Recap: Azumanga Daioh 17

Hello everyone; and Merry Christmas. Today, I thought I’d share one of my traditions that I started after branching out with my anime fandom. I shall recap the Christmas special of my favorite slice-of-life series, Azumanga Daioh. 

The spawn of Kiyohiko Azuma; I have found this series to be a spot-on look at high school life through the eyes of a group of students and faculty that are as memorable as any character I’ve ever seen. So, let’s open up Azumanga Daioh episode 17.

We of course, start off with that ear worm of a theme song; “Fancy Hearing Cake.” This light and airy theme song is perfect for the whimsy portrayed within this series. I’m posting a link of it to have another listen.

The first segment starts off with Chiyo-chan and Ayumu “Osaka” Kasuga talking about going to the bookstore after school; as there is a book of panda photos coming out.

This leads into Osaka pondering which parts are white and which are black on a panda. Oh, that wacky Osaka! 

They attempt to draw some, and this is the result of Osaka’s rendering.

A shiny Pancham! Now where's my Quick Ball?

Here is Chiyo’s attempt. Looks like a dog.

Then, Osaka shares an anecdote of a fart that wasn’t hers. Yep, it’s just like her to be upfront of her bodily functions.

Who sniffed a fart out in my room?

As we begin the next segment; we see the memetic teacher Kimura; well-known for his bizarre demeanor and frank assessment of the female students and faculty at the school. 

Do you remember the 25th night of December?

As you can see in these screen caps, he is an otherworldly character who is in a league of his own. Even so, he’s married.

I know. Isn't it wonderful?

Mrs. Yukari, apparently sick of teaching English, decides to give math a go. It goes about as well as you’d expect. By the way, I’m going to be taking remedial algebra winter term. Not looking forward to that. 

With this, she decides to give gym class a try instead. 

She does marginally better at gym; but still lacks some of the better qualities of the proper gym teacher. 

Neither does this show, but I love it anyway.

The game switches from soccer to dodgeball, but Tomo cannot hit Chiyo because she’s so small!

Later that day, Mrs. Yukari is looking over a gift catalog as we begin the next segment; aptly titled “December.”

One of the things she has her eyes on is a delicious snow crab. I’ve had it before, it’s really good.

She asks the gym teacher if she’s ever had Matsuzaka beef. No, but I’d like to. You’d want to have it as your last meal if you were on death row.

When Chiyo expresses interest in an ice cream set; Yukari replies that she’s just a child. Well of course. What did you think she was, a senior citizen?

Osaka then greets us with a lovely gratuitous English “Merry Christmas!”

Chiyo then wonders what she’ll get that year. I do too.

Now comes a great scene where the older students try to ask Chiyo if she still believes in Santa Claus. Tomo, you don’t just ask a person that, it’s not cricket.

This then devolves into a debate about how to justify his existence. It starts out with how he funds his operation for the kids of Japan; and for that matter, the world.

Forget Japan, what about the world?

Then, they wonder how he can go around the world in one night. Can his sleigh go at sub-light speeds?

Tomo finally scoffs and says a person like that can’t exist. Some people say the same thing about you. 

Chiyo then tells them she already knows.

I just don't let anyone close to me know.

She tells them he’s her father. As well as my mother, my grandparents; and me!

Naturally, we’re greeted to Chiyo-chichi on the day itself in her home. Well, I believe he lives inside every person that wants to emulate goodwill and Christmas spirit.

I am old Kris Kringle, I'm the king of jingling!

Yes, he does indeed reveal that his expenses are taken care of; and he does indeed travel at sub-light speeds to cover the globe in one night. 

Me and my old lady!

Later that day, Tomo asks Yomi what she could have for Christmas if it could be anything. Well, I might like a Wii U, Super Mario 3D World, Sonic Lost Worlds, Super Smash Bros. U; Bayonetta 2, and The Wonderful 101. Guess there’s always my 23rd birthday.

Yomi asks for 10 trillion yen. At current conversion rates; that’s at least $10 billion. I could retire to Akihabara for that!

She then tries to make it more realistic. Yep, taxes would eat up a lot of that.

Chiyo then points out the big Christmas tree at station square. With a blue hedgehog wearing red shoes; I’ll bet! 

She wants the star at the top of the tree.

 Now comes the next debate: reindeer.

Tomo, of course, doesn’t believe they exist. Not flying ones, but I saw some in Canada when I was little.

Chico and Sakaki point out that they don’t fly, but they are indeed real.

They add while they’re different then actual deer; they do exist, much to Tomo’s shock. 

Stupid! You're so stupid!

Osaka points out the next event; New Year’s. I wonder what 2015 will bring. Despite some issues with my internet and computer peripherals, it brought about dandy guys in space; kamui, titans; and more pirates; Sailor senshi, and Pokémon.

Next year will be the year of the sheep; as we enter the last segment; “Christmas Party!”

Mrs. Yukari is ever sarcastic about the prospects of her students through her own admission; much like an anime Mrs. Krabbapel. 

That night, however, it’s party time!

Everyone is ready to celebrate the season! 

Tomo plans to walk around aimlessly; go karaoke, eat cake at Chiyo’s; then sleep over. Quite the pushy one, isn’t she?

Osaka then has a sort of quandary about Rudolph, just in time for the 50th anniversary of that beloved special. Particularly about the red nose. It leads to yet another great quote in this screen cap. 

She then wonders what kind of nose shines. You might even say it glows!

She then insinuates that it’s not a reindeer. It might be a Pokémon!

Now comes the karaoke scene. While I’m not the biggest fan of it; I will play some apropos music. 

Time after time!

Sakaki takes the mike right after Osaka, and is just angelic!

I'm free! Free falling!

Yomi, however, is considerably less so. I’m just going on record to say that I don’t find the idea of the dreadful musician funny. It’s been long established that people in the music industry don’t throw their garbage out. They put it on the top 40 charts. As such, I’ve stopped listening to it actively since 2008. Sure, if something stands out, I’ll listen; but for the most part, I’m done. Primarily been listening to classic rock; alternative, 80s and 90s music, and anime songs lately. 

Tomo then belittles Yomi over her song. I can only imagine what yours was like; Tomo.

Please let go of my shoulders.

Then, new snow is falling on the ground.

Just then, Kimura is right there to cross the line twice with his very presence. Seriously, he’s like the creepy neighbor on Family Guy.

You like popsicles?

We then close on another ear worm ending, Raspberry Heaven!

This episode is one of the many great traditions I have at Christmas time since coming of age. The animation, storytelling; and characterization are some of the best the medium has to offer. Sadly; what I have on tap for New Year’s is not as enjoyable. You all know what’s coming; you’ll just have to wait and see it.