I think another important point in the end of season 5 is along with increasing the voter turnout is that she was actually able to light a fire within Jiro, to actually push for things he cares about instead of just continueing to listen to his dad. Even if she did lose she was able to change the person who actually won, so her campaigning did actually have a point.

I can see why seasons 3-5 was not as popular to international audiences. The commentary is specific to Japan. I love this series. I love learning about the issues Japan experiences.

Retsuko may have lost to Jiro but she got into his head, tapped into his rage, and got him to think about how Japan needs to change. That is why he opened up about his stance on the old age termination bill, enforced term limits for politicians, she may have lost but Retsuko is still a catalyst for change the people need.

This just shows the difference of a Anime Fan, and a Anime Fan that understands the NATION that Anime are made of! You notice stuff that goes over the heads of fans who simply see a show! So yeah, valid points Goomba!! Thank you for pointing it out.

Honestly, a lot of these issues aren’t solely a problem in Japan. They can easily be found in the US and other countries. Also, even though the series ended with everything returning to the status quote, it was shown that some things have changed in small ways like Shikanabe is actively house hunting, instead of her continuing to live in the net cafe.

"YOU! MISSED! THE! WHOLE! POINT!" Freaking shouted in agreement! Felt that rage coming through with that one lol Excently explaned! Well done GG, well freakin done!

My feeling of Aggretsuko was that it was a Story about a woman lost in life. No ambition, just cruisinh along. And honestly I felt that so much, seeing her start politics was... inspiring.

This isn't even just a Japan thing. I love in Canada and all of these issues can be applied here. I love this series.

I really loved Aggretsuko, both for it's commentary and it's characters. Even though it was a commentary on Japanese society, I really felt myself resonating with a lot of it as an American because we share a lot of those same issues too. It was an adorable and very fun show from start to finish.

Season 5 really tore me apart, because so many of the issues it was talking about are things I'm struggling and yet don't have a answer to

I feel like it's less of a problem and more of a consequence of the writing of the early seasons. Sanrio made such loveable characters with such relatable problems that when it shifted over to being pure commentary, a lot of audiences just couldn't transition to that line of thinking. I personally feel it has the inverse problem of South Park, where the early seasons were pure commentary and then it suddenly shifted to serialized stories. It's not that either format is bad per say, but it definitely shifted priorities and a lot of audiences just couldn't jive with it.

See, I did NOT understand people's reactions to Aggretsuko. I always saw it more about life in modern Japan than anything else. People complaining it was supposed to be about Retsuko and Haida's relationship seemed to be missing the point.

I wasn't even aware people were making these ignorant criticisms. Thanks for pointing out the truth! One "fun" Japanese politics thing I always found telling when I lived there: All the political polls conducted by NHK and everyone else are only done via landlines. I lived in Japan for 14 years and neither I nor anyone even vaguely my age or younger had a landline!!

Shikabane was depressingly relatable, feeling of just letting everything go on without me

13:08 this also applies to jobs in USA, nobody has patience for a newbie making a mistake but in turn that also makes the newbie give up much quicker so being kind and helpful and patient is a MUST for anybody trying to train a newbie and I wish more people knew this but it seems like nobody likes to be kind or patient anymore due to everybody suffering so much they feel like they're about to snap 15:05 Kabai is one of my fav characters for EXACTLY this, I wish I could push that same message on everybody's face too cuz IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO, but everybody fantasizes about The One and forgets this (Also Congrats on 10 years, my gf and I aren't actually married but basically have been for over 6 years)

Great video, thank you for this. Jiro did get mad at the end and propose an age limit alluding to a glimmer of hope, but then again politicians keeping their promises is also a thing...

Yay! It wasn't an April fool's! Now I can watch this after just NOW finding out a new season came out.....

This feels like such a direct response to the Just Stop video haha.

Great video, lots to think about! Sadly I do feel that the main issue you’ll see with fandoms and the general court of public opinion is: people being unable to separate a show from what it is, and what they want it to be. Lots of people don’t want to have to think about deep stuff like this, and many others don’t have the right perspective or media literacy, so when a show takes an odd direction they’ll just go “WTF was that…?” And then call a show “mid”. Thanks for the insight! Glad you like the show so much!

