Anime
Ookiku Furikabutte – 24
This is it, the final stretch of the first-round game between Nishiura and Tosei. Whose summer will end? Who will go home with their dreams of Koshien shattered?
If you are ready to know, then find out in…
Ookiku Furikabutte 24 – Conclusion 「決着」
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On the stands, the Tosei band is playing twice as hard, matching Tosei’s playing beat per beat.
Mashiba refuses to bunt the first two fastballs. Feeling Mihashi’s apprehensions against throwing any more fastballs, Abe signs for a shootball (shuuto). Mashiba bunts it close to home, Mihashi runs to get it, but trips himself. Tajima gets to it, but throws it a split-second too late.
With Mihashi down on his knees, Abe scolds him out of his momentary depression, telling him that this is not going to be a repeat of Mihoshi. Back on the mound, Mihashi starts to feel the pressure and fear starts to settle in. After a pitch, Abe quickly passes the ball to Suyama in an effort to stop Mashiba from stealing second. However, Mashiba proves to be too quick. During Matsunaga’s turn, Mihashi strikes him out.
Shimazaki bunt fouls the second time. Abe runs to catch it, but comes up short. He punches the ground out of frustration. Right after, he comes over to the mound to apologize, surprising Mihashi. Tajima tries to preempt the direction of Shimazaki’s hit, but miscalculates, but Suyama is there to in time for the pickup. Suyama loses a bit of control of the ball and throws too far off the first baseman’s reach. Mashiba takes advantage and advances to third base.
Mihashi’s worries doubles as Aoki, Tosei’s cleanup batter, is up next with one out and a man on third and first. The pressure finally gets to him and he begins to doubt himself. He feels as though he is back in Mihoshi, and like before, the team will lose because of him. However, just when Mihashi seems to have reached his lowest, the team lets him know that they are all rooting for him, that they believe in him. Mihashi does not quite understand how none is angry with him. He is unable to believe that the others could tell him such kind words.
With Mihashi’s straight, Aoki shoots it off to middle outfield. Izumi dives and catches the fly ball at the tip of his glove for the second out. While on the ground, he flicks the ball to Hanai, who throws it all the way to home base. Mashiba slides to home, colliding with Abe. Everyone looks on to the umpire for his decision. Then finally, he declares that Mashiba is out.
NISHIURA WINS!!! NISHIURA WINS!!!
Nishiura and the crowd erupt in elation knowing that they have clinched the win! After exchanging bows with Tosei and the officials, Nishiura goes to their cheering section and formally shows their gratitude for their support.
At the Tosei bench, Kazuki holds the “win” charm given to him he also recalls the kind and encouraging words his family had uttered to him. Once he was ready, he stands and instructs the others to clear the bench. On their way out, Junta catches his attention. Barely able to speak, eyes filling with tears, Junta says his sincerest apologies to Kazuki. Kazuki hugs Kazuki as both start to sob uncontrollably. Emotions run high as the Tosei team mourns their lost.
Outside the stadium, Momoe gives out some instructions to the boys. She makes it clear that there is much to be done, seeing that they barely made it past Tosei.
Kazuki approaches Hanai.
Kazuki: Hanai, that last throw to home was really amazing.
Hanai: Ah… no…
Kazuki: For an all-freshman team to be this strong, it is all right to aim for Koshien (Summer Tournament Championship). This (shows senbazuru or “Thousand Paper Cranes”) was made by our managers and staff, will you accept it?
Hanai: Yes!
Kazuki: Please do your best. We’ll be rooting for you!
Hanai: Thank you very much!
Mihashi lies on a folding bed as Shiga examines him. Afterwards, they find him sound asleep. Tajima tries to wake him up without success, when Riou happens to past by. Riou inquires on Mihashi’s condition and comes face-to-face with Tajima. He soon realizes that this was the guy who hit Junta’s sinker and also managed to figure out his pitching motion. He takes time to chat with Tajima. He tells him to do their best before running off.
Abe and Tajima lug an exhausted and sleeping Mihashi to the car park. Momoe tells Mihashi’s mom to take Mihashi straight home to rest. The guys were about to put Mihashi at the backseat, but Mihashi’s mom stops them. She takes off Mihashi’s wet clothes before putting him in. During the drive home, Ruri glances over Mihashi’s sleeping face and thinks to herself how glad she is that she came.
Thoughts
Finally, the last episode… NOT! There is still one more episode left!
