name: Tsubushi Shimada (つぶし島田) lit. “Crushed Rice Paddy Island”

    This hairstyle is a variation of the Shimada-mage established during the Tenpo period (1830-1844 CE) in the Edo era. It was a huge trend at that time, especially between yuujo and brothel owners. There's no cushion at the root of the tail, so the tail appears to have been “crushed.” Such a style was recognized as “iki,” or chic, and considered the opposite of the “taka-shimada.”

     It was widely popular among all women of Japanese society. The lower base of the topknot, giving it the appearance that it has been crushed, is what gives this style its name. Enhancements to this topknot, in the form of kanzashi, kanoko, and chirimen, would help to identify the age and status of the wearer.

[medea10]

My Review of Yuri is My Job!

Random pick. That’s all!

Hime Shiraki seems to be the fan-favorite at school. Her cute looks and good grades are a target for the males at her school. Hime doesn’t want to waste her time with those scrubs. Actually, her goal in life is to be some millionaire’s trophy wife. No lie, she’s a gold digger. Things take a sharp-left turn into WTF territory when she ends up in a bit of an accident with another young girl (named Mai Koshiba) and winds up working at a café because this girl broke her arm due to this accident.

Well, that escalated quickly.

This place is known as Café Liebe and it has an all-girl school theme to it. By that I mean the girls who work there lay it on thick with the acting. Watching these girls felt like I was watching an over-the-top lesbian sim trying to be like Ouran High School Host Club. No lie! The girl Hime accidently hurt in the trip and fall is the manager for the café. So, I guess Hime is obligated to take over some duties here. Thankfully, the staff accepted the addition of a new member. Except for one girl (Mitsuki Yano). Apparently in their first act, Hime called Mitsuki “Onee-sama”. It did not go over well. Never call Mitsuki “Onee-sama”.

Mitsuki is quite the actress as she puts on a sweet persona for the customers, but is very strict and to the point when it comes to Hime. Go back several years ago and you’ll find that these two were quite different. Yeah, these two share a colorful past. Back in elementary school, they wound up best friends. While Mitsuki was timid, she was able to hang out with someone as popular and outgoing as Hime. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding and a few too many little white lies ended this friendship. This ends with Hime being shunned by all of her classmates and Mitsuki transferring to a different school.

Neither girl forgot this moment in time. Now that several years have passed, are these two girls going to get along like they used to?

BETWEEN THE SUB: This of course is streaming only on Crunchyroll. It has nearly been a year since this first came out and there’s still no sign of an English dub. I swear, I find it funny when there are those seiyuus you can spot exactly who they are within a few seconds. Yukari Tamura is one of those people. Either that or after 15 years of watching Higurashi, her cutesy voice is permanently drilled into my brain. Speaking of Higurashi, do those café uniforms remind you of Satoko Hojo’s dress a little bit? Whatever! Here’s what you might recognize these folks from.

*Hime is played by Yui Ogura (known for Marnie on Pokemon Journeys, Vanica on Black Clover, Futaba on Magia Record, Sumika on Yuri Kuma Arashi, and Rinne on Vivid Strike)

*Mitsuki is played by Sumire Uesaka (known for Nagatoro on Miss Nagatoro, Shalltear on Overlord, Dekomori on Chunibyo, Angela on Carole & Tuesday, Chloe on Miss Kobayashi, and Aya on Tonikawa)

*Kanoko is played by Minami Tanaka (Lily on Zombieland Saga, Mary on Kakegurui, Nako on Hitoribocchi, and Hinata on Assassination Classroom)

*Sumika is played by Makoto Koicihi (known for Elza on Interspecies Reviewers and Young Jun on Tomo-chan is a Girl)

SHIPPING: Hmm…oh, this definitely is a Yuri anime. It’s in the fucking title! But I can’t snuff out anything canon-y. Hime and Mitsuki are frenemies borderlining on reconciled friends. Yes, I realize I gave this particular ship a nod in my 2023 superlative list. If there’s more to go on like with more content, maybe I can get behind this. And no, the show they put on at the café is not a selling point just yet. It’s like watching all the flirting in Ouran, you just take the cheesy bait, sisterhood charms and all. For the time being, I’m just happy that these two are slowly on the mend after the fallout that happened years prior. But if I can’t go on about Hime and Mitsuki, what can I…?!

Wait a minute! Hime’s friend, Kanoko. She always seems to be latched onto Hime. OH! She has a rolodex of pictures on her phone. I think we have a winner. I’m quite frightened by Kanoko as the series goes on. She’s giving off these crazy yandere eyes when she’s being asked about Hime. She wants Hime all to herself. She wants to be her one-and-only best friend and for Hime not to be involved in a love interest. And yet, she doesn’t want to step forward and go further by starting one with Hime.

And that’s when Sumika gets involved. So, here I am wondering if Sumika is going to get romantically involved in this. She’s already had her heart broken prior to these juniors joining the café. But then I see Sumika with Kanoko a lot nearing the end of the series and wondering if she’s into her. Or if it’s just this kin-ship because both girls like someone who is definitely not into them.

ENDING: The café is now doing this weird election called the blume. Or something like that! Customers and the staff vote for who they want as Blume-sama. As per usual, Mitsuki seems to be the popular one to win. During this time, we start to see the anger arise from the soft-spoken Kanoko. It is quite clear she loves Hime as more than just a friend. Hime has helped Kanoko so much after meeting in middle school. Kanoko refuses to lose Hime to anyone, especially the one who hurt Hime all those years ago.

This is when we see Sumika get involved with Kanoko. Usually, we don’t see Sumika get involved in anything. But due to these yandere-in-the-making circumstances, Sumika is ready to shed some light on her on past at the café. Sumika and this other girl named Nene at the café were “sisters” much like Hime and Mitsuki are currently. But then, Nene winds up being taken away by another employee in a romantic way and their sisterhood ended. If Sumika winds up Blume-sama, she’s going to make sure that everyone’s sisterhood will stick and not break off like what happened to her. And just as I thought, Sumika wound up the Blume-sama and it seemed like she issued what she wants to see at the café for the next year. Everyone seems satisfied with the results and Kanoko is finally calm and not teetering over the edge of no return. Sumika then has Kanoko become her sister at the café.

The final episode we take a break from the drama of the Blume election and lesbian drama to notice that Mitsuki got a big rack. Yeah, that’s the dilemma of the last episode! First of all, how did nobody know that she’s got a big rack? I noticed it from minute-one! The summer uniform kinda drew attention to it that it was noticeable to the rest of the coworkers. This whole thing was settled by the halfway point and then we refocus on Hime’s ignorance at work. She’s not well familiar with everything on the menu yet and it still frustrates Mitsuki. So, Hime is still pretty bad at her job 12 episodes later.