I loved this show and everything you’ve stated is spot on! Especially the challenge Tonne had to deal with once the new CEO popped in. It’s funny, because I had an uncle that was given a trash position, to do as the justification, to literally throw him away (layoff or collect enough dirt to fire). A lot of this show is relatable, but seeing it from the Japanese cultural-side makes you understand the discomfort and disorder in everyday Japanese life. Actually, this show for me is more of a Korean or Japanese drama in anime form set to 30 minutes vs. 1 hour or two hour shows.

I really like Shikibane. When she talks about how what she does being "more honest" hit me hard because I've gotten really cynical of full time work and have wanted to quit and go back to part time on that having the extra free time at the expense of money would be more honest than killing my soul working full time. I haven't quit because it's the objectively bad choice but part of me still whispers "at least you'd be living honestly".

I relate to Haida when it came to overspending on games. It was so bad that I ended up getting my steam account stolen because I didn't read the red flags. I lost that account forever. I learned that lesson the hard way. Stay safe, and don't trust people you just met who give free stuff regardless of what it is.

I also love how in the ending speech, the ending where jiro promises an age cap for the japanese government, really is a great idea, not only for japan but around the world

This show is for mature thinking audiences, not for hardcore shippers. I loved Aggretsuko. I loved the slice of life and social commentary, which usually isn't my cup of tea. All the characters felt real their problems were real. I didn't like Ton until the last episode but after his kareoke battle with Retsuko I began to understand and respect him. I understood Anai, and I love how Kabae won him over. Just desserts can be delicious, but not all antagonistic characters deserve harsh punishment. Sometimes all they need is empathy. While I won't lie and say I wasnt disappointed we didn't get more characterization or the supporting characters didn't get more screen time or we never learn Haida's first name, I didn't mind at all when season 5 went political. I don't understand the criticism calling season 5 "the Haida show". Every point you made are the reasons I love this show + the characters, of course. While it may not happen anytime soon, I hope Aggretsuko helps the youth of Japan wake up and rage someday with a banner of our favorite screaming red panda. 😊

Remember folks: Retsuko is made by Sanrio! And give Seasons 3, 4, and 5 more appreciation and love.

The themes of this show are not just relatable for Japan, especially the politics. Change for the better is a universal need, and struggle to obtain.

good lord, people needs to get this point of view, this kind of things NEED to be understood Good job as per usual GGoombah

Never looked at discussion on this show before so I'm surprised that people didn't make some of the same connections. I'm not a Japan expert but many similar problems exist in the U.S Same generational dynamic, same overall situation for youth and same status quo in politics in terms of policy. Feel like its easy to connect with the big picture problems even if you're not from Japan. Maybe people just aren't very aware of their society or aren't inclined to think critically on the show because of the cute tone and emphasis on personal dynamics between characters

Wow a show with a balanced take on things showing there problems with both sides. No wonder the internet hates this show now PS thank you for talking about this I've been feeling people are a little to focused on the micro level for characters and missing some of bigger ideas some shows and movie have been trying because there to hyperfocused on character they like

So much energy, so much power. This video and how you convey what you wanted to say is just great. Much love, much appreciation.

Brilliant analysis! I'll admit, I didn't like seasons 2 and 4 very much for reasons others have mentioned, but looking at it from the perspective of "nothing changes and that's the problem" has made me appreciate the series a lot more. Thank you for making this!

Dude, phenomenal work. Like, this was so good and so passionate. Thank you for your hard work. I had seen the first couple of episodes years ago, but I never followed up. I'm glad you could provide that insight if I ever choose to go back to it. I heard your heart breaking as you talked about the different struggles Japan is going through. You've such a caring heart...

7:19 This moment has always stuck with me, because it blasted me in the face with the realization that we never learned anything about him. He seems boring but the characters in the story don't make an honest effort to know him. I still think they should have broke up, but it made me sad.

That mounting passion throughout the video until it was bursting with the conclusion was glorious to witness. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this video.

This video really opened my eyes to the social commentary side of it. The scary part is flashes of the commentary in japan are also present in the US. This is a great video ill save so when I run into a friend who may have qualms about the show it can be of education to them. 10/10👍

I love when people do stuff like this. It can give people outside Japan the perspective to really understand what these types of shows are going for. Just like how the Simpsons os for American culture.

