Episode 9: Mahiro Rings in the New Year

Kaede and Mihari, plus Mahiro and Momiji, decide to do a double date on Christmas Eve.

### Time Line

The time of the holidays from Christmas to New Years.

### Location(s)

The holiday displays at city center, shopping at the downtown stores, the Oyama household, the local Buddhist or Shinto Shrine and holiday festival, the Hozuki household.

### Transition Highlights

Mahiro becomes more and more at ease in pleasant company with her female friends. She trusts that her friends will be faithful to her, whatever the New Year brings.

ONIMAI: I'M NOW YOUR SISTER

EPISODE 9 OF THE ANIME

(Manga Cross-Reference---Chapter 29, 30 & Omake 30.5)

## Previously

It certainly was a tall order and a daunting task for a former HIKKO NEET, like 'male' Mahiro was, to return to school, like what female Mahiro has concented to do. She messes up her first batch of exams, but was able to connect socially with other girls in her class. That in itself was a major accomplishment, and doing it as a fellow girl, to boot ! Mahiro even tried to reach out and sociallize with the boys in the class, albeit regarding video games that boys would be interested in. Her comraddeship with her teen female friends had even evolved to the point that Mahiro joined an impromptu sleepover during the winter holidays, but not without a few problems that came up. Still, Mahiro is embracing femininity more and more, as time goes by. With the New Year soon to be upon her, what challenges and rewards will that fresh start on the year bring her way ?

## This Episode's Story

"Take a good look at this gorgeous street scene ! The city is just bustling with couples enjoying that Christmas Spirit !"

Or so says the commentator on the TV. Mahiro is not impressed. She implores Mihari, "Just kill me now !" Mihari is not impressed, either, with Mahiro's outcry regarding the Christmas season. Mahiro, lounging on the couch in the front room, decides to insulate herself by playing a video game on a handheld. Soon, however, Mihari, sitting on a nearby easy chair, nonchalantly announces that she is going to get ready to 'go on a date' in a little bit !

**"SAY WHAT....???"**, barks out Mahiro, tossing aside and completely ignoring the ongoing video game.

>>>>>>>ANIME OPENING SEQUENCE<<<<<<<

Sure enough, in a while, Mihari is dressed and gone, soon waiting at the downtown city square, near the huge, decorated Christmas tree at the center of the shopping area. But Mahiro is not about to 'play video games', not when a more enjoyable and enlightening project is about to unfold. Why, Mahiro even called Momiji to join her in this clandestine endeavor. Mahiro and Momiji are about to spy on Mihari, to see what she meant that she was 'going on a date' ! While waiting out of sight, Mahiro tries to fill in Momiji on what is happening, except Mahiro knows almost nothing as to 'what is happening', other than to remark that she has to see for herself who might be dating Mihari !

And soon, here comes the date, apologizing that she is late ! IT'S KAEDE, dressed oh so provocatively, wearing a button-up-the-front blouse, with a scarf and winter jacket, skin-tight, shiny black leather booty shorts, bare legs, and above-the-knee hip boots !!! Mahiro is somewhat relieved, saying that she knew all along it would not be a 'real date'. Yeah; might as well head back home, states Mahiro. However, Momiji doesn't want to give up the project without a real 'look-see' ! Let's tail them, she implores. They might have a secret, hardcore, knock-down-drag-out Yuri relationship going on that nobody would ever suspect, ventures Momiji. Mahiro only matter-of-factly replies that we're not talking about Miyo-chan here, are we ? Mahiro then reasons that it was she, Mahiro, that called Momiji out into the cold of winter. It would be rude and impolite to split up now and go home. "Let's go, the pursuit continues !" Just at that moment, Kaede has a strong premonition that something might be amiss, and looks around. Mahiro and Momiji quickly hide behind the round base of a lighted tree.

Mihari and Kaede go to a Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food place, and order two chicken boxes to go. They casually eat the fried chicken while they leisurely stroll down the walkway. Mahiro and Momiji tail them like shadows. The two on the date next get smoothies from a snack bar. As soon as Mihari and Kaede leave the snack bar, Mahiro and Momiji step up and order the same for themselves. Next, it's on to shopping. While the two on a date browse the aisles, looking at the latest female fashions, Mahiro and Momiji watch from the secret hideout of inside a dressing room. Mahiro seems to be getting tired of the whole spy vs spy game, and wants to go home. But Momiji has a better idea. Since we're here, why not go clothes shopping ourselves ? Momiji wants Mahiro to pick out some cute winter clothes for Momiji to wear. Now it's Mahiro's turn to accept the fact that their spy project is turning into a real date for themselves, seeing as Momiji is dressed like a likeable young boy (sweatshirt, boy pants, plain winter jacket), and Mahiro is dressed cute and feminine like an adorable teenage girl (shirt, white pleated mini-skirt, black tights, double-breasted coat). A cute teenage couple shopping together. How lovely ! Momiji picks out a trench coat for herself, but Mahiro tells her that it is just not her style.