By the end of the final episode, is there finally some Yuri development between Hime and Mitsuki? I still don’t see it when it comes to Hime. Mitsuki on the other hand, we started to see some blushing. But by then, there was only two minutes left in the season finale and it’s like, what’s the point! I’m going to give this anime some credit here. At least the story didn’t drag on and on with this Hime vs. Mitsuki stuff and we got their backstory early on in the season.

Other than that, I feel like this series was a bit of a miss than a hit. I wasn’t expecting a full-on lesbian romance like Sakura Kiss and the concept of this café has its good moments. It’s just the whole Blume-sama situation fell flat for me and I’m just blah to everything. And I feel like many others are a little underwhelmed with this series as well. Saying that leaves me a little pessimistic about there being a continuation despite the manga still in publication and a lot of open opportunities for characters.

For example, there’s still a chance we could see more from Sumika and Nene. Nene still works there, but she’s in the kitchen. Nene isn’t with that other girl anymore. Could there possibly be something more between her and Sumika? I know we had that exchange between the two near the end of the series, but still… Aside from that, Mitsuki opening up more about how she feels involving Hime could be something to come in the future. But that’s if we get a future to this. Eh, make up your own mind about this one. If you’re looking for a good Yuri to watch, Bloom Into You and Aoi Hana are still my go-tos.

Crunchyroll has the whole series available for streaming.

[saellefanwork]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖

Reminder: This Demon Slayer fic is rated Mature (adults only) for canon-typical violence and eventual suggestive or explicit sexual content

Return to Chapters List

Chapter 25: A New Dawn

Following a brief yet jubilant celebration on the battlefield, Kanoko's vision dims, and one of the last thing she hears is a sharp cry nearby.

Tanjiro, who was supposed to be dead, awakens at the Butterfly Estate, months after the intense battle against the demon lord. Nezuko, now fully human, is beside him. The lingering question: what unfolded in the aftermath of Muzan's defeat?

Author's note: First chapter of the concluding Arc "A world without demons" I'm definitly back with short chapters lol :') but normally the Ending one will be long, according to my draft version. We're not here yet though.

Thank you for your support as always <3

When, after a fierce struggle, the ashen remnants of Kibutsuji Muzan scattered in the breeze, a stunned silence fell over the scene. Seconds stretched into long, agonizing minutes without anyone moving, each person anticipating some kind of upheaval. Despite the palpable tension, nothing occurred. And eventually, reality struck you...

...Victory was yours! Truly and unequivocally yours! Every loss, every drop of blood shed over centuries... all of it had ultimately led to this moment, the defeat of Muzan, dragging to hell with him all the demons he had spawned! A millennium of sacrifices, lifetimes filled with tears and sorrows had succeeded so that finally, the cycle of despair could be broken. A thousand years for the Slayers to lay aside their weapons and rest in peace with their loved ones.

Your vision blurred, and you could feel drops streaming down your face. Around you, wet giggles, snifflings, and incredulous whispers erupted in all directions. In the midst of the devastated street, despite their injuries, the surviving Slayers and present Kakushi embraced each other, crying with joy, relief, and grief. All emotions merged together under the rising sun.

Remaining on your knees, you contemplated the spot where your worst nightmare had vanished with tearful eyes. You felt so weak... was it only due to the intense reprieve and physical exhaustion? A vigorous hug interrupted the flow of your thoughts. You recognized Kyojuro's embrace without even seeing him. Looking up at him, you noticed that he was crying too, though a huge smile was illuminating his sunny features. It was the second time you had seen him shed any tears since you had known him, all in the same day. You loved the way these looked on him, though—gleaming in the morning light like little sparks of hope, framing his lovely smile. You threw your arms around him and hugged back.

"We did it, Kanoko! We won!" he sobbed into your hair, squeezing you so tightly that your breath was almost cut off. "And look, you didn't burn in the sun, you're human again...!"

You nodded, sniffling, burying your face in his neck, inhaling his familiar scent with notes of apricot despite the sweat, dust, and blood. He was warm, alive, and you even had the blessing to survive long enough to enjoy this moment, in spite of all that both of you went through. It was almost unbelievable.

"Yes, Kyojuro... Our ancestors and comrades can rest in peace, as well as the numerous victims of Kibutsuji and his underlings. We can live and die in peace now," you confirmed, your throat tight, pressing your wet cheek against his.

He detached himself from you just enough to kiss you fervently, ignoring the surrounding gazes. Nobody minded; on the contrary, other pairs of arms embraced you both to share the delirious happiness and solace that followed this incredible victory. Kisses were exchanged, in a platonic manner, on cheeks or lips between everyone, and only laughters could be heard. Everything was fine now.

... Even for you?

You could feel yourself growing weaker and weaker. Maybe it was just the relief and the aftershock, but you sensed there was something else going on, even if you couldn't bring yourself to care right now. Perhaps it was because you were starting to think of the corpses lying around and the unconscious people being tended by the Kakushi. Brave souls lost, like Tanjiro's. Where was his body, by the way?

Suddenly, someone shouted a sharp cry.

When Kamado Tanjiro slowly opened his eyelids, it was already spring, evident from the blooming cherry blossoms filling his field of vision. Squinting slightly, he absentmindedly noticed that his right orb was present yet blind. The window was ajar, allowing the gentle air and flower petals to drift inside, one of which delicately landed on the tip of his nose. He wanted to touch it, but his muscles and joints were painful and stiff, despite the attentive care of the butterfly girls who had massaged and moved his limbs every day.

Beside him, someone stirred, and he immediately recognized the familiar scent of his sister even before seeing her or hearing her voice. She set aside the embroidery she had been working on and placed her hands on his right one.

"Onii-chan! You're finally awake!" Tears of relief streamed down her cheeks, and the young boy also felt his own tears welling up as he beheld her face after such a long time unconscious.

"Nezuko... you're human again... what joy..."

He started crying profusely. All these years, he had been missing her comforting, human scent. His little sister still looked like her twelve-years-old self, demonization having halted her aging, while he was now sixteen. But it didn't matter. From now on, Nezuko could continue to grow and embrace a normal life.

He tried to mobilize his muscles to hug her, but despite his efforts, only his right arm responded. Yet, what concerned him more was not his condition but that of his younger sibling.

"You're injured," he remarked, his gaze fixated on her bandaged hand.

"Ah, yes..." she seemed embarrassed. "You don't remember anything?"