Best explanation of the show I've seen and made me realize how many areas in the US are staring to have the same problem, most notably the "revolving door" employment issue and just overall bad work environments.

When you talked about Japanese Old Work Culture, it just reminds me of how unpleasant current western job hunting has become There are so many people, not to mention how some people need multiple jobs just to pay their bills, that work applications are becoming more selective, wanting only the best employees they can get their hands on, firing those who can’t meet their expectations. I even saw a quote saying “jobs are making employees fight over scraps” when talking about the American idea of “you work for the companies you want to work for”. For example, I have an education in television and film production, I have the knowledge and willingness to do the work, but nearly all the job listings I have seen are “do you have 3 years of experience outside of education?” or “can you move to London?”, not to mention that these companies would rather pick individuals who have made short films in their free time and/or have successful KZfaq channels. There this whole other aspect about how networking is more effective than job listings, but my main point I am getting at is how present day jobs are becoming a competition where the passionate get in but those who have the skills but aren’t workaholics get left behind.

I really enjoyed this breakdown. To me here's to what I thought the concepts were for each season. S1: Your work is your life now and it'll be never-ending, no matter how you turn it. S2: Marriage is valuable, but it's difficult to truly make of it. S3: Living a double life can be encouraging, but very dangerous. S4: Work ethnics in the past can't keep up with modern times, so you may sell yourself short. S5: Politics sucks and if you want change, then the people has to change it together. That's just my take, but I very much agree what you said about each season. I really liked this series from start to finish, even though S4 wasn't something I didn't find one of the better ones, but it definitely kept me in liking the characters and what they had to deal with.

This notification is like... The best I've gotten in two years, no joke. I've loved Aggretsuko since the start and wanted to see what you'd say. And you said it all. And you made me aware I was narrow in my focus. Know how you can read with theory? Like, Marxist reading, feminist reading, atheist reading. I interpreted the whole series with Bubble Theory. I once called the economic miracle bubble like Nam for Japan. It touched generations, created chaos and misery, and informed the culture down to the bones. The Bomb and the Bubble are the two things Japanese media will endlessly spin in subjects and imagery. I read every part of Aggretsuko through the Bubble, and it works. It's a workable theory to explain marriage problems and work culture and all of that. But you expanded the view, thank you for that. And thank you for the idol culture commentary. A lot of folks don't understand. Hyodo especially deserves praise, he's a rare innovator and start-up guy who struggles through economic punishment and the horrors of the industry he chose. Also, extra shout out for flipping the script on the fanboy trio. Three ugly loser nerd superfans weren't portrayed as hideous monsters but earnest, loyal people with feelings and love. And they got hired on. Heck, Zukkun the owl CSI's up the identity of the stalker. Love they got a glow-up. Still nerds, now with muscles. Those dudes got swole. And still are loyal and caring.

I'm glad to see someone finally understanding what this show was trying to do

Of all people, I was really hoping that you would talk about this, Gaijin.

Ya know, I knew Aggretsuko hits different from other Sanrio properties, but watching this made me really think about something. You could literally change every time Gaijin said "Japan" with "United States" and it would be a damn near identical commentary on what's happening here. As far the hell away Japan is, we really don't have that much different a problem over in the US, and likely other countries as well. The "old guard" and "boomers" won't change a thing because they don't want things to change as long as they live and even if they do, it'll be so minute that you almost don't see it so you ignore it. So many things just plain not changing because too many of those who don't want to remain in power and it makes those who want the issues to be fixed just feel powerless to do so. I honestly didn't want to just make this about the US, but with Gaijin doing such a good job at spelling out the problems in Japan and the commentary in Aggretsuko, I really couldn't help it. All of it is just....tiring.....Thanks for doing this, Gaijin.

It's not that I didn't get the social commentary. It's that the show jumps the shark all the time, when it didn't start out that way. It started out really down to earth. And it became a complete farce. There's nothing wrong with a farcical show. In fact, the best farcical shows have down to earth moments. But going the other way gives total narrative whiplash..

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, it's not going to get better. It's not!" --Dr. Seuss

what’s funny is i may not be familiar with all of Japan’s social issues or knew that they had terms for some of them, but I still recognized commentary when I saw it and found plenty to relate to anyway. That’s why i enjoyed the show from start to finish. I got what was being talked about. Anybody who said the show was bad or didn’t understand why certain things happened…yeah they didn’t get it. At all.

