Hibike Euphonium - Kumiko's Journey (A Character Analysis)

[@UnderTheScopeAnime]

KEVIN! Who gave you permission to make me cry like that?! In all seriousness, this turned out really special. I could feel how much passion and work you poured into it. You captured what makes Kumiko my and many others' favorite character so beautifully. Watching this video lit the fire in me for another rewatch haha. Thank you for this!

[@KevinNyaa]

You're too kind, Jack! 😭

[@KevinNyaa]

"Don't want to end up like Kevin..." You killed me.

[@pendaco]

Just wanted to say that I started watching Liz and the Blue Bird after Under The Scope's video. After being amazed by that movie I double backed to Season 1 & 2 of Euphonium, watched Liz again and saw the final movie Our Promise A Brand New Day. This show and its movies are just great! @Kevin Nyaa, great character piece. It's one of the best ones I've seen so far! 👊 No I'm not crying..🤧

[@r.a.3829]

The video finished with the phrase "How warm it sounded" and the Kumiko hold the notebook like your youtube video of Euphonium (onestly both of the videos are majestic ❤)

[@bizzolino]

You should watch season 3. REALLY. I think it's a masterpiece and give a sense of completness of the journey

[@KevinNyaa]

I'm really sorry it's taken me this long to upload, but Hibike Euphonium means a lot to me, so I wanted to make something I was proud of. The script for this video got rewritten 3 times because I wasn't satisfied with the previous iterations, but this last one had grown on me. I'll try my hardest to make sure that my next upload isn't 4 months again... Anyway, I hope you enjoy this personal analysis on Hibike Euphonium! It would mean a lot if you could share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks everyone. :)

[@thelostangel7649]

I don't see, why you would be sorry. This video seems very personal to you and you literally explain in the video, it's better not to have any regrets in that context. I am really glad I watched this.

[@masahiro_yukioka]

Thank you Kevin. I am so proud that this animation written in my mother tongue made you create such a heart warming video. Thank you again.

[@Kian30398]

I freaking love Asuka. The fact that Kumiko asks to see Asuka’s face but she says “No, you will be cursed”. I see the “face” as her true feelings and by saying that Kumiko can’t see her true face because she wants to keep her facade despite Kumiko letting hers down

[@minorminer99]

This. Past Clannad, I believe that hibike has the most human realistic characters and interactions in drama anime as well as anime as a whole. Great analysis of Hibike!

[@lazarsaurus]

Uploading it on her birthday (in japan). Tasteful. She is easily one of my favorite characters, glad to see a video on her!

[@KevinNyaa]

It was on complete accident as well, not even joking.

[@iaml3642494]

It was destiny! ^-^

[@xuelee7520]

Kumiko is life

[@firebrain2991]

Absolutely beautiful. It was as close to making me cry as the actual series was.

[@KevinNyaa]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@LazierBear]

I'm a simple man. I see Kumiko - I click the "like" button. But in all seriousness, what a great video. There are a few points that I believe to be a little far-fetched, but overall I think the analysis is solid, especially your thoughts on the second season. I also love that you brought up the fact that Kumiko has a cynical side.

[@KevinNyaa]

Thanks a lot!

[@xuelee7520]

Asuka was my favorite character for a majority of the series. However, when episode 10 of Season 2 aired I immediately fell in love with Kumiko's character. Personally my favorite character in anime.

[@KevinNyaa]

Yeah, Kumiko is amazing, I love her! :)

[@CJODell12]

Tomoyo Kurosawa was the PERFECT choice to voice Kumiko.

[@ZincFrog]

Wonderful video. Season two focusing more on Asuka and Mamiko's relationships with Kumiko is what fully brought me to love Eupho. I have no siblings myself though have had many role models who I've viewed in similar ways to how Kumiko views Asuka and Mamiko. By the end of season two Eupho ended up being a show that will stick with me for a long time, especially for what it has said about regret and passion.

[@KevinNyaa]

Yeah, I think you could tell that I especially loved the relationship Kumiko had with Mamiko. It's what made me realise what I loved about the show!