"Not really... I recall Rengoku-san and Nagase-san holding Kibutsuji Muzan in place with the others until the sun rose, and... the rest is blurry. He didn't die right away, I think... oh no, did he escape?!"

Nezuko shook her head hastily, reassuring him immediately. "No, he tried to resist by covering himself with layers of flesh, but in the end, he died. Though... you were dead when I came to join you, Tanjiro. I fell on my knees on your side, crying despite the general relief provided by Kibutsuji's loss, when suddenly you stirred again, regrowing your missing arm and eye. That horrible man had turned you into a demon. One capable of surviving the sunlight and decapitation. We all thought it was over for you, for all of us..."

Tanjiro was screaming like a beast, the protrusions of his spine whipping the air around him with the speed and force of lightning striking the ground, threatening to kill anyone who approached. His little sister was still clinging to him, injured and crying profusely.

"It's a disaster! Kanoko, can you go back in time? I can give you my blood if needed!" exclaimed Giyuu.

"I've already tried... I can't do it anymore. I... I'm entirely human again," you murmured, showing your cut palm which wasn't healing.

You were unable to resume the fight either. Your nose had started bleeding a few seconds ago and your vision was slowly darkening. Kneeling beside you, supporting your weight, (and extremely injured himself) Kyojuro stared at the scene in shock, his jaw hanging open.

"Slayers who are still capable of moving, take up arms again! Kamado Tanjiro has become a demon!" ordered Giyuu despite the pain in his eyes. But it was impossible: there were not enough warriors in shape to face him. They were too scarce and weakened, and the new Demon Lord was far too powerful for them.

Some memories returned to the young boy. He remembered attacking the survivors, especially his friends and mentors, and even his own sister. Nausea crept over him.

"Oh no... I did this to you. I'm sorry... Did I..." Did I kill anyone, he wanted to ask, but the question didn't come out. He was afraid of the answer.

"It's okay, Tanjiro, you only hurt Kanao and me, and we've almost completely healed already. You didn't harm anyone else, but you scared us a lot. Fortunately, Shinobu-san had given Kanao a cure against demonization, and she used it on you. Everyone was really worried about you while you were out. They will be very happy to learn that you've regained consciousness."

Nezuko proceeded to provide an update on the condition of various Slayers and Kakushi they were familiar with. The Kisatsutai had been nearly decimated; now, less than a third of their army remained. Among the Hashira, Himejima and Obanai had succumbed to their injuries shortly after Kibutsuji's death, joining Muichiro, who had perished against Upper Moon One, in the afterlife. The others were alive, as well as Tanjiro's usual group of friends. Despite the grief he felt for these casualties, Tanjiro found solace in the fact that his masters and close comrades had been spared. However, it was evident that no one had emerged unscathed from the ordeal. The survivors bore new scars, some disfiguring, and many were enduring permanent disabilities. Nevertheless, most wounds had healed, and a significant number of the injured had finalized their rehabilitation, endeavoring to have a fresh start in the world following the Corp's dissolution.

"What about Nagase-san? How is she going?" he inquired, suddenly realizing your absence from his sister's report.

Nezuko's smile faded, and Tanjiro felt a knot in his stomach as he caught the scent of sadness emanating from her. What could have happened?

"Oh... Nagase-san... she's..."

Well? Try to complete that last sentence, guys.

Taisho secret:

- The Shinazugawa brothers are alive. Genya have developed some chronic digestive problems due to ingesting too much demon blood and flesh, but aside from that, he’s doing fine. Sanemi lost some fingers and was incapacitated for a while due to a severe head injury; he even had to undergo therapy to learn how to move normally again. Some of his recent memories are still hazy because of the ordeal, but he's back to his angry, nasty, ohagi-hungry self. The two of them are living together again.

- Mitsuri has lost one ear and has acquired some new scars, but otherwise, she is physically well. Of course, she is deeply saddened by Obanai’s death, however she persists with the promise they exchanged to marry in their next lives.

- Giyuu, Kanao, Inosuke, Zenitsu and Tanjiro have the same injuries as in canon.

- Shinobu didn’t regrow a leg since the Eternal Paradise Cult Arc, but she did learn a thing or two about prosthesis. She made one for herself and for her former brothers and sisters in arms who needed one.

- Tengen was not in the Final Battle so he's fine, probably celebrating the victory with his wives and friends.

All the Hashira except Tengen and Shinobu have unlocked their Demon Slayer Mark.

I’m sorry for the characters I let die here... I mean, there are still much more alive than in canon, right? So do you forgive me? *tries her best to look redeemable*

As for Kyojuro (who we know is alive) and Kanoko (status: ???)... you shall see for yourself soon, but feel free to give theories ;)

Next chapter: "Grief and Gratitude"

[fuckyeahkagepro]

broke: not recognizing Fem!Kano is canon

WOKE: RECOGNIZING FEM!KANO IS CANON

[raposarealm]

Kanoko, go back to your own gatcha

Kanoko...?

[Thanks again to Madomagitransparent! Also if you're curious, the text is "I'll definitely be staying with Saki, Ichika, and Honami! Please keep watching us grow and improve!"]

[yukisohmasmokesweed]

the cultural relativism of retributive justice, or: the argument against incarcerating akito

to go off aswati’s post, i think the idea of sending akito to prison for domestic abuse is an american solution to a japanese problem. akito being incarcerated not only does not work with the political narrative takaya is trying to push about rehabilitative justice, it also falls apart when you look at japan’s attitude towards domestic violence and incarceration as a whole. i believe the argument that akito should be incarcerated is projecting an american ideal of justice (a neoliberal, pro-prison industrial complex one at that) onto a story that does not concern itself with american, or even western, culture whatsoever.

in america incarceration is extremely common, but the same is not true of japan. according to prisonstudies.org, 639 out of 100,000 americans were incarcerated in 2018 (source) compared to 38 out of 100,000 japanese (source). the japanese justice system is not like the american justice system whatsoever, and mass incarceration is not part of contemporary japanese culture (compare 184 japanese establishment/institutions to 4,455 american with a population difference of around 2 million).

it should be noted that japan did not have a federal anti-domestic violence law until april 2001 (act 31), compared to america’s 1994 (violence against women act). this is significant as fruits basket takes place between 1999-2001, so domestic spousal violence was not federally criminalized until after fb takes place. note that this applies to spouses only, so it’s possible akito couldn’t even be held to these laws as akito is unmarried. 

these laws may exist, but according to the diplomat,

Mainstream attitudes toward household violence traditionally treated it as an invisible issue that simply did not exist. Kanoko Kamata, an associate researcher at the Japan-U.S. program of Harvard University, says the problem went blatantly disregarded.

