English Dub Review: SING “YESTERDAY” FOR ME: “The Man Named Minato”

Overview: Aspiring documentarian and photographer, Minato, works at the same art gallery with Uozomi (Aaron Campbell) and gets under his skin when he begins spending more time with Haru (Jill Harris). 

Our Take: The man named Minato is a new edition to the art gallery that Uozumi now works at. Uozomi finally achieved some ambitions, however small, taking his passion for photography to the next level. Minato is seen as pretentious by Uozumi but in reality it really does not come off that way. He is just particular and judicious about his work and the way he goes about it, he became instantly likable in how he knows what he likes and is honest about it. The reason why Uozumi feels the way he does about Minato is all because of Haru.

Minato has feelings for Haru, built up simply but subtly in her being the only one who liked his art when they were in high school. Her liking a lonely illustration is a good way of showing her isolation as well. His chumminess with her pissing Uozumi off seeds the flames of jealousy that are a warm indicator of how he is developing feelings for her. As far as Haru and Minato go, they have a compelling bond in how they both understand having feelings of unrequited love. Also delves again into Haru’s pain in being seen as a backup but the fact that her spending time with him has made Uozumi the most emotional then he has ever been should indicate how he feels. 

Haru and Minato’s day at the dock is a pivotal one in how it addresses his affection for her. Of course, she turns him down to her clear feelings for Uozumi but the rejection is the more juicy part in what it does for them both character wise. There is a strong sense of commitment from both sides in taking charge of what they want, Minato in admitting his feelings, even though he knew he would be rejected and Haru in how she wants to double down on Uozumi, even if she faces a similar rejection. Minato’s reveal is a great conclusion to his mini arc this episode in a weight being lifted off his shoulder as he also commits to traveling the world to photograph other amazing sights like he always wanted to. With their amicable departure, Minato also manages to win the photograph contest, after leaving, much to Uozumi’s irritation, especially when it is of Haru funnily enough.