given trash

anime dumping

[oasisdew]

Similarity and contrast between YukiMafu and RitsuMafu.

CW : literary discussion. Mirroring (comparison) of relationships.

First of all let me just bring this definition of "mirroring in literature" into the discussion. It's a common narrative tool. It's when the story features two characters who share traits or functions but use them in opposite ways. They reflect one another’s similarities while contrasting their differences in approaching those similarities. Kizu has done something similar not only with characters but also with relationships in 'given'.

Both RitsuMafu arcs of given were examples of mirror between YukiMafu and RitsuMafu. It was more subtle the first arc than the second arc though.

Let's start with the similarities of these two relationships. The very first one being how Mafuyu met Yuki and Ritsuka both. 

When Yuki met Mafuyu, Mafuyu was a baby traumatized by his father because whenever he spoke his father hit him (as punishment). So Mafuyu just stopped talking.

Similarly (but more gravely) when Ritsuka came into Mafuyu's life, he was traumatized by Yuki's passing, we can easily see that he believed that he was being punished for speaking out of turn again. As well as carrying his issues from childhood there was grief added to those traumas.

Yuki and Ritsuka both saved Mafuyu from that place somehow at first.

Now for the differences.

Yuki came into Mafuyu's life being the knight in shining armor. He saved him and then he took the role of the savior. It's true that we have seen only bits and pieces of Yuki there. But it's fairly clear. Yuki took all the initiatives and didn't let Mafuyu take any.

He assumed what Mafuyu wanted and acted accordingly. Which are the things we romanticize in teen romances but aren't really good for the sustainability of long term relationships. (It's the alpha male mentality actually and we as society are conditioned to think it's cool while it's inherently bad and smothering for anyone's personal growth as happened with YukiMafu both. Saeko thinking Mafuyu could be the anchor for Yuki did more damage to both of them than we probably think.)

In contrast Ritsuka came into his life being the knight in shining armor AND pushed him to take initiatives.

Which was why the string breaking scene was the climax of RitsuMafu first arc. The main problem between YukiMafu was being addressed there.

Yuki did not let Mafuyu be a part of anything, he sheltered Mafuyu, while Ritsuka always made sure that he was the part of the process. That was the first time Ritsuka tried to be understanding of Mafuyu, and to shelter him, and Mafuyu rebelled, because that was NOT what he wanted from Ritsuka. He wanted Ritsuka to be his pushy self. He didn't want Ritsuka to be another Yuki.

And that was when Ritsuka admitted that yes, it might look like Ritsuka was the one pushing Mafuyu forward, but actually he thought Mafuyu's presence alone was the push forward he himself needed. And this confession of his vulnerability gave Mafuyu the actual motivation he needed to express himself. That someone really WAS depending on him was all the validation he needed there.

See him falling in love with his eyes open. A mutually beneficial relationship.

Now to the last arc.

We again got RitsuMafu mirror YukiMafu.

The similarity here being, Ritsuka did what Yuki did, making a song for Mafuyu WITHOUT asking Mafuyu. With Mafuyu's same two childhood friends even.

And the similarities end here.

First, as far as we know Yuki wasn't pushed to do this, Ritsuka was.

Let us not forget that in their first arc Ritsuka already made sure to assure Mafuyu of his worth. And to push him to achieve things.

This arc opens with Ritsuka trying to do newer things. He hadn't left 'given' or Mafuyu behind, he was just trying new things because they seemed fun. Even when he agreed to finish Yuki's song it was because the song was great and he was being challenged. That's his natural disposition, he can't back down when faced with a challenge. The moment he realized that it might have been an issue for Mafuyu was the moment he started panicking and trying to reach out. But by then Mafuyu spiraled enough that he couldn't respond to Ritsuka's efforts right away. This effectively made Ritsuka panic too. But this panic was never about Mafuyu not loving or wanting him, let me make it clear, Ritsuka panicked solely because he feared that Mafuyu might have lost his passion for music BECAUSE of him.