Kamata said law enforcement was reluctant to interfere in household affairs as it was typically believed that marital problems were not worth bothering about.

But Kamata said the real issue is that under the current law domestic violence is not treated as a crime but rather a civil code. (source)

in the united states, the mainstream attitude towards sending abusers to prison is a positive one, but as we can see that is not the case in japan. domestic abuse is viewed as not just a family affair but a cultural norm, and law enforcement is hesitant to interfere, even being discouraged to do so. in contrast to american culture, the sphere of japanese family culturally exists separately from the law. this would go doubly so for the sohmas, a large, wealthy, and influential family who undoubtedly has connections to the police.

with regards to child abuse, japan has had a child welfare act in place since 1947 that was supplemented by the child abuse protection act of 2000 (source). however, laws don’t supersede culture and children’s rights are an issue in japan. according to reuters,

Despite rights enshrined in child welfare law, children in Japan have no independent advocate or representation, unlike other developed countries such as Britain and the United States, leaving their well-being in the hands of welfare workers. (source)

let’s take a look at the culture’s attitude towards bullying to ascertain views on children experiencing abuse in general. according to hirotaka abe of the npo youth guardian, 

We obtain objective evidence...that bullying is clearly happening...but sometimes, even if we show them clear evidence, they take no action or even try to conceal it. Some local administrations, all the people there, including city council members, conspire with each other. (source)

according to kayoko kurihara of the npo step,

After somebody reported [the child abuse], the police go there. But in many cases, they just give a warning and leave soon. (source)

like with domestic violence, there is evidence of a very hands-off approach from authorities and law enforcement when it comes to child abuse as well, whether that abuse comes from peers or parents.

when it comes to solutions, let’s look at step again. step is an npo that supports victims of abuse, but they also meet with the abusers themselves and address the root of their problem (often abuse in their own childhood) and help them reform and potentially mend their relationship with their child. kurihara also states, with regards to reformation, “...those who don’t learn will never change,” a strong argument against retributive justice.

according to satoshi brojan, a child abuse victim and advocate,

When child abuse happen[s], we just blame the abuser. But in the big picture, we have so many people who are mentally exhausted and [don’t] have support from anyone. In my eyes, children are paying the price for that in this country. We do need to work on the actual cause of the problem. We gotta recognize that this is a serious social issue for Japan. (source)

both kurihara and brojan’s points are reflective of the commentary takaya is making about justice in fruits basket: abusers are often victims themselves, there are larger social issues at play when it comes to abuse, and that reformation is achievable if the person is willing to change. incarceration is not used the same way in japan as it is america, and law enforcement is largely disconnected from the sphere of family life. takaya’s commentary on familial abuse and justice is a uniquely japanese one informed by factors unique to her culture, some of which directly contradict western ideals of tit-for-tat justice. therefore, the argument that akito should be put on trial and convicted of a crime is not only unrealistic within the japanese world of fruits basket, it is a result of western projection onto a starkly different culture.

[muffinrecord]

who do you think are the most useful non-4*? :o I'd really like to get your opinion on this!! and thanks for the amazing work you're doing with the yt channel and the memoria blog (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧ ❤️

This was from seventeen days ago... I'm sorry I didn't answer this nice ask right away ;_; Thanks for your nice words!!!

Okay, so-- this kind of depends. I'll run through and mention the ones that seem exceptionally good choices.

But before I do, I want to mention that uncapped girls have a kind of ideal "Tsuruno-type." This type is a character who can fit into almost any group and is a good all-around choice. Tsuruno is one-- she's a Magia type with some magia capabilities, but she also has a lot of Blast focus. Normally a character who is unfocused like this is kind of... meh, but because she's an uncapped characters and not a natural four-star, it means that new players/F2P players have a character who is very versatile and they aren't punished for not having the best characters in the game, if that makes sense?

So with that in mind:

Haruka Kanade: A very good tank, amusing when you consider that she's a support. She doesn't really do great damage, but her disks make her the closest "Tsuruno-type" in the Light element imo. Her charm chance makes her a better version of Kanoko too.

Hazuki Yusa: She's a really good debuffer, and can work very well on the Hundred Evils if you're lacking in that area. Basically she'll work best by making the team deal less damage through her Magia/Doppel, but she can still improve your own team's damage through Curse.

Emiri Kisaki: Emiri is similar to the above. She's a good debuff-unit, and you use her Bewitch on her Magia/Doppel/Connect to make the team miss their targets. She's good for Stall teams.

Nanaka Tokiwa: She's very specialized in Blast and still excellent at it despite her lackluster SE. TBH I still prefer Nanaka to YachiMifu in Supports.

Umika Misaki: This is probably the gold standard of uncaps? She's just very supportive, very good at defense + healing overall. She's extremely protective and helpful to have on a team. Great for stall teams.

Melissa de Vignolles: She's really good at one thing and that's Magia. But hey, sometimes that's exactly what you need.

Chisato Shion: This is a very controversial opinion. She's not great-- let me put it that way. She's got some issues with her design, it's all over the place and doesn't really worth together... But man, that Skill Seal on her connect has come in handy. It's only a 55% chance which sucks, but I've actually put her at 60/60 SE because I find I use her often enough to justify it. Not all enemies will let you Charm/Bind/Stun them, and sometimes the best way to protect yourself against their actives is to prevent them from using them at all.

Manaka Kurumi: Another gold standard of uncaps, Manaka gives one of the highest Attack Up percentages on her connect in the game. I'll go into this more on my Hundred Evils post (it won't be out by the time the event is over, I apologize), but people don't recognize her potential enough. If you want to make sure your Magia kills a man, have Manaka connect to that unit first-- or have Manaka use her Magia/Doppel, then the unit uses her magia. She is a powerful buffer and the healing just makes her a good choice on Stall teams.

Tsuruno Yui: I mentioned Tsuruno types and she's the gold standard, the trend-setter here. She's a great all-around unit and is a good choice to invest in if you're new or a F2P. She'll fit into almost any situation (besides charge), and still offer something to the table-- average fighting? She's got the disks. Magia? She can do well with that. Blast? Her connect is crazy!

Kako Natsume: The F2P's best friend, here is your MP battery for when you don't have Madoka, Mikage, or MadoIro. Her personal makes her powerful but her actual abilities round her out well too as a good healer. A standard for Stall teams.

Kaede Akino: She's a Tsuruno-type-- helps with Magia, Blast (not charge), and average fighting. The Regen HP is kind of a nice bonus on her connect too.

