It depends. Makio has been repeatedly been shown to space out and even hallucinate Minori’s provocations. I am aware Makio suffered trauma and PTSD from continued abuse by Minori. And given how superficial were the furenal goers, I have to lean in that Minori had a severe case of NPD. I am not sure how Minori was abused to the extent she lashed out to Makio, but signs of NPD abuse even Asa saw in this episode, esp. when she recalled the scenarios her mother would do to ignore her emotional needs.
Comment on [Episode] Journal with Witch • Ikoku Nikki - Episode 4 discussion
Endmaker@ani.social 1 day agoWhile the sister-grew-up approach is possible, IMO the alternative is more compelling as it offers growth for the current Makio.
Also, this kind of misunderstanding is a common scenario. In a previous episode, Daigo left a note for Makio (or is it the other way round? can’t recall) and didn’t think much of it, but it meant so much to the receiver. Makio’s situation with her sister may be essentially the same thing, but in a negative way.
What Makio’s sister said sounded like a quip that siblings usually say. It’s an off-hand remark with the intent of teasing Makio, but Makio ended up taking it to heart.
AntiBullyRanger@ani.social 1 day ago
Endmaker@ani.social 1 day ago
I appreciate the discussion but
Minori had a severe case of NPD
is a huge stretch ngl. Reality is usually not so extreme, and this anime has been very realistic thus far.
Regardless, we should be seeing Makio’s sister / Asa’s mother (Minori is her name huh?) fleshed out over the next few episodes. Would be interesting to find out what she is like beyond Makio’s perspective.
AntiBullyRanger@ani.social 1 day ago
I recommend you rewatch all 4 episodes from Asa’s perspective. Child neglect, and the loneliness she feels, were contributing factors of Minori’s lack of sympathy NPDs are unable to exhibit.
This last episode, Asa clearly recollected her mother emotionally neglected her feelings. Unlike Makio who consoled her at the end. Makio acknowledged her feelings of wanting to standout, even if both mean different things to them: Makio here means as an artist, not Asa’s need to socially connect with peers.
ReluctantlyZen@ani.social 12 hours ago
Idk, it doesn’t sound like teasing to me. A constant feed of judgemental remarks will make you dislike, if not hate, someone. They didn’t really seem like quips, especially if you follow it up with “what? don’t you have anything to say?” when you notice the other person isn’t laughing and actually looks quite angry. That’s bully behaviour. If my brothers did that, I’d hate them too.
Makio’s sister may have loved Makio, but if that’s how she’s showing it, then it doesn’t matter.