The first half of the episode went by like a blur. I was surprised as Abe that Nishiura had already won. I forgot that Aoki came to the plate with a man already out. Thus, Izumi’s catch and Abe’s successful block at plate are the second and third outs, respectively. I was not expecting the game to end that way. Kazuki did not even get the chance to bat for one last time.
Tosei: Class Acts
It was really quite a match between Tosei and Nishiura. The Tosei players are such class acts, especially Kazuki, the captain. They graciously accepted defeat, it hurt, but they accepted it without regrets or bitterness.
It was rather hard and emotional to see Tosei crying over their loss. Junta and everyone else started sobbing and crying, it was quite a sight to see. It shows how invested these players are on baseball. I’ve mentioned this before, but this game was a do or die. It is single-elimination. That and Kazuki being a senior means that it was going to be the last shot he will have for Koshien and with that loss, Tosei’s “summer has ended”.
What’s so great about Kazuki is that despite that sad fact, he still went out of his way to congratulate Hanai and Nishiura. He also handed him a senbazuru.
Senbazuru 「千羽鶴」: Thousand Paper Cranes
The senbazuru is one thousand origami (Japanese paper-folding) cranes strung together. It is a symbol of long life. It is said to be a common occurrence for people to give it to a person who is sick or in the hospital. It is believed that one who possesses a senbazuru will be granted one wish. They are also being offered when going to shrines to wish for happiness, luck, and long-life or when rooting for one’s favorite sports team.
In any case, getting a senbazuru goes deeper than just receiving folded papers. It has a special connotation among Japanese. I believe that Kazuki meant for it to bring Nishiura good luck and truly wishing for them to reach the championships.
Nishiura at crunch time
It was beautiful to see how the guys have bonded so much together. Being able to sense Mihashi’s confidence waning, they immediately made their feelings of support known to him. It made all the difference from Mihashi going back to his Mihoshi days and from the Mihashi that we saw in this game.
They really are inspiring. That is part of what’s great about non-professional sports is that it is pure and untainted by money. The players play for the love of playing. They play for pride, excellence, for their own satisfaction, and for sheer enjoyment of it. It is different, almost sacred, seeing them play and relishing every moment of it. That is part of the appeal of sports anime, isn’t it? Seeing individuals working their hearts out and then seeing them being rewarded for all they have done. Being passionate about something is really a beautiful thing.
In this episode, Hanai finally had his time to shine. That throw to homeplate was nothing short of amazing. Earlier in the episode, I was disappointed when he struck out so easily, but he redeemed himself with that play to clinch their win. Everybody got their own time in the limelight. It was truly a win as a result of team effort.
Coming to an end…
This is the second to the last episode. Though, from the looks of it the next episode will mostly be just wrapping up this series, an epilogue of sorts. I was watching this episode slowly, trying to savor each moment. I was sad knowing that such a wonderful series is coming to an end. You can only imagine my surprise when I saw that there was still an episode left because for quite some time, I believed that it was going to end with this episode.
Well, no complaints here, I am not quite ready to part with Oofuri just yet.
Episode 25 (Finale) – One Win 「ひとつ勝って 」
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13 comments for “Ookiku Furikabutte – 24”
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Oh my god. This episode had me with my heart in my mouth until that final call. Then it ripped my heart out and stomped on it with the Kazuki-Junta bit. God I feel so sorry for those two. I don’t know Japanese, but I think I picked up that Hanai noticed that Kazuki’s (and Shingo’s) eyes were reddened when he gave them the senbazuru? In any case, I’m pretty sure he was thinking how incredibly classy this guy was.
Did Tajima give Riou his phone number or something? What did he write on his hand? I figured it had to be some way of getting in touch, since Riou had so many questions he wanted to ask and no time. It just struck me as so Tajima-like to cheerfully give your contact info to somebody and only wonder after he left who that was.
Also, they were pretty close while gazing into each other’s eyes, and I’m pretty sure Tajima thought something about how Riou’s eyes were interesting. Hanai’s got competition.Fantastic series, huh? I love the show. I felt very sad for the Tosei team but also very elated for the Nishiura team. They, both Nishiura and Tosei, are all winners in my books. Playing hard and fair. It was a wonderful game to watch.
*Puts the 2nd ED “Arigatou” ??????? on repeat play*
I am desperately hoping for a 2nd season of Oofuri. They’ve got more than enough of the manga done for a 2nd season.
What a great episode this is! I was so moved when Nishiura boys yelled out to Mihashi and helped him get his confidence back. They really are a great team.
