Have you ever seen an anime character do something and thought, “That’s so violently me, it’s kinda offensive?” That was all I felt when I watched mono Episode 5. Seeing Haruno travel just to get dry-cured hams reminded me so much of myself that it was uncomfortable. And as much as I hate to admit it, Haruno has more self-control than I do. My last dry-cured and smoked meat run drained my account of over $1450. Curse the people who invented Iberian ham.
As much as I’d like to write a dissertation on dry-cured ham, that’s not what I’m here for. I’m here to write about mono and the joys of photography … of which we had little. With Laid Back Camp so heavily revolving around camping, I thought mono would match that level of insight, but not quite. Mono is still quite enjoyable, but I wish it were more photography-centered like Insomniacs After School. Still, let’s see what this episode gave us.
Mono Episode 5 — Dry-Cured Meats and Negligent Pet Ownership
Usually, anime slightly change the names of the places they depict. You’d think this is due to copyright, but mostly it’s to avoid random people showing up and harassing the shops/venues. This isn’t an issue here, as mono seemingly wants to send people their way. Much like the wine shops in the previous episode, Yatsugatake/Kiyosato ham are actual products, and damn do they look umai! If you can get alcohol and meat products shipped, this link is for you.
On a side note, I wonder what Japanese laws say about roaming pets because Taisho travels more than the average American. I guess the grass really is greener on the other side because cats can’t do that where I’m from. The moment a neko goes outside, coyotes get them.
There Be Ghosts in Them Hills
I didn’t think mono would have anything remotely paranormal. But the second part of mono Episode 5 surprised me with ghostly adventures. And the way they worked it in was marvelous.
It’s been days since I watched the episode, and I’m still laughing. Seeing the Cinephoto Club panic about being in a room with a ghost, only for them not to leave the room, is my kind of comedy.
And while rumblings of an exorcism and drastic measures were present, it wasn’t needed. Apparently, you can deal with Japanese ghosts the way the Hellenic Navy deals with refugees — take them back where you found them. Seems dumb, but it solves the problem.
Photography & Ghosts
Have you ever wondered why ghosts supposedly show up in photographs and videos when they’re imperceptible to us? That (supposedly) happens because a camera can pick up wavelengths that the human eye can’t. Whether you believe in them is your prerogative. I’m not one to get bogged down discussing poltergeists.
But when I started reviewing this show, I promised we’d learn about photography together, and I’m keeping my promise. Recently, I reached out to KAP expert Evan Reinheimer, and we talked about kite aerial photography. Now it’s time to reach out to a ghost-hunting expert. So, expect another side article about the intricacies of paranormal videography and photography sometime next week. Until then, ja ne!
Screenshots: Crunchyroll
© Afro/Houbunsha, Aniplex, Soigne
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