Chapter 2

**Meaningful Time** (有 (ゆう) 意 (い) 義 (ぎ) な時 (じ) 間 (かん) , *Yūi Gina Jikan*?) is the second chapter of Tsubasa Yamaguchi's Blue Period.

## **Synopsis**

In the school's hallway, Yatora receives a text from Yuka to request his help. Denying Yuka request, they walk up to Yatora in person instead and asks for a talk in private, which Yatora's friends respond to enthusiastically, pushing him away. Maru Mori sees them and asks if Yatora is the helper for the art club that Yuka mentioned. Pressured, Yatora agrees and they enter the Art Room.

Upon entering the Art Room, Mori and Yuka are tasked with packing Mori's artwork by Saeki-sensei, while Yatora removes the Art Elective class's project displays. When removing his own artwork of Shibuya, Shoko complements it and asks why Yatora did not use other colours, to which Yatora replies with he used colours similar to blue so as to not mess up the painting. Shoko explains the basics of the colour wheel, then suggests that Yatora implement and experiment with a larger range of colours next time.

Meanwhile, Mori and Yuka have a conversation on their art university goals and entrance exams. Yatora overhears and comments that if "(someone) is already good at art, can't (they) pretty much do anything?" Mori explains and shows Yatora images of different programmes and art styles, including Japanese painting, oil painting, design, sculpture, craft and architecture. Mori reveals that oil painting is going to be her major.

Then, they discuss the entrance rates of art schools in Japan and the five well-known ones in Tokyo, namely Tama Art University, Musashino Art University, Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai), Joshibi University of Art and Design and Tokyo Zokei University. Returning to focusing on cleaning, Shoko suggests that Yatora does more drawing after they're done cleaning, but Yatora says that he needs to return home to study.

At home, his mother makes a passing remark for Yatora to choose an appropriate university that they can afford. In school, Yatora is distracted in class, sketching the back of his classmates. Utashima notices the drawing but doesn't comment. During break, while Yatora is away, Utashima, Sumida and Koigakubo discuss Yatora's interest in art and express their support. Yatora returns and they say that they're talking about their future.

At home, Yatora sketches the scenery outside his window. He feels that art is a waste of time as it is just "for fun" and therefore irresponsible. Frustrated at the quality of his art, he brings his sketchbook to class for Shoko to comment on. She teaches Yatora about perspective and complements him on his drawing. Hesitantly, Yatora asks about the point of going to art school if there's no guarantee people can make livings off it. Shoko explains that going to art school itself promotes relationships among students and potential sponsors, giving them resources and experience, benefitting the students. Then, she comments that "doing hobbies for fun" is an adult perspective, as kids who can't work hard are those without passion.

Yatora, inspired but uncertain, asks if she thinks he can get into an art school. Shoko says that she doesn't know, but encourages him to pursue his dreams nonetheless. Yatora makes the decision to submit a club registration form. He feels that he's never felt so alive in his life until he made the Shibuya painting, as if his heart had just started moving.

## **Characters in Order of Appearance**

Yatora Yaguchi

Utashima

Ryuji Ayukawa

Sumida

Koigakubo

Maru Mori

Masako Saeki

Marie Yaguchi

Yatora's Dad (Debut)

Shirai

Umino (Debut)

Shirota (Debut)

Yamamoto (Debut)

## **Trivia**

### Cover Reference

The information below is not confirmed by an official source.

Self-Portrait by Tsuguharu Foujita served as a reference for the Chapter 2 cover.