This show centers on the growing distance between Takaki and Akari. Childhood friends, a shift of house means separation between the two. The first half of this episode touches on Takaki’s train ride, as he travels to the first meeting with Akari in more than a year.

A Blizzard ends up delaying Takaki’s train at each train stop, even as it’s the first time he is traveling alone. A 2 1/2 hour ride ends up taking more than 7 hours, with the train delayed at each and every stop.

The second half sees them spending the night together with much to say to one another. Yet dawn sees Takaki leaving on the first train. A very short moment spent together. In the end, neither passed to the other the letter that they wrote, filled with the things they wanted to say. A kiss that night seemed to have changed everything.

Thoughts

The animation was brilliant, but the story itself was very well presented as well, with the focus on distance. I felt myself drawn into Takaki’s emotions even as he waited with the delay at each station. Despair, Impatience, and a high dose of helplessness. Just an Act of God that ruined something that you’ve been waiting for.

I’ve always hated situations like these. So what happens to Takaki and Atari next. Wouldn’t it be cruel for the distance between them to just continue growing. I’ve always wondered if meetings like that are good. In the end you don’t get to be together, don’t get to meet anymore. Isn’t writing letters better. Okie. I’m just being melancholic. haha.

Don’t expect any action, it’s very much a narration style type of presentation. Yet the blend of scenery, voice and music was quite perfectly mixed together. Definitely a must watch when the full 3 part movie is finally released.