Annotated Anime: Hanayamata episodes 6-7


Finally, let's dance

When Hanayamata first introduced Yaya, she played with a band. If we logically assume the story is about the formation of a yosakoi club, then the band probably has to go. How does it happen? More importantly, how does Yaya's identity, which is wrapped up a lot around both her reputation and perception at school along with the band, resolve in such a way to further that club story?

I'm not sure if I like the way the plot resolves, but in the process there were some pretty heartful character development. Maybe it's okay for Hanayamata to keep things really simple. Let's see.

Before we get to Yaya, Hanayamata has carefully built up the character over the course of these 6-7 episodes. Part of this is through also putting some pressure on supporting characters, such as the club adviser Sally-chan. As Hana works through her trouble with her coursework in Japanese, it gives another chance for Naru/Hana to show off their perseverance and guts. It's a little obvious to me that Sally, Yaya, Tami and eventually Machi will all be assets to the club and ways for Hana and Naru to further their causes, so it's nice to see how Naru and Hana earn their way to better graces.

Flowery trio

Putting it that way is a little mercenary, but looking back, the story is coming together in such a simple way that these character development tropes feel put in place by necessity. Thankfully Hanayamata executes with a lot of heart and aces them with aplomb. I think by having Sally convinced by an impromptu dance performance is great--at least the audience is kind of due one. Giving the additional incentive of an oversea trip seals the deal there.

The bigger fish here is how Yaya is integrated with the club. My favorite part has to do with the way how ultimately it can be framed in terms of Yaya's identity, her sense of self and how her pride partly defines who she is. In order to effectively jump ship between clubs, it's a little bit sad that the band had to go, even if it's a realistic way to dissolve the group via the failed audition. The way the spat and how it was reconciled may be kind of clean, but I liked the way Hana and Naru confronted Yaya and failed the first time. It felt natural even if these three are the most lucid and clearly-spoken middle schoolers that I've seen in some time.


With that said, episodes 6 through 7 covers the distance as Hana convinces Sally to sponsor their club to participate a local event. It's also a big effort on Sally's part, thus the resistance. In preparation of the event, Hana, Naru and Tami work hard to create the necessary things the group needs--the dance, the song, and the gear. Yaya, as her band Need Cool Quality runs into their biggest setback after being rejected by an audition, falls into a funk and eventually gets out of it and embraces Naru's affectionate invite to join the yosakoi club.


Much like Yaya, all this time Tami also has been slowly pulling the even more stubborn Machi into the circle of friends who are now excited about something that they have ownership over. How will they melt this next obstacle with friendship and camaraderie, hopefully, will fill in the next few episodes in Hanayamata.

[Watch Hanayamata on Crunchyroll!]

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Jeff Chuang
Jeff ChuangAssociate Editor   gamer profile




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