As much as I was glad that Nishiura won, it broke my heart to see Junta’s crying face and even Kazuki was crying.. ;__; Junta said that he was sorry and that he still wanted to play battery with Kazuki longer, or something like that right? Ahhh, now I understand why they’re called “Meoto” :3
Thanks for the summary, I really appreciate it. I still can’t believe we only have one more episode to go… I really hope they will make a second season of Oofuri.
Thank you for the hard work of blogging so many eps at once (^w^)!
This ep is simply touching. I love Tousei as much as Nishiura, so I can’t help but cried too when they did (even after rewatching for the 3rd time). And the fact that Nishiura’s cheering group was celebrating so loudly in the back when the mood for Tousei (and me) was so gloomy pissed me off. A loser can’t complain, I suppose ;_;. I hope if the story ever get to the Fall Tournament, Nishiura and Tousei get into different blocks.
I am happy that Nishiura didn’t forget to show their appreciation to the cheering group. In many sports anime families and supporters are so often neglected, while in real life, their support is crucial.
The conversation and cranes exchange between Tousei and Nishiura concludes the match perfectly, leaving no hard feeling on the table. I like that Nishiura truly showed their respect to the team they have just beat. I mean, good opponents are important for advancement, so they deserve respect too. I think this is why Oofuri gives you warm and fuzzy feeling.
And Tajima frog jump hugging Mihashi is just XD. And Mihashi’s mom stripping Mihashi in front of everyone… in the manga, there were female schoolmates watching, too…
BTW, did anyone know if Kazuki and Shingo have been in Koushien? My impression is that they weren’t regulars last year when Tousei reached Koushien. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
@Wonapalei: Tajima thought Riou’s eye color was unusual for a Japanese. And Tajima wrote Riou his email address.
Next ep is my absolute favorite slice-of-life chapter. Can’t wait for it!
I was shocked when the realization sank in that the next episode would be the end. I wanted to watch these boys bond and play more – they’ve done so much in what seems to be so short a time. They’ve grown so much together – especially Mihashi. I loved the moments when he shouted enthusiastically during the games.
This anime is one of the best I’d ever seen, though it’s a pity it’s not as popular as it should be. It has its own personal and unique charm, and even though I’ve never played baseball, the characters’ personalities and desires hit so close to home.
I wanted to see all these characters get even closer together, and see the anime explore all of them, but at the moment, this seems like an appropriate time to end the season. Continuing would make the series lose some of its novelty and charm after all the heartache we viewers have been through D: But that’s just my personal opinion.
My heart was beating so fast watching this episode. I know for sure I’ll cry at the next, and last.
Have to agree…. is just that, when you think back of all the moments that this anime have shown us through…. Mihashi, Abe, Hanai, Tajima and the rest of the members, each of them have stood deep in our hearts til the end. Not forgetting all the BL hints the anime has given us.
To think it’s all going to end, well, we have to wait for the second season to come and give us more oofuri love!
But really will miss Nishiura…
I like the part where Tajima jump on to Mihashi, especially when he say :”YATTA YATTA YAAAAAAAAAAAAAATAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNN”
It’’s very funny, couldn’t stop laughing.
Glad that Nishiura won, and yet hold respect to Tosei for having good sportsmanship and supporting the promising team. Good luck to both teams in the future to come.
Next episode if of curry, Bento, AND MORE CURRY! Can’t wait!
Thanks for posting these summaries. It’s really good.
I completely totally thought Nishiura was done for; so glad they are not. Everything was so fitting! From Hanai the captain throwing the crucial last throw home, to the 3rd year captain of Tosei not getting a last chance at base.
The depiction of both teams post-game was perfect, too — the winners relieved, elated; the losers completely in despair. I loved how the captain held his tears in until the pitcher broke down in front of him. Also as someone mentioned up thread, Hanai noticed the red-rimmed eyes of the captain, and finally realised the weight of what they’d done.
I sure hope Mihashi isn’t ill next episode… so relieved there’s one more — thought this one was the last!
@Wonapalei Yes, Hanai did mention about Kazuki’s red eyes.
For your Tajima and Riou question, I believe p-kun had already elaborated
Thanks p-kun
Riou did have several questions in mind, but couldn’t quite articulate it. Their faces were pretty close, it kinda excited me a bit :p LOL, the inner fangirl speaks!
@leongsh I love this show as well. The manga was already great as it was, but seeing it animated was a different beast all together!
I really respect how Tosei handled themselves. Eventhough they were hurting, but they still composed themselves and extended their congratulations and goodwill to the other team. How many people do that at this day and age, especially in professional sports? It’s wonderful and inspiring.