[vulpiximisa]

finished Deaimon and was going to leave a review on MAL but got scared because it felt too casual and didn’t want it to get flagged or anything so here are my thoughts that are a little too cleaned up for a casual blog post

I had never heard of this title before and only came across it when scrolling through the Crunchyroll library. The synopsis sounded good and the first episode had me hooked.

Wagashi isn't something I'm super interested in, but it's also fun to learn about something, especially if it's steeped in tradition. The "girl looking for her father but finding a new one" plotline was what sold me but the store as a setting really brought it together to make a comfortable and feel good setting. (Also it being set in the less urban Kyoto added to it.)

The characters were definitely the strong point of the series, Nagomu being a well meaning dork and Itsuka, serious but a very sweet girl. I love when the adult is a goof while the child has to be the more down to earth one. (Reigen and Mob in MP100) The rest of the cast are also fun, but sometimes I feel like they spent too much time on the side characters. I understand this is a SOL, but I actually was hoping to get more story with Itsuka's dad.

It had been obvious that Itsuka's dad had been Nagomu's senpai from the beginning but they don't confirm it until the second to last episode. I think the only reason I didn't rate this a 10/10 was because I really had been hoping for a confrontation. Seeing how the series ended, I'm fine with it, and its like in real life, where sometimes you never really get closure and you just have to move on and grow from it. The end does imply that maybe they might meet again, and if there is a season two, I'm all ready for it.

I don't know if anyone thinks its problematic, but I thought the Nagomu love triangle between Kanoko and Mitsuru was entertaining. Maybe because I like Nagomu too, so I like seeing girls vie for his attention. With the case of Mitsuru, it's normal for a high school girl to have a crush and nothing came from it. With Kanoko, I liked seeing her as an ex, but still having feelings for him but she dealt with it in such an adult way. Love seeing adults handling romance. A+

The accents had me BAFFLED, because I'm huge on seiyuu but I was unable to place any of the voices early on and didn't want to look it up. When I recognize voices in anime, sometimes I can't concentrate and all I hear are the seiyuu and not the characters. I'm glad I didn't look up the cast but at the end, I was SHOCKED because I'm a big Nobunaga fan, so seeing that I had been hearing him as dorky lovable Nagomu the entire time, I'm shooketh. I was going to say that if they had casted lesser known seiyuu for the series, it would have felt more comfortable, like the feeling I get when I'm watching Ghibli or Hosoda movies, which feel less like anime and more like An Experience. But this didn't dampen the experience, I'm just noting it. Props to them for casting an actual young girl for Itsuka though.

I don't have much to say about the soundtrack, it's nice and mellow, nothing huge or notable to me. Same for animation, the series is low intensity so there wasn't any real need for too much effort. I'm not saying there was no effort, but the images and movements were all good and clean as can be, no weird off shots or anything.

At the time of watching this (2022), Delicious Party Precure was also airing, so seeing the characters enjoy delicious traditional japanese sweets, I couldn't help but think that there would be an abundance of Recipipis floating around. (If you don't understand, don't worry about it.)

Anyway, I don't know if this review would help anyway. This is a great show, very comfortable and heartwarming.

[macchiato-nana]

Kika, formerly named as Kikura Haruno. She was once my fan-made Pop'n Music character. She was suppose to have a romantic relationship with Roku, but within a lot of years, I stopped drawing this ship. So when I recognized that Roku and Kanoko were in a relationship as created by one of the Tumblr users, I also stopped drawing Kikura as well. Yeah I did make alternate designs of Roku, like as a 13-year-old, so many years ago.

Right now, I'm still drawing current Pop'n Music fanart with the original Pop'n Music design of Roku.Technically, I did create a half-baked and precisely terrible comic starring Roku, and featuring my other favorites, such as Waka-san, Yunta, and Ice, called Fever! Roku (or Fever Pop, I dunno) when I was in middle school. Also, I quitted making the comic. Now, I redesigned her as Kika, so I would probably put her on my Cosmic Fantasia project if she have a role to play.

[saellefanwork]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖

Reminder: This Demon Slayer fic is rated Mature (adults only) for canon-typical violence and eventual suggestive or explicit sexual content

Return to Chapters List

Chapter 24: Setting our hearts ablaze!

To save her friends and thwart Muzan's escape, Kanoko returns to the past, but her condition is deteriorating. How much can she endure against Muzan? Can they truly win the battle and if so, at what cost?

Author's note: This marks the conclusion of the Final Battle Arc! Sit back and enjoy the ride :)

Trigger warning: blood, death, and everything in between

Nestled within a modest house adjacent to a forge, the cries of a newborn pierced the air, soon hushed by comforting whispers from two adults. Oai cradled her baby in her arms, a gentle smile gracing her lips, her gray eyes shimmering. Seated beside her, affectionately admiring the child too, Hyue gently caressed his wife's hip.

"The future of a demon hunter is never very bright, but I hope our child will find some happiness in her life, as we have despite our hardships," said the warrior. The blacksmith absentmindedly nodded in agreement, delicately taking his daughter into his arms. "I'm certain our descendants will achieve great things, Hyue," the woman continued. "One day, our lineage will bring an end to Kibutsuji Muzan's era of darkness. I made this vow to the Master, and I promise it to you too."

Was the ‘master’ referring to the leader of the Kisatsutai, or someone else? The scene didn't reveal it, and you weren't sure if it mattered. Hyue exchanged a glance with your ancestor, a very faint smile stretching across his lips. Even though you knew Oai loved Genjuro as you loved Kyojuro, you were certain that the look the spouses shared at that moment was also filled with love. Though different, the bond that united them was undeniably strong. Love can take various forms, you thought.

"I know you always keep your promises, Oai."

The last thing you glimpsed before reversing the flow of time was the worried gleam in Giyuu's melancholic eyes, fading gently. Even in agony, he cared more about the people he loved than his own life. Even you, his friend who hadn't reciprocated his love, the abominable demon whose fangs had torn and splattered his white throat with blood.

Your surroundings darkened, swallowing you in an ink-black sea. A storm of images, voices and feelings, flashed in your mind, interweaving memories of your ancestor Oai and your life. They were streaming without logic, their ownership becoming less discernible as they went on.

There were similar and recurring elements. Genjuro and Kyojuro's smiles; their battered and cooling bodies. Hyue's soothing gentleness, and the steadiness of Giyuu's deep blue eyes. The warmth of a skin against yours, likely the Flame Pillar's. The chilling touch of a lifeless body under your palms, which could be that of several people. This life and the previous ones were marked by a trail of corpses, after all.

"I know you always keep your promises, Kanoko."

Was that Giyuu's last words? Or were your memories and Oai's merging, deceiving you? A promise... yes. You had made a promise. You had to prevent Muzan from escaping and save your companions from their impending death.