And that was the moment he made his resolution. He never went about this thing like a romantic. This song from Yuki was going to be his gift for Mafuyu but that was because he wanted Mafuyu to get his passion for music back.

Akihiko advised him that it was the only way to lure Mafuyu in, and Ritsuka took that advice.

It wasn't about impressing Mafuyu but to remind him of what it is to love and live music.

The intent and purpose AND the approach of Ritsuka and Yuki were totally different from each other. And that's why they reaped different results.

Kizu made sure to put Yuki and Ritsuka in direct contrast with each other in how they deal with stress too. (When Ritsuka felt cornered and like he fucked things up for Mafuyu he thought about Shizuragi and how Shizusumi treats Hiragi like he is his religion. We can safely assume that was how Yuki treated Mafuyu too) and made Ritsuka say that he couldn't do that. Nope, he couldn't treat Mafuyu like Mafuyu was more important than anything else, he could love himself and Mafuyu equally only, on the equal footing, as partners.

She also made sure to show us how Ritsuka when stressed drinks milk (as a coping mechanism??) He is the healthiest boy ever dealing with the curve balls life throws at him, as opposed to how Yuki dealt with it by consuming alcohol.

I am by no way blaming Yuki here for his maladaptive coping or his general outlook of life. He didn't have the privilege that Ritsuka had. He didn't come from a very healthy family. He was but a child himself. But let us not romanticize the problems. The problems that Yuki had and the challenges that YukiMafu faced because of him.

So anyway, the whole purpose of YukiMafu and RitsuMafu mirroring and contrast is to show how romanticized unhealthy practices in relationships can ruin people's lives and how you can learn to not make those mistakes.

The last arc did tackle more issues than this, but it's been one of the major theme.

[raine-kai]

Contextualizing the Messy AkiHaru Scene

So…it came to my attention that a lot of translations of the scene where Akihiko crashes at Haruki’s house in chapter 20 of the manga or the anime movie suggest that nothing happened more than we see in the panels/on the screen.

This is a translation error. The Japanese is unambiguous that a lot happened during the scene break; the art backs this up, in the change to Haruki’s hairstyle from before to after the scene break.

Mainly, I want to retranslate for people who are interested, who didn’t know that this was a mistranslation. But, I think that no matter how the scene is translated, there are subtexts and undercurrents that are lost, that cannot be simply translated into existence.

So I would like to explain several things in the lead-up to the scene in question, as well as in the aftermath, in order to hopefully give more context.

WARNINGS FOR SPOILERS AND NONCON

Notes on Translation: Given astonished me from its very first chapter with its deliberate and brilliant use of words. It is a story that is so incredibly articulate when it wants to be that moments of wordlessness or fragmented words are equally articulate, for they are crafted with as much deliberation and care as the articulate moments. As anyone knows who has ever tried to translate something, just plain translating the surface meaning of words often leaves a lot of the meaning behind. I will do my best to convey in English what the original text conveyed to me in Japanese, but it will inevitably fall short of the original text.

Keep reading

[morievna]

Mix 18 – Ugetsu’s grand return 🥳

Ohh sorry so much I was meaning to write about this chapter since awhile, but my job was demanding lately and I also got new obsession to over-think *cough* BSD Stormbringer *cough* But here I am finally getting time to gush about Ugetsu and Mafuyu xD

(btw i had fun with creating new pfp with this picrew)

This post will be more Ugetsu-centric – I will focus on Mafuyu later on together with covering mix 19 – though maybe after full scans will be available since judging from spoilers it relies a lot on visuals. But in short, it is so beautiful chapter with Mafuyu’s arc blooming 💖

As for now - what can i say -  mix 18 is simply perfection. Feel prepared to me simply counting up things I loved xD

Honestly I love everything about it  – finally getting Ugetsu’s return in such amazing way, the way Mafuyu was portrayed in such human and vulnerable way and character development of them both. Besides, interaction between them were pure gold xD I liked how funny was clash between their personalities, which balanced more serious and angsty side of this chapter.