This video was eye opening. And I'm actually scared how the commentary about Japan's problems can perfectly fit with my country's (Italy).

This video made me realize just how ignorant I and other people must be about cultures and societial issues outside our own. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but a necessary one. Thank you for putting your time and effort into making this.

I really vibe with the Aggrestuko series and its commentary, since a lot of the problems happening in Japan have been happening here at home too. Maybe not one to one similarities, but there is overlap. I want to be able to move out of my parent's house and live on my own in the town I feel most at home in. But I can't because I'm stuck in a position where no matter what I do I can't move out because I don't have the required monthly income. And there are also places where you can't rent them unless you have prior renting history, so if you're a first time renter with 0 history you're pretty screwed. Sorry for ranting there, point is Aggrestuko really helped give me a feeling of catharsis.

Somewhere in japan someone is watching King of the Hill thinking this is commentary on the american issue of Propane sales

I had been hoping you would eventually make a video like this! Aggretsuko is relatable enough to get most of what it's trying to say. But to have you name and explain all the specific cultural phenomena is something else! Very cool!

How soon will Gaijin Goomba review Bionicle?

Oh my god THANK YOU, I keep seeing people criticizing the show without bothering to point out that it’s ultimately a commentary on social issues in Japan I still personally wish some of the story elements could’ve been handled differently- such as Retsuko’s death metal scream literally pushing Haida and Himuro through a window and nearly falling to their deaths. Or the way the window dressing was handled, as a lot of it felt awkwardly done Or the hard, HARD turn into politics. I understand why the show had to talk about that, but I wish it wasn’t so out of the blue. Though maybe that’s also part of the point? I just feel like it would’ve been smoother if they had one season focusing on the homelessness commentary, and another focusing on the politics commentary, but I imagine they wouldn’t have been able to because season 5 is the last season- they just didn’t have time, so they talked about both. And they talked about both because they’re both such important issues that need to be discussed. I also get that they were probably in the same season because they do tie in together, as you’ve explained, but the pacing just felt incredibly awkward, so if nothing else it would’ve been nice if there was a longer season 5, but again, that wouldn’t have been possible Overall, the commentary in the show is fantastic- top-notch -but from writing standpoint it still does have some weaknesses. I don’t watch many shows that are primarily supposed to be commentary, so maybe that’s not a valid criticism and I’m being ignorant to that? But as a writer, particularly one who’s writing a book that serves as a commentary about things I care about, though heavily blanketed in metaphor, I have the perspective that both the nature of the commentary and other story elements, like pacing and characterization, are important. I may not watch many shows that serve as commentary, but I’ve read books that do, like The Hunger Games and the Uglies series, and they serve their job of commentary without sacrificing other story elements, and especially not characterization idk, it’s a complicated issue. Overall, I do believe that a lot of the criticism for Aggretsuko misses the point of the show being commentary, especially of a culture they aren’t as familiar with/educated about, but there are still valid criticisms from a storytelling perspective

Everytime I watch this show I always wonder how deep the commentary goes, cause I can feel it, Like ALL OF IT. But my thing is, I have no frame of reference on what the commentary is for. I always hoped you would double back to it cause you are so informative. Thank you Gaijin for being a good source of info from the inside perspective.

So nice to see Gaijin being as pissed as Retsko.

How did nobody seem to get this show! I love the social commentary and how it tackles it head on every time! The commentary doesn't just fit Japan, I can tell you that. It also fits current problems over here in Germany! And that is why I vibed so much with that show!

I can hear your frustration and I feel for you. Japan has always had a strong culture, knowing the problems and how Aggretsuko highlights them is awesome. I'd love to see an expanded series on this, something more scripted? If this is your first and last word, I understand. Keep going GG!