Kanoko…

"Kanoko!"

"Kanoko! Please wake up!"

This voice... it was your beloved's. You tried to move, but your body felt as it was made of lead, painfully heavy. With great effort, you managed to blink, wondering if you were once again immersed in a dream of the past. But soon, you recognized the unsettling architecture of the Infinity Castle around you. Your time jumps were supposed to bring you into a familiar place, often a resting area... Was this jump different because you were losing control over your power?

Turning your head slightly, your gaze met Kyojuro's, who stared at you with anguish, his face drained of color. His Demon Slayer Mark was adorning his disabled eye beneath the drying blood from his head wounds. The absence of Akaza in the vicinity suggested that he was already defeated. A limitation of your power prevented you from returning to a time before your previous jump; it was now impossible to prevent the Mark's curse for your beloved. You struggled not to be engulfed by the suffocating sadness that this realization brought.

Something was dripping from your nose and ears. Gently dabbing the liquid with your fingers, you confirmed it was blood.

"You collapsed abruptly before me, your form disintegrated to give way to a new one, covered in barely regenerating wounds," Kyojuro explained, carefully wiping the blood from your face with his haori. "Did you time-travel? Why? What happened?"

He refrained from voicing out the unspoken question that lingered in his mind: were you killing your past self each time you leaped back, explaining the harrowing scene he had witnessed?

Shaking your head, you endeavored to sit up. However, your muscles betrayed you, causing you to fall back. Kyojuro caught you right away, the back of your head gently bumped his chest. Fatigued, you instinctively melted into his embrace before regaining your composure and sitting up again, this time successfully.

"I did use my Blood Demon Art, but there's no time to explain the situation. You'll have to trust me on this."

Although deep concern etched his features, Kyojuro readily nodded in agreement. You tried to ignore the nagging voice in your head calling you a damn hypocrite, reminding you that you had savagely attacked him in the previous timeline. Dismissing these dark thoughts, you internally vowed not to falter this time.

You scanned your surroundings, searching for the Hashira's crow, who was perched above you with a worried expression.

"Please come on my shoulder, Kaname-san" you asked him. "The Castle is about to collapse; you're no longer safe in heights."

Kaname exchanged a glance with his master, who gave him an approving nod, before descending from his perch to land on your shoulder. You took the lead, trying to get closer to your target before the Infinity Castle's destruction.

The labyrinth around you quickly devolved into an unstructured and perilous minefield as the dimension crumbled. Protecting Kaname and keeping Kyojuro in sight became challenging, and as debris exploded in all directions, you were left with no option but to curl around the bird to absorb the impacts.

Impacts struck you from all sides, and weight accumulated on your back and shoulders. Something pierced your waist, and gritting your teeth, you tensed your muscles to halt the penetration. The rumble persisted for a few more seconds before everything froze again. Breathing with difficulty, you attempted to flex your muscles to push away the tangle of beams and boards on top of you, trying to ignore the pain in your side. After a few attempts, you managed to sit up halfway, then fully, the debris gradually sliding off the pile above you.

Despite his injuries, Kyojuro had managed to free himself before you and helped you out from the collapsed building. After thanking him, you loosened your arms to check on Kaname's condition, hoping you had successfully shielded him and hadn't crushed him with your strength. The bird was unconscious but breathing; one of its legs had been severed somewhere in the chaos, and he had a head injury, but at least he was alive.

Spotting another crow from afar, you called it and entrusted Kaname to his fellow. Taking the hand of the Flame Pillar, you ran in the direction of the battlefield, orienting yourself with the moon, stars, and the shadows of the surrounding mountains.

"Kanoko, your side wound... it's still bleeding."

You tried to focus to stop the bleeding, but the task was challenging at the speed you were running and with the accumulated fatigue.

"The wound is closing itself little by little, don't worry...," you reassured. "My regeneration skill is slow because I'm turning human again."

"Really?!" Kyojuro asked with incredulous joy, punctuated with worry as he also considered that the timing wasn't ideal.

"Yes... I don't know how much longer I'll have demonic traits, but I'll try to make the most of them while I can. Then, I will give my all as a Time Breathing user."

The Flame Pillar flashed you a confident smile, trusting your abilities. Despite the multitude of questions he wished to ask you, they would wait until your victory. You reciprocated his smile, drawing strength from his assurance and mental fortitude.

Upon entering the battlefield, slightly ahead compared to the previous iteration, the other Hashira were already locked in combat with the demon lord. Tanjiro was severely poisoned was being carried away by his senpai Murata.

Your archenemy locked eyes with you. It was evident that he knew you had traveled back in time. Perhaps he also knew you were regaining your humanity. Swiftly, he leaped to the top of a collapsed structure, gaining a superior vantage point over his numerous and bothersome adversaries.

"You're persistent," he hissed with his oddly suave voice. "Logic would dictate that you leave me be and move on. The number of humans consumed by demons is inconsequential compared to your overall population. If you were to accept death by predation as you accept it by natural disasters, illness, or accidents, you could continue your mundane and tranquil lives—earning your bread and reproducing. Instead, you squander your brief existences futilely attempting to defeat me, living in pain and dying in agony, without leaving any enduring legacy. But I suppose expecting humans to act with reason is too much to ask."

His appendages whipped through the air immediately after his speech. Unlike your initial encounter, he directed his attacks squarely at you. Your eyes widened as the entirety of his lashes descended upon you with deadly intent.

Resisting fear, you took a deep breath, slowing the flow of time around you.

Time Breathing, Sixth Form: Thunderstorm Bells!

Executing a series of spinning leaps, you deftly dodged the assaults and sliced through the fleshy whips, yet some bone blades left shallow cuts all over your body. Their poison quickly boiled your skin around the affected areas. Clenching your teeth, you tried to slow down your heartbeat, as Tengen had done in the Red Light District against Upper Moon 6. Facing the difficulty of this technique stirred your admiration for the shinobi, who was said to have voluntarily stop his heart in the midst of his battle back then.

Though with difficulty, you closed the distance to Muzan, delivering a direct attack and beheading him amidst an ominous tolling sound. Like those before you, you noted his wounds healed too swiftly to separate his head from his torso. Swiftly retreating to avoid a lethal strike, you left the offensive to your comrades.

You and the remaining Hashira persevered until Chachamaru and Yushiro arrived with the antidotes. Muzan didn't relent in his attacks, intent on claiming your life first, yet the other warriors refused to let him succeed, taking turns aiding you. In a sense, the demon's fixation on you granted your allies an advantage, rendering him more predictable.