I really like how Given is consistent with themes and parallels between all characters, especially Akigetsu and Mafuyama in this one. It feels very thoughtful how Natsuki-sensei planned all of it.

Okay, so let’s start digging~~

If you read my analysis of Ugetsu’s booklet from movie  - you know that I was concerned with how he was shown so alone and isolated from outside world; with no human interaction except that text from Akihiko.

Honestly I literally gasped when he admitted that by himself in this chapter xD

Really wow – such development considering that he started as character ‘i-have-no-friends’ and neglecting himself in lot of ways. He went long way T_T

I really liked his vibe in this chapter – it really feels that he thought over his life and changed. Even without clear destination – it feels symbolic that he no longer wants to live in temporary hotels and wants to sell his old house ( which was symbol of his cocoon) – like butterfly he is now free to live fully and make connection with outside world.

So proud of Ugetsu~~

I am really curious if we will got more spinoff or something about Ugetsu – it really feels like some part of his life ended, but new possibilities are ahead – I really love how carefree he ponders on his future. Also since Natsuki-sensei mentioned on her twt that she made changes to booklet story to include improved version to Given vol.8 – I still think she likes Ugetsu quite a lot xD

Okay, let’s move on Mafuyu-Ugetsu bond ~~

I love their dynamics so much – in this chapter it was really perfect way how to show kinda mentor-student relationship should work (and without mentor dying per trope *sighs in bsd*).

I loved how Mafuyu opened to Ugetsu about he is going through – because of he knew what’s Ugetsu been through and how they are alike, these factors helped him to admit his deepest worries and insecurities. Though this arc Mafuyu talked to others, but it was the heartfelt connection between MafuUge that let him to be more at ease speaking himself. Like Ugetsu being comfort friend for him like no other.

I love Mafuyu reaction to Ugetsu’s spontaneous decision to go together to SYH live :D

They are just perfect xDD

On more serious side, I really liked hands symbolism in this – at first Mafuyu is uncomfortable with this decision like feeling desperate that Ugetsu didn’t understand him and grasping him to wait, not wanting to go and confront Uenoyama.

But then after they talk more – Ugetsu’s points get through to Mafuyu. I also loved how Ugetsu knew what to say and  how help Mafuyu. Like literally he said what Mafuyu needed to hear – both calling out on lack of communication with Uenoyama, making good points on indecisiveness having painful consequences, and praising him for trying his best.

It is great too that Ugetsu didn’t handed full solution for Mafuyu – ‘only’ provided support and good insights and ultimately gave Mafuyu push in right direction, which is taking him by hand to SYH debut (meanwhile Mafuyu ceasing to resist).

What’s more, it is really good that they got separated in the crowd – Mafuyu has to alone make decision for his own future and this is giving him that free space. After all, from story perspective mentor is supposed only to show protagonist way of living and giving advice like fundament -  and protag must have built on that by himself and go beyond.

Besides, I really love that callback to chapter 27 – on one side we have that emotional scene with Ugetsu/Mafuyu crying due to being terrified of what comes with future, and to balance that we have frame with comforting ‘all will be okay’ providing support to one another.

Excuse me now to cry in the corner a bit T_T

Ngl Ugetsu looking melancholic when Mafuyu brought up his story with Akihiko also made my Akigetsu heart weep a bit too T_T

Finally - to end on positive note,

mentor-student dynamics is often show that student could achieve at what mentor didn’t succeed -  that’s why imo (contrary to Akigetsu as these ships were paralleled in this chapter) Mafuyama will get their happy ending with most likely pursuing music as career. And since story established that Mafuyu and Ugetsu and inspiring and helping each other -  I hope one day we will get Ugetsu happy ending as well – by that I mean him being renowned violinist while having friends and/or loving husbando xD

That’s all for now – thanks for reading and have great day <3

[mikajihiko]

