Mono Episode 2 is out, and it makes me feel old. Anyone under 25 might not know this, but once upon a time, we’d strap cameras to balloons and kites for aerial photography.
While this episode didn’t bring much in terms of photography and videography, it did bring major Yuru Camp vibes and comfort. But with the photography club threatened with extinction, where do Sacchan and An-chan go from here?
Mono Episode 2 — What Happened?
If you judge Japan by anime standards, you most likely think that the worst pain a Japanese person can experience is having their school club disbanded. The indignation Stalin felt when Germany invaded is less than what a Japanese student feels when their club faces the axe!
Unfortunately, that pain is what Sacchan and An-chan lived in this episode. Faced with the termination of their club due to a lack of members, the girls are given the option of downgrading to an unofficial club or dissolving. But an opportunity presents itself to them, the Cinematography club is also facing disbandment and if they could recruit their members they’d save their club.
Thinking that would be a hurdle, the photography club prepares for a challenge. But it’s all for naught as Sakurako Shikishima, the go-with-the-flow president of the Cinema Club quickly joins them.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, the photography club’s unofficial member and self-proclaimed hikikomori, Haruno, meets the fifth main character of the show — Kako Komada. An avid moto vlogger, Kako is all about viewer engagement. While the main cast doesn’t all meet until the end of the episode, given Kako’s elan for Motovlogging, she’ll fit right in.
Mono Episode 2 — Production Thoughts
The anime’s OST and scene music are whimsical, and I adore it! Most people don’t applaud OSTs as much as they should. The background music (or lack of it) can eloquently enhance a scene, and that’s noticeable here. Kudos to Hajime Hyakkoku for his musical work on this.
As a huge fan of Yuru Camp, seeing Mono pay homage to its predecessor with its opening montage instantly brought a smile to my face. But Mono Episode 2 did have its animation drawbacks — most noticeably; riding scenes. I’m legally obligated to call out anything that looks like ugly CGI when I see it and quite a few of those scenes were way too in-your-face.
The Photography Corner
If, like An-chan, you want to dive into aerial photography but can’t afford or don’t want to use a drone, is kite aerial photography for you? While it may seem straightforward there are a few things to consider.
Flying kites in urban areas filled with electrical wires is a terrible idea. Plus, there can be legal restrictions on kite flying, including height limits and color regulations, (depending on where you live). It’s also a good idea to check what types of birds inhabit the area, as some species might take offense to your kite flying.
Similarly, taping your camera to a kite isn’t the most efficient approach. Instead, you should consider creating (or purchasing) a rig to mount a small, lightweight action camera for better results. I’m not an expert, so I won’t provide step-by-step instructions, but I recommend checking out websites like this or this to help you get started with the hobby.
The Tribulations and Comforts of CGDCTs
Has an anime ever said something that caused you days of rumination? Mono Episode 2 can boast it did that to me. Seeing Kako lament that most of her time was spent at work and commuting to and from work shaved 10 years off my life.
If I advocate for anything in life, it’s prioritizing your adventures and personal growth. You have a limited time on this rock; spend your best years enjoying it. Slice-of-life shows tend to champion this point of view, and I exalt them for it. Pick up a hobby, even if you’re bad at it.
Screenshots: Crunchyroll
© Afro/Houbunsha, Aniplex, Soigne
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