hontou ni sou omou?

Wagaya no Oinarisama has often been introduced with reference to Kuu’s genderbending. It was particularly gratifying that he changed into a she for MOAR battle power. But of equal, if not greater, importance to us erojiji viewers is Kuu’s ability to change her age and appeal to both the roricon and oneesama factions of fandom. Or was that just the effect of the miko versus casual clothes?

洗濯物はすべてを終わりました。　sentaku mono wa subete wo owarimashita. All the laundry has been finished.

This was my favourite LOL moment. Kuu’s fascination with the TV and the VCR were great as was the plot to blow up the shrine in order to increase the convenience store business. The contrast between Kuu and Ebisu were a great reminder of the very interesting relationship between Shinto and modernity, particularly the former’s surprising adaptability. I’m feeling the love power for slice of life and light comedy.

Thankfully the brothers seem to have gotten the personality upgrades I felt they lacked in the first episode where they were totally out of their depth. At least now they are on home ground. Although things that were familiar turn out to have quite another face. I was particularly pleased by their dad who was totally unfazed by a giant golden talking fox deity and even cautioned Kuu not to speak in front of others.

さすがみやこ選んだの男…　賢明だな。 sasuga Miyako eranda no otoko… kenmei da na. As expected of the man chosen by Miyako… wise indeed.
That’s what I call a seal of approval!

But what keeps me most interested in this series is the mystery surrounding Miyako. Certainly she has a bright and bubbly personality; the photo shows this clearly - the boy on the right is her eldest son, Noboru, who ends up having to restrain his mom on a day out at the amusement park!

Ebisu drops the bombshell that Miyako’s soul is still lingering - what is her unfinished business? Watching over her children like Mrs Kinomoto or Mrs Izumi? Her widower’s nonchalant response to Kuu suggests that the couple have probably encountered supernatural entities before. A few other pieces: Touru is targeted by spirits because of the strength of the Water power in his blood from his mother, Noboru is head of the Mizuchi family by matrilineal descent (or at least not exclusively patrilineal descent), Miyako died young - I’m speculating that there is some terrible tragedy lurking in the back story where Miyako sacrificed her life to protect one or both of her children. Given Kuu’s attachment to Miyako, this could affect her relationship with the boys either way.