Given Mix_20 Thoughts! Can I just say my respect for Ue has increased drastically, how drastic it already was in a way I thought it couldnt get any bigger than this, but it did, and heres why! When Hiragi first reached out the Rikka, he only ever requested Ritsuka to finish the song (yes Hiragi forced him to actually do it butsdkjasd) He never said Ritsuka should follow Yuki’s sound, everything else was on Ritsuka. Even Hiragi was surprised when he heard

To make it clear, its not because of Hiragi forcing him that made him want to do this song, we all know Ritsuka has no problem saying ‘No’; the real reason I’ll tackle later on. But, the reason he didnt want to do it was because of the emotional weight he felt when listening to Yuki’s song

Sure, first it was uncomfortable by the mere fact that it was Yuki- Mafuyu’s ex and shizuragi’s childhood friend. Most especially, especially after feeling the remnants of Yuki’s emotions, especially when he knows how Yuki passed away, it would’ve made anyone want to quit

But again, that didnt stop him, instead it propelled him further! Mix_20 gave emphasis on the reason as to why and it’s because Ritsuka wanted to not only to give closure to Mafuyu. He also brought it onto himself to give these grieving childhood friends some closure despite it not being his responsibility, and he was very aware that it wasnt. But, he saw an opportunity to do good to others and took it. It was emotionally tolling for him, yes, but not because he was forced to make music, BUT because he wanted to do give his all as someone who is a perfectionist; He wanted his gift to be perfect

And thats not the only thing that amazes me, he also showes respect towards Yuki’s music by saying he was GLAD to have listened to Yuki’s song (あの曲をみつけられて 良かった). And he turns the stressful experience into something positive, saying he feels very much personally fulfilled about not only being helpful to others, but as well as a self-accomplishment by seeing the proof of his own capabilities. (「ここまで やれる」 それが証明できた. 今は、それが満足だ ) Mix_20

Ritsuka could’ve chosen to be selfish. Just like how initially, he had made the 2nd part of Yuki’s song to sound like him, as he was responsible to finish the second half- a change Hiragi noticed (mix_9). This was when Ue felt like shifting priorities to reaching Mafuyu

The shift of knowing that Mafuyu had been feeling lonely all those times. Reading Mix_14, surely everyone understands the external pressure added on to Ritsuka as well- guilt of having fun with another band while leaving his own, slowly losing himself in this heavy process. But the message of Ritsuka’s story here isnt negative- it’s showing how feeling down and anxious during stressful events is a normal thing, that everyone needs help and deep thinking for them to align themselves.

And of course because of this, Ritsuka got back on his feet as the strong person he is. Not letting the anxiety get to him, and got back to doing things his own stubborn way (affectionate). He lets go of selfishness, knowing with all confidence that his own skills can pull Mafuyu.

And so he did, and this sense of accomplishment he feels washing over him during the end of SYH debut, knowing well he has not only accomplished his goals of pulling Mafuyu but also made Hiragi shine, gave closure to those close to Yuki, and had proven himself to be capable! All the shocked faces coming from Shizuragi really make me laugh. Never would they have thought of Ue to be someone as selfless and giving, but that truly is him. Someone so kind and generous with confidence and power- “fundamentally a good guy"🙈💖

EDIT: I fixed some grammar and punctuation-ings 😭 I wrote it while moved by strong emotions, it was crazy! Needless to say, Im very proud of Ritsuka and I dont think I have the words to fully express myself. I hope this blog can emit even a bit of that feeling!

[magicpotatoobsession]

My favourite panel in chapter 50/Mix_20 of Given is actually this 😂😂😂

I LOVE how Kizu drew the smokey miasma of emotions behind Mafuyu. This is after the FIRST time that Mafuyu has full blown bawled in front of Hiiragi, Shizu and Uenoyama, potentially the first time he’s cried so much in front of anyone. Previously, we’ve only ever seen him cry (fuyunohanashi) after Uenoyama returned to the stage. Mafuyu is always on the verge of tears but he actually never allows himself, consciously or subconsciously, to feel his emotions fully, to even go there. This panel is so so precious to me because he’s feeling the COMPLEX AFTERMATH that encompasses not only

the catharsis of finally being able to meet Yuki again

the catharsis from coming out of an extended period of emotional shutdown and bottled fear

his love for music and Uenoyama BUT ALSO

the discomfort of showing his vulnerable, and most probably uncontrollable outburst of tears in a public setting (I mean the gucci eyebags with the mildly annoyed expression really screams “how dare you make me feel my emotions but also I love you”).