You rapidly exhausted your kata repertoire, and your opponent adapted with astonishing speed. He likely had encountered and vanquished several Time Breathing users since the Sengoku era. Despite channeling your creativity and tweaking your techniques to suit the situation, it never proved sufficient against him.

Yet, your most formidable trial lay in Muzan's voice, whispering insanities in the background of your mind. His grip on you had waned, but you sensed him slowly gaining ground again.

"Kneel before your master, Nagase Kanoko!" he suddenly shouted inside your skull, more authoritative than ever.

The potency of the command, despite the regression of your demonic features, compelled your knees to bend. Stumbling to the ground, you managed to soften the impact with a roll. Nevertheless, your vision blurred, and you lost focus for a second too long. At that very moment, Muzan executed a sweeping attack that sent all his opponents flying.

A jarring impact's sound echoed, causing momentary alarm as you braced for the expected pain. But it never came. Regaining your senses, a horrifying realization dawned upon you – Tanjiro had reentered the battlefield, shielding you despite the severity of his injuries, only to succumb to the force of the attack, unable to deflect it.

"Tanjiro!" "Kamado boy!" echoed the simultaneous shouts of Giyuu and Kyojuro as they tried to rise back to their feet, but they were severely wounded. The young boy fell into your arms, half his face and throat severed.

You didn't hesitate. You acknowledged the debt you owed to the young Kamado, who had saved you multiple times since the beginning of your transformation into a demon. The sunrise had yet to come, and most of the Pillars had lost a limb or two already. Besides, you sensed that the boy with hanafuda earrings and his primordial Breathing style was meant to play an important role in your fight against Muzan. You closed your eyes and cut the palm of your hand.

Time Backlash.

.

.

.

In previous instances, visions of past lives or forgotten memories usually unfolded in the space between the present and the past. However, this time, you found yourself enveloped in an overwhelming black environment. You probed around cautiously, a sense of unease settled in. This was unprecedented and didn't bode well – in fact, this was the closest you had ever felt to death. Scanning the profound darkness, you called out.

"Is there anyone here?"

Silence lingered for a few moments. Just when you thought you were truly alone, a voice resonated.

"It's too early for you to be here, Kanoko. Your mission is not over yet."

Though you hadn't heard it since childhood and believed the sound of her voice had faded from your memory, you immediately recognized the speaker.

"Mom..."

The silhouette of your mother took a step toward you, emerging from the darkness, and despite the blurred memories over the years, seeing her after a decade confirmed she was just as you remembered: chin raised proudly, arms crossed in a pose stricter than Kyojuro's, with eyes and hair color reminiscent of yours in your human days. Her gaze on you was hard to read, but you could tell she genuinely cared for you.

"Your mother is right. You still have to fight. Your friends and comrades are waiting for you. Rengoku's eldest son too," added a man in a swordsmith's attire, unmistakably your father.

"Oai's blood is strong in you, my daughter," the matriarch declared, unfolding her arms and placing a hand on your shoulder. "Win this fight and survive if you can. We'll wait for you here as long as it takes."

"The later, the better," her husband added with a warm smile.

Behind them, the silhouettes of your maternal grandparents emerged, offering encouraging smiles. Your grandmother appeared somewhat saddened though, likely by the fact that she couldn't join her daughter and husband in paradise. Perhaps you would accompany her to purgatory for a while before reuniting with your loved ones. You gave her a reassuring smile.

You had countless questions to ask your family, so much to share with them... but if you weren't dead yet, then you could regain consciousness anytime soon. You had to use this time with them accordingly to your circumstances.

"Thank you all, for everything you've done for me in the past... I still need your help regarding a new technique I have been working on."

Your time jump did occur, but it only brought you an hour and twenty minutes before sunrise, right after your arrival on the battlefield with Kyojuro. It was precisely the kind of perilous situation Shinobu had warned you about regarding your power. Fortunately, all the present Hashira were still in fighting condition, while your body was fracturing under intense pain. Blood vessels ruptured in various places, and a stream of blood flowed from your eyes, nose, and ears. Your saliva took on an intense iron taste. Falling to all fours in a pool of blood, you were defenseless, relying on others for protection. Your regenerative abilities were almost nonexistent now.

Once again... I'm a burden to everyone...

"Another time jump?" commented Muzan disdainfully, slightly decelerating his attacks to express his contempt. "You don't know how to acknowledge that a situation is already lost. I'm sure you can't go back anymore, Nagase. You're all doomed. Stop wasting my time and give up already!"

"You are indeed wasting your time trying to convice us to let you go, Kibutsuji Muzan!" roared Kyojuro, fending off the biokitenic assaults while fiercely defending you. "Prepare yourself to die here, for we shall never surrender!”

That's right... the present Slayers are still standing... Muzan hasn't escaped yet... as long as I can move, I must fight.

"Use friction or pressure on your Nichirin swords to turn them red! Cutting him with red blades will slow down his regeneration!" you attempted to shout above the chaos, rising back on your legs despite the fit of bloody coughing shaking you.

In your previous battle, you had witnessed some Pillars succeed in altering their weapons this way. Gaining access to this skill earlier in the fight could potentially make a difference. Whether you could achieve it too without the Mark remained to be seen. Your comrades listened, and the battle took a significantly more advantageous turn. Antidotes and reinforcements arrived once again, and your team, guided by your instructions, utilized Yushiro's talismans more effectively.

Your enemy was convinced that reverting to being human would weaken you. It held some truth: you no longer possessed superhuman healing, your stamina was once again limited, your strength constrained by your training and physiology. Yet, it failed to acknowledge the immense willpower your mortality provided. Being human freed you from Muzan's grip, allowing you to dedicate your entire being to the cause you held dear, even at the cost of your life if necessary.

Your father had forged a sword for you on the day of your birth. As soon as you could stand, your training with your mother had begun. The day after your parents' death, without waiting for the mourning period to end, your grandmother had taken over your martial education. She had you perform katas everyday single day even if you spat blood. You had devoted your entire life to demon hunting, alone or within the Kisatsutai. All the strands of your life had converged to position you against Muzan at this precise moment... and defy him.

Set your heart ablaze! You summoned Kyojuro's resonant voice in your mind, providing you the unwavering strength needed to persevere.

Despite the absence of a Demon Slayer Mark, you compelled your blade to turn red, fueled by your all-consuming determination and the tight grip on your katana's hilt. The effect would only last a moment. Without hesitation, you took a deep breath and sprinted towards Muzan.

Channeling your powers with resolute determination, you breathed with unparalleled focus. Slower… even slower..., you manipulated the time's flow around you to the extreme, decelerating its passage within your sphere, distorting reality in your surroundings. It felt like compressing an unyielding spring.