Old and new fans alike are all wishing for a second season. Let’s just hope that A-1 will obliged. They have done a terrific job so far.
@sonteen12 The Kazuki-Junta scene was heart-wrenching. Unlike other shows where you really didn’t care much about the opposing team, Oofuri really made me feel for Tosei. Mainly because of Kazuki, since he is such an all-around good guy and this was his last Summer Tournament
@p-kun LOL, you’re welcome
I had a huge backlog, so I had to catch up really quick, thus the flood.
I was slightly irked as well that Hamada’s (?) voice was blaring at the background during the start of Tosei’s emotional scene. Though, I guess that’s how it would be in real life. You can’t just deafen yourself from the cheers. If they do see each other during the Fall Tournament, Kazuki won’t be there right?
As I have mentioned before, I really appreciate how the series highlights the families and other people that support the team. Again, props to Asa Higuchi for giving some attention on theis aspect.
I don’t know if Kazuki and Shingo were not in Koshien or not. I haven’t read the manga while following the anime for quite some time now, so maybe I missed it.
@afterthefray If you have read my previous posts, I always say that I am not familiar with baseball. As you’ve expressed, the baseball does not hinder the viewers from appreciating the show. The characters are really relatable and there is more a slice-of-life feel to this than sports. Though I have been told that the baseball in the anime is technically sound and impressive even. So, it doesn’t dumb down the baseball for non-baseball fans, but it still keeps it at a level that we can understand. So, it is all good. Asa Higuchi has managed to insert so much intricacies of baseball into the show. I find myself constantly researching about the terms they are mentioning. Baseball really is quite fascinating.
@applepie_1989 Thanks for the compliment
I think I’ll be posting some Oofuri stuff from time to time, like maybe some manga chapter review or some post analysis or character profile posts. A lot ideas are popping in my head. So, just check back every now and then 
@kaei The build-up was done well. Though, I found that it was more climatic last episode than it was with this.
Haha be waiting! :>
Well, for me i’m a tajimamihashi, abe mihashi, ARGH allmihashi is the best!!!
Hahaha. will be checking once a while
Hello! I have been reading your Oofuri-summaries on-and-off since the anime started! I haven’t really had anything insightful to add to your summaries, so I’ve just been lurking up until now.
But wow, this episode really makes me burst with all types of emotions!!! Emotions that I simply must share!! Most of all I love how the anime really portrays the team’s fight to reach Koushien!
I was an exchange student in Japan, and our school used to be one of the stronger in Kansai-area (but now that a lot of private schools pick out promising baseball players for their teams the competition is even more fierce!). Being a kouritsu/public school and fighting towards koushien is pretty hard!! But it doesn’t change the fact that everyone tries SO hard.
I remember when our team lost, last year. I think it was their second~third game. In the end everyone was working so hard to win. It was just heartbreaking to see all those boys, especially the third years (even the ones that hadn’t gotten to play), cry over their loss. Even I cried.
It’s such a big deal in Japan. Everyone is involved. The manager(s) make senbazuru, the school orchestra spends most of the spring practicing the cheering melodies, schoolmates, family & friends come to watch… but most of all, the team spends all their time (most of them every day! For three years!) working towards Koushien.
Nishiura really worked hard. And everyone of them deserved that victory!!
Still…. Kazuki’s (and, really, the rest of Tosei’s) wonderful act of kindness in cheering Nishiura on was quite extraordinary. It truly moved me! Ending your summer that early isn’t easy, but they accepted their defeat gracefully! Though it makes me really sad thinking about the fact that it was Kazuki & Junta’s last tournaments together as a Battery in high school.. :’(
Ah, my rant is done!
I’ve yet to watch the last episode, but it feels sort of good to have the anime end with a feel-good sort of episode! ^^ *goes to watch it~*
@Cheshire Wow! That was a really long comment!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I guess a series like this means a whole lot more to people who have experienced it. Reading your comment was moving. Too bad your team was not able to make it all the way 
I bet it was very emotional and heartbreaking for your school.
I wish we had sometime that spectacular from where I am from. It would have been quite a life experience.
Thanks very much for stopping by and commenting, I appreciate it very much
Hope you keep on sharing your thoughts. There isn’t any qualification to post a comment, just share whatever you like. It doesn’t have to be insightful or what, even just your personal impression of the episode is fine like if you enjoyed or not ^^
this episode made my sister and I cry.. Well, i cried, my sister just felt that she was about to cry but didn’t. anyway, this episode was amazing! thank you very much for the summary