Nevertheless, Mahiro next picks out what she thinks Momiji's style should be, and selects a very attractive, ultra-feminine outfit for Momiji to try on. This she does. Mahiro proclaims success ! *"HOW CUTE !"* However, Momiji becomes mesmerized by the outfit. She is wearing a pure white, frilly, button-down-the-front blouse, with a huge blue bow at the neck, a blue, lolita style short-hemline skirt, with a fluffy gray petticoat underneath that fills out the lolita skirt and really makes it shapely, white socks, and white Mary-Janes. Momiji's first comment is that her skirt is ***so short*** ! But Mahiro silently proclaims to herself that wearing such an outfit, nobody will ever mistake Momiji for a boy. So, Mahiro soon has another feminine outfit picked out for her to try on, and gently pushes Momiji into a dressing room, with orders to *"try it on"* !

"Mahiro-chan, what brings you here ?", comes a voice from behind. Another voice says, "I knew it !"

Kaede begins the questioning by stating that you two have been following us from the start, right ? "Nothing gets past you, Kaede !", confeses Mahiro. "But where's Momiji ?", intones Kaede. "Looks like 'A real date', to me !", observes Mihari. Kaede spots Momiji's shoes outside the dressing room. She draws back the curtains as she announces---

"Let's see what is behind Curtain Number 1! .... My goodness, she is .... **ADORABLE**!"

Momiji is wearing a pleasing, visually incendiary, teasing erotic, and dripping with sexy charm, authentic GOTHIC / LOLITA outfit ! Momiji picks up on the mood and excitement that her outfit has generated and released, and assumes a pose of her hands making some kind of incantation and summing movement. She then crosses her arms, with both hands in some sort of secret signal motif, one hand at her forehead with her fingers spread out, the other underneath her arm with fingers in a defiant, gauntlet pose.

"SHE'S HAVING AN AWAKENING ! **NO!!! Don't awaken, Momiji !** *Don't do it .......!"*, shouts Mahiro !

"On second thought, I'm really getting into this !", boldly proclaims Momiji ! It's now so quiet that one could hear their own heartbeat.

Soon the shopping is all over, but the evening activities have just begun. Mihari states that the two of them accomplished what they set out to do today. But what to do now ? Kaede suggests that they turn the evening into a real double date. Can't let an opportunity like this go to waste ! Right, Mahiro ? Momiji ? The four friends begin by strolling the city streets, observing all the pretty holiday lights on the poles and crisscrossing the street. After a while, Kaede pauses to take a selfie with Momiji. Mihari takes a selfie with Mahiro. Soon, a dozen or more selfies are taken among the friends. Then they once again stroll the lighted street, taking in all the sights; a lighted waterfall, a colorfully decorated and lighted tree, the bustling holiday crowds. Once again, the group pauses for selfies all around.

That evening at their home, Mihari makes an offhanded comment to Mahiro, "By the way, how long have Momiji and you been dating ?" Mahiro retorts, "Don't be joking around about stuff like that ? Also, why weren't you 'up front' about going shopping with Kaede ?" Mihari asks if Mahiro is worried about her ? Mahiro says that it's not like that at all ! Mihari only giggles, then says that she had a reason to keep their shopping trip a secret, as she rummages around inside a shopping bag. Mihari needed Kaede to help pick out something very special. Wrapping a very ornate scarf around the neck of Mahiro, Mihari loudly proclaims---

"MERRY CHRISTMAS, "ONII-CHAN" !"

Mahiro thinks to herself, "I was completely fooled !" Mihari next tells Mahiro that Momiji also got a scarf, one that is an exact match to yours ! You both have a matched set !

"Why would you do something like that ?", implores Mahiro.

Meanwhile, at the Hozuki household, Momiji is wrapped in her fancy scarf, and posing as the Gothic / Lolita character that she did earlier in the day.

