Shoshimin episode 2 review: The visually stunning journey continues with a delicious hot cocoa mystery

Modified Jul 14, 2024 17:30 GMT

Yuki Osanai, Jogoro Kobato and Chisato Doujima (Image via Lapin Track)

Shoshimin episode 2 dropped today, delivering another visual treat for fans enticed by its opening segment released a week ago. The first episode left viewers puzzled with its mysteriously introduced protagonists, Jogoro Kobato, and Yuki Osanai, and their journey to "becoming ordinary."

In this episode, the story picks up where the previous one left off, following the aftermath of the strawberry tarts tragedy. Shoshimin episode 2 delves into Jogoro's former self and presents viewers with a crash course on how to prepare a hot cup of delicious cocoa.

Shoshimin episode 2: Brief recap

Shoshimin episode 2 opened with Jogoro strolling through a market and stumbling upon a disguised Yuki. Upon approaching her, he learns that she is distressed due to the strawberry start tragedy and her bike being stolen.

Moreover, the school counselor had scolded her for allowing her bike to be stolen, which was later spotted at the site of an apartment break-in. Thus, she was out shopping to lighten her mood. Jogoro offered to buy her sweets in an attempt to do the same.

Just then, the pair were invited to Kengo Doujima's place. The boy greeted them warmly and presented them with delicious hot cocoa. He had invited them over, specifically Jogoro, to understand what caused a change in the boy's attitude, i.e., from snarky and annoyingly erudite to bratty with a smiling facade.

Shoshimin episode 2 also introduced a supporting character, Chisato Doujima. With her came Jogoro's second case - How did Kengo make three cups of cocoa using only one spoon? Following a lot of contemplation, Jogoro arrived at the answer, which was quite simple in hindsight. Thus Jogoro and Yuki continued on their path to "becoming ordinary."

Shoshimin episode 2: Stellar animation, detailed character design, and use of color

Shoshimin episode 2 was yet another showcase of visually stunning animation. Series director Mamoru Kanbe seems to be checking all the boxes when it comes to bringing Honobu Yonezawa's novel to life. Much like the first episode, this episode features expert use of colors, contrast, lighting, and more.

The studio's choice to give the characters unique eye designs adds to the effect and overall setting of each scene. This series is mainly driven by dialogue and presents simple dilemmas in the form of intriguing cases that usually possess a straightforward solution.

Shoshimin episode 2: The bike thief and delicious hot cocoa

Yuki, Kengo and Jogoro (Image via Lapin Track)

The first part of Shoshimin episode 2 revolved around Yuki facing the repercussions of her bike being stolen. This incident was key to the main plot as it would likely introduce another character later on. However, for now, this detail has been carefully kept mysterious, much like the details of our protagonists.

However, the highlight of this episode was Kengo preparing three cups of cocoa using only a single spoon. Chisato Doujima, a new face, was introduced, bringing this dilemma with her as she refuses to believe that Kengo is more efficient than her.

The answer turned out to be simple enough - Kengo had cocoa in the cups, heated the milk, and then poured it into each cup one by one, following the instructions. It is the ease with which Shoshimin takes the simplest of puzzles and turns them into intriguing cases. The facts of the incident were also presented in such a way that one would be compelled to adopt a detective's perspective.

Final thoughts

Shoshimin episode 2 continued the series' visually impressive journey by building up the main story and adding another solved case to Jogoro's repertoire. It retains its element of mystery by not letting off too much about its protagonists, although we do now know that Jogoro has changed attitude-wise.

Moreover, as mentioned, the lens through which the series presents mundane problems as distinct cases is remarkable. Probably both these details combined, i.e., its ambiguous characters and make-a-case-of-normal-concerns approach, form a major part of Shoshimin's charm coupled with its fantastic visuals.