Search - Azumanga Daioh - Friends (Vol. 4) on DVD

The cutest culture fest, the springtime of youth in Vol. 4

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The fourth volume in the Azumanga Daioh anime series continues with the adventures of Miss Yukari's high school girls. The next sports fest confirms what Kaorin figured out in Disc 3, that Miss Yukari got Kagura into her class so that she could win against her rival, the much nicer Miss Minamo Kurosawa. Osaka gets a chance to participate in an obstacle course, so she can grab a candy in a vat of flour with her teeth, but when that event comes, she keeps shoving her face in flour without getting the candy, giggling.

Keirsey's personality studies definitely point to Tomo-chan as an Artisan. Knowing that she probably won't win the 10km marathon, she uses up her energy to be first for the first kilometer, being the very bright light that burns out.

The girls also meet Ms. Kimura, the wife of the odd literature teacher, who proves to be a very nice but clumsy lady. But it makes one think that despite Mr. Kimura's thing for high school girls, the fact he has a loving wife and daughter means he isn't all that bad.

The culture festival here is one of my favourite AD episodes. It outdoes the previous culture festival in its cuteness and hilarity, as is the brainstorming for the project. As class representative, Chiyo-chan's stress levels increase during the preparations. At one point, when she screams for someone to turn back the clock, Osaka brings a chair and tries to reach the clock.

However, the scenes with the Chiyo-chan in her squat penguin suit is hands down the best and cutest thing that makes this episode succeed. Does she waddle and charm everyone? Heck yeah. When Yukari brags to Ms. Kurosawa about Chiyo, Kurosawa remarks to herself that the only warped thing in the class is Yukari.

The highlight of the Christmas episode's silliness comes when Kagura and Tomo argue over Santa Claus for fear of disillusioning Chiyo-chan, whom they assume still believes in Santa. Osaka has a dippy rant about Santa misusing Rudolf for his nose. "If you told a bald guy he was useful cuz his head was shiny, he'd clobber you," she says by way of analogy.

Later, Yomi spends New Year's in Hokkaido, and both Tomo-chan and Ms. Yukari get very jealous because Yomi got to eat snow crab at a buffet and have all sorts of fun. However, a series of misfortunes cause Tomo to lose her temper and attack Yomi with a lunch tray.

The One Spring Night episode is unique in that none of it is material from the four original manga. The theme is a celebration of youth and freedom. The girls wonder about their future, and their goals, as next year, they are seniors who must study for their college entrance exams. Yomi feels envious of people who actually have a goal, like Kagura, who's active due to her swim team activities, and is now aiming for the Nationals. Ms. Kurosawa wonders if she should follow her mother's advice and go through an arranged marriage. After all, she isn't get any younger. This episode is noteworthy in that Chiyo-chan and Kagura have a nice talk together regarding their future. The sight of falling cherry blossoms signifying beauty, youth, and dreams, and how to appreciate youth while it lasts.

Bonus features: art studies of Yomi, and various interiors of the high school, such as the cafeteria, faculty offices, girls' locker room, etc. Another great series of episodes, and as Osaka tells Kurosawa about their café, "Don't worry. You won't any dead cats or nothing."
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