[@ZincFrog]

I think season one is much better when re-watching, I hear a fair amount of people saying that it was hard to get into at first. And the changes and direction in season two are what elevated it to a favorite for me at least. Season one Kumiko could not have faced her sister in the ways she did, her character growth really boosted the show. :)

[@KevinNyaa]

Oh definitely, on the rewatch you notice more of the character subtleties Kumiko has and how they start to change.

[@peterlemieux7614]

Just a note about the two "stars" that appear so brightly in episode eight. They are actually Jupiter and Venus which were in conjunction in the summer of 2017 when the story takes place. They symbolize the relationship between Kumiko and Reina with the latter's "gravitational pull" drawing Kumiko to her. They recur again in other scenes like the beautiful "I want to improve" sequence in episode eleven.

[@HypoZilla]

The confrontation in S2 EP10 is exactly why Kumiko is probably my favourite character in media. I myself have dealt with some of the similar issues she has dealt with and that is why I can relate to her so much. The confrontation between her and Asuka and the message of 'having no regrets' really changed how I view things. We'll all regret things we did or didn't do, and realising that, made me cry, aside from Kumiko's crying. I regretted not mastering piano when I was given the chance, but after finishing the anime I felt a desire to pursue the piano once again. Sound Euphonium is my favourite anime for many reasons, but its relatability, the messages behind it, are the biggest reasons.

[@PoLLoTh3BeST]

I just recently finished the first watch of Hibike! Euphonium, and I'm continuosly watching videos about it. I just can't stop thinking at this anime, really. Thank you for this video. I found it amazingly well written. I can't stop agreeing with what you said, Kumiko is really an awesome character. It made me dive into this anime so deeply that I couldn't even realize it was already at its end. Thank you, really, from the bottom of my heart. These kind of anime and these kind of videos make the anime community what it is. I will just never stop loving anime.

[@FlamingJohnnyxDD]

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON IS WHEN KEVIN NYAA UPLOADS GOD BLESS

[@Violet1234]

Watching this video without having watched the anime at all, definitely plan to come back here when i’ve finished all seasons and movies

[@denisalvarez7354]

Thissss!!Finally someone talking about Hibike!!😭This is such a special and inspiring anime, it always hits home seeing that “I WANT TO IMPROVE” scene. Kumiko is such an imperfect,real and beautiful character.She has definitely made a mark on my life that I will always treasure!

[@denisalvarez7354]

Thank you for this video!

[@danhbui6957]

This anime helped me treasure the relationship and the time spent with my sister more

[@trxnce9932]

The bridge scene with Mamiko will never fail to make me cry, amazing video.

[@k-ondoomer]

Kyoto animation has god tier sister Arcs. First ui and yui then a much more grounded and dramatic approach with kumiko and her sis

[@nekobakemono5251]

I love Hibike so much that i rewatch Hibike's analysis once in 3 or 4 months. And this video of you always makes me tear up. Thanks you Kevin.

[@KevinNyaa]

Thank you so much!

[@Violet1234]

2 months later i’ve come back and finished the anime, now I can watch this video with full context. Edit: This anime is truly an amazing cathartic watch, i’m glad I decided to finish it and not forget about it after all.

[@十七-m2z]

Thanks for your analysis that make me understand more information conveyed by the animation and have a further understand of why I love this work so much.

[@evilynox4411]

Mamiko made me cry tbh. Not even exaggerating because I’m in the same position. Hibike characters are so real thats why it’s beautiful.

[@melphis1501]

I just want to say one thing about an otherwise spot on analysis(also good job on catching the two stars on the first Mt. Daikichi trek were meant to be Kumiko and Reina, I never noticed that), but there is one thing you said that I completely disagree with, and that's the notion that, had Kumiko acted and told Nozomi about what Mizore felt that things would have been resolved a lot more easily. Asuka's explanation was partially wrong, as well as that it's something Mizore *herself* should have had to face with, as well as Nozomi too. Having anyone else intervene(Yuuko and Asuka knew too, don't forget) could have made things a lot *worse*, even, cause there's so many other ways that Nozomi could have reacted if she was told that Mizore "hated" her. Kumiko's indifference was, for this situation, actually better than her action would be.