Hey! Very good video. As someone who didn't really like Aggretsuko's latest seasons, you did open my eyes to some aspects I missed (did not know that staying at internet cafes was a whole "thing", I had assumed they just picked that as it would be a viable location for low-income folks to stay at). That being said, I'm still not a fan of the later seasons. Not because they're objectively bad or anything, it's just a personal preference thing, I suppose, and I'd like to share my non-intellectual, subjective perspective here. I had always picked up that Aggretsuko is heavy on commentary- at times, it felt a bit too much on the nose, even-, but I did appreciate the charm in the first seasons. The societal commentary seemed obvious and a bit generic, but you had these small character development moments that gave it something enjoyable. The later season seemed to miss that. Yes, they were very good at delivering commentary, but commentary alone, in my opinion, isn't enough to be entertaining, especially since it is admittedly simplistic in the show. The statistics and thought pieces on Japan's societal pieces are out there- you don't need a show to just say "abuse of power is prevalent" or "people are too overworked to date", there are easier ways to obtain that information. When a show engages with social commentary, there's typically something else applied to make it more than just a stream of statements- be it in-depth characters, funny satire (perhaps it's just me, but Aggretsuko didn't have the best humor), creativity using allegories, whatever. But, once the small character-centric moments were removed, Aggretsuko felt, to me, more like a repetition of headlines I've been seeing in news for years. South Park leans very heavily on its humor, which is what gives it value over just reading the news. I don't get what Aggretsuko was supposed to bring to the table, as it did not really go in depth on any of the topics it touched on.

This was a really awesome video. As much as I love the characters the social commentary behind every season is what fascinated me, because these are social issues that are relevant to Japanese culture and it was informative to see the various sides that are portrayed. Like these issues are not black and white with so much going on (or lack of) and how the characters helped portray these issues. You did a magnificent job with how in-depth this video was. I always love your content and analysis breakdowns.

Oh man. Thank you for doing a deep dive into this show. My partner and I watch this but haven't finished season 5 because it's hitting really close to home with me because of all the unemployment and gaming commentary that's going on. The reason why we love it is how much we relate and understand the world and messages inside. I want to finish the video but I haven't seen all of season 5 yet. But I'm definitely coming back!

Thank you for making this explainer. As a person who’s proud of his Japanese heritage, but also have had first hand experience with EVERY ONE of these issues, I absolutely loved the commentary aspect of this show, and am hopeful that Sanrio can continue to produce commentary with this IP in the future. Especially because THINGS HAVE TO CHANGE, but we also need to remember to look back and inherit the positive aspects of our previous systems in order to change for the better.

Even though the commentary is more on Japanese culture, I can relate to the government being run by a bunch of old people stuck in the past. Most of our Senators and Representatives are in at least their 50s in our legislature.

I didn't know Aggretsuko needed defending, cause I absolutely loved it start to finish. And I'm no expert on Japan, so I didn't quite get all of the commentary, so this was great! The best part for me was when Retsuko got best girl to open up and let herself feel some passion. What a wonderful show

Ya know, I will say this. Why is it that Agretzko hasn't made a season on making commentary on Japan's views regarding other countries, foreigners, other cultures, etc? Seems like that'd be a content goldmine if they were looking for something to make commentary on.

Your rage is right, lots need change

I understood this anime quite well despite not living in Japan, cause a lot of problems the anime comments on are present in other countries. Japan just started having these problems earlier than other countries and was sorta warning what would happen elsewhere in the world.

i remember watching season 5 after anxiously waiting for the next season, and i was a bit shocked when i found out it was the final one. and then i watched it, and i was like: "wait, that's it? we're going back to where we started? Retsuko decides to become a politician, loses, and then it's back to work as usual." but i wasn't disappointed in it. i actually liked the season finale. :)

Really loved this video. You dissected every point of what Aggretsuko is all about. I like the show for its take on Japan's work-life from the inside and outside. The cultural aspects, norms, and status quo from each season throughout the series piqued my interest especially when I used to live in Japan a few years ago. Shows that have a certain slice of modern life like Aggretsuko are cool to me because they help teach you in a way how life works even if they're culturally different from another culture. Additionally, the relatability to some characters in a way understands them like Haida having anxiety and self-esteem issues in the later seasons. Overall, I love the series and it'll be missed. Side note: Ever since Regular Show (another show I felt had some slice of modern life in its own way) ended years ago, it lead me to see Aggretsuko. The reason I bring this up is that both shows in some ways taught me some things about life in general whether it was never to self-doubt yourself or overcome those harsh struggles.

Never watched the show but every point that was mentioned stuck to me as the issues in the show isn't purely a Japanese thing, it's more of an Asian thing as a whole. But due to needing quite a lot of context and just understanding of eastern culture, I can see why the commentary flew over western viewer's heads. Since for a social commentary to work in the first place, the viewer needs some understanding of the point that is being commented on in the first place. Amazing video please rage more it's very entertaining.