When you sensed you couldn't endure any longer, you released your grip on your Breathing technique in one swift motion, unleashing the coiled power within you. You spun your sword between Muzan's still-impeded assaults, exponentially accelerating your own speed.

Set your heart ablaze, you repeated to yourself, to withstand fatigue, pain, and discouragement. To push the limits of your body and mind.

Time Breathing, Eighth Form: the Eternal Cycle of Life and Death!

A metallic taste lingered in your mouth. Blood streamed from your nose, yet you stood resolute. Following Obanai's example, with each cut, you propelled the severed organ away, preventing immediate regeneration. You aimed for Muzan's scars, revealed by Tamayo and Shinobu's aging poison.

After chaining so many attacks that you lost count, you collapsed on the ground from exhaustion, breathing shakily. Immediately, the young Kamado took over, performing his twelve Sun Breathing katas in succession, casting their solar fire in the last remnants of the night.

Five minutes before sunrise.

Having recovered just enough to rejoin the battle once more, Kyojuro and you managed to pin Muzan against the wall of a building. The force of the impact fractured the structure, pushing each of your muscles pushed to their limit. Mitsuri, Obanai, and Giyuu prevented the bone scythes from piercing you, slicing or blocking them. Himejima had still not regained consciousness and might be dead, and Tanjiro struggled to regain his breath.

The demon lord fiercely resisted, threatening to break free at any moment. Your time was slipping away, and the sun seemed to crawl toward the horizon, delayed by the mountains. A monstrous maw opened in the center of Muzan's face and torso, ready to close in on you and Kyojuro. However, Tanjiro once again threw himself in front of you, enduring a devastating bite all over his body. Tears streaming from your eyes, you tightened your grip even further, tapping into reserves of strength unbeknownst to you. Every warrior around you mirrored the same determination.

Your endurance bore fruit as the first rays of the sun finally breached the horizon.

I spent all this Arc listening way too much to "Shall Never Surrender" and "Devil's Trigger" from Devil May Cry. I don't even fucking play the games.

Taisho secret: Nagase Kanoko is the sole Time Breathing practitioner to have forged a new form. All other forms trace back to her ancestor, Oai. It's interesting to note that it is also the sole kata inspired by Buddhism, and not Christian Faith/church bells signals, since the two women didn't share the same background and belief.

Next chapter: "A New Dawn"

[fuckyeahkagepro]

Kagerou Project Headcanons ~ LGBTQIA+ / Pride Month 2019

SHUUYA KANO (+GIRL!KANO[KO]*) is GENDERFLUID and BI <3 (official art by Sidu) (*friendly reminder Kanoko is an OFFICIAL DESIGN!)

[koikishu]

Source: http://nihongami.blogspot.com/2019/10/blog-post_21.html

Nihongami: Historical Overview - Women’s Hairstyles of the Edo Period, Part 03

Historical Time Period: Mid-Edo Period - 2nd Half (1753-1789)

Hairstyle Name: Shinzo no Tsubushi Shimada (新造のつぶし島田) lit. “Shinzo-furisode’s Crushed Rice Paddy Island”

     This variation would have been the typical style for furisode-shinzo in the Yoshiwara. The red hanging ribbon would have distinguished this hairstyle as that of a prostitute and not some other young woman. 

     This hairstyle is a variation of the Shimada-mage established during the Tenpo period (1830-1844 CE) in the Edo era. It was a huge trend at that time especially between yuujo and brothel owners. There's no cushion at the root of the tail, so the tail appears to have been “crushed.” Such a style was recognized as “iki,” or chic, and considered the opposite of the “taka-shimada.”

     It was widely popular among all women in Japanese society. The lower base of the topknot, giving it the appearance that it has been crushed, is what gives this style its name. Enhancements to this topknot, in the form of kanzashi, kanoko, and chirimen, would help to identify the age and status of the wearer.

[koikishu]

Source: http://nihongami.blogspot.com/2019/04/blog-post_11.html

Nihongami: Historical Overview - Women’s Hairstyles of the Edo Period, Part 03

Historical Time Period: Mid-Edo Period - 2nd Half (1753-1789)

Hairstyle Name: Yuujo no Tsubushi Shimada (遊女のつぶし島田) lit. “Prostitute’s Crushed Rice Paddy Island”

 This hairstyle is a variation of the Shimada-mage established during the Tenpo period (1830-1844 CE) in the Edo era. It was a huge trend at that time especially between yuujo and brothel owners. There;s no cushion at the root of the tail, so the tail appears to have been “crushed.” Such a style was recognized as “iki,”or chic, and considered the opposite of the “taka-shimada.”

  It was widely popular among all women of Japanese society. The lower base of the topknot, giving it the appearance that it has been crushed, is what gives this style it’s name. Enhancements to this topknot, in the form of kanzashi, kanoko and chirimen, would help to identify the age and status of the wearer.

[koikishu]

Japanese Hairstyles: Historical Overview Part 02: Women’s Hairstyles of the Meiji Period

Hairstyle Name: Suisha Shimada (水車島田) lit. “Water Wheel Rice Paddy Island”

  This hairstyle is a variation of the Tsubushi shimada established during the Meiji era (1868-1912 CE). There’s no cushion at the root of the tail, so the tail appears to have been “crushed.” It also adds a twist and bridge of hair atop of the topknot, which makes it the most complicated variation of the Tsubushi shimada. Such a style was recognized as “iki,”or chic, and considered the opposite of the “taka-shimada.”

   It was widely popular among all women of Japanese society. The lower base of the topknot, giving it the appearance that it has been crushed, is what gives this style it’s name. Enhancements to this topknot, in the form of kanzashi, kanoko and chirimen, would help to identify the age and status of the wearer.

[koikishu]

Nihongami: Historical Overview - Women’s Hairstyles of the Edo Period, Part 03

Historical Time Period: Mid-Edo Period - 2nd Half (1753-1789)

Hairstyle Name: Tsubushi Shimada (つぶし島田) lit. “Crushed Rice Paddy Island”

  This hairstyle is a variation of the Shimada-mage established during the Tenpo period (1830-1844 CE) in the Edo era. It was a huge trend at that time especially between yuujo and brothel owners. There;s no cushion at the root of the tail, so the tail appears to have been “crushed.” Such a style was recognized as “iki,”or chic, and considered the opposite of the “taka-shimada.”

   It was widely popular among all women of Japanese society. The lower base of the topknot, giving it the appearance that it has been crushed, is what gives this style it’s name. Enhancements to this topknot, in the form of kanzashi, kanoko and chirimen, would help to identify the age and status of the wearer.