Chapter 30: Mahiro and the Coming and Going New Year

Mahrio, and the others, are praying during New Year's Day ceremonies.

MAHIRO AND THE COMING AND GOING NEW YEAR

CHAPTER 30 OF THE MANGA

Japanese Title: *Mahiro To Ikutoshikurutoshi*

## Previously

When Mihari and Kaede decided to go holiday shopping, Mahiro and Momiji also decided to spy on them, just in case the two were into a Yuri relationship, or something like that ! The ruse did not last, so the four friends ended up as a double date, spending the time shopping for things. Mahiro finds out on Christmas Eve what Mihari was shopping for, when she is presented with a holiday gift from Miahri---a pretty scarf, exactly matching the scarf that Kaede bought for Momiji ! But now Christmas Day is past, and it is time for the beginning of the New Year.

## This Chapter's Story

It's *New Year's Eve* (1), and Mahiro and Mihari are staying up 'till midnight to see the New Year commence. Mihari has made *soba* (2), however, Mahrio is trying to eat it before midnight. Both siblings are under the *kotatsu* (3) for warmth. At the stroke of midnight, both siblings wish each other a "Happy New Year". Seconds into the new year, Mahiro wants their *otoshidama* (4)! Mihari readily agrees, and hands over a pitiful 500 yen coin ( ~ $ 4.69 USD ). Mahiro is miffed, but Mihari takes it all in stride, pointing out that Mahiro is adult-enough to handle something like this. Further good will is offered by Mihari as she wishes Mahiro good fortune at being a girl. Still in a sour mood about the skimpy 500 yen, Mahiro says that they intend to 'turn back'.

Next morning, Mahiro awakens in a much better mood, realizing that today is a holiday. Still in their P.J.'s, Mahiro comes downstairs to the kitchen, asking if there is any *osechi* (5) ? Mihari says that there is only some *zouni* (6), as the other is too difficult to make. Mahiro comments that she only wants to be nothing but lazy all day. Mihari counters with the though that Mahiro needs to consider the joys of manual labor, like pounding *Mochi* (7). Mahiro pats Mihari on the head, something that she dislikes. She yells at Mahiro to go and get dressed !

Later that morning, Mahiro, dressed in a traditional kimono, and Mihari, dressed in a ladies business suit, are at the local Buddhist Shrine for New Year's Day ceremonies. Mihari says that they have to do *hatsumoude* (8). Just then, a cute teenage *Miko* (9) walks by and catches Mahiro's attention. Mihari then tells Mahiro, to get them to break away from gawking at the Miko, that she has a present for her ! Suddenly, Momiji and Kaede appear out of nowhere, and wish Mahiro a "Happy New Year" ! Such a wonderful present ! Momiji is cross-dressed in traditional male attire of a *crested hamaka* (10) {see Chapter 29}! Momiji says that wearing it is 'so cool', and is an after effect of her 'summing and awakening' !!! Kaede is wearing a traditional winter kimono. She has Momiji and Miharo line up for selfies. Kaede tells Mihari that she, Mihari, should have worn a kimono, too. Mihari sheepishly says that kimonos don't suit her.

The four friends make their way to the shrine area where silent or vocal New Year's prayers are said with folded hands and bowed heads. Kaede is first, praying out loud that she be refunded the money that she had to put up ( whatever that means? ) ! Momiji makes a silent prayer that she be able to get along with everyone else. Mihari's silent prayer is that she is able to make Mahiro into a proper girl ( lit. a proper human being ). Now it is Mahiro's turn. She steps up and with a bowed head and folded hands, remains motionless in silent prayer for quite some time. When she is finally finished, Momiji asks her what she prayed for ? Mahiro only says that it is a secret ! When Mahiro steps down from the prayer site and turns around, lo and behold, it is Asahi and Miyo-chan !

**" YOU APPEARED, MOMIJIROU !!! "** , Asahi belts out toward Momiji in her usual loud, abrasive tone ( see Omake 21.5, Part 4 ).

Miyo-chan wants to know why Momji decided to wear a *hamaka* (7) ? She tells Miyo-chan that wearing it is 'so cool' ! When all the day's ceremonies are done, Kaede invites all to come over to her house, as she has made too much osechi (3)! Mahiro's face lights up like a spotlight, as she thinks of Kaede's delicious cooking.

