Everything has once more come to a close, and a new beginning of rebirth. While thinking upon and overcoming each of their own regrets and insecurities, we’ve watched all of these characters reach a new chapter of their lives. Although it was only a small amount of time, and they were only able to change one tiny part of history, the waves of repercussions will travel into the future, and hopefully be able to change someone else’s life for the better. Translating Hisone and Masotan did have its difficulties, as many fantasy themed anime have, but at the core of it the heart and soul of each character remained my impetus and guiding light each week. And from here on out, even if only a little, I too will think hard on what I take for granted, and the value that exists between me and others. And maybe, if I can, I’ll become a little more honest in my own life, both to myself and to those around me. Thank you once more for joining us on this flight through Okada Mari’s (and Higuchi Shinji’s) world. May you shine brighter than the stars.
tsuru: Hello hello, tsuru here. HisoMaso was an… interesting show to work on. Between the military terminology and ranks; the weird English (?) terms like ‘レアメタル’; obscure titles (taifu and the rest); their own personal terms like matsurigoto, fushido, and kusabime, all three of which we got wrong; and random other crap (the legendary comm-bus, which thankfully only showed up the one time), the show exacted a blood toll, though at least it was Japanese this time and not Greek. Overall, it was a bit different and just about entertaining enough, but perhaps a little like the $20 box of White Lovers I saw in my local supermarket the other day: probably decent, but not at that price. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed coming dragonvoring with us and agree that Iiboshi is best girl. Tune in again next season for batch fixing, mountain climbing, magic casting, room camping, and last touring. Thanks as always for watching.
Does her gaze lead beyond that far-off sky?
Kugyuu really likes calling people scum.
It’s in my nature to focus heavily on the writing of every anime I watch, as a translator, but Hisone and Masotan is made so much better due to the truly emotional art and animation, not to mention the flow of music and use of the OP theme. But really, the facial expressions are unbelievable and conveying so much in this show, far above the usual in anime.
So there are things to explain, things you can easily google, and things I’m not going to mention just in case they were meant to be secret (or nothing at all). The most immediately obvious change is Okonogi from High Steward to Senior Vice-Steward. Turns out last week’s closed captions were wrong (go figure)! The other is this weird term 楔女 which we have as a contraction of Bind-maiden. You can see what each of the kanji mean on your own. Oh, and then there’s the しめ縄, the braids, which are those large braided ropes you see hung everywhere at Shinto shrines. That’s about all I can remember to say for now. Meanwhile, Natsume is being written as an interesting foil to Hisone, and I’m excited to see this explored in more depth later, as well as the resolution of a certain earlier foreshadowing thread that is quite loose right now.
Remember that line about the bedroom last ep? Turns out that was a proper noun, Fushido. Also we get real religious this episode, so hang tight while we figure out the best way to convey obscure and outdated titles all over the place.
tsuru edit: What’s that? You want to know more about the obscure and outdated titles that are all over the place? Say no more, friend!