Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable episode 4 dropped a couple of days ago, bringing us more time with our established characters – Tsubasa, Minami, and Sayuri. Given the lack of actual story or plot so far in anime in favor of ecchi scenes, some people may be considering dropping Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable at this point. And I almost wouldn’t blame you – my love for Hokkaido and this manga aside. On the surface, the anime does just seem like a plotless ecchi series not worth sticking to. I hate to be that guy and tell you that it eventually will get good, but that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Stick it out, and I think (and hope) the anime will be rewarding.
We are properly introduced to Minami’s mother in this episode as the two pick up Tsubasa after he attempts to walk to school in a brutal blizzard. Minami’s incredibly flirtatious nature clearly takes after her mother, who is possibly even more of a gyaru than she is. It’s also obvious that Minami’s mother supports her daughter’s obvious endeavor to win Tsubasa’s heart. The romance aside, I appreciate the insight on Hokkaido residents not even attempting to walk in a blizzard like Tsubasa was trying to. Tsubasa tells the two while on the car ride to school that in Tokyo, if a blizzard this bad were to happen, people would go wild – and as a current Tokyoite, this is a very true statement.
In the second half of Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable episode 4, we see Minami and Sayuri getting along as friends, which was Minami’s goal in last week’s episode. The two gals and Tsubasa head to the mall for a day of shopping where Minami even gives Sayuri the cute nickname “Sayurin.” I love seeing women treat each other nicely, but how will the inevitable love triangle affect the two’s relationship?
The episode’s final scene starts as Tsubasa is doing homework at home. He texts Minami about a simple homework question, only to receive a playful text about how she’s currently taking a bath. Minami, as we know, is a serious flirt, and she decides to tease Tsubasa a bit while in the bath by sending pictures and even video calling him. I thought the situation was a little too intense for a high schooler who has only recently met this guy, but in the end, Minami herself feels embarrassed by her actions, especially after the incident where she almost drops her phone in the tub. High school emotions and teenage hormones can make anyone do crazy things for love and attention.
After another ecchi-filled episode, some people might be feeling a drop after Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable episode 4. I implore you to stick with it, as I do think the story is slowly building and getting you to fall in love with the characters before shoving drama into your face. It won’t be a long wait for episode 5, which may introduce a new Hokkaido Gal! What are your thoughts on the series so far?
Images via Crunchyroll
© Kai Ikada, Shueisha / Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable Production Committee