[@thebookworm5048]

Yeah, the fact that they could make a whole movie (and what a beautiful movie it is...) about Nozomi and Mizore's relationship with barely any appearances of the main characters from the original series really shows that they have a special relationship that would be unlikely to benefit from any outside interference

[@lemmykoopa1379]

At the end of Season 2 episode 13 I swear I could feel a lot of the exact same emotions and thoughts that Kumiko had when she meets Asuka one last time

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

Really excellent, spot-on review of Sound! Euphonium. The struggle between (Kumiko x Reina) in S1 and her struggle (Kumiko x (Mamiko and Asuka)) in S2 is the very heart and soul of the drama. Protagonist Vs Antagonist is not simply good guy vs bad guy. Any long term pair bond which goes the distance will tell you that both parties are in a struggle to understand each other in an intimate way, to make real contact, as Hachiman says "I want something real." Your review is right on point! Bravo!

[@UntilDawnCreeps]

A video about my favorite character? Yes please.

[@terasel]

the passion you had while writing this is insane. I am definitely going to give Hibike! Euphonium a rewatch. thanks for making me cry.

[@zudaha]

Sorry for my english, I'm totally agree with the major part of your analysis. Kumiko is such a great character. I love her so much. I cry when I watch your analysis with all this wonderfull scene you show. She is, despite her, the center of Hibike euphonium, every development of the anime involve her many times indirectly, and that's why her evolution is so subtle and so real. I recognize myself too a lot with her, but for different aspect I think. There some point I want to "rectify" or better say, show my difference. You say, "if Kumiko wanted to changed instrument is because she lost her fondamental reason to play, because her sister drop music. It's not really, or better said, totally true, because it's no link to euphonium". In fact, it's more : "if Kumiko wanted to stop music for another activities is because her sister stopped music to. The reason why she started to play eupho, is just because no one want to play this instrument and her teacher say it would be helpful if she accept to play this instrument. That's do not change anything in your analysis. But it adds something in mine, I think you don't explain in your analysis. At the beggining, Kumiko is just a "follower". She didn't have anything on her own. If she started to play music, this was just to follow her sister. If she started to play euphonium, this was just to pleased to the sensei. If she entered in an harmonic orchestra in high school, this was just because her friend want to do that. And also, if she was friend with Hazuki, is not because she wanted it or chose it. It's just because Hazukki said, "Oh, were friend, y'know", and for Saphirre because she saw Tuba-kun !. This characteristic seems to be opposite to the way you describe her "apathetic, doesn't care to her surronding", a description seems to fit more to a character like Reina. But Kumiko "true" nature appear sometimes randomly, like during the first scene with Reina, or when she says the band sucks, or when Hazuki propose to go home together, she said, "you don"t have friend", or just Kumiko noise. This part of Kumiko, called terrible personnality by Reina, who reject the norm, and don't want to go where the autorities say you should go, don't just obediently extend her skirt when the teacher say it's to short, is the point in common between Reina and Kumiko and why they fascinated each other . It's just the inconscient reaction from her following appearance that she can't stand anymore this side who want to get along with those perfect people and be relieved to be like the others, but want to become special. That's the reason of the main Kumiko's characteristic : she is the main character despite of herserlf. All the event in the begginin of the first season was nor directly related to Kumiko but to other character and it's unfortunalty that Kumiko become involve in the "mess", even if her nature want to avoid the conflict. The bad girl side go outside despite herself, and more and more the show advande, more Kumiko peel her good girl skin and put her nose consciously into others' business. That's why, I also don't think that 1st season was just "find something that make her happy", but more "find her true self, accept that she play not to pleased someone but for her own, for her selfish side", and that why the scene ot the bridge was so strong. At this stage she's no longer a follower, but she goes to her own path, where she can suffer, but like Reina, even it's hurting, she doesn't dislike the pain. When she says to her suster, I love the euphonium, she affirme herserlf to her sister, like she said "I will not copy you anymore". So for me the first season was build from the question '"who I am ?" It's the Identity Kumiko quest that ends at the 12 episode. For me, the second season was build according to the question '''where I come from?', and that's why, the conclusion in a bridge again was transform to : " I love the euphonium. I love the euphonium because of you, onee-chan daisuki." And now Kumiko is complete. She understand who she is (I love the eupho), and she realizes why she is like that ("because of you"). She affirm herself but she doesn't denied that she follow her sister path too. It was the same when for the first time she said I love Eupho to her onee during the season 1, but now she knows that also mean, I love you onee-chan. This two scene are for me the apotheose of Hibike Euphonium, for the 1st and second season Sorry for this too long comment, andagain for my poor english :/

