Hibike! Euphonium S3 — Episode 7 — 10 Second Anime

Summer is for bikinis at the pool! Some seniors have more “style” than others and firmer post-graduation plans.

Episode 7 — “Summer Fermata”

Hmm.

Identity. Weak sense of self. Preferences and passions define a person’s boundaries. Hibike! Euphonium explores these psychological themes this week. First, through Kumiko’s avoidance of deciding a future path. Second, how Mayu’s weak definition of her identity expresses itself through agreeableness and going with the flow. The idea of Mayu missing from her group shots illustrated that concept clearly. But Kumiko makes sure the group includes her. The boundary of self and group can start with the group including that person. The definition line can harden from the outside before the interior line solidifies. Kumiko’s leadership started that process for the transfer student. Mayu begins to find herself through photography and competition with Kumiko.

What about Kumiko? She’ll need a kick from a higher authority in the personalities than her friends and faculty. She’s already the president of the music club. And the club advisers are de factor peers for a senior student. Who could ground Kumiko, then, among the cast of Hibike! Euphonium? Natsuki and Yuuko’s surprise appearance hints at the answer. The only mystery left is when that Euphonium goddess appears to hand down wisdom from on high. Asuka-senpai! Kumiko needs you!

Heh.

Kitauji sailed through the first round of the regional music competition. Matsumoto-sensei is so happy! But the next round of auditions sets up for more hurt feelings and heartbreak. Kumiko mentioned that the concert roster could change because of the audition results, but it sounded like an afterthought right before the summer break. Suzume plays her tuba loud but nasty. I don’t know what that means, but she thinks it implies she can play jazz tuba. Hazuki Chop! These first-year students have tons of “personality.”

Hoho! Reina wants to go to the pool with Kumiko again this year. She’s so needy! Uh oh. Kumiko’s stress about avoiding college plans starts to weigh on her. It’s her recurring drama for this Hibike! Euphonium season. Tuba-kun returns! Ooh! And Natsuki and Yuuko too! When do we see Asuka and Kaori? Natsuki and Yuuko have matching hairpins. Their relationship dynamic hasn’t changed. Kanade’s feelings toward Natsuki are also the same. Fun! Natsuki brought ice cream for the bass section.

Kumiko went to the college fair with Hazuki and fried her brain. Emotional damage! Hazuki plans to attend community college before transferring to a university, majoring in child development and education. Michie-sensei suggested that! Could Kumiko become a teacher? A music teacher? Like Taki-sensei? Oh. Look who’s here to offer perspective on washing out of the usual plan. Kumiko’s older sister dropped out of college to become a beautician.

The eye-catchers feature Mamiko and Reina’s trumpet section.

Kumiko’s mom would like her to find a stable job. Like Matsumoto-sensei? Now. Prepare yourself. It’s the Hibike! Euphonium swimsuit episode! Oho. Kumiko and Reina wear matching swimsuits. Would the tops fit if they switched? Press “X” to doubt.

Kumiko tries to talk with Mayu, but the transfer student is still guarded and enigmatic. Mayu thinks she’s too accommodating and has a weak boundary between her personality and others. Mayu doesn’t have a passion for her pursuits. But it looks like she will become a photographer. What is Kumiko’s passion? Kumiko used to feel like Mayu when her school lost a music competition before high school. That was in Hibike! Euphonium season one. Now Kumiko can cry about wanting something so badly. This scene was in the Hibike! Euphonium movie. Mayu worries that no one would care about someone who didn’t care about something. Mayu can’t even choose a soda flavor for herself.

Ooh la la! Reina received a “sexy” tan line from the sun kissing her alabaster skin. Mayu brought her developed pictures from the pool! She talks like a photographer when she mentions changing lenses. However, Mayu didn’t keep the photo of herself with the group. What will make Mayu’s identity solidify? We’ll find out after the next audition in Hibike! Euphonium!