>>>>>>>ANIME EYECATCH (Momiji in her Gothic / Lolita outfit, turning and looking behind her. Kaede in a very revealing two piece Mrs. Santa costume.)<<<<<<<

It's New Year's Eve (1), and Mahiro and Mihari are staying up 'till midnight to see the New Year commence. Mihari is peeling oranges, and feeding the orange slices to Mahiro. Both siblings are under the kotatsu (2) 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 (3)! Mihari readily agrees, and hands over a pitiful 500 yen coin (~ $ 3.67 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 continuing to be a girl for the coming year. Still in a sour mood about the skimpy 500 yen, Mahiro says that someday they will become 'normal'.

Next morning, New Year's Day, 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, stating that she is hungry. Mihari says that there is only some Mochi soup (4) and Zouni (5), as Osechi (6) is too difficult to make. Mahiro comments that she only wants to be nothing but lazy all day. Mihari counters with the thought that, seemingly, Mahiro can relax and 'kick your feet up'. Mahiro is pleased at that comment, and pats Mihari on the head, something that she dislikes. Quickly changing moods, she yells at Mahiro to go and get dressed ! "Wait, don't tell me....", squeaks out Mahiro. "Yep, we are !", utters Mihari like an angry ghost !

Later that morning, Mahiro, dressed in a traditional kimono, and Mihari, dressed casual in a sweater and skirt, with a winter coat, are at the local Shinto Shrine for New Year's Day ceremonies. Mihari says that they have to do hatsumoude (7). Just then, two cute teenage Mikos (Shrine Maidens)(8) walk by and catch Mahiro's attention. Mihari then tells Mahiro, to get her to break away from gawking at the Mikos, that she has a surprise 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 the traditional male attire of a Crested Hamaka (9)! Mahiro is quite taken aback, and hides behind Kaede. Momiji asks, "Don't I look cool ?" Kaede is wearing a traditional, yet very luxurious, winter kimono. She has Momiji and Miharo line up for selfies. Kaede tells Mihari that she, Mihari, should have worn a kimono, too. Mihari merely says that she doesn't look good in a kimono.

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. With such a large crowd, they have to wait in line for a while. Kaede is first, praying out loud that she 'had better get her money's worth' (whatever that means?)! Mihari's whispered prayer is that she is able to have Mahiro become a respectable girl (lit. have a respectable life). Momiji makes a softly spoken prayer that the four of them be able to stay friends and close to one another. 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, the four friends continue to walk the Shrine grounds, looking at all the booths and amusements. Suddenly, from behind the four, comes famaliar voices; when the group turns around, lo and behold, it is Asahi and Miyo-chan sitting down with their backs toward them ! Miyo-chan is also wearing a traditional komono, whereas Asahi has on two layered shirts under a winter coat, and skimpy boy shorts showing off her long, bare legs. "Happy New Years" are said all around. Miyo-chan comments on how good Mahiro looks in a traditional komono ! Then she turns to Momiji, inquiring why she is wearing a hamaka (9), the traditional holiday male attire ? Momiji merely repeats, "I think it looks so cool!"

Introductions and chit-chat aside, Asahi wants to hit up the booths, and try for some prizes. At a booth of 'knock down your prize', she gets an animal plushie on her first try ! Miyo-chan gets to try her hand at calligraphy. And there were so many more things to see and do. Eventually, Asahi is the first to get hungry. Eat from the food stands ? Kaede suggests that the whole group go to her house and have osechi (6), as she has already made too much. Mahiro's face lights up like a spotlight, as she thinks of Kaede's delicious cooking. "Let's go", implores Mahiro.

>>>>>>>ANIME EYECATCH (Mahiro, Kaede, Miyo-chan are shown wearing traditional komonos. Momiji is shown wearing a male hamaka.)<<<<<<<

After spending time at the New Year's Day Ceremonies, all the friends retire to Kaede and Momiji's home for some refreshments. The friends soon are all enjoying the bounteous feast of goodies that Kaede had prepared for the holiday. Eating the different foods is supposed to fortell what will happen in the New Year. After the delicious variety of food has been eaten, Kaede even mentions that she has some Amazake (10) to offer to her guests. Mihari is offered the Amazake, although she says that she has never tasted it or drank it before.