[@machify2068]

3 Minutes in... Pauses Video... Likes Video... Starts watching Hibike BEFORE the analysis... Finish Watching Hibike... Continues Video... Subscribes. This is what I'll do, currently in stage 3. I really love watching a series first, then hear what someone has to say about it, especially when 3 minutes in, you can feel the energy, the love, and the passion strong enough to make you choose to watch Hibike now amongst the other stuff on the Plan to Watch List. EDIT: FINISHED S1,S2,LIZ&BLUEBIRD Amazing. No other words.

[@KevinNyaa]

I'm so happy that even 3 years later this video still gets people to watch Hibike Euphonium!

[@machify2068]

​@@KevinNyaa I actually found your channel through the Oregairu video you recently made. (Am a big fan of Oregairu myself haha) I'm ALL in for anime that are deep, realistic, and really show you how people can mature, grow, and develop. I am naturally drawn to anime/stories like this because I want to be able to see and feel how people grow and reflect on it in my own life. I saw your playlist about your most personal video works, and am totally digging them, as i want to look for anime that can make an impact, and make me reflect in my own life. I am interested in channels like yours, under the scope, and hiding in public if you know them. Really my 'type' of channels. :)

[@KevinNyaa]

@@machify2068 That's awesome, I have a similar mindset when it comes to finding anime that can genuinely impact myself as a person! Welcome to the channel and I hope you enjoy the vids! :D PS. Of course I know who UTS and Hiding are, they're great!

[@LeahLuciB]

The thesis of the first season was openly quoted by Kumiko: "Deams can *only* become true, if you're not afraid to speak them aloud." I don't know if Japan has the superstition of keeping wishes secret but I found this particular inversion relevatory.

[@Haririn]

Words cannot describe my feelings after watching Eupho, neither could they describe my feelings after watching this video. This anime is a masterpiece and so is this video. Kumiko is my favourite character, but I just don't know how to express why I love her so much. After watching this video I'm starting to understand Kumiko and even myself a little more. Sorry, I'm not very good with words, so I cannot express how much I love this video and Kumiko as a character. Thank you for making this video!

[@kagekun1198]

With the upcoming season 3, I gave both seasons, the two sequel movies a rewatch, and I have to say that this analysis is spot-on! One side note is how Shuuichi similarly holds a position of admiration and respect for Mamiko as an older-sister figure. His playing of the trombone was definitely influenced by her, and there is a quick shot in the Season 2 OP of Kumiko and Shuuichi watching Mamiko play the trombone at Kumiko's famous bench. I see more future growth for Kumiko on the horizon. In the sequel movies, she and her classmates are now upperclassmen, and now have to take up the mantle their senpais previously held. Given that there were great characters like Asuka and Natsuki leading the way for Kumiko before, it will be wonderful to see Kumiko grow to fill in their (gigantic) shoes.

[@elhugo13]

what an amazing video Kevin! The part where kumiko tells mamiko she loves her, gave me goosebumps.

[@KevinNyaa]

Thanks you!

[@Nunmanji]

It's always a blessing to see a new Kevin upload :]

[@KevinNyaa]

Aww, thanks! :3

[@Netraven001]

I've watched this show, I don't even know how many times over the last 5 years, but here I go again... time for yet ANOTHER rewatch!

[@anthonyroosenmaallen2679]

I only recently discovered this anime and just finished the second season, the characters within this show and their interactions are so heartfelt and well written. I love Hibike Euphonium.

