English Dub Review: Hand Shakers “Kitten Kitchen”

Kitten mittens.

Hand Shakers episode “Kitten Kitchen” resumes after Koyori (Lara Woodhull) gained the ability to speak in “Finally Fairy.” As Makihara (Anthony Bowling) explains, discovering her nimrod afforded her the ability to use her voice. “Kitten Kitchen” features excellent references to past episodes and feels increasingly cohesive.

Chizuru (Sarah Wiendenheft) hires Koyori and Tazuna (Justin Briner) at one of the Cocktail Corn locations. After seeing Tazuna and Koyori work together preparing food during “Festival and Carnival,” she was impressed to the point of offering them a job. It’s neat to see Tazuna and Koyori overcoming real-world challenges regarding their constant hand-holding. Initially, Chizuru wanted to send Tazuna to the kitchen and make Koyori a greeter, but the two needed to constantly hold hands. As such, both ended up in the kitchen.

Lily (Natalie Hoover) and Masaru (Trina Nishimura) visit Koyori and Tazuna at Cocktail Corn. While teaching Tazuna hoe to play Precious Memories, Masaru recruits Tazuna to aid in protecting his sister. Later, Koyori and Tazyna happen upon Kodama (Bryn Apprill) and Hibiki (Sonny Strait) who are setting up for Kodama’s concert. While most of the episode features an upbeat tone, it grows dark as the threatening, shady man Tazuna met earlier reappears with a girl that looks remarkably like Koyori. The two are holding hands, and it seems Makihara comprehends what’s occurring.

“Kitten Kitchen” arrives as one of the most enjoyable Hand Shakers episodes in season one. There’s a cohesive vibe fostered by uniting characters. It’s refreshing to see the likes of Chizuru, Hayate, Lily, Masaru, Kodama, and Hibiki returning for roles in the same episode. In part, this is because they’re unique characters. However, continuing to feature these characters further creates a sense of place and shapes a universe. I appreciate the world building aspect quite a lot.

Additionally, “Kitten Kitchen” advances the plot and ends with a bit of intrigue. Who is this shady man, and why is he wit that resembles Koyori? This sub plot resurges and promises to unravel as the season progresses. Entertaining, story-driven, and featuring a comprehensive slew of characters “Kitten Kitchen” is a delightful Hand Shakers entry.