So I rewatched the first episode of Sagwa: The Chinese Cat for the first time since I was a kid and I broke down crying. Like yes it’s cheesy as hell, but I feel like I also suddenly understand myself. The show ran from when I was in preschool until first grade and looking back it had such a big impact on my life. I ended up going to China multiple times and if the pandemic hadn’t happened I would be there right now on a language fellowship. (As it is, fingers crossed I’ll get to go to Taiwan come February.) I mean I’m not saying I got a degree in East Asian studies and everything else because of Sagwa, but there was something about the show that helped me subconsciously fall in love with Chinese.
And I appreciate the show so much more as an adult whose spent years learning Chinese and about Chinese history. Like I could date the dynasty by the haircuts on the men (I mean the cue is distinctive but still.) The casual use of real chinese calligraphy and words. Even just how the show emphasized that this was a province and there was a magistrate, when my child mind thought they’d been talking about the emperor the entire time. The villagers singing “You’re my best friend” to the magistrate was truly where I broke though. It’s just so beautiful. (And I know the song they sing is a variant of the title song about Sagwa being my best friend, but that moment is still just wonderful)
But beyond that, I’m just so touched by the messages of the show. Like there’s a reason I clung to it as a kid. This episode talked about learning from our mistakes and how they don’t always end in failure, as well as some posturing about not being mean to your siblings. But like this is episode 1 and I feel so happy. “Tomorrow’s another day. And another adventure.”