English Dub Review: Horimiya “This Summer’s Going to Be a Hot One”

 

Overview (Spoilers Below):

At the Hori household, Miyamura stays for the night after dinner. Kyosuke before sleeping asks Miyamura what he likes about Kyoko and he gives a good answer. In the morning, other students from their high school spot the two coming out of Hori’s house. Rumors spread about them dating at school and it’s mainly about Miyamura’s gloomy appearance. Tired of the rumors, Miyamura shows up the next day with a new haircut. It sparks interest with the other girls much to Hori’s displeasure. Then Shindo brings Hori and Miyamura candy that he got from a contest. The trio tries out unusual candy flavors and it leads to a kiss from Miyamura to Hori as Shindo faces away from them.

After the novelty wears off Honoka Sawada, a second-year demand to know when Miyamura will break up with Hori. Then Sawada follows him everywhere which Hori confronts the girl about it. Sawada reveals that she’s got a crush on Hori and insults Miyamura. The two fight over Hori and it continues in their daily life. Miyamura and Sawada find out that their next-door neighbors as Sawada forgets her key inside. Miyamura offers her cake as she waits in his home for her parents. Over at Hori’s house, Hori, Miyramura, and Kyosuke watch horror films but Kyosuke goes out to buy smokes. Hori and Miyamura are about to kiss, but Kyosuke interrupts as he forgot his wallet.

 

Our Take:

Horimiya keeps up its weekly hijinks with the addition of Kyosuke and Sawada into the routine of Hori and Miyamura.

First off Kyosuke pestering Miyamura and how the show on the television parallels their conversation as Hori watches was amusing. Kyosuke questions Miyamura about what he likes about Hori. Miyamura answers on how she doesn’t judge people by their appearances. It’s a touching moment in between the comedic moments of the episode. The candy that Shindo gives them really shows how many weird flavors candy can get. The banter between the guys in that scene was nice.

Miyamura’s haircut ends the conflict of the rumors despite his friends and Hori saying not to mind it. However, it brings unwanted attention from other girls as Hori’s in full ice queen mood out of jealousy. The change makes the show more interesting as the novelty of his haircut wears off. Then Sawada enters the fray to fight Miyamura for Hori’s attention. Horimiya flips the cliche implication of Sawada crushing Miyamura with her dialogue when it’s actually Hori Sawada is crushing on. The both of them fighting over Hori was hilarious. It makes the show stand apart from other anime. Horimiya does a nice job of giving Sawada some character depth in this episode. The unfortunate passing of her older brother fills Miyamura in on her circumstances and her discomfort around other guys.

Now that Hori and Miyamura are dating the episode brings up the intimacy between the two. There’s Miyamura’s kiss with Hori as he takes the clay flavor candy from her. Personally, I thought that move was smooth. Hori questions Miyamura on the lack of it, so he attempts to kiss her again until Kyosuke interrupts them. It’s a bit frustrating, but the tension keeps people in suspense for the next episode.

Overall this episode was funny and sweet with the banter between the characters. Our main couple’s relationship is steadily growing more intimate. I look forward to seeing more of it in their daily lives.