" Let's go", implores Mahiro.

## Chapter Lookback

(1) New Years Eve---The annual **Bell-Ringing Ceremony** follows the Japanese custom in which the end-of-the-year bell ( joya no kane ) is struck 108 times before midnight on New Year's Eve, symbolically welcoming the New Year and curbing the 108 mortal desires (bonno), which according to Buddhist belief torment humankind.

(2) Soba---***Soba*** (そば or 蕎麦) (/ˈsoʊbə/, Japanese pronunciation: [soba]) is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It usually refers to thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flours (Nagano soba). They contrast to thick wheat noodles, called udon. Soba noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup. Soba is typically eaten with chopsticks, and in Japan, it is considered acceptable to slurp the noodles noisily. This is especially common with hot noodles, as drawing up the noodles quickly into the mouth helps cool them. However, quiet consumption of noodles is no longer uncommon.

(3) Kotatsu---A ***kotatsu*** (Japanese: 炬燵) is a low, wooden table frame covered by a *futon*, or heavy blanket, upon which a table top sits. Underneath is a heat source, formerly a charcoal brazier but now electric, often built into the table itself. *Kotatsu* are used almost exclusively in Japan.

(4) Otoshidama---**Otoshidama** is a Japanese traditional custom where adults give money to the children in their family. It originated from a shrine ritual in which kagami-mohchi (round rice cakes) are offered to the God of the New Year (Toushi-kamisama).

(5)Osechi---**Osechi** is a variety of food eaten on New Year's Day is prepared in boxes similar to bentou. The tradition started in the Heian period (794-1185). Osechi are easily recognizable by their special boxes called *juubako*, which resemble bentou boxes. Like bentou boxes, juubako are often kept stacked before and after use.

(6)Zouni---**Zouni**, often with the honorific "o-" as o-zouni, is a Japanese soup containing mochi rice cakes. The dish is strongly associated with the Japanese New Year and it's tradition of osechi ceremonial foods.

(7)Mochi---**Mochi** cakes appear to have become a New Year's treat during Japan's Heian period (794-1185). The practice of pounding mochi together, or mochisu-ki, is now a rare event in Japan. Objective: In Japan, mochi (sticky rice dumping) is made to commemorate special occasions, most notably the New Year.

(8)Hatsumode---**Hatsumode** is the first Shinto shrine visit of the Japanese New Year. Some people visit a Buddhist temple instead. Many visit on the first, second, or third day of the year as most are off work on one of those days.

(9)Miko---**Miko** is a shrine maiden or a shrine priestess. Miko were once likely seen as a shaman, but are understood in modern Japanese culture to be an institutionalized role in daily shrine life, trained to perform tasks, ranging from sacred cleansing, to performing the sacred Kagura dance. Many Mikos are cute, pretty teenage girls.

(10)Hakama---**Hakama** are a type of traditional Japanese clothing for men. Trousers were used by the Chinese Imperial Court in the Sui and Tang dynasties, and this style was adopted by the Japanese in the form of hakama begining in the sixth century. Hakama are tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles. ***Crested Hakama*** is considered the *formal Japanese dress code for men*.

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The Mangaka awards the Gold Medal of Girlishness to Mahiro for her comment and loving concern on New Year's Day.

Below is a Photo Gallery of the ever changing Momiji !

## Manga Fan's Commentary on This Chapter

MidnighTea / 1 year ago
Mahiro is surely used to being a girl after being one for most of a year now. If after you've had a whole bunch of periods, gotten used to going outside and wearing certain [girly] clothes (as well as bathing and dressing yourself) there isn't that much more to adjust to. As such, at this point, yeah, Mahiro is more of a standard MOE character. But still one with a unique origin, and her male history makes a nice MOE gap charm point.

I think there's something to be said about the appeal of that transition, too. The idea that you don't have to be born female (or even a social or high-functioning person) to one day become the very cuteness you adore from a distance. The deliciousness of that irony. But as far as the long[story] goes, this manga is still a big bright spot for every month.

nyanpass / 1 year ago
Momiji is so cool, really!

NinjaGoemon / 1 year ago
I think Mahiro's wish was for bigger boobs. We love you girl!

Sakai / 1 year ago
Make her boobs bigger? Of course!