The fact that the phrase “When I count back from 10, everything will be back to normal” is used to end things only hurts more because things go back to normal every time. And yet…this is how things will be until they break.

I loved every season of this show. I kinda got the gist of what the commentary was but it's nice to have somebody with more knowledge of this stuff explain things so I could get a bigger grasp.

This was a great video. It sucks when media goes out of its way to have something nuanced to say, something that might be difficult to hear, but it gets blasted by its alleged fans because they refuse to listen/engage with it because doing so would mean stepping out of their comfort zone. No one likes to be told that they "don't get it", but when the reason for not getting it is right there in the proverbial text, the fault is not on the show, it's on whoever's on the receiving end of it. In fact, I'm currently doing a personal writing project about a different show that underwent a similar path with its audience when it decided to get serious about something it was commenting on. In fact, I'm thinking about titling it "You DON'T GET [name of show]" or something along those lines because of this video.

The whole review was amazing and very on point, thanks to all the things you've taught us over the years and other knowledge I've got around, I already had nailed down some of these concepts, but that ending is just perfect, not only is it a rage rant but it's so natural, at one point I thought "Austin, is that you!?" xD

The commentary I loved the most about this entire series was in the final moments of season 5, about all the people who couldn't vote. That hit the hardest because it feels exactly how I see thing happening in the United States. The people who can't vote are the ones who would benefit the most by voting, and that hit the hardest of any message from the show. I also adored how Haida and Retsuko got married without a big ceremony. It showed that in the end, Retsuko realized what was important to her was being married to the person she loves, not big fancy ceremonies. Haida almost dying made her realize what she wanted, and that's very very human. In that situation, I think Retsuko and Haida having a big ceremony would have massively detracted from their characters. They realized what was truly important and followed through with it.

It feels like people forgot this show is just 100000000000% too real and it ended perfectly. People get so caught up in wanting a happy ending they forgot what the show was about.

Everything about this made me cry... And I had already been crying. This whole video just felt like.... A commentary on my life and my job, and I don't know what to do anymore. Nothing is working, nothing is changing, and no matter how hard I try for change.... It doesn't matter. I just ... I can't stop trying, but I don't know why I bother.

Not only did this call out things in Japan, it also mirrors alot of whats going on in the west as well

While I only seen season 1, I could tell there was a lot of commentary behind this show. I didn't know how deep it went. Glad I watched this.

I loved this show for its social commentary! Thanks for doing such a comprehensive video about that point!

I think the reason people didn't get Aggretsuko is because they are not aware of the social-political environment in Japan. I'm glad you went into detail about why its important. Now I understand some games a little bit better that I've been playing, where these issues are highlighted. Such as Yakuza: Like a Dragon. People in America understand American politics. I would've never dreamed that the insanity of not having a permanent residence excludes you from voting. That is not just cruel, but intentionally segregating. In Like a Dragon, Ichiban makes a comment when he goes to look for a job about how stupid it is that he can't apply for a job because he doesn't have an official address. And he was right!

I really do appreciate the insights you’ve given for the themes of these seasons. S3 remains my personal favorite, but you’ve given me stronger reasons to consider S4 and S5.

Aggretsuko is one of the best shows on Netflix! But I didn't really know how to explain why it's good to non-Japanese friends. You summarize so well and I'm just going to send this video to my friends from now on😂

The fact you didn't have a script and just raged... *chef kiss*

This is why I watch Anime, but completely ignore the fandom, lol. State even one opinion, and you've caused a shitstorm. Glad there are people like you who put things in the cultural perspective.

😂😂😂 you channeled Retsuko at the end their. Informative, entertaining, and passionate. I think you knocked this video out of the park for me.😊

I have enjoyed the Series all the way. It did feel weird when it pivoted into Idol Culture and Politics in what I thought was just a slice-of-life genre show. But the stories they were telling were always interesting. It so nice to see someone talking about the show and showing parts of the story I never would have known about otherwise.

Okay first off, when did Gaijin become a tsurube otoshi for videos? Second, this video is basically Gaijin perspective reimagined and I love it!❤️

Thank you for making this. I hope it gets more views, and that people watch to the end, because this is something people need to listen to and internalize _aggressively_ .

