English Dub Review: Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life “Morning of the Showdown”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

After months of practicing day and night, the koto club’s last chance to make it to the Nationals while they’re all still together has arrived: it’s time for the National Qualifier. They and 13 other schools meet up to compete for a single spot in the esteemed competition.

Everyone in the club is super stressed out. It may only be a single performance, and it’s not their first one, but as Adachi points out, the nature of that serves only to make them even more nervous. Luckily, Hozuki has made everyone charms for good luck. Even Hozuki’s mother is coming to listen to her daughter’s performance, thanks to Akira. With all the pieces in place, it’s time for the performances to commence!

Our Take:

Morning of the Showdown is very much a lead-up type of episode. It sets the scene for the dramatic koto performances we’re going to get a chance to hear the next episode, but it doesn’t contain any of the actual performances itself. Instead, we’re treated to a morning with the koto club, and a bit of the other rival clubs as well. The show does a nice job really selling how major this moment is for the group. Some may call this kind of pre-conflict episode filler, but I’d posit that it’s not only helpful for building the tension, but it’s necessary to get viewers fully invested in the music to come.

For longtime watchers, this episode has a lot of emotional power. There are many moments spent reflecting back on our main characters’ memories, from Takezo’s experiences with the club last year to Chika’s grandfather’s untimely passing. But while these are bittersweet memories, Hozuki’s mother’s attendance is almost tragic. Her continued insistence on seeing Hozuki as an expelled protege rather than as her own daughter is heartbreaking. And Akira has had enough of it. Getting fed up with all the depressing moping, she literally grabs her headteacher and drags her to the vehicle along with Grandma Dojima. “I don’t have time to argue with you, but I’m sorry, and you’re going.” This scene just made me so happy. Akira’s addition to the cast was a wonderful choice. It depends of course on how things pan out, though. If it’s framed as something Hozuki needed to do her best, then good on Akira. But if neither one of the benefits, then it’s just messing around in someone else’s business with no positive outcome.

It’s always a shindig with the 14 other koto clubs meet up for events, and today’s qualifier is no different. From the sleepy dude to the girl who’s in love with Hozuki, they’re all present and accounted for. I like how Chika’s measure of Kanagawa’s seriousness is if Kazuza runs to shower Hozuki with adoration. She doesn’t, and that’s how he knows she’s got her sights fully set on winning. Even more intimidating is Hakuto High School, who won the last competition with their stellar composition. It’s going to be a tough battle for this victory, no matter who comes out on top.

This week’s dub had some nice performances from everyone, but especially Hozuki and her mother, I thought. “No, we’re not scared! Order doesn’t matter at all!” The more nervous Chika gets, the harsher his tone. “You guys are already like my grandkids.” The store owner’s message to Chika was so sweet, and I love that she’s become a kind of mentor for him. “I wonder which school I want to root for?” The koto magazine editor is a new puzzle piece, but she’s a lot of chaotic fun. “As the grandmaster of this school, it would be improper to watch her performance.” Satowa’s mom is just a total bummer. “I just got my license; you ladies better hold on tight!” Akira is the best part of the show now.

Morning of the Showdown may not be a good episode on its own when viewed in isolation, but from the perspective of someone who has watched these kids progress over the last two seasons, it’s a rewarding episode filled with emotional callbacks and sweet memories. Plus, it gives Akira something amazing to do, and introduces a wacky magazine editor who kind of hates her job? I’m looking forward to seeing how all these things come together next episode. (Which will probably be delayed, because of the holidays.)