REVIEW: ‘A Sign Of Affection’ Episode 10 — “Oushi’s World”

In the strongest episode to date, A Sign of Affection Episode 10 extends its empathetic embrace to Oushi (Takeo Ōtsuka). With humor and an abundance of heart, we get to the crux of Oushi’s often petulance regarding Yuki (Sumire Morohoshi). Beautifully animated with robust and cohesive direction that pulls us in, it’s an absolute stunner. The series has already been a highlight of the winter anime season, and “Oushi’s World” solidifies its stature. It’s funny that two of the best episodes of the series so far have been the ones where supporting characters take the spotlight.

It doesn’t hurt that Itsuomi (Yu Miyazaki) leads the way for Oushi’s part of the story. The confrontation is teased out from the start of the episode. Picking up where Episode 9 left off, Itsuomi sees that Oushi is trying to get a hold of Yuki. That doesn’t deter them from their night, though. Before the bulk of the plot, there’s a quiet, intimate moment between Yuki and Itsuomi, the former staying at the latter’s home for the night. They watch a movie with subtitles, and Itsuomi turns the volume off. He wants them to share in the same experience.

The episode starkly contrasts how Itsuomi treats Yuki versus everyone else. Yu Miyazaki brilliantly pitches his voice in different cadences depending on whether his character is speaking with Yuki or literally anyone else. He’s kind to everyone, if a little aloof, but with Yuki, he is laser-focused. It’s like Rin told her; how he speaks to Yuki is different, especially fond. This is a highlight due to how he interacts with Oushi later.

Similar to Cherry Magic!, A Sign of Affection Episode 10 strips the characters of any unnecessary drama. Itsuomi tells Oushi to “cut the bullsh*t” when confronting him. He knows that Oushi is in love with Yuki, even if Oushi refuses to box his emotions up into something neat and tidy. Itsuomi plans to kill him with kindness. In a hilarious sequence of events, he drags Oushi all over campus. The entire moment and the episode generally remind viewers of Itsumoi’s popularity and the difference between Itsuomi and Oushi. They both like Yuki; later, we learn they both like curry buns. But that’s where the similarities end.

It would be so easy for the series to play into their rivalry. But as Shin notes, Itsuomi is a great guy. It’s why Shin can’t get mad that Emma is in love with him. Itsuomi isn’t the villain of the story — even Oushi’s. So, instead, the show cleverly pivots so that the drama isn’t a will they / won’t they dynamic or a love triangle. Instead, the drama stems from Oushi’s inability to name his feelings versus Itsumoi’s clear understanding and acceptance of his. Itsoumi’s character is so wonderful because his confidence is steadying. He all but tells Oushi that fate would’ve tied his and Yuki’s strings together no matter where or when they met. In any circumstance, he chooses Yuki.

Watching their dynamic and Itsuomi’s patience with Oushi is so wonderful. It further enriches these two characters, building them up. Oushi’s antics are endearing and impossibly human as he tries to measure up to Itsuomi. Like Itsuomi, we can’t quite bring ourselves to hate Oushi, even as he asks Itsuomi to break up with Yuki. He’s relatable. He’s given even greater depth when we get a flashback into his and Yuki’s childhood.

We watch as he meets her and begins to learn sign language. He sees it as their secret code, a way for them to interact that not everyone can participate in. The scene where Yuki learns he can sign is lovely in how it pivots. Rather than kid Oushi saying something profound or even generically kind, he signs to her, “You fool.” He’s an instigator, and his rough-around-the-edges nature makes him such an engaging, enjoyable character.

The flashback sequences also allow for some of the finest animation of the episode. The vibrancy of the fireworks is a standout but not the most substantial piece. Instead, the vivid blue sky and the contrasting whites of the clouds make for the most breathtaking frame as Oushi walks against them and toward Yuki. It visually captures the brightness of youth with finesse.

The entirety of A Sign of Affection Episode 10 is beautiful. Driven by character introspection and forward momentum, “Oushi’s World” delivers a thorough portrait of a young man trying to reckon with his emotions. Between Itsuomi and Oushi’s reluctant dynamic, the detailed artistry, and the writing that trusts its characters and the audience, the series strikes its most triumphant note to date.

A Sign of Affection Episode 10 is available now on Crunchyroll.