A Hundred Scenes of Awajima Episode 1: Tabata and Prince Takehara / Kinue and Ryoko

The episode opens with Wakana Tabata arriving at the Awajima Musical School, her luggage waiting under cherry blossoms. She is visibly anxious, yet a hopeful glint is in her eyes as she takes in the imposing building. A truck driver, seeing her nerves, offers her snacks, a small kindness in a moment of great change. This small gesture humanizes the daunting transition she is undergoing.

Wakana meets the receptionist, then her dorm head, Kinue Takehara. Kinue's composed demeanor contrasts with Wakana's earnest awkwardness. Wakana notes the shared name with her grandmother, a small detail that suggests a deeper connection to tradition or past. Kinue then leads Wakana to their shared room, a small, functional space that offers little comfort but much promise.

Dormitory life proves demanding, with strict rules governing communal activities like bath times. Wakana observes the intense pressure on students, leading to tears from one overwhelmed peer. Mealtime reveals further social complexities, where currying favor leads to isolation, showcasing the cutthroat nature of their world. This early immersion shows Wakana the immediate cost of communal ambition.

On the balcony, Wakana finds an unexpected ally in her new friend, Momoko Murakami, nicknamed Bata-yan. They forge a pact for honesty, a small rebellion against the dorm's stifling atmosphere. Later, Wakana emails her mother, sharing her small victory of friendship amidst the challenges. This connection offers Wakana a crucial emotional anchor.

In their first vocal class, Wakana and Momoko witness Ryoko Ueda singing an Italian aria. Ryoko's voice is captivating, her performance almost ethereal, stunning the other students into silence. Wakana is particularly mesmerized, recognizing the immense talent she now faces among her peers. This moment sets the high bar for artistic excellence within the school.

Wakana reflects on her past, recalling how she often flitted between hobbies, drawn in by new artistic pursuits. She describes herself as a 'ni-ha,' easily influenced and quick to move to the next exciting thing. Her family teases her gently about this trait, contrasting her initial enthusiasm with the focused dedication of her new classmates. This internal monologue reveals her self-awareness about her own artistic journey.

Late at night, Kinue speaks to Wakana from her bunk, offering a harsh but realistic assessment of the school. She warns that the academy is not as idyllic as it appears, and many students eventually leave under the pressure. Kinue reveals that everyone here is fighting for the top, where success means stepping over others. Her words highlight the cutthroat mentality required for survival in this environment.

The narrative briefly explains the students' unique nicknames for places, like 'Kishukusha' for the dormitory. They prepare for an upcoming shopping trip into the city, a small break in the demanding routine. This glimpse of shared student life offers a fleeting moment of normalcy.

A flashback transports us to Kinue's middle school days, where she and Ryoko are in a library, discussing the future. Kinue surprises Ryoko by announcing her decision to join the drama club. Their easy rapport suggests a deep, already-formed friendship. Their teacher then casts Kinue as Romeo and Ryoko as Juliet, solidifying their shared artistic path.

Kinue and Ryoko are back in the library, now looking at applications for Awajima Musical School. Kinue, brimming with ambition, urges Ryoko to apply with her, eager to continue their artistic partnership. Ryoko, however, expresses hesitation, revealing a less defined vision for her professional future. This scene marks the first significant divergence in their paths.

A montage shows Kinue and Ryoko diligently rehearsing for their Romeo and Juliet performance. Kinue's passion shines through, her intensity driving their practice sessions. Ryoko matches her effort, a loyal and dedicated partner, even if her own ambition remains less defined. Their combined efforts culminate in a stunning performance, with Kinue delivering a commanding portrayal of Romeo.

After their triumphant performance, Ryoko breaks down in tears in a park, confessing her jealousy of Kinue's brilliant acting. Kinue comforts her, but her internal thoughts reveal a different truth: a sense of relief that their paths might now diverge. The episode concludes with artistic shots of their middle school performance, emphasizing the complex bond and the bittersweet end of an era.