That’s sooo many inexplicable feelings for our poor little Pomeranian! He must be exhausted! 😭😭❤️ I bet my money that Mafuyu is taking another sick day off school after SYH’s live from crying so much. But that’s also why Uenoyama is so good for him, he encourages Mafuyu to be vulnerable with him, to “not be on the verge of tears holding these emotions in all by himself” when Ue is around. Uenoyama means Mafuyu should give himself the space to cry, to laugh when they are together.

Masterlist of my Given Metas

[oasisdew]

I hope fandom atleast noticed that during 'umi e' Mafuyu was actually drowning metaphorically and had to think of Ritsuka's face in Minato Mirai to try to keep himself grounded

(I think Ritsuka's voice helped him at last). And he started being lively only after 'umi e' ended and they played another song.

'umi e' wasn't something Mafuyu wanted or requested for. He was thrown into it. While already having an emotional crisis because things were reminding him too much of his past which he would've rather forgotten.

The memories were what he was thrown into! He was trying to fight them, find his bearing. He had to look away from it to look at the memory of Ritsuka's face when he confessed to Ritsuka, he was trying to cling to Ritsuka's memory to keep himself grounded. He was so brave and looking for Ritsuka to anchor him.

But it wasn't enough. See he was drowning still!

And then Ritsuka started singing.

Ritsuka saved him. Ritsuka's voice brought him back from a nasty panic attack, brought him back from giving up, because he could recognise the kindness, the love, however misguided.

Also if I may point it out, before Ritsuka started singing, no one even understood that it was indeed a love song! Mafuyu was drowning in grief, NOT in love.

Ritsuka's voice was what brought the love out. Because Ritsuka himself was the source of the love. And pulled Mafuyu out of 'the sea'.

[naoamaya]

haruki nakayama for @witchofsupernovas

from your animanga secret santa, hope you have a great christmas!

[oasisdew]

Given vol 6 being ended with Akihiko where Mafuyu by his own volition went to meet him because he was scared vs. vol 8 being ended with Ugetsu who 'accidentally' found Mafuyu on street when he was scared and confused.

[oasisdew]

Akihiko calling Mafuyu 'Our own little prodigy' will forever be close to my heart 😭💗💗

Kizu really said PROUD PARENTS™

[givenblogmanga]

Mafuyu Sato Icons

[incorrect-given-quotes]

[Uenoyama and Mafuyu sitting on a bench]

Akihiko: Why do you guys look so uncomfortable?

Uenoyama: Why don't you sit down so we can tell you

Akihiko: [sits down]

Mafuyu: This bench is freshly painted

Akihiko: •_•

[givenblogmanga]

Ugetsu Murata

Art by Natsuki Kizu

[oasisdew]

Let's talk about Yayoi, and what we understand of Akihiko and his changing feelings towards Ugetsu and Haruki through her eyes and behavior.

I call it the curious case of one Kaji Akihiko.

I feel like Yayoi has known Akihiko longer than Haruki.

They're in the same year, so it seems feasible.

And one of Yayoi's first impressions of Aki is that he wouldn't hide whom he loved at all. His eyes always followed them.

(Yeah its not like he changed. its just that NOW HE CAN BE HIMSELF)

So she knew of Ugetsu and should've known that she had no chance?

But still she jokingly confessed to Aki, and he turned her down.

Yet she didn't give up entirely.

I'm guessing Aki's behavior towards the person she thought he had a crush on changed somehow, and that gave her hope that she could still have a chance, even if a little bit?

So, even after she was rejected we had seen her riding together with Akihiko. Or them being friendly in the campus.