[@maryfaith8607]

Thank you for this video!! It was a great recap I needed for season 3! I didn’t watch the third movie because I could never find it where the audio wasn’t so out of sync. I hope you’re watching Season 3 now in 2024!!

[@segismundochecquemangarcia9880]

with quality like this you're good just making a video a year, way to go. in all seriousness as one of my three meaningful favorites this review is probably one of my favorite videos all year probably best of all year. Thanks for the dedication and honesty about how you felt about the series at first since I felt the same way more or less.

[@TheHalomaster256]

I cannot stress how much i love you for making this video

[@arneemanguiob]

thank you for making me fall in love with kumiko and hibike again, dear sir

[@itsyikez8001]

Dammit Kevin, I haven't even watched the show and I'm fucking crying. I just wanted a review, and I got a fucking masterpiece. I love it.

[@KevinNyaa]

Watch it! It's amazing.

[@LeahLuciB]

It's the perfect slice-of-life. Capturing the drama in the day-to-day and being able to use it as a lens for your own life's drama is what it's all about. But it *is* yuri-bait

[@RinLockhart]

Kumiko is the greatest! I really love her and I'm glad there are fans who love her just as much, even more.

[@mizudori6211]

And kyoani does it.... Again!

[@sanignacio1999]

this needs more views. this is so good, i enjoyed it just like i enjoyed watching the anime.

[@KevinNyaa]

Thanks! :)

[@frankgourdet984]

@Kevin Nyaa You stated that the reason Kumiko wanted to play the Euph was so that she could play with her sister but didn't she wish to play the Trombone because of her sister and just got stuck with the Euph? Also, she tries once again to pick up the Trombone but gets stuck with the Euph just like what happened when she was a little girl

[@Seiza25]

Beautiful... just beautiful

[@Lazer-bp9lf]

Alright KZbin! Why the hell did you recommend this amazing video after 2 freaking years huh!?

[@sparkytalks8805]

Omg Kevin, I was gonna watch it after watching the series but couldn't wait. I'll still watch it but this made me so emotional. Beautiful video.

[@KevinNyaa]

Thanks so much! :)

[@JustClaude13]

Beautifully done. I want the sheet music to "Hibike! Euphonium". It's such a lovely piece.

[@KevinNyaa]

Thank you, glad people are still discovering this vid even 2 years later!

[@Alexa-bf9ef]

I love Hibike! Euphonium. Thank's for this.

[@KevinNyaa]

No problem!

[@寂び侘び-b6s]

Thank you for an excellent analysis!

[@El_Ace]

Ya it was really good.... Nothing really new to say it even inspired me in a way however the characters and problems they faced really did seem human Kyo-Ani did an amazing job with this one it's now my favorite anime of all time

[@mrblogs6743]

The case of kumiko is the beautiful sea and more difficult since you need to know how to interpret the environment the best analysis a speech piece to the sound of ruby ​​makes it a very good complete analysis

[@V-Oblivion]

Totally agree with this analysis... exept the part of the series' having no Yuri bait. It was fraimed with that, specially if you concider that the original Light Novel makes clear that Kumiko ends up with her male friend. Now, I am not against that, nor how the series was made, because it wasn't the focus of the story (I understand that much), but how some bait was made to get more atention from the public in general. Again, I am happy to have seen both seasons for the story and characters, but I wouldn't call it free of yuri bait.

[@wormrights883]

This is why Kumiko is my favourite anime character of all time

[@jamaru3870]

I'm literally crying

[@KevinNyaa]

Same.

[@JasXD01]

Interesting, I haven't watched this series yet. *adds to the top of the list*

[@Cheezeeeee]

Damn I wish I had someone like Kumiko come in before I decided to be engulfed by this adult life thing. Regrets. That episode 10 really hits hard, had to take a break after watching that episode HAHA!

[@iaml3642494]

@Kevin Nyaa, You are great at analyzing anime, never fail to amaze me ^-^

[@KevinNyaa]

Thanks dude!