**"Doctor (Asahi's nickname for Mihari), you are still too young to be drinking, aren't you ?"**, belts out Asahi.

Miyo-chan states that drinking only a little bit of Amazake is okay, as it is consumed warm, and the alcohol has already been burned off (supposedly!). And it is traditional to do so on this holiday, making it more or less legal today. Mihari takes a sit, decides that she likes it, and chugs the rest, all down in one gulp. But after a while, Mihari begins to look flushed. Her cheeks are red, and she acts giddy, and like she is 'not her usual self'. Suddenly, Mihari rushes over to Mahiro, and shouting 'Onii-chan (lit. big brother)', plants several kisses on unsuspecting Mahiro's cheek.

Kaede gently pries Mihari away from Mahiro, telling her that Mahiro is not her 'big brother' anymore (Mahiro transitioned from 'brother' to sister some time ago) ! Mihari's response to that is that she shouts, **"I'll take you instead, Kaede!"**, and zeros in on Kaede with a huge, sloppy wet kiss right on Kaede's lips !!! Kaede tries to say something, but all that comes out is---"mmm......mmmphhh ....... !" Next, Mihari gently pushes Kaede down onto the floor, with Kaede now in the Neko position (11), and with Mihari assuming the Tachi position (11), and resumes the kissing spectacle. Mahiro becomes greatly agitated, and shouts for everyone to head for Momiji's bedroom, so as not to be the next victim !

Two girls begin reluctantly moving, but not Miyo-chan ! Mahiro tells Miyo-chan to hurry, but the command falls on deaf ears. Miyo-chan is absolutely mesmerized by the witness of two girls kissing so passionately ! Miyo-chan simply tells Mahiro that her eyes are 'locked and loaded' ! In her mind, Miyo-chan tells herself that she is completely entranced, and will not, nay, can not move, not one bit ! Miyo-chan's eyes are as wide as saucers, as she is frozen in total ecstasy and enchantment! Finally, the two on the floor separate their lips, and Mihari, on all fours holding herself up above a prone Kaede, glares at Miyo-chan with the red eyes of a zombie, as Kaede still has her eyes closed in divine rapture. Miyo-chan continues to stare, taking it all in, without flinching one bit !

Sometime later that afternoon, Mihari awakens from sleeping on the couch. Someone had put a blanket over her. Momiji asks the groggy Mihari if she is okay ? Mihari says nothing, but eventually sits upright on the couch.

"Huh ....... ? What was I doing ........ ?", mumbles Mihari.

**"MIHARI, YOU ARE BANNED FROM ALCOHOL FOR LIFE !"**, sternly orders Kaede, with the 'flames of hell' surrounding her.

Mihari looks away from Kaede, and towards Miyo-chan. Miyo-chan lovingly intones, "Onee-sama" (lit. big sister, you are a goddess), and thereafter is silent, but her facial expression tells the whole story ! With her big eyes half closed in such an erotic fashion, and with flushed cheeks and a look of superb ecstasy on her face, Miyo-chan is still absolutely bewitched at what she had earlier seen !

And so comes an end to the New Year's Day activities and excitement. Kaede and Momiji wave 'goodby' to the four as they leave. Mahiro and Miahri begin walking back to their home. Mihari, now completely recovered from her tomfoolery, remarks that it has been a while since the two of them were able to enjoy a holiday together. She then pointedly asks Mahiro what she, Mahiro, prayed for at the Shrine ? "It's a secret!", calmly replies Mahiro. Yet Mihari is persistant, since she wants to know. Mahiro only tells her to 'quit nagging' !

(End of Episode 9)

## Episode Lookback, Commentary, and Opinion

(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.

(X) 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.

(2) **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.

(3) **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).

(4) **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.

(5) **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.

(6) **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.

(7) **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.

(8) **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.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(9) **Crested 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.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(10) **Amazake**---Amazake is a traditional sweet, low alcohol Japanese drink made from fermented rice (only 0.8% to 8% alcohol content). This compares with Japanese sake or beer at 15-20 % alcohol !

(11) **Tachi and Neco Positions**---[In Japanese modern culture,] the two participants in an [intimate] relationship are often referred to as seme (攻め, "top") and uke (受け, "bottom"). These terms originated in martial arts; seme derives from the ichidan verb "to attack", while uke is taken from the verb "to receive". Although not the same, a [romantic] construct similar to "seme and uke" is the concept of **"Tachi and Neko"**. The **Tachi (タチ)** partner is conceptualized as the member of the relationship who pursues the more passive partner, the latter of whom is referred to as the **Neko (ネコ)**. Seme and uke are similar but not identical to Tachi and Neko because the former refers primarily to sexual roles, whereas the latter describes personalities.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Click on Episode 10: Mahiro Ponders Boobs and Identity to be taken to the next episode.)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_