Just as a outsider's perspective it seems like nothing will change in Japan until the old politicians finally croak.

This show is one of my top 5 favorite anime. Thank for going over the social commentary. I have an even greater appreciation for this show

I just finished Season 5, and I purposely held off on watching this video for 2 months since it was posted. You. Got. It. I understood it, but you? YOU. GOT. IT!! What I find ironic about your commentary about the commentary is that you could replace Japan with America and still would be talking about the same thing. Overworking youth that struggle with being treated like humans by supervisors who are stuck in their old ways; Politicians who believe "The Good Old Days" will fix modern problems. And nothing will change until people cannot contain their anger any more. Bravo, my good sir! Bravo!

Thanks for the length of this video! Me resulta hermoso. I like enjoying this from you

I cannot help but think.... Nostalgia Critic: "Social commentary, social commentary, social commentary." Gaijin Goomba: "That was the POINT!"

Be yourself and Love those who can be themselves around you. Congrats on the anniversary my dude, hope to find someone myself one day I can love that much and have a family with.

As someone who only got to watch season 1 due to no longer having netflix, I am legit sad now that I couldn't see the rest of the series when I could. I was always aware that aggretsko mainly tackled issues prominent to Japan, but that last bit, that last bit of the retrospective hit so. Fucking. Hard. Especially right now as there is just so much rage from my generation (millennial) and younger in North America (Canada in my case). Things NEED to change but, like what was shown with them losing in the end, it will take a lot to get there. Hell, we might not get there until way after we are gone. The point is to keep. Trying. Because progress takes time, and even if you just change the perspective of one person, then it's still worth it for all those that come after. Thank you for this vid Gajin.

Great great video. I rarely partake in fandoms anymore, I finished aggretsuko and didn't coment on it anywhere, so I was pretty surprised when I saw lots of people crapping on it on twitter. i don't know half the details you do, but even I was able to get a loose idea of what they were referencing. Thanks for speaking on behalf of the show, because I've seen nothing but disappointment

28:00 I love that we can hear the clap and feel the frustration 😂

He makes a good point, and he mentioned some things about Japanese culture that I didn't know before, but the idea that a character driven story and a commentary driven story have to be completely separate is a bad take. I'm currently taking writing classes for film and tv and there are 4 very important questions to ask when writing a story. 1. Whose story is it? 2. What do they want? 3. What do they need? 4. What is the audience hoping and fearing? The character who changes over the course of the story is the main character, and their want and need are tied to one another because something about the want has to be sacrificed for the character to realize their need. What the audience hopes and fears is the main tension of the story. In season 1, it is Retsuko's story. She wants an easy way out of having to work and she thinks that getting married will do that for her. What she needs is to realize that there is no easy way out and marrying for the wrong reasons will only hurt her in the end. The audience realizes this tension when she and Ressasuke go on a date and he doesn't realize how much pain Retsuko is in from the blisters she's getting from her shoes, so they want her to realize that this relationship is bad for her. (I really should make a video about this) Now let's look at the season finale for season 4. It is Haida's story because he's the one that undergoes change. He wants approval from the President, so he tampers with documents at his request. He needs to realize that this will only hurt himself, and he needs to confront the President about it. The audience hopes that Haida will do the right thing in the end, and they fear that he will go through with the plan. That sounds good, but in the end Retsuko comes in and takes care of the problem for Haida instead of letting him -as the main character for that episode- take care of the problem himself. You can apply these 4 questions to seasons 1-3 easily and get satisfying answers, but the last 2 seasons don't give satisfying answers. Retsuko is running for office, but it wasn't her choice. She doesn't want to do it, even though the motivation to do it is right there after the dinner scene at Haida's family home. His father insulted him, Retsuko could take that as a threat and then give Ikari a call saying that she'll run for office. The her want would've been to do her best as a politician to win a seat, but her need would be to let her true feelings be known and to be honest with the people to show Haida's dad and his brother a lesson. Very long comment short, the last 2 seasons are fine, but they aren't character driven while earlier seasons were, and they still had commentary weaved into the story. Making them superior because in stories we attach to characters, not ideas.

Spot on. Brought me to tears, my dude. Your explanation is exacting.

“If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.”