You thought I’ve forgotten about this, didn’t you? Fear not. Though I am lazy and take forever to update my blog, I will not forget about Sakura Memories and leave it hanging, especially when this chapter was so sweet. Thus far, Sakura Memories has succeed in showcasing the beautiful landscape of Japan and its unique food and culture through the dining and exploration of our host, Niki Chow. I also commend the camerawork. The angle and lighting present captivating stills that almost look like paintings. But what this episode offered was a little bit more, making a travel show more than a mere travel show. Similar to the second chapter, there was underlying emotional appeal, but in a more day-to-day perspective.

Do you remember your days in high school, your friends and the time you spent studying together, eating together, playing together? If you’ve graduated, have you been back to visit that place where many of your memories reside? I think high school is a period in which a teenager truly grows and learns to be more mature. (This explains why so many anime focus on school life.) The process is hard and sometimes, when you realize what you’re going through, it is startling. But that’s why there are teachers around to guide you, family to support you, and friends to walk with you. Some of what you’re taught may not be practical for real life, but that’s not important. What’s important is your growth throughout the process.

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Filed by Annisa under Sakura Memories. Last Edited on January 30, 2010. 0

Right after I complained about last chapter’s randomness, Sakura Memories strikes back with an engaging emphasis on apples. That’s right. This entire chapter is dedicated to the red, juicy (Fuji) apples we all know and love.

When you see an apple, what do you think? What do they represent?

We often hear the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," and from that, we often relate apples with health. However, the color of an apple, its shape, taste, and size can make an apple mean much more. It can mean love, cherishment, good luck, or in the perspective of Niki Chow, happiness.

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Filed by Annisa under Sakura Memories. . 2

Random traveling is so random. The storyboard (if any) for this chapter of Sakura Memories is beyond sporatic. There is no focus, no special touch, no true meaning. The crew and dear Niki Chow are all over the place.

Moving on to the next destination, Niki is on the road again, somewhere around Akita. The weather is generally wet and rainy, with temperatures below 10 degrees C.

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Filed by Annisa under Sakura Memories. Last Edited on January 28, 2010. 0

The hometown of folklore, Touno City, here we come!

The start of the episode shows Niki Chow spending most of her time in the big city and again, eating Japanese cuisine and viewing Japanese sakura trees, while wearing an ultra cute hat! However, the big city only took up about 5 minutes of the chapter. For the remaining time, Niki goes to Touno City in the Iwate Prefecture to experience the life of an average middle class Japanese family.

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Living in Happiness (身在福中) by Niki Chow

Continuing her travel, Niki visits a cherry orchard at the beginning of this chapter before making her way to a temple. At the temple, she meets the temple’s caretaker, an old lady at the age of 86. The granny takes Niki around the temple and shows her how prayers are done. Through their conversations, Niki learns about the granny’s past. (It’s something about her husband. I’m not sure.) The granny gives Niki a charm to bless her love life, hoping she will find happiness in her next romance, and they make a promise that the next time Niki visits, she will bring her partner along.

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Filed by Annisa under Sakura Memories. Last Edited on November 2, 2009. 2

Living in Happiness (身在福中) by Niki Chow

As I’ve already mentioned, I absolutely love the theme song for Sakura Memories. Only the chorus is played for the opening portion of this travel show, but getting to listen to some of the song in a high quality clear-cut version was simply a blessing to the ears. With enchantingly captivating scenery, sparkling cherry blossoms, and the gorgeous sunny smile of Niki Chow to go along though? The wonderful feelings building up within the heart enhanced tremendously.

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Filed by Annisa under Sakura Memories. Last Edited on November 2, 2009. 0