Kouji Miura’s Blue Box continues to explore the complexities of young love and athletic ambition in episodes 22 and 23. As the anime nears its finale, the simmering love triangle between Taiki, Chinatsu, and Hina comes to a head during a class overnight trip, while the characters grapple with their feelings and future aspirations.
Overnight Trip Turmoil: Ayame’s Schemes and Confessions (Episode 22)
Episode 22, titled “Inota!”, sees Ayame Moriya, the self-proclaimed matchmaker, taking center stage. Aware of Hina’s confession to Taiki, Ayame attempts to orchestrate situations to bring Taiki and Hina closer. Her efforts culminate in a tame round of the “King’s Game,” which, in Blue Box‘s characteristic style, is portrayed as a potentially “risqué” event. Ayame’s big plan involves forcing Taiki to stare at Hina for a few seconds.
- Ayame’s Role: Ayame’s actions highlight her character’s hubris in trying to force a romance that may not naturally exist. While her intentions may be good, her manipulations ultimately create more awkwardness than genuine connection. She is portrayed as someone who is very open about relationships, but her flaw lies in the thinking that she can simply bring a romance together that doesn’t actually exist.
- King’s Game Cliffhanger: The game leads to a potentially spicy moment when Taiki draws the “Confess your love!” card. However, the tension is quickly diffused with a joke, and Hina is left pining for Taiki.
Emotional Spinning: Taiki’s Internal Conflict (Episode 23)
Episode 23, titled “Spinning,” delves into Taiki’s internal struggles as he tries to sort out his feelings for both Chinatsu and Hina. The episode differentiates Taiki’s musings here from similar moments in previous episodes by shifting the focus of his confusion. Rather than framing his emotional exploration as simply “Chinatsu or Hina,” the young man’s internal search for clarity focuses on the confusion that comes from the many things he can feel for just one person.
- Taiki’s Confusion: Taiki is caught in a web of emotions, struggling to differentiate between admiration, affection, and love. He worries that his feelings for Chinatsu might be more akin to fandom than genuine love.
- Chinatsu’s Ambivalence: Chinatsu remains distant, hinting at possible feelings for Taiki but never fully expressing them. This leaves Taiki in a state of constant longing and uncertainty.
- Reaffirmation: Taiki’s feelings for Chinatsu are reaffirmed when he learns she has gone for a run alone in the dark. He worries about her well-being and heads out to ensure she gets back safely.
Themes and Analysis
Romance vs. Sports
Blue Box balances the romance and sports elements, but the focus leans more heavily on the romantic drama. While both Taiki and Chinatsu are dedicated athletes striving for national success, their athletic pursuits often serve as a backdrop for their emotional development and relationship.
Coming-of-Age
The series explores recurring themes of coming-of-age, ambition, and the complexities of young love. The characters grapple with their dreams, insecurities, and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with romantic feelings.
Character Dynamics
- Taiki Inomata: The main character, a dedicated badminton player who is driven by his love for Chinatsu. He is portrayed as a caring and kind guy.
- Chinatsu Kano: A star basketball player who is focused on her athletic goals. She is mature beyond her years and deals with challenges with a strong sense of responsibility.
- Hina Chono: Taiki’s childhood friend, who is on the rhythmic gymnastics team.
- Ayame Moriya: An eccentric teenager who enjoys playing matchmaker.
Reception
Blue Box has been generally well-received for its heartfelt storytelling, clean art style, and relatable characters. Critics have praised the manga’s ability to blend sports and romance, although some have noted that the series can be slow-paced and that the characters sometimes overthink situations.
Looking Ahead
As Blue Box approaches its finale, the central question remains: Will Taiki and Chinatsu finally confess their feelings for each other? The series has built up considerable tension, and fans are eager to see how the love triangle will be resolved and whether the characters will achieve their athletic dreams.