[@jrny8922]

finally you upload something

[@Chumbv]

Fantastic video on one of my favorite anime! I'm super curious on what they will do for the movies coming in 2018, I wonder how will Kumiko act as a senpai.

[@mixstlh]

One word : Utsukushii..

[@minimal9289]

Wow, a really like how you do your videos :]] you definitely deserves more subs and views, keep it up~:D

[@KevinNyaa]

Thanks!

[@Arekku]

awesome video!

[@royaldiadem324]

It was quite good observation!

[@sqouki9121]

Woah i Havent Even Watched This Anime But You Make it Sound Soooo Interesting...Ima Go Watch Right Now!

[@KevinNyaa]

Do it, it's great!

[@sqouki9121]

Kevin Nyaa Episode 7 Right Now. So Much i Can Relate Too And Its Thanks To You For Making a Vid on This Anime

[@cihat5142]

"It's not 'forced animation' and it's not 'yuri bait'." Wish everyone gave Hibike! Euphonium a chance so they'll understand this...

[@nath7367]

totally agree

[@RinLockhart]

I actually wept watching this. Holy smokes.

[@pastrammii9370]

Loved it

[@KaoticFreezeZone]

he's not dead!

[@paulpark2243]

Havent watched this anime but this video made me want to cry

[@KevinNyaa]

Watch Hibike Euphonium, it's great! :)

[@paulpark2243]

Kevin Nyaa after i watched your video i called my Older sister and brother to see what they are doing. Haven't called them since 4 months ;*). Thanks for this video. This made me want to change my life in a good way. Be more productive and have no regards

[@KevinNyaa]

Haha, that's amazing. People are definitely what define us.

[@bizzolino]

I like very much what you are teling us in this video. But now I would like to know what you would tell us after seeing chikai no finale, ensemble contest and especially the third season that in my opinion COMPLETES in the best possible way the whole Kumiko Journey.. What do you think?

[@subertin1382]

Hibike euphorium

[@scroopynoopers.]

Excellent series, and an excellent video about it, but I think it can be both wonderful and Yuribait all at once. But that’s just my perspective.

[@Dynaamical]

Hey! Love your video!:)

[@2BAMaster9]

Dude this video was amazing!

[@KevinNyaa]

Thank you! :D

[@aninjathtpwndu]

Watch Ashita no Joe if you would. It's god tier

[@jiyuuskiyuu1465]

my dumbass didn’t know there was a 2nd season (i finished it yesterday) so i BOLTED to kissanime

[@zee411]

i want kumiko as my future wife, and reina also her best friend. then my life is perfect. 🙄

[@SakuraHougetsu28]

7:51 Este es el clip que los perdedores de tik tok usan en sus edits pedorros, no deberían usar clips de Hibike, esa obra está a otro nivel, y esos pobres mortales no tienen el derecho ni de mencionar la serie

[@grischu8277]

I'm Watching Hibike Euphonium right now. Are there any spoilers (major or not) in this Video? If Yes, then I will watch it after I've seen the Anime. :3

[@grischu8277]

AND... Finally, an other Video. :3

[@KevinNyaa]

Yes, it spoils both seasons.

[@grischu8277]

Ok, Thanks, I will watch the Video after I've watched the Anime. :3

[@TamaChien]

You must had heard all ost from 2 seasons. Are the only ones you used in the video the best ones?

[@KevinNyaa]

No, there's plenty of other great ones that I didn't get the chance to use!

[@TamaChien]

You must had separated some of your favs in a folder or wrote as a list somehow if you heard all of them yeah? Share that list if you dont mind so I dont have to painfully go through forums and youtube comments to find the highlights.

[@KevinNyaa]

I did have a list, but I deleted the ones I didn't use... However, in the video I did use all the ones I considered to be the best.

[@TamaChien]

Aight i do the same, thx for the video dude

[@KevinNyaa]

No worries!

[@explosion8631]

is this anime good haven't even watched it lol just came to ask

[@georgia5504]

Night Raid yes

[@brantfordwinstonworth4992]

Night Raid it's a great watch 10/10