Aki seems pretty fond of her. He has a tendency to take care of people he likes anyway. And he likes Yayoi, that much is evident.

So much so, that Haruki thinks that she is his girlfriend.

Akihiko's behavior is pretty curious here too. We know that he was trying to hide his shameful gigolo image from Haruki.

Like here, in this flashback, he noticed Haruki and he is all like, 'don't talk to me now.' to his companion.

It's more like he wants Haruki to notice him with this respectable beautiful girl, (who also happens to be Ritsuka's sister. Yayoi is NOT harmful for his image in front of Haruki.)

It's more or less clear that at this point of time Akihiko wasn't thinking of ever trying to woo Haruki, or date him. He was just hiding his true self and his ugly relationship and his shameful lifestyle from Haruki as not to make him hate him, or see him as inferior.

But it didn't change the fact that he was inadvertently falling in love with Haruki.

(Here's one thing I am sure of, Akihiko met Haru right after Ugetsu broke up with him out of nowhere, and twas from the very first meet that Haru became his savior, his go to comfort blanket if you will.)

Well, so going back to Yayoi, she went to the summer competition, of course for Ritsuka, but more importantly to try to get closer to Akihiko.

She totally wasn't aware of Haruki at this time. But she was wary of Ugetsu, as she should've been. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Just look at her face.

(Also notice Akihiko's expression here please! He is so on edge that Ugetsu actually showed up at his safe place, his band's performance! 😭 I always say every panel and every expression in given matters and just please please please pay attention to it.)

Ah! These panels are hilarious, they were funny the first time I read them, but in retrospect, they are even funnier.

Haruki jealous of the person he thinks is Akihiko's girlfriend, that alleged girlfriend Yayoi wary of the person she thinks Akihiko is in love with but may be slowly getting over.

And ugetsu all smug.

He has no idea what's gonna hit him LMAO.

Anyyyway, here's where things get interesting.

At this point Aki had trauma bonding with Ugetsu, but he had fallen in love with Haru.

From right after Ugetsu showed up, Akihiko's behavior is noteworthy. He is on edge and extra clingy to Haruki.

Just look at his face here. He didn't have any reason to be that shaken here in normal circumstances.

And then in the very next panel we have this Yayoi, noticing the look on Akihiko's face looking at Haruki. We can't see his eyes, keeping true to Kizu's style.

But yeah it's the very next panels. And what she sees is Akihiko for no reason at all following Haruki like a lost puppy.

Really, he didn't need to follow Haruki like that that very moment.

Ritsuka had already took off, things had been taken care of.

He just needed to be closer to Haruki to calm his nerves, what with Ugetsu's presence putting more pressure on him.

And notice these panels of Yayoi, uncanny similarity with Ugetsu's "bye bye Akihiko" while he goes chasing after Haruki.

And then we see Haruki as the one totally in charge here. Looking after everyone, calming everyone down.

The moment Haruki is trying to go do things a little away from Akihiko, Aki is all like, I will go with you too.

He is not needed there, Haru isn't even looking at him, Take Chan is one of the organizers and obviously Haruki is the one to set everything up for their band.

He just can't be away from Haruki for a moment.

And he needs Haruki to look at him, pay attention to him.

Yes, he wants Haruki to know how important Haruki is for them and their band, but that's more for his own sake than Haruki's sake here.

Haruki might not have noticed, and we might have not noticed the first time reading it, but really, Haruki just saved Akihiko here again too. Not the band, but Akihiko himself.

And how cute is his “I might end up dying too?” Knowing full well Haruki would react the way he did? He just wanted Haruki to care for him😭

And Yayoi witnessed it, and witnessed Akihiko looking at Haruki during the performance. And how heartbroken she must had been, to know that Aki is surely getting over one person, but has fallen for another one like this, too deep, too desperate? And it's not her?

😭

Her love remained one sided.

Thank God for Take Chan!

He is way better for Yayoi than Akihiko could ever be anyway. 😭

[lilium-dragomir]