Everyone knows everyone dies. Yes this is going to be an existential reflection. For the sentimental ponderers this faintly lit ambiguity that occasionally bursts into a large glimpse of the place past the veil is an acquaintance they have long awaited for more interactions with. The heart truly seeks what can wrap one up warmly with the mysteries of life the stories that are yet to be lived inhibited by a shortage of liberated breaths are keenly sought after. To be sensitive is to be imprisoned in indolence for the exploration of emotions indepth and letting sentimentality dictate the nature of movement. Still its reasonable to get tired of being reminded of our fleeting stay on this land from all the pseudointellectual posts littered about and simply because of the sheer quantity of reminders. Instead of ruminating many can simply seize the day carpe diem thats the goal after all. As I learn to crawl towards actually living and being allowed to do so Ill have my shelf be in bulk with unspoken writings in the meantime. Hanada Shounenshi offers itself up for that purpose. The straightforward simplicity is the key to the animes profound character as any perplexity that may distract the viewer from being showered by purity is shed away. With Ichiro being aged nine and all it became more advantageous to reveal the wonders of conscious life in that manner and through it we come to possess the eyes of a child and the weary soul of an older person both. As a result Hanada Shounenshi slithers its way through our tender affections more successfully propped up by the rough active beauty of the countryside. https://i.ur.com/34MPOoO.png What powers do children hold to be painted as light proprietors of potential beacons of hope most precious among all? If thought about as little seedlings that are certain to become much like the great people of every present or as the reason why the species can attain its instinct to be eternal a portion of understanding is unlocked. One can view their innocence and feel a budding glow in the chest or experience plaintive nostalgia as well in being bridged to an animated past. I assume that the latter is more suitable within this shows environment as it deals with the deads final wishes which stem from regret. These conditions immediately place Ichiro in a promising spot as a great medium to tell the story through his eyes. It is the norm to write the protagonist to be the heart of ones creation yet it is amusing that Ichiro is nowhere near the kind of kid that could start up the passion within at the outset at least. His devilish misbehavior is wildly misplaced from the solemnity of my reflections. But that is especially why that he remains an academic and household misfit even by the end despite the immense maturity of his empathy which Im glad to have been effected in an episodic anime that Ichiro never lacks of charm and color for if he were to become a completely new person within the span of a year then entertaining realism would kick itself out the door. He is so profoundly hardheaded that of course a specifically head injury from a vehicle accident couldnt crack his skull him screaming agonizingly I hate you Mom after being separated from Rinko was undoubtedly distasteful at first considering the whole point of his first loves arc the longest of all but as the days unfold Ive come to understand more why it was met by a loving reply from Hisae to her childs curse. That is how her child operates and the author intended to keep it that way to keep Ichiros trademark outward tarnish that shows his flaws and makes inconspicuous the care he has for his boisterous family. Being the kid he is Ichiro is undoubtedly yet to always end up thinking things through so not all his actions are meant to be agreeable. Hanada Shounenshi is definitely not childfriendly because of that. Additionally around the wholesomeness there are perverted elements which thank the Heavens are not conducted by the nineyearold protagonist related to teenage lust and infidelity which found no judgment from the narratives jury. Someone with more life experience can consume the plot properly and find that those aspects may just be understandably odious comedy and a way to outline Ichiros innocence to the temptations of the flesh. They were personally harmless and not too huge of a detractor. In the end they contribute to the different kinds of wishes the departed have in this case absurd ones. But where do those wishes come from? To reiterate they originate from a place of deep regret enough for people to stay in the realm of the living as ghosts. More often than not these wishes spark profoundly tender stories that can hit you right in the heart imparting the viewer with a renewed grasp on our ephemeral nature. There may be those who believe that the afterlife materializes in such a way that allows the peaceless dead to have a chance to be fulfilled but for people like me who follow no such ideology impermanence can be such a harrowing subject. The looming finality hovers like a shadowy cloud ubiquitously felt yet undetectable. And consciousness after passing away does not turn microscopic the relevance of death for Hanada Shounenshi also shows the fiery drive of one close to visiting the other side. Episodes 11 and 12 were the monumental arc. I dont even know where to begin with this. Haruhikos story had the quintessential power of art surging through like tidal waves moving me mind body and soul not only because of what Im about to yap on below but also because it is here the author evinces Ichiros extreme will to live through the hellish pain of a hospitalized body. Love and freedom. The marriage of both entities can manifest as countless equations and all possess the celestial control to stir up the primal emotions humans are equipped with. I think to be imprisoned from ones ultimate needs and wants is severely damaging perhaps irreparably in the worst cases. Life stops becoming what its supposed to be when that happens. Everybody dies and how much despair is inflicted when thinking about a life thats not lived? To be able to pursue a love thats free to me is the greatest privilege and having it is the greatest feeling. When it reaches the creation of a child and it does not need to go so far life becomes so much more than what it initially is. That is why Haruhikos regret of being submissive to his parents and leaving Kana and their child after being so sheltered all throughout his brief lifetime was colossal and a phenomenal cause for an utterly liberating sensation. Introducing the bodyswitch mechanics at this point was also genius. There is so much thematic relevance in Haruhiko using Ichiros body to interact with Kana and Natsu. For one Ichiro lives every day to the fullest a child that really refuses to be pinned down by external forces. A direct contrast to Haruhiko lights up. However a childs body can only do so much as shown when it struggles to carry the little Natsu. This directly points to Haruhiko being a young adult and the power he has to shoulder the burden but most of all to carry one of lifes greatest blessings. This simple image of a physically and spiritually recovered Haruhiko carrying with him Natsu and the gifts he promised to give to her saying oftrepeated You only live once quote and following it with a vow to live his life fully not only for himself but also for the beloved people he found within his lifetime is an indescribable masterpiece. https://i.ur.com/uNWEK1e.png Again the simplicity sells it so well. The staff under the direction of Kojima Masayuki Made in Abyss Monster are fully aware of where the line stands. A clear vision of the appropriate approaches to take makes Hanada Shounenshi a consistent piece of wholesome art that houses creative tales concentrated on the value of life such as showcasing what it means to grieve the loss of a child a father or a stray cat give marriage a second chance keep promises and take complete control of ones life. Though the series may present itself with noble depth nevertheless Hanada Shounenshi left with a shiny trail towards introspective contemplation.